the day felt promising to Scythe . she woke up in a good mood , happy to fulfill today 's duties . her energy seemed out of place , but help around the church was always welcomed regardless .
Scythe was usually the church 's "hunter" , a better word to put it as . she 'd get an assignment , find them in no time , take them down . a powerful asset and tool for the survival of the church in this oh-such cruel inphinity they lived in . without her , would the church even be a thing anymore , with that warden lurking around ? best not to dwell on the possibilities , it 'd ruin the mood .
she walked inside a room , where a demon sat at a desk , full of unsorted files and papers scattered around . they scrambled to find a file with the days date , and Scythe 's name . with a cough [ as an attempt to clear their throat ] , they handed over the file .
" today 's assignments . i know you wont fail us " the demon had a toothy grin , while continuing to sort through the papers on their desk . Scythe nodded , and left without a word .
she was almost out of the building before she looked through the folder . most of the targets were just ordinary citizens , who had small things . they would die regardless .
but under all of that , she pulled out one paper .
she couldnt believe who she saw . the picture of them with a soft grin , eyes narrowed , wearing her usual uniform . she stopped in the middle of a step down some stairs , not believing that they 'd do this to her . no , what did she do ?
why was The Broker on the list to kill ?
no , it had to be a mistake ! .... the problem was , they didnt make mistakes with these targets . they never did . she put the papers back in the file .
and yet , despite everything , she managed to keep her smile .
she looked around for The Broker , finding her sitting around in the library of the church . she was looking at a picture book , giggling to herself and mumbling about how stupid it was . Scythe took a chair and sat next to her .
" heya Boss ! dontcha got work to do ? " she asked with a smile , closing the book and setting it to the middle of the table .
" 'was wonderin .. are ya free later on ? " Scythe asked her friend , placing her hand on the other demons . The Broker chuckled .
" of course I am ! i 'll be right here when you come back from work . " she replied , using both her hands to squeeze Scythe 's only limb made of flesh . they both looked at each other for a minute , smiling , until Scythe broke the contact to get up .
" i should be off now ...see ya soon~ " she winked at The Broker , before exiting the library . it took her everything to keep it together , to walk out of the room without telling The Broker the truth .
she would go out to take care of the other targets , swiftly and cleanly going in for the kill . one by one , the days targeted demons fell to Scythe 's quick blows , her smile never faltering as the blood of her victims would splash on her . quick , yet it made the inevitable approach much quicker than she had wanted . by high noon , she was done with everyone but one . The Broker .
she went off to their usual meeting spot , at a bench by the church 's worship hall . there she was , waiting patiently for Scythe to return , her legs kicking as she waited .
" so , whatcha have planned ? " The Broker got up off the bench , approaching Scythe slowly . Scythe kept a soft smile on her face .
" lets just . go 'round town . crossroads maybe . " she reached for The Broker 's hand , intending to lead the way around . she accepted , placing her hand in Scythe 's , walking along down the pathway to the Lost Temple 's marketplace . the streets were as crowded as ever , all sorts of demons with different backgrounds bustling around , browsing the stands and vendors around the edges of the pavement . a stand involving little pieces of jewelry caught The Broker 's eye .
" hey , that looks cool ! " she pointed to the vendor , full of a selection of rings with an assortment of metals and gemstones . The Broker picked up one made of gold , with a stone of turquoise . she bought it , and presented it to Scythe . she gently put it on one of Scythe 's fingers .
" it made me think of you ! " The Broker said with a grin . Scythe smiled back , her stomach churning with guilt .
they continued through town , talking about the small things . the church , how Medkit was doing in the crossroads , new spots to raid for money . conversations they would have for the last time . The Broker squeezed her hand affectionately , making Scythe feel even worse .
still , through all of that , the smile was still plastered on her face .
they made it to the crossroads , going up a building to the roof . sitting on the edge , they sat close , watching the people below go through the shops and attractions . the wind blew through their hair as they sat in silence , listening to each others breath . the height from them to the ground was exhilarating .
the sun started to set . Scythe took The Broker to get a quick bite . as they ate in an alleyway , The Broker made eye contact with Scythe . without a word , the two went back to the church for the night .
as they made it home , The Broker stopped in her tracks , causing a bit of surprise to Scythe .
" its going to be okay , Scythe " she said with a sigh . Scythe started to sweat nervously .
" whats gonna be 'kay ? " she said with a slight stutter in her voice . The Broker turned around , smiling .
" killing me . i knew from the start . it was bound to happen eventually " she said , the eye contact never faltering through her words . Scythe looked lost for words , scared and worried out of her mind .
" no .. it should 'nt 've come to this ! " Scythe burst out . The Broker , still smiled , grabbed Scythe 's gear from where it was holstered on her back , and set it in her hands .
" anything for the church , Scythe ... finish the job . "
tears welled up in Scythe 's eyes . seeing The Broker so willing to die ... someone so close to her willing to die for what they believed in . for Scythe 's job and status .
" i cant- you know i cant " Scythe 's voice wavered , tears starting to fall .
" its okay . i can do it for you " The Broker took a knife from her pocket and stabbed herself , pulling the knife out right after . blood pooled as she collapsed on the ground . Scythe couldnt hold it in anymore . she couldnt smile . she rushed over to The Broker , holding her close .
" i-if we can , get you to Meddy quick , we can- " she was stopped by the shush of The Broker . she squeezed Scythe 's hand , chuckling . Scythe pulled her close for a kiss . as she pulled away , The Broker fell limp in her arms .
she was gone .
Scythe held her close . she didnt want to let go . she cursed the church under her breath , hoping she wouldnt regret it later on . her partner was gone , and there was nothing she could have done about it . if she didnt do the job , she 'd risk her life and status . The Broker knew this . she hated that . she hated how she did this for Scythe .
she sobbed . she cried . The Broker 's lifeless body provided such little warmth to her .
why did it have to come down to this ? she looked at the ring The Broker gave her , fumbling with it through the tears still flowing . if anything , she had one last living piece of her partner on her . she would cherish it forever , till she joined The Broker in death .
