Portobello Road Market

[Deleted]

So far, February had been rather unsuccessful. Usually the job would have been done much earlier in the month than this late. It was a little irritating, really. After all, Mi-Yun didn’t want the police to think she was being lazy, taking a break or had for some reason decided to stop her hobby. No, she had to keep them on their toes. This little game of cat and mouse she had been playing with them for the last few years was far too fun to stop anytime soon.

Lurking in the shadows, just like a predator hunting its prey, the woman waited. She went unseen to the rest of the world and unrecognisable, with her face hidden behind a simple black mask that camouflaged her into the night-time darkness perfectly. Her dark eyes briefly glanced over to the clock situated over the market. Twenty minutes past midnight. Perfect.

Portobello Road was desolate at this time. There was hardly a single sign of life, save for herself and the odd passerby. Still, Mi-Yun was confident that somebody would only stroll into the area in at least ten minute intervals. It was the opportunity she had been waiting for all month to commit the perfect crime. No witnesses, no crowds. Just her, The Silencer; the predator who was stalking the streets of London as it hunted for its next kill.

The woman blinked in the darkness and pulled the hood of her black pull-over back over her head to hide herself deeper in shadow. Drawing in a quick breath and placing a hand on the bag at her side to make sure she had everything she needed, the woman took a step forward. Slinking slightly outside of the shadows, the killer glanced down the street and waited for some poor unsuspecting soul to pass her by.

Tonight was going to be fun~

[Misso Pan]

MOD – MELISSA AVERY

Night walks were never her thing, but on this particular night Melissa found herself with no other choice. The air was still chilled from winter, forcing the young woman to wrap tightly into her coat, and she adjusted her earmuffs slightly to sit more comfortably over her earphones.

A late shift let out even more late than usual… what was she going to do with her workmates? It was bad enough her boss was a complete hardass, but her supposed friends always left her to take the heat. It was amazing she wasn’t fired by now, considerinh how much shit she was put through on a daily basis.

Situations like this made her wish she had a car.

Heaving a heavy sigh into the air, she made a mental note to kick some asses later. All she needed at that moment was to get home, stuff her face, and collapse in bed… and maybe feed her dog.

[Deleted]

The sound of footsteps was the first thing that came to her senses. Hidden behind the black mask that concealed her identity, a wicked grin broke out across Mi-Yun's face. From her secluded perch, she could see a young woman walking by, all by herself in the dark. Hadn't her parents told her it was dangerous to go outside alone at this time of night? How foolish this woman was. And how happy she was going to make Mi-Yun!

There was not a moments hesitation. Her hand slipped into the "work bag" at her side and instantly drew out the sharp bladed scalpel. Then, as silent as her own voice, Mi-Yun emerged from the shadows behind the stranger. The Silencer followed her with light, soundless footsteps (a technique of quietly creeping she had developed from her gymnastics days), gradually drawing closer to the woman. In the darkness, the blade of her weapon briefly flashed, catching the reflection of one lonely street lamp.

Then, the predator pounced. One arm wrapped itself around the waist of her prey whilst the other brought the knife up to the woman's throat to prevent her from screaming out. Mi-Yun's hold was surprisingly strong, and she tightly held onto the woman in a death trap vice. All the while, the smile had not fell from her face. She could already smell the blood that would soon be spilled, and the thought alone excited her greatly.

[Misso Pan]

MOD – MELISSA AVERY

Melissa removed her phone from her pocket and began to text a message to her boyfriend, who was probably asleep in their flat some distance away. As soon as she hit "send" though, her attacker pounced.

Her first instinct was to scream, but a glint of steel in the moonlight cut her silent. Melissa immediately went into panic mode, her hands grasping at Mi-Yun's arm desperately in an attempt to escape. She felt the blade press into her neck and pierce the thinnest fabric of her skin, and her struggling ceased.

Her skin glistened with thick perspiration as her body convulsed under Mi-Yun's grasp. "P-Please, don't kill me! Anything you want, just take it! I won't tell anyone!" she begged quietly, her voice quivering.

[Deleted]

The poor dear was shivering violently in her grasp, like a trembling leaf. Mi-Yun could see the sweat glistening on the girl's skin in the moon light, and she smirked behind her mask. Oh, she was frightened. How awful for her, the sweet little, innocent darling. Feigning sympathy, the hand holding the scalpel to the woman's throat was removed so she could stroke the woman's hair, almost lovingly. Playing with the prey is fun for a predator.

The killer was already imaging the thoughts that were going through the victims head in that moment, and so what the woman said came as no surprise to her.

"P-Please, don't kill me! Anything you want, just take it! I won't tell anyone!"

Mi-Yun rolled her eyes at the statement. How predictable. She had heard the very same plea from at least three of her previous victims as well. Of course, she could hear the desperation in the woman's voice, but that wasn't going to change anything. Mi-Yun had been waiting long enough.

Her hand shifted and she released her grip on the woman's waist and returned the hand that was petting her head to the woman's throat. Keeping a firm hold of her throat by pushing the blade slightly into her flesh to make a small line of blood appear and prevent the woman from escaping, Mi-Yun used her now free arm to rummage into her "work bag" and pull out a small computer-like device. It was about the size of an Nintendo DS, equipped with a keyboard and tiny screen. Quickly tapping away at the keys with one hand, she entered in a message. The moment it was done, she pressed enter and a synthesised, male voice (a setting she deliberately picked when working at night so people would not realise the killer was a woman) spoke out:

"Anything I want to take? Well, unfortunately for you, Miss, what I was planning on taking tonight was your life."

Without another "word" or warning, the device was snapped shut and shoved hurriedly back into her bag. Then, the arm wrapped itself around the young lady's waist before Mi-Yun gave a forceful pull to drag her into the shadows of the darkest alley she herself had just emerged from. They would be hidden from view here, and hopefully tonight's kill would go without incident.

[Misso Pan]

MOD – MELISSA AVERY

Even if her words were predictable, Melissa’s first instinct was to beg desperately for her life. She knew all too well that she brought this on herself by walking home at night, regretting that she didn’t bother to wake her boyfriend up to come pick her up. Even if she did, the prospect of him getting attacked instead was entirely plausible. She didn’t realize, however, that neither of them were targets. Oh, no, someone was going to die tonight. It didn’t matter whom.

The way Mi-Yun’s gestures seemed almost benevolent only made Melissa’s nerves tremble more. The feel was as terrifying as it was unbelievably awkward, how she pet her hair and handled her firmly, but still somewhat gently, as if careful to prematurely break her.

There was no holding back now, as Melissa’s eyes finally betrayed tears. Her face was locked forward, staring off into the empty road as the stinging in her throat grew more intense with the scalpel’s push into her flesh. The light tapping of fingers on a keyboard frantically made her want to turn her head and lock, but the slightest movement only made the blade dig in deeper.

"Anything I want to take? Well, unfortunately for you, Miss, what I was planning on taking tonight was your life." Came the electronic voice. Male. Melissa shuddered, and her body twitched slightly from a sob.

She was going to die.

The device clicked shut, and the arm was back around her wait, pulling her roughly into the darkness. Sobbing, Melissa screamed out into the night air. Oh God, no. No! This wasn’t happening! This had to be an awful dream!

Melissa had read the news. She heard about it on the telly. She knew murders happened, and she always assumed the chances of it happening to her were so slim, so far away…

But now, here she was. No… no…!

“Someone help me, please!”

Please, anyone…

Finally engulfed in shadows and sure she would be dying if she didn’t do something to help herself, Melissa made no attempts to stay silent. If Mi-Yun was going to end her life, the only way to expedite her fate was to stay silent and obedient.

[Deleted]

どうもありがとうございます MEGUMI was never been here before, nor she had planned to explore the cosmopolitan area of Notting Hill. The only reason that caused her coming was the well-respected photographer in her agency had demanded that their photo session for Pucchi’s spring-summer collection advertising should be done at night in this district. A very uncommon idea since spring-summer items usually displayed under natural sunlight, along with flowers and beaches. Still, said photographer was a senior in the agency and the label’s representative had appalled the idea (“Oh it will be very fabulous, my dearies~!”) so six hours ago their small team stopped at Notting Hill and began taking photos. It was already past midnight when they finally finished. Her co-workers, the fellow models, had asked Megumi if she want to join their trip to a gay bar downtown. She still remembered her last trip to a gay bar; her friends had chatted noisily with their sassy gay friends and forgetting the Japanese. It’s lucky a friendly bartender had saved her from being awkward for the rest of the night. Megumi turned down the offer politely, saying she was tired and need rest. After she bid her friends good bye, she didn’t immediately heading home but instead she walked around neighborhood looking for a convenience store. Drinking a can of orange juice would be nice before sleeping. Her unexpected stroll brought her to Portobello Road Market. Most shops had closed at this hour. Megumi huffed, it was so easy to find a twenty-four-seven convenience store in Japan - they were everywhere, the savior of insomniac students who longed for a half-priced bento. Megumi did find her destination, although they didn’t sell bento in any shape or form. The Japanese bought two cans of juice: orange and apple. She was heading to the large road when her ears picked up a scream. “...help me, please!” Without wasting any second to think, the model turned on her heels. Her guard raised, ready to pick every slightest human movement, smell or voice. Megumi didn’t hear any voice anymore; fear started to grow in her mind. Was it mugging? Kidnapping? Or... worse, a rape? And was the attacker more than one? If it was a group, she won’t have the upper hand. She quickly dug inside her bag and took her phone out; which was immediately followed by a heavy sigh. Her phone’s battery went dead. The only way to call the police was looking for other people but if she do that, she won’t have enough time to prevent whatever crime that was about to happen. Megumi decided to keep moving forward. She could hear movements; she was very close. The Japanese took turn, ran to the alley’s end and take turn again before she finally arrived at the scene. The alley’s darkness hampered her sight, but it didn’t stop her from shouting, “stop!”

MADE BY MINNIE OF BACK TO NEVERLAND

[Deleted]

Mi-Yun could sense the fear her victim was radiating, and she loved it. She was basking in it, even. Oh how she had missed the euphoria before the kill for so long~ The Korean could not wait for the event itself. It was going to be oh so much fun!! Are you up for some fun as well, Melissa? Well, you’d better be. Because it was soon time for the show to begin, and Melissa Avery, you are the star! Whether you like it or not.

And then she screamed. My, wasn't this girl so very loud? That simply would not do. With an unseen roll of her eyes, The Silencer simply dragged Melissa further into the abyss of the shadows, the blade of the scalpel getting pressed harder and harder into the woman's flesh with each step. She would most certainly feel a sting by now. By now, Mi-Yun was sure they were well out of sight of any other people that would pass by. But the chance of anybody else appearing was slim. Oooooh this was exciting~! Lets get on with the show!!

Without another moment's hesitation, Mi-Yun shoved the girl to the ground harshly. If she had attempted to try and make an escape, it would have been fruitless. For no sooner had she released her prey, The Silencer was already crouching over her, pinning Melissa down to the cobbles beneath them with her knee to the woman's chest. Supporting her body weight with her left hand and leg firmly in place on the ground, Mi-Yun lifted her mask just a tiny bit  to show Melissa the cruel smile she was wearing. Then, the blade was raised, ready to come slashing down across her small neck--

"Stop!"

Mi-Yun froze, cursing to herself in her head. Shit! Somebody else was here! Better make this quick, then. Such a shame; it looked like Mi-Yun wasn't going to be able to enjoy herself as much as she had hoped today.

Oh well.

With no prior warning, any hope of escape Melissa would have had was most certainly dashed when The Silencer did finish where she'd left off. The scalpel slashed at her throat before the victim had a chance to cry out again.  Not taking this opportunity as she usually would to admire the blood, Mi-Yun glanced over her shoulder and narrowed her eyes behind the mask. She could hear the sound of footsteps drawing closer, so this needed to be done quickly. The Silencer did not want anybody interrupting her work, or calling the police. No, she had to be quick, finish the job, and leave as fast as she could.

Or~ maybe she could wait for this other person to arrive.

There might be two bodies tonight...

[Deleted]

どうもありがとうございます Megumi heard a faint slash just a few feet away from where she was standing. It was followed by the pungent smell of fresh blood, dripping down to the ground. Was she late? Or... or did her arrival just prompted the criminal to kill the poor woman? Stay calm. Assess the situation. The killer used a sharp object - probably some kind of knife or dagger - indicating that he or she didn't want to make any smallest noise possible, although it was not as efficient as gun. But that didn't mean they didn't carry one. Either way, she thought that it'd be good if she maintain some range between the killer and her. Even though the darkness meant disadvantage for her, it also gave her protection since it would be harder to aim a gun at her. Then there was the unfortunate woman... was she dead already? No movement detected after the slashing sound, so the killer could be still in close contact to the victim. No sound came from her, either. The Japanese walked closer slowly, trying to not making a sound with her heels. Her eyes could see two silhouettes: one pinned down to the ground, the victim, and one crouched on top of it. The killer. Megumi saw he or she had a rather slim silhouette and the face that was looking at her covered with a mask. She didn't know if the killer was a man or woman. You can't save her anymore. Don't let the killer escape. She stopped about three feet behind them, her hands curled into fists. "Get away from her," Megumi said, keeping her voice calm, "or I'll call the police." Of course she couldn't call the police if her phone's battery went dead, but she thought it was the best threat the model had. She didn't want to tell the killer about her combat ability yet, he or she maybe would give her an easy attack that she could handle effortlessly. "I won't let you get away." Megumi dragged her right foot backwards and raised her arms to her face. She's ready to fight.

MADE BY MINNIE OF BACK TO NEVERLAND

[Misso Pan]

MOD – MELISSA AVERY

"No, no no no!" Melissa begged desperately, hissing as the razor sharp blade of the scalpel pierced deeper into the soft flesh of her neck. Now screaming, she begged for anyone close by to come to her rescue, and when she heard the nearby calling of Kudo a suddenly hopeful glimmer shown in her eyes. She gasped when her assailant threw her to the ground and pressed her harshly into the grass.

"Please, hurry!" Melissa cried once more, staring in horror at the vicious sneer on Mi-Yun's face. She paled, tears welling and falling in torrents down her cheek as she watched the scalpel's blade slice through the air and into her neck, piercing through vein and sinew before meeting the artery and windpipe. Melissa violently coughed up blood and tried to scream in agony, but all that came out of her split throat was a pained silence. Her hands flew to her throat, vainly attempting to hold close the wound while her body convulsed, every drop spilling into the ground before Melissa's body silent fell silent and motionless, her eyes still wide with terror.

(( Melissa out. ))

[Deleted]

COMING VERY SOON...

@megumi Kudo

DANKE ϟ