Chapter Text
"Here's your payment", a wad of cash was placed into my hand, "Thank you." The old woman before me bowed her head in appreciation. I simply nodded in response. Another disgusting demon eradicated from this world. That was what I lived for. Of course, the payment was a nice (and very necessary) touch.
Another day's work finished and I was exhausted. I was greeted by the cool breeze as I stepped into the night. I clutched the strap of my rocket launcher: the Kalinna Ann. She was named after my beloved mother. In this line of work, I could never be too paranoid. Everywhere I went, shadows followed. Being a demon hunter wasn't for the faint of heart.
I lived to destroy them. My rage and desire for revenge fueled my endeavors. I despised demons. They took everything from me, it's only fair I return the favor.
Just as I walked to the city's outskirts, where my apartment was located, my pager beeped. Another job. I was to meet with the potential client in the morning. At least I'll get some sleep tonight. The bad thing about a human hunting devils is the human part. I've met devils who can regenerate, devils who can turn their entire body into a weapon, and devils so strong they will kill on impact. I'm young, agile, and trained in almost every possible weapon known to man, but I still get hurt. More than I can possibly count. The scars do the counting for me. The scars are a reminder of my mission, my mission to protect the innocent. People who can't defend themselves as I once was.
I stepped into my shabby apartment. It's dull, lacking in everything that makes a home a home. It was fine for me. My home was long gone. I threw my equipment down as I undressed. I placed my red boots to the side and threw off my attire. What I wanted right now was to scrub off the dirt and blood that covered my body. I felt relaxed, as relaxed as one in my field of work could be, as I stepped out of the shower. I wiped away the fog on the mirror and stared into my reflection. Heterochromia eyes stared back: one green and the other a brown with reddish tint. One a reminder of the loving mother I was once blessed to have, and the other a reminder of my father's betrayal. He doesn't even deserve the title of father.
Below that was my most prominent scar, the one that traveled across my nose. It caused the most questions. "How did you get that?" "Where did that come from?"
"Did it hurt?" In so many ways, yes it did.
I ruffled my short, black hair and swept my bangs back. I've always kept it short. Long hair didn't suit me and I'll be damned if I gotta fight with long hair covering my face.
I laughed at myself, at my situation. Nothing about me or my life is normal. I never even finished high school. I dropped out senior year, not that anyone cared. I had no friends. I didn't get to go on shopping trips or gossip about the cutest boy in school. No, I was too busy dealing with a man so obsessed with himself that he couldn't care less about the world of mine that he ripped apart. A man who was supposed to protect me for life.
I finished drying off and scrubbed my clothes clean. I at least try to look presentable in front of my clients. I throw myself onto the tough mattress and immediately feel the lull of sleep as I drift off.
**
I approached the church, gun in hand, Kalinna Ann strapped to my back. This was the usual meeting place. I knew a guy who knew a couple of other guys. All demon business-related. I just so happened to meet him one night after slaughtering a devil. He approached me and introduced himself as William and offered me jobs. I accepted it. I could kill demons, protect others, and score some cash. William had a couple of other colleagues who I've met. Lilianna, Jacob, and Morrison were just a couple, though I typically do not deal with them. William and I had an understanding. He got me the jobs and let me do all the hard work. In exchange, he got some cash and never asked questions.
The inside was lit with candles and a red carpet lined the path. I took a seat and was somewhat surprised at the man before me. William stood to the left, but sitting was the mayor of the next town over: Redgrave City. Of course he'd be here with a job for demons with a city name like that.
He adjusted his red tie and reached his hand out hesitantly.
"Nice to meet you...uh..."
I brushed it off.
"My name isn't important. Tell me what you're here for."
As far as the rest of the world was aware, I had no name. The old me died a long time ago.
He sat back, caught off guard by my cold demeanor.
"Very well. We've been having some sightings lately. Sources say a human in a long red coat, but the thing is, he can't possibly be human. From what witnesses say, he's fast, strong, and has been caught killing other devils with no effort. He leaves behind the bodies."
I lean in, intrigued. A devil killing his own kind is rare. Sure, they get into scuffles and tear each other apart occasionally, but I've never heard of one who kills his own repeatedly and intentionally. At least the demon killed other scum just like him. That's the least he could fucking do.
"So what? You want me to kill him?"
"Well...er not exactly. I sent a team to track him, determine his motivation, and whether he's a threat, but he's too slick. He's gone the moment they step in his direction. I hired another devil hunter around, but they couldn't get so much as a single bullet to land. He's far too quick. Yet. he never went on the offense. No harm has been done to any civilians as far as we are aware. The guy's a mystery."
"You're aware I'm a demon killer? Not a babysitter."
"You claim yourself to be a demon hunter. Hunt him down, find out who he is and why he's here, and figure out what he wants. I promise the reward will be well worth it."
I tilt my head to William who nods in agreement. Must be a big reward. William knows I don't take jobs other than killing demons.
"Alright...fine. But I'm gonna need some accommodations."
"All settled. We have a remote house in the woods with everything you could possibly need."
And with that, we shook hands and made a deal.