Episode 3 - The Message (1)

A few days passed since my talk with Tyler and it was once again Monday, everyone's favourite day of the week. As is the norm, I got to work last since Theresa and Martin loved being there early for some reason.

-I can't believe I'm asking this, but do you two always come here together?-

Martin started laughing at my remark.

-You know that mother Theresa loves taking her sweet time when making coffee so it tastes just right.-

It was true, Theresa always spent at least half an hour making coffee, something she was very meticulous about.

-Some people just care about the quality of the coffee they drink, unlike you and your vending machine coffee. If you can even consider that stuff coffee anymore.-

Martin lifted his cup and took a big gulp, much like a Formula 1 driver does with the milk after he wins the race.

-I have no idea what you're talking about, this right here is the nectar of life and I wouldn't have it any other way.-

Theresa's eyes didn't move an inch from her coffee.

-Anyways, at least I have a reason for being here so early, you always get here at least twenty minutes before me. Care to explain that?-

Some days I really wonder why I even start such conversations with those two. Maybe if I diverted the topic to something they can't really argue about?

-It's part of my morning ritual. If I don't relax here before classes I'll be grumpy all day and the kids will suffer because of it.-

Maybe dogs? No, that won't do, Martin is a cat person. Movies and books are off the list immediately, that will only spark more debate.

-You'll probably be grumpy either way Martin.-

Food would be a good option, but Martin is vegan so that's not going to work.

-You have never even seen me teach a class. Besides, do you ever hear any complaints about my students?-

Maybe I'll make that my new hobby, trying to find even a single thing they agree on. Yeah, that could be a good pastime.

-Scoot over a little.-

I stepped into the conversation and took a seat on the couch. Oddly enough, the TV was turned off. I remember Martin usually always watches the morning news.

-You have the remote?-

As he handed me the remote I could see he was actually reading a book.

-Wait what? You're reading a book? What about your beloved morning news?-

Martin gave me a confused glance as if what I had just told him had come completely out of left field.

-What do you mean morning news, I always read a book before classes start?-

I stared directly at him with a confused look and he stared right back at me with a look that was equally as confused. This staring contest went on for about a minute until the cracks started to show.

-Okay okay, you win. One of my former students sent me this, it's his first published novel so I want to read it as soon as possible.-

-Big ol' softie indeed, hahaha.-

Theresa added her commentary as was usual.

-Well, I have to turn on the news because this room feels way too empty without them.-

-Yeah, sure, knock yourself out.-

Martin began pulling out a pair of headphones as I moved my finger across the remote to turn on the screen. As per usual, it took a few seconds for the TV to turn on and switch to the proper channel, but we were all used to it by now. The thing we weren't used to was what appeared before us on the screen once the TV turned on.

On the screen, we were greeted by a man in a black suit wearing a plain white mask that covered his whole head. He was in what seemed to be a run-down room with another man who was sitting in a chair.

*Let's see, is this thing working? Ah! There we go.*

He adjusted the camera to more clearly show him and the man on the chair. As they became more visible I saw that the man on the chair had a bag over his head and a smiley face drawn on it.

*It truly pains me to have to do this already, but you have given me no other choice. I really didn't expect to encounter opposition of this sort, and on the first night to boot.*

-What the hell is that?-

Martin turned to me as if expecting I'd know more than he did.

-I have no idea, it's supposed to be the news.-

*For all of you who were expecting the morning news, I am really sorry, but I will have to take up a bit of your time. You see, someone's been going around, dressed like a superhero and helping the trash stay on our streets.*

The man took a sword from off-screen and used the pommel to punch the man on the chair in the stomach.

*But fret not, fellow contributing members of society, for I am here to put a stop to this nonsensical conduct.*

His manner of speaking was akin to that of a circus director as he announced his show and was waving around his sword in a very careless manner. He obviously didn't care if he accidentally cut the man with him.

*Now, the person I am referring to knows who they are so everyone else can remain calm. However!*

He dramatically lifted his sword to the air before slamming the pommel down on the man's knee.

*You know exactly who you are and you will soon realise that your actions are meaningless because, for every one piece of trash you let stay on the streets, I will take out two more.*

Our eyes were glued to the screen, watching this madman give his speech.

-Theresa, you shouldn't be seeing this.-

-Not now Martin!-

Martin ignored her words and stood up, blocking the screen so she couldn't see.

-You too Sam, you should stop watching that.-

I should stop, yes, but I couldn't. How could I stop watching?

*Well, I'm a man of my word.*

He unsheathed his sword, taking a moment to admire it. He then proceeded to take the bag off the man's head.

*Help me, please, somebody help me!*

I was sure now, this was a message directed at me.

*For every one you leave, I throw out another two*

He swung his sword with full force and David's head fell to the ground.

-Shit Sam, turn that thing off!-

Theresa was yelling at me as Martin began getting sick at just the sound of the decapitation.

*Now now, we're not quite finished yet. I did say two for one and I do keep my promises.*

Martin rushed out of the room, most likely to throw up his breakfast while Theresa jumped over the couch and tried to find the remote, not realising it was in my hand.

-Sam, where's the remote?-

*Wooof wooof*

My eyes widened as I heard the familiar sound of a dog barking. Another man with the same outfit came into the frame, holding Haki, David's dog.

*Thank you. And as for you, the person who knows who they are, I think I have made myself very clear.*

Theresa snatched the remote out of my hand and turned the TV off. As she did, the last thing I could see was a brief flash of red colour on the screen, accompanied by the yelling of Haki as his throat was cut.

-Sam, are you ok?-

No, I wasn't ok. I was as far from ok as a person could possibly be.

CHAPTER END