Saffy couldn't find anything fancy, but decided to use what she had, all that was black. She wore it and looked at her reflection. Black T-Shirt, Jegging, Gloves and boots. She put on a black shrug that had a hood attached to it. On back of the shrug was a black rose with reddish black outlines. She put on her masquerade face mask, and then another mask that she cut from a cloth, covered her mouth and nose with it. Her hair was in a high ponytail before she hid it under the hood.

Mrs Kel wasn't at home today and Mikey had drank his juice, which had sleeping pills diluted. Chimpanzee (Her little Brother) was with Mrs Kel only. It was the perfect time to sneak out of her house and commence her plan.

Her plan was simple, patrol the city. So far the targets were of all age, but the rapist were famous personalities. The victims were supposed to gather in a park together for questioning. It sounded trouble to Saffy. Where the questioning should take, should be a well protected secret and should be done in a closed place instead of a park during the dark night. The accused could harm them.

"So, what's in view Saf." She heard a voice through her ear piece communicator.
"How many times I told you not to call me that Crystal." Saffy replied rolling her eyes.

Crystal was a blonde chick her age, hair reaching down her waist. She was Karasuma's daughter. Saffy decided to include her in this mission, without informing Karasuma. Crystal was the brain behind the screen type girl. Crystal was the one whom she asked assistance from. Crystal had gathered the information regarding the questioning. Saffy knew her as a child. Mr K and Her father used to work together at times. She never met Mr K before, but she did meet Crystal and Mr K's sister- Galaxy.

Who was Galaxy? Let's just say Karasuma wasn't fond of her. She was similar to Karasuma, but totally different. Galaxy was a hot tempered girl, bossy, mistress of demon kind. 

"Yeah, Still no answer." 

"I am in the park right now. Waiting for them to arrive here. What about you?" She asked as she leapt off a tall building and barrel rolled on roof top of another slightly less tall one. She jumped from one building to another.

"Clear, they all are at one place, discussing something."

"can't hear them?" 

"No. But if you want I can record the whole thing. Maybe the device would be able to capture the conversation even if I can't hear it. Screw my cousin who spilled his coffee on my speakers...... Uh Saffy, Dad's home I gotta go." 

"Hmm. Don't stop the recording"

The wind swirled around her. Saffy covered her hair with the hood. Her eyes caught a group of girls nearby. They all seemed anxious. But none of the faces resembled those of victims. 

Why is anyone else here this late?

Saffy narrowed her eyes as she bent down one knee and observed from the terrace, hidden. A Black Van had stopped besides the park.

Reporters Maybe?

Few others stopped near all ends of the park. Two at each end of the rectangular park.

Now that's peculiar.... It's like-

"Cornering someone." Saffy spoke out loud as her eyes widen. She stood up while around 5 men emerged from each van. Dressed in black, wearing black gloves and had knives. Some had revolvers even.

The girls inside spotted them as they panicked.

"Ladies run!"
"No one moves! Or else I'll shoot you all!"

Few of them had entered the park while others stood guard.

What the hell is going on!?

The ones who were inside made their way towards the girls seductively.

Don't react too quick to it Saffy! Hold on, observe what's happening. Don't you dar-

What have I got myself into?

And with that thought, Saffy jumped down the terrace, landed on a car (the roof of it got half destroyed with the impact.) Saffy immediately sped to hid somewhere else as the Guarding Men looked at the Car.

Since it was dark, no one saw the flashing figure of Saffy hiding in between buildings.

"What was that?" One of the men asked. The other signaled another to go check.

"I am scared!"
"This is getting spooky."
"What sound was that?"

The girls spoke, who were surrounded by the men.

This is getting peculiar and weirder. Something isn't right.

"I am not going, what if there are ghosts!"

Um... Not to be rude but they men?

Puberty adolescents, I guess.

Wait....

Saffy looked around and found what she needed to create a slingshot.

The scaredy cat and two others approached the car slowly. An abrupt sound of Lights breaking startled them. One by one, all the lampposts' lights broke off. Darkness surrounded them as they decided to scatter to cover more grounds. A shadow figure zipped past three guards, knocking them unconscious as it sways away as fast as the wind.

"Be On Your Guards Everyone! Take the girls hostage!" One yelled. The rest nodded as they hastily and ruthlessly grabbed the girls, slapping them who screamed for help and protested. By the time they opened and shut half of the females in, someone yelled.

"The Keys! They're not here!"

The same response came from the other vans.
The girls in the van had started crying.

There are 37 men. I can't take them out alone. There must be some way to do something. I may have the keys right now, but they may call for the back up too. Think Saffy think. You can't kill them. Then what's left to do? Any way to solve this- Maybe call the police?

From where she was hiding, Saffy reached out to her pockets. But she only felt the weapons that she brought with her. She didn't have her mobile on her. That limited  her options and she had to come up with some alternatives quick.

Jumping in view would be brutal suicide for her. She couldn't call anyone for help. Crystal was out of reach too. She was all alone, with 13 innocent girls to save and 37 men to take out. Saffy looked at the van the girls were kept. If she could get their help....

No, they're too scared to do anything at all. It's all on you now.

Taking a deep breath, Saffy took out one of her weapons.

Okay, it's going to be rough now 

"So, what now boss?"

"Scatter and find them. Grab the girls and move them. You five with revolvers, cover them!"

The girls were thrown on the men's shoulders as they ran while the others scanned the area. Saffy was on the rooftop, she smiled.

Well, that made it all easy for me

She jumped from rooftop to rooftop following the group before taking out her real revolver and shooting.

All the men were hurt on their feet. But the moment one of them got hurt, the revolvers men started shooting towards Saffy, who continuously jumped from one rooftop to another and aimed. Saffy then hid herself behind a railing and aimed at the lampposts. She was too high for the men to be aimed at. 

The lights once again, went all out. 

"On your guard men!" 
"Um.... why are we feeling so drowsy-"
 They dropped the girls and fell down on the middle of the road. 

But before Saffy could move, someone aimed at her and shot. 

"OUCH!" 

The bullet pierce through her skin on her left arm. She immediately looked behind to see the sniper, barely a silhouette. Realizing that she was the target, she got up and ran, with bullets hitting the ground that her feet stepped on. She jumped from rooftop from rooftop until her eyes landed on an open door on some building's terrace. 

The person refilled their sniper. The only think visible of the sniper was their blue eyes and a blue bird symbol embedded on their weapon. 

"I want two group here now. One in the building and other carry the targets. Leave the unconscious men. There is a mysterious figure with a black rose design on their back, wears a hood. Left arm bleeding. Kill him or her this instant."

*~ Sometimes we pretend not to fool others but ourselves
We become delusional to soothe ourselves even with knowing the truth
And lose ourselves among the various roles we play~* 

"We're coming in." One of the men replied. "Buckle up boys, send in the SG. We have a situation in the south. Rendezvous at our usual hideout. MOVE OUT BOYS!" He yelled instructions. " I want 5 of SG and 15 of others quick, at the Apollo residence. Now!"

"Sir, we only have 19 men left. Shall I call back up?" One inquired, holding out the walkie talkie.

"No, we can't do that. Boss will be furious if I fail this mission..... We'll work with what we have. So far there is only 1 person spotted, who is injured."

Unfortunately for the one in charge, the recruits working under him began to protest.
"There clearly would be more than one."
"Yeah, we should call back up!"
"This is our first mission Sir! We can't afford to commit a mistak-"

"SILENCE!"
The opposition's voices died down. There was a uncomfortable silence among them.

"WE PAY YOUR ASS TO WORK, NOT EXPRESS YOUR OPINIONS! 17 OF YOU, MOVE! AND USE YOUR BRAIN! If this mission gets messed up, you're the one responsible!"

The 'audience' suppressed their groans and disdain. They nodded and left the spot.

Soon enough the girls were once again captured by other men. But this time, they decided to be scattered. If anyone of them fails their mission, atleast some will succeed. The few remaining, broke into the building the mystery person was hiding in.

The men had weapons in their hands. Daggers, knives, pipes, anything they could grab. One of them, probably the new leader of the tiny group, signalled others to scatter and find the target.

There were five of them. They didn't know much about their 'minor inconvenience', except the person was shot and bleeding. That would slow the mysterious person down. One was left to guard the exit as other four went upstairs. They figured the injured person might be hiding at the top floor.

Panic and excitement surged through their veins as they advance upstairs like they had seen in movies, slow and stealthily. Three of them removed their face mask to breathe. Everything about tonight had been tedious for them. Revealing the mask, revealed the adolescent facial hair growth on their faces. That was who they were, adolescents. All of the five were between 15 to 18 years of age.

"Rudy, you're up." The 'leader' said. One of the boys, A fairly tall guy with the mask on and a pipe in his hands, looked up and nodded.  It was nothing new for him. He was well aware of the fact that the leader didn't have the balls to go first. It was their first field mission now, and if they mess up, A scape goat is needed right? That's where Rudy comes in. He was the misfits among the misfits. The scapegoat, the sacrifice. If the person, whoever they were, managed to stop the men with revolvers, they were good. The SG, which Rudy wondered if it stood for Scapegoat itself, were amateurs' new beginners. They didn't believe in themselves if they had what it takes. It was all show off and competition in the training centers. But now that they are facing a real life challenge, they too would need a scapegoat among themselves right?

Rudy walked ahead of them, nervous and alert. It was his first mission since he joined. For others, maybe their second or third. But it sure was the first time being assigned a REAL mission, to stop the enemy. And they, weren't prepared.

After all who were they?

They were delinquents, hired and trained for doing the pawn's work. They weren't valued by the society, their family, and not even where they worked. Violence was their way to let out all the covert frustration. There was no rules or restrictions when you work on the wrong path is there? What's wrong about it when you're being yourself finally. The real you in the inside.

Or at least, that's what their 'Sir' thinks. Rudy wasn't like the others here. He knew Sir was manipulating them for his own selfish interests. The only reason he was here, presuming a Life -threatening situation, is because he needs the money.

He let out a shaky breath. There was no use in thinking how and why he was there. For now, he needed to 'guide' the group to the 8th floor. And they were on 5th. A sudden chime sound caught his eyes as it travelled to the lift panel in front of the stairs. The lift was currently on 8th floor, heading downwards.

"MEN! ON GUARD! THE TARGET IS MOVING DOWN!" The leader yelled. That pissed Rudy off. Three of them looked at the lift panel, expecting it to stop somewhere. Rudy just rolled his eyes and moved up the stairs. Sometimes, he couldn't help but ponder how he ended up with idiotic delinquents. Even though he wasn't himself a delinquent.... Not by definition anyway.

Within seconds, they passed him hurriedly. Their footsteps were loud and clear. It sounded as if soldiers were about to barge in through a crime scene. Except, they were the criminals and they were supposed to be stealthy.

 Apparently the lift stopped at 6th floor. Rudy stopped when he put one foot on his journey to 7th floor. He heard his acquaintances taking stance for fight. He heard the same chime sound and turned his head towards the lift simultaneously. The door opened. An abrupt surge of gray smoke emerged from the lift. 

"What the-" The leader's curse stopped with the sound of falling bodies of others around him, before he joined in. Rudy though, had immediately held his breath when he saw the smoke. Besides, the mask he was wearing gave him enough time to react too. 

His body began to quiver at the sight of the dead bodies. He may have known them for a very short period, and that they bullied him, he still felt sorry for them. And scared. 

His fear was brutally interrupted by loud pig snoring. 

'Never mind, they're alive. Sleep gas.' Disappointed in himself, he shook his head and moved ahead.

Was he shocked and impressed? Yes, he was. But not by the enemy's tactics but by the stupidity of his groupmates. First, who yells so loud in a building where people live? Second, there might be chances of cameras being present in the building, even somewhere hidden around the stairs maybe. So removing your mask and revealing your identity? Third, yelling so loud would be a give-away of your position to the enemy. Fourth, who in their right mind will use lift to come down when they know they're surrounded? Like that's very obvious.

He casually walked towards the 8th floor. Was he scared? No. Sure, he might be anticipating being beaten to death by more people than one, considering maybe the one who opened the gate for the enemy. 

The moment he reached the 8th floor, his sapphire eyes examined the surroundings. Two gates opposite to each other leading to two different families residence. The lift was in front of the stairs. There wasn't much room to hide, in fact, no room to hide at all. That's when it hit him. Someone had just kicked him behind.

He fell on the ground with a thud. Previously where he stood, stood a figure dressed in all black from head to toe. His or Her face was covered with two masks. One couldn't even see their hair even. Behind him or her, were stairs.

'Of course... the stairs that lead to the terrace itself ' 

He immediately got him when he saw the figure advancing with a dagger.  He held a fighting stance. But that's when he realized that he didn't had his pipe. Cursing, he brought his attention back to reality and dodged the attacks. He didn't know if he imagined it or not, but it appeared that the sniper had missed his shot. But there was a wound. Maybe, the sniper didn't used bullets on the enemy? Was it something else?

The enemy seemed to have a hard time landing a blow on him. He dodged it all with ease before stopping their attack with one hand, and then slammed them against the wall. He grabbed the wounded hand exactly from the spot it was bleeding and twisted it behind the person's back as their face slammed the wall. The person screamed in agony.

A girl? No wonder slamming them against the wall was a piece of cake. 

What he didn't realize was, he was off guard. Even though his grip on her arm was strong, he forgot to hold her against the wall firmly. The Black girl took advantage of it, turned towards her left shoulder and now was face to face with him. Well, he was 3 inches taller than her. 

With her free hand, she removed her mask that covered her lips. Rudy knew better to not let his guard down, he immediately pressed tighter against her wound. But she converted all her screams into her strength, by biting him on the hand that held her wounded ones. He looked at her with disdain. Biting doesn't work with-

The girl pushed him after biting him. She expected him to fall on the ground. But that didn't happen, she was losing her strength as time passes by. She had to rescue the girls, but in this condition? Maybe a retreat would be a better option for her. She was getting tired and her body was burning up. Of course, she expected herself to run, but she found herself trying to catch her breath and too tired to even move.

Her breath... 

With wide eyes, she realized that there was one single thing she could do before calling it quit. Even though, she was saving it for the last, but now is the time. Her opponent was good. He hadn't even broke a sweat and she was sweating all over. 

With taking a deep breath, she took out a revolver from her pocket. Rudy was surprised that he didn't realize she had it. 

So, he finally was staring at his death's face huh? A girl wearing a hood and a mask, dressed all black, aiming a gun right at him. He realized she looked young, almost as old as he was probably. She was breathing heavily as her chest rose up and down. He realized that her clothes were plain. Nothing belonging to some spy, agent, or anyone of importance. Just regular clothes, with no one knowing where she hid her weapons. He didn't know her motive to meddle in his boss's plans. Or who she was. Her left arm was bleeding and shaking. For some unfathomable reason, he wanted to see her eyes and hair. He could figure it out that her greenish-golden eyes were just contact lenses.

He expected her to say something like "Game's Up Son of a-" But she was silent and staring at him intently, contemplating her next move perhaps? Or how to kill him mercilessly. Did she lost her voice? That couldn't be possible since she screamed so loud.

Also, That's surprising that no one in this building is awake?

Before he knew it, smoke covered the floor. She had used her injured hand to throw a smoke bomb on the ground. It brought him to reality as he instantly grabbed both the hands of the girl before she could make any move. He twisted her right wrist that made her drop her revolver on the ground. Her expression pained as she gasped for breath. Rudy had held his the moment he noticed the smoke.

'Anytime now, she'll fall in my arms.' That thought made him relaxed and yet uncomfortable. Relaxed since he no longer would fight her. Uncomfortable.... Because of the interpretation that sentence leads to. 

But what he expected didn't happen. The girl instead released her right arm and punched him on the face. She was free, and that was a dangerous mistake. Rudy realized that when he was holding his broken nose and tears in his eyes.

'I hate tearful reflex actions...' He thought as he tried to find the girl. He heard the bullet shoot and awaited the peaceful ending to his hellish life.

But he only heard someone falling on the ground. The smoke cleared. His eyes met the girl who was breathing heavily. When she realized that he was still standing, she had an irritated look. Both then looked in between to see a body.

"Ah, the fifth one." Rudy exclaimed with relief that he is still standing. Apparently, the one who was supposed to be downstairs came up to see what's happening. Maybe because of the girl's scream. While he was distracted, the girl took something out of the revolver before throwing it away. She had a small dart with her now and she was looking right at him with a determined look.

"Sleeping dart or paralysis?" Rudy asked. The girl simply folded her hands with a look that speaks 'Really? Is this the time to chat?' Before bolting towards him. This time, it was difficult to dodge her. She was surprisingly swift even after bleeding. Her left arm was bloody now. It was evident with the wet black shrug she was wearing. But still, she was using both of her hands to get a hold on him, ruining his black cloth. She somehow also managed to remove his mask while fighting him.

It went on for 2 minutes before Rudy managed to get a hold of her. He had grabbed her by the waist and pulled her against him. They were few centimeters apart. Rudy had an upper hand as the dart was now with him and he held it against her throat. Her left arm had stopped working by then, and she couldn't make a move.

For some reason, they simply stared at each other. She was thinking any possible course of action to get away. On the other hand, his mind was occupied with questions regarding his enemy.

"Or, A poison dart perhaps?" He suggested as a smirk replaced his stoic expression. The girl glanced at the fallen one before looking back at him.

The boy had his arms and legs spread along with a peaceful expression. He was drooling and mumbling something to himself.

Rudy looked back at her.

"Well, time for your beaut-" He couldn't complete his sentence. Someone had just hit him on his head. His grip loosened as everything around him started spinning. He fell on the ground, trying to breath.

When he did, the girl came face to face with the attacker. The attacker was a girl with messy short dark blue hair and green eyes. She was trembling with fear as her grip around the pipe tightened.

"Y-you're black rose aren't you!? The one everyone is talking about!" She exclaimed. Her face showed panic and relief at the same time. The girl- Black rose, recognized her as one of the other girls who she was supposed to rescue. She glanced at her opponent, who closed his eyes and lost consciousness. 

I know I know this was supposed to be titled 'Black Rose and Female Power' and the next should be 'Her Fault' But bear with me. And that this chapter's writing style was entirely different than the previous chapters. Sorry about that, but I guess that's what an hiatus does to you. 

I have a Q
Which among the two is better for the cover??

by Mist_Mochi

Or 

by Wholesome_Cap