Zhǎo Temple, China

The sun was shining. It was a long flight to get there. They arrived from the East Coast of the United States on a private jet that took them to a landing strip located in the forest near the west end of China, then they boarded a black sedan that took them to the sacred temple. This meeting was of the utmost importance, and there was a friend to meet here afterwards.

Michael Byrne, or Stalker, was one of the Last Light’s most successful assassins. The middle-aged man had a thin but graying beard, and his hair has gray strands against the black. A small scar was visible against his right cheek, serving as a permanent reminder of a previous encounter His enemies, most of them, would never see this before they die. Just a metal mask that vaguely resembled a human skull, and a dark hood over it.

Accompanying him on the trip was his daughter, having barely turned eighteen. Julia Lin Byrne, or Glimmer, was a young woman with long dark hair that was neatly placed with a bobby pin, and bore a unique mark on her left hand. She spoke not a word on the trip unless needed, as she was raised to do. They sat in the back seat of a black luxury sedan as they drove into the sacred temple, ready for what they came for.

Zhǎo Temple on the surface was place in the middle of the forest, where Buddhists would go to for religious purposes. Or so that’s what one would think. In actuality, it was the home to the leader of the Last Light. The vehicle stopped in front, it was time to do their business.

Byrne wore a suit, it was black and he had a dark blue undershirt beneath, complete with black loafers. Julia had a red dress, with sleeves that reached her shoulders and a skirt down to her knees. Completing this was This was a formal meeting, so like her father she was expected to look nice.

“Have a good day.” The driver said.

They vacated the vehicle, which drove away in a moment. A father and a daughter made their way inside the temple. It was large, and stood tall over a lake. They crossed the bridge to the entrance and were greeting by another man.

“I’ll need you to leave the weapons with me.”

“Wouldn’t want to be rude.” Byrne said.

Byrne took out his handgun, setting it on the table. He then took out a blade, putting it next to the pistol. Then he nodded at his daughter, signalling her to do the same. She reached and took out her thigh holster carrying her blades, and gave it to the clearance. He then took out a metal detector, scanning them from top to bottom. They were clear.

“Come inside.” He said. “Don’t worry, they’ll be safe with me until you depart.”

They did just that. The temple had neatly polished stone floors, and pillars that held the roof up. Byrne led his daughter through the place, as there were multiple levels, and men were all over the place. These men also had dark suits, and while many were Chinese, other assassins from all over the world were inside this building. Byrne was summoned to speak with the best one. Master Feng, their leader, was stationed here, and had operated from this area for a long time.

An Englishman approached him. Byrne knew this man very well, for the fact that he was another highly skilled assassin named Inigo Price, known as the Gentleman. His trademark being that he always sent flowers and chocolates to the families of his victims. Anonymously, of course. The man had brown hair, and a well-groomed mustache, along with a genuine smile at the sight of the two.

“Ah, you’ve come all this way for a meeting, how generous of you.” Price said. “And little Julia is all grown up I see. It brings a tear to my eye.”

“Let’s not act like this is anything other than business.” Byrne said. “I’m sure a true gentleman like yourself knows about that.”

“Just because we’re professionals doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the company of others.” Price said. “I’d say it’s necessary to keep this running and tightly knit.”

“Yes, of course.” Byrne said. “So, what brings you here?”

“Glad you asked. I’ve also been summoned by summoned by Master Feng, if you can believe it. So I’m sure you know all about the story behind that.”

“What are we waiting for then?” Byrne said. “I don’t want to keep him waiting.”

“Yes, I’m sure he’d like to speak with us as soon as possible. On our way, then. After you.”

Price allowed Byrne and Julia to walk ahead of him as he followed from behind. Byrne had little interest in interacting with the other assassins that weren’t Master Feng. That wasn’t what he came for. Master Feng would be located in the south end, where the meeting room was. It took roughly ten minutes to each, as the halls extended wide. A guard opened the doors, and there Master Feng was sitting on the opposite end of a large table.

“Welcome.” Master Feng said.

Master Feng was an older man, though how old wasn’t certain, but he certainly looked well for his age. He was bald, and wore silk robes for the occasion.

“You summoned me?” Byrne asked rhetorically.

“Take your seats, everyone.”

Byrne sat on the right of the table, with his daughter by his side. Price took his seat on the left. They weren’t the only assassins there, in fact they were summoned just like Byrne was by Master Feng, for a meeting that Master Feng would describe as being of the utmost importance.

With everyone ready for what was next, a meeting about the future of Last Light.

“That, I would expect.” Pierce Abell said. “It’s not everyday we get called to this place.”

Abell was also known as the Rainmaker, an archer assassin considered among the best. He had his hands clasped together, awaiting what was next.

“I’m sure this will live up to your expectations.” Master Feng said. “The Last Light has existed for many years, and it’s only recently where it could possibly be put in jeopardy. I think you all know why.”

“The Protectors, correct?” Oscar Delacroix said.

Delacroix operated under the codename of the Steel Scorpion, a man known his venomous blades.

“That is correct.” Master Feng said. “Ever since they formed, we’ve been an enemy of them, and it’s only a matter of time before the sights are turned on us. That is something we can no longer accept, so it’s our task to strike first.”

“I assume you know the way.” Byrne said.

“You already know the way, Mr. Byrne.”

Byrne had a faint smile. He knew exactly what Master Feng had in mind, and he was prepared for it.

“We must strike from the inside, deceive them and lure them into a trap of our own.” Master Feng said.

“And my daughter is the key.” Byrne said.

Julia’s eyes widened, and looked at her father in shock from what he just said. She didn’t speak, however. Instead, she observed further as to what they had to say.

“We’ve had to change our plans ever since my ungrateful son abandoned us.” Byrne said. “But this will work out perfectly.”

“The Protectors would never suspect that we would send Julia to infiltrate them, because they would be too busy welcoming her in open arms.” Master Feng said.

“Then they’ll never see us coming.” Byrne said. “And my son will end up being the biggest helper in all of that, whether he intends to or not.”

Byrne turned to his daughter, who still didn’t speak, not wishing to disrupt the meeting at hand.

“You hear that sweetie? You’re going to play Protector now.”

She nodded.

“Using your own daughter as a way to infiltrate your enemy… how lovely.” Price said.

“Is there a better way?”

“No, no. Just have your fun.”

“Send her to the city once you return home.” Master Feng said. “Say that she escaped so she could join them, just like her brother.”

“It’s perfect.” Byrne said. “They bought his story, they’ll certainly buy hers.”

“Indeed.” Master Feng said.

The plan was in motion. Julia still said nothing as she was there, only observing the events as they unfold. The meeting ended soon afterward, and everyone dismissed themselves to return to their own devices. Michael Byrne was glad it was over, and the plan would begin soon enough.

He stepped outside, looking over the lake. It was a tranquil sight, and Julia joined him in the spectacle.

“So, will you be ready to deceive the Protectors, and prove yourself as the better to your brother?”

Julia said nothing.

“It’s okay to speak, no need to be silent right now.”

In the past, Julia would not speak unless instructed. The punishments for speaking out of line were severe, to say the least, so she didn’t dare talk unless given the okay first.

“Will he be okay?” Julia said. It was the first time spoke aloud today.

“Christopher? Depends on his choices. Maybe if he wisens up and stops playing the do-gooder, I might allow him back in.”

Julia sighed.

“That mark on your hand, it wasn’t meant for you.” Byrne said. “He was supposed to get it, just before he turned traitor. Consider it a great privilege.”

That having been said, Julia examined the mark that was bestowed upon her. It was the Parallel Mark, a link between two worlds that granted her power. Not everyone could wield it, but Julia was one of the ones who could. It appeared as a symbol of an eye on her left hand.

“You think they’ll accept me?”

“They accepted him, didn’t they? Besides, I’m sure he’ll be happy to have you back, and that’ll make it even easier. Everyone likes a sob story, that you’re an assassin by birth trying to do ‘good’. But the thing is, you’re doing what you’re made to do.”

Julia didn’t say anything to that.

“If you can retrieve Christopher, I’ll guarantee his safety. How’s that?”

“I’ll do my best.”

“I know you will.” Byrne said. “Come, we have a friend to visit in Shanghai before we go home.”

Byrne led the way, retrieving their weapons before leaving the temple. They spoke not a word on the way out. Up front was the same black sedan waiting for them, and the two took their seats in the back. The ride took several hours until they reached their destination.

Shanghai

The city of Shanghai was home to over twenty million people, and that could easily been seen through the sheer size. It was getting darker out, and the city turned into a light show. Julia wished she could stick around, to see what was available. But alas, they were there for business, not pleasure.

They arrived at the center of the city. Their destination was the Parallel Industries Tower, it was one of several in the world established by the company and was founded by the Last Light some several decades ago as a means to provide funding for their organization, and serves as a cover in general.

Michael Byrne wanted to speak to the Shanghai head of the tower, Hong Liao. The car pulled up in front of the building. They stepped out, went inside, and Byrne was prepared for what he was going to say. The interior looked clean and immaculate, the place being cleaned spotless, the black tile floors and open space being a welcoming sight.

They rode the elevator to the top, where Liao was located. The doors opened, and there he was. A man in a gray suit, neatly combed hair, and clean shave. Liao seemed like any other man who became successful, a hard worker and a smart thinker. The reality was a little different than that.

“Welcome, Mr. Byrne. I’m glad to see you and your daughter are still doing fine.”

“The pleasure is mine.” Byrne said.

“So what brings you all the way over here?”

“Business, really. Julia’s got some big things coming up for her.”

“I hope her mother is proud.”

“Wherever she is.”

They took their seat next to a table that was in the room. There wasn’t any more time to chit-chat, right it was all business.

“I need a favor done, and so do you.” Byrne said. “Why don’t we kill two birds with one stone while we’re here?”

“I like the sound of that.” Liao said.

“We’ve had a good thing going with this Last Light thing, but it’s not always perfect.” Bynre said. “I hear you have enemies to take care of. Is that correct?”

“Yes.” Liao said. “A former associate of mine is trying to blackmail me when he uncovered my transactions. He said that he expects to have one hundred million by tomorrow and will notify the police if I don’t hand it to him.”

“Looks like a job we can take care of, then.” Byrne said. “I return, I’ll need a favor of you. That we can discuss later, but for now let’s focus on the mission at hand.”

“Very well.” Liao said. “His name is Jie Shen. He thought that once he fell out of the company he could take advantage of my past. I am to meet with tomorrow night at ten to make our ‘arrangement’. Shen also said that he’ll have armed guards in case something goes wrong. Why don’t we give them a little surprise?”

“I think we can work with that.” Byrne said. “The two of us will take care of him and his men, it’ll be routine.”

They shook hands. Both were happy that they could make this deal happen, and put an end to someone that could potentially compromise them. A rat in general was not something they could tolerate, so getting rid of him will be a pleasure. Byrne spoke again, ready to close the deal.

“The world doesn’t need more heroes. It needs more professionals.”

“I’m inclined to agree.” Liao said. “I’ll provide the quarters for you two to stay until tomorrow. Of course, you already have what you need.”

“Couldn’t call myself an assassin if I didn’t.”

“Enjoy your stay then. We’ll have plenty of business at hand tomorrow night, I think it should be interesting.”

Liao led Byrne and Julia into the quarters. It was located at the top of the skycraper, in a hidden room within the wall. Pressing a button would uncover it, the walls opening up to reveal the place they would be staying in. Like the rest of the building, it was luxurious. It had wooden walls, there were two beds, both king-sized, a window proving a fantastic view of the city, and a large computer for business purposes. This would do nicely.

Liao left them to their own devices. Julia had lied down on a bed when her father spoke to her again.

“Are you ready for the mission tomorrow?”

“It won’t be a problem.”

“We’ll make him regret his actions when Stalker and Glimmer show up instead of who he was expecting, if he even has enough time for that.”

The task would begin soon, and for this there was a favor to expect in return, one that would help them greatly with their future endeavors.