Slade watches from afar, hidden in the shadows of a nearby building. He’s made sure that no one will suspect anything by hiding the only weapon he’s brought with him under his clothes. He’s been given a contract, as per usual. But something about this specific target has made him take the time (and risk) of appearing as a civilian instead of with his normal suit and blades. He tells himself that it is just so that he won’t be seen, but maybe there’s other reason to it. He avoids thinking about it too much, instead watching the front of the high school in front of him from beneath his sunglasses.

There are few people in the building, aside from the cleaning staff and the occasional security guard. It’s getting late, and most of the kids have already left. But there are still a few, gathered in a small group and talking. Slade narrows his eyes, trying to identify the one that he’s supposed to take out. It takes a few attempts, but as the group starts to disperse, he manages to spot his target. They look young and happy, blissfully unaware of the situation they are soon going to find themselves in.

But… The mercenary is having second thoughts, which is odd for a person like him. He begins to walk forwards, making his presence known to the lone teen that has begun walking away from the establishment. He doesn’t know how to feel about having to dispose of a literal, defenseless child, and he’s trying to come up with a way of… not having to finish the job. But he can change his mind, anyways, so he’ll have to see which option benefits him the most. For now, though…

“Hey, kiddo.”