fallen angel

Chapter 8: Game

It had been almost one year since Vera's death. Turbinski's days as a member of the dMp were filled with exhausting tortorous training, while the nights would haunt Turbinski with terrifying nightmares. The training he could handle, he was far used to it by now after the life he had lived in the lab. The nightmares however were slowly driving him insane. Every person he had killed came back to haunt in his dreams. And in the middle of it all was Vera. She blamed him for her death, asking why he wasn't able to stop it from happening. Vera blamed him for her death. She hated him. And he began to despise her, the mother he had loved for so long. She wouldn't leave him alone, Vera began to haunt him outside of the nightmare world. Through the excruciating training, wherever he went, she would be there. Screaming at him, blaming him.

Turbinski had snapped. He threw his photo of them together at her. She vanished, the photo damaged beyong repair, but he kept it anyway. To remind him of the life he once lived... before all of this...

Most of the dMp members left him alone. The only ones he had ever formed some sort of friendship with were Pumpinator and Ricardo. The Brazillian was edgy around him because of that night months before when Turbinski had almost killed him. Pumpinator was friendly, but kept his distance. They had both helped him get used to life here in the dMp. Turbinski glanced up at the ceiling of his small room. This underground base had been the original Devil Knights headquarters. It was impressive to say the least. A knock at the door drew Turbinski's attention away from the ceiling. Good thing too, he was starting to feel sick. He was surprised to see none other then Mars at his door. The two had basically ignored each other since Turbinski had joined the dMp, "Dey wanna see yous in da meeting room. Right now." Mars said, glancing back at the Russian.

Turbinski stood up from the bed and headed out. Mars grabbed his arm as he passed, "The others 'ave been talking. Dey saying yous keep talking to yourself. Dat's da first sign of insanity yous know."

Turbinski harshly pulled his arm out of Mars' grasp, "Thanks for the advice, comrade." he headed off to the meeting room. Mars just shook his head.

~~~

Turbinski finally returned to his room. The leaders had said he was strong enough, they were letting him go to face Kevin. It was finally time to enact his revenge. Turbinski slumped back onto his bed, tearing away the armour covering his arm. Hidden under the armour lay self inflicted scars. One for every person he had killed. Turbinski had started doing this after he had killed that little boy, to remind himself of those lives that were lost. Twenty-eight scars. And there was going to be many more. Turbinski picked up his journal. He'd been writing in it a lot lately. He turned to a new page and began to write. A knock at the door made Turbinski look up, closing the journal. "What is it Ricardo?"

The Brazillian entered, Pumpinator following after him, "We just heard about the meeting." Turbinski didn't answer, just stood up, sliding the armour back onto his arm, hiding the marks from view. He smirked up at Ricardo, sending a shiver down both Ricardo and Pumpinator's spines. The two dMp Chojins just glanced at each other as Turbinski left the room, preparing himself for one last training session before heading off to the city.

~~~

"I have to keep this quick, the others might be tracking me... but... you have to meet me in the city central park in an hour, I have some very important stuff to tell you. Why should you come? Because if you don't Kevin Mask could die!"

***

Chapter 9: Beginning

Kevin Mask was taking a shower in his small apartment when the phone rang. He looked out of the shower, water running down his maskless face. He stood out of the shower, wrapping a towel around himself and sliding on his mask. Then headed out to the hallway to grab the phone, putting it to his ear, "Hello?"

"Kevin...?"

The Brit almost dropped the phone in shock, "Warsman?"

"Da Kevin." the British accent dropped, Warsman sounded almost afraid, "I need to see you in person, we have to talk."

Kevin composed himself, leaning against a wall to support his body, "Why should I? I haven't seen or heard of you in over a year, tell me Warsman..." he almost spat the name out, anger and abandonment he had felt at the end of the Chojin Crown was coming out in waves, "Why should I do anything for you after you abandoned me!"

"KEVIN PLEASE!" Warsman sounded frantic, "This is urgent, I have to speak to you. Remember the construction site I trained you in before the final match? Meet me there at eleven thirty."

Kevin sighed defeatedly, "Fine... I'll meet you there. This better be important." he placed the phone back on the hook, staring at it for a moment before heading off to his room to change.

***

Turbinski smiled as he walked through the city. It was surprisingly calm. The hidden dMp mark on his armour comforted him slightly. He had the mark carved into his armour after being accepted by them. He glanced up at the sky, smirking. Today was finally the day. He was going to kill Kevin Mask... and make him pay. It had come to the point where Turbinski had ultimately forgotten the motive for his revenge against Kevin. He had wanted it for so long, that everything else became a blur to him. He had the power to do this... finally. And not only that, he had a major advantage over the Brit as well.

About two months back, while watching tapes of Kevin's Chojin Crown matches, looking for a flaw in Kevin's fighting techniques, Turbinski had discovered something amazing. While Kevin had no actual flaws in the way he fought, his so called perfect move, OLAP, the move that had brutally tore his arms off in the Chojin Crown semifinals, had one fatal flaw. Turbinski had been overjoyed to find such a flaw in the move that had destroyed his life in so many ways.

If one had a high pain tolerance and could ignore the bones breaking for long enough, they would see that OLAP was flawed as well. It was quite simple actually, he didn't know why he hadn't figured it out in the beginning. If he could push his back up and pull his arms back, the OLAP would be reversed and therefore it would be Kevin who ended up in pain, from his own move. And if he didn't want to have his arms broken, he would have to let go of the hold. It was genius, and foolproof.

Kevin didn't have a chance in hell.

~~~

Kevin didn't take his motorbike to meet Warsman, instead he decided to walk there. He was confused. Warsman had vanished out of his life for one year, and now he had suddenly returned practically out of nowhere, saying he needed to talk to him. The Brit wondered if he should go or not. Lord Flash had been a great trainer to him and the first person Kevin had trusted in a long time. But the betrayal of learning he wasn't who Kevin thought he had been, followed by his abandonment had struck the knight hard. He absentmindedly kicked a can lying on the ground, ignoring the other people around him.

Kevin stopped and glanced at his watch. Ten forty-five. Why was he even doing this?! Kevin grabbed at his mask, feeling slightly dizzy. He needed to calm down. He glanced over, noticing a small café on the side of the road. Maybe something to drink would help him calm down... Kevin headed over and sat down in one of the outside tables. He bought a bottle of water, and sipped it with a straw. Kevin sighed when the cool liquid hit his dry throat, relaxing back in the chair. He was way too tense for this.

~~~

Turbinski was silent as he glanced upon the small café. Kevin Mask seemed tense, but he did not care. He was full of rage, and ready to lure his prey. He stepped forward, raising a hand in greeting, "Kevin Mask!"

The Brit turned around to face him. His yellow eyes widened slightly, "Comrade...?"

Turbinski gave him a fake smile, rushing over to him, "I have not seen you in many months, how are you Kevin Mask?"

Kevin looked uneasy, he glanced at his watch, "Er... just fine. Look, comrade I have to go..." he turned and headed off in the same direction.

"Why?" Turbinski turned around, stopping him from walking forward, "Look Kevin, I was just thinking. How about a rematch, for old time's sake?"

Kevin smirked, "Have you forgotten what happened last time we fought?" he tried to get passed the Russian, but Turbinski wasn't allowing it.

"Of course not." Turbinski said, "I just want another chance."

Kevin shook his head, "As much as I would love to beat you back into the canvas mat comrade, I'm afraid I must be somewhere." he pulled Turbinski out of the way heading off.

Turbinski narrowed his eyes. Kevin wasn't getting away THAT easily... but how could he shift the Brit's attention back to him? "Bwak bwak!" he yelled back, mocking Kevin.

The Brit tensed slightly, turning to face Turbinski. "Are you saying that I'm too afraid to fight you...?" he said, his voice low, just daring the Russian to admit it, forgetting Warsman for the moment.

The comrade was grinning, "And what if I were...?"

Kevin chuckled, "Alright... you have yourself a rematch."

Turbinski was unable to surpress the smirk on his face, "Great! Just so happens, I know a place we can fight. Follow me!"

Kevin glanced at his watch. Eleven twenty-seven. Warsman's message couldn't be that important... it would just have to wait. He followed the Russian, mentally preparing himself for the match.

***

Chapter 10: Chasing Time

Turbinski led Kevin to an abandoned building. It had a few benches around the ring for a small audience, and it looked like it hadn't been used in a while. And yet, two disguised men were operating cameras by the side of the ring. Kevin suddenly felt very uncomfterable. There was something about this whole thing he didn't like. Turbinski turned to him, "Something wrong comrade?"

"No no..." Kevin shook his head, yellow eyes flickering to where those two idiotic announcers were standing, talking into microphones as they usually did, the benches were filling up with wrestling fans fast and Turbinski had gone to speak to one of the camera-men. Kevin rubbed his arm in an unusual batch of anxiety. There was something not right about this. How had all these people known there was going to be a match when Turbinski had only asked him about twenty-five minutes before?

Warsman was frantic. Where was Kevin?! He paced uncertainly around the training area, nervously, seeming almost human. He had decided to wear his Lord Flash costume. Warsman glanced up at the city's clock. Eleven fourty-three. What if it was already too late?! He continued pacing, "Come on Kevin..." part of him wondered if the Brit had decided not to come. The android had known that he had upset Kevin a lot when he had left him after the Chojin Crown... but had he felt so betrayed that he wasn't going to come..? Warsman placed his gloved hand on the mask's crown and sighed. He glanced up at the city's clock again. Almost twelve. Warsman lay back against a slab of metal in the ground and closed his eyes.

A few moments later, Warsman heared people close to him talking and opened his eyes looking over at them. They were construction workers, one of them had one of those hand-held television sets. Warsman overheard a part of their conversation. Surprisingly, they were talking about Chojin wrestling. Warsman remained silent, purposefully listening in now. The men went silent, watching the tv and Warsman's circuits went cold when he heard it: "The rematch of the century! Kevin Mask versus Comrade Turbinski!" This could not be happening. He had to get down there and stop that match! He ran away from the construction site into the direction of the training ring the announcers had just mentioned.

Kevin and Turbinski faced each other in the ring. Most fans screamed Kevin's name showing their support for him, but a few yelled Turbinski's. Maybe it was pity for what Kevin had done to him that drew those fans to him. Even in the state of insanity he was in, the comrade appreciated their support. The plane glanced over at the camera-men who grinned at each other and put the cameras on them. Turbinski surpressed a smirk. The announcers called out, and then the bell rang. Kevin ran forward to attack him. He wanted this match over as soon as possible so he could go and meet Warsman. Turbinski brought his arms up to defend himself from Kevin's attacks.

This happened for a while, one of them trying to attack while the other defended himself. Turbinski used a few moves that Kevin had never seen before. They were completely ruthless and not like his usual strategy. And they confused the Brit. Turbinski was a ruthless Chojin, this was true. But he was also merciful. Kevin swore when the Russian Chojin attempted to stab him with his head-gear. He'd been distracted for a while there. Kevin stepped back, bringing his arms back up. Concentrate Kevin! Turbinski dived back at him, "GET BACK HERE KEVIN MASK!" Oh fu-

Tick tock. Tick tock. Warsman had never cared much about time, as he was immortal and it had never really affected him. But now every second counted. Every small second that passed Kevin's life became dimmer. Warsman had never expected to be pulled into this tale of revenge, but here he was trying to protect his boy from being slaughtered. The caller who had informed him of Turbinski's plan had surprised him most of all. Never had he expected HIM of all people to save Kevin's life... Warsman just hoped he wasn't too late.

"OLAP ASSAULT!" the crowd cheered fanatically as Kevin launched his best move. Turbinski smirked wickedly. He didn't fear this move... he welcomed it with open arms. He winced slightly as Kevin pushed his back and pulled his arms. He could feel the agonising pain overtaking his senses once again, and he could hear his arms beginning to snap. It was all too much. Turbinski couldn't break the move! He began to panic. He had lost his motive - he had lost his will to win this match.

Warsman could see the building. He was almost there! The android faltered slightly. The fans were screaming Kevin's name. Kevin... was winning?

Turbinski's eyes snapped open. VERA! She was his motive, the reason for all of this! It was all Kevin's fault and he finally could do something about it. The anger blinded him from everything else. Turbinski somehow grabbed Kevin's hands and forced them back. This pushed the Brit into an painfully awkward position, and now it was Turbinski in the driving seat of Kevin's most lethal move. A scream of pain escaped Kevin and he reluctantly let go of Turbinski's arms. The Russian pulled his now free arms back, snapping the Brit's arms like a pair of twigs and throwing him against the turnbuckle.

Kevin slumped down to the canvas, his arms numb. How was this possible? OLAP, the undefeatable move had been both reversed and broken. Turbinski had destroyed his father's move as if it were... nothing. How? Kevin's thoughts were cut off. The audience were screaming. Kevin's head shot up towards Turbinski who was towering over him. Part of his helmet had been broken in the match and the left side of his face could be seen. His eye seemed red as he glanced down at Kevin. The Brit's yellow eyes widened slightly. Was that a dMp logo on the Russian's chest armour?!

A agonised scream from inside the building stopped Warsman dead in his tracks. He stared at the entrance horrified, as if frozen in time. Oh god no. Warsman ran forward, and slammed open the doors, not knowing what he would find inside... "Kevin!"

Tick tock. Tick tock.
Grains of sand slipping away.
You're out of time. You're too late.
Just run.

***

Chapter 11: Pain Of Loss

"KEVIN!"

Turbinski's head snapped up, eyes narrowing. It appeared his next victim was coming straight towards him - perfect. Kevin was choking slightly. Turbinski snorted, "Poor Kevin Mask. Look at him now. So now do you know what it feels like to have your arms ripped from their sockets? Well do you?!?"

Kevin's arms lay on the canvas-mat covered with blood, detatched from his body and slightly twitching from where the nerves had been cut. Turbinski's hands were soaked with Kevin's blood and he unconsciously lifted a hand to his mouth, licking at the blood there. The two camera-men pulled off their disguises, revealing Pumpinator and Ricardo. Pumpinator was laughing, "Don't you just wish you hadn't left the dMp now, huh Kevin?" Ricardo looked slightly sick. He said nothing.

Lord Flash ran down to the ring, almost falling to his knees at the sight of his once-pupil. Turbinski laughed loudly and lifted Kevin's mask, uncovering the face that was hidden to the world for so long. Kevin's head slumped slightly to the side, trying to hide his face with the last ounce of dignity he had left. Lord Flash stepped closer to the ring, placing his hand on Kevin's knee, trying to comfort him. Kevin looked back at him, "You were... going to warn me about him." he choked out, "Weren't you?"

Tears formed at Lord Flash's eyes. Or something that looked like tears. Could androids even cry? "D-Da Kevin. Da..."

Turbinski laughed, bringing the android's attention back to him. "Here, take him!" Turbinski kicked Kevin out of the ring. Lord Flash cradled the dying Brit in his arms, stroking the dirty blonde hair out of his face. "Kevin... the only other time I saw you with your mask off was when I held you as a baby... after your parents came home from the hospital. That was so long ago..."

Kevin smiled weakly. His shoulders were twitching. Bone and broken nerves could be seen admist all the blood. He was choking, eyes focussing and unfocussing on Warsman's form. "Warsman..." he choked out. He felt his ex-trainer's hand close around his throat. Kevin knew what the android was going to do. "Thank you..." he whispered quietly so that Warsman and Warsman alone could hear it.

Warsman pulled his hand hard and snapped Kevin's neck, causing instant death. Painless. The great Kevin Mask, son of legendary Robin Mask and finalist of the Chojin Crown was dead. The audience who had been previously screaming in terror were shocked into silence. Even Pumpinator and Ricardo were silent. Pumpinator had finally realised that this had all gone too far. He'd never expected Kevin to actually die. Ricardo almost damn near fainted on the spot.

Turbinski laughed, jumping over the side of the ring. "Poor Kevin Mask..."

He held the Brit's mask in his his hands, gently stroking through the eye piece with one finger. Then he tightened his grasp around the metal mask, breaking it into pieces. They dropped to the floor. Lord Flash looked up, eyes narrowing at Turbinski, his arms still around Kevin's body, holding the Brit close to him.

There was a terrible silence between the two Russians. The one who had tried to save Kevin, and the one who had destroyed him. Finally, Turbinski lunged for Warsman, "YOU ARE NEXT ANDROID!" Lord Flash fell back and they scuffled for a while on the floor. The dumbstruck audience finally came to their senses and backed away from the two Russians. Turbinski's hands grabbed furiously at Warsman's arms, tearing open the circuitry. Warsman cried out, pain overtaking his sensors as Turbinski pulled out various wires and such from inside his left arm, leaving it wrecked and him unable to use it. Warsman pushed his legs up, throwing Turbinski away from him. The other Russian slammed hard into the opposite wall and slumped down, falling ungracefully to the floor.

Turbinski groaned and got back to his feet, shaking his head. Lord Flash pulled his one arm up in front of him, the back of his hand glowing slightly. Turbinski turned to the android, narrowing his eyes. Warsman hissed in surprise and unconsciously took a step back. Turbinski's head-gear had cracked - and one of his eyes were blood red. It reminded the Russian android of his former master, the Barracuda. Warsman looked around, this place... it was too crowded. He pointed at Turbinski, "Meet me in the warehouse behind the construction site in fifteen minutes. We will have our match there."

Turbinski snorted, standing up straight. "Very well." he rose one hand, clenching and unclenching it three times. "Fifteen minutes. If you're not there, then it will be Robin Mask who dies next." Warsman hissed, stood up and left the building without another word.

Turbinski smirked and turned to leave. Pumpinator ran forward and grabbed his arm forcefully, "Haven't you done enough? Kevin is dead, like you wanted."

Turbinski pulled his arm back, "This isn't about Kevin. This was never about Kevin! Kevin Mask's death was just a warning to Warsman. Everything that happened in my life is because of that android, and he is going to pay for it!"

"What the HELL are you talking about Turbinski?"

"Don't you get it?" Turbinski turned to face Pumpinator. The shoe Chojin said nothing. "Ugh! Never mind." Turbinski headed out, transforming into his plane form and flying towards the construction site. Ricardo and Pumpinator looked at each other awkwardly.

"I always knew dat guy was a psycopath..." murmured a quiet voice. Pumpinator and Ricardo turned to face the newcomer, eyes widening in disbelief. The newcomer headed down towards them, "Yous two, get back to da base, I'll deal with this." Pumpinator blinked uncertainly, "I said GO!"

"Right, come on Ricardo." they both left, heading back to the base.

The man headed over to Kevin's body, leaning over him and stroking his bloodied hair gently, "Shit Kev', why did yous come here...?"

~~~

The rain was pouring down around him, soaking his armour, but he didn't care. "Come on Warsman, stop playing hide and seek. I know you are here... come and meet your fate like Kevin did. Who knows...? Maybe androids get to go to heaven as well." Turbinski laughed, leaning one hand against his hip.

There were footsteps behind him. Turbinski turned around, smirking. At least he'd gotten rid of that Lord Flash constume he wore. Warsman seemed rather sluggish, his left arm sparking. Warsman's eyes glowed, speaking in Russian, "Does it make you feel proud comrade? You've deprived a man who has been hurt all his life of his only son, not only that, you've also deprived the world of a great Justice Chojin."

Turbinski smirked, "But of course."

Warsman pointed a finger at him, "You have lost your mind! You have gone completely insane!"

"BECAUSE YOU AND THAT BASTARD MADE ME THAT WAY!" Turbinski screamed back, lunging at Warsman.

No more words needed to be spoken. This was going to end. Right now.

***

Chapter 12: Finale

No more games. Warsman leapt at Turbinski. The younger Russian snarled as he was thrown back into some boxes. Warsman leapt onto a raised platform and threw himself towards Turbinski, spinning wildly and releasing his claws of his non-sparking arm. "Double Claw Screwdriver!"

Turbinski's eyes widened and he hit the floor, just missing the android by an inch or two. Warsman slammed into the wall of the warehouse. Turbinski got back up and turned towards the android who had just jumped out of the hole he had created. The two Russians glared at each other, waiting for the other to move.

Warsman leapt again at Turbinski, throwing him to the ground. Turbinski winced as Warsman got him into a complex hold. He twisted his legs, getting the android into a weaker hold himself. Warsman grimaced and put more pressure into the hold. Turbinski threw his head back and yelled, throwing his hands forward to catch Warsman off guard. While the android was dazed, Turbinski pulled himself out of the hold.

Warsman hissed and glared up at him, eyes glowing dimly red. Even with one malfunctioning arm, he was still a deadly Chojin. Turbinski swallowed and rose his arms into a defensive position. Warsman hurtled forward again, his claws upturned. Turbinski narrowed his eyes and ripped off his head-gear, throwing it towards the android. Warsman was taken back by this. Turbinski's head-gear slammed right into the claws of his hand, the force snapping them in two. Warsman cried out, falling back and glancing at the stubs that were left of his claws. Turbinski laughed, throwing one hand to lay on his hip. "No-one would think that such devestating weapons would be that weak?"

Warsman just hissed, glaring up at the younger Russian. Turbinski stepped forward, smirking down at him. "It is a good thing I remember your match against Buffaloman so well."

Warsman's eyes widened and he stepped back onto his feet, "How do you know that match?! You're not old enough to remember it!"

Turbinski smirked, "I was designed by the Russian governement with the same techiques they used to create you, what with gene splicing and enhanced robonetics, but where they failed with you, they succeeded with me. I grew up watching your matches, idolising you. You, a robot who thinks like a human, and I, a human who thought like a robot for too long."

Warsman said nothing, still looking down at his claws.

Turbinski stepped forward again, "And now I'm going to have the greatest pleaure in ripping you limb from limb." Warsman's fist balled into the ground, not getting up as Turbinski walked towards him, smirking. The Russian android narrowed his eyes, glaring at Turbinski. "Any last words Warsman?"

"Da. Never leave your guard down."

"What-?!"

Warsman rushed forward, willing his broken arm to move. The claws releasing and piercing Turbinski's chest armour. "WARSMAN!" Turbinski shrieked, as Warsman's claws tore through his armour and then his body. Turbinski grabbed Warsman's arm, trying to pull it out of his body. Warsman's pulled his arm up, lifting Turbinski clean off the ground using his claws. Turbinski shuddered, looking up at Warsman. The hatred in his eyes was unbearable and evantually the android had to look away.

The silence and tension between these two Chojins stretched out, seeming to last almost an eternity. Finally a whimper made the fighting computer glance back. Turbinski's whole body was shaking, his white hair stained with blood, and his eyes weren't full of anger or hatred, but fear... unsurpressed fear and... regret? Slowly Warsman lowered Turbinski back to the ground, pulling his claws out of him. Turbinski choked and slumped back to the ground. His hand immediately went to the wound on his chest and he pulled his fingers back, feeling the blood oozing there.

Some small part of his mind registered that the wound was almost exactly where Vera had been shot. Warsman had bent down and was looking at him. The android's voice sounded controlled, "Why...? Why did you kill Kevin? You had already defeated him, got your so called revenge on him for the Chojin Crown. Why kill him as well?"

Turbinski swallowed, looking up at him. The android's face was fading fast. That settled it - he was dying. Turbinski began to speak, "You have... always been my hero Warsman. I wanted to be just like you." Warsman made some sort of robotic choking noise, as if the mere thought of a living copy of himself disturbed him immensely. Turbinski continued, "I was allowed no emotional ties. But there was someone... my languages tutor, Vera. I loved her like a mother." his eyes dimmed slightly, "She adopted me, treated me like a son. Looked after me, protected me." he sighed, "But... after the Chojin Crown, everything changed. Because of the way I had been badly beaten, my creator blamed Vera... and killed her. That is why I wanted revenge on Kevin Mask and you Warsman."

"I am... sorry for your loss." Warsman didn't know what else to say. He had never met this Vera, but he respected all life. Warsman wasn't the war machine he had been designed to be.

"Thank you Warsman..." Turbinski whispered. He was straining to see the outline of the android's head. Faces flashed through Turbinski's mind. Vera... Adrik... that boy he had killed... Pumpinator... Ricardo... Kevin... Warsman... Turbinski reached up and touched Warsman's masked face. He was unable to see now. "Turbinski...?" Warsman's voice reached his ears, but it seemed far away. "When I die... will I get to see mama Vera again?" he murmured. Dying surely was a strange feeling...

Warsman swallowed, "I do not know..."

Turbinski's voice cracked slightly, "L-long live our fatherland, land of the free. The eternal union of brothers nations. Given by ancestors the people's wiseness..."

"Long live our land, we are proud of you." Warsman murmured.

Turbinski shuddered in his hero's arms... and died, his body going limp. Warsman gently touched his open eyelids and lowered them, closing the comrade's eyes, never to open again.

***

Epilouge