Condemnation
Chapter four:
King Alcazar's Park:
"Specify, what sort of trouble am I supposed to be in?" Karasu asked as he gripped his katana.
"First thing's first, my name is Kaeli," the cyan-haired woman informed, "And as much as I hate stating clichés, you're dealing with powers far beyond your comprehension."
"I'm an undead being. How far could they possibly be? And what are you supposed to be?"
"She is a seraphic huntress," Kashaku answered as he landed on his ward's shoulder, "or if you want a more familiar term, an angel."
"Qué!?" The warrior's opaque eyes went wide in disbelief as he stared at her scant outfit from head to toe.
"Were you expecting wings and a toga?"
"Actually, I expected three little figures on your forehead and cheeks," Karasu replied. Her face did bear marks, identical to Spawn's, except hers were black instead of white. "And just out of curiosity, what's your role in this spawn business?"
"Duh, use a little logic. Spawn are key elements of Hell's army, each one means more muscle for their evil. Our side obviously can't allow this, so we're commissioned to destroy each one as they appear." Giving this answer was a mistake, she realized this when she felt the edge of Seventh Sin against her throat. The crow had moved too fast for her to react.
"I told the Phlebiacs I wouldn't allow Juan to be used by them, and I fought in order to back up that statement. Now I'm telling you, I won't let you harm him, and will fight if you insist."
"You think you're acting brave, but you're just being stupid," the longhaired angel replied, "Cross me, and your head will be the next prize on my mantle." Now it was her axe that was at Karasu's neck, and just like his a moment ago, her moves were quicker than the human eye.
"This is no time for stare-downs," the guardian scolded, "Remember, the hellspawn is in the Phlebiacs' hands. We must come to an agreement or else none of you will accomplish anything."
"He's right," Kaeli admitted as she put away her weapon. "I'm not looking for a fight, I sought you out to ask for your help."
"Now I'm certain you need to have your head examined. I told you I-"
"Let me finish! I wasn't sent here to hurt the kid, all the contrary, I'm here to help him. Let me start at the beginning."
Three weeks ago:
"Quique, watch out, you're going to trip over that-"
"Whaah!"
"…root," Rosa grumbled. "Coño, be careful! Do you want us to get caught?"
"Relax, we must be the only idiots for miles around," Juan assured. "I still can't believe you convinced me into coming to a cemetery in the middle of the night."
"Having the proper atmosphere is always important." The tan girl took the old book she'd sneaked out the library out of her backpack. The pages had turned brown over time and crumbled at the slightest touch. A few words were still readable though, and there she'd found some sort of magic formula. "It'll be fun to try this out, though it's probably just the medieval version of a children's chemistry set."
"S, and because people were so dumb in those days, they thought it was witchcraft," the brown-haired boy added.
"It should be cool," the blonde one said, "except for the king-sized mosquitoes. (grunt) Enough walking, this looks like a good spot."
Half an hour later they were sitting around a campfire, roasting sausages and telling each other stories and jokes. Rosa had gathered a couple more herbs and flowers from the area and mixed them into the bag were she kept the other ingredients.
"What's that circle drawn on the sack?" Juan asked after noticing it.
"Just a rune I found in the book," the tan girl answered as she passed the worn-out tome over, "I thought it'd be a nice touch." She stood up. "Okay, let's get on with the show." Rosa threw the bag into the fire, while Juan read out loud.
"Now why are you doing that?" Enrique asked, but his best friend didn't respond until he was done.
"Just adding something else to make this more realistic." He then noticed something. "Umm, shouldn't we have results by now?"
"You're right," Rosa agreed, "Maybe I didn't follow the instructions correctly, let me have the book." The flames went out suddenly, just like blowing out a candle.
"Heh, it seems you made a medieval extinguisher, tía," Enrique quipped, "a stinky one at that. The playful grin was wiped off his face when the fire rekindled, larger and colored green, not only that, a creepy wind began to howl. "Guys, I think this is our cue to beat it."
"Like now!" Juan yelled. The teenage trio sprinted just as a giant tornado erupted. The tremendous force blew them away, crashing against trees and tombstones. Juan staggered up to his feet, clutching his bleeding head. "Urgh, Quique, Rosa, are you okay?" Both had been knocked out. "Coño, how am I supposed to carry these two?" But he soon found out that this was the least of his worries, a dark figure emerged from the vortex, its eyes were voracious and its hiss froze the heart. Juan could neither move nor scream as the shadows swallowed him. It was like both diving and being filled with a cold thick liquid; it went in through his mouth and nose, the suffocating sensation was increased tenfold by dark magic.
"Juan!!" Rosa had recovered consciousness just in time to witness her friend's ordeal. She wanted to run over and help, but fear held her in place. The tan girl could only watch until the boy she had known her entire life fell to the ground, only then was she able to run to his side. "Juan! Say something! Are you alright!?"
"(groan) S, no harm was done." His green eyes went wide open and flashed when he saw what had happened. "Whoa."
"You're joking!" Karasu exclaimed, "Juan became Spawn because of carelessness!?"
"That's right," the angel confirmed, "a bunch of curious kids are dazzled by their find, not knowing how or whether it works." Kaeli raised a finger. "And he's no spawn at all, all he did was invoke the suit."
"I see now!" Kashaku proclaimed,"That means the child is still alive!"
"Hold it, you're getting ahead of me," the dark-haired warrior protested, "What do you mean Spawn's alive? And what's so important about the suit?"
"A hellspawn's uniform is actually a living creature," the guardian explained, "As you should know by now, it provides protection and weaponry in exchange for sustenance." He turned to Kaeli. "This particular symbiote must be a young one, otherwise it would've devoured the child's soul."
"Precisely, it's little more than a larva at the moment, and like a larva, it will soon grow and evolve. Once that happens, the situation will get nasty."
"Now I see what your plan is, it's the suit you're after," the undead one concluded, "Okay, I'll help you. Let's go yank that rag off!"
"Not so fast," the ponytailed angel pulled him back by the coat, "Juan and the suit are becoming one, removing it violently will destroy his mind and soul."
"The child must be convinced so that he'll renounce to his power voluntarily," Kashaku explained, "You can't do it warrior, considering how all your encounters have turned out."
"S, you've got a point." Karasu took a deep breath. "Okay, I'll let the cherub here handle Juan, her 'pleasant' appearance will make it easier. Talk to him tomorrow after class, he should have calmed down by then."
"Right, meanwhile you'll handle the Phlebiacs," Kaeli suggested, "those two idiots will… Wait a second, you know of my cover!? How?"
"You mean you don't know?" The dark-eyed warrior was genuinely surprised, so his tone justly made fun of the ponytailed angel. "I suggest you figure it out then." He ignored her questions and ran into the shadows, where he disappeared.
"Hmph, he's as talented as he is obnoxious." She turned to the guardian. "What have you been teaching that kid?"
"In my opinion, his wariness is a sign of wisdom in dealings amongst your kind. Caw!" Kashaku flapped his wings and took off. Kaeli was left alone to go over her plan once more.
"Come on, get up, you worthless pansy!" Vindicator, now in human form, kept kicking Juan until he woke up.
"Qué? Hey, stop it! I'm-" The mask crawled away. "Where am I? Last thing I remember, I was facing that guy in black and then-"
"And then he beat the crap out of you! You're lucky I arrived in time to save your sorry ass." The skinny demon grumbled and shook his head. "Know what? Forget it. A pansy like you will never make a good Spawn."
"Oh, come on," the kid protested, "One little setback and you're firing me?"
"You bet I am, you sorry waste of skin! Give up the uniform and go home, where the only person whose way you'll get in is your mother." This comment struck a tense chord.
"Take that back," Juan ordered.
"What's the point? It'll still be true," Vinnie replied coldly, "What good are all those chores you do? They don't help her out of the situation you put her in." The dark-clad teen growled and rushed forward, grabbing his semi-mentor by the neck.
"You better shut your trap if you know what's good for you." Unfazed, the green-haired punk kept going.
"She had a bright and promising career, but then you showed up and ruined everything for her."
"SHUT UP!!" The mask reappeared and spikes grew out of Spawn's knuckles as he punched Vinnie in the gut, followed by a left hook that sent him flying. He didn't stop there, the green-eyed hero kept on pounding until his fists ached; and Vinnie wouldn't desist either, he continued to hurl out insults, each more hurting than the last. Finally, an exhausted child fell to the floor; Vindicator, face all bloody and swollen, stepped up with a cruel grin on his chapped lips.
"Anger unleashed. Tell me, Spawn, how does it feel?"
"I… I feel great," he panted, "It was like being a horse without reins, setting loose everything that was eating me up inside."
"And imposing it on someone else," Vindicator added. "What does good behavior get you? Scorn and unfulfillment," his voice became dark and entrancing, "You want results, you take 'em; it's dog eat dog and you gotta get rabid."
"And I know just who to put down," the green-eyed kid said as he clenched his fists, "The crow thinks he can make a fool out of me? That he can laugh and spit in my eye? Well, he's going to learn to respect me, everyone will." The red sash whipped angrily, and the old demon chuckled in satisfaction.
I'm definitely making progress. Now I better make sure there are no setbacks.
Saint Isabel High School, next morning:
"Aguirre." There was no response so Carolina called again, "Aguirre."
"He's not here," a student answered, "In fact, no one's seen him all morning."
"That's odd, there didn't seem to be anything wrong with him yesterday. Oh well…" The disguised angel resumed the roll call, reading out the names automatically as her mind was somewhere else. Hmph, ten to one the Phlegm brothers got to him. This is ridiculous! If Aguirre were the real thing, I'd be able to deal with him directly. But no, he's human, so I have to be discreet. Stupid rules. In addition to that, I've got to find a way to keep that crow from getting too much information.
"Excuse me," a girl interrupted.
"Eh?"
"Normally, once the teacher is done calling our names, class begins." Everyone started laughing at the cyan-eyed woman's expense.
"Sí, perdón," she replied sheepishly as she told everyone to open their books. Whoever suggested this undercover crap, is gonna get one from me.
At the same time, Carlos was searching for the gruesome siblings. He explored alleys, ghettoes, bars, police stations, lawyer offices, government buildings, anywhere he could sense either greed or corruption, feelings he believed demons thrive on.
"I thought these guys would be easy to detect, but they're a lot better at hiding than I'd like to admit."
"Knowing that you are here, Warrior, it is logical that the Phlebiacs will act cautiously," Kashaku indicated, "Also, your mind is not entirely focused on the search."
"I hate it when you're that perceptive." The undead teen raised his arm so the black bird could land on it. "It's Kaeli, something about her rubs me the wrong way."
"And what is that?"
"She wasn't completely honest when she told us her intentions towards Juan. Either she doesn't trust me completely, or she's got ulterior motives." He gave an indifferent shrug. "If it's the former, I've got no right to complain, and if it's the latter, I'm not surprised. If the highest ranking angel fell the lowest, how can a lesser one be free of corruption."
"A cynic to the very end," the guardian chuckled. He then gave a start and the feathers on his back stood on end. "Warrior!"
"I feel it." Carlos climbed up a drain pipe, and had become Karasu by the time he reached the top. "Definitely one of the 'V' brothers."
"We're perceiving the signal too loudly, he purposely wants us to find him."
"S, a challenge no doubt." The undead hero's eyes gave a dark glow. "Okay, I'll answer. Let's see if he continues to be as cocky once I'm through with him."
Let us see if you do not have to eat your words, Kashaku thought to himself.
Saint Isabel High School:
A few hours later, during recess, Carolina was at the teacher's lounge trying to get ahead on some work, both official and apparent. It was at moments like those when she wished coffee had any effect on her metabolism.
"Rough day?" coach Martín asked as he sat down beside her.
"I don't want to talk about it," she warned as she read another folder. "Hmm, Juan Aguirre, perfect attendance record, decent grades, hardworking… Seems to me he's an honor roll student."
"S, he's a good kid," the coach agreed, "and I hear he helps out a lot at home, ever since his parents' divorce."
"Really? I wasn't aware of that fact." And it was something demons are fond of using on children. "Can you tell me anything else about him?"
"Hmm, I don't know him that well, but I can tell you this: he's gotten much better at sports, from average to Olympic in just a few days."
"Can't say I'm surprised, I've seen similar situations." That comment was true, there were many registered cases where people got better at certain areas thanks to supernatural dealings, Kaeli had participated in a couple of them herself. Just then, her cellular beeped out a musical tune (Undercover Angel, Alan O'Day). She checked out who the caller was.
"Finally!" the ponytailed woman huffed as she stood up, "it sure took them long enough."
"I know what you mean, damn bureaucracy," the coach commented, "I tell you, they need a whole hour to get a letter from one side of the office to the other. The other day I-" But Carolina was already out the door. "What's the rush? They're probably going to tell you they need more time. Hmph, women."
As soon as Kaeli had reached the rooftop, a blinding column descended from the sky, accompanied by a harmonious chorus, quite a spectacle, except mortals were unable to see it. A silhouette materialized, and once it was all over, a freckled youth, hardly beyond his teen-years, was standing there. He wore a bow-tie, checkered shirt, thick glasses and braces.
"Hi!" he greeted with a nasal voice.
"Talk about anti-climatic," Kaeli muttered, "I suppose you're here to deliver a reply for my missive."
"Yep," the kid answered as he took out a thick folder. He opened and read it, "I was told you like to get news straightforward, so here goes: Crows belong to an organization completely independent to the Seraphic counsel; and individually, each warrior is a free agent. Therefore, presence of the one named Karasu no Shi should not be taken into consideration during your current assignment."
"Not taken into consideration?!" the white-eyed hunter exclaimed, "Didn't they read my report? That crow in particular is stronger than most, with abilities I've never seen before. And he's clever too, he's bound to find out what my mission is."
"Your superiors think you're exaggerating, so lay a finger on him and it's your hide, honey. Also, they want to know why you are allowing the Phlebiacs to get ahead of you."
"Allowing them to…? Urgh, I'm not the one who came up with this stupid idea of posing as a teacher! How am I supposed to-Oh, give me that thing!" Kaeli snatched away the folder. "Bunch of idiots. First they give orders without thinking, then they lay the blame on someone else."
"You might not want to hear this, but you also have new orders: Drop your cover, go to Juan Aguirre's home and retake your search from there." The freckled messenger noticed that Kaeli's temper was getting dangerously short, "Umm, you'll find everything written in detail. Cheerio." He left in the same manner as he arrived. Kaeli took a deep calming breath and set her sight upon the old city.
"And it's all because of that stupid mime. (sigh) I just hope Karasu hinders the Phlegm's progress as much as mine."
As soon as classes were over, Rosa and Enrique headed straight towards their friend's home.
"You know, it is strange for Juan not to have come," the blonde boy commented, "he's late at times but never absent."
"His mom's away," the tan girl reminded, "he's probably taking advantage of the situation, raiding the fridge and watching that topless game-show."
"That's what you would be doing, if your dad wasn't hogging the set as usual. Has he moved since last I saw him?" That was a month ago.
"Only to get beer from the fridge, until he bought that jumbo icebox" Rosa sighed tiredly, "I'm amazed that fat slob hasn't thought of adult diapers, then he'll have no reason to get up at all."
"Don't sweat it, four more years and you'll be able to go out on you own." Enrique noticed that his pink-haired friend flinched when he put his hand on her shoulder. "What's wrong?"
"Uh, nothing, just a hiccup." They made it to the Aguirre residence and she rang the doorbell; the door opened, seemingly by itself. "Weird, why is it so dark in here?" They both stepped away. "Carajo! And what's that smell?"
"Beats me," the shorthaired boy answered, "it's not gas, I hope." Worried for their friend, as well as extremely nervous, they decided to go inside. He struggled to find the switches, but the lights wouldn't turn on. "This is getting freaky, even with all the curtains drawn we should be able to see something." He tried going further but kept tripping with unseen obstacles. "This is ridiculous! Let's get out of here and call on the phone."
"Good idea," Rosa complemented, "except now I can't find the door."
"Come this way," a low voice called. The kids looked at each other and then at the source, where they saw a faint glow. Truly frightened now, they advanced. As they approached, the light increased gradually, while the stench did so exponentially; finally, they saw one of the most grotesque spectacles in history: Vandalizer, in human form, in underwear. He was lounging in the living room, which he'd turned into a mess by bringing the fridge over. The food was spread all over the carpet, rotting and drawing flies. "Glad to have some company, have a cold one," he greeted as he hurled his tenth beer bottle at the wall.
"Who the hell are you?" the blonde boy asked with surprise and repugnance, "Where's Juan?"
"I don't know no Juan," the disguised demon lied, "I just came here to relax and get drunk. What do you say, sweetie?" he winked at Rosa. "Wanna have fun afterwards?"
"In your dreams, pig," Rosa answered with disgust.
"You stay there while I call the cops," her friend ordered, "Let's see if you feel so jovial after they've thrown you into a cell."
"Go ahead, call 'em," Van replied indifferently, "Don't forget to mention that kid you almost killed."
"Qué?"
"You know," the tattooed demon chuckled, "You wanted some of the chocolate he was eating but he wouldn't share, and when you insisted he gobbled it all up. You got so angry that you grabbed a rock and threw it at his head."
"That a lie!" Rosa protested, "Quique is incapable of doing such a thing." She glimpsed at her friend and noticed a look of absolute terror, it didn't take her long to realize what this meant. "Dios, it is true." Indeed, it had happened when the blonde boy was a five-year-old child, impetuous and ignorant of the consequences of certain actions. The tanned girl turned back towards Van, who was now facing her.
"And you, Rosa, what are you trying to hide under all that plaster on your face?"
"My name, how did you…?" the pink-haired girl shook her head violently, "No, shut up! You don't know anything!!"
"You mean you don't want Enrique to know," Van mocked, "Oh no, that would be too humiliating." His features began to deform, terrifying the kids even more. "Now, I'm not the one scaring you, it is yourselves. You're the ones who forged those fears and nurtured them through the years." The Phlebiac had nearly completed his true shape. Enrique was down on his knees shivering, while Rosa was up against the wall, frozen with fright. "Humans today, they make our job so much easier," the purple brute opened his large jaws, "and much more delectable." He was about to bite down on Rosa's head, when someone came crashing through the roof!
"Back off!" Kaeli landed and batted Vandalizer away with her battleaxe, the teens fainted at that instant. "You're gonna spoil your dinner, not to mention you're already developing a bit of a gut."
"I didn't hear complaints from your mama," the red-eyed monster retorted. He tensed his muscles and charged at the angel, who received him barehanded. The difference in size was notorious, yet, they were evenly matched in strength. "You're wasting your time, the kid ain't here. Even if he was, we won't let you take him."
"Uh-huh, you and what army?" The seraphic huntress kicked the large demon on the stomach, a second kick raised him above the floor, and a third sent him flying against the wall. "You're not keeping Juan, that's already been predetermined."
"There you go," the fanged one grumbled, "babbling all that shit about how you know past, present and future." He spat out a ball of soot that blinded Kaeli, Vandalizer then sprang up, grabbed her by the head and started smashing her against the floor. "So how come you didn't see that one coming, you little bitch? Huh? How come?" At the sixth or seventh blow, he punted her away. "Now for some serious pain dishing-Huh?"
"Hey, Van, what's keeping you?" Vindicator called telepathically, "What's taking so long? Aren't you done with the kids yet?"
"Vinnie, you jerk-off, not now!" This moment of distraction allowed his opponent to land a punch square in the face, one that sent him to the opposite side of the room. "(groan) Crap, better call it quits." Vandalizer got up and was surrounded by a circle of flame. "I'm running late, so we'll have to leave it here. But don't worry, cute stuff, we'll get to play again soon." He vanished before Kaeli could detain him for questioning.
"Damn it! He could've led me straight to Aguirre!" She stomped her foot then turned to check out the kids, Rosa and Enrique were still out cold. "Hmm, better fix things up, nosy neighbors always bring trouble." The longhaired angel took a shining pearl out of her bag and threw it to the floor, within a few seconds everything was neat and tidy, as though nothing had happened. "As for the kids, disorientation will take care of them. Now, to see if I can finally get some work done." She changed to her civilian clothes and walked out the door, that's when Rosa got up, she was only feigning unconsciousness.
"Well sir, this could turn out to be very useful."
City outskirts:
"What's taking so long? Aren't you done with the kids yet?" The human-shaped Vindicator could only hear a protest before the telepathic link was cut off. "Hmm, sounds like someone's about to screw up. I hope he doesn't, cause without Vacillator here, Van's likely to take it out on me." He gulped at the thought.
"It sucks to have older brothers."
"Huh?" The skinny demon spun to find Karasu standing on a tree right above him.
"That's what my sister, Carmela, used to say, even though I hardly took advantage of my position." The undead hero gripped Seventh Sin, "Enough talk, let's get down to business."
"Whoa there, hold your horses! See? White flag, I called you here to negotiate."
"Then you wasted our time," the guardian snapped, "dealings with demons are dangerous, the warrior knows that all too well."
"I've personally seen five good examples," Karasu added, "Besides, I've got nothing to give you, I don't own a soul. That is, I don't have it with me."
"Oh, get real, those sort of dealings went out on wagon wheels. Souls are valuable, but not very useful, that's why we want the Aguirre kid. So, you just stay out of our way, and I'll make it worth your while."
"Forget it," the pale teen growled, "I promised to help Juan, none of your offers can make me break my vow."
"Fair enough," Vinnie accepted, "Then how about this: we leave the kid alone, and in exchange, you work in our service." In less than a wink, the punk demon was being held by the neck by an iron grip.
"Now I know you've got nothing between those ears. If you think for one second that I'm going to be your puppet-"
"There you go, rush, rush, rush, that's the problem with youth today," Vinnie said as he shook his head, "I've got no intention of submitting you into control; on the contrary, you can continue to do as you please, beating up bad guys, saving damsels in distress, all that heroic crap. All I want is to alter the results of your doings." The demon narrowed his red eyes. "You do know what happens to the poor devils you dispatch, right?"
"Every life I end automatically gains reincarnation, so that the person may have a second chance," Karasu answered, "An idea I don't necessarily agree with, but it is fair."
"I see what your intentions are," the bird said, "to claim ownership of those lives the warrior slays."
"Precisely! You're pretty smart for a bird brain," Vinnie mocked. "Now, I must ask you to be picky about who you snuff out, otherwise you'll just be filling up space. Between you and me, we've got a bit of an overpopulation problem. You won't believe the traffic! I know Hell is supposed to be anything but comfortable, but please, let a guy have his privacy."
"You needn't worry about that," Karasu replied solemnly, "because the answer is no. I'd never do anything to strengthen your people."
"Okay, if that's your answer, I won't insist." Vinnie walked towards the road, and turned back once he reached it. "Then again, one more try won't hurt. Are you sure you don't want to be stronger?"
"S, but I'll manage that on my own," the black-haired one stated, "Right now, I've got enough power for my experience level." With a false smile, Vindicator bowed and left for good.
"I'm proud of you, Warrior," Kashaku praised as he flew to a lower branch, "You displayed a lot of maturity."
"Tell me, Kashaku, is that walking stink-bomb scheming, or am I just being paranoid?"
"Demons rarely walk away that easily, and once they set their minds on a goal, it is utterly impossible to sway them." Both supernatural beings looked eye to eye. "I'd be wary."
An abandoned alley, midnight:
"So the heavenly bitch stuck her nose before you could get the job done," Vinnie huffed, "Eh, no matter, you scared the kids and that works in our purpose. And as long as Aguirre's out of reach, we've got the upper hand."
"Yeah. By the way, where's he at?"
"Oh, I put him into some illusion-filled limbo, he thinks he's saving hundreds of slob by the minute." The green-haired demon sat up, "His ego will rise sky-high by tomorrow, and once we set our plan into motion, it will plummet like a rock, making him putty in our hands."
"If everything goes according to plan," Van pointed out, "Luckily, I found us some assistance." The tattooed bruiser explained during the next fifteen minutes, at the end of which a newcomer arrived. "It's about time. Did you consider my proposal?"
"If you two are for real, I'm all yours," Rosa answered.
