((Author's Notes: Not much to say about this second volume. A friend asked me to make himself a fallen anti-hero like person. I think I failed miserably. Ugh.
Finished: 11/06/2007))
Contract
In a building, a nondescript skyscraper, two men were talking. The window gave view to much of the city, the canals, the river, the mayor’s office. Almost everything could be seen. One was dressed in a business attire, immaculately dressed and groomed. A cigar was in his hands as he gestured for his guest to take a seat. His guest, gruff, rough, not too tall but quite thin. Black jacket and pants. Hidden underneath the jacket were focus objects and a white shirt.
“Mr. O’freymer, you truly are a master of your craft. Now before I discharge you from all obligations, I have one last assignment that I think only you could handle.”
The man in the suit slid a dossier across the table.
“I trust, that this will not be difficult job for you. Now if you will excuse me, I have other matters to attend to.”
“Understood sir. Is there anything I should know sir?”
“Yes, don’t call me sir anymore Janus.”
Both men nodded. Janus walked out of the room briskly the door closing shut and leaving him to his senses. The last assignment. Finally an escape from the life of a paid bounty hunter. He didn’t want to do it but there was worse. He vowed to become a Vigilante after this was all over. On the other side of the door, a man in a suit smile. Just tying up loose ends.
Back his little apartment room on
“It’s the last job honey. I won’t need to do anything illicit for a long time after that.”
“That is good to know Ja’O. Then the little one can have a nice quiet life.”
“Yes he can Maddy. I made dinner, it’ll be ready in a while. You just rest up ‘kay?”
Janus with into his little office. Just a small window a simple desk and chair. There were odds and ends around the office, not much out of the ordinary. On the wall hung his graduation diploma from the School for the Mentally Gifted. He looked at it, his very employ went against the teachings of his school. Dragging the chair and sitting down, he opened the file. He only had to read one line before he could not believe his eyes. His target was Madeleine Wallace, Maddy, his girlfriend. He look further into the file, various schedules, methods of transportation, locations frequented, everything there was to know about Maddy was there. Photos were even included. A meticulous file compiled by his employer. It even included various alibis and methods to achieve the desired goal. It was disturbing, even the tone in the document was casual.
“Is there something wrong dear?” asked Maddy from the other room.
Janus closed the file with a start. He was sweating now. He might need to think this through. What was he to do? Why? He could only cry out in his mind.
In another part of the city, two men could sense the anguish and indecision of a young man.
“I think we may have yet another pawn to sacrifice.”
“We may need to be careful though, he is one of us.”
“Surely you do not fear someone of his negligible skill?”
“No, but remember what happened last time? Emotions, we can’t fully control them.”
“I suppose so, should I summon him then?”
“Yes, that would be a start.”
Of Pith
“Show yourself Romulas, Remus, why did you summon me? I can feel your presence.”
“Janus O’freymer, we are here to give you an offer,” came a voice.
“You are both lucky I have no business with you. I do not need your help.”
“Yes you do, one does not simply kill one’s significant other,” came another.
“I am not surprised you know this, leave me be.”
“What if we gave you a solution to your problem, both of you can live, as long as you help us. We always hold true to those who prove themselves worthy.”
“If you got to the point, I wouldn’t be leaving now.”
“Listening now are we? Well you will still have to kill Ms. Wallace.”
“How am I insured that she will be brought back?”
“The person you will help us resurrect has the necessary power to save her. If you were caught resurrecting her, you both will be hunted, but if a third party were to do it, then you could perhaps spare yourself the trouble.”
“Who is this person you speak of?”
“The late Jonathan Kidelowski.”
“You know Jess, Ja’O has become more and more distant lately.”
“Usually what happens. I can’t exactly relate since he died, so I can’t help much.”
Usual day at the hospital, Madeleine Wallace was a close friend of hers’. They almost lived the same life. They both had signed on as Vigilantes after graduation from school. They both were expecting for about the same time now. They both liked the same things. Sometimes, one could wonder if Madeleine was really Jess’ twin sister. The only difference perhaps was that Madeleine still had her significant other. It was a touchy subject for Jess. Their checkups over, Jess and Madeleine moved to the entrance.
“Should I call you a cab Jess?” asked her friend. Just then SS landed in front of them.
“No, that is not necessary, see you later Maddy.”
Both father and daughter leapt off into the distant sky, disappearing. Maddy got in her cab and then she too blended into the metropolis that was Gate. It started raining.
“Ja’O, dear, I’m back,” greeted a soaking Maddy as she entered the apartment.
Janus came out of his office looking glum. It was as if he was mulling over something. After a while, he shook his head and put the file down, silently asking for her to read it. She opened and much to her disgust, she could only react as he did. He closed his eyes, and folded his arms, it could not be helped.
“You are not really going to kill me are you?” she asked shocked by the file on her.
“Not in the end, I won’t.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“I know someone who is willing to resurrect you. It was the only way I can think of.”
She looked into his dark eyes. They was something chained in his mind. There was always a risk in her profession, but it never included falling in love with a bounty hunter. She trusted him, he trusted her. Discarding the covering, she embraced him, a tear was rolled down her cheek. Whose it was, she didn’t know and she didn’t care. They stood there in silence for what seemed eternal. She made the decision, she could neither think of another way out. It wasn’t for his sake that she did it, it was for their future, if she lived to see tomorrow, tomorrow may just be her last.
“It’s okay I trust you.”
“It will be quick, close your eyes.”
My Condolences
It had been days, days without a clear sky. Walking down one of the residential districts, Janus stopped at a zebra crossing. Across the street, a park, with a playground with children, giggling and playing. Their mothers could be seen, chatting among the benches. He took out a slip of paper and read the address that was scribbled on it again. Just a few blocks down the street. As he approached a man with a circular brimmed hat with a small cylindrical crown and trench coat stepped outside. Janus made eye contact with the man and they both stopped.
“What is your business young man?” asked the older man.
“My significant other passed away a few days ago. She would’ve wanted a friend of hers to know,” Janus spoke having well rehearsed the lines.
“You didn’t kill her did you?” asked the man.
To this Janus was taken aback, he did not anticipate someone to suspect him of anything.
“No, I loved her, why would I do such?” responded Janus shakily, clearly he was lying.
“I haven’t a clue, my condolences,” replied the man without any apparent emotion.
The man leapt off into the distance leaving Janus with his thoughts. So far, so good, or so he hoped. He stood nervously before the door. The ringing sound of the doorbell and the resultant greeting echoed in the hall, and as Janus stepped in, his hand glowed red.
Somewhere, deep within the halls of the School for the Mentally Gifted, Nib, who was an attaché for the Balancers was half awake, waiting for professor Helion Yang to sort out business with one of his students. It was at roughly the same time that SS burst through the door looking for the professor before noticing Nib waiting in the corner. It wasn’t long before Professor Yang and his student filed out of the office and into the common waiting room. The three men waited for the student to leave before entering the office. A grand desk, old and wooden but still well kept. It was tidy, orderly office, almost empty apart from a few meager chairs and a bookcase full of old tomes. Even the desk was clear except for the odd pen and the name plate. Nib’s work as an attaché meant being a paper pusher to the dean of the school. The two men just sat there, staring at each other, the professor using his ability to communicate mentally to insure privacy. Before long SS spoke out.
“You know I hate it every time you do that. But more importantly, this may involve Nib so I want him to hear this as well.”
“Know that what you’re asking is quite a lot. I know what this guilt is doing to you, that is why I’m agreeing to help you with this, but nothing is guaranteed after the six month time period. Not even Romulas and Remus could help you, even if they wanted to.”
Nib chimed in,
“Theory goes that after six months, the resurrection will require a trade-off of energy, that equals what ever is left to be resurrected, so if you’re willing to sacrifice a limb, by all means proceed.”
“Then I guess we should do this as soon as possible then, Helion, can you get us there fast?” asked SS.
“I’ll do you one better old friend.”
Reality started to bend and in a small shimmer, the trio shot through the city at near the speed of light, bound for the residence of Raymon’s Children.
Interlude Interrupted
The setting marked the horizon as Enigma withdrew herself from the window. It was going to be another quiet night. SS had just left them for night. Jumi was in her room, gussying up. Dante was sprawled on the couch, watching yet another cheap action flick. Around that moment Jess handed her little Raymon. They decided to name the little one after their late father figure Raymon Essenbrot. Actually Dante called him Ray Ray but no one paid him any mind, unlike SS who also called him by that name. It may be the memories but then again SS and Raymon were friends, comrades in arms. Tonight, Enigma wished for some sleep, Raymon didn’t allow for much sleep most nights.
“So who’s going to take watch tonight?” asked Enigma to the others as she went into the kitchen with Jess.
“Rock concert, ” shouted Enigma across the building.
“Um…oh yeah, porn,” replied Dante, who was currently engrossed with his film.
“Nib’s on duty for the Smagi tonight, looks like you drew the short straw Enigma,” said a tired Jess who was cooking dinner.
Just then, the door bell rang. Being the only person not busy with anything, Enigma proceeded downstairs to open the door,
“Coming, just a moment please.”
She opened the door and in the door way stood a young man, maybe a bit older than her, he was wearing a black jacket, had short black hair and green eyes.
“Can I help you?” she asked as he took a step inside.
He only looked at her, and noticing who she was carrying, struck her with an open palm. She had no way of defending herself and was flung across the hall, cratering the wall.
Janus caught the babe with the other hand. Proceeding through the foyer, he located the urn which contained the remains of Jonathan Kidelowski. Before he could open the urb, there were two clicks behind him. A voice he so often heard spoke.
“I don’t know what you want Janus, but I doubt you’re intentions aren’t hostile.”
“Ah yes, Mrs. Kidelowski, I bring you news of Maddy’s death. But perhaps she won’t be dead if I can breathe life back into Jonathan.”
Without dropping the child, Janus, spun, greeting Jess with a spurt of fire from his hands. It was harmless, he did not really wish to kill them, but he would if he had no choice. Another man joined the fight, his assault rifle tearing up the cover he managed to get behind. Before he react, a shrill battle cry chilled his very soul and a woman with two scimitars appeared above him. He rolled out of the way, drawing more energy into a bolt and channeling it through a wand, he gave her a battering as the energy exploded where it hit her abdomen. At this point he was out in the open. He grabbed Jonathan’s urn but was confronted by the man with the assault rifle. With both hands full he employed his feet. Taken by surprise the man fell clutching his nose and yelling obscenities. The others were starting to come to for a second go at retrieving the child and one of their former members. Suddenly, reality was warped and three men shimmered into existence. One of them he recognized as the man he saw earlier, another man he didn’t know and last was his mentor, Professor Helion Yang. Janus froze in place. The older man he saw earlier walked up to him calmly as his mentor motioned the other man to stand down. The professor spoke as Janus was disarmed.
“Janus O’freymer, you disappoint me.”
This was before everything melted and he blacked out.
The Death and Resurrection Show
Janus awoke to a slap. Jess was staring him down. He tried to move but it appeared he was tied to a chair. Across from him was Professor Helion Yang, who sat on the couch, surrounded by the bruised and battered he assaulted moments earlier.
“I suppose you want to resurrect Jonathan Kidelowski don’t you?” said his mentor.
He nodded glumly, he resigned himself to his fate.
“Certainly you should’ve came and seen me first, however, I’m sure you do not want tell us your motivations. I did not pry if you wish to know. As for the resurrection, I can aid you in that as well. However, it is up to Wiji if she will allow us some of Raymon’s blood.”
The majority of the room winched, SS, Dante and the professor remained emotionless. Everyone’s eyes focused on Jess. Her face spoke of internal conflict. She did want her Kid to return to her, but her motherly instincts did not want her to harm her child. It was a while before she agreed.
“Then its settled. The resurrection will start tomorrow as I think everyone has had enough emotions for one night. I’m afraid you’ll be sleeping like that Janus. Consider yourself fortunate to have gotten off lightly for assaulting multiple Vigilantes.”
Eventually the lights were switched off, leaving Janus alone in the dark, tied to a chair, waiting for sleep. When sleep did come, he was greeted with nightmares of Madeleine.
“Wake up Jerk’O!” was shouted into Janus’ ears come the morn.
It was the one named Dante. He looked up, blinking to adjust to the light. Dante kicked his chair over. The landing was not gentle.
“Finally awake eh? The prof wants you down stairs pronto, so get on your feet and get moving, or should I say, hopping.”
“Dante calm yourself, there is no need for violence,” said the woman named Jumi.
“Yes mom,” replied a sullen Dante sarcastically as he retreated to his room.
Jumi grinned, evilly. She produced a knife and set his chair upright. She looked him in the face, the knife between them as she edged closer and closer until their reflection was shown in the other’s eyes. Janus could see his reflection, misery and hatred stared back at him. To whom the feeling of hatred belonged, he could not tell. Some time passed until she cut his binds. As Janus was lead downstairs, he felt a surge unease. His mentor was waiting in the foyer. As he approached, his mentor held something up.
“A snack?” was offered to him.
Janus wolfed down the small tasteless snack. Having primarily recovered from his rude wake up call, Janus signaled he was ready. In synchronized gestures, they commenced the process.
For the better part of the day, Jonathan Kidelowski was reconstructed. Janus was near his limit, his limbs have become numb, even with the small aid that Professor Helion Yang, his mentor, could afford him, he was slowly draining of energy, soon, it would be his life force that will be the substitute. But it was soon over. The cessation of all energy expenditure was a relief. So much that he passed out just as Jonathan Kidelowski breathed anew. But before he could come to his senses, Jonathan was engulfed in light, shielding the fact that he was being whisked away by a third party. Not even the winded Helion Yang could do anything to stop it. SS came rushing into the foyer, noticing the lack of a certain Jonathan Kidelowski, he raised his sight to meet that of Helion’s.
“He’s gone.”
Dervish’s Encore
Kid could feel only the cool metal floor underneath him. Each movement on the icy surface shot pain throughout his nervous system. As he looked around he heard a voice.
“Ah awake I see.”
“Who are you, show yourself,” exclaimed Kid as he stumbled and fumbled about.
“In due time. Especially because that you are stark naked. Vestments have been prepared for you, just proceed a bit further if you please.”
Finding the clothes, he slipped into the loose yet comfortable garments. A door on the other side of the room opened, letting in additional light. Two figures then walked in, at which point the room became adequately illuminated. The two men were vaguely familiar but their names still eluded him. He couldn’t even remember his name.
“So, Jonathan Kidelowski, how did death feel?” asked one of them.
He took some time to process what he heard. Slowly he recalled snippets of his past. So, Jonathan Kidelowski was his name. Apparently he died some time, but who brought him back? It was probably these two men. Before he could ask the other man spoke.
“I know what you’re thinking, and yes, it was both of us that brought you back. Now in return, we only ask a small favour from you. You see there are a few people that we need you to get rid off for us. Afterwards, you will be cleared of debt. Do we have a deal?”
“You have yourself a deal mister.”
Janus was just coming to his senses. There were only sobs seeping from a room nearby. He opened his eyes, only to be greeted to what appeared to be a piece of paper stuck to his forehead with an adhesive. He gently removed it before examining what was written. Both good and bad news were contained therein. The resurrection was successful, but someone had taken Jonathan before he fully came to his senses. The confusion and amnesia will probably override Jonathan’s personality, which may push him to act ruthlessly to recover his memories. It was called Resurrection Sickness. SS had left to ask the Mayor to aid him in a citywide effort to locate Jonathan. Janus took no chances and quietly slipped out the apartment and into the light. Despite the fatigue, he decided to tail SS, hoping he’d find Jonathan first. After all, he had a promise to fulfill.
Tammy Kajnin, Mayor of Gate was about to leave for some sort of ceremony in which she was invited. Stepping out the front door of City Hall, she was met by a pair of policemen. Most of the police force was reduced to bodyguards of the city’s politicians. Tammy started towards he vehicle before a horrible screech pierced the air. It was metallic in origin and reeked of structural failure. Shouts, gunfire and screams were each heard in quick succession. She looked up from behind her guards and there stood a figure that she only knew by name. The guards rushed up to him, only to be cut down, one by one, as the figure darted left and right, spinning blade and body with devastating results. The events transpired so quickly that she did not realize it until he stood face to face with her, her security detail wiped to a man. Just as he was about to strike her down, a voice that offered her some hope was heard.
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you, Jonathan Kidelowski.”
Her attacker just growled and turned around, quickly trying to cut down this new arrival. Occupants of the building rushed her to safety, the arrival of a Vigilante meant that the police were relieved from the fight. Tammy took one look back towards the doorway. Gunshots and words were exchanged, she only hoped that at least one of them would make it out alive. It wouldn’t matter which as the effect would still be the same.
New Messages
SS and Kid were locked in a dangerous dance. Each never quite overpowered the other. The best were glancing hits. Minor cuts and grazes eventually accumulated between the two. It was all down to whoever could outlast the other now. Kid couldn’t listen to reason, his Resurrection Sickness quite severe due to the time between his death and resurrection. As luck would have it, SS was the one who tripped, landing on his back. Kid capitalized, pinning his opponent to the ground, his blade poised to enter SS neck only to be prevented by the barrel of a gun aimed point blank at his forehead.. They had fought to a stalemate, they would both die if one or the other flinched.
“Congratulations, you’re the second person to be my equal,” said SS panting.
The stalemate was finally broken by a gunshot. Kid sprung back to his feet, invigourated by the reprieve of the stalemate. As another round was cycled, Kid broke into a sprint, faster and faster. Not even the sting of bullets could dissuade him from his course. When his blade finally did taste flesh, he raised his eyes, to meet the person from which he recalled his past.
“Hi,” was all Jess could manage before she went limp.
“Crud,” escaped Kid’s lips before he too succumbed.
Janus was correct, he found Jonathan, although a grievously wounded one. He tended to the wounded. SS, just having recovered, agreed to help him transport the unconscious couple to his nearby residence in Riverside. As the four people entered, there was a staleness about the air that unnerved the mind. Janus checked the apartment over, it appeared to have not changed. Then he noticed his message recorder had a new message for him. He played it back. The voice was familiar not only to him.
“Mr. O’freymer, I congratulate you on a job well done. As for your mark, do not worry, we saved you the trouble and took the liberty of disposing of the body for you. We wouldn’t want any resurrection to take place now do we. Feel free to drop by my office sometime to collect whatever is due.”
Janus tried to keep his emotions in check but in anger he chucked the hapless recorder out the window, into traffic, inadvertently creating a twelve car pileup at the intersection. He left, leaving SS alone to watch over Jonathan and Wiji.
Moments later Janus burst through the office door of his employer.
“Here to collect the bounty now have we Mr. O’freymer?”
“Yes, I’m here to tender my resignation,” remaining emotionless.
“Ah yes, your resignation.”
His employer produced a document in which he signed and handed to Janus.
“There you go, as of now, you are retired. However, due to your security clearance, you are not allowed to leave this room. I wouldn’t want some do goody Vigilante to be tipped off by an ex-employee with a grudge, now do I?”
As if on cue, the side doors opened allowing armed men to storm in, opening fire and closing the gap to get to melee range. Janus had anticipated this and his only reply was,
“You can’t tell how much I wanted to do this.”
With that said he lunged at his boss and grabbed him by the throat.
SS was going to pay a visit to Du Blanc, however there was no one in the lobby. As a precautionary measure, he removed his pistols from the holster. The lift brought him to Du Blanc’s office floor. Blood was painted on the walls. No one was behind the secretary’s desk either. The doors were off their hinges and further inside the office, various shrubbery and furniture were on fire. SS found Du Blanc sprawled on the floor, bleeding but still alive. The poor man was trying to communicate in a rasping voice.
“Can’t help you there buddy. Its the price you pay for your numerous betrayals.”
SS emptied several rounds into the man for good measure.
Historical Snippets
Janus had slipped outside through the dark alley and in minutes, he disappeared into the mass of pedestrians. He came back to his little apartment whose door was open. Apparently SS had took his leave and in a hurry. Jonathan was idly looking outside the window. Wiji was found in the kitchen, cooking a small meal. She sat him down in at one side of the small table. Jonathan joined them. They all ate in an unnerving silence.
SS came in as Janus finished his drink, a smug look on his usually emotionless face.
“You finally snuffed out Du Blanc eh?” he said patting Janus on the back.
Taken aback by the discovery, Janus eyed the older man.
“The little backstabber deserved it anyways. Don’t be so glum, chum, I’m thanking you on behalf of the good men that we lost thanks to Du Blanc all those years ago.”
It diffused the situation entirely.
“So now that you’re done with your personal troubles, what are you going to do now?”
For a while Janus was deep in thought. When he finally spoke, it was with a shaky voice,
“I made a promise. A promise to Madeleine Wallace that when I resigned from that line of work, I’d turn around, become a Vigilante, what I really wanted to be all this time. I wish I can do something for all those people that I had to put to rest. I wish to be part of your group, if I can, there’s nothing left for me anyways.”
SS wiped his smug look off his face. He knew that feeling, wanting to repent for the past that could not be changed. He nodded silently, waiting for the Kid and Jess. They both agreed, they owed him at least something. They relocated to the living room.
“So, gather up close, who wants to hear an old veteran’s war stories?”
Days later there was a newspaper article that came out on the front page of the day’s edition. Janus, who was now part of Raymon’s Children knew it was best to add it to the archive of clippings they kept. It read,
“The Prophesied Return of the Kid!
Only a few days ago, on the very day our Mayor, Tammy Kajnin was assaulted by a familiar face, saw the return of Kid. Jonathan “Kid” Kidelowski, who had fallen in battle against Romulas and Remus six months ago, returned to the world of the living. This was exactly as Nib Cynis, a fellow squad member of Raymon’s Children had predicted! While suffering from resurrection sickness, Jonathan Kidelowski attempted to assassinate our beloved Mayor. Thankfully, the famous Vigilante, SS came to her aid and were both engaged in a fierce melee. Only the intervention on behalf of Wiji Essenbrot, did he recover. The events leading to the eventual resurrection of Jonathan Kidelowski still remains a mystery, although their mysterious new recruit may have something to do with it. Janus O’fremer, the new recruit, was approached for an interview but yielded no definite answers on the matters. We interviewed other members, Nib Cynis especially, but still had no answers. We even tried to track down the ever elusive SS, staking out Raymon’s Children’s base of operation for days without a sighting. Until at last did he approach us. He didn’t allow us to interview him, but he allowed us to quote him saying that “Kid’s (Jonathan Kidelowski’s) return was just a result of a series of unrelated events.” This still left us to speculate on perhaps what these events were. In related news, Jonathan Kidelowski announced his intentions to propose to Wiji Essenbrot, both of whom are now parents of a newborn son. We wish them the best in the future.”
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