Chapter 5: Lonesome Fox

In an undisclosed location rested the headquarters of Hades Company, an organization built up after the fall of society in an attempt to combat the invading spirits. Their goal was simple: eradicate all spirits that hunted humans and facilitate a new home for those who had survived.

“Here I was led to believe that Joker had perished in the line of combat. So it was a surprise to hear that he was still alive in America.” A woman said casually as she entered the main office.

She wore a suit with a tight pencil skirt. Her purple hair was done up in a braid that rested over her shoulders. With circular rimmed glasses that sat comfortably on her face. Her heels clicked a staccato rhythm as she approached the desk on the other end of the room.

The man that sat at that desk raised his head to look at her. But his sharp grey eyes seemed to stare through her. As if his focus was on the entire shiny white and stale office space.

He leaned back in his seat as he combed his fingers through his short grey hairs. Before settling on rubbing his beard. A low rumble emanated from his chest when the woman stopped in front of his desk. His eyes narrowed as his focus finally settled on her.

“Is this a new look?”

She sighed in response and shook her head slowly. “As expected from a man. More focused on my appearance than the task at hand. I should be surprised or disappointed but I’m not. It was expected after all.”

“Enough.” He waved his hand dismissively. “This matter of Joker and his Jester. You knew that they would survive.”

“Of course, it is my job after all to know everything.” She said whilst adjusting her glasses. “It was already decided that Joker would survive, Mr. Kim.”

“That wasn’t a part of our contract.”

“Contract? The one that you miraculously can’t seem to remember signing? Is that the one you’re referring to?”

Mr. Kim’s eyes narrowed into a fierce glare. One that would have sent a shiver of fear down anyone else’s spine. But not hers. She remained unflinching the entire time. As if the old man’s hands weren’t leaving indents on his desk from his anger.

“Oh please, don’t give me that look. Are agreement is still being upheld as we speak. You wished to create a new world for humanity which is still being done. So I have not yet gone against any agreements that we’ve made.”

“Yet.” Mr. Kim repeated in a growl.

“Exactly, yet. Joker and that jester of his are alive and well because they both still have a story to tell. A man who had previously served his nation but is now a spirit hunter. Accompanied by his obsessive and psychotic jester spirit. I know I for one am very curious of the story that they might tell.”

“I don’t remember disclosing Joker’s personal information to you.”

“Mr. Kim, it’s my job to know everything. I recommend that you begin to understand the lengths of what I mean very quickly. Otherwise, you might be reduced to an extra in the story I wish to create.”

Mr. Kim slowly leaned forward, resting his arms on his desk as he intertwined his fingers together. Leveling him with a guarded expression that was meant to remain stoic. But his eyes remained far too telling, they shined with curiosity.

“And what kind of story might that be?”

A slow smile curved her lips at the question. “I don’t know.” She shrugged with a nonchalance that belied her amused expression. “Isn’t that what it means to be human in this world? You are a character in your own story yet you lack so much control. No control over your experiences, your circumstances, or your background. Yet you still wield unparalleled control over yourself, what you may or may not become despite everything. I am the same as you, Mr. Kim.”

“I highly doubt that.” He scoffed as he leaned back in his seat.

“But it’s true. I am as much of a reader as I am the author of my own story. It is only up to time and God to see in which direction those scales will tip and when.”

“You’re speaking to me of God?” He asked with an amused lilt to his tone.

The woman jumped up and began to transform mid-air. Landing onto his desk as an orange fox. Its tail curled around its body as its ear twitched.

“I’d hate to repeat myself for a third time, Mr. Kim. You should simply assume that I know more than your mortal mind could comprehend and move on. It would be best for everyone involved that way. After all, Jester was able to get accustomed to my constant monologuing. You should just allow me to be.”

“It would be easier for me if you remained in this form since I’ve grown quite used to it. I don’t understand your need to constantly change shape.”

“It’s more fun for me this way. Fan service goes a long way you know. Besides, Joker gets to have someone as good-looking as Jester to accompany him. Meanwhile, the only person I’ve gotten to talk to is you, a wrinkly old man with anger issues. Do you have any idea how lonely I am? This is the first world I’ve gotten to travel to and I have to be here with you. I want a hot girl to obsess over me too you know!”

Mr. Kim let out a sigh and shook his head slowly. His eyes closed as he pinched the ridge of his nose. One of his few techniques to calm himself before his mild annoyance turns into something worse.

“Continue to keep your end of our deal and I’ll look into finding you a woman to spend your time with. I’ll even advertise the position in the Hades City Center if I need to. Just keep an eye on Joker.”

The fox’s eyes lit up like stars at his words. His ears perked up before nodding his head frantically.

“Of course, you can count on me. I can’t wait to have my first girlfriend!” The fox beamed as he sprinted for the door.

Once Mr. Kim was alone he opened a drawer in his desk. Pulling out a file and placing it in front of him. Attached to the file with a paperclip was a photo of Joker.

“You’re going to be the death of me.” He groaned as he opened the file.

If only he knew how his story ended… He wouldn’t say such careless words.