((Author's Notes: There are some missing words here. I'm sure they're hiding here somewhere, just haven't found them yet.
Completed on 10/03/2007
First Contact
“Agent J, report status!”
This was not the time, HQ always chimed in at the worst possible moments. This was one of those moments. She was trying to apprehend armed and dangerous thugs. Another bullet ricocheted off the pillar she was hiding behind.
“Not the time for this Dexter,” she replied.
She jumped from one pillar to the next, trading fire with the perps opposite the corridor. They were trying to get away with one of those rare mutant artifacts, priceless, apparently. The battle went to the hallway, with civilians running and ducking. She tried to avoid collateral damage but there was always bound to be some. Sunlight shone on the combatants from the glass dome above. This was when she made her first mistake. She was surrounded, with no place to hide the thugs quickly surrounded her, closing in for melee range. They were probably built for it, with they broad shoulders and gigantic form. Typical. She leapt from the pedestal she was perched on. A punch shattered it mere moments after. She had no choice, dodging and weaving blows, using her pistols as improvised melee weapons when she could. A large crash then resounded. Glass rained down from above, along with another figure. It looked like a child, a boy to be precise. Reaching from behind his back, two blades extended. The whole weapon was about his height. The blades were about two thirds his height.. With a shrill cry, he attacked, catching the thugs by surprise. Only one was able to beat a hasty retreat, proceeding towards the exit with the artifact in tow.
“Idiot, why’d you have to butt in? Now he got away!” she protested.
“Wow, you’re Agent J aren’t you? I’m so honoured. Oh wait, you’re hurt,” he replied ignoring her. His voice wasn’t as high as she suspected. On closer inspection, he seemed her height, maybe a bit taller but not by much though, he was also rather young. She pushed him away and slapped a fresh clip in, intent on finishing what she started.
“Agent J, you are no condition to pursue the mission, return to HQ now. Your partner is en route to the scene,” came a voice from her comm. The boy shouted into his, “I already am there silly. What do they pay you for?”
“My mistake, carry on.”
She had enough, “What? You can’t tell me this kid is my partner?!?”
“Hey, who are you calling kid?” replied her partner. The voice on the comm. started again, “Listen, it was on short notice and his name is Jonathan Kidelowski. You will either work with him, or you will return to base.”
“Fine, I’ll work with,” she paused, “Jonathan.”
She got up and tried to follow but a pain in her leg prevented her from walking too far, she was about to fall but Jonathan caught her. Probably being one of those pencil-pushers, she suspected he just danced along to the tune played by anyone of higher rank. As they exited the museum’s front gate, they were greeted with screeching black cars that came to the halt on the curb. Men got out, they were armed and opened fire on the duo. Jonathan ducked to the side, propping her against the stone wall that ran along the length of the building.
“Jess, you stay safe here now, ‘kay?”
With that, he stood up and unsheathed his weapon.
“Kid, my name is not Jess, you will address me in a formal matter. You can’t take ‘em all alone. You can’t leave me like this!” she complained.
“Whatever,” was all she could hear as a reply.
Dervish’s Dance
It was like a dance. A deadly one at that. Jonathan knew the dance very well and was a great dancer. Another projectile he had blocked with his weapon hit one of the gunmen in the chest. He skipped the to side, swinging from left to right. He sidestepped to the left leaping and landing with grace, one end of his blade in someone’s back. A small twirl and it was free again, a dervish now, Jonathan spun, the battle’s ballet. Gunfire was only the sound of music to him now. A pirouette, a spin, a leap, flipping, between the bullets and the blade, there was nothing Agent J could do. She only watched Jonathan go about his business. When the whole mess was done, Jonathan turned to her and bowed, bringing his weapon to rest. She got up raised her pistol at Jonathan, and pulled the trigger. There was no time to react. Jonathan only watched in wide-eyed wonder as he remained standing. There was a groan and one of the burly thugs fell. Dropping the artifact and a rather large hammer he was holding. The black vehicles were having their engines gunned to life, but the arrival of Vigilante vehicles prevented their escaped. From out of the neighboring buildings, burst more Vigilantes. Roughly half of them bore their organisation colours. Techies could be seen jumping out of the vehicles and medical personnel checking over the wounded. One of the medics was tending to her when her superior towered over her. He was not gigantic, but his trench coat hid much of his figure. He tilted his hat and offered a hand. She took it and was lifted to her feet with surprising speed.
“I see you have both met each other already. This has been quite a day hasn’t it?”
Already the press were converging on the scene.
“Yes it has dad, I never thought this would draw you away from your office.”
“Oh, I was in the neighborhood and decided to check on my daughter.”
“You flatter me. You know me though, I’m old enough to handle things on my own.”
“Even an adoptive father has a right to be concerned about his daughter’s welfare. Besides, you have a birthday party tonight, I am determined to make you show up.”
All this time, Jonathan hung from the wall, with his head barely touching the concrete. Bored as usual. Ah well, it wasn’t as though Jess and her father met too often in the field anyways.
“Happy Birthday Agent J!”
At least half of HQ celebrated her birthday, she was well liked and known. There was the cake, and the presents. Usually office supplies or articles of clothing. Jonathan had a special one for her. With the boss’ approval, he had taken J’s pistols and customised them, adding improved sights, recoil absorption and to top it of, he stamped her name in silver along the barrel. It glinted in the light. As he walked up to her, the butterflies took flight.
“Oh, is this for me Jonathan?”
He nodded, not taking his eyes off her as he held the wooden box and opened it. She gasped. Laid on a velvet cushion, her pistols, their sheen was shown on her face. Behind the lid read, “Happy Birthday Jess.” Taking them in her hand, she pistol whipped Jonathan. Everyone in the room and the music came to the screeching halt.
“Kid, my name is not Jess.”
He chuckled a bit before getting to his feet and wiping himself off. The music resumed, it was a slow one.
“A dance?” he asked tentatively. She agreed and took his hand to join their friends on the dance floor.
Excerpt
“You can’t keep them together forever Ray.” said a figure standing by the balcony. The sun was setting. Casting orange down onto the cityscape.
“What do you want me to do then SS? I already assigned someone to look after her,” said another figure behind a desk. It was cluttered with paper but the name tag was clearly visible, Raymon Essenbrot. He was smoking. There was a drink on his desk. His office wasn’t big though but it still had the essentials, a few chairs, a couch, filing cabinets and such. Even if he had his own sleeping quarters in the building, Raymon preferred his office. Raising his glass to take a sip, the man called SS spoke again.
“You know, word will get out, they’ll know about Wiji, they’ll know about our connection. I don’t want it to get uglier than it already will be.”
“I assure you, Kidelowski is as capable as any of my other agents. I only trust him more because he trusts me as much as I do,” replied Raymon indignantly.
“What if she finds out, will she want to stay with you? Skip town perhaps?”
“This is the only city on this continent, don’t be ridiculous.”
“You know I never joke about things that concern…” SS paused.
“Well yes, you are quite right, I mean that crazy fool Krin left for the desert, he’s never been seen since. You don’t suppose that there is really another city on this continent, is there?”
“No, there is not, I am a wanderer, and I have wandered the wasteland. There was not much besides rocks and sand. Rocks make terrible pillows if you must know.”
“Always the joker. Doesn’t Tammy know that there is nothing out there?”
”Well, I’ll find out soon enough.”
“What do you mean by that?” Raymon turned to the window but SS had already took off.
“Sometimes, I just worry about you, friend.” A small thump. “You can come in now Jonathan, I knew you were there.”
Jonathan came in, looking apologetic.
“There is no need to be sorry, I should’ve told you more anyways.”
In a skyscraper that towered over the smaller buildings in the central business district, Mayor Tammy Kajnin was ready to retire to her quarters. But before she could gather her files, there was tap on the balcony window. Considering this was at least a hundred stories up, she knew it could only be one person. She opened the window, and she looked to her right. SS was standing there, as usual.
“I suppose this is important, so you better explain yourself this time.”
“She’s older now, you should be proud.”
“Because you aren’t?”
“Touché.”
“Listen, we could have made it work, I could’ve kept my small desk job and you could’ve continued teaching.”
“Well, I made that choice a long time ago. Ah, the benefits of hindsight.”
“I know there is more to this visit than idle chitchat, spill it, you know I’m tired.”
“Fine, you remember the day you allowed Krin to leave?”
“Yes, he was going to die here anyways.”
“So you sent him off to die in the desert? No, I think you know more about what is out there than you care to tell.”
“You can say that, but, you know, I could be wrong.”
“Fair enough, we shall meet again.” With those parting words, he leapt off the edge.
“Don’t you ever use the door?”
Only the sound of the city below was the answer.
Tremors
Jess and Kid were good friends now. She did it again, referring to herself as Jess. Ever since her 21st birthday, everyone called her Jess, except dad, who was obviously above all this childishness. It was all her partner’s fault. To her, he was Kid, and everyone else was catching on, so the score was even. Everyday, they’d meet in the canteen, she’d be properly dressed for the day, ready for action, and he would be in his PJs, not that anyone cared anyways. They’d then go about their daily routine, patrolling, sometimes shopping and occasionally a call would come in and they would rush to the aid of their fellow Vigilantes. They usually chat, but this morning, Kid was silent. Silent over breakfast. Only when she stared into his eyes did she find nothing. Kid wasn’t there. He went through the morning routine quite mechanically. They were on patrol duty today. Gloomy day with threats of rain said the weatherperson. It wasn’t long into their route did the rain start. Escalating quickly into a storm. Normally, Kid would be dancing or splashing in the puddles, today, he stared a hole in the concrete as he strode.
“Kid, are you okay?” Jess finally manage to ask. A shrug was her reply. She grabbed him by the shoulder and stared into his eyes again.
“Kid, look at me when I talk to you. Are you alright?”
“Not today, of all the days. It had to be today.” His reply came from him as world weary as could be.
“What do you mean?”
Then a car crashed. Jess ignored Kid, her responsibilities came first. As she took her third stride, she was knocked down by a violent vibration in the ground. Earthquake, something that didn’t happen everyday. She looked towards the direction of the SMagi. Then her comm. chimed.
“To all agents, this is not a Magi accident, repeat all agents, this is not a Magi accident.”
Then what could it possibly be. Then she remember Kid. He was lying motionless on the pavement, eyes closed, but still breathing. The trembling resumed then subsided.
“Kid, wake up, get up! This isn’t the time. Wake up.” She nudged him. “Kid? Jonathan? Wake up, please.”
“He won’t wake up.” Said a voice behind her.
“Who are- wait you’re SS! How did-? Why are-? What is-?” Jess’ mind raced.
“Not now, Wiji Essenbrot, we need to get Jonathan out of the city before things get worse.”
He picked up Kid and held him up with one arm. His other arm pulled his trench coat back, switching off the safety lock of his pistols. He started towards the FiSH road with speed. Jess struggled to keep up with the older man.
“What, how did you know my name, why do we have to get out? Isn’t it just a wasteland out there?” she demanded as they both ran. He ignored her and jumped onto a service ladder on the side of an apartment building and started climbing, with Kid still on his back. They proceeded to the western gate by rooftop now. Before them, however, was FiSH road, where the Mind Melt had occurred. Then suddenly, a crack appeared. A giant chasm between them and the west gate.
“I’m afraid this is as far as you are going.” Said a voice from across the chasm.
“Unless, of course, you are willing to cooperate.” Said another voice from behind.
Kid moaned. He started blinking as he opened his eyes.
“You picked a great time to wake up Kidelowski. Now listen, travel west out of the city and continue that way, the city is no longer safe for you. Don’t worry, I left indicator marks on the way. I’ll handle these guys and I’ll contact you later.”
“Oh, the great SS, is that a no?” said the voice behind them.
“We are not pleased” Said the voice from the west.
“Bah, I never liked the both of you.” Replied SS leaping across the chasm, pistols drawn.
Road Trip
It was a barren road. The tarmac cracked and dusty. It was not the most inviting surface for a foot, but at least it didn’t try to swallow you like the sand. Abandoned buildings lay on the wayside. There was a sign that hung from a steel girder. “You are now leaving the City of
“Oh my, that’s Johnny she’s carrying, quick, someone help her bring him to his family.” Said a woman.
The group arrived in front of a small concrete building. They took Kid off her shoulders and brought him inside.
“EH! WHAT DID YOU DO TO MY BROTHER?” came a scream. From the darkness of the interior came a flying teenaged girl. Jess could barely dodge out of the way. Kid’s younger sister was as fast as Kid in melee. Carrying the same weapon type as he brother, she brought them to bear swiftly on Jess. Jess, knowing Kid’s way of fighting, easily settled into a similar dance pattern. Untouched, so far. However, her strength was fading quicker, holding out much longer wasn’t an option. At least her death would be swift.
“Kila, leave her alone!” said a familiar voice. Kid was standing, with the aid of a stick. Kila, paused but Jess took the advantage and disarmed her opponent. She retracted the blades and handed them back to Kila. Kila wasn’t very happy, evident by her frown. It took a while to explain, but everything eventually became clear. Kid’s mother elaborated.
“Every few years, Johnny would attract an immense amount of energy, why or how is not known. Our family does not have a history of genetic disorders so the doctors were puzzled. However, a man named SS found a cure. His daughter had a rare condition that nullified this. Tragically, she was, killed. To this day, he still suffers from this. When he left for the city, we asked SS to take care of him. You must be his,” a long pause.
“Friend, I’m his friend Mrs. Kidelowski,” replied Jess to break the uncomfortable silence.
“Anyways, thank you for bringing him home Ms. Essenbrot. I received a message from SS a few days ago, he wanted to meet both of you. A day’s rest will help you recover.”
The morning came before they departed.
“Now remember Johnny, once you reach the valley floor, find the river and go upstream. No fooling around with Ms. Essenbrot as well, you hear?”
“Yes mother. Can I please go now?”
Jess was staring to the west while waiting. There was a shimmering in the distance. A waterfall. They’d have to climb down the valley and find the waterfall. SS said he would rendezvous with them in the valley. Jess hoped there were no further complications. But she knew life was never simple, because she just jinxed it.
Situation: Friends
Hot, steamy jungles. Jess and Kid, the intrepid explorers. They were in search of the ever mysterious SS. Following Mrs. Kidelowski’s instructions to the letter, they followed the river upstream. Not long afterwards, they came a upon a clearing. Towering over them was a structure. It was pock marked with craters and chipped. Some rubble lay strewn about. The stench of blood and charred flesh still lingered. There were scraps of metal laying around. There must have been a major battle. As they proceeded through what looked like a main gate, they were greeted with a warning shot from the valley wall. The pair froze. From a nearby bunker emerged a cadre of armed men. Upon spotting Jess, they stopped, and spoke into their communication devices. They beckoned the pair to come with them and with reluctance, Jess and Kid followed. They were led down inside into a military compound. As they walked, it was confirmed that there was a battle or some sort. The men told them to wait in front of an office door. There was only a plate there, it read SS’ Office. Another man came out, he looked tough.
“Well hello there, miss, and you too boy. I’m Major Smirl, Ragen to my friends. SS told me to fill you in what had previously happened. Now I’m pretty sure you can tell there was a big battle here. We successfully repelled it but it dawned on us it was a distraction so that Krin could be kidnapped.” Kid cut him off.
“Krin still lives?” asked Kid, true to himself.
“Yes he does my boy. But now he’s safe and sound, no thanks to those good for nothing cowboys that decided it was a good idea to ride a bike into a building and total a command van. Suffice to say that they will get what’s coming to ‘em” Smirl was cut off by a speaker in the wall.
“Ragen, you may let them in now, you are dismissed.” Came SS’ voice.
“I guess he wants to talk to you now. Nice meeting both of you,” but as he left, he could be heard muttering to himself, “Maybe the rumours are indeed true.”
The door opened and four or five men exited, not looking very well. One of them had an arm in a sling. As they entered, SS got up and embraced both of them. He spoke first.
“I was a bit worried you wouldn’t make it. But I’m going to get straight to business. Your dad wants you back in the city, I suspect that ought to cheer him up some. He has a surprise for both of you. I think it is a good idea. We’ll take a chopper, anything you want before we leave?” Kid, still being himself asked SS.
“Who were those two guys at FiSH road?”
“Oh, just Romulas and Remus.”
“Romulas and Remus?!? Aren’t they responsible for the Mind Melt?” Kid blurted out.
“Well, yeah, but the press likes to exaggerate some of the facts. Well to tell you the truth, I didn’t know what they wanted. It was just a bad time for them to try stop us.”
“Then why’d you ask me to haul Kid all the way to his house in the middle of nowhere?”
“Well Jess, I thought it was the safest place for you two to stay. You wouldn’t be safe in Gate with Romulas and Remus hunting you down. Anyways, you can sleep in my office while waiting for the chopper, I have a few things I have to take care off before leaving.”
Raymon met both Jess and Kid when they landed. Behind him, stood four other agents.
“Heya kids, I hope the trip was uneventful.”
“It was, now if you don’t mind, I’ll be taking my leave,” said SS, before jumping off the helipad.
“I didn’t know people lived outside the city though,” exclaimed Kid, like a child with newfound knowledge.
“Well, that makes the two of us. Better yet, I have a surprise for you!” replied Raymon sweeping his arms back to the four agents standing behind him, “Say hello to your new squadmates.”
They traded greetings before Raymon continued.
“This is Nib Cynis, a Balancer, and attaché to the School for Mentally Gifted. Next to him is Jumi Nyarra, a former freelance agent, she works with us now. This is Dante Delgado, he handles the big guns, I think he’ll cheer up working in a team, especially with you Jonathan. Finally, this is Enigma Jones, she just graduated from one of our training programs. I’m hoping your collective experience will rub off on her.”
“But where will be staying then? I’m not sharing rooms, especially Dante, he looks shifty,” asked a concerned Jess. Their own rooms were tiny back at HQ.
“Ah yes, my old apartment in the Downs district would do nicely, especially after all that renovating work I had done. It wasn’t quite ready for your birthday. So consider this your belated birthday present,” said her slightly ashamed father.
An Interlude
Jumi, Enigma and Jess were watching some TV show in their squad apartment common room. Nib was down in the foyer, practicing his forms. Dante was asleep, his loud snoring could be heard throughout. Good thing it was a silent movie. Nib seemed to not pay attention. Just then, Kid came in with groceries.
“Hey, I’m back and I got a present for you!” he burst out loud.
Following behind him was a llama. It had a white coat. Nib just looked at it curiously and asked.
“Is that a drama llama?” A cessation of all activity ensured all the attention was focused on Nib, Kid and the llama, except for the snoozing Dante.
“What difference does that make?” asked Kid. He was putting down the groceries. The foyer had a small couch, and as if on cue all three girls sat down on it before anyone could continue.
“Drama llamas are known for creating unnecessary drama, upsetting the balance. As a Balancer, balance must be preserved. Is that a drama tag around it’s neck?” Nib replied.
“Er, what, no, its not a drama tag, that’s his name, Drama, the llama!”
“As I thought, balance, must be preserved!” Nib produced a Balancer knife from somewhere and leapt at the llama.
“Oh no you don’t!” answered Kid as he leapt to the defense of his llama, the blades sliding out with a satisfying schlack. A brief ringing of metal followed. This awoke Dante from his slumber. He shouted from his room.
“Oi, shut, I want to catch some shut eye here!” the combatants ignored him.
Having enough, he leapt down from the second floor into the foyer. Imposing himself between the two combatants, he sucker punched both and took their weapons. When Nib and Kid came to, they ignored the fact that they didn’t have any weapons and fought unarmed. Wrestling each other in the dusty court yard.
“Mmmmmh, hawt.” Said Enigma.
“Kid is so cute when’s angry.” Said Jess.
“You really like him don’t you Jess?” asked Jumi.
“Hmmmm well, there really isn’t anyone else is there? Dante is a jerk, Nib is too busy with balance he can’t even tell a willing girl from a puritan,” replied Jess.
It was true, it’d only been a few month the team had been working together and already things fit into place. Dante was your typical jerk, a selfish and egotistical bastard. Nib was too serious, being too mature for his age. Besides, he was the oldest, so that kind of fits him to be a father figure. Kid was, a kid, he likes joking around, doing funny things. Usually the butt of jokes. He can hold his own though, but arguments with him usually devolve into childish games of ‘did not’ and ‘did too’. Enigma was the youngest of the group, fresh from the academy. Clueless for most of the time, but she is very loyal, like a puppy. Disgustingly so. Jumi was probably the only one closest to normalness. She was like a mother though, which sometimes ruffled feathers. She was older than both Jess and Enigma. Then suddenly there was bleep in the living room. Another assignment. All activity stopped. Raymon had something for them that needed to be done.
“You can keep your llama for now Kid, but it will be your undoing,” said Nib sternly.
The communicator cackled to life.
“Right, squad, I have a situation down by Riverside, stay on alert, I might need you if things escalate out of hand, that is all. Over and out.”
Pledge
An explosion rocked the foundations of the district. This was not a good sign. Raymon looked up from the makeshift table of the command van. Already the Vigilantes had established a clear perimeter, monitoring possible escape routes. It was impossible to monitor them all so he had to act fast before the infestation spread. Just then six young men and women arrived at the scene. It was his squad.
“Reporting for duty.” They all chimed in at once.
“At ease. Listen up, we’re going to find the source of this infestation and eliminate it. A Lucky Man went in earlier but we lost contact. This may be worse than I feared. I’m going in with you, set comms. to channel 1 and turn off your safeties. Lets go.”
Typical waste waterways. It reeked, it was dark, damp and only the chilling sound of distant echoed howls. Nib could only grip his Spord tighter and prepare for the worse. Dante was on point. His AFK-47 scanning side to side as they reached an intersection. He looked to the south while Jess covered the north. Nothing. Just then, some scuttling. Coming from the north as a shadowy figure rounded a corner.
“Ops, I think we found our infestation,” said Raymon into his comm.
“Roger that, we have your position and we’re moving into place,” came a reply.
Raymon pointed towards the direction of the sounds. He readied his pistol as his team moved in. Rounding the corner, they came face to face with the desecrated corpse of what was a
“Ops we are going to need our backup now!” Raymon shouted into his comm.
“Roger that, we are going.”
The roof caved in on the horde mere moments before they reached Raymon’s group, burying the mutants and their makeshift entrance.
“Well, that was close,” said Enigma.
“No, this is not over, two people we know are going to die today, there was only one, where is the other?” asked Nib.
“Bah, Balancers never know what they are talking about,” replied Dante, clicking the safety into place.
The hole in the roof flooded light and Vigilante Techies into the hallway. A roar came from the opposite end of the hall way and a monstrous mutant rounded the corner, barely being able to fit in the narrow space. Dante fumbled with the safety while Jess and Raymon let loose. The rest just waited for the monster to close to melee distance. It fell before it was even close enough to be a threat. The group closed in warily, just it case it was playing possum. Raymon motioned for the explosives to be brought up while they made sure the monster didn’t get up. Techies rushed along planting explosives at the vital points. A scream, one of the techies was impaled by one of the monster’s appendages. It wasn’t quite dead.
“Back, we’ll set off the explosives from the safety topside!” shouted Raymon. The group retreated under covering fire. The monster shrugged it off, reaching out with a barbed tendril and snatching Raymon’s leg, ripping it clean off. He fell cursing. Jess was the only one to look back, but Raymon shouted at her to get out of the hallway. All Vigilantes had to pledge to fight to their last breath. Raymon was still letting loose. A few clicks, empty. It was time, Raymon pulled out an incendiary grenade and pulled the pin. Five seconds until the whole corridor would be bathed in flames. Jess took a final look. Time slowed for Jess, the detonation going off, flames racing towards her before a strong arm tugged her out of the way.
Consequences
“Daddy? The first words that he ever heard from me, and not even a goodbye.”
Jess was sulking in her late father’s office. Another rainy day, another hero without a grave. She was hoping that at least the presence of the office could comfort her.
“I miss him too,” came a voice from the window, “now who else will I chat with?”
“I didn’t know you cared. You never loved anyone did you?” spat Jess bitterly.
“I did and still do. Some things are just doomed to failed. I never expected this.”
A short paused followed. Taking off his hat, SS say down on the couch next to Jess. It was the least he could do. He could also tell her the truth but he feared for her stability.
“Ah, Raymon, you left a void that not even I could fill. You were the glue, but now, there is nothing left to hold us together.”
He put on his hat again and left through the window. Jess eventually slinked back to her apartment. Kid was waiting the in foyer with an umbrella.
“You know opening umbrellas indoors is a sign of bad luck?” asked Jess in a weary tone.
“You know at this age, people our age do things and literally Shmuk the consequences?”
“You’re awfully cheery for someone who watched their friend’s dad die.”
“Being a bit a emotional now are we, I don’t have time for depression when I can spend the time for fun.”
“Life isn’t all fun and games.”
“Nope, but it’s mostly fun and games with the occasional drama added.”
“Sometimes I hate how your logic works.”
They both walked up to the living room. There was no need to communicate as she plopped down on the sofa. There she sat, sometimes Dante would walk by without saying a word. Nib was not there. Enigma and Jumi went out, shopping perhaps. Anything to keep their minds occupied. Jess just sat and fumed, silently. She was too angry. Angry at life. Angry at fate for her dad’s death. Even if she knew there was no way for her to alter the past to bring back Raymon Essenbrot, her only parent. She was left in his care by an irresponsible man that had gone off, never to face the consequences of his actions. Things didn’t seem to matter anymore. There was nothing left for her here, she might as well leave. But what about Kid, she owed him at least something since they met. She went and knocked on his door.
“You want a hug?” he asked when he saw her at the door.
“I need to talk to you.”
She sat on the bed, the springs went glink. He closed the door behind her.
“What do you want me to listen to this time? Anymore witty repartees you wish to hear?”
“No, this is something you should know,” she said, this was going to be a long night.
“Maybe later, because your dad wants you to know something when, well when he can’t tell you in person.”
For Jess it was at least some solace to know she still had someone to lean on. For Kid, the bedsprings went glink and the Jess’ world moved.
She could only feel the way she felt. She knew he was coming. As if right on cue. But before he could say a thing, Jess almost spat at him.
“What do you want, liar? You think that all those years, you could still keep it secret, with a conscience like that, I could see why you didn’t want me to know.”
SS could only raise his eyebrow.
“Your mother wants to see you,” he said.
“Oh does she? What kind of tramp did you screw to eke me into existence?”
“You’d be surprised,” he said as he let her grab on to him securely.
Traveling with SS was surreal. The environment blurred by with each footfall propelling them closer and closer to their destination. Not even a vertical surface could dissuade the man from slowing. It was only the rush of the wind on her face that made her feel alive again. As they got closer and closer to the Forum district did she find herself more and more in shock from what she discovered about her mother.
Tammy Kajnin hated the press. But then, she was in a public office so she had to deal with them. They’d pull anything out of their ass for a good story.
“Mrs. Kajnin, what are your thoughts on the Riverside Fiasco?”
“Mrs. Kajnin, could you tell us why the frequency of SS sightings have gone up lately?”
“Mrs. Kajnin, is there a connection between the two?”
Mrs. Kajnin this, Mrs. Kajnin that. Press conferences will be the death of her some day.
“Ladies and gentlemen, all I know was that Raymon Essenbrot eliminated a mutant threat at the cost of his life. Although there maybe increased SS sightings, I have currently no information nor see a correlation between the two facts. It may be very well that SS is alive, and I wish him well,” she started, but was interrupted by a knocking on wood, she resumed, “and it seems that is all the time I have as I have an appointment with someone right now and wish not to be eavesdropped upon.”
Reluctantly, they filed out. She made sure there was no one else in the room before opening the window. SS came in with a younger looking girl. She swore it was a dream.
“I’m sorry I kept both of you so far apart from each other. Wiji, this is your mother, Tammy Kajnin. Tammy, this is Wiji, your daughter.”
Tears were shed in equal measure between mother and daughter.
“I never thought, after all these years, that I’d live to see you alive.”
“I had Raymon bring her up, I wasn’t the best role model back then.”
“This must be very troubling for her, to finally meet both her parents.”
“Yes, worst circumstances for a family reunion isn’t it?”
Jess looked at her mother. It was staring into a face she long ago lost memory of, only to have it brought back to the forefront of consciousness. Jess broke the silence.
“Mother?”
“Yes.”
There was only a hug that could answer the question. It was a scene worthy of a drama. In compliance with Murphy’s Law, the door opened with a flood a journalists rushing in with cameras and recording devices. It made the front page the following day. The entire population of Gate now knew. Not only did they see the return of SS who was once long thought to have died, but also Tammy Kajnin’s apparently illicit relationship with him. Sitting on a dull park bench, two men sat reading the paper.
“This is an interesting development is it not Romulas?”
“Interesting indeed Remus. I do hope you are thinking what I am thinking.”
“Seeing how you are projecting your ideas into my stream of thought, yes.”
“Shall we?”
“Let’s.”
Interlude: Reloaded
Lately recurring nightmares have plagued Jess. It was always the same dream, getting longer and more vivid each time. Always two young men, just kept calling her.
“This way little girl. We can help you. We can take your pain away. Just follow us.”
Each time, she got more and more tempted to follow them. Each time she just woke up screaming. But lately, she has been accepting their offer, having the most wholesome sleep when she did. Mostly the squad spent their days in a uniform manner. Mostly going out on patrol or just plain going out together. A few scrapes and bruises for the days they spent together. Dante became less and less of a jerk and Enigma more enlightened in the ways of the world. Nib didn’t change much though. Apparently, Jumi thought he liked her but was too afraid to admit lest he’d interfere with some sort of mystical scale of balance that held the world together. Kid and her, well their relationship wasn’t much of a secret anyways. SS did not approve, but then again he was playing catch up on what he should have been doing all those years ago. Tammy, well she had to fend off the press ever since. Eventually the buzz died down and life continued. The only times they would all meet would be when SS invited her to come with him to see her mother. They would usually spend time talking and not much else. They were all grown up and had their own matters to attend to anyways. SS had recovered what was left of Raymon and put it in an urn and building a small shrine in the foyer of Jess’ squad’s apartment. They were now known as Raymon’s Children. They fought now in his memory. Never again did they allow for unnecessary casualties.
It was another lazy Sunday afternoon. Kid was looking for someone.
“Anyone seen Jess? I haven’t seen her since morning?”
“Chill Kid, you don’t have to be all clingy and all with your girlfriend,” replied Dante.
“I mean, she was having those nightmares lately. I just felt that she distanced herself gradually. I’m pretty sure she hasn’t run away so where could she be?”
“She’s probably diddling in the shower.”
Jumi stepped out of the bathroom straight into the conversation.
“Sorry, was I too loud?” she asked.
“Wait, what?” was Kid’s answer with a confused look on his face.
“Thank you for informing us on your masturbation habits,” was all Dante could say.
“So who is going to help me look for Jess?” asked Kid so that everyone in the apartment could hear.
“Tivo,” answered Enigma from the living room.
“Date,” said Jumi, apparently getting dressed.
“Movies,” said Nib who appeared looking smartly dressed from his room.
“Porn,” replied Dante who retreated to his room, closing the door with a slam.
Just as soon as Kid returned to his room, he noticed a letter. Scrawled messily on the letter was the location that Jess is being held against her will.
“SS, greetings and salutations!”
“Where are you keeping her Remus?”
“You know who to follow.”
“Damnit, you two really like playing with fire don’t you?”
“All in due time.”
He cursed to himself. This was what he feared, all those years keeping Wiji tucked away safely in her world of Vigilantes and criminals, all for naught.
Nice Shot
“May I know the reason why you are mobilizing half the Vigilantes in the city in a vain attempt to capture Romulas and Remus.”
“Believe me Smirl, this one is personal.”
“Roger, choppers are already en route, we’re wishing you the best from where we are.”
Then static, heart racing again. His ultimate gamble, it had gone on fine, but now, to fail was unthinkable. It would be the last things they will remember. They will fall.
“Ah, my dear Wiji Essenbrot, you have a visitor.”
The doors swung open. Both blades were extended and ready for lethal intentions.
“Who ever you are Jonathan Kidelowski, it won’t help you now. Dancing to our music since the very beginning made you predictable. Isn’t that so?” said a voice.
“What ever power you know you possess is only but a fraction of what could be achieved. This isn’t about mending, this is about creation,” added another.
“Sadly you can only relinquish such power at the cost of your life. So Jonathan Kidelowski, prepare yourself!”
The duo unleashed a bolt of incandescence which mimicked a miniature star. Before the blow was struck, only a crash could be heard then,
“I think the boy does not wish to die alone.”
He appeared from behind the smoke, Kid still frozen in place from such awesome power.
“How nice of you to join us SS, at least now you can perish with him.”
“I shall be laughing at your funeral come the morrow. Secondly, why do you always assume I travel alone?” with that said, Vigilantes descended upon the twins of evil. They were too busy engaged with the fighting that they did not care when Kid freed Jess and started leaving the building. Romulas and Remus, knowing that there was not much they could do to win, deflected a bullet shot by SS to hit his daughter between the shoulder blades. Disengaging immediately, SS ran up to his dying child.
“Even the mightiest have a weakness,” taunted one of the twins from the swirling melee.
“Jon, Kid, listen to me. You know that power that you keep inside you? You could use it to save her. If that is why you love her.”
“Hah, SS, you are willing to trade anyone’s life for your daughter’s, how selfish,” came another taunt. This one stung more.
“Jon, you can do what you want, I’m just going to let you know, now you should decide who’s funeral I will be attending, yours, or yours and my daughter’s.”
“Threatening with violence now? How low have you sunk?” another stinging jeer.
Having just about enough, he launched himself back to the fray. Only metal could be heard. From her white shirt, a crimson blotch appeared in the middle. She was hemorrhaging now. He reached for her pistol, she always had one with her. She gripped it feebly. When they both looked into each other’s eyes, they stared death in the face.
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you Jonathan!” screamed Remus.
Kid helped her pull the trigger. A flash of light. Mortally wounded yet still alive, Jonathan Kidelowski was bathed in white flames. The fighting stopped. As his mortal body disintegrated, he could only manage to stumble to the man that wounded Jess.
“Hey man, nice shot.”
Then there was nothing more. Making the most of the situation, Romulas and Remus vanished. SS could only take what was left of Kid and remember him.
“Yes, it was Kid, yes it was.”
Episode One
“You’ve all gathered here to mourn the passing of our dearly departed. Jonathan “Kid” Kidelowski, we wish you well from where ever you may be. Your name will be remembered. Not only for your one true sacrifice, but for everything you accomplished while with us. I doubted you and it gives great pleasure to know that I was wrong. Young, perhaps too much so, you showed incredible maturity beyond your years. You first came to our late friend and comrade, Raymon Essenbrot to seek guidance as a true Vigilante. My daughter, your charge owes her life to you, not once, but twice. You have proven twice that you could carry your charge without buckling. I can only recount so much of your exploits, and this weapon, that you wielded for righteousness can only be proof and a silent testimony for all present here. Dear Jonathan, may you find eternal peace.”
SS stepped from the podium, visibly shaken, his face still hid his emotions as he left.
“You are not dead Jonathan Kidelowski. Though most may have witnessed your physical demise, you will return to us one day, that is all I can be certain of, you have sustained yourself, your energy, it was boundless, although they are criminals, Romulas and Remus were right, you possessed much more power than anyone could imagine. You breathed life back to Jess, but I doubt a being of your power would be extinguished just by a mere miracle. No, I think you are still there, biding your time for only one being in this universe could possess such power. You will leave a mark, a mark that will tell us that you will return, but also a mark to tell us when,” Nib left the foyer to grieve.
Everyone who knew Nib knew that Kid would return, they knew because it was also a reality they all wanted, they all silently hoped Nib was correct as usual.
“Kid, I love you,” it was all Jess could manage.
The majority of the people who came slowly filed out, each mumbling to themselves about the man known as Jonathan Kidelowski. Everyone present at his death attended. Even Tammy had to see the man that save her only child’s life. The press was here. Being the people they were, they gobbled up every single word that Nib said. Another news clipping was added to the scrap book of Raymon’s Cildren.
“You have come to me far too soon. You will come back the way you came in. You have not finished what you have started.”
“But how can I do this?”
“You are already one of us. Anything is possible.”
“But who am I?”
There was nothing, only the darkness of the void and a lack of sound that could chill your very soul.
“Don’t worry about him dear, he usually like to do this welcome to paradise speech. There is no way of going back. Trust me, some of us have tried.”
“So I’m stuck here in a void where only thoughts exist?”
“You’ll have to believe whatever you want to believe or else your wit will be the first to go.”
“I have no recollection of how I got here though, is that normal for you people?”
“Now that you put it that way. Maybe you are destined for something special.”
“I will I know?”
“Because the author will write half a page of unreferenced dialog to fill in the white spaces.”
“Great, monotheism was the correct choice. I wish I was informed beforehand sometimes.”
“Welcome to paradise.”
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment