Shadow Hunt: Ch 2. Acquiring the Pieces
The prince still couldn’t believe his friend was dead. Last night Clara was taken from this world by the hands of a psychopath who tore her apart. Ralnor was determined to stitch the clues together. After getting over his shock of the body, the Gerudo checked the main floor again. He saw Clara’s clothes that were kicked off in the corner. No sign of a struggle in the main floor, so she wasn’t forced out of her clothing. Searching her pockets revealed nothing, so Ralnor checked her purse. He was sure if of it before, but looking inside, he saw that all her rupees were still here. So that meant the intruder only wanted her life, not her riches. What intrigued Ralnor was a note inside.
Opening the letter, he saw Clara was given a doctor note, by one Doctor Kai Neighbour. A psychiatrist by the looks of it. It instructed that it was his legal opinion for Ralnor to spend time with Clara for her mental well being. “I’ll look into you later…”
Ralnor took a final look at Clara’s dead, fearful eyes before the investigators pulled a tarp over her body. He’d remember this. The prince would hold onto this feeling of needing revenge, and he’d let it burn the bastard that did this. Ralnor made a pray to the three goddesses that Clara’s soul had a better fate now then it did at the end of her life. Once finished, Ralnor took a sigh and looked to the lead investigator. “Any witnesses?”
The man shook his head. “No. At least none that any thought would be a murder. Walls are muffled. We did question a neighbour on what they thought was a scream, but they assumed it was a night terror. After the eclipse, there has been many cases of people with nightmares sprouting up.”
“So no one cared she was being killed.”
“My prince, they didn’t know…”
“Well, what’s your next objective?”
“Standard procedure. We ask around, we search the surrounding area, and we do our best to piece together any clues to find who did this. It’ll be difficult though, with how stretched we can be. I’m sorry, I wish there was more I could offer.”
“I see. Good hunting to you gentlemen then…”
Standard procedure. To Ralnor, he knew that they’d most likely place this case under a cabinet labeled unsolved within a week, maybe two if enough protest was given. It was awful that the handsomely rich only had their deaths looked into. The common wealth were often simply over looked as casualties that could, and would, be forgotten. The prince hated the system. For a long time, he was seeing corruption in the royal courts, with noblemen being able to abuse their power and twist the lives of others. Yet now, he saw it wasn’t any better down at the common level. Ralnor heard of monsters able to shift through the cracks of society and tear people to death, but this psycho… he supposed was just another type of monster. Able to sneak past through the low amount of guards spread through out Hyrule, and simply steal lives. Ralnor knew his parents and his older brother wanted to have a safe Hyrule, but even they couldn’t control all the corruption. Ralnor needed to do something. As the 2nd prince, he could be hidden from the public eye and help the people in his own way. Klinge’s words echoed in his mind.
‘The world is full of those who are uncaring, and will do anything to hurt you. You must do anything to ensure the future of the Gerudo, of Hyrule, and your family. In this uncaring world, you must be smarter than the rest, and willing to go to lengths others won’t to protect this land. No matter the cost.’
Ralnor needed eyes and ears to survey the darkest corners and listen in on the mouths of his enemies. The prince knew a good place to start. Taking his horse, the prince rode off to southern border. Scattered around Hyrule were many taverns and small villages. One in particular was stationed near the canyon of Gerudo Valley. Everyone minded their own business, and at this establishment, business was to be shared in secret.
Entering the tavern, Ralnor threw his hood over his head, not wanting to draw any unwanted attention. A blonde Gerudo might be mistaken for some urban Hylian if he was lucky. The counterman was slowly cleaning his counter when he caught a glimpse of Ralnor. “What are you here for?”
“I’m here to find people who can be loyal enough to keep secrets, as well as find the secrets of others.”
“Hmmm, anyone can be loyal with the right enough of money.”
“I can be persuasive.”
“Very well. Travel up to the 4th level. You can look around there.”
Ralnor did as recommended, going up the steps. On the 2nd floor was the rowdiest floor, with drinking, dancing, and dares going around. The 3rd floor men and women exchanged money in games of gambling, some arm wrestling. Around tables Ralnor spotted your average mercenaries. Men and Women who would do any job. However, they were too loud for his taste. Upon reaching the 4th floor, Ralnor found the atmosphere more to his tastes. People silently drank and smoked at tables, talking amongst themselves. The prince saw one woman shake the hand of a man and give him a bag of money before walking off. No one harassed her as she walked away. Trusting his instincts, Ralnor walked to a corner in the right corner of the room.
A group of men and women had there robes up, discussing how they’d make ends meet for the following months, when Ralnor approached them. “Greetings. I have a proposition for you all.”
The group looked towards the prince, carefully studying his character. One of the men spoke up first. “Perhaps you’d like to take a seat and then tell us?”
Ralnor knew that sitting down could compromise his defences, so he elected to stand. “No thank you. Are you a group who can find out secrets when no one else is willing to look?”
The group communicated through silent glances at one another. They felt a tinge of hope at having work, but they wisely kept that spark to themselves. “Yes. You’re talking about spy work?”
“I am. Can you deduce who I am?”
The man talking wasn’t sure if that was supposed to be a joke, it was fairly obvious. When he spoke, he said so in a whisper. “You’re Prince Ralnor.”
“That is correct.”
“So, why does a prince like yourself want to hire a group such as us?”
Ralnor threw a bag of golden rupees onto the table for them to look over. When one of them peeked inside, their eyes beamed, the excitement being singled to their comrades through looks once again. “I’m here because growing up I have seen enemies of my family make back stabs and elaborate plans against our lives. I have stomached it for years, but no more. If I have the power to bring an end to calamity, it is my right and duty to do so.” Ralnor opened his hand to silence one of them from speaking, as he was not yet finished. “That all said, the reason I am here is to hire individuals of precise skill as my personal agents. I need to extend my reach as there is only so far one man can go. This is my offer. Work for me, be loyal to only me, and you will never need to find work else where for the rest of your lives.”
The group shifted, their minds racing. This was their golden ticket; how often would an opportunity present itself like this ever again? Two of the group started to converse. “Carter, we should-”
“Quiet. No names. Not yet. We need to talk about-”
“What is there to talk about? The man is offering us a service that will make us rich beyond our dreams. Not to mention, the benefit of a patriotic duty.”
“My view points on who’s on the throne doesn’t matter. It shouldn’t to any of us…” He looked at the rupees, then back at the prince. “What are your rules?”
“Simple. You don’t get caught in your missions. You follow my orders to the letter. And you don’t disobey them, otherwise I will turn my generosity into a malice that will kill you.”
The group leader studied this young man. Prince Ralnor had an expression that didn’t waver. He could feel the aura off of the Gerudo, and using his third eye, he saw that Ralnor was a man with an intense darkness in his heart. He knew that he was the son of the Calamity in human form, the Great Ganondorf. The prince had been through many hardships of darkness, and all his word held true. “Very well Prince Ralnor. We accept your offer.” The man dropped his hood, and gave a light bow of his head, wanting to look Ralnor right in the eye. “I am Zanathos. My colleges and I are very skilled, I can assure you. What is the first task you wish of us?”
Ralnor was relieved that the business act of using these spies had gone over smoothly, so he wasted no time in revealing their assignment. Wasted time could get others killed right now. “Your first assignment will be different from what we will accomplish in the future. There’s been a killer who took the life of an associate of mine somewhere in Hyrule. I want you to gather any information you can that will lead to his capture and personal execution.”
Zanathos and his comrades nodded towards the prince. They were all professional enough to know the prince most likely meant a friend, but dared not bring it up. “Where and how did the murder take place my prince?”
“In Castle Town on the outskirts near one of the dried river beds. The victim was cut apart, her organs pinned to the walls, hung by her entrails, and her cat pulverized.” Ralnor watched in interest as one of the group tightened their fist at the mention of animal cruelty. “Whoever this was, they had an allure for pain in the victim and used a weapon that cut cleanly. I will be investigating with you. We don’t stop until we find this maniac.”
Ralnor stood up, and the rest of his newly acquired spies rose with him. “If you do locate him, let me know immediately.” With that, the prince was the first to leave.
Zanathos looked to his comrades, wanting to gauge their thoughts. “Well?”
Carter was counting the rupees in the bag. “This job will get us set for life if we perform well enough. I have no worries.”
Furihg, the women that spoke with Carter, seemed to be musing over the thoughts. “How do we know that the prince won’t simply arrest us for any illegal activity we do for him after this job is done?”
“Because Furihg, Prince Ralnor carries himself as man who has vision, as well as a man with integrity. We can trust his word.” Zanathos stood first in the group, placing a simple silver mask over his face. The rest joined their leader, getting ready to leave. “If we have faith in Master Ralnor, I’m sure that we will be rewarded for the rest of our lives.”
The rest of the group were confused by the term master, but they supposed it was somewhat appropriate. If they were going to work for Ralnor full time, master was most likely the term they’d use.
~
Kai was organizing his file folder of patients. Removing the papers belonging to Clara, the man paused, looking over her details. She was in his office only yesterday, her imprints on the pillows and cushions still there. News traveled quickly of her death, along with rumors of how truly barbaric it was.
Before the good doctor could dwell on his thought more, a knock came for him at the door. Putting down his profile on Clara, he opened it to be surprised by the presence of Ralnor. “Oh! Prince Ralnor. I wasn’t expecting your arrival.”
“Doctor Neighbour if I’m correct. First name Kai.”
“You are indeed correct. Is this about your sister? Would you like to book an appointment as well?”
“No. Perhaps it would be best if you took a seat. This is about Clara.” The way Ralnor presented his tone heavily, it gave a command to the psychologist. Kai was taken off guard, so sitting down came naturally as the next step. “I know she was here yesterday. You sent her to my quarters. Upon return to her home, she was slaughtered like an animal by some maniac.”
Ralnor watched the colour drain from Kai’s face. It was very convincing to the prince. The psychologist right hand trembled as he held it close to his chest with his left. “She… didn’t deserve such a fate. This world is too cruel.”
“Agreed. I’d like to ask you some questions.”
“Yes?”
“How long had Clara been a patient of yours?”
“Well, about eight months. She would come in to see me monthly.”
“Can you tell me why she came in to see you?”
“That would go against patient confidentiality.”
Ralnor narrowed his eyes down at the psychologist, and took a slow deep breath in. “She’s dead Doctor. Her body was gutted, cut into pieces, and left hung from her window. I’m trying to find a killer. So if patient confidentiality really means so much to you, I simply ask that tell me if you believe anyone would have wanted her dead.”
Kai shook his head, gripping the side of his couch. He seen enough dead bodies in the streets to get a clear picture of what might have happened to Clara. “No. She was sweet women. Her problems didn’t stem from other people wanting to hurt her.”
Ralnor didn’t think he was going to get any information he needed from the doctor. But it was a start. “Very well. If you change your mind, or find any information that could lead to a suspect, bring it to my attention.”
Kai watched as Ralnor carefully made his way out of his office. Placing both hands he ran them through his hair, wanting to calm down. Did Ralnor think that he killed Clara? This whole situation made him feel stressed. The councillor needed to blow off some steam.
~
Mr. Tucker was making his way home, having finished his wrestling lessons rather late into the night. Parents these days wanted their kids to be prepared for anything, especially in such trying times. Mr. Tucker was thinking to himself if he should organize another appointment, when he heard a dog whimpering around the corner in the alley next to him. Poor thing must haven’t eaten yet. Continuing his way towards his house, he threw his keys into the air, wanting to juggle them. On his fourth throw, he didn’t feel them land back into his hand. Curious, he looked up.
Sticking on the wall like a Skulltala was a man right above him in a black leather suit. Mr. Tucker couldn’t react in time as the figure jumped down, stabbing the key into his eye socket. The poor man gritted his teeth instead of screaming. The killer jumped down and quickly went behind his victim, covering his mouth so he couldn’t get a scream out. Mr. Tucker had the figure to fight back, but the element of surprise cost him. The killer took his sickle, slicing Mr. Tucker’s stomach clean open, spilling his cuts onto the floor. As Mr. Tucker tried to hold his guts in, his attacker took the key from his left eye, and used it to gauge out the right eye, leaving his victim blind.
Hunched over, the killer pushed Mr. Tucker over, quickly reaching in to pull out his intestines, when he heard a bark behind him. It was that hungry dog from before. The figure patted the guts, making a whining sound to the dog to approach. Dogs needed food after all. As the dog started to eat, the killer stole his victims’ eyes, caring little that the man was literally being eaten alive, even if he only had a few moments of life left.
Leaving the crime scene, the killer took note of someone getting a look at him from five blocks away, but they were far too long from him to do anything. Retreating into the sewers, the killer crawled his way on the ceiling to avoid the sewage water. It took about ten minutes, but they finally made it to their sanctuary. Going through the basement window, they placed their sickle on a rack, and carefully undressed from their leather suit. As soon as he was out of the suit, he stood upright like a man, feeling his naked body for any bruises. None that he could tell. The last thing he did for the night was take a shower, then prayed to a statue of a god. He had done well, but more work would need to be done to get back at those that hurt him. First he’d hurt them 10x over, only then they’d have the pleasure of dying.