by L. M. Vila
Michael turned his attention towards his final prey. He heard the staff smack the ground once more indicating the second had been successfully captured. With that off his plate, he could now focus all of his attention on this last annoyance. The FBI agent picked up the beast at the back of its neck like a cat being punished for bad behavior. It continued to attempt to defy him by slowly snapping his jaws and weakly swiping with its claws. Michael had enough of this charade and gently tossed him about a foot off of the ground before crashing his fist square against its sternum splitting it in two. The beast was sent flying so quickly that Davis had to dodge as it traveled and slap the ground a bit further away from him with his staff to trap the creature.
Time had granted the FBI agent a much needed breather as the last two continued their assault on the Paladin. He continued to push them away with his staff while subsequently luring them into his traps. The fourth beast tried to slash at Davis’ midsection but was greeted with the blunt end of his staff and then quickly found residents like its three companions before him the cages of light. Last but not least, the final monster jumped high into the air. After seeing the way its brothers went down, it opted for one last act of defiance by striking in a manner not yet attempted. With its razor sharp fangs wide open, it came down on the Paladin looking to consume the young man’s entire head in one foul bite.
The creature’s screamed quickly faded into squeals. It was unable to consume the delectable meal firmly attached Davis’ neck but rather enjoyed the fine luxurious taste of six feet of solid steel. The staff shot through its throat and forced its way out near the beast’s tailbone. Not the cleanest way to finish off a slight against God but effective nonetheless. Davis dumped the body in its intended spot and lightly tapped the ground next to it incasing the final creature once and for all.
Light began to swell within the chambers. It all started to make sense. Davis had been preparing for this the entire time. He was not arbitrarily swinging and batting the creatures away. He was giving himself time to draw the symbols on the ground that would aid him in completing his goal. All five beasts were completely trapped equal lengths apart and from a good distance, it appeared to be in the shape of a pentagon.
Davis stood in the center between all chambers of light and began to chant. Unlike the glowing script on the ground, Michael could understand this language. It wasn’t every day someone spoke Latin as if it were their native tongue but the young Paladin commanded the language better than he did his weapon during the passing battle. They appeared to be bible scriptures of some sort but even with Michael’s eidetic memory, he never heard any of those in that big black book of theirs.
As the Paladin spoke, the light began to grow. The creatures within continued to whine and thrash about. Michael took a closer look and he could begin to see fear growing amongst their savage expressions. Whatever the young Paladin was doing must have been affecting them on levels that even the FBI agent’s unchallenged IQ could comprehend. The Paladin kept revealing more unique secrets with every passing moment. This did not bode well for Michael's growing apprehension of Testament and their ongoing threat on his life.
“ADOLERE!”
Brilliant columns of light ignited all around the Paladin. Even Michael's glasses that were designed to protect him from the resonating blasts of stun grenades and flash bangs couldn't contain all of the light that exploded. Unlike those weapons, this light didn't burn or cause any type of pain. The warm white glow bathed all around the FBI agent and he could feel the throbbing torment swelling all over his body begin to dwindle.
The light soon faded into tiny stars raining down all around the warehouse. Michael surveyed their surroundings and was unable to find a single traces of the creatures that had left him in such a battered state. This magic that the Paladin manipulated was both ominous and powerful. If caught on the wrong side of it, Michael actually feared where he may end up as he still couldn't find the logic of where those creatures left. Even their distinctive animalistic scent had vanished.
Dryness littered the throat of Dr. Shin. He couldn’t even begin to comprehend what happened let alone what he just saw. Five of his precious warriors had disappeared in the blink of an eye. They were designed to be fearless, destructive, and most importantly, indestructible. This wasn’t how things were supposed to end.
Surveying the scene below at least afforded Shin a bit of comfort. Though the one clad in white was no worse for wear, the main target had seen better days. Perhaps all the General needed were five of these soldiers at his disposal instead of just the one. Michael Madison appeared to be on his last legs and if he barely survived the initial five, perhaps it was time to up the ante.
The doctor crept up to the control panel where the remaining twenty-five switches laid to rest. He was tired of playing games with these two. They had a mission to complete. Shin did not come all the way out here and spent a decade of his time preparing for this opportunity just to see it wasted by two unknown variables.
Michael could feel pain rearing its ugly head back in. Unfortunately for him, one of the many talents the Paladin lacks is the ability to heal others. Then again, perhaps this was all part of their plan. Michael was in no place to fight another wave of those creatures let alone someone who has proven they could hold their own against the same and come out completely unscathed. This was not an ideal situation and certainly one of the most dire the seasoned FBI agent has ever come across.
“Perhaps you should go,” the Paladin stated.
Those were the last words the FBI agent expected to hear. The aftermath of the initial battle has left Davis with the distinct advantage. Testament could complete their goal right here and now if they so desired. Despite the history lesson he received earlier, this one has proved himself different from the organization he served. Maybe it was something he saw in Michael’s eyes but his words were both comforting and favorable given the circumstances.
“Not yet,” Michael hissed.
He clenched his fist and tried to force another surge of adrenaline to flow through his damaged body. It may very well exhaust every ounce of strength he had left but at the very least, he’ll go down fighting.
“This is my mission.”
“Forgive me Michael,” Davis started. “But I can sense more of them coming now. And I fear for your safety. I understand the nature of your work but as luck should have it, our goals have become intertwined. A great injustice has been created here and I am sworn by my oath to Testament and our Lord to remedy any slights against the Father.”
The Paladin looked over to Michael with a sincere but serious glare much like the one the FBI agents would give to his prey.
“This is my mission now, as well.”
Relief started to settle in. Michael believed he could take this man at his word. This just proved it. After all of his training and watching hundreds of others lie to his face with the same expression, the FBI agent knew he could trust him now. Testament may have put him on a hit list but Davis was the only one who never even brought it up since they first met.
“Besides,” he smiled before Michael could respond.
The Paladin tossed over the keys to their vehicle which were quickly snatched by the FBI agent.
“I believe you have somewhere else to be.”
Michael’s memory slapped him in the face almost as hard as the Paladin’s words had. Their battle here had delayed pursuit on the FBI agent’s new target, Ryoo Myung-Ho. He could already be at the White House or worse, he’s been inside the whole time. The original plan was to assist in the peace talk operation. Michael was supposed to aid the Secret Service from the outside and as soon as this thought continued, he could feel his heart sink to the center of the earth.
“Or is it someone else to see?”
The words faded into the dank air of the warehouse as Michael ran off to finish what he had started in Vegas. The wound in his ankle wasn’t given a moment of attention. All thoughts were on getting to the White House a
nd stopping this threat once and for all.
As Michael exited the dock door he took note of the gear left behind by the defeated soldiers. One of particular interest stood out to him. The FBI agent took a short detour and collected the RPG-7 and loaded it with the last remaining grenade. He had no idea what he would be walking into when he got there but he’d rather have it handy and not need it than need it and not have it. Ryoo Myung-Ho no longer had any places to run or hide. Justice was coming straight to him.
The doctor watched Michael Madison run off with his tail between his legs. This couldn’t have been a more picture perfect scenario. As much as he would have loved to watch his soldiers tear him limb from limb, that wasn’t a part of their primary objective. General Semyon did Shin a great service by warning him about that man but he gravely overestimated his abilities. Wherever he was running off too won’t be far enough. The country would fall whether or not he lived to defend it.
The warehouse had fallen quiet once more. Shin looked down at the holy-garbed man that dared to remain in his presence. Perhaps the doctor could offer a few more words to encourage him to leave like his friend a few moments prior.
“It appears your friend did not live up to the hype,” Shin taunted as he snickered.
For a man that was built from the ground up to have the Agent M formula flowing through his veins, his combat prowess left much to be desired.
“Why don’t you go and join him? There’s nothing left for you here but death.”
“I’m afraid cannot do that,” the Paladin replied.
His tone had lightened to a chipper and friendly demeanor that was uncommon for soldiers in the doctor’s experience.
“I will offer you a chance to surrender. Cease these activities at once and submit yourself to detention. It will make things a lot easier. No matter what path you choose, the outcome has already been decided.”
It was hard to tell from this distance but Shin thought he saw the son of a bitch smile after he said that. The brave soul down below was about to be taught a lesson in humility. Too bad he won’t live to learn anything else.
“Your proposal is duly noted and rejected. I have twenty-five more soldiers ready to wreak havoc across this great nation of yours,” he scoffed.
There was a foul taste in the air when Shin said those words but he could not attribute as to why he felt that way.
“If you surrender now, I can offer you a quick and painless death which is more than everyone outside these walls will be getting in the next minute.”
The Paladin shook his head.
“I don’t believe I will be doing that either. This is your last chance Dr. Shin. Please surrender now and spare us this needless bloodshed.”
Those words lit a fire in the doctor the likes of which he had never felt before.
“The only blood that will shed is yours. My army will bathe in it. They will terrorize every man woman and child that would dare stand in our way. The only trump card you had has left like the cowards that have built this nation. Your military doesn’t even stand a chance,” he jeered growing more confident by the second. “So who are you to defy me?”
Davis looked up at the sad soul mocking him from above. He had given him an opportunity for a peaceful resolution. Just like so many other past battles. Before he could answer his question, the Paladin took a deep breath and started to pray. The previous battle was won with some heartfelt help of his FBI ally. Now that he has left, Davis was calling forth a bit of divine favor. Unfortunately, given the circumstances, he will probably show up too.
The time for negotiations and peace has ended. This man, like hundreds before him, will get to bear witness to the mighty power of Testament’s greatest warrior. Light began to radiate off his body. White clouds of smoke poured from his eyes as they began glowing into bright yellow dots that shined like the sun. The ground began to quake. Walls vibrated and soon began to thrash about. The entire building was bending to the will of this young Paladin and it would be thoroughly tested as he opened his mouth to speak.
“I am Davis Tristan Leclair.”
His voice echoed throughout the empty walls of the warehouse. The commanding presence of his words appeared to even rattle the cages of the once arrogant doctor above.
“Warden of the flame. Guardian of the light. And…”
The Paladin looked up at Dr. Shin. Light swelled around him as the energy he controlled nearly enveloped him altogether. His last words had taken a darker turn and filled the room with terror and menace. His official title in Testament was one that was both respected and feared. The only one worthy to take this title was someone who portrayed all of the things that make someone a capable warrior and a model acolyte. No one has ever come close to challenge him for his title. Not one living soul.
“The Right Hand of God.”
March 27th, 2013 4:15PM
I-395 South
Washington, D.C.
The black Mercedes jetted down the freeway weaving in and out of traffic. Michael drove like a man possessed. At this time of day, the cars on the road would start piling up and he didn’t have time to sit and wait behind the wheel. He slid between inches of other vehicles and he glided along the path and made certain nothing was going to stand in his way.
Just ahead about two miles northwest stood the target of his destination. Michael veered towards the next exit and gunned it prepared to break every single traffic law imaginable. Given the distance, the FBI agent estimated he had another five minutes to his estimated time of arrival. He reached for his phone and called the one man that he would normally never trust with this kind of information. Given the circumstances, he was Michael’s best shot and informing everyone about what was going on and to prepare for the legendary FBI agent’s arrival.
“Michael!” Adrian shouted in almost a shriek. “What’s your status?!”
“It’s a set up,” Michael spat back. “They’re not here for peace. They’re starting a war.”
“What?!”
The S.A.C. was nearly at a loss for words. If there’s one thing Michael wasn’t known for it was exaggeration. Any words that you could get out of his mouth you could take to the bank.
“What are you talking about?”
The need for information was dire but Michael couldn’t process those requests. His mission took precedence even above the orders of his superiors.
“They need to evacuate, now!”
His last words rattled the delicate circuits of the phone.
“Why? What’s going on?”
“They’re already inside!” Michael cried through his clenched teeth.
The pain coursing through his body had not subsided in the least but he continued to press on despite the dreaded pleas of his nerves.
“Inside where?!”
The S.A.C. was desperate for information but the FBI agent was processing thousands of scenarios a second and couldn’t be bothered with playing a game of twenty questions.
“Where do you think?!”
The line went silent. The seconds that passed were filled with dread on both ends. Whatever horrors the S.A.C. thought he knew, Michael knew them to be much, much worse.
“What’s your twenty?”
“En route to the White House. E.T.A., two minutes.”
“Stand down Michael,” the S.A.C. stated. Though he was once filled with as much anxiety as Michael, these words seemed calm and darker than before.
“What?!” Michael angrily stated.
“You no longer have any authority nor jurisdiction to proceed. I have received your official termination papers from the Director himself hours ago. If the Secret Service catches you they’ve been ordered to arrest you on site.”
Silence filled the air. Michael had no idea what to think at this point. Whether or not he was employed was of no consequence at this point. Something more pressing took his attention. He didn’t want to ask this question but he just had to know the answer no matter how terrible it may be.
&nbs
p; “Where’s Meryl?”
“Don’t you get it Michael?” Adrian responded with a growing fever. “It’s over! They’ll kill you if you try anything.”
That statement didn’t even warrant a second of the former FBI agent’s attention. He continued with his previous line of question with more anger and resolution than his previous superior has ever heard his career.
“Where is she?!”
The S.A.C. didn’t respond immediately. In his infinite hope, Michael wanted to believe it was just Agent Fischer checking his data. He knew it wasn’t the case. Adrian always had every major aspect of any operation he is a part of fully memorized. He wasn’t looking for anything. He was just stalling. The S.A.C. didn’t know how Michael was going to react. In some ways, he didn’t want to know but even so, he still had a job to do.
“She’s in the Oval Office.”
Michael clenched and crushed the phone with his hand. He tossed the remaining chunks of plastic and metal in the seat next to him and hit the gas. It may have been Davis rubbing off on him but for the first time in his life, Michael did the closest thing to praying one could imagine. This wasn’t going to happen. Not again and especially not now. The only thing he cared about was the hope that he wasn’t already too late.
March 27th, 2013 4:18PM
The Oval Office
Washington, D.C.
“Surrender?” The President scoffed. “You're insane!”
“Insane?!” Bahn barked.
His voice pitch increased with every spoken letter.
