"The underworld of the Empire that threatened to subdue the world at large, and you, our black prince of peerless talent, hold it in the palm of your hand. Men across the globe would surely aspire to be like you. And yet, our lauded Lord of the dead — with the whole Reich in his grasp — resembles a child forced to endure a game he deems astonishingly dull."
"..."
To say the Magician's words did not surprise him would have been a lie. Not because the swindler had read his heart like a book. But rather due to his ability to impeccably name and define that inexplicable sensation whose nature not even Reinhard could assess.
"Very interesting. You are most curious indeed."
He finally stood up and left the cell, but would not cease talking. His voice rang dispassionately, yet ardent at the same time; sudden, but absolute — like a poet reciting a verse to the heavens. The swindler sang, as if slowly transforming into some unfathomable creature from another world, shredding the skin of a man like a cloak.
"Wherein lie the origins of your thirst, and where shall it ultimately lead you? What is that you crave in your turmoil?"
Nonsense. Yet any sort of refutation would turn into poison at the tip of his tongue, sinking down to his soul, rather than flying out into the open. A blunt question followed by a hyena-like smirk. He had no obligation to answer the madman.
"I thought I was the one asking a question. To speak nothing of the life you had already forfeit—"
"It matters not. That is what you said to me, and I feel the same way. My choice holds no meaning in the question of whether I live or die. What I did was but jest based on the truth that this country is in a maelstrom of madness. And it appears I was not off the mark. It introduced me to quite an interesting individual. Although, I suppose I should say reunited, which would normally be a reason for disappointment, but..."
He looked at Reinhard. The emotion within his eyes was blatant, but — at the same time — abnormal to the level of incomprehensibility.
"It is quite strange. For one reason or another, meeting you again fills me with relief. This is an exceedingly rare emotion for someone like myself."
He seemed nostalgic. It was as though he had been reunited with someone dearly missed. While the man's words were lacking in certainty, the bizarre sincerity within them overwhelmed Reinhard. After a moment of thought, he opted to give the obvious response.
"Would you speak sense? This is our very first meeting."
"Indeed, it is as you say. A person of your caliber would never let himself be caught in the flow of a mere swindler's words. Allow me to accept your offer. I will gladly become Nostradamus. After all — he, too, was yours truly."
"..."
"Is anything the matter? We have left the cell, so you would be wise to take me wherever you prefer, be it Lord Goebbels, Lord Himmler, or someone else entirely."
The man shrugged with a smirk on his face. He looked just like he did when Reinhard first saw him — a fleeting projection lacking in certainty. Paying no heed to the malaise surging within him, he spoke the words that had been swirling within his heart.
"You... You are not a swindler."
"Oh? How would you define me, then?"
"A delusional megalomaniac, I see. I'm certain you find the world tremendously enthralling, then."
Therefore, it wasn't wise to obsess over every word and action he did. With that conclusion, Reinhard turned around.
"Come along regardless. Although you are insolent, you are definitely not a run-of-the-mill eccentric. With your mind and verbosity, you might become a decent dog for the nation."
Reinhard focused only on fulfilling his duty. Thus, he knew exactly what he had to say.
"Heed this, however. If I deem you a threat to the country, not even Führer himself will stop me from removing your head. Be advised that I am not the kind to lie or boast of things I am unable to do."
"I will keep that in mind. Your warning is much obliged. You appear to possess great love for your country."
"Is that even worth saying? The Gestapo are the guards of the Reich, and I am their commander. I could not do this if I did not love the country."
"Hmm, I see. I believe that is where the pathology of your illness may lie. You excel in warfare, looks, literary arts and possess a strong will. With countless ladies that are surely after you, your wife must be in quite a predicament."
"How trifling. Women are naught but cheap sweets. Acquiring them requires so little effort on my part that I cannot begin to concern myself with anyone specific."
"My, how enviable."
Reinhard snorted at the man's insincere courtesy. The amount of flattery he heard daily was so great it usually made his ears hurt, but having this particular man envy him was inexplicably bizarre.
"What of you, then? Your personality does not seem like one women would willingly associate with."
"Good insight. Your assumption is correct. There is only one lady on my mind, and I prefer to be the one doing the pursuing. Although, it is quite difficult to come in contact with her. In truth, I made it a hobby of mine to make great efforts to receive the honor of her present."
"I see. That is beyond my understanding. I can only pity the poor woman. Being the target of your affection and attachment will likely bring her life to ruin. I am not one to say anything about a person's preferences, but do refrain from displaying the wrong kind of love. Caring for such military scandals is among my duties."
"Understood. Thank you for the warning. I do not know why, but I feel unbecomingly elated. This country is quite enthralling. After all, the very first person I became acquainted with is such an impressive sort. I wonder what kind and how many notable people hide around here. My, I might be able to starve off the boredom just by searching for them. They might be at the top of the military or perhaps even among the lowest of the low. Some truly warped personalities might lie hidden under all the bones. If it is not too much trouble, I would be highly thankful if you were to inform me when you chance upon such characters."
The man spoke as though the presence of such people and Reinhard's involvement with them was predestined, and the latter couldn't quite deny such an assumption. When his position and the state of the country were taken into account, such probability was certainly high. It seemed like he was already trying to act his part as a prophet.
"I will consider it. Having to listen to your chatter should qualify as a kind of torture. The grudge of your victim's ears could easily turn to murderous intent, but I doubt you would mind that fact."
They left the prison. All Reinhard had to do now was escort him to the Ministry of Propaganda. He did not even care whether Goebbels was truly able to handle this thing at this point.
"Do not fall behind. The minister is both sharp and impatient. If you continue acting as you are, you will be sent back sooner than later."
"That too, I would honestly not mind."
"I just told you to cease talking so frivolously."
"Lieutenant General, might I ask you a question?"
"Go on."
"Why are you accompanying me? This task is perfectly doable by your subordinates."
"Why ask the obvious? This is my responsibility and I am taking care of it. There is nothing more to it."
"I see. Heheheheh..."
"What do you find so amusing?"
"Nothing much. I only felt like raising a toast. Would it be too presumptious of me to expect a celebratory drink with you?"
"I will think about it if such a day truly comes."
"Oh, I am certain it will."
'Sooner than later, no less. Specifically, on the moment you begin to know what you truly wish to find beyond the end of this war. For now, while the savory wine remains unopened I will only enjoy its taste within my mind's eye. After all, it should not be long until I will be able to drink it to my heart's content.'
___________
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-December 25th, 1939-
It all began with a most usual of chases.
"Haahh, haahh, haahh, haahh..."
The one on the run was irradiated. His ragged breathing as he dashed made him seem more beast than man.
"Found him! He's over here!"
"Dammit. They're here, too. Fuck off already, you shits!"
The vitriol he spouted as he slipped by endless bullets might have made it seem otherwise, but the man didn't think he was being hunted. He had long lost the very ability to feel like prey.
"Don't let him escape! Rebels who threaten the Reich must die!"
"Hah! 'Rebel'? What the hell are you talking about, you fucking military mutt?"
He didn't know the concept of running away, either. He only tried to find the right moment to take care of his pursuers, and now that he did, they all become his victims.
"Hmph, why the fuck is this happening? Well, I did some stuff here and there, but it was nothing that should've gotten the Gestapo on my ass."
Even though he took them by surprise, one couldn't help but admire the tact behind his ridiculous effective counterattack. It was obvious that he had a natural talent for violence.
He was used to it, showed not a hint of hesitation, and had no qualms about harming others. He clearly wasn't lying when he claimed to have had a hand in various wrongdoings. However, this particular chase had clearly caused him indignation.
"By 'rebel', I'm guessing you mean the boytoy who almost killed the military bigshot that tried getting into his ass... What was the official's name? Dirlewanger, right? You retards, that wasn't me. I want nothing to do with old freaks tastes for dicks and man-ass. You sure wasted quite a lot of fucking effort to get the wrong man. Don't ya think so!?"
"Ugh... Agh."
His irritation drove him to kick the police officer next to his feet, who responded with a pained wheeze. The sound made the man instantly switch to a broad smile.
"Oh, look at you! You're still fucking alive. Not bad at all. You military types sure are tough. Here's a reward for you. From what I hear, your boss ain't too big on mercy. So I'm guessing the result wouldn't change even if you returned."
He took a gun off the ground, fixed the muzzle on the officer's jaw and spoke with a smile on his face. The man paid absolutely no mind to the tearful plea for life. Clearly and in a jovial manner, the criminal uttered the death sentence.
"Goodbye, uhh... Captain? I'm hearing that those who died on duty get more prestige than the suckers that get decapitated after fucking up. With this, your wifey and kids will be better off. Gute natch. Bye bye, so long, sleep tight, boom!"
Right after pulling the trigger, the man stood up with a sigh, as if instantly forgetting about the pitiful police officer.
"Hmph... Man, is this a pain in the ass. I've no idea what retard did this, but I don't wanna get confused for him again. Might be best if I just kill the fucker myself."
At that moment...
"Huh...?"
"Ahh! Haah, haah, haah, s-stop! Stop! Ahh... Get away... Get away, get away! Gah!"
"Whoa, damn..."
He heard shrieks, pained cries — almost palpable agony — coming from not so far away. The man wryly grinned as his eyes took the color of bright ferocity.
"Speak of the devil... Looks like we have some really happy-go-lucky idiots around these parts. Nice. I'll just go and make him pay for getting me caught up in this shit."
***
"Hänschen klein ging allein In die weite Welt hinein. Stock und Hut steht ihm gut, Ist gar wohlgemut. Doch die Mutter weinet sehr, Hat ja nun kein Hänschen mehr! Wünsch dir Glück! Sagt ihr Blick,"
The place he arrived at was but a swamp of blood. The amount of dead lying around could only be described as "many", for it was impossible to tell the exact number. After all — they were all in pieces; even at this very moment, the last still recognizably human shape was split apart and scattered all over the pavement.
The one doing it was a single girl. She sung a cheerful song while nonchalantly and systematically committing an act so ghastly that no words could express. Though the scene gave off a nauseating reek and looked like it could easily make the common man faint, the man only knit his eyebrows. He was obviously displeased, but the cause of the emotion was definitely not the slaughter. He did similar acts countless times before.
What aggravated him was that someone besides him was brazen enough to partake in this, which was a show of self-centeredness that certainly had no place in a reasonable society. Basically, the man was vexed that someone dared to be like him. That was all there was to it. Therefore...
"Hey. Well, uh... Sorry to disturb your little playtime, but I've got something to ask ya."
He spoke with amity and a smile on his face. Violent beasts would always be completely relaxed before their prey. There was no hesitation behind his murderous intent — he wasn't too different from someone getting ready for a meal.
"So yeah, turn your mug to me. Didn't your dad teach you manners?"
In response, the girl turned around.
"... Dad?"
"Yeah, no matter how fucked up of a bitch you are, I doubt you were raised in a barn. Though, for all I know, you could've been born in there like some fucking stray dog."
"A dog...? Ahh, I think my dad loved to have fun with goats and donkeys."
"Heh. A man of unique tastes, huh?"
"Yeah. So I'm probably not a human, either."
She responded with a smile as natural as hin, which showed just how much alike they were again. The girl looked at the man with eyes full of affection, put her hands on the edge of her dress, and raised it with ladylike grace.
"Also, I don't believe 'bitch' suits me, Mister. I'm not only not a human, but not even a male or female. See?"
The sight before him — the state of the body he thought was a girl's — deviated not only from feminity, but humanity itself. Most would surely look away from it, but the man's reaction was just a chuckle.
"Whoa, would you look at that. Interesting body you got there. Did someone tear you a new one?"
"Apparently. I don't remember it, though."
Neither of them had the emotional capacity to feel pity or disgust. While the man reacted as though it were a common sight, the thing taking the guise of a innocent girl acted like a flirtatious wench.
"You're a fucking eyesore — a piss-stain with a hair color that's a damn copy of mine. Your shit's getting me some unwarranted heat, so just drop dead, you little brat."
"...!"
He nonchalantly raised his gun and pulled the trigger. A roaring sound filled the air as the slender body went flying and fell on the bloody alleyway with a short, pained cry.
After observing the result of his shot, all the man did was a shrug slightly. Just like with the police officer, he acted as though he instantly forgot that he committed a murder.
"What a load of fuck. Too many retards like this one lately. On days like these, it's best to just get back home, have a drink and hit the hay."
He turned around to do as he said when...
"Uoah!"
Something flew to his back with great ferocity. He reflexively evaded it, soon realizing it was the hatchet the girl used to dismember her victims. The fact that it was thrown could only mean...