Countdown (Original fic)

[Meg]

Countdown

Corporal Turner paced back and forth angrily. This was the third attack in a week. First it was only one body, then two, and now three. Was that just a coincidence, or some sort of sick sense of humor? Whoever was behind it had left a sealed letter to the captain. He didn’t open it since it wasn’t his place. He notified her immediately and was waiting with a few other men on scene.

Turner was one of the few soldiers that new her personally. The captain would give orders, but hardly cared about the people giving them out. Truth be told he hated her for awhile, but during the war he served directly under her and found her to be one of the most laid back people he had ever meant in his life. He had been complimented by his lieutenant for his quick intelligent thinking and ability to lead, but it wasn’t until the captain told him personally that she wanted him promoted that he really believed it. She was going to be writing the letter of recommendation to the general personally, which was practically a promotion in itself. Of course, now that all three of these attacks had happened in the district of the royal city, Naguind, he was stationed in he was starting to have doubts.

Suddenly the door opened and Captain Zu’Coni strode in. The men in the room stiffened. She motioned for the others to leave. One soldier, named Azel, took one last sad look at the cloth-covered bodies before leaving.

Once the others were gone Zu’Coni bent down and looked at the bodies. “How many total?”

“Three, Ma’am.”

“It keeps increasing,” she thought out loud. “That’s not a coincidence.”

“Is it the same person?”

“You think so to?” Zu’Coni looked up at him. She stood up and went to him. “You said there was a letter?”

Turner showed it to her and she took it without breaking eye contact. She examined it for a moment before shaking her head. “Problem, Madam?” Turner asked nervously.

“Look.” she said and showed him the seal. “What does it look like to you?”

“Why it’s the Myzu Seal, only-”

“Only flipped.” Zu’Coni finished for him. “I didn’t even have to open the damn thing to know I’m being targeted personally. Not to mention mocked, considering its flipped.” she muttered the last part as she opened it. She took a step back and read it carefully.

To the noble blood of Captain Zu’Coni Myzu,

Greetings madam, it is an honor to think that if you are reading this then that means we shall be meeting face to face in only two hours time. I regret to inform you that if you are also reading this that four more of your countrymen are already dead.

You are not shocked by this news? Why, Captain, I would expect no less from you. Your skills at being stoic in the face of tragedy are legend after all (as well as your skill in making everyone around you feel inferior).

Now you have probably already figured out where this is going. Every time there is an attack one more person will be killed than the time before. Each time, starting with this one, I will leave a clue as to whoM I am and where you can find me. In other words, how many people die is up to you.

Zu’Coni finished reading the letter and looked up at Turner. She was aware he was also reading it and did not object. “What do you think?” she asked.

“I’m not sure.” Turner gasped.

“Mm.” Zu’Coni nodded her head and put the letter in her jacket pocket. “Get a search going. If the letter is true that means four people have already been kil-”

A soldier burst in and stumbled. “Captain! Four more bodies have been found.”

Zu’Coni waved her hand in an “of course” fashion and strode outside. She followed the man with Turner behind her. Turner caught up to her and said, “Do you think it would be a good idea to go over what we already know?”

“I was already in the middle of doing that before you asked,” she answered bluntly, “but I would like to get your opinion as well.” she paused for a moment before continuing. “The first clue is either the mock Myzu seal or the upper case M in the letter.”

“Is it possible one of them is a red herring?”

“Most likely. Each mean different things. Which branch to follow, huh?”

“Well, I’d say the seal hints at someone close to you.”

“Or anyone with a seal making know how like a blacksmith, but I like your thinking. Of course the ‘M’ can also mean Myzu, but it can also mean M district, which would make sense since that’s were all the attacks have been, but it can also mean Sigma.”

“How madam?”

“Look.” she took out the letter and pointed to the M. She then turned the paper on its side. Turner’s eyes widened as he realized it was actually the letter Sigma. “No one right Ms like that.” Zu’Coni added.

“So do you think that’s the clue?”

“Don’t know yet.” she answered truthfully. “What does Sigma have to do with anything anyway? I’m starting to think this guy’s trying to trick me.” she chuckled.

They arrived at the scene a few minutes later. Four bodies were laying in the road in a row. Zu’Coni took one look at them and knew what the clue was. Three of them had their right hand over their heart, but one had their left hand over their heart. “Corporal.” Zu’Coni turned to Turner. “Why would he wait until the third attack to start this little game of his?”

“I’m not sure.”

“Look at the bodies. The one that’s different is third from the left. Why? Check the body.” she ordered and another soldier went up to them. He bent down and examined the victim. He moved the body’s left had and revealed that there was a hole in the shirt. He saw the lines that crossed his heart and knew what it was.

He stood up and turned to Zu’Coni. “This man was struck by lightning.”

Zu’Coni thought for a moment. “She’s always touching her heart…” she muttered.

“Ma’am?”

“Get me Sergeant Farron of the Guardian Corps.”

--------------

Lightning was sitting in her walk in closet of an office filling out a report when the phone rang. She looked at the phone apathetically for a moment before answering it. “Sergeant Farron, Bodhum GC.” she said calmly.

“Does the number three mean anything to you?” Zu’Coni asked quickly.

Lightning thought for a moment. “No it doesn’t.”

“Damn it, Sergeant! Think. Has anything happened to you involving the number three?”

Lightning scoffed. “What do you want, Zu’Coni?”

“I want to know the significance of the number three!” Zu’Coni had to try to keep herself from yelling.

“Uh…” Lightning looked around the room. “Its March, the third month of the year. Actually, it’s the 15th of March. Reminds me of Julius Caesar.”

“You mean the play?”

“Yeah.”

“Since when do you read Shakespeare?”

Lightning scoffed again. “Ok, I can tell you aren’t calling just to annoy me. What’s wrong?”

“Some asshat is going to kill people, one more each time, and leave clues as to who he is. The number three seems to be recurring. The last clue led me to you. Now can you help me or not?”

“Depends. What other clues do you have?”

“A flipped seal of my family and-”

“Doesn’t the Myzu symbol look like a backwards three?” Lightning asked.

Zu’Coni stopped and thought for a moment. She took out the letter again and looked at the seal. It did resemble a three. “Damn it!” Zu’Coni cursed for not thinking of that. “Alright,” she turned to Turner. “Forget the Sigma crap. That was a long shot anyway. In fact forget anything having to do with my family. The clue is the number three.” She then put the phone back up to her ear. “Alright, Lightning. The clues lead to you.” Please tell me you have something else for me.”

Lightning sighed. “No. I don’t.”

“Sergeant, I’m running out of patience.”

Lightning thought for a moment. Suddenly she realized something and shook. “Um…” she really didn’t want to tell Zu’Coni this, but it was the only thing involving three she could think of. “When I was fifteen…my mother was sick and needed a new heart. We…had matching blood types.” Zu’Coni frowned, understanding where this was going. “She was dying…I swallowed three pills, but the doctors saved me instead.”

“I’m sorry.” Zu’Coni said quietly.

Lightning closed her eyes and heaved a heavy sigh. She had never told anyone that before.

“Do you…remember the name of the medicine?” Zu’Coni asked slowly. “I don’t mean to prod, but I’m in a rush.”

“I understand.” Lightning answered, already back to normal. “I don’t remember the name, but I doubt you have it in Naguind anyway.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because we’re from different universes and the only reason I’m talking to you right now is because Meg is such a pathetic fangirl of me she can’t write anything unless I’m in it.”

Meg: HEY! D:

“Still,” Lightning continued, “that’s all I can tell you- Wait.” she sat forward in her seat. “The doctor that revived me. His name was Threeman.”

Zu’Coni thanked her and hung up. “Find out if anyone in District M has that name.” she said to Turner.

“Yes, Ma’am.” Turner said and took off.

 

[Daring Dylan]

Watching.

 

[Meg]

^ Thank you!

Here's part 2!



Zu’Coni leaned on the side of a building with her head down. Something wasn’t right. Zu’Coni checked the time. It was closed to eight o’clock. It had been about an hour since the first group of bodies was found. It was then she realized how long it was taking for the next group to show up. Before she had a chance to think Turner returned with a disappointed look on his face. “There’s no one in this district with the name Threeman.”

“Figures.” Zu’Coni sighed. “That would have been to obvious anyway.” She took out the letter and turned it over. She clicked her pen and wrote out the word THREEMAN. She started rearranging the letter and after a few minutes paused. She stared at the sheet.

ANEMERTH

Before she had a chance to comprehend what was happening her phone rang. It was Lightning. “Think of anything else?” Zu’Coni asked her.

“You said one more person dies each time?”

“Yeah.”

“How many people died last time?”

“Four, why?”

“Five bodies were just found.”

Zu’Coni stared in shock. She looked down at the papered and realized the significance of the word “anemerth.” It means “twin” in Vanuin. “Lightning there is more than one guy.” she explained. “He left a clue that means ‘twin.’ He has to be working with someone.

“Right.” Lightning scoffed. “I notified my lieutenant already. We’re increasing patrols.”

“Good. We have over here as well.” Zu’Coni hung up and shook her head. “This is getting ridiculous.” She looked at the letter with the idea of reading it over again when she realized something. She mentally kicked herself for failing to realize something.

It was her fiancé’s handwriting.

-----------

Lightning went back to her office and sat down. On her touch screen she typed in her password to gain access to the list of convicts without the past five years. How did this man, now two men, know both of them? More importantly, how did they know to lead Zu’Coni to her? Why was her….past important in all of this? As she scrolled through the names her phone rang again. It was Serah, her sister. “Busy, Serah. Call back later.” she said and hung up before her sister had a chance to say anything.

After awhile she stopped on a name. “George Threeman.” He was arrested for shoplifting. That had to be him. Lightning wrote down the address and grabbed her sword.

She and her squad arrived at his house five minutes later. They surrounded the place as Lightning walked up to the front door. She forced the look and went in, gun first. She crept into down the hall and turned the corner. She entered the living room, but stopped short. She stared in horror at the sight of her sister, along with six other people lying on the floor.

-------------

Zu’Coni arrived at Azoka’s apartment. She insisted on going in alone and opened the door. She called his name and he came out of the kitchen and smiled. “Hey, Zu. What can I do for you?”

“Cut the crap. Who made you write this?” she thrust the letter into his face.

“Easy, baby-”

“Don’t call me that.”

“Alright alright.” he took the letter and examined it. “Zu, I didn’t write this.”

“Then how is it in your hand writing?”

“This ain’t my hand writing though.”

“Yes it is and you know it! I can see that you’re lying.”

“Zu, for crying out loud-” Azoka started, but was cut off at the sight of five people walking into his apartment and sitting down in the living room.

“Hello!” one of them said happily.

Zu’Coni and Azoka looked at one another in confusion. “I didn’t invite them.” he explained.

“I can tell.”

Suddenly Azoka walked over to the sofa and sat down. “Azoka what are you…?” Zu’Coni started to ask, but was cut off by her phone. It was Lightning.

“I’m a little busy at the moment.” Zu’Coni tried to explain.

“Its Serah!” Lightning said on the other end.

---------

“Sis, I can’t get up!” Serah cried as she struggled to stand. “I can’t feel my legs!” the other people in the room were just as terrified. Lightning ran to her and pulled her up. She let go and Serah immediately fell to the floor. Lightning caught her and lowered her back into her seat. “Sis, I’m scared!”

“Don’t be. I’ll figure this out.” Lightning reassured her.

“Right you are, Sergeant.” someone said behind her and Lightning wheeled around.

A man came in, clapping his hands. “Well done. Well done. I’ve gotten word Zu’Coni has figured it out as well. Right when I knew you would.” he pointed to the clock. It was exactly two hours since the first clue.

“That was quick thinking on your part, Sergeant. Of course, I didn’t expect any less from you. You were also good at putting things together. You and Zu’Coni.”

“Who are you?” Lightning asked. She had since put herself in-between her sister and the man.

“Why, I’m Dr. Threeman. I was the man that saved you after tried to kill yourself.”

“What?” Serah yelled and looked at her sister. Lightning ignored her, keeping her attention on the doctor.

“What do you want with Serah?”

“Oh nothing at all.” Dr. Threeman laughed. “I simply needed to up the stakes a bit. She was going to be a part of the next group to die, but since you both caught up with me the game is over. Congratulations.” he smiled genuinely.

Lightning pointed her gun at him. “Might wanna explain what’s going on.”

“You mean how I did it? Of course!” he nodded. “Why, when all these people, as well the poor souls already dead, came to my office I inserted a small chip into their legs. I put it on the hammer I use to tap their knees. You know what I’m talking about?”

“Yeah I do.” Lightning sneered.

“Well, each set small shocks through out the person’s legs to lead them to one spot. Once activated of course. How else could I get everyone in the same spot without suspicion? Once I activated the self-destruct electric charges would be sent through the body and the person would die. The marks on the body resemble lightning marks. How else would Zu’Coni think of you? Of course, once deactivated it causing temporary paralysis in the legs.”

Lightning stood their listening to everything the man was saying, her expression never changing. When he finally appeared to be done she asked simply, “Why did you target me and Zu’Coni?”

“Oh I see you haven’t figured that out yet!” Dr. Threeman frowned. “Disappointing. Well, I’ll tell you.” he paused for a moment and then sat down at the nearby table. “Its quick simple really. I wanted to test you. Not in terms of how quickly you could figure everything out, I knew how long that would take. No, I wanted to see,” he took out a small device, “How you would react.” he chuckled. “When sent through the body, it only kills the person, but sent through the air…it can be quite explosive.” He pushed a button and sparks started to emit from it.

Without hesitation Lightning fired a shot at the man, but the energy from the shot only caused a burst of electricity to shoot from the device. Dr. Threeman laughed and leaned back in his chair. “Just like you!”

Lightning kicked over the wooden table and dragged everyone over so they were behind it in hopes that the wood, which is an insulator, would protect them. She put herself on top of her Serah and held her. “Don’t cry, Serah.” she whispered and wiped the tear away from her sister’s eye. “I’m here. I’ll keep you safe.”

Suddenly a team of soldiers burst into the room. They fired bullets at Dr. Threeman without hesitation. He fell to the ground and released the button on the device. It immediately powered down. Lightning stood up and looked at the man. He was coughing up blood and looked up at her in horror as she loomed over him.

Lightning could see the bewilderment in the doctor’s eyes and answered the question she knew he had. Lightning raised her phone and put it on speaker.

“You know you really shouldn’t of interrupted her while she was on the phone.” Zu’Coni’s said on the other end. “I heard the whole thing and contacted GC.”

Dr. Threeman took one last gasp of air and then died. Serah picked her head up and realized she could feel her legs again. She stood up slowly and helped the others up to. They all cheered and high fived each other. Lightning looked at them happily for a moment before returning her attention to Zu’Coni.

“Everyone over there all right?” Zu’Coni asked.

“Yeah.” Lightning sighed in relief. “How about you?”

“Yeah, we’re fine.” Zu’Coni turned to Azoka and the others. He gave a thumbs up and Zu’Coni nodded. She hung up the phone and heaved a heavy sigh. “This is not how I thought I was going to be spending the day.” she laughed.

The End

 

[DreadnoughtDT]

This is a great story, Meg. You really know how to create suspense. I was on edge, and my heart was pumping fiercely. You should write suspense more often.