The Beginning....(Ozymandias Origin Story)

[Deleted]

(OOC: first FWA RP, woo-hoo!)




*The weather has been growing worse, the reports of more people suffering frostbite and bad wind-chills has risen. Police have found yet another man on the streets, frozen to death- the weather has been especially cruel to the homeless. People rarely leave their homes, taking consolation in their warm and comforting spaces. The outside world is bleak, a frozen hell. It is only 4pm on a Tuesday, but already the sky is as black as night, the ensuing ice-storm growing bigger and harsher by the hour. It is expected to hit the town fully by morning, people have gathered their supplies and locked themselves indoors. But yet, we find two men making their way down the city's main street, huddled in huge jackets and covered completely. They walk fast yet concisely- the paths are covered in ice, everywhere is a slip hazard. As they near a street-crossing, one man halts too quickly, and slides forward. He catches his balance before falling, but it is still a shock to him. He looks to the other man, unseen frustration in his words.*





“This is foolish Vladimir, we will catch out deaths out here!”





“Shut up Rudy, I have told you this many times that it will be worth our efforts.”





“This is foolish….”





*The two men continue, making their way down the treacherous street. Icicles hang from everything, the ground layered in thick sheets of ice, and the howling wind feels solid, from the cold particle blasting every surface. The men trek on for a bit, steadying their steps as they go. The come by a coffee-shop, shining a light-glow onto the darker street.*





“Shall we stop for a cup?”





“No Rudy, we do not have time, he is due to fight soon and we cannot miss our chance.”





“But, we can find him afterwards, I am sure. No? He will not be resting in the backstage?”





“I do not believe this is a man who neither rests, nor accepts visitors.”





“...my lungs feel like they are full of ice! I need a warm drink…”





“Shut your words Rudy, we must hurry. Quickly we will be done, and soon you will be home with Helga again.”





“I am in no rush to be home with Helga….let us find this prizefighter.”





*The two men move along the sidewalk once more, pacing themselves to keep balance on the dangerous path. A little further along they encounter a man sat on a stool, selling frozen fish in front of a market.*





“Fish for sale, fresh fish. Good for stroganina. You buy.”





*One of them approaches the seller, and says something quietly to him.*





“...яма…”





*Acknowledging the man's request, he stands from his stool, and leads them inside the market area.*





“You need fresh fish, only the best, recently catch, very best…..”





*The walk with the man, who is still talking loudly about fish until they reach a doorway. He continues to talk while opening the doorway.*





“...Yes, best fish today. New catch...very strong, lots of fun for you. Quickly, you must go. Before new fish is gone.”





*The two cloaked men are ushered in through the doorway, and the door slams shut behind them. Ahead of them is a narrow hallway, leading to a stairwell. They edge along the tight space, and reach the stairwell. It is old stone, freezing to touch, but leads downwards into the even colder Earth. They follow the steps down, the stairs circling as they descend. As they go deeper, noises can be heard- cheers, shouts, boos, laughs. Where they are going, is full of life, full of energy. They continue to descend the staircase, and reach an open area at the bottom- a cavern. Full of people, scattered around the room. The open cave area has lights attached to the walls, lit up spaces and fires igniting in areas, from barrels to piles on the floor. Everywhere, figures are gathered around fires to find heat, and all seem to be holding drinks in their hands.*





“Vladimir...this place…”





“Rudy my friend, welcome to The Pit! The most secretive and exclusive den in town.”





“I have heard stories but I did not believe them true. This is where we shall find our man?”





“Yes, back there…”





*Vladimir points across the cavern, to a metal structure in the back, a steel dome. The two men make their way through the gatherings, to find a bar area. They remove their masks, scarves, hats, gloves etc. and get acquainted. Rudy, a portly fat man with a scruffy beard, eyes up the barmaid.*





“Hello, fine miss. May I have one of your drinks, thank you?”





“We only serve Harbin. Do you want two?”





“Harbin, yuck, that Chinese swill….yes, if we must.”





*Rudy pulls a wallet from his pocket to pay for the drinks, while Vladimir shakes off his hair and straightens himself out- he is much older, graying longer hair and light stubble. He wears thick, doctor style glasses that hang loosely on the end of his nose. He takes one of the beers from Rudy, and clinks the glass with his.*





“Welcome Rudy! It is strange to be back, I have only seen these walls once, many years ago...I swore to never return to this foul place. However, we find ourselves here and now. Hurry, let’s find our man and be quick in our chore.”





“Vladimir, we have only just arrived! Can we not enjoy our drinks around a fire, heat our bones a little, perhaps meet a beautiful lady here no?”





“Rudy you pig-man, have you only thoughts of food and ladies?”





“Hmm….yes?”





“If Helga could hear you now!”





“But she cannot! For tonight, we are men!”





*The two clink glasses again, and make their way to a fire. They greet the others standing around, and warm themselves in its glow. A few minutes pass, and the two men are relaxing and enjoying their company, when a loud DONG can be heard.*





“What is this now?”





“This Rudy, is the start of the fights. Come, let us get a good position!”





*People begin to make their way to the metal dome seen earlier, which grows in size as they get closer. What looked like a small piece is actually much larger- big enough to hold several people inside. (think of Thunderdome!) The two men find a suitable viewing spot, and squeeze together as the crowd almost engulfs them. Another dong sounds soon after, and several men enter the dome.*





“These are the men you have spoken of?”





“Yes, shhh Rudy, let us watch for our man.”





*Seven people in total pile into the dome, each dressed strangely and wearing some kind of fighting apparel. A short fat man in a typical Russian sweatshirt waddles to the center, with a loudspeaker in his hand. He points to each person in the dome with him, and announces who they are;*





“Ladies and Gentlemen….welcome, to the Pit! Tonight, many fighters have come. We have a big match, and big winning to have. Please, make your bet to be placed now!”





*As he announces each person, a couple of other equally-typical Russian guys walk around with notepads and coin purses, taking bets from the rowdy onlookers.*





“First, we introduce….Blue Dragon!”





*A man wearing only leather pants, with shiny glitter covering his body dances in one corner. His hair is bright blue and spiked into a Mohawk, and his face is heavily painted.*





“Next, we have Black Hammer!”





*An African lady stands taller than most, dressed in torn rags and big boots. She flexes her arms, bulging muscles bigger than most men's.*





“The twins, Alexei and Anatoly! Never defeated in the ring!”





*Two identical bald twin men, standing topless in long brown chinos. The have various tattoos to distinguish each from each other. *





“Next is….Snake Charmer!”





*A beautiful brunette woman dances provocatively to the men, winking and smiling. She is wearing a tutu and corset, soiled and worn out.*





“Next up, we have new competitor….Black Mask!”





*A huge, bulking man stands firm, wearing a military utility vest, and black pants/ boots. Strapped to his face is a large black metal mask.*





“And last, but not least, the champion….Inga, The Killer!”





*The last combatant is a huge woman, nearing 7 feet tall. She is brutish looking, a very rough face and manly physique. More beast than female.*





“And now, place the bets, and watch your favourite winner. We are getting about to start the fight! …...lets begin!”





*Another loud DONG signals the fight has started. People start to cheer and shout for their favorite, hoping to make some money from the ‘last man standing’ battle in front of them.*





“So which one is our choosing?”





“The man with the mask.”





“You picked him? Surely we should have picked HER!”





*Rudy points at Inga, who is already laying punches into Blue Dragon.*





“No, we cannot. The purpose for our masked man, is because of the leverage, you see.”





“Ah, yes yes. I understand you now my friend.”





*As the fight continues, everyone closes in the gap on their nearest opponent. Snake Charmer sets her sights on Black Hammer, and the two begin circling, lashing out with kicks and punches. Blue Dragon avoids a heavy front kick from Inga, and converts his motion into a heavy headbutt to an unsuspecting Snake Charmer. Inga attacks Black Hammer in retaliation to her opponent chickening out.*





“This is great! I much love blood-sport! But tell me this, why are the twins doing nothing?”





“You shall see…”





*The Twins both size up the man in the black mask, sussing his moves. He stands tall, his arms hanging by his sides, unflinching. Alexei grows impatient and throws a low leg kick at the man, who doesn’t react at all. Confused, looking at his brother, he throws another, again simply rebounding off the solid legs of the man in the black mask. His brother Anatoly, moves in for a big front kick, when suddenly our masked fighter grabs his leg, and pulls him in for a big headbutt, laying him down. He turns on Alexei, and catches his punch in his palm. Alexei drops to his knees screaming, as the masked man is crushing his fist in his one hand.*




“Whoa, he is so strong!”





“Yes, he has the strength of many men. He is a terrifying force.”





*The masked man releases Alexei’s hand, and grabs him by the face, jabbing his thumbs into the man's eyes. He screams out in agony, and blood pours from his sockets. The bloodcurdling screams draw his brother, who attacks the man viciously, but he doesn’t release his grip until the screams stop. Once Alexei goes limp, he turns on Anatoly, and overpowers him easily to his knees. In one quick movement, he snaps the man's neck, dropping his lifeless body to the floor. The crowd gasps in horror, as the fight was never meant to harbor murder.*





“He is a monster….”





“Yes, he is most fearsome. But we must stick with the plan.”





“No, he will be our death. This man is death!”





“Hold yourself Rudy! This man will be our freedom!”





*The masked man marches towards the other fighters. Inga turns to face him, fearlessly. She moves first but he is quicker; he kicks her knee out, cracking it loudly as she falls to the floor screaming. She looks up to the masked man in time to receive a brutal double-fisted clubbing, knocking her down to the ground. He continues to fight, and grabs the Snake Charmer woman by the throat, both hands wrapped around her. He raises her high up, strangling her in the air, feet from the floor. She kicks and claws savagely, trying to get the man to release his grip. Black Hammer sees the opportunity to throw a heavy punch to his ribs- which barely falters him. He slams Snake Charmer down to the hard floor viciously, her head cracking loudly. He turns his attention to Black Hammer, who is now retreating slowly.*





“This man is a killer!”





“These matches are not for murder, but for sport. The first death was Inga’s, that is why they call her Killer. But now I feel they do not know who they released in their pit!”





“This must be stopped, he will kill all those people!”





“They will not stop him, this crowd they love the blood! To stop now is…..wait, do you hear that?”





“Hear what?...Vlad?...”





*Vladimir’s eyes drift away from the carnage in the dome, to the cavern ceiling, its walls. Shouts and roars echo the high ceilings, the screams from the dome sending chills through everyone's spine. But Vladimir hears something else, in the chaos….*





“It sounds like….sirens….”





“Sirens?”





*Suddenly, from the staircase they entered from, heavily enforced teams of police pour into the room, pointing their rifle-mounted flashlights into the eyes of the shocked spectators. A canister of tear gas flies towards them, a long smoky tail swaying behind it.*





“Run Rudy, RUN!”





*In a flash, people start to dissipate from the gathering and flee in all directions- gunshots ring out from the other end of the cavern, as the task force starts to take control. Vladimir and Rudy circle the dome to the far size, putting that in between them and the police. There is a small doorway at the back end, which Vladimir makes a bee-line for.*





“Quickly Rudy, into here.”





“What is happening! Where does this lead?”





“It is a tunnel, connected to outside. We must go...Now, Rudy!





“Vlad! We cannot run, we cannot escape!”





“Rudy! If they find us here, they will kill us! Do you not know of the Pit? We will be shot!”





*Without a second though, Rudy pushes towards the small wooden doorway, hidden partially behind an old wooden cabinet. He starts to move the cabinet out of the way, when Vlad stops in his tracks.*





“The messenger! We must bring him!”





“Vladimir you crazy shit, that man is psychopath! He will kill us both!”





“We are dead without him!”





“Vladimir, please…..Vladimir! VLAD!”





*Already running in the opposite direction, Vladimir is sprinting back towards the metal dome, to where we see the masked man kneeling over the floored body of Blue Dragon. His fists are bloodied heavily, and Blue Dragon’s face is indistinguishable- a muddled mess of blood and bone. Ignoring the fact he just beat a man to death with his bare fists, Vladimir reaches the dome and shouts at him;*





“You! You must come with me!”





*The masked man slowly looks to Vladimir, but ignores him.*





“Now, you must come with me now!”





*Looking at Vlad still, the masked man stands upright. He still stares at Vlad, motionless.*





“Please, come with me now. They will kill us if you do not!”





*The masked man begins to laugh, the mask distorting his laughter into a tinny-metallic sound. Sensing his bravado and lack of fear towards the police invasion, Vladimir shouts at him one last time.*





“Hurry, we must go! I can help you find your brothers!....твоя команда…..”





*The man's eyes change- albeit hidden behind a mask, his expression changes to one of anger. Fury.*





“I help you, you help me. I have escape for you now, you have escape for me later. Yes?”





*The masked man stands still, contemplating the proposal made by this stranger. As he stands still, bloodied bodies lying on the floor around him, a canister lands next to his foot- and explodes, showering him in a thick, blinding gas.Vladimir prepares to run away, when the masked man walks out from the gas slowly, towards him... .bullets spray off the walls, as the gun fight moves closer to them.*





“............моя команда………..?”





“Да.”





*The masked man looks at Vladimir for another moment, staring through his eyes into his soul. Rudy shouts from behind them, the doorway now opened and ready.*





“Vlad! Hurry!”





*The masked man looks at Rudy, then back to Vladimir, and gives him a small nod. Vladimir nods back, and quickly runs back to Rudy at the tunnel entrance. He ushers Rudy in first, then the masked man. He refuses, so Vlad goes second, with the masked man last. The three men hunch and hurry through the cold, dark tunnel, not knowing where the end is or where it leads. The sounds of gunfire and shouting drifts away behind them, becoming a vague sound in the distance. All that fills their ears now is the sound of their own pulse, blood pumping through their bodies at an elevated rate as they run for their lives from the carnage that just happened, and all in the company of the monster who terrifies them most….*

[Deleted]

***************************************************** 

TWO WEEKS EARLIER 

***************************************************** 

“....good evening Vladimir! So nice to see you again!”





*Vlad leans in and gives Helga a kiss on the cheek.*





“Helga you look younger each time I see you.”





*Helga blushes, and playfully hits him on the arm with the kitchen towel in her hand.*





“Vladimir you old charmer. I am just making some supper, would you like to join us?”





“Oh you are too kind, but I was not planning on staying for long…”





“It is no problem, come! We will fix you up a plate.”





“Thank you Helga, the cold weather will do tricks on a mans appetite!”





“Of course. Rudy is inside watching TV, I will call you boys when we are ready.”





*Helga turns and walks back to the kitchen. Vladimir makes his way through the small home, on the outskirts of Yakutsk town. In the living room, Rudy sits on the sofa with his feet stretched out, resting on another chair pulled towards him. His hands lay crossed on his large belly, his head hanging backwards as he snores loudly. Vlad walks in and gives him a flick across the ear.*





“Rudy you sleeping lump, wake up. Is all you do sleep and eat?”





*Rudy snorts and groans, suddenly being woken up from his snooze.*





“What...huh? Vladimir? What are you….where is…..what time is it?”





“Rudy you buffoon, dinner is not ready yet, you have not been forgotten about.”





*Rudy sniffs in through his nostrils, the smell of the cooking supper wafting in the air. He licks his lips, then back to Vladimir.*





“Vlad, I must have dozed off. I am working too hard for that company, they will be the end of me.”





“You, working hard? I find that one hard to believe!”





“Ehh, you do not know. I am the glue that holds that place together. Without me they would fall apart...like building made of sticks.”





“Hmm, I will have to take your word on that one Rudy.”





“Hmm, you had better….what brings you here today, this far from home. The news says we are due a terrible ice storm, any day now.”





“Much worse Rudy, we are due several weeks of it, on and off. They say it will be coldest winter yet.”





“Ahh, they say that every year. Still, I lose touch in my fingers each morning as is, the man in the sky must hate us all!”





“Perhaps….but not all….”





*There is a hint of mischief in Vladimir’s voice, which Rudy picks up on. He eyes him suspiciously, before asking…*





“OK then, out with it. You didn’t drive across town just to ruin my snooze. What is it, what have you got.”




*Vlad looks around the room, to make sure the coast is clear. He signals for Rudy to sit up and listen, and pulls the chair from under his feet. He sits down by Rudy, closer so he can lower his voice.*





“I think our chickens have hatched Rudy. We are in luck.”





“Luck? You got us two tickets to sunny Los Angeles in your pocket?”





“Better….I may have found a way to get us ALL to Los Angeles.”





*Rudy looks his friend in the eye, studying him for a moment.*





“....nahh, you are talking crazy talk Vladimir. Did you find briefcase full of money on your way here?”





“Rudy, I have a plan that will help us all. Last night, in Strelka bar, I meet a man who is acting very suspicious, asking many questions about missing people here in Russia. He has been given clues to find them, and believes one may be here in Yakutsk.”





“What missing people is he looking for?”





“Soldiers.”





“Soldiers? From where? Who was this man?”





“I am not too sure, he say to me that these men are not supposed to be in Russia, and were captured. He says they were on mission, and they crash here. Lose signal with base. So he sends team to find them, but they are not here now. Missing.”





“In Russia...my friend, you have windows in your house? Eyes in your head? Russia is not small park, for us to find missing people. They could be anywhere!”





“He say he has found two already- dead. He says other two are imprisoned, and he thinks Moscow. There is big prison there that he asked me do I know, Butyrka prison. I say no, but maybe I help him.”





“Help him? Vladimir have you lose mind! Who was this man? Was he American secret agent? Or from Britain, like James Bond?”





“No Rudy, you let your imagination run away. He worked for secret company, they do surveillance. They are independent, but non-threat he say. They take notes, report back to who hires them, and move again. No country, no agency. They are secret spies!”





“Vladimir, listen to me now...your brains have frozen and fallen out your ears. Stay away from this man, and do not return!”





“Rudy you do not underst-”





“I understand plenty Vladimir! This man may be secret agent, or USA army man. He will not go easy if he thinks you have his information. Do not lead this man on, if he works with secret company, then secret company make you disappear too!”





*Vladimir looks at Rudy's stubborn face, then gives up, retreating to looking at the floor.*





“....you...may be right Rudy. You may be right.”





“I am right Vlad, this sounds too fishy to be good. No man would walk to bar and ask local drunks where to find dangerous runaway. It sounds fishy!”





“.....he said if I can find his last man, he can arrange safe passage to USA….”





“....safe passage?.....how?”





“Not sure of details, he explained it very well. He brings us there with him as ‘guests’, but can arrange it so we can stay there to live.”





“To USA?”





“Yes.”





“....just me and you?...I could not leave Helga, or the kids Vladimir-”





“You buffoon. Not just me and you, but us all. I tell man I have brother and wife, and two children. He say no problem. He can only offer us travel, and help us through border. After than we are alone.”





“....in USA?”





“Yes, Rudy! You hear me? Free travel to USA, and easy pass through border. We can leave Yakutsk behind, let it freeze the bodies of everyone else! We get new jobs, new homes. Live by beaches, walk around in shorts and slippers!”





*Rudy starts rubbing his chin, imagining living somewhere that is not below freezing 365 days of the year.*





“I would like this very much….but how do you find these men? You cannot travel to Moscow!”





“I do not need. He say five come, but only two are found. Last signal he receive was from here….in Yakutsk.”





“Yakutsk is big place, and lonely man would not last long in treacherous weathers…”





“No, but skilled man would. Tough man would find help, be pointed to right area, maybe make money or meet dangerous people to help him go home…”





“OK…..where might he go then?”





“...The Pit….”




“The Pit? Vladimir you must have banged head on car door, The Pit is gone. Many years ago police find dead body in there, shut it down.”





“No Rudy, it is open again. I have heard stories. They find way to open old entrance, make it active. If a man is to survive in this city, as trained and experienced survivor, then this is where the man would go. I have friend who has friend, I will ask and find out if this man is there. If he was to go anywhere for help or money, it would be these fighting pit.”





“I don’t know Vladimir….”





“The man in the bar gave me this too, to encourage me to help with him.”





*Vladimir opens the zip pocket on his jacket, and pulls out a stack of paper tied together. He fans it out to show Rudy- it is roughly two hundred US dollars, tied together with a rubber band.*





“What is that Vladimir?”





“These Rudy, are American dollars…...two hundred dollars!”





“I have never seen….is that many?”





“Rudy, you know how many rubles this is?? I can buy five beers, with one of these.”





*Rudy’s eyes light up, at the idea that he may suddenly be richer.*





“But Vlad, what are you to do? Why take this mans money!”





“Relax Rudy, he tell me to use money to find man, to use it to help locate. He tells me to come back to him in two weeks if I cannot find, or if I have any information.”





“So why not keep the money and say nothing?”





“Because Rudy, if I use this money to find this man, and bring him to the stranger, then he can get us all to USA! Before any more ice storms arrive. But...I need you to help me.”





“Me? Why? I cannot be in danger Vladimir! I have family!”





“You will not be in danger Rudy. I need you to check out this prison, and find out for names. You have access in work on database. I will do footwork to see if I am right about The Pit, or if he may be another place. You help this, and we ALL get to go to Los Angeles.”





*Rudy hums and haws, debating to help but losing interest. Vlad takes the stack of money, splits it in half, and places one half into Rudy's hand. He looks at it for a bit, feels the weight of the bills in his hands, before a sneaky smile crosses his lips.*





“Vlad you snake in grass. You always trick me!”





“Yes Rudy, but today you become richer from tricks. And in two weeks from now, we bring this man to the stranger, and can pack our bag for sunny USA!”





*The two men cackle, grabbing each other and jostling. Helga pops her head into the room.*





“Supper is ready boys. I will call the children….is everything OK?”





*Seeing the two men act like giddy children, she looks confused.*





“Everything is OK my darling, and everything will only get better! Woo-hoo! Иииихаааа!"





*Helga leaves the roof, still as confused, as the two men continue to laugh and chuckle at the prospect of getting out of the cold, cold city of Yakutsk.*

************************************************************* 

PRESENT DAY 

************************************************************ 

“...how much further to go, my fingers are to be frozen!”





“Keep moving Rudy, must be close!”





“This is crazy Vlad, is there men following??”





“....No, I hear nothing…”





“Ugh, why do I listen to you. Why! Always with the bad ideas! I should have Helga close the door on your face next time you-”





“SHHHH Rudy, look ahead! What is that?”





*In the escape tunnel, leading away from the illegal underground fighting club know as The Pit, the trio of men have been shuffling along in almost complete darkness for some time now. As Rudy continues his complaints of cold and worry, Vladimir spots something in the distance- an outline of light. Shining at the end of the tunnel. Between him and Rudy stands the terrifying man he had sought out to find, and return to the mysterious stranger from Strelka bar. However if he could control time, he would flash back to that happier time in Rudy’s house, and abandon the idea forever. Running for their lives from Russian police, in the presence of a man they witnessed murdering four, maybe five people. The smell of iron and copper fills his nose- not from the tunnel, but the blood soiled on the masked mans hands. He has not spoken a single word in all this time, and not once slowed to catch his rest.*





“I think that may be the exit Rudy. Quickly, move!”





*As the trio get closer to the light source, it becomes apparent that it is indeed the end of the tunnel. Water soaks the floor, splashing as they get closer. The air chills rapidly as they near the exit, the outside harsh weather sneaking into the tunnel to meet them. Rudy finally reaches the doorway, but cannot open it. He shoves it a little, but it doesn’t budge.*





“It is stuck Vlad, it will not open.”





“Try push it, or maybe pull it. And try harder! Maybe is frozen from ice, or snow on outside?”




*Rudy tries again, but the worn down wooden door doesn't seem to want to budge. From changing weather climates, it appears to be frozen to the ground, a shining layer on ice beneath it. Rudy, unable to force it open, is shoved aside by the masked man. He takes one lunging kick at the door, and it swings open. He looks down at Rudy, a look of contempt in his expression, then walks outside into the open air, raising his arms above his head to take in the weather. The howling cold winds and sideways sleet doesn’t seem to affect him.*





“He walks in just tank top, no problem with cold...this man, he must not be human! He is yeti!”





“Rudy, seal up your jacket, put back on your gear. This weather will be our death.”





*The two babbling men steps outside, to be almost blown off their feet from the strong gusts. The tunnel exit appears to be alongside a raging river, heavily frozen but still flowing. Sheets of ice rocks float downstream. The masked man leans over, and scoops some fresh snow from the floor. He uses this snow to ‘wash’ the blood from his hands, rubbing it into his skin. He repeats this process over again.*





“Comrade, you must be freezing. We must find you clothing, or jacket.”





“We must make our way back to Strelka bar. That is where contact will be waiting, and we can rest up there.”





“If police catch us, we will be dead by gunshot before we get to Strelka!”





*The large man looks over the edge of the pathway they are on, to the angry waters below. Still leaning, he looks back over his shoulder at the two men, suspiciously observing them. He looks up and around them, to the area they are now in- a frozen, icy walkway running alongside the main river heading through town. Above them is a slippery and dangerous slope, leading back to the top of whatever the Pit was built on, and to the police.*





“We must hurry, if they have followed us in the tunnel, they will here too soon. We must go.”





“We must we go Vlad? Where? We will be seen from a mile away, especially with this man. They will recognize him, we must cover him up, hide his appearance…”




“How generous of you.”





*Unnoticed to him, the big man had made him way over to Rudy's side. He gently takes a grip of the scarf surrounding Rudy’s neck, and unravels it. Shocked, Rudy doesn’t move. The fighter takes the full scarf, and begins to wrap it around his own neck and face, concealing his mask. He then grabs the cusp of Rudy's jacket, and slowly begins to open it.*





“May I?”





“Umm….sure?”





*The big man unzips Rudy’s jacket, as he stands still, frozen from fear and the weather. He removes the jacket fully, and transfers it to himself, as Rudy immediately begins to shiver.*





“....OK, we must go now, hurry faster than ever.”





“Ah-ah, not yet.”





*The fighter points at Rudy’s gloves, and signals for him to also hand those over.*





“B-but, it is so very cold out here! I am not as well weathered as you are….it….it is f-f-freezing!”





“Very astute of you. I was not asking.”





*Frozen, and unsure of what to do, Rudy looks away from the man, confused and terrified.*





“Rudy, is it? Would you rather make it home with frostbite and a brave story, or to be found frozen in that river? I can accommodate either, but you must choose.”





*Vladimir tries to interrupt, but the masked man raises a finger, halting him. Without turning his gaze from Rudy, he speaks loudly to Vlad.*





“You stand there. And if you move closer...your friend goes for a swim!”





*Frightened and overwhelmed, Rudy slips off his gloves and hands them to the masked man.*





“Good boy, Rudy. Good boy. Now, run along. This weather is not convenient for you to be walking around in, unprotected like you are.”





“But….b-but…..”





“You are the brains of this operation, correct?”





*He turns to look at Vladimir.*





“Me? Y-yes...I have the information.”





“Good. Then we can go. Say goodbye to your friend.”





*The masked man puts on Rudy’s gloves, and walks past Vladimir, away from Rudy. Not knowing what to do, Vlad impulsively slips off his scarf and gloves, and hands them to Rudy.*





“Run Rudy, take these and run home to Helga.”





“This is crazy Vlad, this man is not to be trusted. Please, let us run away. He is already leaving….Please.”





“No, you must go Rudy. Your life may have just been spared….and I am sorry, to ask you for the help….I will go meet our contact, and be done soon. Hopefully.”





*Vladimir turns to catch up with the masked man, his ‘ticket to freedom’ strolling away from him headfirst into an ice storm. Rudy calls after Vlad, but his voice is shaky from the cold, and lost in the howling winds. As Vlad nears the fighter, he turns to see his friend, but he has disappeared into the weather, frozen and exposed. Vladimir does not know if he will see his friend again….*

[Bobby Barratt]

Holy shit that's an epic! Lol

[Deleted]

It's even better if you imagine Ozy speaking in Bane's movie voice

[Bobby Barratt]

I bet that's amazing! Though I think I'd need to set a day aside to read it again 😂

[Deleted]

*Our story resumes a few hours later, on the edge of town. The sky is now dark, the weather is ferocious, and the sounds of howling screams through the night. The two men have resorted to signals rather than words, but to say they were communicating would be a push. Vladimir leads the way, powering through the onslaught of difficult winds, slippery paths, and the looming monster that clips his heels. As they trudge forward, through the now abandoned streets, Vladimir grows concerned. Worried. Perhaps this man is not simply a surveillance expert, but something more. A police car is spotted in the distance, coming towards them. The masked man spots it first, and grabs Vladimir from behind, diverting his path to a side-alley. The police car slowly drives by, as the men are concealed in the dark lane. Choosing the safer route, they continue to walk through the alley instead, the wind and howling removed as a factor.*





“....so, is this your first time to Russia?....”





*The masked man ignores Vladimir’s question, for now.*





“...the person I met in the bar mentioned you had a bad accident getting here….”





*Again, silence from the mysterious man.*





“....you must be excited to get back to your team, excited to see your colleagues again. Maybe get back to the mission at hand-”





*The masked man suddenly grabs Vladimir by the neck, lifting him with ease from the floor. He pins him against the wall of the alley way, staring into his eyes.*





“You ask too many questions, and I feel you might not like the answers.”





*He releases Vladimir, dropping him to the floor. He collapses onto the floor, holding his neck, sucking deep breaths into his lungs.





“Let me ask you some questions...why seek me out, why come to me?”





*Vladimir looks up to the big man.*





“....he said he would take me and my friend to America….”





“America? Why would you want to go there?”





“It is warm, and rife with opportunity.”





*The masked man laughs, his mask creating a metallic-scratching sound as he does so.*





“America...the ‘land of opportunity’....yes, I have heard the phrase. Sadly, it is not as true as you might think.”





“....it is better than Yakutsk….you have seen it here. Frozen, a cruel existence, everybody struggles to survive. No living, just struggles.”





“You must not know anything about America then. Stay here, live the rest of your life. A voyage like that will be in vain. America will be ashes soon enough.”





“Ashes? How do you mean? There is war looming? Who is to make America to ashes?”





“....me.”





*At the end of the alleyway, the same police vehicle from earlier passes by slowly again. The masked man grabs Vladimir with one strong hand, and hoists him up to his feet.*





“Let’s not keep our appointment waiting. Lead the way.”





*Shaking the snow and dirt from his coat, Vladimir gains his composure, and starts to lead the walk again. They exit the alley at the far end, and turn to walk on the street, a much broader road this time. In the distance, the police car from earlier crosses the road, but does not stop or turn.*





“If police find us, then we will be in big trouble.”





*The masked man makes a sound with his mouth, but Vlad does not hear him properly. The wind is picking up again, nipping at his coat end. His hands are shoved tightly into his pockets, his shoulders hunched up to provide more protection on his neck. Without his gloves and scarf, he feels the weather more. He is worried for his friend, navigating home without proper protection. To be outside in this cold without protection is too dangerous, possibly fatal.*





“......this weather, it kills me….how do you survive like this?”





“Do not fear the cold, the weather is not what is going to kill you.”





*Vladimir slows his pace, and then comes to a complete stop.*





“What are you….you are no ordinary man, yet….you are not special man. You are….demon.”





*The masked man, annoyed that Vladimir keeps stopping, walks right up to him, so that his chest is touching Vlad’s face.*





“You truly have no idea what you are doing. You have become a pawn, a piece, in the game I like to call ‘Power’. Some men have it, some men wants it. I like to live in that grey area in between….I want men without power to rise up, and then all men with power to fall.”





*Confused, Vlad looks at him nervously…*





“But, if men without it suddenly gain power, and you want those with power to suffer….then you mean for everybody to suffer?”





“See, now you understand. Bravo Vladimir, 10 points to you. This world is corrupt….rotten. It seethes with gross fatcats and slimy money-men, it revolves are the rich and the mighty and leaves the rest to die in their shadow. My mission is simple…..remove the problem.”





“So you mean to murder the wealthy?”





“Vladimir, your vocabulary is limited.”





“You mean to ruin the wealthy then?”





“Close, but incorrect wording…..I mean to ruin the World!”





*As the exchange words, the police car from before slowly drives against them, on the opposite side of the street. Seeing as it is night-time, during an ice-storm, the roads are completely empty….apart from these two men. The police car performs a 180 degree turn, and pulls up alongside them on the path.*





“I see we have guests. Vladimir, heed my words….remain silent. You do not want your plea’s for help to be your last words.”





*The car stops, and two officers step out, both heavily wrapped up in warm fur clothing. The closest to the pedestrians steps right up to them, the other officer staying on the street by the vehicle.*





[IN RUSSIAN]



“Evening Gentlemen….what brings you out for a walk this late?”





“Hello good officer of the law. We are simply going for a stroll, nothing to concern you.”





“I’ll be the judge of what concerns me….where are you two going?”





“That is not your business, nor your permission to ask.”





“Smart guy, eh? You, what is your name?”





*Vlad stays silent, his eyes darting from officer to officer, and down to the guns on their hips. His masked face hides his fear.*





“I asked you, what is your name?.....OK men, identification…....give me your identification! Now!”





“You are being unreasonable officer. I recommend you get back into your vehicle, and pretend you never saw us….”





*Frustrated, the closest officer pulls his gun from his holster, and points it at the masked man, holding the nozzle maybe two feet away. The other officer unbuttons his holster, but does not remove his gun yet.*





“I won't ask again, show me your identification, now!”





*Both our pedestrians stand still, hands now raised in defense. Nobody moves, as the ordeal remains at gunpoint.*





“Ok you leave me no choice, Boris call it in-”





*In a flash movement, the masked man grabs the gun with his hand, pulling it from the officer's grasp, while at the same time driving him backwards with a powerful front boot to the chest. The other officer reacts too slowly, and receives a bullet into the head for his troubles. The masked man then points the gun at the first officer, and shoots him point blank into the head, killing him instantly.*





“What the fuck! What the fuck!”





“Vladimir, might I suggest you grab that other officers gun, and his jacket. Oh, and his hat too, while you are at it.”





*The masked monster searches the first cops pockets, looking for keys. He locates a set, and walks to the rear of the car, opening the trunk. Vlad is still stood on the spot, hands still raised in defense.*





“Vlad, I was not asking. The gun. The jacket. The hat. Chop chop now.”





*In shock, Vladimir follows his orders, and begins to remove the items from the other police man. The masked man searches the trunk of the car for a moment, before slamming the lid shut.*





“It seems we are in luck! You Russians are a cautious folk. Now, in you get, Mr. Driver.”





*Holding the murdered policeman's gear, Vladimir makes his way into the driver's seat of the now-stolen cop car, whiles the masked killer sits beside him. They drive off from the crime scene, a cloud of hot steam and smoke billowing from behind the car. A short while later, they arrive at the prearranged location- Strelka bar.*





“Is this is?”





“Yes….the contact will be inside. He is there every night.”





“And you remember what he looks like?”





“....yes….”





“Good. Well then, pop on that outfit, and go meet your savior.”





*Vladimir begins to put on the dead policeman's gear, sliding on his jacket and blood-soaked hat. He looks back at the masked man, nervously.*





“Now what?”





“Now, you go inside, and make sure he is there.”





“And when I meet him?”





“Tell him to come outside, that I am waiting in a stolen police car. This is not very difficult Vladimir.”





*Reluctantly, Vlad exits the vehicle, and crosses the street to the entrance door of Strelka bar. He swings open the door, to music and voices, and the warmth glow of a lighting fire. The bar is not too busy, but adequately populated for a cold weeknight. He stands just inside the doorway, scanning the bar for his connection….but fails to see him anywhere. He walks around, looking. The barman notices him, and calls out.*





“Friend, can I help you?”





“No…..maybe….was the American here again?”





“Yes, he is inside of washroom. You need a drink?”





“Yes. Yes I do.”





“One vodka coming up. You get scratch?”





*Pointing to his hat, the bartender is asking about the blood on the front of the police hat.*





“No….it's been a long night.”





“No friend, a long winter!”





*Vladimir takes the glass of vodka, and chugs it down in one. Some other patrons look at him, confused as to why he looks uncomfortable in his uniform. The connection returns from the bathroom, to a table in the corner. Vladimir approaches him, and the American recognizes him immediately.*





“Ah Vlad, you’ve come back….I didn’t know you were a police officer?”





“I’m not…..he’s here. I’ve found him.”





“Excuse me?”





“I’ve found him….he’s here. Outside.”





“Vlad, I am lost. Please, have a seat with me.”





*Vladimir sits down, removing the blood stained hat and tossing it onto the table.*





“He’s here! I found him in the Pits, he murdered several people….I saw it all….he said he would kill Rudy if he didn't give him the clothes...and now this…..he killed two police officers!”





“Whoa, slow down now Rudy. Who are you talking about?”





“The man with the mask! The one you told me to find! Oh I should have never started, never accepted your dollars….”





“Whoa, easy there friend. It’s OK, we got him already.”





“....got him? Got who?”





“The ‘masked man’, we’ve already found him. He’s been reunited with his team now.”





“How, you could not have. I have been travelling here-”





“It is OK Vladimir, you can relax. Last night we found him, he had died from cold….his body was near the south end of town. He has been reunited with his comrades in heaven.”





“No, no! It cannot be! I came here with him….he is outside now! He shot two policemen today, I see it!”





“Are you sure? Which man do you mean?”





“The masked man! Tall as bear, stronger than bear, and bald…..his voice…..”





*Clearly shaken, Vlad begins to break down emotionally. The American tries to comfort him, but is more concerned…*





“Which man did you meet Vlad? Can you describe him?”





*Tearful, Vladimir recaps the events from entering the Pit, to arriving at the bar.*





“...so if you say you find him, then you are mistaken. I find him! I bring him to you!”





“I see….this is most concerning news…..excuse me for a moment….”





*The American stands up, and makes a strange hand gesture. Several of the patrons stop what they are doing, and approach the man.*





“Code 6, our John Doe was a dummy. Suspect still at large, check the perimeter. He may be here.”





“....what? These men were all here with you?”





“OK Vlad, what I am going to tell you now is highly confidential, not to be repeated. The man you searched for is not part of a surveillance unit, he is a mercenary. His team came to Russia seeking one target- nuclear launch codes. They are trained in anti-terrorism, and were sent here to prevent a mass-destruction.”





“Oh Lord no…”





“The mission was almost successful, when target Alpha flew the nest, and sabotaged the mission. He crashed the carrier plane, killing two of his men before Russian military caught up. He escaped, but the other survivors were arrested.”





“This is bad…”





“Very bad. This man must be captured at all cost, if you see him-”





*Gunshots can be heard from outside, and some shouts from American voices. A couple of stray bullets fly through the windows, causing the innocents of the bar to drop down for cover. A woman scream somewhere in the bar, as a metal item flies through the glass to the floor by her.*





“Run Vlad, RUN!”





*Reacting immediately, Vlad runs to the rear of the bar, accompanied by the American. They just about make it to the door of the restrooms when the object explodes- a hand grenade. The blast is deafening, and the force knocks both men to the floor. Struggling, the American shouts something to Vlad, but only a loud static ringing enters his ears. They both scuffle into the toilets, as more gunshots can now be heard. As his hearing returns, so do the screams of victims and soldiers being gunned down.*





“....out now! We must get out now! Vlad, do you hear me!”





“...yes…..”





“Now…..on your feet!”





*The American helps Vlad to stand, and hoists him up so he can climb out of the washroom window. He falls to the floor outside now covered in a soft layer of fresh snow, cushioning his fall. His gets to his feet and turns to help the American. As he jumps out to the door, Vlad catches him, steadying him on his feet.*





“Quickly Vlad, come with-”





*BANG!*





“....................”





*In a split second, the American has gone from retreating, to dead. A bullet through the head. Vlad turns on the spot, to see the masked man standing there, gun still pointed at him, smoke snaking its way to the cold night sky.*





“Hello again Vladimir. How was your time in the bar?”





“You…..you……”





“Choose your words carefully now friend, they will be your last. You spoke with this man?”





“..........”





“Vlad, your silence will only make this much worse. Now, tell me what he told you.”





*Vladimir recaps the masked man on what he just learned, and debriefs him on their purpose there. The masked man ends the conversation with an electrical- muzzled laugh.*





“Oh he did always tell a good story. But for you, your story ends here. It is true, we were sent here to prevent the launch of a devastating weapon, one capable of trimming the world's population in half….but then I thought, ‘What is so wrong with that?’ People are starving across the world, while others eat themselves into gluttony. Children die homeless and alone, where others a spoiled with games and luxuries. Millionaires lose sleep thinking of which next purchase they will make, and other sit awake at night, wondering how they might pay for medical costs…...What kind of world have we built? Tell me that, Vlad.”





“...it is not so bad, everywhere. Only some places….some people…..”





“And you are correct. There is much good in this world, but also much slavery. People addicted to fake news, obsessed with new gadgets over new technology, desiring the latest ‘milkshake trend’ or ‘biggest pizza slice’, and not a cure for diseases or cancers. The population has been adequately brainwashed, and it needs to be reminded of why we are the apex-predators, and not the lazy gazelle to the fangs and claws of the mighty media lion.”





*Vlad stands still, breathing hard but staring, confused and angry.*





“Vlad, you harbor anger against me, but you shouldn’t. I am here to free you! The history of the world is built on the shoulders of great power- the Egyptians had their rulers, the Greeks had their Gods, the Christians have their Jesus…..every population has their leaders or deities. The problem for many, is those are long forgotten now. They have nobody to rule them, and nobody to bring about order…...the truth of the world is simple…..it is failing, and so are we. All men must fall.”





*He raises the gun again, pointing it directly at Vladimir.*





“Do you understand yet? The mighty now will change the world for the mighty to follow, and so the cycle continues. The rulers of old, the Gods and Kings, would they be happy to see mankind as it is today? Fat and gluttonous, and devoid of real use? I am here to remind the World of their ways, to rule in their name, and cull the weakness from this earth.”





*The masked man cocks the hammer, about to shoot.*





“Wait….you still need me. I can help! You need to get to Butyrka prison, yes? You have friends there! I bring you! You need information, now I have!”





“But Vladimir, you just told me all I need? And I have a vehicle now? Why should I let you live, now knowing how very useless you are to me?”





“...................”





“Exactly. Now you get it!”





*BANG! As the gunshot echoes off the walls, and Vlad lays softly down on the snow, his warm blood soaking into the frozen ice, the masked man takes his leave. His motive is clear now- to rid the world of weakness, and take down those that claim false power over others. Some might call him a martyr, some a maniac, a terrorist….but to him, he is simply removing the fat from the steak, cutting the weeds from the grass…..his words now echo the great King of Kings, dominant ruler from a millennia ago...the great Ozymandias!*

[𝓓𝓾𝓴𝓮 𝓚𝓸𝓼𝓵𝓸𝓯𝓯]

Ozymandias Sorry I hadn't left feedback but the work speaks for itself simply AMAZING !!!