Friday, July 24, 2009

Rorschach's Journal July 24th, 2009

Rorschach's Journal Friday July 24th, 10:53 pm

Lag in journal writing. Attribute to laziness. The summer in DC has been unusual to say the least…unusually cool. And low humidity to boot. Must be the sign of end times. Perhaps my sign is more accurate than I’d like to admit! Normally the city is a sweltering miserable humid mess by the end of July.

Been spending time eking out a living, collecting the usual recycling, turning it in for pocket money. Been more frugal lately. The economy has been terrible. Harder for street folk to get by. The local shelter closed. Another down the block not looking very healthy either. The first to suffer are those who need the help the most. It all boils down to greed. Us against them mentality. The Stranger Taboo.

I have even been lax in getting to the library. Miss Dorian and Daniel must have thought I disappeared off the face of the earth. Again. Daniel was used to my stretches of silence, but Miss Dorian is a new friend and doesn’t know that side of my personality. In fact, I hadn’t seen her since the day she went shopping for clothes with me at the local thrift store. Though an amusing time for the both of us, of course after I got used to the idea of changing clothes in the changing room, it had ended on a bit of a sour note. I thought that perhaps Miss Dorian might have thought I was upset with her. But I was not, just taken by surprise and feeling a wash of my famous defensiveness.

I thought about making amends to her but I hadn’t wanted to bother her. She was busy. I knew that she had wanted to help with my crime fighting, but in all honesty, I had simply been patrolling the streets. There hadn’t been any serious situations I needed to research. Now, I had been interested in a few of the gangs in the area, but wasn’t sure if diving in head first alone was the wisest of decisions. But then again, I made many an unwise decision. Perhaps Chief Brennan would like a little help with that. ** Note: Call Brennan soon.

It was fairly late, nearly 11pm. The night found me wandering the unusually quiet streets that were usually very busy by day. How funny that I patrol these streets by day and by night. For some reason it felt a bit like walking in circles. I stopped a few times to look into store windows, making sure the stores were quiet and all was well. Besides, it was entertaining to see the kinds of things on display. My own faint reflection on the window glass stared expressionlessly back at me. The black swirled to make patterns on the white background that was my face. At times I thought to myself, was this still my true face? Or did I go back to Walter? Perhaps a little of both. They were both my true face, just reflections of my personality.

I continued to wander, lost in thought, my hands tucked into my coat pockets. I came around the corner, passed the new travesty that is the modern Gunga Diner. I hadn’t been in there since that day Dorian revealed that she knew my identity.

Passed the Average Joe’s coffee shop. It was closed, of course. For a moment I imagined myself dressed like this and going in and ordering a tall drip. The snarky teen at the espresso machine would get a slap back for his rudeness for once. I laughed for a moment at that thought.

“Oh dammit!” A woman’s voice shouted in frustration from across the street. The Library. Red haired woman, likely Miss Dorian, juggled bags on her arms and doing battle with a disobedient door.

I trotted across the street happy to help and wondered why she was there so late.

“Close damn you!” She uttered angrily as she repeatedly pulled the door closed. She had the handle in one hand and a key in the latch with the other. It hadn’t been latching for her was my guess and as soon as I approached the door latched with a loud click and she turned the key.

“Oh I see you’ve got it now.” I said as I walked up behind her.

Yaaaiieeeee!!!!” Miss Dorian turned with a loud shriek and instinctively swung one of her bags at me.

I blocked it. It was quite soft actually. “Anita, its Rorschach!” I said succinctly and stood there, passively.

She leaned up against the door, panting and held her hand up to her chest over her heart. “Oh my God, you scared the hell out of me.” She said, recovering herself.

“Quite a weapon you have there.” I said with my dark voice.

Anita looked down. The bag she had used against me hung off her arm, “Oh God, stuffed animals. I guess I was going to fluff you to death.” She laughed as she stood upright again. “I….” she stared a moment, “I’ve never seen you in your outfit before. Not in person anyway, Walte….”

I held up a finger. “Never call me that when I am dressed like this.”

“Oh yes, yes, of course.” She gently smacked her forehead, “Rorschach, I mean.” She continued, “Just that you were here all of the sudden and I was distracted with this stupid stubborn door, and to be honest, you are a dark figure without a face and I just lost it.”

“No, it was my fault, I move quietly, and I had forgotten about that.” I paused a moment, “I apologize.” I never really apologized to many people in my life. Never really had to, never really cared, actually. And most people never cared either, well, except for Daniel and well now Anita.

“Oh no no, it’s ok.”

“Anita, what are you doing here so late at night? You usually get off work earlier.” I looked around the streets. Safe enough for now.

“I had to teach a class tonight and it ran long and then when it was over everyone just kind of abandoned ship.” She paused, “I don’t really like being here so late.”

“Well then, I’ll accompany you to your car.”

“Except that I took metro today and parked out at East Falls Church.”

“I’ll still accompany you to your car.”

“If you’re sure, I mean I don’t want to put your out or anything.”

I started the walk to the nearest metro station, “No trouble.”

“But what if there are people on the metro how….” She walked with me.

“Ridden the metro before like this, many times. I don’t have a car, that is how I get around the city, just like I did back in New York.”

“Well, ok, I don’t mind if you don’t mind. I just don’t want to put you out.”

“Not putting me out. “ I added.

We walked for a bit. The night was a little muggy and I had to admit, it was a little hot in my outfit, but not so much so. I was used to it, after all.

“So, I hope you aren’t still mad at me, Rorschach, I mean, you know from the other day.” Anita started the conversation.“No, I wasn’t even mad then, it’s just….” I paused, “Dark past and all, you just surprised me. How could you know, you don’t know anything about my life, not many people do, so no you didn’t make me mad.” I said, feeling oddly chatty. “Some day I’ll talk to you about what made me say that. About how things were for me, and why I operate the way I do. Sometimes I wish I could overcome it, and sometimes I think I am.” I noticed she’d fallen silent for a bit, “Things that people do and say to children, it scars them deeply, for life in many cases.” I paused, “Let’s leave it at that for a while.”

Ok. Whatever you feel comfortable with. No pressure. But I’m happy you aren’t upset with me. I hadn’t seen you come to the library lately, so I worried if you were ok.”

“I am fine, I assure you.”

Our footsteps echoed on the cobblestone of the Washington DC street as we approached the entrance to the metro. It was fairly quiet. The station, though still open, was an out of the way entrance. It was a weeknight so not too many people stayed out late to ride the train.
Anita had to buy a pass card, I had my own smart pass. They cost more, a minimum of $10 but got me in and out of the train station quickly.

We rode down the elevator and onto the train platform . We were the only ones there and we sat on one of the granite benches and waited for the train to come.

“How was your 4th of July? I’ve not seen you since!” Anita chimed in, changing the subject. “And how’s your cat!”

“Well James is quite well. He’s a year old now. How time flies. I’ve only had him four months. Which reminds me, I may have a favor to ask of you soon in regard to my cat. But I’ll ask when I know my plans better.”

“Sure, anything.” She smiled.

“How was your holiday first, I have a long and odd story to tell.”

“Oh we just had a cook out, shot off some fireworks, nothing big. I baked a pie.” She laughed, “Blueberry. It was terrific! I could have eaten that whole thing for dinner!”

Hurm, perhaps one day you could bring me a slice.”

“Oh heck, I’ll bring you a whole pie if you want one! Oh you ought to come out to the house sometime and meet my husband!” She lilted.

“Well, we’ll see.” I commented, sure that her husband would not like the likes of either Walter nor Rorschach in his house.

“So what about you then?”

I paused, “Well, I was up on the roof of the Department of Transportation building watching the fireworks. Believe me, it was not an easy task staying unnoticed when close to a half a million people were on the Mall that night. I had my suit on…” I pointed at my head covering and trench coat, “just in case any trouble makers were around.” I lowered my voice when I noticed our voices were echoing a bit in the station.

"I used to go to the Mall, with my best friend, it’s a lot of fun, but I’ve out grown it I think.”

“You went voluntarily? You ARE a brave person!” I said, a little amused, “Department of Transportation is a bit removed from the scene but still a good place to watch the Washington Monument, so I had a little bit of peace and quiet, when I noticed quite a lot of fireworks behind the building and then some screaming. It was long and drawn out, as if someone was on fire.

I made my way to the edge of the roof to look over. There were three men there, one older, the others younger looking. Two watched on as the younger of the three stood in the middle of the lightening and fireworks. They all watched as he screamed, with his arms out stretched and a sword in his hands. Out of the two men watching, only one was struck a few times by the electric streaks. And, oddly enough, they didn’t seem to be in pain.”

I sat there, realizing how ridiculous this all sounded. “Honestly I didn’t dream this.”

Anita laughed, “I believe you!”

“Not knowing what was happening, I strained a bit to see a body lying on the street…a headless body. The other younger man took a moment to tap the decapitated head with his foot. Knowing this wasn’t right I took my grappling hook…..” I paused and turned my face to Anita, “I have a grappling hook.”

“So I’ve guessed.”

“And I lowered myself slowly. Amidst all the cacophony, I crept closer.

‘Honestly Methos how is this enjoyable for you people’?
‘Oh it’s worth it. It’s better than being the corpse, that’s for sure.’

‘I guess I’ll never understand immortals.’

I slipped up behind the tall thin one quietly and then grabbed one of his hands and whipped him around, “Just who are you and what do you think you’re doing!”

‘Ow, ow, ow.’ The one called Methos replied.

The older man started swatting at me but I managed to bat him away.

“You are assisting in a murder, do you really think you’ll get away with it? Who is your friend and…..”

The old man came at me with his cane. I lifted Metho’s hand and snapped back a finger.

‘For crying out loud Joe, knock it off and back up, and dammit that hurt!’

Just at that point the lightening died down and the other young man, the one with the pony tail, fell to his knees to recover.

Methos looked up at me, ‘Suppose you just let us go and….wait I know you!’

“uh huh right, let three murderers go How do you know me.”

‘Oh yes, I remember you, from New York, I never forget a face. Or a mask as it were.’ He smiled at me. His large nose cast an odd shadow across his face. ‘You’re Rorschach! Very good work you do. Very good work, I don’t suppose you would mind letting go of my hand? How about I buy you a beer. Joe, let’s go get a beer with Mr. Rorschach.’

I snatched another finger ready to break it when I heard an angry scream sound from behind. The dark haired pony tailed man charged toward me with his idiotic Japanese sword. ‘Release him now!’

‘Oh God, Macleod calm down, everyone just calm down!’ Methos managed to wriggle away from me.”

Anita and I noticed the lights flashing on the platform. A train was on its way.

“So what happened then?” Anita questioned.

Methos got everyone to stop and listen a moment.

‘Rorschach, I can’t explain much, but just know that what happened tonight is the same brand of justice you serve. I won’t make things complicated here, but this man was a vile evil man and had killed many in his, well, his time.’

I paused to listen. “Tell your friend to put the sword away.”

Macleod, please, humor me. Please?’ Methos started to pinch the bridge of his nose from stress. Macleod tucked the sword under his long black overcoat and watched. ‘That’s a good man. Anyway, Rorschach, suffice it to say, there are others out there, fighting on the same side of the law as you do, just in different circles.’

I crossed my arms across my chest.

‘And well, honestly we’re here to make a difference too….I’m not making much sense am I?’

I shook my head silently.

Ok, we’re immortals and there’s this mission we need to achieve, though some of us, like myself, really could care less about this mission and just want to live and learn and all that.’

“Immortals. Like Doctor Manhattan. He’s the only immortal I happen to know.”

‘Er, well, in a way, sort of. And, oh bloody hell.’ Methos grew frustrated, ‘I’m telling you the honest truth!’”

“Oh, here’s the train.” Anita said as the train rushed into the station and with a squeal of breaks it came to a stop. It’s doors opened with a chime. We rode the center car, all the while continuing with my story, not noticing that there were one or two still in the car.

“So, we all stood there in silence a moment until I remembered something that Manhattan had said. “Well, Doctor Manhattan did mention something about not being entirely alone. That there were others out there, but not of his kind.” I looked at the three men.

‘That would be us.’ Macleod commented, ‘I hate to make this party short, but we’re going to need to get going here, Methos, Joe.’

‘But…..’ I interjected.

‘Rorschach, it was nice seeing you again. Jog your memory, you may remember more than you think.’ Methos winked a moment with a smile, ‘I’m still serious about the beer, come to this address in New York any time you’d like.’ He handed me a card and turned and the three of them went on their way, leaving me behind.

“Not wanting to be connected to a decapitation I removed myself from the scene, but still, something does come to mind. I find that since, you know….” I looked up. And then down and tipped my head toward Anita to hide my face from those who were entering the train at the next stop. “….you know the whole winking out of existence and then being brought back, I still have memories come back when I don’t expect them.”

“Wow, Ror that’s quite an experience. Who on earth do you think those people were?”

“Not quite sure, but now that I think about it, I do remember Methos, somehow, a little.” I let out a soft grunt of frustration.

Before long we reached our stop, East Falls Church station. The ride had been uneventful up until we walked out of the Metro station.

“Oh I so don’t want to go to work tomorrow.” Anita groaned as we approached her car at the far end of the parking lot.”

“Hey, excuse me.” A short man suddenly appeared out of the nearby bushes. “I need some change, got some change?”

“I suggest you leave, right now.” I said, my voice sounding menacing and cold.

Taken aback the man hesitated a moment then recomposed himself, “I suggest you give me your God Damned Money right now.”

“This is why I wanted to walk you to your car, Anita.”

“Thanks Rorschach.” Anita said as she feverishly rummaged through her bag looking for her keys.

“Hey, I said, give…me…your…God…Damned….Money, NOW, Asshole!” The man produced a pistol, but not fast enough.

I wheeled around and slugged him in the face as hard as I could, laying him out on pavement. I then thrust my hands in my pocket as Anita leapt in to her car. “How about that instead, scum.” I spoke to the unconscious man.

“Go on get out of here before he wakes up! And thanks so much, I’m so happy you’re ok!”

I shooed my hands at her for her to get the heck out of there immediately. I did the same.

Climbed back on to the metro, even more deserted than before. Before long I made it back to the streets near my neighborhood. It had been a long day, it was approaching 1:30 in the morning, and I was tired. Decided I had enough for one day. Went back home, left the streets to themselves.