NOVEL WEB Chapter 1: Pilot
Good or bad, it's the choices we make that shape our fate.
I was brought into a world filled with crime, and as wild as it sounds, I didn't truly grasp the reality of it until recently. Good and bad was a grey area for me, It never struck me that I was surrounded by individuals who could be labeled as the bad guys; all I understood was that I needed to avoid getting caught and execute the missions assigned to me flawlessly.
Not like there was room for error in this life. Nikolai often emphasizes the importance of commitment, saying,
"It is better to die trying for what's worth doing, for what's worth doing is worth dying for."
And let me remind you, what's truly worth doing are the orders given by Nikolai. For some in this life, the motivation comes from a desire to succeed, while for others, it stems from the consequences of disappointing Nikolai.
When it comes to punishment, Nikolai is nothing short of an artist; his methods and patterns are completely unpredictable. Some even claim that it's better to fall of a tall cliff or end one's life with poison after failing a mission, viewing these actions as "easy ways out."
As extreme as that may sound, these options are considered far less severe compared to what Nikolai has in store. The live executions, which we refer to as "judgment day," are filled with the sounds of cries, pleas, vomit, blood, and other gruesome bodily fluids you never knew existed. On that day, you come to realize just how incredible and incredible the human body can be.
For me, witnessing these events serves as a significant morale booster. No matter how tough the situation becomes, nothing compares to the fear of disappointing Nikolai. I cannot afford to let that happen, and believe me, my motivation has nothing to do with the fear of becoming part of judgment day. This very fear of disappointment has driven me for the past 23 years of my life.
So far, I have excelled in this life; never failed a mission, and I have no intention of starting now. I make a personal vow to myself on every assignment that I will not fail even if i have to improvise. Nikolai respects me for my dedication, However, there is a great tension when it comes to my tendency to improvise; he often feels a mix of pride and frustration about it. Despite this, his unwavering faith and confidence in me are evident, which is why I am considered one of the special assets within the Hernandez Cartel.
"tan excepcional en todo lo que haces, es belleza, es vigor, es intelecto, lo tienes todo y más allá Dios no fue tímido contigor"
so exceptional in everything you do, it is beauty, it is vigor, it is intellect, you have it all and beyond , God was not shy with you.
Nikolai declared proudly.
Although he is generally a reserved individual who speaks sparingly, he does not hold back when it comes to praising me. This makes me feel a strong sense of responsibility to live up to his expectations.
I'm exceptional and different from others, and he always makes that clear to me and everyone else.
He has a strong sense of ownership over me and my accomplishments, often saying;
"Yo hice todo tu ser, tu ser y tus logros son todos yo" that he owns me and that he created my entire being.
My name is Azzaria, but only he has the privilege of calling me that. In fact, addressing me by my true name is a serious offense for anyone else. Instead, people refer to me as Gift, which is a shortened version of the translation of my name, meaning "Gift of God."
I know you must wonder who and what's my relationship with Nikolai, well he is all I've ever known, ever since i was conscious of life he was there took care of me and protected me, whether I'm his daughter or not is still unclear. He never said nor claimed me as his daughter, and when i look at myself; i don't physically see him in me so no he's not my father.
However, he has been there since my infancy, often reminiscing about my childhood—how small I was, how he nurtured me while building this empire, and the care he provided during those formative years.
He talks about everything else, but he never about how we're connected, and I know better than to ask.
The Hernandez cartel, led by Nikolai El Grande, is a powerful syndicate entrenched in all kinds of underground activities, with a presence in every sector across the United States. It's at the top and has been unshakeable. But to the outside world Nicolai is just a local priest who runs a Temple.
The Hernandez Cartel is like the Walmart of the underworld, a one-stop shop for everything underground. Need drugs, guns, ammunition, casinos, or escorts? Want a shady lawyer to take your case? Looking to dodge jail time or even disappear completely? Whatever you need, the Hernandez cartel will deliver it—for a price, of course, we've got our fingers in a lot of pies.
The Hernandez Cartel is known for our ability to deliver on promises, and one of the most intriguing aspects of our operations is the intelligence unit.
This team is like a well-oiled machine, with eyes and ears embedded deeply in various sectors. They have such extensive reach that they could probably tell you what you had for breakfast last summer.
Among Nikolai's favorites, this unit is incredibly diverse, comprising members from all walks of life—government officials, lawyers, and even your elderly neighbor who's been around for 90 years. This diversity is a strength, and it allows us to gather information from every corner.
On top of that, we have hidden satellites in select areas that monitor calls, conversations, texts, and more. In our line of work, no piece of information is ever useless, information is a strong weapon with it you can maintain control over anything.
This is what Nikolai means when he says, "tengo ojos en la parte de atrás de mi cabeza"
I have eyes in the back of his head.
As for me, I was born into this world, but it's important to note that I chose it for myself. Along the way, I made the Hernandez Cartel my family, and I have no regrets about that decision. Admittedly, it took some time to earn my place within the organization, and while it wasn't always easy to be welcomed, I can confidently say that my success has nothing to do with Nikolai's influence. I earned my spot through my sweat and blood.
Versatility is what sets me apart from other agents. Thanks to Nikolai, I can handle a wide range of operations. i can speak 5 language, and understand 8 languages in total.
I run drug operations, weapon deals, and escort missions, although the latter is not my favorite. In these escort operations, the focus is primarily on thirsty targets, who can't keep it in their pants, exotic women are used to distract them or gather intelligence or eliminate thirsty targets who might pose a threat.
During these missions, I am under strict orders not to give in to the advances of any thirsty targets. Nikolai has made it clear that my body is a temple, and I have a responsibility to protect it, regardless of how I may look. Nicolai is a "Priest" remember!
Even though he often reminds me, "Dios fue generoso con su tiempo y bendiciones al crearte" meaning that God was generous in creating me.
Standing at 5 feet 8 inches tall, I embody that generosity with my hourglass figure, characterized by a well-defined waist and fuller hips that accentuate my curves. My dark brown hair is usually tied up in a bun, except for those special occasions when I'm working as an escort. My skin has a medium olive tone, and my large, expressive almond-shaped brown eyes are always adorned with eyeliner, giving them an alluring look. I have a pointy nose and full lips.
While I have a few tattoos scattered across my body, they often remain hidden from view. My features reflect a blend of heritage; some say I have Indian roots, while others see the resemblance to our familia, which makes me feel that, yes, indeed, I was created with generosity.
I know that I possess qualities that could easily be exploited. But I remain steadfast in my commitment to my duties and the values instilled in me by Nikolai.
Now, let's talk about Nikolai. He stands nearly 6 feet 1 inches tall, which gives him an imposing presence that draws attention wherever he goes. An athletic build speaks of his dedication to physical fitness and agility.
He keeps his head bald, that complements his religious practice, his serious and determined demeanor. His strong facial features, including a well-defined jawline and prominent cheekbones, are striking, especially when paired with his deep blue eyes that seem to pierce through the soul. Nikolai has a fair complexion, and his body is adorned with ancient tattoos that tell stories of his scriptures and past.
He embodies strength, bravery, and a protective nature, being highly skilled in combat and training. His mind is sharp, making him a brilliant strategist with exceptional problem-solving abilities. However, beneath his tough exterior lies an emotionally detached individual. He tends to be self-serving and manipulative, using his psychological insight to navigate relationships, which he prefers to keep strictly transactional.
And let me remind you, Nikolai is so lethal that he could kill with just a glance—his eyes are like weapons in themselves. So, tread carefully when you're around him. This is Nikolai, and this is me, welcoming you to our familia.
You can call me Azzaria... but shhh, let's keep that between us.
Welcome to the underworld!
**********
*Phone buzzes*
Cutting through the stillness of the early morning. Gift's instincts kicked in, and she swiftly transitioned into defense mode, her fingers tightening around the grip of her gun, which she always kept close.
Her heart raced as she scanned the room for any potential threats, her senses heightened by the dawn's soft glow that spilled into her space like a gentle embrace. The golden light illuminated every corner, revealing no immediate danger. It was only then that she realized the source of the disturbance was her phone.
With a sigh of relief, she unclipped the safety on her gun and reached for her phone, feeling the tension from the night slowly begin to ease. This was just another typical morning in her life. As she glanced at the screen, her heart raced again at the sight of a message from Hugo
Hu: "6, on my way."
Without hesitation, she typed back, "bet."
Adrenaline surged through her as she jumped out of bed, the remnants of sleep washing away in the rush. The shower was a brief sanctuary, a momentary lull in the chaos of her life. She found herself wishing for a calm morning, pondering what it would feel like to wake up without the weight of a gun beside her, to simply enjoy the tranquility of a peaceful start to the day.
Once out of the shower, Gift began to prepare for whatever awaited her. She chose a fitted shirt, pants and sneakers, attire that allowed her to move freely and be ready for anything—or anyone—that might try to catch her off guard. As she picked up her veil, a necessary accessory for entering the temple, a knock echoed through the room.
Even though she already knew who it was, she checked the door cam out of habit and saw Hugo standing there. With a smile, she opened the door, and he stepped inside, taking a moment to take her in before pulling her into a warm hug, he's scent calming her even more.
They exchanged smiles as they broke apart, and she playfully swatted his nearly bald head.
"Another day, huh?" Hugo remarked, holding her hand and giving it a gentle squeeze.
Gift took a moment to strap on her gun, feeling reassured by his presence. Hugo was more than just a friend; he was like a brother to her, someone she could always count on to have her back in this unpredictable world.
Despite the bond they shared, Gift was aware of the deeper feelings Hugo has for her. She could sense the affection in his eyes, but she was relieved that he hadn't acted on it yet. She suspected that Nicolai was a factor in this unspoken tension;
Giving that Hugo only showed his softer side when they were alone, away from the prying eyes of the world.
As Hugo stepped into her new apartment, he took in its size and layout, a stark contrast to her previous place that had been compromised. This sophisticated condo was one of Nicolai's properties, strategically located above his nightclub. The ambiance was sleek and modern, a fitting backdrop for the life she led.
"Ready? Let's go," he said, opening the door for her as she nodded yes.
They stepped outside together, shutting the door behind them with a sense of purpose, prepared to face whatever awaited them with Nicolai.
Walking side by side, Gift couldn't help but notice how Hugo's height made him appear even more imposing. He had a broad physique, his low-cut hair neatly styled, and sharp facial features that highlighted his defined cheekbones and strong jawline. Usually, his expression was serious, a reflection of his determined nature.
If it were any other situation, she could easily be in a relationship with him because she really cared for him as well. But for now love Is uncertain.
They climbed into his vintage truck, the interior exuding an old-school charm. As he turned the ignition, the familiar beats of "DNA" by Kendrick Lamar filled the air, setting the tone for their journey.
With a shared glance, he smiled at her, this side of him she only gets to see in private still warms her heart.
They took off, ready to meet Nicolai at the temple, both aware that the day ahead would demand all their strength and resolve.