Chapter 5: A Burden
Clips are playing in the monitor, Valor Knight getting thrown out of the bank, the two assailants display of power and more importantly is the black veins popping out of the body of 00-X everytime he gets hit by Valor Knight.
"What now?" Lisa asked. She frowns at the sight of Argus getting beat up by the two.
Argus shrugs as he sips from his coffee. He doesn't care about him getting beat up, he cares about the two assailants. Being experimented like that is surely the reason why they are doing this and the main enemy here is Ethan.
"So, this guy." Viktor pointed at the monitor that is showing the picture of Ethan. "Is the one who altered my ability?"
Argus nods. "He is also the reason why those two are doing bad things." He explains, "I think those two are thinking about destroying Ethan."
"Those two... They look young and they need someone to guide them." Lisa says, her face is showing concern.
"Look young, huh?" Argus says, as he stare at the monitor that is showing the clip of him struggling against 00-X.
"Argus..." Lisa speaks. "You look like hell." She says, staring down at Argus's bruised body.
Argus didn't reply but he stands up and starts walking away. He still doesn't like someone looking down on him like he is some kind of a helpless child.
Maybe it just he doesn't like Lisa seeing him in his weak state. Being a hero is a burden, a burden that he doesn't want to carry.
3 MONTHS AGO...
On the 5th night of August. Argus is chasing a big guy in the dark alleyway of New York. The city is quite, no noise can be heard, only the heavy breathing of the big guy that is getting chased by a shadow.
Argus is still getting used to his newfound power. He still doesn't know why the Goddess chose him as her vessel and it's still isn't clear to him what purpose is he playing in this little game of the Goddess of Justice.
Is he a pawn? Well he certainly hope not. He's a escaped convict, wanted in every part of the city. And look what he's doing now, chasing a bad guy in the street, doing what the police can't.
The big guy runs inside an abandoned building and Argus quickly follows inside, but he quickly jumps in the shadows. He is lucky, his suit is adapting to any kind of color, like a chameleon.
"Whoever you are, wherever you are... Please stop chasing me." The big guy pleads. "I need these money. I have two childs that needs to eat."
Argus stands in the shadow, enough for the big guy to see his glowing white eyes. "What about the old woman that you just robbed? She have a mouth to feed too, right?"
"You don't understand." The big guy respond. "My kids haven't eaten for three days. I don't want to see them hungry anymore. So please, just this once, let me have this money." He pleads again, kneeling on the ground.
Argus stares at him, his eyes remembering the time where his mother is still alive. His mother would surely says that this guy can keep the money. She will probably give more, but he is not his mother, and this guy just robbed a defenseless old woman.
"Why did you choose to rob? Can't you just take a job and work? Surely, your kids will like that and they deserve better than stolen money for their foods." Argus says, his voice is deep and hoping that it had an effect to the man.
The big guy looked at him, his eyes filled with tears. "I-I tried... I really did. But no one would hire me. I'm an ex-convict... Everywhere I go, they turn me away. I wanted to be better, for my kids, for myself. But life... life hasn't been kind to me." The big guy explained, his voice breaking.
Argus felt a pang of empathy tugging at his heart. But what he did is still wrong in many ways. He stepped out of the shadows revealing himself fully to the man.
"I see your pain and struggles." Argus said, his voice softer now. "But stealing from others is not the way to overcome your difficulties. There are always an option, even when it seems like all doors are closed."
"Then tell me... tell me the options!" The big guy pleads, tears freely flowing down his eyes.
"Turn yourself in, make this one right and you can give your children a good life. Your children deserve an honest father, a role model who takes responsibility for his action." Argus says firmly, extending a hand to the man.
The looked at him, his teary eyes widened in surprise. He accept the hand and tears starts to flow down from his eyes.
...
Argus is standing from a distance, watching the cops arrest the big guy. Officer Gwen approach him with a smile on her face, "So, who are you? That man is crying, saying that a man in a white suit gave him hope."
Argus stares at her for a moment. He still doesn't have a hero name, or that's what it's called. He can't say his real name, he's still a wanted man, what he needs is a codename, a hero name.
He thinks for a moment before settling on a codename that keeps screaming inside his mind. "You can call me, the Valor Knight." With that, Argus quickly leave the scene by jumping in the air with his scaled wings opening, enabling him to fly.
Gwen watches him leave, a smile playing on her lips. "Valor Knight. I'll keep that in mind."
EMPIRE STATE BUILDING...
Argus is sitting on the top of the Empire State, watching the city below him. He's still contemplating on wether he did the right thing by turning the man on the police, or just make things more harder to the man's children.
"I see, so you're still doubting yourself." A voice speaks behind him.
Argus turns around in shock. He sees a woman standing behind him, the woman is all blue. "Who are you?"
The woman smile at Argus, "I'm Themis. The one that makes you the knight of justice." She says, she sits down beside him. "Stop doubting yourself, you did the right thing. The first time you meet the man, his heart is filled with self doubt. But your speech to him send an impact to his soul, and now his heart is justified..."
PRESENT DAY...
Argus is sitting on the ground, his back leaning on the wall. Cans of beer scattered beside him, he grabs another beer and start drinking it then throws it away after finishing.
"Knight of justice, eh." He says, his tone full of disdain.
Argus lets out a bitter chuckle as drinks another beer then throws it away, but this time the beer lands on the feet of a woman. Argus looked up to see a woman in black standing there.
"So this is where I'll find you." The woman says, "I thought you'd be more handsome."
Argus raises an eyebrow and smirks. "Well, don't judge a book by its cover," He retorts. "What brings you to this charming part of the city?"
"I could ask you the same thing," The woman replies with a smirk. "Seems like you're having a pity party here all by yourself." She takes a step closer, her eyes locked onto Argus.
Argus shrugs, taking another swig from his beer. "Just enjoying some peace and quiet, away from the chaos of the city life. And clearly, you've managed to find me amidst all this tranquility."
The woman chuckles softly. "Peace and quiet, huh? You've always been full of surprises, Argus," She says, a hint of genuine amusement in her voice.
"You're still predictable, Rose." Argus says, a smirk playing on his lips.
Rose smiles, a glint of challenge in her eyes. "Predictable, maybe. But never boring. Unlike you, drowning your sorrows in cheap beer in this dingy alley."
Argus chuckles, his gaze meeting hers. "Touché, Rose. Touché. So, to what do I owe the pleasure of your unexpected visit? or just missing my charming company?"
Rose raises an eyebrow, a playful smirk on her lips. "Ah, you flatter yourself, Argus. Maybe I just missed seeing that crooked grin of yours."
Argus tilts his head, a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. "Well, who wouldn't miss this charming face," He says with a smirk. "But I must admit, I didn't expect you to come looking for me here of all places."
Rose chuckles softly. "I have my ways of finding people, even when they try to disappear into the shadows," She says cryptically, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Argus raises his eyebrows in mock surprise. "Impressive. I'll have to be more careful next time I decide to hide away from the world. So what do you want?" He says now in a serious tone.
Rose's expression shifts slightly, her playfulness giving way to a more serious demeanor. "I need your help, Argus," She says, her voice carrying a weight of urgency.
Argus sets aside the half-finished beer can next to him, giving Rose his full attention. "My help? Rose, what kind of trouble have you gotten yourself into this time?"
Chapter 6: The Reaper
"Baron kidnapped my daughter." Rose says, her expression serious.
Argus expression quickly change into horror. Baron Malice, an intimidating name that strikes fear in the heart of criminals underworld.
He still remember the pain of defeat at the hands of Baron. A flashback of him lying on the ground and Baron approaching him with a menacing smile.
"Argus! Snap out of it!" Rose slaps Argus, in an attempt to snap him back to reality.
Argus sits there, sweats flowing down his body. Just the mention of Baron is enough to break him into pieces. A cold blooded figure that almost killed him and how many people died that day.
Rose gently grabs Argus by the shoulder, "Argus, look at me. You're stronger now, stop reminiscing the past. I know it's hard for you but please we have to save my daughter."
"B-but–" Argus's voice is trembling.
Rose puts her hands gently on the face of Argus. "You're gonna be okay. You have the suit, right?"
Argus's body stopped trembling, "That's right, I have the suit now. Back then, I didn't have any weapon but it's different now."
"That's right, Argus. You're stronger now, you have the power to stop him." Rose encourage him.
Argus takes a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart. "You're right, Rose. I have the suit." Argus says, his voice steadier now.
Argus stands up, his resolve strong. He knows that he can't let fear paralyze him anymore. "We'll rescue your daughter, Rose. I won't let Baron get away with this," Argus says firmly.
...
At the school's underground secret laboratory. Lisa and Viktor are researching about the whereabouts of Argus.
Just yesterday she's talking to him, now he's nowhere to be found. The big screen is filled of the possible places that Argus will go, but all of them have an "X" marked.
Lisa turns to Viktor with a worried expression, "Viktor, we need to find him."
Viktor nods in agreement, his mind racing with possibilities. "I'll try to access the city's surveillance cameras to track any unusual activities. Maybe we can get a lead on where Argus could be."
As Viktor types furiously on his keyboard, Lisa paces back and forth, her thoughts filled with concern for Argus.
BACK TO WHERE ARGUS AND ROSE IS...
They are on top of a container, watching the armed guards walks around the place. Argus now in his suit is crawling towards the edge to see closer.
He saw two armed guards patroling the perimeter and four other armed guards drinking just below him.
As Argus cautiously observed the movements of the guard, Rose climbs on his back and whispered softly at his ear. "You have a plan, cowboy?"
Argus tensed at the warm breath of Rose, but it's not showing because of his suit and mask. "I do have a plan." He replies back, while observing the guards.
Argus pointed to the two guards patrolling the perimeter and whispered his plan to Rose. "You take out those two guards first quietly. Then I can deal with the others below."
Rose nodded in agreement, "Let's do it," She said softly, her hand resting on Argus's shoulder.
She jumps long enough to stand at the other edge of the container. Argus looked at her with a concerned beneath his mask.
"Before we proceed, there's something I need to ask," He spoke up tentatively. "Is the kid... mine?" He inquired softly, stepping closer to her.
"Shush, cowboy." She puts a finger on Argus lips not that she can touch it with his mask on. "I'll tell you after we find her."
Rose gives Argus a reassuring smile before she swiftly moves towards the two guards patrolling the perimeter. With a quick movements, she takes them down silently, ensuring that no alarm is raised.
As Rose finishes disabling the guards, Argus leaps down from the container, ready to take on the remaining guards. The four guards quickly grabs their guns, but Argus throws a dagger towards them, targeting their wrists.
The guards cry out in pain as the dagger hits its mark, causing them to drop their guns. Taking advantage of the momentary confusion, Argus swiftly moves in to incapacitate them, he punch the first guard on the face, the force is too strong that the guard's jaw brokes.
He grabs the guard by his collar and toss him to the other three guards, sending them all crashing to the ground in a heap. Argus moves with fluid grace, rendering each guard unconscious with a series of punch and kicks.
Rose calmly walks over to join him, her eyes scanning the area for any signs of additional threats. "You're stronger now, cowboy." She remarks with a hint of admiration in her voice.
Argus nods at her, "Let's go." He says, as he starts running towards the direction of the warehouse.
"Still the same, Argus." She grins before running towards the same direction.
INSIDE THE WAREHOUSE...
Many armed guards are patroling inside the warehouse. Some of them are on top of the crates and some are on the ground.
A masked man is standing inside the office, chains are wrapped around him and a large scythe clinging on his back. He seems to be talking to someone on the telephone.
"Yes boss. They are here." He says, before dropping the phone on the table. His expression hiding beneath his mask, he sits on the chair and put both of his feet above the table.
The warehouse is dimly lit, with crates and stacks of boxes creating a maze like space. The air is musty, and the sound of footsteps echoes off the walls as guards move about their patrols.
Argus and Rose sneakily make their way through the shadows, avoiding the sight of the guards.
"Hey, Rose." Argus taps Rose on the shoulder, "Find the kid. I'll distract the guards."
Rose nods and she dashes towards a large tube hanging above the warehouse. Argus looked at her before looking down on the guards below him.
Argus sneakily made his way by walking on the rafters. He stops below two guards that are patroling below him. When one of the guards starts to look away, Argus quickly pulls a rope and throws at the other guard.
The guard chokes on the rope and Argus quickly lift him up using the ropes and hangs him on the rafter. The other guard starts to look around confusedly, Argus waits for the perfect timing before doing the same to the guard.
Two guards are hanging and Argus starts to make his way to the other guards. One by one, guards starts to disappear and the warehouse falls into an eerie silence.
...
The masked man in the office quickly notice the intense silence that is enveloping the whole warehouse. He looks at the window and sees the guards around his office disappeared in an instant.
He notice a shadow moving and he quickly rush towards the door and opens it. Outside his office, he saw a hooded figure standing there in silence.
The masked man let out a short chuckles, "Look who finally showed up." He rubs the chains around his chest and reach out at the scythe clinging on his back. "I guess you're not going down without a fight."
"Where's the kid?" Argus asked,his tone is serious.
The masked man laughs at him and takes a fighting stance, "There's no kid here, only me!" He shouts before charging towards Argus.
Suddenly, lights inside the warehouse starts opening. Casting a warm light inside, the masked man stopped on his track. He looked up and saw a bunch of his guards hanging above the warehouse.
The masked man froze in shock at the sight of his guards hanging above him. Their unconscious bodies swaying gently in the light breeze, suspended by ropes tied to the rafters.
"Unbelievable." The masked man shouts in awe. He quickly rush towards Argus, his kusarigama whirling beside him.
Argus quickly jumps above the masked man but the masked man throws his weapon, the kusarigama's chain wraps around Argus' foot, pulling him off balance.
As Argus falls to the ground, the masked man lunges forward with his scythe, aiming for Argus's stomach. But Argus swiftly rolls to the side, narrowly avoiding the attack.
Argus swiftly regains his footing and retaliates with a swift kick, causing the masked man to stumble backward.
The masked quickly recovers and toss his weapon towards Argus again, but Argus anticipates the move and sidesteps, dodging the incoming attack. He quickly closes the distance between them but before he can deliver any attacks, the chains starts to wraps around his body.
As the chains tighten around Argus's body, the masked man quickly delivers a punch to Argus's face. Using the chains, the masked lifts Argus and toss him to the large crates.
Argus's body crashes against the large crates, causing some of them to topple over with a loud crash. As Argus struggles to stand up amid the wreckage, the masked man approaches menacingly. The chains that bound Argus start to tighten even more, constricting his movements.
"If you're wondering. My boss calls me the Reaper." Reaper says, his tone deepens.
Reaper looms over Argus, the chains constricting tighter around him, making it difficult for him to move.
"So, in the end. You're just another hero that people will forget as soon as you disappear." Reaper taunts him.
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