Wood-frame Ninjas (Chronicle Two): Blockbuster Busted

For Devon the Calling came on a cold November’s day, a day which began without incident or apprehension. On this fateful morning Devon simply wished to rent a video, The Hunted (1995), and watch it, peacefully. Yet as fate would have it Devon’s plans would be interrupted.

After transacting the transaction, Devon practically skipped to his F-250 (for sheer excitement at the prospect of watching his video.) As images of Christopher Lambert in action darted through Devon’s head, other images – violent images - obscured his psyche. Distracted and disturbed, Devon fumbled for his keys, but still was able to board the diesel nonetheless.

Helplessly unable to control his thoughts, Devon persisted, and began to depart. Before pulling out onto Salem St, Devon paused, still troubled, when Flash, his eyes were blinded, instantly, momentarily. (Was this real or imagined?) Suddenly three personages appeared before his truck. Three dark figures, whom he had neither before seen nor noticed, now surrounded him: one to the front, and two to the sides.

Devon cracked his window and asked what was wanted. The stranger to the left inquired about which video had Devon rented. Devon abruptly replied that he would never tell. All of a sudden the power door looks snapped open and the right door nearly flew off its hinges. In a burst the starboard Gate Crasher entered the vehicle, Ashikos first, and proceeded to thromp with his heel on Devon’s head, side-kick after side-kick.

At first Devon could only raise his arms in defense, blare the horn, and shout for assistance. But Devon knew that no one else would or could answer his call, and at that very moment Shadow reached across the midsection console and grabbed the enemy by his throat. Crushing with all his might, Shadow wrenched his moistened fist to the left, to the right, and with a jerk he dragged the flopping corpse through the vehicle and smashed its head through the driver’s side window pummeling the second attacker port.

From the front, the Kama wielding henchman sprang to Shadow’s side. But before this rookie could lunge, Shadow had thrust open his door and knocked the third attacker to the earth.

Without forethought Shadow leaped into the air; then salting, he positioned his knee such that it had viscerally crashed down on “throatman” absolutely terminating his assignment.

Victimized by a backward leg sweep, the second Gate Crasher instantly faced the ground, again. And like a cloud, Shadow rolled, and with his elbow wailed on the Crasher’s flailing body until he and his assignment too were cancelled!

Dripping and on one knee, Shadow glared into the sky trying to make sense of what had just transpired. Finally, feebly the third sendee stood, dropped his Kamas, and fled into nowhere.

Predestination to be revealed…

~~ Chops