Disclaimer: This story is a work of fiction. It has no intentions of resembling any real persons dead or alive. This is entirely from my imagination, with a little help from already established sources. This story is based loosely on the comic book character "The Punisher" from Marvel Comics. Other characters may appear from Marvel comics as well as DC Comics.
Punisher and all related characters copyright Marvel Comics.
Blade and all related characters copyright Marvel Comics.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel copyright Joss Whedon, United Paramount Network and Warner Bros. Respectively.
The Vampire Chronicles and all related characters created by Anne Rice. Copyright Anne O'Brien Rice.
I have written another story on nifty entitled "Tales of a Real Dark Knight". It is in the Celebrity/Boy Bands section. Batman may appear in this story once or twice, as the Punisher may appear in "Tales of a Real Dark Knight". Any comments may be sent to authorjames2002@yahoo.com
Thank you and enjoy.
Chapter 9 Practicum
Tandy stood in the training area with Whistler. Both had changed into sparing clothes.
"What are we here for?" Tandy asked.
"I've done some reading and checking on what you are experiencing. What I've uncovered might unnerve you. But I'm here to help you with that."
"Okay, so what's the damage?"
"Your Slayer abilities are intensifying."
"Is that good or bad?"
"That's good. That's what is supposed to happen as you get older and mature. However, your mutation is also being affected by it."
"Is that bad?"
"That's where I'm fuzzy. I'm not sure about the existence of a mutant and Vampire Slayer. I've tried contacting the Council and they are checking into the records to see if it has happened before."
"What do I do until then?"
"I've had some thoughts on that matter, actually. The only people I know who are experienced with individuals controlling their mutant powers are the X-MEN. I think I'm going to have you go and train with them for a while."
"What about school?"
"The Xavier Institute for the Gifted is a school. A mutant school for teenagers like you. You would benefit from going there."
"Don't I get a say in this? What about my friends? My life? I want to have some control over it."
"Sorry, as your Watcher I'm qualified and obligated to make decisions that are best for you without you having a say. I'm making this decision."
"What about slaying around here? Davey and Ty are gone. Now you want to send me away."
"Blade and Ghost Rider are here. And we have the Punisher. Those three can do the slaying until you get back."
"Punisher isn't quite the supernatural strong guy the group needs to fight, oh say, supernatural strong guys. He's just a man. Granted a strong, burly man, but still."
"He's had training in fighting. He knows how to fight someone stronger than him. He also trained in weapons. It won't take too long to bring him up to speed on other weapons, ones we are more likely to use in fighting demons. Don't worry about it. It isn't your place."
"I'm the Slayer. It is my place."
"And I'm your Watcher. It's my place to tell you to stop and get help. I'm going to call the Institute and see when I can get you there."
Whistler left the training room. Tandy sighed and went over to the bench, lowering herself to a sitting position. "Why me?" she asked no one in particular.
Weatherby and Johnny headed to the grocery store to pick up food and supplies. As they pushed the shopping cart around, Johnny cleared his throat attempting to get Weatherby's attention.
"Yes?" Weatherby replied knowing what Johnny was doing.
"I was wondering something."
"What?"
"You seem different since we got back. Is there something going on? Is there anything I can do to help you with it?"
"I told you and Blade before. I've lost focus of what I'm doing in life. I don't want to focus on someone else's life mission or destiny or whatever the fuck they want to call their night job. I have my own to worry about."
"And what would that be?"
"Punishing those who do wrong. Remember when we first met?"
"How could I forget?" Johnny said with a smile.
"My reason for being in Cleveland was to hunt down a self-righteous bastard who thought containing and controlling mutants was okay. Because of their mutation, he thought they were evil and immoral. That is my mission. To punish those who use power to harm others."
The couple checked out and wheeled their groceries to the Suburban. As they talked, Weatherby saw a young man come out of the store in a fury and go behind the building. "I wonder what that's all about," Weatherby said.
"What?"
"A kid just came out of the store. He looked pissed off."
They finished putting the groceries away and Weatherby headed over to the side of the building. The young kid was crouched against the wall with a tear coming down his face. Weatherby walked up to him and crouched in front of him.
"What's the problem?" he asked.
"Nothing," the kid spat back with obvious attitude.
"I might be able to help."
"I doubt it."
"You'd be surprised at how much I can influence someone."
"No, it isn't your problem. You probably could care less."
"If I cared less, do you think I would be back here wasting time talking with you?"
The kid thought about it a moment. He kept looking over Weatherby's clothes. Weatherby realized that what he was wearing was rather ominous.
"Don't let the clothes fool you," he said. "I understand diversity."
Using the word "diversity" caught the kid's attention. He looked up into Weatherby's face, his eyes, and saw that, beneath the tough exterior, was someone who wanted to help.
"I just got fired."
"For what?" Johnny asked.
The kid looked up at Johnny as if he just noticed his presence. "For almost a month, these kids would come in and call me 'fag' and 'faggot' and 'cocksucker.' The boss asked me today if I am gay and I told him yes. He said he can't have his store disrupted so, instead of dealing with the kids, he fired me. I guess it's easier to fire a faggot than to lose customers."
"Son of a bitch," Weatherby said standing up. "What's the name of your boss?"
"Earl."
"Stay with him," Weatherby said to Johnny.
"What are you doing?" Johnny asked.
"Having a talk with the homophobic ass-wipe."
Weatherby walked around the building and entered the store. He walked up to a cashier who was busy ringing up someone's groceries. "Excuse me."
"How can I help you?"
"I'm looking for Earl. Where is he?"
"He's in the deli. I can page him if you want."
"No, that's okay. I'll go to him."
Weatherby walked down the aisles toward the deli section. He saw a squat man with a big round belly talking with the workers about something on a clipboard. Weatherby walked up to the counter and hit the bell. "Can I speak to Earl, please?"
"Just a minute," Earl replied.
"No, now."
"I'm in the middle of something."
"It can wait," Weatherby said sternly. "I want to talk with you about your firing practices."
"What do you mean by that?"
"I'm talking about the young man you just fired because he's gay."
"I'm not at liberty to discuss that."
"Liberty my ass," Weatherby replied as he walked to the end of the counter and rounded it.
Earl and the deli workers were alarmed at the aggression shown by this man in leather. Earl walked toward the phone. "I'm calling security."
"Go ahead," Weatherby replied. "Let your law enforcers see how much of a dick you are by firing somebody for being called names."
Earl picked up the phone and dialed a number. "I need security back at the deli ASAP! Security to Deli ASAP!"
Weatherby grabbed Earl by the collar and jerked him away from the phone. "Tell me and your workers how you fired that boy."
"I'm sorry but it isn't your business."
"Like hell."
Weatherby opened the counter and stuck the guy's face in a container of pistachio pudding.
"Tell them how you would rather fire someone who is a good worker than lose paying customers simply because the customers don't like faggots!"
Weatherby held the guy at arm's length and punched him in the stomach. Earl cried out and clutched his stomach but Weatherby pulled the guy upright.
"Oh, no, don't give up on me now, Earl. Show the ladies and gentlemen here how much of a man you are."
"I'm within my legal...rights," Earl groaned out.
"Legal rights my ass," Weatherby said as he punched Earl in the face.
Earl stumbled backwards.
"Fucking asshole."
Weatherby spun around and kicked Earl in the stomach knocking him up against the wall. "Don't invoke what is legal and what isn't. Laws were meant to protect people like the worker you just threw out, not the bottom line you are worried about. I suggest you change your store policies or I'll be back to pay you a visit." Weatherby turned and walked around the counter muttering, "Damn bigot."
Two security guards came up the aisle and saw Earl sitting on the floor with blood coming out of his nose and lip. All the workers looked over at Weatherby letting security know who was responsible.
"Excuse us, sir," one guard said. "We need you to stop."
"Or what?" Weatherby asked.
"Or we'll be forced to stop you."
"I'd like to see you try it."
The guards pulled their nightsticks. Weatherby continued walking toward an aisle to leave and the guards rushed in front of him.
"Bad move," Weatherby replied. His hand darted out and hit the guard in the chest. The impact knocked the guard on his ass.
The other guard brought the nightstick down on Weatherby's back and Weatherby stumbled forward into a shelf. He grabbed the cans on the shelf and turned as the guard went to swing at him again. Using one can, he blocked the attack. With the other can, he hit the guard in the nose and the guard fell backward unable to see due to the tears in his eyes.
"Mess with the Punisher, will you? You'll get punished."
Weatherby walked out of the store not saying a word to anyone as all eyes followed him. He went around the building to find Johnny and the boy talking.
"The police will be here shortly," he said to Johnny. "Let's go."
The boy stood up and asked, "Do I have my job back?"
"I don't know about that," Weatherby answered. "But Earl will think twice before firing somebody simply because they are gay."
Weatherby turned and walked toward the Suburban. Johnny caught up with him and they climbed into the vehicle.
"What did you do?" Johnny asked once they were under way.
"I had a nice little conversation with Earl."
"Nice conversations usually don't include police being called. Did you hit the guy?"
"Yep, sure did."
Johnny put his hand to his forehead. "What's with you? When I first met you, I agreed with your beliefs as far as doing what it takes to change laws, to make things equal for homosexuals. But you are doing it in a violent way."
"Violence is included in 'whatever it takes'. Violence is all I know."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"You know my background. I've been trained by this government to be violent. I was designed to react violently. Now they are feeling backlash for what they make as law. I'm reacting in the only way I've ever been trained."
"Michael, you don't have to do it violently. You can be better than that. You can react differently than that. You don't need to be a slave to what they made you. You're a grown man and responsible now for what you learn and how you act."
"Why should I change? Why should I be more than what they made me?"
"To be better than them!"
"Life isn't about what people make you. Life is about you making you. I love you, Michael. And I'm afraid if this keeps up, you will get killed! I don't want you to die."
"If I die for this cause, then it will be worth it. I will be dying in the line of duty."
"But you don't have to die to make a difference."
"Only time will tell that."
The rest of the ride home, the two sat in silence.
To Be Continued...