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Synopsis: Episode 01 - Maidens with black hands Back from her daily trek to the local Boulangerie, Mireille Bouquet returns to her Parisian apartment to check her email for any potential new jobs. To her bemusement she receives an email from a Kirika Yumura. The email includes an image of the girl along with the words "Make a pilgrimage to the Past, with me". On the verge of dismissing the email as junk, Mireille's attention is suddenly drawn to an audio stream accompanying the email. With her intrigue sparked, Mireille tracks down Kirika and finally manages to catch up with the mysterious girl during her daily walk home from school. Kirika pulls out a silver pocket watch etched with two figurines on its casing. As she flips the casing of the watch, the same melody accompanying her email to Mireille begins to sound. The melody is cut short, however, as a lorry is heard pulling up in the distance. Startled, Kirika snaps the casing shut before ducking into an adjacent building construction site. Mireille gives pursuit. Mireille catches up with Kirika atop the partially constructed building. Kirika then utters the words "Noir...I new you would come, I've been waiting". The conversation is cut short once again, however, as gunmen, having entered the building, open fire on both Kirika and Mireille! Being the underground hit man, codename "Noir", Mireille is able to hold her own...however, strange is the ease with which Kirika manages to dispatch of at least 9 of the attackers. Later at Kirika's place, it is revealed that she knows nothing of her past, that her persistently absent parents are in fact a work of fiction along with her identity. Is Kirika even this girls name? All Kirika knows for certain is that this is the place where she first came to, where she found the pocket watch, and that she too is "Noir". In any case, Mireille accepts Kirika's pilgrimage since this girl's watch stirs up fragmented, forgotten distant memories within her. This pilgrimage comes at a high cost though. Mireille's true profession is now known to Kirika, a situation that will need to be seen to upon uncovering Kirika's mysterious past. Now you've read it...why not discuss it on the Episode 02 - Daily bread Having chosen to turn her back on her fabricated life to go live with Mireille in Paris, Kirika is given la grande tour of Mireille's not so petite neighbourhood. Kirika's not exactly the type to express her feelings though, and so given her apparent lack of enthusiasm for the great Parisian outdoors, Mireille decides to cut the tour short and so the two head back to Mireille's apartment to find a new job offer sitting in her inbox. The targets are Jean Jacques Le Grande, director of the French national public peace department, and a Pierre Chrissoir, a key officer in the leading faction of the people's armed alliance - a far right terrorist organisation. The clients are another faction of the armed alliance burned by Pierre's dealings with Jean, and as a result are looking to eliminate both parties...but to do this, they need Noir. Noir accept the case, but whilst Kirika and Mireille stalk their prey for additional intel, Pierre does some digging of his own, though none to subtlety. He captures and tortures a member of a rival faction, the same faction contracting out Noir, therefore learning of the planned attempt on both his and Jean's life. With this in mind, Pierre's safe house, or rather stately manor, is put on alert...and thus the waiting game begins. "I make a living killing people..." - Kirika Yumura Now you've read it...why not discuss it on the Episode 03 - The assassination play Whilst paying her respects to a lost soul down at the local cemetery, Mireille spies a woman also paying her respects to another fallen. Strange though, is the fact that she has chosen the same choice of flowers for her deceased as Mireille; Bella-Donna lilies, not the popular choice due to their poisonous nature. Later back at the apartment, another job offer comes in for Noir. The job involves taking out an Albert Duxl, a star on the rise in the business world - a real big shot. Duxl stands accused, however, of murdering his way to the top, and the relatives of the victim want their vengeance. The client is the murdered young president's widow, though she has a remarkable resemblance to the woman Mireille caught a glimpse of earlier at the cemetery. Curious, Mireille takes to the cemetery once more in the hopes of catching up with the woman...and indeed she does. After a brief chat Mireille learns that she often visits the cemetery in morning for her lost partner. Duxl's recently purchased a resort hotel and is staying there in a suite whilst supervising the renovations of the hotel for its grand re-opening...game time! Noir hit the hotel hard and fast, however, things come a little unstuck when Mireille walks straight into the now apparent ambush. And who should be Duxl's partner in crime? None other than the client herself, the woman Mireille saw twice down at the cemetery. Fortunately Kirika's quickly on hand to bail Mireille out of the frying pan into the fire. Now both maidens find themselves on the run from Duxl's men within the hotel grounds. There's a puppet master at work here, playing both assassins off against one another. Kirika suspects those whom stole her memory and fabricated her new life, but who are they? In any case, right now Noir have more immediate worries...like the fact that Duxl's men are sporting Uzis and night vision in a hotel which has just had its power cut! Now you've read it...why not discuss it on the Episode 04 - The sound of waves The newly promoted minister of defense is throwing a champaign party. Such events tend to draw large corporations out from behind their desks, and true to form the A-Tried corporation send along their most proficient employee, a Mr Tanner, to butter up the minister with regards to continued business. The undercover presence of Mireille and Kirika soon livens up proceedings as Tanner is found face down having been stabbed in the neck with a silver fork. His partner in crime, a Mr Foster, is also found worse for wear sporting a bullet hole through the heart. Nice... In light of recent events, the minister of defense starts to reconsider his not so legal dealings with A-Tried. Unwilling to let a 3 year project slide down the pan, however, the president of the A-Tried corporation, a Mr Hammond, applies a little pressure on the minister to get him back on side. The organisation then focuses its attention on Noir. With 3 targets left in Algiers though, it's possible that the A-Tried corporation might get its bloody revenge. Unexpectedly, Hammond's daughter, Rosaly, arrives in Algiers the following day to spend some time with her father in light of her birthday...more of a complication for Hammond than a family bonding session. The following day A-Tried receive a tip off as to Noir's location. It doesn't take a blessed mind to foresee this trap, but Hammond has an ace of his own to play. He calls in a favor and has the minister of defense send in some troops instead. Noir are caught with their pants down as their holiday chalet is surrounded with troops, but who tipped them off. No doubt the unseen puppet master has stirred once again. No matter, Noir take down the minister's troops effortlessly before paying Hammond a visit at the A-Tried corporation...someone's in for a fright. On her way back from the hit, Kirika comes face to face in the street with Rosaly...the beloved daughter of the man she just killed. Now you've read it...why not discuss it on the Episode 05 - Les Soldats One of Mireille's informants has some information regarding the unseen puppet master. At last Noir are presented with the chance to learn some of the secrets regarding those behind the Albert Duxl and A-Tried corporation affairs. Upon their arrival, however, both informant and family, friends of Mireille, lay dead on the floor of their own house. Mireille had asked him to check out those Albert Duxl had contact with up until his death...as such she blames herself for the whole tragedy. In an attempt to learn that which ultimately saw to the end of her informant's life, Mireille returns to the scene of the crime ready to trace some footsteps. She starts by checking out the local bars for information regarding her informant's recent activities. Apparently he had left a bottle of 1960 scotch whisky for Mireille at one of the bars, on which is written "To our shared memories of St Galen's Cathedral". Mireille pays a visit to the Cathedral to unearth the secrets hidden there within its catacombs. Buried beneath the remains of one of the tombs, brought to attention in light of the cryptic message written on the bottle Mireille acquired at the bar, is a single piece of paper. Not wishing to spend a minute longer with the dead, Mireille heads back to the Cathedral's graveyard where she is confronted, at gunpoint, by a man in a suit. Of course Mireille can spot a tail a mile off, thus the assassin is taken down by Kirika lurking in the bushes. The assassin may well be eating dirt, but he isn't dead...this time round Noir want some answers. She learns that the unseen forces they face are indeed everywhere. She also learns that the assassin groveling at her feet killed her informant and his family. Now Mireille must decide whether to carry out shadow world justice or allow the assassin to live in exchange for further information. Mireille pulls the trigger. All is not completely lost, however, as the paper retrieved from the catacombs reveals the name of the enemy. Les Soldats. Oh, and the silver pocket watch that Kirika persists on carrying around...Mireille last saw that when she discovered the murdered bodies of her family, during her childhood, back in Corsica... "I will open this door to the past. I swear, I will..." - Mirielle Bouquet Now you've read it...why not discuss it on the Episode 06 - Lost Kitten Another Job, another hit...this time the unfortunate is Yuri Nazirraf, an ex-butcher for the KGB. Yuri now spends his days helping the local people in anyway he can. He seeks no compensation for all his work, and in the eyes of many he is seen as a modern day saint. It's too bad that Noir have been assigned the task of eliminating an old man trying desperately to atone for his sins during the purges in the old USSR. It was at this time, however, that Yuri was assigned the task of eliminating an ethnic minority called the Tashkeil. Yuri had them slaughtered, almost to the man in a soviet death camp. Shortly afterwards he erased his existence and sought life as a saint to the destitute. Time has caught up with him it would seem as the surviving ancestors of the Tashkeil have located his whereabouts. Now they seek his death as some means of justice. Enter Noir... Kirika ventures out alone for a walk prior to the hit. On her travels she picks up some company in the form of a stray cat. Kirika immediately takes a liking to her new found companion, and as such takes the stray back to the hotel where she and Mireille are hold up. Of course Mireille is far from impressed...cats aren't exactly the sort of gear assassins carry around. The following day Kirika takes the stray down to the park where she unexpectedly crosses paths with an unsuspecting Yuri. Turns out the cat is called Prince Mishkin and that his rightful owner is in fact Yuri. The old man takes his leave, Mishkin in tow, having thanked Kirika for baby sitting the mischievous wanderer, though as his does so he unexpectedly collapses to the ground. Worried for the old man's health, Kirika helps Yuri back to his place. Kirika calls a doctor out to help, though there's little to be done...apparently Yuri's time has almost run its course. Now Kirika is faced with a horrible dilemma; let a dying old man continue to try to atone for his sins or nail a bullet in his heart. Kirika does the only thing she knows...her job. Now you've read it...why not discuss it on the Episode 07 - The Black Thread Of Fate They're in trouble this time round what with their latest hit having gone a little pear shaped. Kirika's been shot in the side, both ladies are being pursued across barren wasteland by those loyal to Noir's latest victim and Mireille's more than a little grumpy. C'est la vie... Mireille reflects on the tough decision weighing on her shoulders as she stares blankly at her reflection in the bathroom mirror of their current dwellings. Does she literally get shot of her dead weight thus leaving Kirika bleeding out in the bedroom, or does she stay and face their pursuers. Mireille vents her frustration by popping a bullet in the bed instead...and so life goes on. If things weren't bad enough, now they're far worse as Noir's pursuers snatch Kirika whilst Mireille idles around in the local shops purchasing supplies. Now Mireille must go it alone, out numbered and out gunned, to snatch back her fellow maiden and flee the country. Mireille tracks down the location of where Kirika is being held captive for interrogation. This time round there's no time for subtleties, and certainly no time for meticulous planning. It's make or break time as the blonde Corsican bomb shell goes ballistic. Maximising the elements of speed and surprise, Mireille downs Kirika's interrogators before they even realise they've peed their own pants. When the blood finally stops running, the only survivors left standing are Noir, well...Mireille's standing at least, all Kirika can do is continue to bleed on the floor - still, nothing a good field dressing won't cure. Now you've read it...why not discuss it on the Episode 08 - Intoccabile Acte I Noir strike...three lay dead, this time all members of the Cosanostra, or in other words the New York mafia. Typically Noir would avoid the nasties of gang warfare, however, since their clients are in possession of a document with regards to Les Soldates, Noir are held over a barrel on this particular job. Well, the Cosanostra aren't pleased...and revenge driven they summon the Intoccabile to deal with Noir! Tipped off by an informant, Mireille learns of their latest assassin; the Intoccabile, the very thought of which sends a shiver down Mireille's spine. The two had met, once long ago in Sicily, home to the Cosanostra, and that one meeting was enough for Mireille. Now the Intoccabile bitch is back, her target is Noir and this very thought places a sense of dread in Mireille's heart. The Intoccabile wastes no time. She commences with the execution of Noir's client along with his friends and family. Kill a traitor's entire family so that no one lives to take up the gauntlet of revenge...this is the way of the Intoccabile. She then has 3 first rate mafia hit men, Palo, Dominique and Francesco take up the call to arms in the fight against Noir. Word to Noir is put out on the street and since the Intoccabile now possesses the document so sort after by Noir, the stage is set for a bloody outcome. Guns blaze and bullets fly as Kirika takes on Palo and Dominique whilst Mireille goes for the Intoccabile, though first she's gotta take down Francesco...which she does. When it comes to the Intoccabile though, Mireille panics...! She has the shot, but when it comes to it fear gets the better of Mireille...and when a bullet riddled Francesco crashes the party, it's game over! Mireille scarpers, deciding to call it quits, along with Kirika thus paving the way for round 2. Now you've read it...why not discuss it on the Episode 09 - Intoccabile Acte II Noir flee to the countryside where they take stock of recent events and take time out for a little target practice in preparation for a second head on with the Intoccabile. Meanwhile, the Intoccabile and her two remaining hit men, Palo and Dominique, jet off to Sicily to consult an elder of the Cosanostra as part of their investigation into the document they possess which Noir want so badly. Unable to shake the Intoccabile from her mind, Mireille pursues her target to Sicily with Kirika in tow...this one's no longer about the reward at stake, but instead about facing up to one's fears. Upon their arrival in Sicily Mireille returns to the site of her first encounter with the Intoccabile, otherwise known as the Lady Silvana. As she heads back to her hotel, to hook up with Kirika, she is crossed by Lady Silvana. Mireille sinks deep into a state of panic once more, like a rabbit caught in headlights...but now is not the time. Instead Silvana lays down the gauntlet, the following day at noon, sealing it with a kiss...though its true meaning entails anything but affection. It's show time...Noir hit the location of Lady Silvana and her hit men. Once again Kirika goes for Palo and Dominique, though this time she's got it even worse as an injury to her shooting arm from their last encounter starts to play up. This one won't be a typical stand up fight after all as Kirika is forced to out wit her opponents with some clever thinking. Still her tactics pay off as she gives Palo and Dominique reason to buy decent coffins. Mireille takes on the Intoccabile, but again she panics. Fortunately the quick intervention of Kirika gives Mireille a second chance to take down the bitch. This time Mireille comes good as she drives Lady Silvana's own blade into her neck...a vulgar way to kill, none the less it gets the job done. So ends the power of the Intoccabile. Now you've read it...why not discuss it on the Episode 10 - The True Noir Maurice Rubic, a corrupt police officer, is once again on trial...and once again is getting off scot free as a result of a few notes crossing the palms of a certain high court judge. Though unfortunately for Rubic he is Noir's latest assignment hence his bribe to freedom is always going to be short lived. Oddly enough, however, it turns out that his life is even shorter lived than predicted as someone else gets to Rubic first. Although Noir's client are none the wiser and hence still cough up the fee for the first half of Noir's assignment, both Mireille and Kirika are more than a little curious as to who beat them in taking down Rubic. Both ladies take a tour of the underground in an attempt to learn the identity of the assassin behind Rubic's hit. The mystery soon deepens though as they learn that Noir is responsible for the hit, and that Noir is once again taking contracts!?! Mireille and Kirika carry out the second half of their assignment; the assassination of the high court judge responsible for turning a blind eye to the charges brought against the deceased Rubic. It turns out in the field, however, that their target has been tipped of as to Noir's newest hit and as such the scene is soon crawling with bent police gunning for Noir's blood. Fortunately for Noir the true Noir puts in an appearance thus providing distraction enough for both Mireille and Kirika to regain the upper hand. 2 minutes later and the scene is a wash with the bloody corpses of ex-law enforcement officers whom up until recently were batting on both sides of the law. As the dust settles Mireille and Kirika finally come face to face with Rubic's assassin - the true Noir, that is Chloe. But no sooner has the true Noir finally revealed them self, Chloe then once again takes to the shadows leaving the Noir we've come to know and love truly confused. Now you've read it...why not discuss it on the Episode 11 - Moonlit Tea Party Whilst pondering recent events and the revelation that is Chloe, Mireille receives an unexpected phone call. Apparently something has been sent to Noir in the morning post...and indeed something has, a copy of the document Noir retrieved from the Intoccabile. Again the phone rings...and this time the caller wishes to meet Noir in person at 4:00pm in the gardens behind the Lambert memorial hall. Mireille and Kirika decide to pay their mysterious caller a visit. It's 4:00pm in the Lambert hall gardens and Noir spy their contact. Brief introductions reveal his loyalty to Les Soldats and that this mysterious individual is also in possession of the book from which both copies of the document that Noir possess came from. As this enigma of a man takes his leave, he arranges a second meeting in 3 days time, at which time he will reveal the book's location. Mireille and Kirika give chase but aren't quick enough in their pursuit...3 days time it is. Altena, a member of Les Soldats and advocate for Chloe, indulges her whim deciding that Mireille and Kirika's latest contact should cease to be. As such she has Chloe deal with the situation. 3 days pass, however, with their contact dead both Mireille and Kirika find themselves in the middle of an ambush gunning for their lives...a far cry from reading a book. As the last of their attackers falls to Noir's bullets, Mireille and Kirika call it a day and head back home. As Mireille and Kirika discuss the possibility of rival factions within Les Soldats there comes a knocking at the door. Mireille answers...and in strolls Chloe, enigmatic as always. If things were strange before...now they're just plain weird. The kettle starts to whistle and Kirika offers Chloe a cup of tea. What takes place next can only be described as a creepy tea party of sorts set against the moonlit Parisian night sky. Sadly little information comes from the Alice in Wonderland experience, Mireille is Mireille, Kirika is Kirika and Chloe is...odd. Chloe drinks her tea, says her farewells then disappears into the night. Now you've read it...why not discuss it on the Episode 12 - Assassination Mission At Altena's command yet again Chloe is out on an assignment, this time the target is a General Dieter Rhiman. Rhiman's days of adventure are long behind him as he whiles away his lonely retirement, this doesn't stop Chloe from walking straight up to his front door, in broad daylight, though. Dieter knows a Soldat when he sees one, but in spite of his inevitable doom he asks Chloe to accompany him on a summer's afternoon walk through the Alps. Dieter reveals that he once blindly followed the will of Les Soldats...and now so too does Chloe. She doesn't even know why Dieter has been marked for elimination and it's hard to know if she even cares. Whilst the two chat about nothing and everything, Dieter is set upon by another organisation, the SGT, who want his blood...though Chloe's not about to let others accomplish her mission for her! Since guns and ammo aren't her thing, Chloe takes to gutting her opponents with throwing blades instead. Moments later the mountain springs run a darker shade of red. Despite butchering the former members of the SGT, Chloe's original assignment still stands, still, Dieter invites Chloe back to his chalet to continue their chat. Dieter doesn't seem that bothered about the prospect of meeting Chloe's blade, however, having lost his family during his darker more youthful days, Dieter is determined that Chloe doesn't tread the same path he once did. Sadly his council falls on deaf ears, though Chloe does agree to carry out his last wish being that his personal body guards remain unhurt. In Chloe's eyes revenge should always be properly executed and with Dieter dead no one remains to full fill his revenge against the SGT. As such Chloe with all her Soldat reasoning takes up the gauntlet. She walks straight into the SGT's main base of operations and kills every one in her path, and to finish proceedings...she assassinates the head of the SGT before returning to her beloved Altena. Whatever will Chloe once possessed...it is certainly no more. In its stead lies Altena. Now you've read it...why not discuss it on the Episode 13 - Season of Hell Whilst walking along the river bank Kirika notices a man painting the local landscape. Inspired by the beauty captured on canvas at the hands of this capable artist, Kirika drags Mireille to the nearest art store to purchase a sketch book and some water colours. The following morning Kirika returns to the river bank to try out her own artistic skills, and who should turn up...the same artist whom she saw the previous day. It doesn't take long before the two get chatting, and with the shocking state of Kirika's painting, improving techniques are top of the conversational agenda. Meanwhile Mireille's getting her hair cut, however, her local hair dresser has more than styling tips to offer. Her informant reveals that a past associate of Mireille's, going by the name of Gulley, is out for her blood...he's busy gathering men and is preparing himself to take down the blonde Corsican. The next day whilst scootering around doing the daily shopping, Mireille spies Kirika on the river bank with a man much to her amazement. It would appear that this socially challenged girl has fallen for this local artist in a big way. Could it be that Kirika has snared herself a boyfriend?! Back at Mireille's apartment, Mireille tries to deter Kirika from seeing the man again. She doesn't give a reason as to why, but she is quite insistent about the fact. Still, who is Mireille to get in the way of a blossoming relationship? The next day Kirika is once again chatting to the same man beside the river. It turns out that he once worked for the Foreign Legion. Come the evening Mireille takes Kirika out to dinner to discuss Kirika's newest predicament, however, during the walk home both are set upon by Gulley and his men. Gulley manages to escape unscathed, though his men wind up dead littering the pavements. The following day Kirika again meets up with the new man in her life, but during their walk home Gulley screams past for a drive by shooting. Kirika is quick on her feet darting for the safety of cover, however, sadly the bullets had to hit someone. Kirika is once again young, free and single. Grief stricken and enraged Noir hit back...come the evening Gulley and his remaining bodyguard are burning in hell, but this is a hard lesson for Kirika. Only now does she fully appreciate the reason as to why Mireille tried to discourage her relationship. Now you've read it...why not discuss it on the Episode 14 - A Bouquet of Flowers for Mireille Mireille's mind begins to wonder as she drifts through the streets of Paris going about her daily routine. Suddenly she is brought out of her wonderland and to attention by a voice from the past; Uncle Claude! It's been 10 years since they both left Corsica, and 5 years since the two last met in person...naturally the first port of call is to catch up at the nearest cafe. Apparently Claude is in Paris on business...the same line of business as Mireille. The death of Mireille's parents 10 years ago ensued the decay of their syndicate, and thus the dominion of Corsica fell to a rival syndicate, hence Mireille and Claude's exile from their homeland. It was during this time that Claude passed on his trade to his deceased sister's daughter; Mireille. The following day both meet up to reminisce about old times, however, during their talks Claude asks Mireille if she has any information regarding the infamous faceless assassin code-named Noir, though he doesn't say why. Mireille gives nothing away. Worries, doubts and confusion start to play on Mireille's mind as she thinks to her self in the shower. Since Claude's arrival the Parisian murder rate has risen, and why should he be interested in Noir! In any case, when a bouquet of flowers arrives for her from Claude, Mireille's worries seem to recede. The following day Mireille is invited to visit Claude at his current residence. Upon her arrival at Claude's stately lodgings, Claude hurries Mireille away out back to his nursery where he spends most of his time growing flowers. As Claude begins prattling on about the finer points of caring for flowers, Mireille demands that her uncle cut to the chase. Apparently he's working on a big job and that the last name on his client's hit list is Noir whom he believes to be Kirika. He reveals that he is working for Les Soldats, and that if he fails then they will crush him as they crushed Mireille's parents! Claude explains that Mireille's parents were killed for defying the will of Les Soldats and that the only reason he and Mireille were allowed to leave Corsica was due to the fact that Claude swore an oath to their allegiance. Now Claude insists that Mireille bring Kirika to him so that he may finish the job! Later that night Mireille returns with Kirika, but not in the manor Claude had hoped. Les Soldates have forced Mireille to choose between her family and Kirika...she chooses Kirika. Now you've read it...why not discuss it on the Episode 15 - The Cold-Blooded Killer Acte I A young Chinese woman drops her handkerchief as she brushes past her target. Both parties stoop down to pick up her fallen possession, though in doing so her unsuspecting victim falls prey to her slightest touch. After exchanging pleasantries the woman is once again on her way...minutes later her would be hero falls to the ground clutching his throat as his death ensues. One more dead minister for the press to mull over. Mireille decides to get out of the apartment for a while to help try and come to terms with the death of her Uncle Claude. Kirika tags along. After several hours shopping both return to their apartment to find the door ajar. Scoping out the apartment reveals that the intruder came and went some time ago, however, they left a job offer on Mireille's desk i.e. her pool table. It's an offer for a job in Taiwan, the mission to kill the elder of one of the underground Taiwanese Triads...signed Les Soldats! How could Noir possibly refuse such a carrot. This latest bait is once again served up by Altena for reasons unknown, however, the situation in Taiwan has become far more dangerous than Altena originally surmised what with the recent activities of an infamous underworld assassin; Shaoli. As such she has Chloe shadow Noir to Taiwan. Unfortunately for Noir, and Les Soldats, the Triads are one step ahead on this one, hence Shaoli is assigned a new target...Noir! Noir rendezvous with their contact, a member of Les Soldats. He urgently tips them off on their latest attacker, that is Shaoli, but Mireille hasn't come for the job...instead she proceeds to interrogate their contact about the finer points of Les Soldats. The interrogation doesn't go so well though as a mass gun fight breaks out when Triad operatives and Shaoli crash the party. Things start to look pretty bad for Kirika as Mireille breaks off from the fight to chase down their contact, fortunately though Chloe's last minute appearance turns the tide. It appears Mireille's on her own though as she finally catches up with their former contact poisoned by Shaoli's hand. Now the action really steps up a gear as Mireille prepares to face off against another elite in the trade. Now you've read it...why not discuss it on the Episode 16 - The Cold-Blooded Killer Acte II Things don't go so well for Mireille as Shaoli jumps her from behind sending the blonde bombshell over a safety railing for a nasty fall. When Mireille comes to she is helpless to prevent herself from being taken captive, now Shaoli intends to use Mireille as bait thus luring out Kirika. Kirika and Chloe band together and decide to setup a little ambush of their own. Thinking Noir to consist of only 2 individuals, Kirika volunteers as bait herself whilst Chloe gets into position for a counter strike. In open view Kirika slowly advances towards Shaoli and her men seemingly defeated and unarmed, though as she does Chloe strikes from the shadows. In the confusion Mirielle flees the melee further adding to the chaotic gun fight. Needless so say with Shaoli's men confused and slow on their feet it doesn't take long before the odds are evened up. With the situation fast becoming unfavorable Shaoli ducks out from the fight, guns 'n ammo aren't her style. The best course of action now is to regroup and re-evaluate this latest piece of information; Noir is in fact 3 individuals. Noir aren't one for letting their enemies regroup, however, and as such pursue the members of the Triad to their base of operations before eliminating them...well, at least Mirielle and Kirika do, Chloe on the other hand pulls off another one of her disappearing acts. After the dust has settled, Mireille and Kirika go on the hunt for Shaoli for she is the last person to know the true face of Noir. It turns out though, that Shaoli intends to defect and thus ally with Les Soldats and as such sets up a meeting with Chloe to discuss the affair. Chloe's not in the least bit interested in what Shaoli has to say though...and as such kills Shaoli. Minutes later Mireille and Kirika track down Chloe and the fallen Shaoli and once again attempt to gleam whatever information they can from Chloe regarding Noir. This time the girls learn one thing...that they are all part of something called La Grande Retour, Chloe's a bit vague on the details though. Now you've read it...why not discuss it on the Episode 17 - Return to Corsica Mireille decides to return to her home in Corsica for a brief visit. What with all the recent drama in her life, Mireille finds herself no longer grasped by fear at the thought of returning to the place from which she was exiled so long ago. With the collapse of the Bouquet family, and thus their syndicate, after the death of her parents, Mireille was forced into her Parisian exile along with her recently deceased uncle Claude. In her family's stead a rival syndicate ceased control of the Corsican underworld. Her home of many years past lies in tatters and on the cusp of being reclaimed by the surrounding countryside. As she tours the ruin of her former home, Mireille struggles to recall long buried memories of her parents assassination. Although witness to their murder, try as she may Mireille struggles to picture the face of the assassin. The shocking early childhood memory still causes deep hurt and continues to remain fragmented, though now somewhat more real. Whilst leaving her true home, Mireille crosses paths with Marie; long time faithful servant to the Bouquet family. Marie invites Mireille back for a cup of tea, though when her husband Victor puts in an appearance Mireille soon realises she's overstayed her welcome. Moments after leaving Marie's house Mireille is picked up and escorted to the residence of a Mr Bertoni. She learns from the leader of Corsica's new steward that her father ran a foul of an ancient power. With little further information to offer, Bertoni points Mireille in the direction of a George Madelene; her father's right hand man. George reveals that the Bouquet family long ago forged a pact with a secret power thus granting them dominion over Corsica...the name of that power - Les Soldats. The pocket watch presented to Mireille by Kirika belonged to her father and is proof of such an alliance between the Bouquets and Les Soldats. Before he can reveal more, George is shot dead by a sniper. As George passes into the unknown he whispers one last piece of information; Mireille's parents were killed by Les Soldats for trying to protect her! Minutes later and Mireille puts a bullet to George's killer...and only moments after that Chloe appears once again. This time she's a little more forgiving when dispensing secret truths. Apparently the sniper was meant to keep Corsica's secrets buried, but more curiously Chloe informs Mireille that she and Kirika are the true Noir...not Mireille. And should a time come when Kirika wishes to return home then Mireille's not to interfere. To do so would lead to her death. Other than this, Chloe wishes to become friends with Mireille - a child of Les Soldats!? Now you've read it...why not discuss it on the Episode 18 - The Darkness Within Me Whilst Mireille respects Kirika as a better killer than she, since this mysterious enigma of a girl arrived on her door step seeking answers to her past Mireille has lost family and friends. Now she needs time to herself to reflect, especially what with Chloe's recent revelations, and as such pleads for Kirika to leave her sight, albeit temporarily. Kirika goes walkabout, she wanders the streets, disused railway lines, fields...anywhere to put some distance between her fellow angel of death; Mireille, her only friend. Late in the evening Kirika reflects over a coffee at a local cafe. Whilst doing so she is drawn to a messenger from Les Soldats sitting in the back of a blacked out vehicle outside the cafe. The two go for a ride. Whilst en route Kirika is clued in on a few more details by the rogue Soldat. Apparently hers and Mireille's death has been sanctioned by the entire organisation with the exception of Chloe whom Kirika learns is kept on a tight leash by Altena. This Altena, an influential Soldat, is the only individual capable of controlling Chloe. It turns out that all of Les Soldats are seeking something called La Grande Retour, however, since Altena's methods are deemed too dangerous by many of Les Soldats Kirika's messenger's faction decide to aide her in uncovering her destiny. As such Kirika is told to seek out the Alexandre trading company for further information, though upon her arrival all she finds is a corpse clutching a few pages from the book much sought after by Noir. Kirika contacts her messenger to arrange a another bite of the cherry, though with his life now under threat this is the last chance Kiria's gonna get. This time she needs to be quicker off the mark, and with Mireille still blanking her Kirika's all along on this one. Before she can make the 8:00pm meet, however, she is intercepted by Chloe who reveals that an attack has been planed on Mireille's life at 8:00pm...now Kirika must choose either to discover her destiny or to save the life of a friend who can't stand the sight of her. Now you've read it...why not discuss it on the Episode 19 - The Two Hands of the Soldats Reunited and back on track, Mireille and Kirika find them selves at another dead end what with the Alexandre trading company lead gone cold. No sooner have they finished brooding though, a new lead conveniently arrives in Mireille's in box. Apparently someone wants to meet, a professor Chatel whom Mireille contacted some time ago. The good professor has finally uncovered some dirt regarding Noir's mysterious document; it turns out to be a part of the Langanel manuscript. As it happens the only two copies of the original manuscript were lost in fires in Berlin and Paris, as such the singular copied page in Noir's possession could have in fact come from the original itself. Both Mireille and Kirika go into research mode hitting the books, the Internet, contacts... anything to produce a lead. At last! They find one. Next stop Vienna and a millionaire with a Library, a big one at that, containing one very special book! Bad news ensues as Noir learn of yet another convenient past inferno along with the incineration of their sought after Langanel. None the less Noir choose to search the remaining rubble and ash on the off chance that the copy survived the blaze - nothing. At their deepest time of despair Chloe turns up once again to continue with her carrot on a stick. This time round she decides to taunt Mireille and Kirika by quoting further passages from the Langanel. Her newest revelation through direct quotes from the Langanel reveals that Noir is in fact a title of Les Soldats. It is the name given to their two hands; two supreme blades working together to form the single entity Noir established to protect the interests of Les Soldats. Apparently Altena has finally decided to allow her killer on a leash, Chloe, to enlighten her other potential saplings Mireille and Kirika. Finally it is revealed that all of Noir's struggles have merely been as a result of Altena's will; a set of trials for which she conceived for Noir to overcome - a test! The school lecture ends abruptly, however, as all three candidates for the true Noir are set upon by further agents from Les Soldats. Mireille can only sit and watch in horror as Kirika and Chloe effortlessly gel in their co-operative and coordinated massacre of this latest group of assailants. It is now becoming clear that Kirika's skills surpass those of Mireille as a killer, and that she and Chloe could well be the true Noir. These events start to break down the mental blocks in Kirika's mind as she starts to recall fragments of her past...her childhood raised as an assassin by Les Soldats! Kirika couldn't abide by her destiny though, and as such chose to escape it all in search of a normal life. At any rate, the slow discovery of Kirika's buried past only serves to widen the newly formed gulf between herself and Mireille. Now you've read it...why not discuss it on the Episode 20 - The Sin Within the Sin After a lazy summer's afternoon spent sampling the ripe offerings of her vineyard retreat with Altena, Chloe turns in early for the night in preparation for the ceremony ahead; the rite of passage for the true Noir. As she settles down for the night she asks Altena to tell tale of her people's roots; the origins of Les Soldats, a rather odd bedtime story, but then what is Chloe if not odd herself. Whilst Altena indulges Chloe in fantastical bedtime stories, rival factions within Les Soldats discuss the methods available to thwart Altena's implementation of La Grande Retour. Whilst they approve of her ideals, of her methods they do not...and should she succeed Altena would become the next high priestess of Les Soldats; yet another sore point. Mireille starts to piece the pieces of the puzzle together. Both Kirika and Chloe are somehow tied into La Grande Retour, but if that's true then where does she fit into all this madness. In any case she doesn't have long to collect her thoughts as masked assassins belonging to Les Soldats storm her Parisian apartment. The body count is massive as both Mirielle and Kirika struggle to overcome their last trial. As a final end game to the matter Chloe puts in yet another of her enigmatic appearances. This time round she intends to reveal the location of Altena's sacred manor/vineyard retreat where the ritual of ascension to Noir is due to take place. However, before this can be so, Chloe takes up Kirika's gun in order to deliver her final guidance to Kirika. Chloe shoots Kirika...!! Now you've read it...why not discuss it on the Episode 21 - Morning Without Dawn As Kirika drifts into unconsciousness images of her buried past flood her mind as she starts to recall. Mireille rushes to her aid, but as soon as she does so Chloe chooses to bestow upon Mireille a single cutting truth...the name of her parent's assassin; Yumura, Kirika Yumura! Mireille refuses to believe and demands proof from Chloe. Though she has none, Chloe is certain. She knows because she was there...watching! Chloe's shot was merely a flesh wound and as such Kirika struggle's to her feet as Mireille's eye burn through Kirika's soul. Kirika's tears are all Mireille needs to confirm Chloe's words. As Mirielle's heart freezes over Chloe continues to rant. Les Soldats's high priest blesses the newly born, those blessed are collectively known as Noir and undergo the trials making up La Grande Retour. The daughter of Corsica was one such blessed infant, along with Kirika and Chloe. When Mireille's parents refused to hand over their daughter to Les Soldats they were executed...by Kirika! The heavens open as the rain washes clean the bloody roof tops of Paris. Kirika snaps and, despite her wound, runs and runs and runs until she ends up at a nearby graveyard. Mirielle gives chase. Les Soldats renew their attacks on the young woman assassin, however, even in her maddened state of mind Kirika is still able to sweep aside her opponents effortlessly. Eventually Mireille catches up with Kirika and the rain subsides. Unable to atone for her sins, Kirika offers her gun and her life to Mireille. Both maidens made a promise right from the start, that when Kirika uncovered her past Mireille would see to it that her days would come to an end. It would appear that that time has now come, and that certainly there is cause and justification for it as well. Instead of ending the matter, Mireille promises to kill Kirika when next they meet. For now though she turns her back on Kirika, begging and screaming for death, and keeps on walking. Now you've read it...why not discuss it on the Episode 22 - Journey's End Kirka leaves Paris. Alone, and without purpose, she decides to travel to Altena's mansion retreat. Due to her rushed departure from Paris, however, Kirika looses consciousness what with lack of food and rest. When Kirika comes around she finds herself taken care of by an elderly couple, Tristan and Margarete, who found her unconsciousness on the mountainside. Apparently Kirika's arrival was an expected one. Having nursed Kirika back to health, Tristan and Margarete draw Kirika's attention to an old stone monument on the other side of the village. It turns out that the village lies on the border of a certain place, a place due to hold the ceremony for La Grande Retour. The village itself is a gate of sorts to this place, and its people the guardians. As such when rival faction members of Les Soldats show up to detain Kirika they are swiftly disposed of by the locals and their firm belief in La Grande Retour. Beyond the village lies the sacred ground charged with the ritual of the rite of passage for the true Noir. No Soldat, either for or against La Grande Retour, would ever enter such a place for it is strictly forbidden, and it is because of this that the villagers gather their arms as they prepare to defend Kirika whilst their rivals seek to prevent her from taking a step further into their sacred land. Before long the village is a war zone as Les Soldats battle one another for supremacy, and it isn't long before Kirika has to earn her keep bolstering the ranks of the fanatical villagers. When everyone is dead and nothing remains, Kirika leaves the village to burn as she continues towards Altena's manor. Now you've read it...why not discuss it on the Episode 23 - Sentiments for the Remaining Flower Mireille reflects on the last few days as she gets in some target practice down in the Parisian sewer system where all's quiet. Whilst gunning away she is crept up upon by a single Soldat; a reserved gentleman with a cane and an offer. The two head topside for some summer sun and a little chat. He offers Mireille the chance to side with those who secretly rule, and in addition he clue's her in on her ex-partner's whereabouts. As their talks continue, Mireille's offer becomes more of a forced situation than a gesture. Her cane wielding so called ally instructs her to do away with one of the other potential candidates for Noir so that she may become a part of the equation. Then she's to assassinate Altena. A simple matter really for which Mireille is given two days to think over. A day later Mireille tries to turn the tables as she tracks down her new puppet master, Mr Reme Breffort, and places a gun to his head before continuing their little chat. This accomplishes little, however, as he merely reminds her of her parents mistake - you simply don't go against the wishes of Les Soldats. That night whilst moping around her apartment, Mireille discovers a letter from Kirika written and left several days ago. In it Kirika tries to convey her sadness for the death of Mireille's parents and to express her love for the friendship both she and Mireille once had. The following day Mireille once again meets up with Reme Breffort where she delivers her verdict. She will indeed be headed to Altena's manor, but for her reasons and no one else's...she plans to put an end to the person responsible for the death of her parents. Although not entirely as he had wished, Reme orders his snipers to stand down and extends his wishes of good luck to Mireille as she plans to embark on her campaign of revenge. So watch out Altena! Chloe! Kirika? cos the blonde bomb shell's about to arrive in town with a gun and a purpose. Now you've read it...why not discuss it on the Episode 24 - Dark Return After miles of walking Kirika finally reaches Altena's manor. Despite her tired and disheveled appearance Kirika is greeted with nothing but affection from Altena who lovingly scoops Kirika up into her arms whilst Chloe stares in wild excitement. Altena reveals that three saplings were chosen as potential candidates for Noir, however, each was to be raised under different conditions to see which would follow the true path of Noir. Chloe gives Kirika the grand tour, and whilst doing so reveals a little of Kirika's past; how both girls once lived in Altena's manor and of the assignments they undertook during their brief childhood. The following day members of Altena's following, Borne and Marennes, arrive to lend their services for the impending ceremony of Noir. Of course this isn't the only reason they've come. When one such as Altena ascends to power within the ranks of Les Soldats, helped by her tight leash over Noir, then there's always going to be vacancies for a couple of willing lap dogs to whom delegation of the more menial daily leadership tasks can be assigned. After a quick spa with Chloe followed by a relaxing bath, Kirika is approached by Altena wishing to return a part of Kirika's former life; her gun, the one she used to murder Mireille's parents. If ever there was a chance to assassinate Altena then that would have been it, however, Kirika's brain washing by Altena takes hold as she fails to pull the gun's trigger. Mireille leaves Paris, destination: Altena's manor...and she's not left un-armed! Now you've read it...why not discuss it on the Episode 25 - The Depths of Hell's Fire Mireille arrives at Altena's manor, gun loaded and ready to fire, meanwhile Altena herself oversees the final preparations for the ceremony of Noir. And whilst Altena fusses over details, Chloe leads Kirika to an outside roman bath where she expresses her true feelings of love towards her. As soon as both Chloe and Kirika finish dressing themselves, Mireille shows up ready to fulfill her promise to Kirika. Out of respect Mireille allows her presence to be known before both ex-partners start gunning for each others blood. It soon becomes clear that the fight is a stand off, Mireille has upped her game considerably since last they fought...side by side. To try and break the stalemate, Mireille knowingly walks into an ambush set by Kirika, yet turns the table on her former companion at the last second to leave both adversaries with their opponent's gun in their face. What Kirika failed to note was that Mireille tossed her father's pocket watch into the air prior to walking into her trap. Now, as the watch strikes the ground, flashes of Kirika's past being to surface...in particular one memory; Mireille's mother's final words "please take care of Mireille". Kirika hesitates...and in a state of confusion drops her gun. Seeing this Chloe steps into the fray wounding Mireille and knocking her to the ground. As Chloe prepares to deliver her final coupe de grace, Kirika finally overcomes her brainwashing, her sadness and her anger in time enough to aid her true partner. Enraged by Kirika's saving grace, Chloe turns on her newest love as she and Kirika fight tooth and nail. Unable, and truly unwilling, to kill Kirika, however, Chloe suddenly turns once more on Mireille. Kirika darts to intercept...and when the dust settles only two saplings remain standing. The third, Chloe, lies dead on the floor! Now...when Kirika kills...she cries. Now you've read it...why not discuss it on the Episode 26 - Birth Whilst Kirika attends to Mireille's wounds, Altena summons the leaders of Les Soldats to her manor for the ceremony of Noir. Amongst these big wigs of the underworld is Reme Breffort who still clings to his belief that Mireille will unseat Altena from her throne of increasing power. Mireille launches an assault on Altena's manor, however, this time round she's not alone. Covering her back is Kirika. Reunited in battle once more, Mireille and Kirika put down their opponents with ease...that is until they encounter Marennes. Though despite Marennes's obvious skill with a sword, when faced with the combined might of Noir, even her faith won't save her from redemption. With news of Chloe's death, Borne runs to confront Altena damming her ideals due to their loss of control over Noir. Altena's not interested. In fact the current outcome had been a part of her plans all along. She quickly explains to Borne how Les Soldats have become drunk with power riding like maggots in societies flesh...and after her little speech, Altena fires a bullet into Borne's chest. Shortly afterwards Noir come knocking, however, before they can get a shot off Altena flees into an underground passage. Noir gives chase. Mireille and Kirika soon catch up with Altena in what seems to be some kind of underground alter room. It is here that Altena plans to stage the ceremony of Noir; La Grande Retour. Again she preaches her brain washing ideals, however, Mireille's having none of it, and as such comes under fire from Altena with a concealed gun beneath her robes. Fast off her feet, Kirika dives once more to the aid of her companion and friend, but in doing so takes a bullet to her side. Despite her wound, Kirika lunges at Altena knocking both herself and the fanatical preacher into a volcanic chasm. As she opens her eyes, Kirika hangs from Mireille's grasp...now Kirika must set aside her grief for her past sins and accept Mireille's forgiveness for the assassination of her parents. Kirika overcomes her grief by taking Mireille's arm and is pulled to safety. Both maidens stagger to their feet, bleeding, cut and unfashionably disheveled...but both are alive and free to abandon at long last the darkness that surrounds them so that they might seek the light. Now you've read it...why not discuss it on the Last updated: 23/07/2006 |