The Failed Job (Closed)

Red 53 had failed his last attempt. He rushed too quickly and didn't read the situation right. This time he wouldn't fail. Red 53 would clear this mar on his record. He would wait till just the right moment. Then this man would be just as dead as his head suggested him to be. Red 53 checked his gear, made sure that all his equipment was in order, and left. He had kept an out for this specter’s pattern and found that he regularly took walks through the city. This is when he would strike. Now the only question is where.

Red 53 looked about town, trying to find somewhere along the skeleton headed man’s normal route that would make a good ambush point. This would be difficult as so many places were populated, not very private, or had plenty of exits. He knew what he would do though. He would find an alleyway, pay for a couple of favors, and all would be set. Finding the best option, he found an alleyway between four buildings. He paid four garbage men to borrow their trucks, and one of the local thugs for a small favor. He parked three of the trucks to block three ways, gave instructions to the thug, and, now as he was ready, waited.

Red 53 would wait until he saw The Womb, his target, passing by. When Red 53 saw him, he would call out for help. If The Womb took the bait, Red 53 would radio the thug would than push the truck in behind his query. Then they would be trapped in here together. If all this worked as planned, than Red 53 would be waiting for his target in the middle of the alleyway. If this didn't worked… Well… Red 53 would come to that bridge when he got there.

Finally some peace to think! My contemplation time has become consumed by tasks for The Legion. I must garner some solitude and ready myself for the battle to come.

The streets were fairly quiet today, a good indication that the Womb's desire for solitude would be granted. He would have smiled if his face would allow it. The day was mild, the wind only slight and for some reason the pavements seemed cleaner and more vibrant than before.

Womb struck out on his usual route. By now most cretins and ne'er-do-wells kept themselves well away, knowing now that this area was watched over by The Legion. Many of the locals praised Womb, forgetting about his specter likeness and treating him as a regular human. This pleased The Womb greatly as the consistent gawking and ridicule caused him much grief and sadness.

While walking Womb suddenly became aware of a voice calling out for help. A call of desperation!? In an area under my jurisdiction no less! I must help them and retain mine and my comrades reputations! Wasting not time Womb hastened around the corner, passing a parked garbage truck as he did so. As he entered the alleyway he stopped suddenly, a wave of confusion taking him.

There was no one there, no one calling, no source for the voice. At the far end of the alley a large garbage disposal truck blocked the path. Aghast Womb turned to leave only to find that behind him the truck he had passed had moved, blocking his exit. In nothing short of a moment, Womb became enraged. A trap! Will these cretins not learn that they can not harm me! I am The Womb almighty! Leader of The Impenetrable Legion. Whomever disturbs me with day will not leave this place unscathed!

"Coward! Reveal yourself! If you wish to challenge The Womb at least challenge him with dignity and respect! Not with some petty ploy, for no surprise attack can bewilder me, your crafty tricks mean nothing to a being such as I. Show yourself cretin! I wish to best you in combat!" Womb paced around, not even attempting to leave the vicinity, even though he knew in himself that he could easily dislodge either of the trucks blocking his path, he chose not to, in order to confront his mystery assailant.

"I've been waiting for you," Red 53 said as he stepped into view. He sized up The Womb, thinking of how best to handle this. "If you don't remember me, I'm the one who tried to kill you last time. When you were surrounded with people. I thought the other two would be a sufficient distraction, but alas, I misjudged them. Now though, I've gotten you alone," Red 53 said, stalling for time as he calculated this figures physical abilities. Red 53 really wish he would've paid more attention to that part of the guild's training, but he had always been better than his targets so he hadn't felt it necessary. "This really is nothing personal. I'm just a professional. If you could though, disclose to me how to go about killing you, as the last time I stuck a couple shurikens in your vitals, but you still didn't fall. I really would like to get this job over with and get paid," Red 53 was pacing in a circle around his query. He was clearly looking the Womb over with the look of a painter figuring out the best way to pose his models before he puts them on the canvas.

"HAHAHAHA, fool, I shall not disclose such information to the likes of you. Only a simpleton would divulge such information. Now cretin, tell me who pays you so that I might pulverize them into a fine paste!" Womb declared to the stranger.

He did recall the stranger from the time which he and the early incarnation of The Legion, had roamed the streets to try and coax the people out or ignorance. It had become apparent at the time however that the course of action they were taking was not the right one, and so the direction of The Legions goals had been changed appropriately. It was at that time however that this stranger had attacked the Womb for what seemed like no reason at all. At present, it had been revealed to the Womb that a secret investor as guiding the actions of this rouge. Womb didn't think it likely the assassin would comply with his request, if that was the case, then would have to beat the information out of the whelp.

Red 53 detested this preliminary battle of wits that was so common in this land. He missed when an assassination just involved destroying the opponent's life force before they even knew he was here. Red 53 definitely could have kept with that of course, but he was a stickler for tradition. This eastern tradition would have to stand, though his patience with it was quickly coming to an end.

After coming full circle, Red 53 retorted, "I'll gladly trade you information. I would even give it to you first if you would give me your word that you would tell me what I want to know. Of course if you did that my information wouldn't do you any good."

Red 53 felt that he had finally fulfilled the obligated amount of conversation. That being out of the way, he could get to work. His hand flew behind him and, grabbing his sword, threw the medium length blade at his target's neck. He quickly followed with a shuriken down lower where he thought The Womb might dodge to. After releasing the two projectiles in a red blur, he drew his kusarigama and prepared for the retaliation.

Battle! Now you will- -"GAAAHHHHHHHHH" Before The Womb could think anymore the blade of a sword lodged itself just above the center of his collar bone. The pain of it was shocking and excruciating. The blade sunk in deep jutting horribly through the back of Womb's neck, which was comprised out of many exposed nerves and muscles, supporting the bare skull that was his crown, his face. Womb was surprised at the speed and velocity the assassin threw the weapon, it was not often that a human could even scratch him, let alone pierce his skin.

Standing still for a moment Womb noticed two shurikens fly past his legs. They must have been thrown either side of him to catch him if he had tried to dodge the first attack. His assailant quickly reached for his sickle like weapon, the long chain attached to it making it a returning projectile tool. No manner of slicing weapon can harm me, I am The Womb! This cretin must be humbled! Slowly, deliberately, Womb reached for the handle of the sword and slid the blade out of his neck. A trail of blood seeped from the wound, which when clear of the blade, instantly healed itself, the only trace of it's existence was the now quickly drying blood on his black shirt.

Holding the sword aloft Womb declared, "You have chosen to meet me in combat, thus incurring the wrath of an immortal! Heed me mortal one, you shall be delivered into the arms of my beautiful daughter Death, it is there where you shall be inducted to the void." Brandishing the sword with the experience of an ancient swordmaster of japan, Womb stood ready. "Come whelp! Receive your demise with honor!"

This one was a fighter. Red 53 preferred that as it was a rare event that his targets fought back themselves. Usually it involved the merciless beating of a bunch of thugs and goons, which, in the end, only ended up wasting his time. Red 53 couldn't help but think of how much easier this would've been if his employer would've had accurate and correct information, but this is probably why they hired him. They hired the best because they needed the best.

The quick dispatching tactics Red 53 usually used weren't going to be enough for this man. Slashes and stabs didn't seem to bother him too much, so it was time to get creative. He might even have to use his powers for more than just heightened strength and speed against this opponent. Red 53 looked over The Womb's stance that he had taken with the thrown sword. He had been trained, but he hadn't lived violence. This man was not simply a weapon that could walk and talk. After only a moment's consideration, Red 53 continued the assault.

Grabbing the kusarigama by the hit of the blade, Red 53 charged forward. he bent low as to swipe at The Womb's legs. Using the bend in his legs though, he pushed up to do a front flip over his opponent instead. While attempting to do so, he would try to stab the blade of his weapon as hard as he could just below the man's collar bone. When Red 53 landed, if all went according to what he was trying, he would pull down and forward on the chain with most of the force he could muster, trying to pull the spectre to the ground.

The assassin had more agility than The Womb had previously predicted. With a swift movement the Assassin had taken a sweep at The Womb's legs, or so it seemed. Using the fake to disorientate The Womb, his assailant flipped over the top of Womb's head in what could only be described as a popping motion. As he did so he hooked his scythe like weapon into the shoulder of the Womb, and using his downward velocity, pulled The Womb to the ground.

I do not have time for pain, I must counter act this miscreant at once! Ignoring his wound, the Womb used the now lodged blade in the rear of his shoulder to his advantage. He turned quickly, and grabbed the chain attached to the scythe, pulling on the chain hoping to force the assassin either to become off balance or to step back into Womb's range. With sword still in hand, Womb took a wild swipe with the sword, using the leverage and g-force to swing himself back up onto his feet. Taking special care to hold on to the chain of the scythe, Womb stood again, unaffected by the attack, and waiting for the next move.

When completing his manevuer, Red 53 felt Womb tug on the chain of his kusarigama. Red 53 quickly released the line, knowing full well what would have come next if he had followed it forward. Just as he expected, there was a wild swing of the sword that would have cut him pretty bad. In the same movement, The Womb began standing again. With the kusarigama still stuck beneath The Womb's collarbone, the slice across the neck, and being plowed into the ground, Red 53 wondered how this target could still stand.

"You must be feeling the pain wearing on you by now. Can't you just give up and die?" Red 53 taunted The Womb. In a more serious tone, Red 53 said, "You know, I don't have to officially kill you to finish my job. In my line of work, I have found that even on the jobs that my employer doesn't care if the target lives or dies, as long as they disappear, it's usually easier to just kill them. You, though, seem like the type that can hold to his word. If you promise to disappear for at least a hundred years, I can just let you walk away." Red 53 stepped aside and gestured to let The Womb pass. "If you don't accept my offer now though, I'm going to have to step my attacks up a notch to insure you don't get back up again," Red 53 added as warning.

The Womb was not impressed with the assassin's assumptions. "There is no pain that is insufferable, and once my body replenishes itself the pain ceases. My cells grown anew, fresh, revitalized. The is no limit to this power, I do not fatigue. I do not sleep, I do not eat. My tactic is slow, yet my patience is eternal, I shall wear you down to the bone, even if it takes me three days or more. When you are standing here delirious, hungry, exhausted both physically and mentally. That is when I shall strike. Unless...." Womb trailed off and then Paused for a moment, letting his words sink in and giving him time to contemplate his situation.

"In your current state you can not defeat me." Womb reached for the hilt of the scythe and slid it from underneath his shoulder blade. As stated, the wound healed near instantly, leaving only patches of blood on the clothes of The Womb. "If payment is your only boon in this affair, why do you not follow me instead? I have no personal quarrel with you. If this wealthy investor is as rich as you say, then what say you we find this man and both have what we seek. I shall discover and destroy those whom seek my demise and you may help yourself to the spoils of the victory. Think on it, it is the most gratifying solution to both of our problems."

Red 53 thought for a moment. Not at all about The Womb's offer for camaraderie, but about the lack of ability to do lasting damage to this man. He never wore out. That really hadn't been in the job description, and Red 53 was starting to be annoyed with this whole situation. This was the last time he would take a job to step in the middle of a crusade. He had better things to do than get in the middle of a higher being's agenda. This had to end though. He had to finish the job, but how? He could release his special move. That might cause enough damage fast enough to counteract this being's healing, or maybe he could just let this one go. It was only human to fail every once and awhile. Besides, if he used his secret technique and didn't win then and there, he would be a sitting duck. Quite the dilemma, quite the dilemma indeed.

A fire blazed before him. He cried as loud as he could, wishing he knew how to say the words for his mother, his protector. Suddenly, there she was, peering over the side of his crib. reaching to scoop him up in her arms. Just as her fingers touched him, a hard, shiny object protruded from her chest and red sprayed everywhere. He cried louder, only to see the only protection he had fall beneath his line of vision. Behind where his mother had stood, a man with a lightly graying beard wearing a black cloak stood looking down at him.

Red 53 shook his head, holding his forehead. This man caused him such great distress every time he was near him. Why? He had lived his life as an assassin. He had killed anyone and everyone he had been paid to. The old man had warned Red 53 that one day he would feel the guilt of his crimes weigh upon his heart. He hadn't believed his mentor. He would never turn sentimental. He would never feel sorry for living the life he had been trained to live. He would prove it by killing this man that offered him redemption. He needed no redemption, no friends, and no sympathy. "I'll prove it!" Red 53 yelled aloud.

Quickly measuring the space around himself and his target, Red 53 threw two handfuls of shurikens in every direction. Instead of falling though, they hung in the air all around The Womb. Red 53 had his arms out stretched, his fingers spread. After only a moment, he brought his hands together. As he did, the shurikens started to move. Red 53 flung his arms back and forth and wildly around. The shurikens danced, flying at The Womb, attempting to cut him again and again. Finally, after a dozen seconds, the assault stopped. Unaware of the success or failure of his attack, he fell to his knees. Whether he succeeded or failed, he was done with this job. He would stay away from this man and hopefully return to his own life.

The Womb had begun to take some evasive action against the new projectile threat, but was stunned into paralysis to see the throwing stars stop suddenly in the air. His being confounded would be his downfall. The shurikens began to rappidly move towards him like a sentient blizzard. The Womb's speed was not apt enough to evade such an attack and was instantly struck by waves of sharpened steel.

After the flurry had abated, Womb lay upon the ground unconscious. Along with adorning his body, several of the projectiles had pierced the bone of his skull. There were sprays of blood about his body, and his shredded clothes had become the color scarlet.

After a time, that could have been minuets or eons far as The Womb could gauge, he regained his consciousnesses.

"GYHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGCKKKKKKKK"

He awoke screaming and convulsing. Writhing on the ground as if he was in the throws of a violent fit. Gurgling and creating sounds of a disturbing nature, Womb began to arise, slowly. His movements were being hindered by violent spasms, however he found the strength and awareness to rise to his feet. With quick jolts, Womb ripped the shurikens from his skull, screaming with a violence that could be physically felt. Once, however, the deed had been successfully completed Womb's temper seemed to simmer somewhat. The bone and brain healing slowly. After a few minuets Womb's head injuries healed, he began to extract the discs from his torso. Many of them had lodged in very soundly. The force of the blades had exceeded anything the assassin had thrown at him previous. Tearing through his body at terrifying speeds. After some diligent and persistent work, The Womb extracted every blade from his body, leaving them strewn about the floor next to him.

Red 53 had done it. He had defeated this unbeatable, unholy, monster! He took a deep breath to steady himself. He was weak and tired. Red 53 didn't often use his telekinesis abilities beyond enhancing his speed and strength, preferring to rely on physical qualities. One reason is it left him an ace in the hole to surprise his opponent with. Another was that it drained him quickly. In doing what he had just done, Red 53 could barely walk. His head felt fuzzy. He needed to rest and then he would collect his bounty and respect.

To be sure his job was done, with this specter especially, Red 53 approached the body and put his hand on the creature's neck. A pulse was found to be beating there. A pulse! This was impossible. Stabbed, beaten, even mangled, and this being continued to stay alive. How could this creature yet live? Red 53 was done. This is one job he would just have to quit. This thing was unkillable. He could hurt it, but it would just get back up. He hated the thought, but he had to keep his promise to himself. Red 53 had done everything he could to this target, but it wasn't enough.

Collecting his weapons, Red 53 turned to walk away, but for no reason he could describe, the ninja reached down to the body one last time. Softly, Red 53 slipped a tracking device into one of the creatures pockets. "Maybe I just want to be able to finish the job later when I find more information," he lied to himself, knowing full well that he would not hunt this man again. Not to kill him at least. After looking over the unconscious form one last time, Red 53 radioed for the thug to return the trucks, turned his back on The Womb for now, and walked away.

Looking about The Womb found no one nearby, there were to be no more bloodshed this eve it seemed. Satisfied that the assassin had fled the scene The Womb also left. It had become twilight, The Womb wasn't quite sure if it was the next day or the same day he had fought the killer. The confusion of time felt familiar to The Womb, the sensation feeling similar to when he awoke from his self imposed coma to find himself in the Babylon L.A.

Womb decided to find his way back home. There was little else to do. On the journey, Womb's mind raced over whom might want him dead. After time of toiling on the matter however Womb concluded that no man could do away with him, and so, the issue was one not to be trifled with.

Red 53 had made it home. He put his tools away and dropped out of his suit. Not even taking the time to put something else on, he fell into bed in only his shorts. Within seconds, Red 53 had fallen asleep.

"You have finally failed. What are you going to do now?" Red 53's mentor said to him. Red 53 was hanging off a small rock handhold, halfway up a cliff. Above him was a storm of vicious clouds sending electricity sparkling throughout the clouds; below him were vicious waves of fire burning everything in sight. Red 53 tried to speak to his mentor, but no sound came out. His mentor slowly drifted away, out into the blazing inferno below. Red 53 reached out to grab his master, save him from a horrible fate, but couldn't reach him. After his master was gone, Red 53 focused on the matter at hand.

Red 53 began to climb up the cliff, toward the boiling storm. Hand over hand, he made slow steady progress toward where there would surely be safe haven from the storm and fire. He reached the lower level of the clouds and could feel an ominous aura in the air, but he ignored it. Looking up, Red 53 saw where the clouds would thin and what looked like a ray of light, the top of the cliff just above the storm. Red 53 hurried his ascent seeing that there.

As Red 53 neared the top though, a figure stepped to the edge. It was The Womb. Instead of being aggressive though, The Womb reached out his hand as though offering to help, a look of horror on his face. He began shouting, and, with his second hand, pointing down. Red 53 looked down behind him and saw spirits forming from the clouds. At closer examination, they were the spirits of those he had killed in his past. They began climbing toward him. Red 53 rushed up the cliff face, hurrying to the outstretched hand of The Womb. Just as he was about to grab the extended hand, Red 53 was grabbed from below. He fought against the hold, but more and more hands grabbed him. Finally, slowly, horribly, they pulled out. Red 53 was pulled from the wall and thrown off the cliff. He fell and fell. He began to feel the heat of the fire as he fell within it's grasp.

Red 53 bolted up into a sitting up position. He had to get a grip on himself. This was getting out of hand, and he knew how to straighten it out. He would have to follow the guide within his dreams. Red 53's mentor was sending him a message from beyond the grave, and Red 53 would have to follow it to find any peace. It was a detestable idea, he really ought to be killing this man, but instead he was going to ask for help. Pulling out his tracker, Red 53 quickly found the red dot indicating his tracking device's location. He geared up and headed out.

Red 53 stood behind a corner, watching as The Womb walked by. Red 53 spoke out to the spectre, "It's kind of funny how we keep running into each other, isn't it?" Red 53 stepped out of the shadowy alley and raised his hands, showing he meant no harm. "I would like to trade you information for your help," he offered his not-too-long ago query.