by L. M. Vila
The former FBI agent's arms had the mass and density of Jersey barriers. Their weight alone was already too much to carry but trying to swing them proved impossible. Michael continued to take the pummeling with nothing to return in his defense. Rage fueled the Korean has he drove punch after punch into the ultimate human soldier’s battered body. His throat roared with every hit as his offense grew louder and louder. He was no longer using any of the skills or techniques taught to him. Ryoo Myung-Ho had reverted to pure animalistic instincts in the hope of ending this man's life once and for all. The very same thing happened to the previous phony ultimate human soldier.
Knees quaked under the weight of Ryoo's assault and Michael's fledgling resistance. Prolonging the battle any longer would be futile. The ultimate human soldier had to go in for the kill. He clenched the kodachi blade tight his hand and narrowly avoided the next attack. Michael screamed as spun forward, swinging the blade up and cutting the soldier through the chest and leaving a three inch foot-long incision in its wake. The former FBI agent followed through on the turn and vaulted his heel like a tornado, crashing his mighty boot across Myung-Ho's skull.
The revolution was too much for his withered and battered to take. Michael collapsed and tumbled on the ground. The kodachi blade trickled from his grip and landed into an empty plot next to him just inches out of reach. Freshly dripped pools of blood baked in the setting sun next to him. Michael Madison had finally hit his peak. Throughout his years of experience, his body was always able to stand above the rest. It never once disobeyed a direct order and continued to push itself through hell in order to achieve his mind’s goals. Today was a humbling experience. The former FBI agent tried to push himself up. His body jittered and shook but would not respond to the direct order.
Helicopters buzzed in the distance. It was impossible to tell how long they had been battling. It may have been only a matter of minutes but they had sure put on a show for the world to see. Michael couldn't tell if they were civilian or military grade at this point but it was of no consequence. As he regained his vision, he could see Ryoo Myung-Ho settled on one knee. The ultimate human soldier’s last ditch effort wasn't enough to finish the job. His body demanded he quit. It would no longer listen to any commands.
The gravity of the situation began to settle in. Michael had pushed himself countless times to the brink of death but nothing quite like this. He had a job to do. Agent M had to be buried once and for all and this was the last link to it. Michael had vowed to end its existence but even with the fate of this nation on the line, it still wasn't enough to give him the one last boost he needed. Michael wasn't fighting because of the job, duty, or honor. He could feel the fading beats of his heart jump up just once as soon as the image of what he was fighting for sink into his mind. Even with his face to the ground and the odds against him, he wasn't about to fail her now.
Michael slammed his fists into the roof and began pushing himself up. He growled in defiance as he rose. Ryoo Myung-Ho appeared to have recovered from the assault. This would truly be the former FBI agent's last hurrah. His body wouldn't allow any more energy or blood to be expended. Ultimate human soldier or not, everybody has their limits and it took over three decades for Michael to find his.
The Korean began coughing and convulsing the distance. It was as if he were being possessed by a spiritual demon. His body jolted and snapped with every crack of his voice. Michael's eyes enlarged. He had seen this behavior not even an hour earlier. All of the blood draining from his body must have accelerated his descent into madness. The beasts he fought in that warehouse were primal, rabid, and ferocious. The former FBI agent didn't possess the strength to deal with even one more of those foul monsters. He only had one last trick up his sleeve. It may not be as elegant as it was when he put down Ryoo Myung-Dae but there was no doubting its effectiveness if he pulled it off.
Metal scrapped across the ground as the dagger dragged through the exposed roof. Michael breathed just a bit easier with the kodachi back in his possession. He gripped it with his left hand stretched over his body with the blade resting on his hip.
The newly turned beast leapt high into the air. Ryoo Myung-Ho may not have fully possessed the claws and fangs of his brethren but the ferocious desire for combat still remained. It was all he needed to become the ultimate force to be reckoned with.
The window was fading. Michael only had once chance to get this right. The Korean sailed overhead and with his body completely parallel to the roof, the former FBI agent took his shot. Michael rocketed the blade up and outward. It spun violently in the wind as it defied gravity. The beast wailed as the kodachi embedded itself deep into Ryoo's exposed neck. The only thing stopping it from cutting right through was the reinforced bone structure of the drugged out Korean. Ryoo Myung-Ho ignored the pain and the blade jutting out of his neck as he continued descending. He stretched his arms out and reached for his opponent.
Michael clenched his body as he turned against the direction of his throw and spun his body outward. The former FBI agent planted his left foot deep into the damaged structure of the roof and cracked the continuously beaten surface as his right leg lifted into the air. The awaiting clawing hands of his foe were inches away from his skull. Michael vaulted his foot high as his entire body spun. Tatters of his coat danced along the thrust as he opened up like a cocoon. Michael screamed at the top of his lungs as his legs split and launched his right foot right into the exposed chin of the falling Korean soldier.
Sound cracked against the force of the blow shaking the foundations of the White House battleground. Ryoo Myung-Ho's body crashed to the ground and began to flop uncontrollably as blood gushed out of the gaping hole between his shoulders. His head landed clear across the other side of the roof and bounced for a few yards before stopping completely. The stupidly angered grin was forever stuck on his face.
The ultimate human soldier landed and reeled back to one knee. He had just enough time to admire his work before the darkness crept in completely. His mind was put at ease for a moment when the sirens and calls of law enforcement officers swarmed all around his perimeter. The battle had finally ended. Michael fell forward. His skull slapping the ground never felt so good. As he drifted into the sweet bliss of unconsciousness, there were still one prominent thought in his mind. He hoped the Paladin had come through with his promise, otherwise this was going to be the world's shortest nap. Putting the final nail in the coffin for Agent M would hopefully put an end to fights like these. The former FBI agent had no desire to recreate or experience this ever again.
Michael enjoyed on last sweet breath as the dark clouds enveloped his body. The last thing he remembered before the dark void was knowing that even though he was unemployed, there would still be a familiar smiling face waiting for him upon his return.
March 29th, 2013 8:00AM
Undisclosed Location
The stage was set in the tribunal room. This sacred hall was used for the highest members of the organization known as Testament to discuss matters of worldly importance. Walls were simple bricks painted in black. The ancient crest of the order was painted in a circle in pure silver. The furniture was as old as the organization itself but it looked pristine and freshly polished. Five seats were arranged on the high bench were reserved for Paladins and the highest member of their order, the Father. They all sat and deliberated the findings and reports from one of their esteemed members. Not even the knights, the Father's esteemed council of elders were allowed to attend these meetings.
Davis LeClair looked around as he stood in the center of the crest. The only like in the room shined down upon him. The smell of hickory and concrete was all too familiar. He hadn't stepped in this room in ages. The last time a meeting like this was called, the world changed. It's not every day one is burdened with such a task but for this young Paladin, it was all in a day's work.
Five spotlights clicked on. Footsteps followed soon after. The four Paladins took their seats. Nerges, Phaeus, Rodeus, an
d Cariot were all in attendance. Only their folded arms were visible in the glow of the soft light. Father was the last to approach. He took his time as if each step were counting down to the end of the world. The gravity of this situation was not unknown to Davis or his fellow brethren but this did nothing to ease the tension in the room.
Davis allowed himself a moment for a long and deep breath as the Father finally sat. Light cascaded off his chest and cross but his face was still soaking in shadows. This was not going to be a friendly meeting by any means. There was no room for personal feelings or misguided judgments. The truth would come out today and with that, the fate of the world would be decided.
“Good morning Cephas,” Father stated.
“Good morning Father,” the Paladin replied.
The temperament of Testament's leader appeared to be calm which boded well to settle Davis' mood.
“You have been charged with the task of placing judgment on the accused Mavryk Brian Curtis, hereby named Mabus,” said Father.
His words carried immense weight and presence. Another unworthy soul would have been crushed by them.
“Please,” he boldly directed, “state your findings.”
“Thank you Father.”
Davis took another breath and steeled himself. This conversation was about to change the course of history and the last thing he wanted to do was sound nervous.
“I made contact with the accused six days ago on May twenty-third at approximately eleven-fifty-five pm. From there, I stayed within close proximity for the next four days. We traveled across the Pacific Ocean and back to which I observed his behaviors, mannerisms, and decisions made all along his journey.”
“You were with the accused for four days?” Asked Phaeus.
“The last two only took twenty-four hours,” Nerges chimed in.
“Can you explain yourself Cephas?” Rodeus finished.
“I can,” Davis nodded.
He had almost forgotten how overwhelming his fellow Paladins can be with their questions but it's not like he wasn't prepared.
“Unlike the others, the accused does not show nor have access to any great military strength. He is currently, as the reports indicated, an army of one. There was no outlying indicators as to what his methods would be for carrying out the prophecy so it required further research.”
“And,” Cariot started.
The Paladin could feel his smugness pour through the dark cascade covering his expression just fine.
“Did you find what you were looking for?”
This was a difficult question to answer but Davis hoped to explain it in a way that everyone would hopefully understand.
“The accused is very unique. Though he does display several violent tendencies and has no care or regard when taking a life, he appears to do so only in the line of duty. There are no records of him attempting to harm or kill anyone that was not involved in a crime as stated by his former employment requirements. He is also very guarded. It proved difficult to gather information directly. There lies a mystique about his presence. He rarely if ever shows emotion and when he does, it is under complete and total control.”
“And even with your talent you were unable to read his feelings?” Rodeus asked.
The Paladin nodded.
“Correct. He is extremely reserved and only speaks when it is absolutely necessary.”
“Isn't that a sign to be noted?” Nerges questioned.
Davis shook his head.
“The previous two were able to be read as normal as stated in prior reports. Judgment was passed on them based on those findings. Due to the nature of the accused's upbringing, I was unable to perform my assessment.”
“You are referring to the creation of the accused?” Inquired Phaeus.
“Correct,” nodded the Paladin. “His birth was the prime reason for his candidacy. As such, I believe it was imperative to fully measure the accused from all angles before passing judgment.”
“But,” Cariot interrupted. “His birth is no longer in question. We've established that after his little incident, did we not?”
Davis kept his eyes pressed forward. As much as he wanted to glare at his fellow Paladin for ushering such a statement. He didn't even have enough time to follow up with a defense before the other three came back at him hard.
“This is true,” Nerges replied. “The main reason why we initiated contact was because of the transgressions he had committed after the incident.”
“Indeed,” Phaeus complimented. “The catalyst for his behavioral changes began on that day.”
“It has been documented that we issued Clerics for observation,” stated Rodeus, “but the specific details for the six months he was absent have never been revealed. The only records we were able to obtain were the official documents by his employers. We have no knowledge what had occurred during those six months. That is why the accused became the prime suspect.”
The air grew thick inside these hallowed halls. Davis continued to have trouble explaining himself and found it difficult to find the reasons why. This should have been a simple matter of stating the facts but as they continued he found himself acting defensively instead of passing judgment as he was called to do. But, unlike everyone else in the room, they did not have the firsthand experience with the accused as he did and Davis was determined to bring those facts to light before condemning anyone.
“His behavior was duly noted during my investigation. I traveled with the accused and had the privilege of seeing him both at his best and at his worst. Based on our records alone, it would seem the accused would be rightfully fit for the title as Mabus.”
“And,” Father interjected.
It appeared the time for discussion had ended. There was nothing left to say or here. The time had finally come.
“What is the judgment you are passing now?”
Davis planted his feet and took in a deep breath.
“Based on my records, observations, and encounters, I hereby declare our findings to be”
The Paladin’s throat went dry. His nerves rattled and the words began to shake under his breath. He clenched his fist, locked eyes with those of the Father hidden in shadow and boldly stated the results of his findings.
“Inconclusive.”
“What?” The other Paladins questioned.
They began conversing quietly amongst themselves. Davis may have been unable to hear everything they were saying but he knew this reaction was coming. This was the right choice and he was prepared to defend it to the death if need be.
Father slowly raised his hand and ushered silence amongst his Paladins. The room grew quiet once more as Testament's wise and all-knowing leader was prepared to get to the bottom of this bold declaration.
“Cephas,” Father avowed.
His words were no longer calm or soft. The seriousness of his tone could be felt coursing through ever breath.
“Explain yourself.”
“I know this is unorthodox but it is the best course of action to take for now. I don't believe I was able to fully understand the accused's motivations based on the time allotted. There is something,” Davis began.
His mind started to wander as he prepared the best explanation possible for what he was about to say.
“Something else, perhaps even someone else that may be worth looking into.”
“And who are you referring to Cephas?” Cariot asked.
His demeanor and tenor had remained unchanged from that of his brothers.
There wasn't enough time to do the research required but Davis was prepared to defend his point as best as he could. This may very well be Michael Madison's saving grace. If only he had to time to press his observation further. But end draws near and not even an organization as powerful as Testament could be afforded such a luxury. They needed a clear and definitive answer as soon as possible. The world could not afford to wait based on the sentiments of just one of its children.
“This one holds a special place
in the heart of the accused. I was only able to observe it briefly but from what I could tell, he was willing to do or sacrifice anything in her name. His behavior changed slightly and for a moment, I thought I possessed the ability to perform a read but it sealed too quickly. It is a significant find and I deem it worthy to continue pursuing until all matters become clear.”
There was a brief pause in the room. The silence was thick and could be cut with a knife. Davis knew the weight of his words but continued to implore their gravity even if it meant upsetting those that he had dedicated to serve with his life. This matter concerned all creatures living in this world, even the accused. Just because his life was in question did not mean it could be sacrificed without a proper and thorough assessment. He deserved that much.
“Are you sure this is the proper course of action?” Father asked.
The Paladin knew he had accomplished his goal because for the first time in a long while, the Father sounded sympathetic to his declaration.
“I believe she holds the key to unlocking the mystery,” Davis nodded. “There is something about her that the accused seems to embrace, perhaps even cherish. It is for that reason I ask for more time to continue to pursue this investigation.”
The Paladin took one final breath and finished his thought.
“Once that is done, I will be able to pass judgment upon the accused.”
The Paladins and Father began their final deliberation. Silence was cast upon the room and only the brief utterance of their combined whispers could be traced. Davis knew what had to be done and would be prepared to do anything asked of the organization that raised him. He did desire to betray them but more importantly, he placed his devotion in a higher power. The Paladin's heart may be unable to guide him in these matters but his faith has not once failed him. This was the right course of action and he was prepared to defend it no matter the cost.