AN: Ladies and Gentleman, boys and girls, children of all ages, welcome to the next exciting instalment of "What I Wouldn't Do for You". My name is John Dusk and I wish you all a wonderful Evening. The previous instalment did not satisfy me enough for how I originally planned it, but depending on what you readers think, my opinion may change. Anyway's, sit back, relax and just enjoy the show.
Chapter 11: A Plan Comes Together
The hands of fate playfully, but cruelly, weave the threads of destiny of every man, woman and child. At certain points in their life, goodness and happiness follow, leaving a feeling that the world is not as bad as it seems. But, no good thing comes without a price as the sisters of fate plan and execute cruel deeds that could break mans sanity and faith. That is all that Kick Buttowski felt as he waited for his best friend, nothing but despair and anger.
All that played through his mind was the events, the words, the feeling of complete helplessness, it was all he remembered and he felt. He blamed himself, even though he was not to blame, he couldn't help but partly, if not fully, blame himself for the events that had transpired. Kendall had been taken from him, right in front of his eyes and he did nothing. With the remaining will that he had left, he swore to save Kendall from whatever danger she had been placed in.
It took a while, much to Kick's displeasure, but the figure of his best friend came into view as Gunther rushed towards his best friend. Another figure followed behind as the image of Wacky Jackie appeared along with Gunther. "Kick, we got here as fast as we could. Now, tell us what happened and where is Kendall", Gunther asked. Kick, still distraught about certain events, tried to explain what had happened.
"It-it happened so fast and the guy, he-he knocked me out. The-there was nothing I could have done, all of it...all of it was my fault", nonsense and gibberish escaped Kick's mouth, he was explaining what happened, but Gunther and Jackie could not understand. "Kick, you need to calm down", Gunther tried to calm his friend. "Calm, how can I be calm", Kick shouted, grabbing Gunther by the gruff of his t-shirt.
"She was taken right in front of me and all I could do was sit and watch as she was dragged away from me. It's all my fault Gunther, do you understand me, it was all my fault", Gunther could do nothing but watch as his friend slowly started to cry and slump to his knees, broken. Never before has Kick ever been so violent with Gunther, but from what he could interpret, it was all understandable.
Kick let go of Gunther when he fell to his knees, just crying his eyes out. Jackie and Gunther gathered around the broken daredevil and comforted him. "Kick, I know you're not in the best condition, but you need to tell us what happened. We want to help, so let us", Jackie explained, soothing her friend. Kick coughed and sniffed, trying to clear his sinuses and throat. "All right, let me tell you what happened", he started his explanation.
"Kendall and I were having a nice time at the carnival. We rode rides, saw shows, played games, it was so much fun. We rode the ferrous wheel and we ended up-", Kick paused there, remembering one the better memories of the event. Gunther and Jackie urged him to continue. "After that, we were just walking about, planning to go home. Then, some guy appeared in front of us. Kendall seemed to know him, went up and hugged the guy. I thought he was okay, so I just watched", Kicks voice grew grim and anger could be sensed with every word he next said.
"Then, he dashed past her and nailed me right in the stomach, knocking me through the air and smashing the back of my head on a stand. I was out in a matter of seconds, but not before I saw Kendall getting strangled", Kick stopped there for a bit, slowly calming his emotions. "After I woke up, I saw the man and demanded to know where he took Kendall. I chased him around the fare before I got the whole carnival to help me".
"But what came next was scary. I saw him beat a very strong man, then fight and beat every single person that surrounded him. I chased him one last time through the 'Hall of Mirrors", but he escaped. I found a radio he probably dropped when getting away, somebody said the 'target had reached headquarters. They were definitely talking about Kendall, I'm sure of it. He later called me on the radio and said to meet him if I wanted to save Kendall, that's when I called you", Kick finished his story.
"Dude, I can't imagine what you've just been through. I'm sorry I wasn't there", Gunther apologised. "No, it's not your fault Gunther. You probably wouldn't have done better", Kick said. "So, what now, where are you supposed to meet this guy", Jackie asked. "Some dinner downtown", Kick answered. "You think this might be a trap", Gunther asked. "I don't know. What I do know is that this might be the only chance I have to save Kendall and I'm not going to sit back and wait for somebody to do something", Kick answered.
"This sounds dangerous, maybe we should call the police", Jackie proposed. "Then have this big investigation that could put Kendall' life in more danger. No, it's either we do this or we just let Kendall get hurt and I'm not about to let that happen", Kick said. "Okay, you have a point there. But still, this could be dangerous", Jackie said. "I know. Listen, you don't have to follow me, I don't want to put your lives in danger. You can walk away if you want, I won't blame you", Kick said.
Gunther shook his head, "No way am I letting my best friend do this alone. You've helped me out when I was in trouble, what kind of friend would I be if I just sat back and watched". "Gunther's right, I'm your friend as well and I'm not letting any other friends of mine get hurt", Jackie said. Kick looked at the two and smiled, "Thanks, you guys". Kick got up from his knees, "Let's go, downtown's not that far from here".
"Hang on a minute, we still have a problem. I don't think our parents will be happy if we suddenly disappear", Gunther said. Kick thought about that problem and quickly pulled out his phone. "Hello", his mom answered. "Hey mom", Kick said. "Hi honey, how's your date going", she asked. "Fine, listen, this might be sudden, but could I stay over at Kendall's house", Kick asked. "Oh, I don't know Kick. You have school in the morning", his mom said.
"I promise to be home as early as I can be", he said. "Well, if it's all right with Kendall and her parents, I guess that's fine", she said. "All right mom, I'll see you tomorrow", Kick said. "Bye honey", she said. "Bye", Kick hung up. He looked at his friends, "All right, call your parents and tell them you're spending the night at Kendall's place". They both nodded and proceeded to call. After much convincing, all the parents agreed and the gang was free to do what they wanted.
"Last chance guys, once we set off, we might be facing something really dangerous", Kick warned. "I'm with you all the way", Gunther informed while Jackie crossed her hands. Kick smiled at the two friends before him, "Alright then, let's head out". The party of three headed out to where they needed to be. Downtown Mellowbrook, not the best place to be, very shady, but that was their destination and that's where they will fight.
(Buttowski Residence)
Honey Buttowski finished her call with her son. Somewhat concerned, mostly because he might be late for school the next day, if not, won't attend school at all. But, she put her faith in her son, knowing that he will come through. She re-entered the living room and sat next to her husband, continuing to watch television with him. "Who was that", he asked. "Kick, he said he was going to spend the night at his friends", she answered.
"What about school the next day", he asked, also concerned. "Don't worry, he promised to be back as bright and early as possible", she reassured. "Alright, I guess that's fine", he finally accepted. She reached over and squeezed her husband's shoulder, "Let him have his fun, it's been a while since he was this happy when not doing stunts". Harold smiled, reaching around and pulling his wife to his side.
"Anyways, let's not worry about it. Everyone's asleep, you and I are all alone", she said, smiling slyly. Harold got the idea right away and pulled his wife closer. They both slowly came close to each other, getting ready for something that little kids should not watch( Evert your eyes, now!). But just before the started, an intermission appeared on the TV. "We interrupt this program to bring you a breaking news bulletin", this garnered their attention.
"Tonight, at Mellowbrook's first carnival, a shocking and despairing event took place as multiple carnival goers, workers and performers were beaten down in what appears might have been a hostile takeover. But later, sources confirmed that this handy work was done by a single person taking on everyone that surrounded him and defeated each one of them", the reporter informed. "My god, isn't that where Kick and Kendall were", Harold said. "B-but he just called, so maybe he wasn't there when it happened", Honey said.
"In related news, sources also indicated that a little girl was kidnapped. Currently, investigators have not found any trace of the missing girl. It is said that the same man who beat down the group of people also perpetrated the crime. We go now to our on-scene reporter, Wilford Warfstache, to get further details. , can you hear us", the scene proceeded to the carnival with a peculiar man who seemed all too normal, except for his unusual bright pink moustache.
"Yes, hello, this is Wilford Warfstache, on the scene. A man in a black hooded jacket has been reported to have kidnapped a girl and brutalized a majority of the residents, workers and performers", Warfstache said with an unusual speech pattern. "I am with two witnesses who have seen each of the crimes perpetrated, but only to the individual crimes. We will start with the ringmaster, who watched as his performers and workers along with residents attempted to stop a man but ultimately failed. Sir, can you tell us what happened".
"That was no man, that wasn't even human. He just fought everyone who surrounded him and beat everyone. It was just unbelievable", the ringmaster said. "Thank you for your time. Next, we have a stand attendant who saw the kidnapping. Please, can you tell us what happened", Warfstache continued to the next witness. "Yes, I was just by my stand when these two kids were seen talking to that man. I didn't think much about it and continued packing up".
"Then, I heard the girl scream and felt my stand shudder. Next thing I knew, the boy had crashed in front of my stand and the girl was being choked out. I was too afraid to help and hid behind my stand. After that, when I looked to see what had happened, they were nowhere to be seen", the man finished. "You said there was a boy with the girl, can you give us any details on the boy and anything that might help officers search for the missing child", the reporter questioned.
"Um, I don't know their names...but I remember what they looked like. The girl was wearing a blue dress, really pretty. She had blonde hair and a pink hairband, I didn't see her facial features", the man described the girl. "My, how horrible, how could something like this happen in our town", Harold said. "Wait a minute, the description seems familiar", Honey said. "Anyone you know", he asked.
"Maybe, but I can't put my finger on it", she said. "What about the boy", the reporter asked. "The boy was knocked out in front of my stand. He was wearing what seemed like a jumpsuit, yellow gloves and boots and a helmet with a red line down the middle", he described the boy, causing the mother and father to gasp in horror. "Thank you for your help", the reporter said to the man. "This is a sad night for the town of Mellowbrook. Who could have thought that something like this could happen, this is Wilford Warfstache signing off".
The scene switched back to the studio, but the Buttowski parents had heard enough. There was doubt in their minds, but it was easily washed away by the sheer truth behind the report. Their son was at the carnival when all of it happened and his friend was kidnapped right in front of him. "What do we do, Harold", she whispered to her husband. Harold was in shock and didn't answer her. "What are we going to do", she screamed, breaking him out of shock.
The shout woke up both Brad and Brianna. They exited their rooms, wondering what had happened. When they heard their parents arguing, they decided to listen in on what was happening. So, they snuck close enough and listened in. "Listen, honey, you need to calm down", Harold tried to calm his wife. "Calm, how can I be, our boy was a witness to a kidnapping and one of his friends no less", she shouted.
"I know, don't think I'm not worried, I'm completely afraid. But shouting isn't going to help solve this problem", he said to her in a stern tone. She was about to argue back when something crossed her mind. "Oh god, he told us he was spending the night at her house. He lied to us", this thought also hit Harold like a bag of bricks. "No, you don't think", he was about to say when his wife just broke down to tears in front of him. "Kick, kick, why", she said, sobbing.
Harold kneeled down and brought his wife close to him, and they stayed like that for a long time. Brad and Brianna looked at each other, "What do you think happened", Brianna asked. Brad shook his head, "No idea, do you think we should ask". She thought about it for a bit then also shook her head, "They will tell us sooner or later, so let's wait until then". Brad nodded his agreement and they were about to enter their rooms when their father called them, "I know the two of you are up, come on down".
The Buttowski kids proceeded downstairs to meet with their parents. "How much have you heard", the father asked. "We heard enough", Brad answered. "I guessed as much, sorry to have bothered you kids", he apologised. Brianna came close to her mother and hugged her. The mother responded by hugging her back, "What happened to Kick", she asked. The mother, finally calm from her outbreak, responded. "Come and sit down, kids. We have a lot to discuss", the Buttowski's gathered around the sofa and the parent informed in full detail what had happened.
(Back with the trio)
Downtown was normally a peaceful place, so long as nobody bothered anyone. At night-time though, the scenery and environment change, bringing about a fearsome world that no one wanted to find out about. As Kick, Gunther and Jackie roamed the streets, even though they were three, it failed to give them a slither of comfort. Not many people roamed the streets, but the ones that did offered nothing but weird glares and spine-tingling stares.
The trio of friends had only just arrived downtown, but every nerve in their body screamed at them to leave this place. Normally, they would heed anything their bodies told them, but they had a job to do stopped them, more so for Kick, as there was no way he would turn back. They spent a while looking for the dinner, but to no avail. "You know, he could have given you some directions, we're completely lost", Gunther said.
"I know, I would call him if I could, but I don't know how to work the radio", Kick pointed out. During their whole journey, Kick has not been himself. Not his happy-go-lucky, never back down self, but more stern and narrow-minded as his only thought was to save Kendall. "Kick, slow down", Jackie said. "Every second we waste, something bad might be happening to Kendall. We can't slow down even for a second", he said, continuing to walk.
"Jackie's right Kick, we don't know where we're going. So, I suggest we stop and ask someone for directions", Gunther said. Kick wasn't listening as he continued to walk, looking everywhere for their destination. Gunther had had enough and ran in front of Kick and stopped him, "Kick, I know you aren't in the best of moods. But, we're not going to help Kendall by getting lost, we need a plan". "Here's a plan, we find the dinner, then we force that man to tell us where she is", Kick attempted to walk past his friend, but Gunther held his ground.
"No, here's the plan. We stop, ask someone for directions and calmly get the man to talk", Gunther said. "Move out-of-the-way, Gunther", Kick said as rage filled his mind. Gunther just shook his head, "Now can do, brother. Either you calm down or knock me out". Kick seemed obliged to accept the offer as he readied one of his fists and made ready to strike. Gunther noticed the slight movement and prepared for the worst. Thankfully though, someone stopped them while delivering some good news.
"Hey guys, I just asked someone and he said the only dinner in downtown is at the end of this block and around the next corner", Jackie said, suddenly noticing the situation. Kick's fist relaxed and he continued walking. Gunther let him walk past and followed behind, Jackie catching up to them, "What happened when I left". "Nothing, don't worry. Good job on finding the place", Gunther said. "Don't worry about it, happy to help", Jackie said, still edgy on what might of happened if she had not arrived in time.
End of the street and around the next corner, the gang spotted the dinner in between two large buildings. They rushed over to the entrance and entered the eatery. There were no customers at all, if you didn't count the man sleeping at the counter. They looked around, not finding the man, "Damn it, Jackie, are you sure there's no other dinners", Kick said, coldly. Jackie was taken aback by Kicks sudden change in voice, "I asked the guy, he said this was the closest. I didn't really think to ask him whether there were more dinners". Kick groaned in agony, his anger slowly rising to a breaking point.
"We might be at one of the millions of dinners in this area and you picked the wrong one. Now, thanks to you, Kendall might be getting hurt", Kick shouted, completely angry. Jackie was shocked and stunned by the attitude the daredevil was giving her. Never had she seen Kick so angry, if angry at all. Gunther was also frightened by Kicks emotions, but chose to stand his ground, "Look Kick, we'll just ask if there are any more dinners in the area. No need to start shouting at people". Kick glared at his best friend at looked like he was about to throw a punch.
"Hey, be quiet. I'm tired as hell, had a rotten day and just want a nice rest not being annoyed be a couple of screaming girls", the sleeping man said. Kick turned his attention to the man and slowly walked towards him. Gunther and Jackie stood and watched as Kick came closer to the man, not knowing what the young daredevil had planned. Seeing him readying his fist told them all they needed to know.
The man saw Kick slowly coming towards him, "Huh, what do you want, kid. Why don't you go back home, your parents must be worried. And wipe that expression off of your face, I don't appreciate it". Kick was about to wipe the expression off the man, as he raised his fist and swung towards the man. Gunther and Jackie could do nothing but watch Kick hit the man. That is, until a hand caught the fist mid-air, "I think that's enough, kid". Kick recognised the voice and turned to face John.
"You", Kick said. John stared at the boy, then at the man. "Buddy, I suggest you go home, this place isn't really safe", John suggested to the man. The man was about to argue back, but decided against, having had enough of the constant disturbances. "Fine, I'm going home. This place is too noisy, I need peace and quiet", he got up and exited the dinner.
Once alone, John let go of Kicks fist, "Good, now we are alone". Kick did nothing but scowl at John, "If you keep doing that, your face will be stuck like that", John said. "Where is Kendall", Kick ordered. John sighed, "All right, I'll tell you everything. Come on, let's sit down", John turned at proceeded to the seated area way in the back. Kick followed behind him, then later Gunther and Jackie.
Once seated, they all sat there for a while. Tension in the air grew thicker, making both Gunther and Jackie uncomfortable. Later, a waitress came by, "Anything I can get y'all". No one answered, the John said, "I'll have some water, please". "Same here", Kick said. "Uh, nothing for me, thanks", Gunther declined. "Same goes for me", Jackie said. The waitress proceeded to the counter and produced two cup of water.
She returned and placed the couple of cups on the table before returning to the kitchen. John sipped a bit of his water, Kick let his alone. After some more silence, Kick had finally had enough, "I thought you said you were going to help me", Kick said. "I said I could help you, I didn't say I would", John said. "Look, this is a very delicate matter. If anyone saw me doing this, I would be putting not only myself and you're group in trouble, but the lives that the organisation has in their hands", John explained.
Kick wasn't happy about the answer, but slumped back into his seat. "Listen here; there really is not much I can do. I will try to help to the best of my skills, but ultimately, you're on your own. So I suggest you spend this time formulating a plan to rescue your girl", John explained. "Could you tell us who kidnapped Kendall and why", Gunther asked. "Good idea, Gunther. We need to know who we're dealing with", Jackie said.
John smiled at the two, "You see, your friends are using their heads. Get to know your enemy first before striking". Kick just mumble something rude, so John proceeded to tell them, "You all might have heard of a company by the name of 'Knight Industries'", everyone but Kick nodded their head. "They're a famous insurance company. Why would they have anything to do with kidnapping", Jackie asked.
"You never know what happens behind closed doors. Their company is nothing but smoke and mirrors. Behind the mask of joy lies the face of evil as they make all their money doing crimes. Robbing banks, selling illegal substances, holding ransoms, all these helped to line their pockets with cash", John explained. "If that's the case, how come the police never arrested them", Gunther asked. "The organisation has a low of power and influence in the town, plus they never could directly link the crimes to 'Knight Industries'. They would pay off crooked cops, hires others to do their dirty work, anything that would prevent a line from coming back to them".
"All right, so they're a bunch of evil people. So, why did they kidnap Kendall", Kick asked. "Weren't you listening, she comes from a rich family, of course it's for the money", Gunther said. "You're right, it is about the money. But, it's also about something more", John said. "What do you mean", Jackie asked. "Over the years, Lawrence has grown power-hungry, claiming that money wasn't enough for him, he wanted power, recognition".
"A money monger and a power freak, what a perfect combination", Kick said, disgusted. "I agree with that, perfect but also dangerous. Guards patrol the perimeters, complicated security, it's impossible to attack the place head on", John said. "So, how are we going to break Kendall out", Gunther asked. John thought about for a minute, "He most probably wouldn't be expecting an attack straight away, so I suggest taking him on now".
"Then what are we waiting for, let's go", Kick said. "Settle down, boy. We still need to figure out how to get you three into the building undetected. I can't exactly walk in with a bunch of children, especially considering one might do something really stupid", John said, looking at Kick. Kick returned the stare, but said nothing. "So, what do you suggest", Jackie asked. "Give me a minute, I'm trying to figure it out", John said.
"Now that I think about it, who owns the company", Gunther asked. John looked over, "I believe you already met him, Lawrence Knight". The trio gasped at the name, "But, that's the guy who-", Jackie stopped mid-sentence. "He came by your school for a little 'contest'. He was really there to find a way to get the girl alone, so no unnecessary complications happened". "Think you know someone, they have much deeper history", Gunther said.
"You might have heard about him, but by a different name", John said, causing the kids to look at him. "He is one who stalks the night like a shadow during daylight. Face as white as snow, wearing a jet-black suit and red tie, he captures all who crosses him and they are never heard from again", John said. The trio recognised the description, though it was unbelievable that it was real, "You can't really mean he is real, I thought it was just a game someone made", Gunther said. John shook his head, "The legend is all too real, the legend of the 'Slender Man".
(Knight Industries)
Kendall felt as groggy as she could and her neck was really hurting. She woke up in a well furnished room, in front of a vintage desk. After a bit, she managed to find her bearings and remembered what had happened. "Kick", she whispered. "Awake now, are we", a voice asked. Kendall looked around for the source when the chair in front of her turned around. She instantly recognised the man sitting before her, "Mr. Knight".
Lawrence smiled, "Glad you remember me, Miss Perkins. I trust your trip here was satisfying". "It would've been if I hadn't been unconscious", Kendall spat, understanding her situation. "Yes, much apologies there, but I know you wouldn't come with consent so I had to ensure your arrival", Lawrence apologised. "What do you want with me", she asked. "Oh, I'm sure you can figure it out", he said.
"Money would be my first guess", she said. "Excellent, very perceptive of you", he gave congrats. "Isn't that what all nut cases like you look for", she said. Lawrence's expression changed to something more sinister, "I suggest you watch your words carefully, otherwise your stay here will be most unpleasant". "Isn't it already", she said, not relenting. "I don't think you understand the situation you're in, girl", he said.
"I understand perfectly, I'm just choosing not to be nice", she said. Lawrence sighed, giving up, "Do what you wish. Regardless, I still have you". "You won't get away with this", she said. That brought a smile to his face, "Ah, that's what they all said and yet, I did". "So, this isn't your first", she said. "Oh, no my dear, there have been many more before you. All of them were like you, some more scared than others, but they all hung on to that slither of hope that I would be caught", he said.
"Who are you, really", she asked. "I am who I say I am, Lawrence Knight, CEO of Knight Industries, occasional drug smuggler, kidnapper, whatever garners me money", he explained. "What do you plan on doing with me", she asked. "Nothing, for now, you are my prisoner. You will stay in a cell for the rest of your stay until we no longer need your services", he answered. "After that, then what", she asked again.
Lawrence, who had been looking out his window watching a storm forming, turned to look at Kendall, "When the time comes, my dear, you will find out". Lightning flashed behind him, creating this brief figure of fear. Kendall got a bit scared by it, but refused to let fear take control of her. "My, what kind of a host am I, let me get you something to drink", he pressed a button on his desk phone. "Brittany, bring in a glass of water for our guest", he asked.
Couple of seconds later, the secretary came in with a glass of water and set it on the desk. "Thank you, that'll be all", the secretary curtsied and exited the room. "Here my dear, you must be thirsty after all that travel", Lawrence smiled and handed her the glass of water. She accepted the glass and looked at it for a while, "You look a little hit under the collar, why don't you cool off", and she threw the water from her glass on to the face of the CEO.
Wiping the water from his face, his eyes reopened, giving her a deadly stare. "I try to be courteous; I offer you a drink and spoke politely. Now you've tried my hand and will greatly regret that", he said, pushing a hidden button under his desk. Later, a group of guards burst into the room, "Lock her up, give her no food or drink for the rest of the day. Perhaps then you might be more accepting of my kindness. Now go", the guards rushed off with Kendall between them.
Wiping more water from his face, he sat back down in his chair, "Little brat, show a hint of kindness and they throw it back in your face". He sighed, "Kids these days, no manners at all. Still, I have to respect her tenacity; it's been a while since I've seen someone with that kind of spirit". He got up and looked out the window, "I am going to enjoy breaking her down, little by little". He started chuckling that later grew into a maniacal laughter that was lost in the thunder and lightning.
(Back at the dinner)
"So we're all clear with the plan then", John asked, receiving nods. "Good, just remember to follow the plan exactly. We're only going to get one shot at this", John said. They had finally formulated a plan to rescue Kendall, despite Kick's continuous attempts to just run in, guns blazing, he ultimately agreed with the plan. "Alright then, you two wait outside, I want to talk to the boy for a bit", John asked Gunther and Jackie.
Gunther and Jackie looked over at Kick who nodded for them to go, "Okay, we'll be outside when you're ready". They got up and exited the dinner, leaving John and Kick. "I just want to make myself perfectly clear, I'm not doing this because I decided to turn over a new leaf nor for your sake, I'm doing it for the girl", John said. "She wouldn't be in this situation if you didn't do what you did", Kick spat.
"Just remember to keep to the plan, don't go and try to be a hero", John warned. "You keep your side of the bargain and don't double cross us", Kick warned. John smiled at that remark, "Touché, little man. Let's get going, time for a rescue", John got up, left some money on the table and left. Kick was the last to join the gang outside. They all followed John to where they needed to go, Kick dragging behind the rest, "Hang in there, Kendall. I'll be there soon, just wait for me". He rushed to catch up with the group and onwards they went, readying for battle.
AN: That is the end of the show for now, ladies and gentleman. Thank you all for your attendance, please return again for another chapter. Tell me what you thought of it, any constructive criticism, whatever you want to say, go ahead. Anyway's, thank you again for joining me, I hope you all enjoyed it and I will see you in the next instalment. Bye bye.
May the night watch over you.
