Unknown Number

did you have fun with the first challenge?
I know it's too easy but I'll Be sure to up my game this time.
Ahhh, you're so Smart. 🥰🥰🥰 I love how you can do Everything.
I want you to fuck ME and punish me for being such a bad little bitch. Not gonna lie, it's such a Turn on.
Chelsea is your good little whore

The message Chelsea sent was a simple cipher where the true message lies in the capitalized letters only.

BASEMENT C

The basement of the Pantheon is divided into four distinct sections: Section A is for the vehicles owned by Frost Bringer, Section B is for the automotive of the tenants of the building, Section C houses the vehicles of visitors, and Section D is for Dimitri's privately owned sports cars.

(Y/n) left her team and headed straight for the basement. The dimly lit area casted menacing shadows wherever she walked. The air was chilled and tense, charged with her anticipation. There were only a few sounds that could be heard from the underground area making the silence almost deafening. Her guarded and wary footsteps were the only sound she could perceive with perfect accuracy. Everything else sounds like danger looking all over her.

She tried to stifle the uncertainty and fear in her heart; Chelsea was unhinged and unpredictable. Who knows what tricks she has up her sleeve?

She found Chelsea inside a van patiently waiting for her with a sinister grin on her lips. (Y/n) mustered all her wits and composure as she found herself facing Chelsea. The woman was casually perched on the side of the van, her grin a chilling sight in the dimly lit space making the place even more eerie. 

"You came." Chelsea purred, tilting her head slightly. "I knew you would." (Y/n) glared at her.

"Awe, why do you look so mean, darling~? I remember our first time... I remember your eagerness to learn," she smirked, her gaze wandering down (Y/n)'s figure. "You were so innocent back then."

"I'm not innocent now. You taught me how to be a ruthless dominatrix. I made you beg me day in and day out." Chelsea chuckled, the sound low and amused. She took a step closer, her smirk growing wider.

"Oh, how could I ever forget? You were so good at taking control, my dear Lady Lycoris Radiata," she purred, reaching out to run a hand down (Y/n)'s cheek. "You became a masterpiece of domination, all under my watchful eye."

(Y/n) grabbed her wrist and pinned it above her head, pushing her against the hood of the car. "You're getting bold for such a masochist."

Chelsea let out a soft pleasured gasp as (Y/n) treated her violently, her back hitting the cold metal. She looked up at her with a sly smile, a hint of excitement in her eyes. "And what are you going to do about it, love? Are you going to put me in my place? I remember you used to love doing that."

"I'll put you in your place but not in the way we used to." (Y/n) let go of her and put some distance between the two of them. "Now, I belong to Dimitri Morozov. He is my lover. And you're the past."

Chelsea frowned at her declaration, displeased at having been brushed aside for her loyalty to her assassin boyfriend. Her pout deepened as (Y/n) mentioned her loyalty to Dimitri. She pushed herself off the car, her expression growing more irritated.

"Dimitri? Really? That pompous, self-centered prick?" she sneered. "You could do so much better than him. But I suppose it's too late now... you're fully smitten like a puppy."

"Tell me where the bombs are, Chelsea. It doesn't have to be difficult. You're on my turf."

Chelsea scoffed at her claim; she went in front of (Y/n), brushed off her threat, and pushed her hand inside her skirt, feeling the supple flesh hiding beneath. Chelsea, ever the cheeky, pushed her boundaries further as her hand wandered to places it shouldn't. Despite feeling her fingers in unwanted places, (Y/n) didn't fight back, choosing to maintain her composure and passive demeanor. It took a considerable amount of willpower to keep her emotions in check.

She must show Chelsea that no matter what she does, it won't affect her anymore even if she does intrusive shit like this.

"Hmmm... I'll tell you where the bombs are, if you do me a favor," Chelsea whispered, her tone laced with mischief.

"What could you possibly want, Chelsea?" Chelsea smirked, her hand still resting in a rather compromising position.

"I just want a little reminder of the good old times we had." She leaned in close, her breath warm against (Y/n)'s ear. "Just one night, love. Dominate me, hurt me, break me, tear me apart, and put me back together wrong! Oh~ no one else does it better than you, love!" Chelsea began her theatrical monolog, every speech was filled with emotion and depth. Her voice dripped with nostalgic pleasure, and a pink blush spread across her face. "One night, and then I'll tell you where the bombs are."

(Y/n) simply stared at her as she made her monolog. She had always known that Chelsea was sort of demented given her past and upbringing. Her father touched her inappropriately and her mother didn't do anything about it. She was raised traumatized but she grew up resourceful.

Chelsea had a good memory; she could easily memorize faces and save information with one glance on a piece of paper or by hearing it once. Her parents did not recognize her talent. For them, she was just baggage. She once told (Y/n) that had she lived a different life, she would have been an architect, and she would marry (Y/n), who was an engineer.

She was sold by her father to prostitution at age 15, which led her to the Garden. The Garden saved her and gave her the opportunity to claim justice by taking her father's life. (Y/n) pitied her, but now she's no longer a victim; the blood that covers her hands is too much for what was done to her.

"Quit playing games, Chelsea. We both know that you have something else in mind." she protested, her irritation rising at the lewd agendas of the petite deranged woman.

Chelsea chuckled softly, leaning back to look at her. Her hand withdrew from the dangerous place, but her smirk stayed in place. "Awww, you know me so well. Of course, I have an additional condition. What kind of game would it be if there was no challenge, hm?"

The lack of a response didn't deter Chelsea in the slightest. She ran a finger across (Y/n)'s cheek in a taunting manner.

"Awww, come on love. You used to be so... vocal in our sessions. You would tell me exactly what pleases you, remember? I know all your sweet spots. And I know exactly how to push your buttons."

"Were you not my slut?" Chelsea chuckled, not fazed by the crude word used against her.

"Oh, you know I was. I was your little plaything, eager and obedient, always ready to please you." She stepped closer, her voice dropping a few octaves. "But tonight, I'm feeling less submissive and more... dominant."

(Y/n) scoffed at her remark. "You cannot escape your nature. You will always be beneath me."

Chelsea smirked wider, a mixture of irritation and excitement gleaming in her eyes. "Ohhhhh? So you still think you hold all the power, don't you? You always loved being on top because of how powerless you really are! How quickly you forget who taught you everything you know."

(Y/n) raised a brow unfazed by her theatrics. "You think I owe you anything? Just because you taught me what I know. Oh, darling, I've surpassed everything you will ever be." Her smirk held a challenge as she stood her ground. Chelsea could read the slightest weaknesses on a person's body and exploit it. That's what makes her such a good spy. She can identify non-verbal cues that imply a person's inner thoughts so (Y/n) must remain steadfast and dominant so this little serpent doesn't try to devour her.

Chelsea chuckled darkly, her expression shifting to a challenge. "Surpassed, you say? Are you sure about that? Then why don't you prove it, hmm? Show me just how much you've surpassed me." She advanced toward (Y/n), her gaze locked on hers.

"Dimitri Morozov will never be able to give you the satisfaction that you want." Her tone quickly changed from cheerful to that of fury and resentment. "He's not submissive, he is not a prey you could devour. He is a filthy wolf that would devour you! You don't deserve someone like that. You should stab him in the back now!"

"..." (Y/n) did not reply. She closed her eyes for a moment before opening them again. She did not miss the implications Chelsea's words were hinting at. She must admit some of them are valid points, but her resolve must remain unwavering, or else the little Hibiscus will exploit her weaknesses.

Chelsea grinned wider with insanity. "This is a chance to tear apart everything he built. He's not here and his empire is on the brink of chaos. Make your move now, I'm doing this for you!"

(Y/n) tried to suppress the internal conflict in her mind. Chelsea has already told her the answer to the puzzle. She wanted to erase all memories of Dimitri Morozov by blowing up all the places that held significance to them. Well then, there's only one place left.

With a calm façade, (Y/n) turned her back to Chelsea. "Do here what you came to do. I will find the bombs by myself with the help of my friends."

(Y/n) left, leaving a grinning Chelsea to watch as she walked away. "Bye, sweetheart." In the shadows, a figure watched the entire exchange, Chelsea smiled at the individual waving cutely before heading in the opposite direction. Her footsteps almost reassembled the sound of dominoes falling into place as her form faded into the shadows.

🌹

The buzz of tense activities continued to dominate the usually calm control center of Frost Bringer. The systematic order that Dimitri Morozov had established seems to plunge into disarray without him to lead the pack and take command. His closest subordinates did their best to maintain order but the recent development of events had interfered with their perfectly clockwork routine.

The usually quiet room was now filled with a symphony of hushed conversation, rapid typing on the keyboard, weapons being assembled, and whispers of doubt about their leader's safety. Assassins walked to and fro unable to complete their missions. The recent crisis syphoned almost all manpower and special personnel to deal with the bomb threat. Many were frustrated for working so hard only to be delayed. Some were furious and losing their cool at having their mission thwarted by one woman. Meanwhile, others revel in the chaos, finding satisfaction from the disarray that dissolved the illusion of order they usually follow through.

Still, it wasn't total chaos but a slight difference from their usual operations. Many of the Frost Bringer personnel are seasoned warriors with quick minds equipped for difficult situations. Therefore, even without their leader they still managed to get things done... Or so they would like to believe.

"Dang it! None of the places we thought of had any bombs. Our personnel just got pranked." Tristan informed the group with a frustrated frown on his face.

"What do you mean pranked?" Hecate questioned, crossing her arms above her chest, her confused face telling him to elaborate on the details.

"When they got to the location, there were fake bombs that exploded confetti. Then eggs are poured all over them. They were just eggs, no shells, so they were coated in disgusting slimy eggs before bird feathers fell on them, making them look like feathery monstrosities like a cartoon prank. That Chelsea girl just ruined thousands of dollars worth of equipment!" Tristan complained, rubbing his face with a frustrated groan. He wanted to remain calm and muster his composure but the recent information delivered by their personnel was something that really got under his skin.

Hecate's eyes widened in disbelief. "What... the hell? Seriously? Eggs and feathers? We were all on edge for nothing?" She shook her head, utterly baffled by the turn of events.

"This is so damn pointless and annoying! What the hell is Chelsea playing at?" Nyx snarled, contemplating the information.

"I know where it is." (Y/n) said, returning from her little trip. The group gawked at her, their faces saying, 'Where the hell have you been?' Meanwhile, Belladonna 618 was the only one who had an enigmatic smile on her lips.

"It's in the location of the place where the last Plume of Prowess was hosted, where Dimitri and I had our first kiss. Chelsea made a lot of bird references so I made an educated guess. Plus, it's the last option. Our time is ticking, there's only a few hours for us to find the bomb."

"Ding ding ding ding!" Chelsea's grinning face once again appeared on the screen. People gasped at her sudden intrusion, and many glared, gritting their teeth for the inconvenience she caused them. Chelsea only grinned wider, laughing with amusement as she marveled at their diverse reactions.

"It's true, sweet Lady Lycoris Radiata! You figured it out! The last bomb is in the location of the last place that hosted the Plume of Prowess."

Tristan sat in his chair and immediately went to work to locate the source of Chelsea's signal. His fingers flew over the keyboards trying to ascertain her precise coordinates while she spoke in the communication channel. He gasped lightly, squinting his eyes seeing that her location is in the building where they are currently in. He looked at (Y/n) with suspicion but shook his head. He tried again to contact Dimitri, sending a different cipher this time.

"The bomb is located in a safe hidden in this place. Find it and figure out how to open it from the riddles and clues I've scattered." Chelsea grinned wider.

"To up the fun, I won't let you send your lackeys. It's been so boring!" Chelsea giggled sinisterly.

"This time I want you to go yourselves. (Y/n), Tristan, Beatrix, Olivia, Galahad, and Xavier. There are fifty safes there. Each safe can only be opened by one person's fingerprint. The fingerprints of those in this room are the only ones registered. So, let the hunt begin, my dearest. Please don't die." The line disconnected.

"She's trying to lure us out and take us down."  Nyx pointed out, crossing her arms over her chest and assessing the situation. Her decisive mind immediately flew to the different scenarios that could unfold, devising multiple routes to solve the problem.

"She aimed for the top management and top fighters of Frost Bringer. She clearly wants to kill us." Hecate added, gritting her teeth. Tristan remains silent, poring over his computer and the ciphers he was sending.

(Y/n) looked over to the hacker and tapped his shoulder, he jolted and gave her a sheepish smile. "Hi, is there anything you need, Despoina?"

"Are you okay?" she asked, worried, creasing her brows; he seemed to tense under her gaze, but he mustered his composure and replied quietly.

"Yeah, just a little unnerved by all that's happening. But don't worry I'll keep working. I'm trying to reach Aidoneus."

"Any luck?" Tristan shook his head, making her sigh. "I wanna tell myself that Dimitri is strong and he can handle everything but he's not entirely invincible. I don't want anything bad to happen to Dimitri. I'm the only one allowed to hurt him consensually of course."

"Despoina, that's a bit..." he gave her an awkward smile, scratching his cheek at her words.

(Y/n) gave him a kind smile. "I'm sure my big bad wolf is all right."

"Yeah..." (Y/n) ruffled his hair before heading away to talk to Nyx and Hecate about their next step. Tristan looked at her retreating form for a second before turning to his computers.

'There's something weird about her...' he thought as he began to check the security feeds.

"Hey, Tris. Ready to head out?" Eidanne asked, tapping his shoulder. Tristan blushed slightly, nodding his head. "Yeah, just finishing up some minor things. You coming?"

"Yeah, to make sure you diffuse at least one bomb." Eidanne grinned cheekily. Tristan paled at her words, the prospect of diffusing a bomb by himself was enough to give him a panic attack. Although he had training, he's not really much of a fighter like Aidoneus or the little Belladonna. Sure, he can shoot a gun and throw a punch, but when it comes to the real deal, he tends to freeze up. He would certainly freeze up once he's faced with a real ticking bomb and maybe even faint. But... If it's for the mischievous Belladonna he would surely do his best to man up to impress his friend.

"I'll do my best. Although I'm sure you're better at it than I do."

"That's the spirit! Just... Don't get me killed, or I'll drag your screaming soul down to hell." she joked, making Tristan swallow as he pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose.

"B, you really terrify the living shit out of me sometimes..." he confessed.

"Good, nothing gives a girl more pleasure than seeing the fear in men's faces."

Thanatos glared at them. "Enough with the bullshit, losers. Gear up and get to work."

"Can you please kindly fuck off, asshole?" Eidanne replied with a joyful smile.

Thanatos grinned at her. "Nothing gives me more pleasure than pissing you off."

"I hope you explode and die." Eidanne retorted, sticking her tongue out and making fart noises like a child.

"I hope you choke on cake and die, fatty."

"Guys, please stop it. We're on a mission," Tristan said weakly.

"I hope you get shot and go straight to hell where you belong." Eidanne didn't listen to Tristan and continued to bicker with Thanatos.

"I'll drag you with me, fatty."

Eidanne faked a gasp and grinned. "Didn't know you wanted to be with me for eternity. I'm flattered, but it's a hard pass for me." she brushed him off smugly, taking Tristan's wrist and dragging him away to prepare their bomb-diffusing gear.

Thanatos looked incredulous at her jest, his face coloring red with annoyance. "I'd rather drag my dick across broken glass than be with you for one minute."

"There's not much to drag anyway," Eidanne replied, making Tristan stifle his laughter. Thanatos glared at her and stormed off, cursing on his way out. As he exited the door, Cerberus stepped in his presence, tall and imposing. He immediately scanned for (Y/n), and when he found her, he immediately went to her location.

"You need me, miss?"

(Y/n), Hecate, and Nyx grinned at him like a Triumvirate of great conspirators. "We have a plan.”