The lost of a loved one, the cherished memories, how does one cope? For anyone that has ever felt great lost in their life, look for a guiding hand and love that heals. To fall victim to the darkness of the heart only bares the fruit of sadness and despair.
Broken Heart, Lost Soul
Chapter 1: My Valentine
The streets and alleys in Megakat City never seemed so cold and unwelcoming as it did that night. The screams, the pain, the hopelessness, everything so evil and dark laughing in the shadows sucking the life right out of her. How could it happen to my Valentine? Yet I was powerless to do anything. I survived but at what cost? Now I lie thinking of failing her, my body worn and hurt, my heart crushed and shattered, my soul empty and alone.
The white hospital room felt so lifeless and dull. Nothing mattered to me, not even my health and injuries. All I could do was rest and wait, lingering with my thoughts about Valentine. For so long she had been in my life, for over 18 years she had always been there for me. Never was there a memory that she wasn't there. I grew up with her and she had become my best friend, my only friend. We took care of each other, looked after each other, did everything together as if we were the only family for each other. But now there would be no more memories to be made anymore.
The morning I woke up in that white room and didn't see nor hear of Valentine, I knew deep down inside that she had died. No emotion poured out of me, nothing came out of me, not even a tear. Nothing showed in my face, as if I were blanked out. I felt empty inside, as if I were stripped of life the moment she took in her last frightened breath. A part of me had died that morning when I realized she was gone.
While I lied down recovering, the thoughts of that day's event played through my head. Every detail, every person, and everything I did with Valentine's last day wouldn't stop replaying in my head, beckoning me to relive the dreadful night over and over again. If only I had been braver and strong like that other tabby I would have been able to save her.
It was March 10th, the day after my long awaited promotion at the law firm I worked at. Valentine and I went out into the city to celebrate with some shopping. We'd always find some reason to go out and be happy for something. Although, I would always be shy and coy since she'd always push me around to try to get out more often, even if I was busy. But that's just how we were together, I'd follow her and she'd lead the way. That day she took me everywhere around the city, from the gigantic mall, to the museum, and even around random stores and shops that I never even heard of.
"What's up with all this traveling today, Valentine? We've been to so many shops and different places, I'm starting to get worn out and my wallet is getting pretty empty too."
"Today's a special day, Brent! We should just do as much as possible, celebrating your promotion and all!" Valentine enthusiastically answered.
Her smile lit up her colorful calico face as she grabbed my arm and dragged me. She was a little shorter than me, just a bit taller than five foot but she stood out still with her vibrant black, white and gold colored fur coat, her long and puffy tail and her cheery attitude. Almost like a little sister, she'd always be enthusiastic and proud of me.
"Doing this all because of me? Are you sure this isn't about how you're going to university soon and how you're trying to find something to do all the time before you leave?" I sneered and winced, grinning as I asked the question.
"You always blow the fun out of everything, don't you? What's wrong with wanting to spend more time together before we both get so busy and hardly see each other as often as we do now?" The small calico kat pleaded.
"There's nothing wrong with that Valentine. But you're worrying so much. We'll still see and hear from each other. It's not like we aren't going to be friends still."
"I know, you're right. I'm just being silly for wanting to hang out with a shy and lame tabby like yourself." Valentine snickered and laughed.
"Hey, at least I'm not as ugly and old looking as you are. I'm 20 and I look way younger and handsome compared to your 18 year old self." I playfully talked back at my good friend.
"That's uncalled for you fat kat!"
"Fine little Miss Prissy. I'm sorry. Well what are we going to do now? I think we've almost covered most of the places you wanted to take me today. It's already getting close to seven."
"Well, there's one more place I wanted us to go. I ordered something nice for you, bet you'll love it!" The playful kat winked and lovingly said.
"I can't wait! Let's go."
As the streetlights began to turn on, Valentine and I walked down the street heading towards an old newsstand named "Pops Newstand" in an unfamiliar neighborhood. When we approached it, I felt a wave of nostalgia come over me. So many different types of comic books lay on the shelves. First editions to old out of print comics to even the latest and newest issues were beautifully shown and displayed. I was so amazed that my mouth was left open, shocked and happy in disbelief.
"I knew you'd like this little old gem of a newsstand. I found it not too long ago. Thought you'd probably like it since I know you love comics. Took it on myself to order you some from here and get a pull-list started for you."
"Wow, you don't know how excited I am Valentine." My eyes were wide open in bliss.
"Hey Pops, do you have my order?" The little kat charmingly asked.
An old kat came out towards the stand's open window and looked at Valentine. He gave a warm smile towards her.
"Why isn't it Valentine. Sure, I've got your order. Hope your boyfriend enjoys it." Pops winked.
"Oh no, he's not my boyfriend Pops. He's just my very good friend." Valentine explained.
Pops handed Valentine a bag full of an assortment of comic books that she handpicked for me to read. As she gave it to me I couldn't stop from sharing my joy. I gave her a big hug and then began to shift through the comics, looking for what she got me. In my surprise, I found that she had gotten me a lot of comics that I actually liked and it took a lot of control to not read any of them that moment. But yet I couldn't back down from starting to read one very good comic book that every comic book loving kat just had to enjoy. It was a first edition of issue #1 of Kat Kommandoes and it was one of the few comic book series that I hadn't had the chance to enjoy yet.
"Come on already Brent! You can read that some other time. I'm starving and it's your turn to buy dinner!" The hungry little kat yelled.
Giving a pleading look, I attempted to squeeze some reading in before dinner. "Awww, come on. I'll finish it quickly let me just read."
"Uggh! Fine, I'll just be waiting on that bench over there." Valentine gave up and walked away.
I couldn't pull my eyes from the pages. Each panel was filled with action and everything a great comic book should be filled with. Giggling with glee, I took the entire comic and placed it close to my face, looking into every detail. But as I was reading, a large shadow suddenly came up and blocked the light from reaching the pages I was reading. Before I could say anything, a thrilled voice reached me.
"No way, you've got a first edition of issue #1 of Kat Kommandoes?" The large tabby excitedly asked.
I lowered the comic book from my sights and looked up at the large stripped tabby. "Yeah, I sure do. My best friend got it for me just today. Never read it before and I just can't put it down."
"Where have you been? Kat Kommandoes is my favorite comic. Nothing better than reading about kats kicking tail!" The tabby exclaimed.
"Been busy and never had the chance to enjoy this till now. I'm really liking this so far."
"You haven't even seen the best yet. You've got a lot of catching up to do."
"I know, but it'll be worth it!"
"Exactly! Good to see a fellow comic book lover. Though, I haven't seen you around here before. First time buying from Pops?" The burly kat asked.
"Yep, first time I've been around here. Never seen so many comics and other neat things out like this before. All thanks to my friend, I think I'll be coming around here more often."
"You won't regret it. Pops has been around a long while and I grew up always reading comics down here."
The large tabby turned and yelled at Pop Perkins. "Hey Pops, got the latest issue of Kat Kommandoes?"
"Why isn't it Chance Furlong, my favorite customer. Of course I do. Here you go." Pops handed Chance a fresh copy of the newest issue.
"Thanks Pops."
Chance began to open up the comic and started to read furiously. I was pretty amazed at his over-zealousness and cheeriness as he was reading. Seemed like I had missed something pretty good for a while, but thanks to Valentine, I'd be able to get right back into reading a great comic book series yet again. I had just started to finish the last pages when I placed the comic back into my bag filled with assorted comics and was about to start walking away.
"Good luck catching up. Hope to see you around again sometime." Chance smiled at me.
"Thanks. I'm Brent by the way. It was nice meeting you."
"Nice meeting you as well, Brent. I'm Chance. See you around, buddy."
"Take care. Enjoy the latest issue!"
"Always do!" Chance waved goodbye at me and kept on reading his comic as I started to walk away.
It was really nice to actually talk to another comic book lover. I hadn't been keeping up on comics and all for a while since I started working and having more responsibilities. But it seems like Valentine could tell and she took the extra step to push me back towards reading my beloved comic books yet again. I had her wait long enough, so after finishing the comic and talking to Chance, I headed towards the bench where she was sitting.
Night had fully engulfed the streets and the streetlights could barely light up the surrounding area. Only Pops Newstand stood out in the darkness as I kept walking towards the dimly lit area where the bench stood. By the time I reached the bench, I found Valentine to be nowhere in sight. Where had she gone? A distressed shiver went down my back as I began to worry where my friend had gone off to. Turning my head and looking in all directions, I attempted to catch a glimpse of Valentine but to no avail.
"Valentine, where are you?" I called out, worried about her disappearance.
The darkness of the dimly lit street scared me as lights flickered forming eerie shadows out of the surrounding. I closely held onto my bag at my chest as I began to walk in the darkness calling out for Valentine. As I neared an alley between two large buildings just a block away from the bench, I heard rustling and voices.
"What a fine piece of ass we have here boys." A tall black panther eyed Valentine.
Shocked by what I heard, I peered behind the corner and saw Valentine against one of the walls of the alley. A large panther was closing in on her as two of his cohorts stood by the sidelines, preventing Valentine from escaping.
"I don't want any trouble. Just take what you want and leave me alone." Valentine firmly said.
"Oh, we have a prissy one here don't we boss?" One of the fiendish subordinates spoke.
"Yeah, what are we going to do with her boss?" The other lackey asked.
"Whatever the hell we want. She's ours now!" Laughing viciously and licking his lips, the black panther brushed up closer to Valentine.
"Get away from me you jerk!" Valentine screamed loudly.
"Shut up bitch!" The devilish panther grabbed Valentine's purse and handed it to one of his boys.
"Check the purse. I'm going to have some fun with this one."
"Sure thing boss." Both lackeys said as they began to rummage through the purse.
Fear made my body tremble but I couldn't keep on watching on the sidelines. But what could I do? I was just a normal average tom, average height, a bit chunky, no fighting experience, and definitely no experience in this type of situation. Yet I had to do something, anything even if I didn't have any ounce of real strength or courage in me. Any ideals, any dreams, any hope I had to rescue Valentine was all that I needed was what I thought at the time as I walked down the alley.
"Get away from her!" I shouted out loudly as my voice echoed through the alley and back into the street.
"Who the hell are you?" The black panther asked as he held onto Valentine's arm.
"Brent!" Valentine surprisingly screamed.
"Let go of Valentine you son of a bitch!" I moved in closer, trying to scare off the thugs to no avail.
"Boys, shut up that noisy tom, he'll cause a scene." Not even giving another look at me, the panther placed his attention back onto the fair calico kat.
"With pleasure." The two underlings approached me, grinning as they clenched their fists.
Scared and unsure what to do, I started to back away as fear took over my legs. Shivering, I let go of my bag and put up my fists trying to appear worthy in a fight. Yet those two goons still came towards me filled with malice, ready to beat the shit out of me. Each step back I made, they took two more and were closing in on me. Before long I had backed up against a dumpster in the alley and was now being cornered.
Like a frightened animal with its back against the wall, I began to flail at the two, punching the air and missing both completely. It was easy for them to dodge and fight back as if I were a fly being smacked around. I felt a flurry of pain all over my body as the two goons pummeled me. Screaming out in pain, all I could do was brace myself for each strike as I fell to the ground, submitting to their attack. By the time the two stopped, I was covered in burses and blood and could hardly speak.
"What a pussy! Couldn't even fight!" One of the goons snickered.
While I tried to retain my consciousness, I noticed Valentine still in distress. The black panther had already begun having his way with her, tearing at her shirt and drooling over her, smelling her, acting so vile and immoral. His eyes were full with lust and I began to quiver at such thought of seeing Valentine handled by such a fiend.
"Get off of her you or I swear I'll fucking kill you!" I managed to yell out weakly.
Interrupted by my outburst, the black panther placed his attention on me. His blood began to boil and anger took over him. Letting go of Valentine and throwing her to the ground, the behemoth headed towards me with a menacing grin.
"What the fuck did you say to me? Don't think you'll get away alive after saying that!" The black panther shoved his lackeys to the side as he started to approach me.
"Stay away from Brent!" Valentine screamed as she got up and lunged towards the evil panther.
Valentine jumped on the back of the panther, stopping him from getting closer to me. Both were struggling as she clawed at his head and eyes as he tried to keep balance with the weight of Valentine on him, sending both of them wobbling down the alley as the two goons watched unsure what to do. I started to fear for Valentine. Why would she do something like that? She should have gotten away and saved herself.
Filled with guilt and worry, I pleaded to Valentine. "Run away! Get out of here now!"
Yet she didn't flinch at all when I said that. She kept on fighting against the black panther, slashing at him with her claws and biting him. He finally got a grip on Valentine and threw her off. Danger filled the air as I finally started to see what both Valentine and I had gotten into. Neither of us was strong enough to fight against our assailants. Struggling to get up, I couldn't do nothing but watch.
"What the hell are you doing you bitch?" Angry and frustrated, the black panther stared down at the poor defenseless calico.
"I'm not going to let you hurt Brent!" Valentine firmly shouted.
"Stop Valentine, don't worry about me. Just get away from here." I pleaded as I began to feel hopelessness sink in.
"You should have stayed down you dirty bitch." Slowing creeping towards Valentine, the black panther eyed the calico cat as his devilish paws reached out for her.
The next moments in my life I wish I had never witness, but it would be the last time I would ever see Valentine again. Bittersweet and cold, I tasted the blood, sweat and tears that rolled over my face and to my mouth as I cried out and watched as the bloodlust fill the air. Wallowing in the corner of the alley against a dumpster, laid out on the ground and reaching out towards her, all I could see was the blackness of pure evil grabbing her as if her soul were being torn right from her body.
Valentine screamed out and gasped as the black panther grabbed her by the throat and lifted her up against the bricked wall of the alley. With only one paw, he managed to squeeze so tightly on her delicate neck that no air could pass through. His strength was monstrous and unrelenting. As her screams began to become muffled and slowly began to fade away, an eerie silence pierced through the darkness. The cold wind of the night passed through the alley as faint sirens echoed from the streets.
"Time to go, boys." Letting go of Valentine's limp body and leaving her on the ground, the evil yellowed-eyed panther walked away laughing hideously as he gave one final glance at me.
The shadowy images of the evil troop left the alley, their laughs echoing across the alley as the cool wind brushed up against my cuts and bruised body. My eyes were dimming as I slowly was fading from consciousness, but I kept my eyes on Valentine, not looking away for the last few moments I stood awake. Her body was lifeless laying on the ground, no motion or sound at all. Her neck was strewed, crushed and broken, as if her head and her body were no longer attached. My tears could not cover up the pain my heart and soul were going through. I had no more moments to share holding such pain as I fell into a deep sleep as the sirens grew louder and louder, closer and closer.
I replayed the events of that day over and over again to the police and detectives that visited my hospital room throughout the following days after I awoke. Even with my details of the villains, there wasn't much to go on besides my eyewitness account. But I felt there was more that the police weren't telling me, but there was no use in trying to pry such information from them. I was just an injured victim who could do nothing about it. It made me furious thinking how the police were so useless, only picking up the victim and shy of striking down on the villains. The Enforcers and the whole goddamn defense force and policing forces of MegaKat City were so utterly powerless.
My hopes of justice dwindled as the days passed. A week in the hospital passed slowly and I still heard no news on further progress of anyone finding traces of that black panther. Although my body was healing, my whole sense of the world had shattered. I kept on thinking every day and night, 'Why did she save me? Why didn't she run away? Why couldn't I save her?' I couldn't ask Valentine those questions anymore, but I decided that it was something which I lacked that she had. Was it courage, was it conviction, was it love? Whatever it was, I felt remorse for my inability to save her and for losing something so close and meaningful in my life.
Each recovering day I remained silent and closed. Although nurses and physicians tried to console me, I wouldn't budge towards their advances. They wondered why I didn't have any visitors, but that was something I knew would happen. My only friend in the world was dead. My father left when I was little and has never been in my life ever since. And I haven't heard from my mom ever since I got up and left to live my own life at 18. Last thing I heard about her was that she left the city to rebuild her life, not telling me a thing. With little connections to the people in my life, I was fully cut off now with no one close to me in this city. An empty shell of my former self, all I could do was ponder my depressing thoughts and try to pick myself up. I kept on encouraging myself, telling myself I was ok, just to move on and get out, waiting for the day when I could finally get out of that bleak white room. Not wanting to bother or worry anyone, I opted out for counseling and kept on playing the guise of being alright. I was done lying down and I just wanted to get out.
When the day came nearly two weeks since that night occurred, I was finally released from the hospital. The cool air brushing up against my crimson fur burned the few cuts and scrapes I had left, but I shrugged the pain off as I left through the hospital doors. As I walked outside and saw the golden skies, I saw the SWAT Kats pass by in their jet, reminding me of one of the only redeeming qualities left in the city: heroes that always rise up to the occasion and for moments pull back the veil of darkness from enveloping the entire city. I admired their strength and felt a glimmer of hope in my heart, but still that did not change anything that had already happened. As I called for a taxi cab from the curb to take me back to my apartment, I tightly gripped the bag with the comics Valentine had gotten me. These were the last mementos from her that I would cherish, and I vowed to continue with the pull-list she had gotten started for me. When a cab finally pulled over and I got in, I told him to head to my apartment building on the outskirts of the city as I pulled out issue #1 of Kat Kommandoes. Gripping it tightly, I held it to my chest thinking fondly of Valentine. I would have to head back to that newsstand and to pick up more comics from the pull-list she made for me, but for now, I was headed back home to start life again as if nothing had happened.
Quite a different type of story and writing style, I'm trying this story with a more natural approach. I hope you've enjoyed this beginning chapter and look forward to more as I delicately draw out "Broken Heart, Lost Soul". To make a note, this takes place some time after the end of my first story "Love is in the Air". Although it can still be read as its own story and entity. It'll slowly tie in more as this story progress, so look forward to it.
Please rate, comment or review. I greatly appreciate any opinions and advice as I continue to learn from my writings.
Feel free to take a look at my profile for updates on my writings. Thanks again for reading!
*Brenton*