I should've been more careful… I… I failed… Finn… forgive me.
"Bye bye you nosy spy!"
BANG! BANG! BANG!
The world had gone dark for Leland Turbo as bullets pierced through his body. He was wracked with pain as he fell to the floor. It felt like the longest moment of his life. He wanted it to end so badly. He was thankful for the merciful bullet that put him out for good.
The physical pain was gone… but his regret still hung strong.
Finn… I really hope you can finish what I started…
"You sure he's gonna wake up?"
"Positive, just give him a moment."
Huh?
Leland opened his eyes to see he was still in the spot he had died in… but with no enemies around. Instead, he saw three men standing before him.
Two were dressed similarly in clothes that had gear patterns on them. One had honey blonde hair and pale blue eyes while the other had dark brown hair and amber eyes. The other man accompanying them was dressed in a blue suit with black stripes on the sides with dark blueish black hair and blue eyes.
Leland sat up looking at them confused.
"See?" the brown haired one said to the man in the suit. "I told you he'd wake up."
The man rolled his eyes. "Give me a break Leon, I'm a Remembered, not a Corpse Whisperer, I'm still new to this stuff either way."
"Yeah, and he's new to this stuff too, so play nice." Leon said giving him a small grin before turning to Leland. "Hello, Leland Turbo."
Leland backed up a little, jumping to his feet and reaching for his gun… but finding it wasn't there. He gasped as he noticed he was no longer in his suit, but in a set of white clothes with no shoes.
"It's alright, we're not here to hurt you." the blonde one said calmly. "We're here to help."
Leland kept his stance. "H-How do you know my name? Are you from CHROME?"
Leon shook his head. "You spies and the CHROME place, Rod asked the same thing. Nope, and before ya try finding a weapon we're not with whoever harmed you either. We're called Corpse Whisperers. I'm Leon Marks."
"Okay… wait…" Leland looked to the man in the blue suit. "Then you must be…"
"Dead as a doornail." He replied but gave a bit of a smirk. "The stupid Lemons."
"So you're Rod… Wait, Lemons?"
"The morons who killed me. I kind of got on their bad side when I slipped this device to someone and refused to tell them… Mechanids who don't work right and can't exactly be fixed." Rod made a gesture, spinning his finger in a circle while he pointed at his head. "Y'know, also unfixable up there."
"They're the same ones who murdered you." the blonde added. "Least we're pretty sure, Rod here was murdered not too long after you."
"If we're both dead then how are we still here, and could I get a name please?"
The man gave a bow. "Cadin Roberts at your service and to answer your first question, you have regrets holding you back. Am I correct?"
Leland's eyes got a little wide. "I…"
Cadin smiled. "Say no more, I can tell by the look on your face. There's something here that's keeping you from moving on to heaven. Would you like to share?"
Leland lowered his gaze. "... My friend… Finn McMissile…"
Rod gave a sympathetic look. "I was supposed to pass the device to him… He's still alive, but you wanna protect him, don't ya?"
Leland gave a nod. "I was worried after I was murdered he would possibly end up the same way since I wasn't there at the rally point… These Lemons are not exactly ones you can take on lightly."
"Oh yeah… They're also pretty big fans of explosions… But you know what? I got someone who I gotta keep an eye on who's with Finn… Why not come with me?"
Leland got a surprised look. "I… I could do that?"
"Of course you can." Cadin answered with a grin. "You just need to make a contract with me or Leon here and become a Remembered."
"You just gotta pick which one." Leon grinned.
"Contract… mind elaborating?"
"As a Remembered, you will be able to actually protect mortals. You can pick things up, you'll have a solid form. However, you must be careful, you are only allowed to reveal yourself to three people, go beyond that and you'll go straight to heaven without a single word in it. A main purpose for a Remembered is to protect people that are important to them, once that purpose is fulfilled the contract ends." Cadin explained.
"And that's it? No draw backs? That seems rather generous."
"If you consider protecting people as a draw back then I would suggest not making the contract cause that's what you're signing up for."
Rod gave a bit of an eyeroll. "CHROME, always asking too many questions."
"I can only think of one… But it's just the general gist of things, you can't go killing mortals cause you had a bad day...You can if it's life or death "The people I'm protecting are going to be murdered." situation but no going nuts. That's an automatic sent up to the pearly gates too." Leon explained with a bit of a shrug. "But you don't seem like the murderous type and we usually don't offer it to killers ANYWAY."
"So I'm a special one because of the regret I had?" Leland asked.
"It's part of it, there are lot things to who becomes a Remembered and who doesn't, but we're not gonna talk about that, let's focus on you. Are you willing to take on this new life in order to protect the ones you love, or would you rather make your way to the heavens?"
Leland went over the facts before nodding. "I'll do it… if it means I can protect Finn, I'll do it."
"Very well… Leon, this one is yours. I got Rod so it only seems fair you get this one."
Leon grinned holding up his hand as a golden gear appeared in it. "Awesome." He cleared his throat a serious look coming across his face. "Leland Turbo take hold of this gear and accept the terms of the contract. Take hold of your new supernatural powers...And the contract will be made."
Leland took the gear into his hand. Energy came around him as his clothes became the red suit he always worn on missions, the gear taking the form of cuff links on the sleeves.
"There ya go, all set." Cadin said with a grin. He looked over to Rod. "Be sure to get him adjusted accordingly."
Rod gave a nod. "Don't worry, I'll take care of the Kid."
Cadin chuckled. "I think this guy is older than you."
Leland rolled his eyes. "Age, maybe, as for training, he's the mentor here."
"Just play nice, try not to drive each other nuts. He's American you're British but play nice." Leon grinned. "None of this using your country as a shield."
"Pfft they broke me of doing stuff like that in the spy academy, kill your ego they said. We're adults." Rod smirked.
Leland laughed. "That's right, but we know how to fun here and there."
Cadin shook his head. "Spies… We'll leave you to your handy work, Leon and I got other matters to attend to and possibly more contracts to make."
"Right, let's go… Think we'll run into some of those gals with the powers?" Leon asked as he started to walk away.
Cadin joined him, cocking an eyebrow. "The Puella Magis? What's making you ask about that all of sudden?"
Leon shrugged. "I'm just curious, descendant of one of my cousins is one, so no shame wondering."
"Well, it's possible then, they're everywhere, just hard to see them in action."
"True that…. Race ya to the next spot?"
Cadin grinned. "You're on."
The two took off, leaving the spies to their devices.
"... Puella what…?" Leland asked.
Rod shrugged. "First time he brought that up as long as I've been with 'em… But I think it translates to Magical Girl in latin… Or something."
"Okay then… guess we aren't the only oddities running around."
"Nope. But let's focus on us. You ready?"
Leland nodded. "Lead the way."
It took a bit before Leland was fully adjusted to being a Remembered. Rod was actually adjusting himself but he knew enough to help himself and Leland get trained to be proper Remembereds. By the time they had come back to the ones they had assigned themselves two they were happy to hear that they were able to defeat the Lemons with the help of the man that Rod had accidentally roped into the situation.
It was back to the routine for the spies. Finish one mission, move on to the next. Being alongside them… It really felt like they were still alive… save that the two spies they accompanied couldn't see or hear them at all.
Leland sat in silence as he watched Finn and Holley go over plans for the current assignment at a restaurant.
"I'll be honest… I still haven't gotten used to them not being able to see or hear us yet…" Leland sighed, rubbing his temples. "I'd really like to help them plan things and not just sit and wait."
"Yeah, it is kind of a bummer… Fun to mess with Sidd when he's not flying them around but it's hard not being in the game…" Rod sighed messing with his tie. "It… Feels a little boring…"
"Heh… guess we should've shown up earlier, could've done serious work in helping them against those Lemons…"
"Yeah… Or gave them heart attacks…"
Leland nodded. "We're allowed to show ourselves at some point… but yet we can't seem to find the right time to… Sure, we've done the dream safety net… kind of… but it isn't the same."
Rod nodded. "Yep… Just a matter of timing… And hoping Sidd doesn't start bringing in those creepy Japanese spirit warding papers onto the plane… Yeah I didn't listen to ya and moved his stuff again."
"Just can't resist…" Leland looked back over to Finn and Holly.
I visited Finn a few times in dreams… but only played in part of his dreams… never talked to him directly… Sure… it's great reliving the action of being a spy… but I really want to be able to talk to him again… He gripped his gear cuff link a little. Let him know I'm still here… I just don't want to end up hurting him.
Poor guy's been really taking it hard… It sucks to not be able to help, or even talk to them about the plans… I've been taking it in stride cause well… Holley doesn't even know who I am… But him…. Rod thought looking at him and squeezed his shoulder. "Want me to make a window for ya? I could chase him into a private spot so you can talk to him."
Leland smiled a little. "I appreciate the offer… but I just don't know Rod… I might end up hurting him instead of helping, for all I know he's probably finally gotten over me being dead already… I don't want to reopen wounds."
"You're a good guy… But I think I'm gonna have to do ya a favor… Cause you don't know if you don't try… and let's face it…" He looked around the restaurant. "We're gonna look real bad if the old granny with the gear hat talking to her grandkids has more guts than we do."
"I suppose… Just nothing cra-"
Rod didn't wait for him to finish before grabbing someone's cola off their table and dumping it over Finn's head.
Leland got a look of horror on his face. "Rod!"
"Oh I'm not done yet. His suit is still clean." He waited until Finn was cleaning his face off before grabbing someone's shake and chucking it's contents at him.
SPLAT!
Leland brought a hand to his face, his cheeks turning slightly red. "Oh he's going to be thrilled to know the reason that happened was because my companion wanted us to meet… just brilliant…"
Holly was trying really hard not to laugh. "Um… Need a napkin for that Finn or should we just go back to the hotel?"
"Hotel… Please." Finn cringed looking around trying to see who it was who had the bright idea. "Hmph… How rude…"
Rod took advantage of the fact no one could hear or see him and burst out laughing. "THAT was SO worth it!"
"I'm going to kill you." Leland said, giving a bit of a glare.
Rod gave a big grin. "Kill a dead person? Really? That's all you could come up with?"
Leland shook his head as he followed Finn and Holly out.
There's having more guts than the old lady, then there's just… THIS.
Rod followed him snickering. I've wanted to do that ever since seeing the guy for the first time. That suit had to get messed up one way!
The two followed the spies back to the hotel. Rod left Leland to figure out his reveal on his own since he was sticking to keeping an eye on Holly.
Leland felt nervous. It was rare he ever did since so much training in the academy had pounded it out of him… but this was something that he was never trained to prepare for. He sat in one of the chairs in the room Finn was staying in, trying to think of how to do it.
Hey Finn, just thought I'd let you know I'm back from the dead… no… stupid… UGH! This is so hard… I'm still questioning if this is a good idea at ALL.
He sighed, messing with his cuff link.
"I just want to be with my best friend again… I commend the Remembereds who actually figured out how to do this… cause at this point I'm stumped…"
Leland looked over to Finn who was all cleaned up now and was reading over files, sitting on the end of his bed. He was in his work zone as it were.
Maybe another time…
Leland got up… but forgot to check the floor around him before tripping over a brief case Finn had left in a random spot. He fell over accidentally moving the case as well.
"Ow!"
Finn jumped a bit hearing the sound the case made when it moved and looked at it confusion crossing his face. "I didn't leave it kicked over like that…" He murmured. And I know I didn't trip on it…
Smooth Leland… smooth… Leland scolded himself before getting up. I thought I told him to ditch that habit of leaving briefcases sitting in random spots.
Finn shook his head and got up picking up the briefcase. "I should stop leaving these lying around… But old habits die hard." He said, setting it down, not really paying attention where he did put it, more so wondering about what had just happened. Sidd's "hauntings" are coming for me now…
"Old habits is right…" Leland said, shaking his head a little. "Still the same as ever Finn…" … I gotta try… but what I can use?
Leland looked around the room, taking note of the files Finn had left on the bed.
… Oh this is so professional… I swear Rod is starting to rub off on me.
Leland walked through Finn, picking up the files and throwing them on the floor.
"What the!?" Finn exclaimed and gave a groan as he started picking them up. "Great, now I have to organize these all over… I really need to stop leaving it close to the edge… Or stop provoking karmic punishment when Holly and I laugh about Sidd's claims of his plane being haunted."
So he believes in haunting just a little bit… I'll make it work.
Leland thought over his plans before getting an idea. He unhooked one of gear cuff links from his suit.
It's only a part of my anchor so dropping one should be fine… Just hope Finn can take a hint.
Leland made the cuff link solid before dropping it on the table to get Finn's attention.
Finn's head snapped to the table when the noise the cuff link made got his attention. "What in the…?" He went over and picked it up. A cuff link… I don't wear cuff links… He thought before his eyes widened a little as it started to click.
The brief case...This… Heck, even earlier at lunch as strange as that was… Finn swallowed hard before asking aloud.
"Leland?"
Leland sighed.
Not here…
Leland went over to the door of the room opening it, heading out. He used the cuff link Finn was holding as a guide for him.
Top of the hotel roof. He had the cuff link to pass on to him.
Finn didn't hesitate to follow the order as he made his way to the hotel's rooftop sneaking past a few maids to do so. I hope this isn't some twisted revenge… I don't… I don't want anyone especially him if it is him to think I wanted him dead…
Leland waited behind one of the fans on the roof till Finn had appeared. He took a deep breath before stepping over to him. He was still invisible to Finn's eyes as he took the cuff link back. He slowly started the process when doing so, starting with his voice.
"... Finn." he started. He found himself choking a bit on his words.
It's him…. Finn thought as he swallowed hard. "L-Leland…?" His own voice was cracking. He had missed his friend terribly, he just hid it because of his job. I swear… I just want my friend back…
Leland closed his eyes as he reattached the cuff link, before allowing it to reveal himself before Finn. He opened his eyes, looking right at his friend.
"I'm here…"
Finn's eyes went wide before he stepped forward touching his shoulder. He had to be sure it was real. Not another dream. "A Carmen Dias has no filter…"
Leland smiled a little. "That's because it's air cooled…"
Finn smiled a bit before pulling his friend in. "Come here!"
Leland laughed as he brought his arms around him, hugging him tightly.
"Look at you…" Finn laughed hugging him back. "Goodness… It's been too long… Was that… all an act on the oil rig?"
Leland looked to the side frowning a little. "Yes and no… mostly no though."
Finn frowned. "Then…" He sighed a bit as he absorbed this fact. "You're a ghost?"
"Well the whole appearing in front of you should've clued you in… and it's once again yes and no." Leland lifted one of his wrist to show off his cuff link. "I had to pick up one of these when I lead you up here."
"Good point… But we're both secret agents...We've seen cloaking devices… But I guess I need to stop thinking like a spy when it comes to these things…"
Leland chuckled. "True… but I can say this… I am here to stay, just… in a different way."
Finn gave a relieved look. "Good… Because I would be rather cross if you just came to say "hello" and faded away just like that… Oh who am I kidding I can't be angry with you… You're my best friend… Always will be." He smiled.
Leland smiled back, a loose tear getting out. "I was scared trying to find a way to tell you… I actually got nervous about all this… I didn't want to wind up causing pain for you."
Finn's eyes were glassy with unshed tears. "You're not causing any pain… Just relief that I haven't lost my best friend forever." He said voice cracking a bit.
"Finn… I missed you…"
"I missed you too…"
Leland wiped his own tears away. "I was given a chance to come back… in exchange… my only objective is to protect three individuals of my choosing… Finn… my contract involves you… we get to work together again."
Finn wiped his tears away quickly. "That… Is amazing… I'm so glad… I do have one question though…"
"Fire away."
Finn raised an eyebrow. "Was it really needed to throw soda and a milkshake on me?"
Leland laughed. "That wasn't my idea, that was Rod."
"Rod… Wait… Rod Redline?"
"The very one, he got me adjusted to my new situation here."
Finn chuckled. "That explains it… I take it he's also been the one tormenting Siddley?"
"Yes and dragging me along for the ride, we're kind of stuck together since the people we're looking after happen to work together."
Finn laughed. "Well isn't that quaint?"
"Quite, but for the joker he is, he's very sharp too, probably be at loss without him, but yeah… you now have ghost spies on your team, or as we're properly called, Remembereds."
"Remembereds…" He echoed. "Well that's better than being referred to as ghosts… Welcome back to the team."
"It's good to be back… but to note, this is our secret, if I reveal myself to more than three people I'll be dragged straight on upstairs without a say in it."
Finn nodded. "My lips are sealed."
Leland smiled. "Thanks Finn…"
Finn smiled. "Anytime Leland… Now…" His grin turned evil. "If I recall correctly… You knocked over my files… I suggest you start running…"
"... I believe I hear Rod calling me!" Leland made a break for it.
Finn gave chase. "Your partner in crime will get his too!"
"Only if you can find us!"
Leland went invisible again as he darted into other parts of the hotel
And knowing Finn… he will.