Disclaimer: I own nothing except for my OC Evangeline and any alterations to the original storyline plot her presence creates to various readers amusement, in general, every person across the globe during these dark and gloomy tidings.

Rorschach's Legend Chapter 2

1985:

As time passes memories can fade getting further and further away, drifting into the subconscious.

But for 17 year old Evangeline the night she met Rorschach, Walter Kovacs, is as clear as day to her even 6 years later.

Since that time much has altered in Evangeline's former meager existence. She has a roof over her head, three meals a day, a good education, and most vital of all protection.

All this was achieved thanks to Rorschach's intervention, but not surprisingly it wasn't him she's been living with all these years.

No, that exact same night Rorschach discovered her he brought her to his old friend and retired colleague Daniel Dreiberg. Also, known as Nite Owl 2. Successor to the former and original Nite Owl, Hollis Mason, from the Minutemen.

Although a bit reluctant to actually do so Daniel agreed to take charge of young Evangeline, accepting her into the household where he resides in his brownstone. Rorschach isn't quite equipped to look after a child ever, but that doesn't mean he doesn't check on her. In fact he does so regularly even if his visits are a bit scattered here and there over the years. This doesn't lessen Evangeline's affection and admiration for the man in the slightest. She's always happy to see him no matter the circumstances.

Soon enough Evangeline reaches the cozy brownstone that has been her home for the past few years. It's actually mid-evening. She'd been out late at the library to study in light of finals that would be coming up soon. Better to get a jump on it now than later. Daniel is always emphasizing with her the importance of keeping her grades up in order to make something of herself and especially as far from the hero life as humanly possible. That's not even close to the life path he wants her to take. Only Rorschach is the one whom seems the least bit all right with it.

Each time Evangeline counters against Daniel, reminding him of his visits with Hollis Mason which he is returning from at present time.

It's raining cats and dogs outside in the city right now. Daniel is speed walking straight for the front door as soon as he sees it in his line of sight. His glasses are drenched making it a little difficult to see, but Evangeline waves at him where she is on further down the sidewalk. Daniel patiently waits for her on the bottom of the stoop and they climb them together.

Daniel is about to reach for the lock when he suddenly freezes. Peering around his shoulder to find what's gotten him so tense she sucks in an alarmed breath.

The door is intact, but the section where the lock is has been messed with, kicked in.

An intruder is in their home.

Extending an defensive and cautious arm in front of him, Daniel whispers "Stay behind me."

Evangeline knows better than to argue with the man.

It's nearly pitch-black inside. The only sources of light being from the streetlights outside and through a crack in the partially open kitchen door. From there both of them can hear faint metal scraping noises coming from behind. Using years of skill at his disposal Daniel steadily makes his way to the door. Depending on the type of person they unveil Daniel is more than ready to through them out. Being retired doesn't mean he is a pushover. His fists clench fully prepared to take this person on.

This proves to be totally unnecessary.

Turns out the visitor is nothing more than an old acquaintance simply helping himself to canned beans from the pantry.

Rorschach.

Mask pulled up halfway so he can partake in his stolen meal, Rorschach rasped "Hello, Daniel. Evangeline."

"Rorschach," said Daniel, much to Evangeline's delight, tension leaving his body as he now senses no danger.

"Helped myself to some beans. I hope you don't mind," said Rorschach, nodding to the empty cans on the table all the while finishing the one he's currently emptying.

Shaking his head, stepping aside so Evangeline can make her way over to their guest, Daniel said "No, no. Of course not. Want me to heat those up for you?"

"Fine like this," said Rorschach, gruffly, pausing in his eating momentarily to return the brief hug Evangeline gives him.

The kind of person he is Rorschach's not a hugging sort of man. For her Rorschach sometimes makes exceptions.

Already suspecting a purpose behind Rorschach's unannounced visit yet attempting to keep pleasant conversation, Daniel said "How have you been keeping?"

Rising from the chair, Evangeline clearing the table of the now empty bean cans, tugging down his mask and tucking his journal back into his trench coat, Rorschach said "Out of prison. So far." He then withdraws something from his pocket, sliding it over closer to his friend. "Daniel. Look at this."

It's a happy face badge pin with a splash of red over the left eye.

Rubbing a thumb over the red stain in order to check the substance, Daniel inquires "Is this bean juice?"

"Human bean juice," answered Rorschach, bluntly.

That's a cause for concern. It's clear as day all over Daniel's face when he hears this. Definitely with what Rorschach states next following that.

"Badge belonged to the comedian. Blood too. He's dead," clarified Rorschach.

This causes Evangeline to pause in what she's doing, raising her head. Despite not having met the Comedian in passing, neither Daniel nor anyone else they know permitting this, she's heard stories. The Comedian isn't someone that would be taken down easy. To hear that he's now deceased is shocking in itself.

An all seriousness demeanor taking over, Daniel said "Lets talk downstairs."

By downstairs he means the Nite Owl lair running underneath his home connected to a forgotten part of the subway system.

Flipping the switch as the three of them enter the Nite Owl lair, Daniel surmises "It could've been a burglary. Maybe the killer didn't know who the Comedian was?"

Instantly disagreeing with this assessment however logical it may sound, Rorschach spat "An ordinary burglar? Kill the Comedian? Ridiculous."

"I heard he'd been working for the government since '77, knocking over Marxist republics in South America. Maybe it was a political killing or something," said Daniel, the voice of reason.

"Maybe," considers Rorschach, climbing down the steps leading to the bottom level. "Maybe someone's picking off costumed heroes."

Brow raised in uncertainty, Daniel said "You don't think that's a little paranoid?"

Rorschach counters "That what they say about me now? Paranoid?"

Still viewing this as absolute nonsense, looking to uncover a reasonable conclusion, Daniel said "Look, Comedian made a lot of enemies over the years, even among his friends."

Evangeline observes, eyes traveling back and forth between the two men nervously.

Stopping in front of a Nite Owl costume in a display case, Rorschach said "Speaking of friends, how's Hollis Mason? He wrote that book. Said some bad things about the Comedian."

This touches a nerve with Daniel.

Well aware this is a sore topic along with hoping to block any animosity before it begins, Evangeline said "Rorschach, please. Don't go there. Mr. Mason would never do such a thing. Besides he is far too old and out of practice to pull a stunt like this off."

"I don't like what you're implying and I like being followed even less," said Daniel, firmly.

"Maybe I was keeping an eye on you in case someone's gunning for masks," said Rorschach, gruffly.

Narrowing his eyes in suspicion, Daniel said "You were never that sentimental."

Reaching the bottom floor nearest to the tracks, fingering some gadgets that are lying underneath a tarp covered in dust, Rorschach said "Attack on one is an attack on all of us."

Sighing tiredly, not wanting to fight with his former comrade, Daniel asks "What do you suggest we do about it?"

"Retribution," said Rorschach, speaking as if it is as clear as glass.

Scoffing in disbelief, Daniel said "Watchmen are over."

"Says Tricky Dick," growled Rorschach in disgust.

"Says me," declared Daniel, watching Rorschach turn away in frustration. "Nobody knows who you are. You can give it up, try and have a normal life. Live like the rest of us are trying to."

"That what you have now? A normal life," said Rorschach, contemptuously. "When you walk down the street in a city dying of rabies, past the human cockroaches talking about their heroin and child pornography, do you really feel normal?"

"Least I'm not the one still hiding behind a mask," said Daniel.

"No," said Rorschach, dropping the tools back onto the table. "You're hiding in plain sight. Be seeing you, Dan." He then focuses his attention onto Evangeline. "Watch your back, Kid. Remember to stay alert even when you think it is safe."

"I will," said Evangeline, softly and a touch crestfallen. "Are you leaving already?"

"Got other places to go and people to visit. You'll see me again soon," mentioned Rorschach, entering the tunnel systems.

"There's a maintenance hatch that will let you out two blocks north," said Daniel, levels of incredulous indignation slowly fading with his departure.

Hands slipping into his coat pockets, Rorschach said "Yeah I remember. Came here often, when we were partners."

"Those were great times, huh, Rorschach," said Daniel, smiling in fond reminiscence. "What changed?"

"You quit," said Rorschach.

The wise Daniel didn't have anything to say to argue that one point.

Evangeline watches him go until shadows in the tunnels swallowing him whole, wondering when she will see the peculiar man again following this encounter in the future.

Authors Note:

Merry Christmas everybody!

Norbert is next! XD. That is gonna be fun to write. Wonder how these two will interact.

So I've got some bad news for all my loyal readers. My dog just passed away a couple of months ago. To be perfectly honest I'm heartbroken. He meant so much to me and even though my family has had other dogs in the past, since I moved out, he was my baby and the first animal to ever well and truly be mine. Especially during all of this craziness with covid-19 I think all dog owners can agree that your canine companions can really fill that void that one can find themselves stuck in. And make their households complete. So this is a shout out to all fellow dog lovers out there that see them as their children. Keep your animals close to you and cherish them always…That goes for cats, too. ;)

I cannot begin to describe how apologetic I am for taking so heinously long to get back on track. From this day forward that's all gonna change. Especially since now that I have some more story ideas in mind to add to my profile.

I hope you all like this one! I certainly did while writing it for your vast enjoyment! ;D

I recently put up some other works I've put out at titled Charmer And Company, Edith Angelica Tepes, Spirits Save The Justice League Against Crazy Jane, Crazy Jane Comes To Town, Fatal Attraction, The Strawhat's Mermaid, When Two Become One, The Sorcerer's Daughter, Enola: The Last Unicorn To Middle Earth, Heroes Vs Predators, Silent Guardians To Gotham, Hachiko: UA Class 1-A's Mascott, Big Hero 6: Mirai Hamada, Mermaids Walk Among Us, U.A. High Schools Own Blue Eyes White Dragon, Sayuri Wren, Fifth Turtle, Crown Jewel Of Gongmen City, The Emperor's Daughter, Glenstorm's Daughter, Dianca Robbins, Morning Star, Reira Todoroki: Daughter Of Fire and Ice, Secret Of Bristol Cove, Predators Redemption, Rava's Journey, Princess Of The Forest, A Revolutionary Romance, Aunt, Fantine Tezla: Hot Wheels Acceleracers, Green Lantern Odette Dupree: First Flight, Magic And the Brave Little Toaster 1, Lavinia: Princess Of Edelweiss, Rorschach's Legend, Watchmen Meets Avengers: The Newest Defender, The 8thLoser, Naomi Poldark: Mistress Of Nampara, Serenity: End Guardian To The Moors, Dido Cruger: Power Rangers SPD, The True Catwoman Of Gotham, Green Lantern Odette Dupree: First Flight, and Nuala: The White Lioness. I highly recommend them. ;D

By the way, Charmer And Company, Edith Angelica Tepes, Spirits Save The Justice League Against Crazy Jane, Crazy Jane Comes to Town, Fatal Attraction, Strawhat's Mermaid, When Two Become One, The Sorcerer's Daughter, Heroes vs Predators, Enola: The Last Unicorn To Middle Earth, Silent Guardians To Gotham, Hachiko: UA Class 1-A's Mascot, Mermaids Walk Among Us, Big Hero 6: Mirai Hamada, U.A. High Schools Own Blue Eyes White Dragon, Reira Todoroki: Daughter Of Fire And Ice, Morning Star, Crown Jewel Of Gongmen City, Fifth Turtle, The Emperor's Daughter, Rorschach's Legend, Sayuri Wren, Bianca Robbins, Aunt, Glenstorm's Daughter, Mandalorian: The 2ndFoundling, Eira Byrnison, and Watchmen Meets Avengers: The Newest Defender, Rava's Journey, Princess Of The Forest, Green Lantern Odette Dupree: First Flight, and The True Catwoman Of Gotham, are some of the best newest additions to my profile.

Stay safe everyone. Especially with all of these crazy natural disasters occurring a lot lately due to global warming and climate change everywhere for sure.