Miller 1 Isiah Miller Fiction Portfolio Fleming

Authors Note: For my revision of The Hoodie, Ive made the following revisions: Im including Charlies backstory and what led him to becoming The Hoodie. Im changing his power and power source to something a little less Static Shock-y (electricity, big bang, etc.) and a little more anime-y (ki, inner energy, etc.) and Ive included the idea of Charlie being able to tap into a stronger, darker energy in times of crisis. Im going through The Hoodie/Rocko fight from beginning to the bloody end. To keep up with Charlies new anime-based powers, his ability to take an ass kicking (which was pretty high in the original draft) will increase. New characters have been added, including Charlies mother (who only appears through a note), Charlies childhood best friend Kendrick, a gang that Kendrick gets involved with, Rockos accomplice Tess (who has the ability to control and bring metal to life), and Master Kenji (whos actually a white guy from Brooklyn who uses his power primarily for defense and helps Charlie control his newfound powers). While the stories of Rocko, Kendrick and the gang will end here, Tess, Kenji, Charlie learning to control his dark side and a big bad guy would become more of the focus in later chapters. Anyway, on with the story!

Miller 2 The Hoodie

Well, Mr. Clark, Robert Fisher, the station manager at WNYC-7, says as he looks me up and down. He looks like the kind of guy who works harder to keep his racism under wraps than keeping his TV station afloat. Hes struggling to believe a black kid thats fresh out of college has made through the front door, let alone this far into the hiring process. He cups his wrinkly hands in his lap and puts up the same fake smile hes been giving me for the last twenty minutes. Id be lying if I said your resume isnt impressive. 3.7 GPA, multiple student clubs and shining references from your teachers and supervisors. That being said, well have to pass on you for this position. Of course. As much as I want to choke him out by his cheap necktie, becoming a statistic wont help the situation. I nod politely and rise to my feet. He reaches for the generic You didnt have a chance in hell at getting this job to begin with handshake but I grab my leather jacket from the chair and slip out of the room as fast I can. As I head back out to the waiting area, I see Derek Fisher lounging in a chair. When it comes to your typical trust fund frat douche, lets just say screenwriters use Derek as inspiration for collegethemed movies. He flashes me the grin that has led many a sorostitute to a night of doggystyle with Wonderwall setting the mood. Whattup, CC! He jumps to his feet and proceeds to dap me up.

Miller 3 Uh, hey. Are you applying for the Creative Services job too? Totes. My old man is the boss here so its kind of a lock, he says. Good ol fashioned nepotism. It can land you a show on HBO or a job at the third-ranked TV station in the city, but it wont help you become a decent human being. Well thats awesome, I say, trying my best to sound sincere as possible. Maybe when you take over, you can get me a job, Youre going to have to earn it, braj, he says, still sporting that douche grin. As he finishes his sentence, Daddy Fisher steps out and extends his arms for a hug. Derek practically shoves me to the ground to get over to his beloved father. Robert looks over at me and smirks. Thanks again for coming out, Mr. Clark, The Fishers head into the backroom, laughing and chatting it up. I shake my head as I put my jacket on and start to make my way to the door. Sorry you had to waste your time coming out here, the receptionist says. Shes a pretty Indian girl who gets bonus points in my book for being able to pull off a pixie cut. Fishers been bringing people in all week that didnt have a chance at the job in the first place. Well its good to know my blackness didnt hinder my chances, I said as I walked over to the desk. That probably didnt help either. Im pretty sure the only reason I landed this job is because he has some weird Indian fetish,

Miller 4 Speaking of which, you might want to watch out for his son. I knew the guy for four years in college and Im pretty sure hes the reason they offered free STD checks once a month, YeahId rather get finger blasted by Edward Scissorhands than go anywhere near Fisher Jr, We have a laugh until the phone goes off. I should probably take this, she says. Either that or you could join me in the wonderful world of unemployment. You dont get benefits but the hours are fantastic, I reply. I could be joining you soon, Charles. I got a pretty great offer a few weeks ago, My father is Charles, I say. You can call me Charlie. My bad, she says. Im Tess. Maybe Ill see you around. I smile and nod at her as she answers the phone. I step out into the chilly parking lot, tossing the hood of the jacket over my head as I head towards my car. The warmth of my moms house greets me as I come inside. I walk into the kitchen to find a half dozen of glaze doughnuts and a note waiting for me. Charlie, I went out to the grocery store to get a few things for dinner tonight. We can talk about your interview when you get back! <3, Mom.

Miller 5 I smile as I grab a donut and head upstairs to get change into something less business casual. Im entering month four of my proposed two months and Ill have a job stay at home but my mom has remained supportive. She even encourages me to stay longer after every failed job interview. Now wearing a pair of jeans, a hoodie and a t-shirt, I plop down onto the sofa and turn on the TV, struggling with the decision to watch SportsCenter or the Adventure Time marathon happening on Cartoon Network. Before I have a chance to truly get comfortable, I hear knocking and loud rap music at the door. I can only pray Ja Rule is trying to sell me Girl Scout Cookies. I open the door to see my friend Kendrick and a car with three roughnecks behind him. Whats up, Chris, he says, flashing a cheesy grin at me as he shivers outside. Kendrick and I have known each other since we were kids but we went our separate ways after high school; I went to college and he went to a life of petty crimes. This is the first time Ive seen him since I got back from school. Hey man, I say as I bring him in for a brief hug. Come in for a bit. Its freezing outside. I cant stay for long, he says as he discreetly motions to the car. The leader, leaning back in the front passengers seat, shoots a cold look in my direction. I stare him down as I guide Kendrick inside and close the door behind me. I bring Kendrick a cup of coffee and sit down next to him on the sofa. So whats up, man, I say. I havent seen you in ages. Just getting by, Mr. College Graduate, he says before taking a sip from the mug.

Miller 6 You couldve come with me. Youre a lot smarter than you give yourself credit for, We both know I wouldnt be able to afford it, You underestimate the power of student loans, good sir, We share a laugh. The rap music booming from the car becomes increasingly louder. So what have you gotten yourself into now? Were gonna rob the First National Bank a few blocks away, Kendrick says as he puts the mug on the table. We get in, get the cash, and split it up four ways. Its easy money, You know what else is easy money? Working at Starbucks or the post office or something, I have too much on my record already. Besides, $7.25 an hour wont get you shit out here, Itll keep you out of prison, itll keep a bullet out of your skull, the possibilities are endless, I say as I become increasingly annoyed with him. I motion to the window. So whyd you bring your buddies over? I need a bandana for the robbery. I left mine back at the crib, The first time you come by in months and all you want from is an accessory, I say as I reach into the nearby drawer and rustle my hand around inside of it. Look, I wouldve come by sooner butI know your mom doesnt want me around anymore. She knows too much about me,

Miller 7 I toss a black bandana in his direction. Kendrick can feel the disappointment Im shooting in his direction. Look, Kendrick. Youve done some dumb shit the last couple of years but that doesnt make you a bad person. Just stay here. We can pop open a few brews, watch the game, and when my mom gets back, you can stay for dinner. What do you say? He sighs as he rises to his feet. I cant. Im in too deep, He starts to walk to the door until I step in front of him. Im not going to let him out of this house without a fight. You dont have to do anything you dont want to do. Dont stoop to their level, Kendrick, I look directly into his eyes; hes scared and knows that hes in way over his head in this one. He hesitates for a moment but pushes past me and heads out the door. I follow him out as he ties the bandana around his neck. The leader, wearing a black hoodie and a red bandana around his neck, looks unimpressed. Nigga, I was very clear with the outfits, he says as Kendrick and I walk up to the car. Black hoodie, red bandana. This shit aint hard! I smirk at the leader. Are you guys robbing a bank or trying to become a Blackstreet cover band?

Miller 8 Kendrick gives me a look that screams Why the fuck would you say that?! as the leader glares at me. He slowly pulls out a pistol. Get him, Dante, the guys in the backseat say as he points the gun in my direction. The fuck did you say, nigga? I feel a white hot intensity wash over my body as I glare back at him. Im not going to let some coward with a gun push me or my friend around. White light temporarily blinds me and when I regain my vision, Dantes gun is away and he looks disturbed. I look over to Kendrick and he looks spooked as well. Dante looks over to Kendrick and motions for him to get into the car. I look over to him. You dont have to do this, Kendrick gives me a look of regret as he pulls the bandana up over his mouth and gets into the car. Dante grins at me as the car pulls away. I watch until the car is out of sight and head back inside. Awful People 2, Charlie Goose Egg. An hour has passed since Kendrick left and I still feel uneasy. I rotate between the local news channels, hoping to see footage of four young black men robbing a local bank. After a few minutes, I finally hit the proverbial jackpot. The reporter, wrapped up in winter gear, stands in front of the bank, which is surrounded by police cars. Were here at the First National Bank and we have a violent robbery on our hands. The camera cuts to a live feed from inside the bank. A big dude in a tight, striped t-shirt and black cargo pants is fighting multiple security guards, hitting them with jaw rocking punches and tossing them around with relative ease. A woman wearing a long, red jacket and steampunk

Miller 9 goggles is carrying bags of cash out of the vault. Bankgoers, lined up against the wall with their hands behind their heads, tremble in fear. Two robbers are in the process of taking money from the vault and assaulting security guards, seemingly barehanded, the reporter says. A security guard, armed with a shotgun, runs up on the man. The man grabs the gun by the barrel and in a matter of seconds, the gun begins to melt and fuse with his hand. I watch in awe as the shotgun takes the place of the mans hand and the security guard gets mowed down. More security guards and police officers charge at him but suffer similar fates. I cant believe what Im seeing but it appears that one of the robbers hands has become a weapon and he is mercilessly gunning down law enforcers, The man turns his back to take a breath when four hooded men, Kendrick and his partners, run at him with pistols. Before they can reach him, the woman waves her hand and a wave of silver coins floods out of the vault and hits them like a tidal wave, knocking them to the ground. The man turns his attention to them and pumps his shotgun arm. One by one, he takes aim at their heads and leaves a pool of blood and brains behind. I begin to violently shake in my chair as he reaches Kendrick. I can feel time slowing down as a storm of pellets pepper Kendricks skull, ripping through flesh and bone and leading to my best friends head exploding. Im already out of the door before the reporter can start his next sentence. Ive never moved so quickly in my life, clearing blocks in mere seconds. I toss my hood over my head as I reach the bank with tears streaming down my cheeks. I shove and push and fight my way through the sea of news reporters and police officers and make my up the stairs of the bank. A police officer points his gun in my direction.

Miller 10 Sir, if you enter that bank, Ill have no choice but to fire! I wave my hand in his direction and I left out a shriek as a wave of white energy escapes my palm and shoots out in the officers direction, knocking him and the officers near him off of their feet. Unable to stop and question what just happened, I continue my mad dash into the bank. I charge directly at the shotgun armed man and leap at him with my fist balled up. The same white energy from before seeps from out of my palm and engulfs my fist. BASTARD! Before he has to react, I hit him square in the face, knocking him off his feet and into the nearby tellers station. I scramble back to my feet and spring over to Kendricks dead body. I scoop him up his my arms, thinking, no, hoping that this will be enough to bring him back to life. I look up at the woman, whos in shock from what just transpired. Finally taking some time to look at whats happening around me, I realize the woman is Tess? Before she has a chance to respond to me, the man cracks me over the back of the head with his shotgun arm, leaving me in a crumpled heap on the ground. Im on the verge of blacking out but I can feel the cool steel of the shotgun placed against my forehead. The last thing I remember seeing before I lose consciousness is a flash and a strange man standing over me.

I wake up on a bed in a dimly lit shack. My head is still killing me as I sit up and realize Im wearing what appears to be a dark blue karate gi. A pair of black kung-fu shoes sit at the end of the bed. My bloody clothes from the bank are hanging up on the other side of the room. A

Miller 11 gorgeous older woman in a white dress enters the room. She hands me a glass of water and gives me a warm smile. Her brown hair runs well down her back and sways effortlessly with the breeze. Its good to see that youre awake, Charlie, she says. Youve been out for a while. I take a sip from the glass. The cool water feels good as it travels down my throat. Who are you? Where am I? Im Cassandra. Just follow me. Master Kenji will tell you everything you need to know. Considering Im still alive, I choose not to question her. I slip the shoes on and follow her out of the shack. The smell of salt water sits my nostrils as we step out onto a beach. Nothing but crystal clear water and sand surrounds us as she guides me to a larger shack in the middle of the island. Were definitely not in New York anymore, I say as I soak in the rays of the beaming sun. Were on Master Kenjis private island, Cassandra says. He transported you here after the bank robbery you were involved in. I wasnt involved in that robbery, I say. I went there after I watched my best friend get executed by that bastard with a shotgun for an arm. And what do you mean transported? I dont remember a helicopter or anything,

Miller 12 We know, she says as she leads me to the front door. Master Kenji will be inside on the second floor. Hes been waiting for you. I hesitate but I nod and go up the stairs. Kung-fu weapons and paintings make up the wall decorations. I turn onto the second floor and enter a large dojo. An older man with a long, scraggly beard and even longer hair sits in the middle of the room. Hes wearing round, amber sunglasses and is puffing a comically long wooden pipe. Master Kenji? I say as I slowly begin to walk towards him. He removes the pipe from his mouth and flashes a smile thats noticeably missing a few teeth. Charlie, my boy, he says. Please, take a seat. We have a lot to discuss. I sit down in front of him, still a little uneasy about everything thats happening. You caused quite a scene back at the robbery, Charlie, Look, I promise you I didnt have anything to do wi- Oh, I know. I havent seen a display of bravery like that in quite some time. Despite seeing four young men executed on live TV, you barged into that bank unarmed, willing to die in an attempt to avenge your best friend. Id do it again if it meant I could save him, Thats admirable, my boy, Kenji says, taking another puff from his pipe. He offers it to me. Do you partake in the ganj?

Miller 13 I politely decline as he puts it to the side. You still havent told me how or why Im here, I say. One minute, I have a shotgun to my face in New York and then the next; Im wearing a karate gi on Gilligans Island. I was watching the coverage of the robbery from here and I saw the way you unleashed that energy blast against the police. While I dont condone assaulting a man in uniform, the stress of the situation and the heartache of losing your best friend led to you tapping into your spirit energy, a form of energy that every man, woman and child possesses but only a handful will fully tap into. While your energy was used to create an energy blast, it can be manipulated in many ways. The male robber uses his energy to shape his body parts into anything he touches while the female robber uses her energy to control metal. In my younger years, I used my energy for offense but nowadays, I use it for healing and teleportation purposes. When I saw that you were in trouble, I teleported in, scooped you up and brought you back to my island. If you can teleport, how come you didnt go in and save those people? How come you didnt save my best friend?! I can only teleport so many times a day before I tire out. The reason I came to save you was because I saw something special in you and if youre willing, Id like to train you and help you master your spirit energy, I rise to my feet. Thanks but no thanks, Kenji. Im going back to New York and Im going to kill that motherfucker who took my best friend away from me. Just take me home,

Miller 14 Youre not strong enough to face him, Charlie. When you hit him, he was only down for a few moments. If I had gotten there a second or two later, we wouldnt be having this conversation. I know youre hurting and that you want to avenge your friends death but charging in like a fool again will only leave two mothers with dead sons. His last sentence strikes a chord. I clench my fist tightly but after a few seconds, I return to my seated position. Give me six months and I promise youll be strong enough to stand a chance against him and another else you may have to face down the road, What am I supposed to tell my mom? Tell her you got you an internship thats having you leave the state. We have a phone downstairs so you can call her whenever you please, One more question, I say. And that is? Your name is Master Kenji but youre, for a lack of better words, a really scruffy white dude. Whats the deal? Well what sounds better to you, Charlie? Master Kenji or Master Donowitz from Brooklyn, New York? Strong point, I say. I reach my hand out to him and grin. You got yourself a deal, Master Kenji. When do we start?

Miller 15 Kenji grins as he rises his feet. Before I know it, he swings his foot at the side of my head and knocks me across the room. Right now, he says as he tosses off his jacket and reveals a surprisingly muscular physique. Before you can control your spirit energy, youre going to need to learn how to take a punch, college boy. Cassandra pokes her head into the dojo. Can I get you two anything? I slowly rise to my feet and spit out a glob of blood. A cup of water and some Advil, please, I say as I clench my fists. The next six months were a living hell. While Master Kenji is one of the kindest men Ive ever met, he was a ruthless trainer who would only stop to eat or make love to Cassandra. To build my threshold for pain, Kenji would use a wave of energy to knock me through a stone wall, which would result in me waking up the next day in my little shack. After the first few months, I could get back to my feet a few moments later. To build my speed and stamina, Kenji would have me carry the pieces of stone wall, which averaged around six pounds, carry them to the other side of the island and put the wall back together. At first, it took me all day just to get the pieces over. Towards the end of my training, I could get the wall moved and re-assembled in less than ten hours. Kenji spent the last three months teaching me the finer points of using spirit energy. While charging it leads to a more powerful blast, it will leave you drained and theres a bit of a kickback. I had to learn this the hard way when I sent myself through a palm tree after

Miller 16 my first fully charged blast. I eventually learned to channel my energy through my right index finger and went from being able to do one shot a day to three. On the last day on Kenjis island, he and Cassandra prepared a huge feast to send me off. In between bites of charred fish and white rice, Kenji finds some time to talk to me. So are you still planning to go after that man when I take you home, Charlie? After what he did, I cant let him live. Who knows what he may have done while Ive been gone. Youve grown so much in the brief time that Ive spent with you, Charlie. That being said, you still fail to see the bigger picture. I know its hard to believe right now but theres something so much bigger at hand than your friends death, What do you mean? I cant put my finger on it but I can feel it. The two robbers are just the beginning of an even bigger threat and I believe youre the only one with the ability to stop it, Woah, woah, woah. Im no hero, Master Kenji. No one wants the title thrust upon them but at some point in every persons life, they have the opportunity to step up and become so much more than they could ever imagine. Charlie, my boy, this is your moment. I feel like every kid wants to be a super hero at some point in their life. I was Spiderman two years in a row during elementary school. But a real life hero? I dont know if I can do this, Master Kenji.

Miller 17 Youre going to be a great man, my boy. I know youre scared, for yourself and the people you love, but youre going to have to take on this burden for the good of mankind. I rise to my feet and nod. Take me home. Ill do whatever it takes. As you wish. Just remember that youre not a killer, Charlie. If you go into this hate in your heart, youll be no better than the men youll be facing. Do you understand? I understand, Master Kenji nods and stands in front of me. He and Cassandra give me warm smiles. Good luck, Charlie. In a flash, Im standing outside of my moms house with Master Kenji nowhere in sight.

The next day, I put together a rough costume. Since I lack the sewing prowess most super heroes possess in comics and I dont have the legs for spandex, I opt for a hoodie and a black hockey mask in an attempt to hide my identity. Throw in a pair of jeans, some tattered fingerless gloves and a pair of Chucks and you have The Hoodie! Im still working on the name. That night, I head downtown on the lookout for anything suspicious: hookers, drug deals, a brolic white dude who can morph his body parts into anything he touches, the usual. I walk up to a warehouse with a sign that reads ROCKOS WRESTLING SCHOOL. Just when Im about

Miller 18 to walk past it, I hear a bloodcurdling yell followed by a man flying out of the door and landing at my feet. His blood and bruise covered face looks like its been moved two inches to the right. This looks like a good place to start, I say as I step over the man and make my way inside. Various championship belts and autographed photographs line the walls, roided up wrestlers are scattered around the warehouse, punching heavy bags and practicing submission holds. A few spectators watch from the bleachers as two men, one significantly bigger than other, go at it in the middle of the ring. I watch in awe as the bigger man, wearing black wrestling trunks with ROCKO emblazoned on the back in big white letters, lifts the other men above his head with little effort and tosses him out of the ring and into the bleachers. I know Rocko. Hes the man from the bank robbery. Hes the man who killed my best friend. ROCKO! He looks over to me and grins. Well, hey mate, he says. You here to rumble? I can feel my spirit energy seeping out into my fists. Actually, mate, I say as I start to walk up to the ring. Im here to knock your fuckin head off your shoulders. Rockos caught off guard but the grin shortly returns to his face. Youre that bloke from that bank job a few months back, The other wrestlers start to close in on the ring.

Miller 19 If youre here for round two, youre gonna have to go through my boys, Rocko says. Theyve been chomping at the bit for a little action all night. Fortunately for them, Im feeling a little rowdy myself. Rocko extends his arms and looks at his cronies. You heard him, blokes! Have at him! Four of the wrestlers charge at me from both sides of the ring. As they close in on me, I leap backwards and away from the crowd. I focus my energy into my index finger as they charge at me again. Before they have a chance to move, I raise my arm and let off a Flash Gun blast, sending them flying past the ring and into the wall on the other side of the gym. The other wrestlers use this time to run away but Rocko stays put. I slide into the ring to face him, making sure to keep a safe distance. Not bad, mate, Rocko says as he starts to circle the ring. Just because your little light show knocked those other pussies out doesnt mean youll have the same luck with me, Im not here to entertain you, I say. Im here to right a wrong and send you back to Australia in a body bag. Rocko smirks. Last chance to walk away from ol Magic Hands Rocko, bub. I put up my fists, ready to fight. All right then. No holds barred, last man standing. And I aint talking about a ten count, mate. Sound go-

Miller 20 Before he has a chance to finish his sentence, I jump at him and land a kick directly against Rockos jaw, sending him to the ground. Rocko rolls out of the ring to regain his composure. In an attempt to live out a childhood fantasy, I hop up to the top rope and flip down onto Rocko, sending him to the concrete floor. I follow up with a few stomps to his face before he manages to scamper away towards the bleachers. My fist begins to brim with energy as follow him. Not today, bitch! As he turns around, I nail him square in the face with an energy-fueled punch, sending him flying up into the bleachers. I begin to charge up another Flash Gun blast, one big enough to end this fight right here and now. Rocko slowly begins to rise to his feet, blood leaking from a large gash in his right arm. I raise my hand and aim my finger directly at Rocko. This is for you, Kendrick! I let off the blast as Rocko regains his balance. Before he has a chance to react, the blast hits him dead on. The recoil sends me flying spine first into the side of the wrestling ring and to the ground. I look up to see a huge, smoldering hole where Rocko and the middle bleachers used to be. The blast took so much out of me that I have to use the ring to get back to my feet. I take a moment to admire the damage I just caused. Its done, I say before gingerly making my way towards the exit. Not so fast, mate. I look back in horror to see a Rocko-shaped silhouette emerge from smoke and rubble. He walks forward and reveals that his entire body is metal. He barely has a scratch on him.

Miller 21 I must admit, you caught me off guard there at first. Youve gotten a lot tougher since the bank. Unfortunately for you, my powers have gotten a tick stronger too. Rocko flexes his metal biceps. When you first saw me, I could only change my hands. But now, I can turn my whole body into a weapon. You had your fun, but let me have a go before you cark it. Despite my current lack of energy and Rockos presumed invincibility, I know I have nowhere to go. I stretch out a bit and put up my fists. Wheres the fun in a round one KO? Lets go, iron dick. I charge at him with energy pulsing through my fist. As soon as Im in striking distance, though, Rocko nonchalantly swipes at me, knocking me a good three feet across the gym. For a few fleeting seconds, I literally saw stars. Rocko chuckles as he grabs me by the hood of my jacket and flings me back over to the ring. I desperately reach for a weapon of some kind under the ring as Rockos footsteps gets louder and louder. He picks me up again as I swipe up a long, glass light tube. Before Rocko has the chance to hit me again, I crack him over the head with it. I look on as small glass shards begin to seep into Rockos metal frame and his body begins to crystalize. Before I know it, his entire body is made of glass. He grins and proceeds to uppercut me, sending me flying into the air and crash landing violently inside of the ring. I can feel blood leaking out of my mouth and pouring onto the mat. I do love a good wardrobe change, he says as he reaches under the ring and pulls out a sledgehammer. That being said, its about time to put an end to this.

Miller 22 Rocko slides into the ring and stands over me, pressing the sledgehammer against my forehead. At this point, Im too exhausted to fight him off. What are you going to do? Turn into a giant sledgehammer and kill me? I wasnt always this way, you know. A few years back, I was an honest bloke, doing house shows and small time wrestling gigs to keep the lights on. I broke bones, missed wedding anniversaries, all to chase this dream of mine. Two years ago, I finally got my shot with a big name company. They were gonna have me work my way up and eventually, give me a shot at becoming the heavyweight champ. I make my debut on live TV and towards the end of my match, I set the bloke up for my finisher: The Rocko Rocket. Just when Im about to hit it, I slip and drop him on his neck. He died the same night. A look of guilt starts to creep onto Rockos face as he slowly returns to his regular form. He looks at the sledgehammer and proceeds to melt it into his right fist. You seem like a good kid, just like the bloke I killed that night. Im going to give you the death you deserve. Who says Im ready to die? I think I got a third round in me if you give me a few weeks. Id take you up on the offer but I cant allow any interference when it comes to the boss plan. Dont worry, mate. Ill make it quick. Rocko lifts me up by my collar and looks up at the ceiling. He cocks back and hits me with a massive uppercut, launching me skyward. The last thing I remember is crashing through the

Miller 23 ceiling, Rocko coming up after me and an energy that Ive never felt before beginning to overtake my body

Its about time I got a chance to shine. This body is bloody and borderline beaten to death. I suppose itll have to do. I can feel the Australian fuck pulling me onto his shoulder and turning back to the ring as we start to fall back to the ground. ROCKOOOO ROCKEEEEET! Calling out your big finishing move? A little cheesy but whatever floats your boat, mate. About halfway through the drop, I slip out of his grip with relative ease. Just as he starts to turn back to me, I hit him with a kick to the face, sending him spine first into the mat and leaving a pretty big dent. I land in front of him and stretch out a bit. Rockos in total shock as purple lightning begins to crackle around me. How?! Wh-why?! You look like youve seen a ghost, mate. Charlies tagged me so he could take a little nap nap. Unfortunately for you, Im chompin at the bit for a little action. Rocko tries to get up but hes stuck in his spot. I cant move. I cant fuckin move! YeahI guess that landing must have paralyzed you. Tough break, bub. I take a second to think about that last sentence.

Miller 24 Too soon for a break pun? Fuck you, you black bastard! Woah, woah, woah. Theres no need to get racial, Rockster. Now, I may be Charlies dark side but Im no liar. You wont be leaving here alive. That being said, Im giving you the ability to determine how painful your death will be. I can make it quick I walk over and grab Rocko by the wrist. or I can break every bone in your body from the waist up I proceed to snap his wrist like a Slim Jim. Rocko yells out in pain, throwing every expletive and racial slur in the book my way. like so. Just tell me what your boss has planned. Even if you did somehow make it out of here alive, he has no use for a paralyzed jobber who can literally make his cock hard as a rock. I aint telling you shit! Oohso sorry, Rocko but thats the wrong answer. Heres your consolation prize! I proceed to stomp on his arm, the snap of bone echoing throughout the gym. I continue to stomp a proverbial mud hole in his ass as Rocko continues to yell. Justtellmewhat I want to knowRocko Fine! Fine, Ill tell you! I stop stomping and squat down next to him.

Miller 25 Im all ears, bub. The boss Unless Bruce Springsteen is planning on taking a strong arm takeover of Western civilization, Im gonna need a name, Rocko. He never gave us his name. He just had to call him Sterling. In exchange for helping us tap into our spirit energy and a cut of the money, he had Tess and I rob banks to fund his project. And this project is He never said. All he said was that it would eradicate all the evil in the world, right every wrong! I nod as I rise back to my feet. I clench my fist, causing a mixture of spirit energy and lighting to form a bright ball. All right then. I think I have enough info to work with until I tear Tess fine ass in half. Thanks for the help, Rocko. Oh, and before I end your life, let me remind you that everything youve done and every person youve killed defeats the purpose of your boss little project. That being said, I think Charles and I are the right bros to eradicate him. You wont get away with this! I crouch down and spring up into the air, pulling my fist back as my blast finishes charging. Tell Steve Irwin whats up for me.

Miller 26 I punch forward and a dark energy ball rockets toward Rocko and in a flash, nothing but a black circle of ashes remains. All this death and property damage has me feeling a little tired. Tagging out for now, Charlie. Ill be back soon enough, though.

I wake up face down on the concrete. Whatever force took me over seems to have gone away and theres no sign of Rocko, or the ring for that matter, anywhere. Even though I blacked out, everything that Rocko said is fresh in my mind. Sterling, Tess, machine, eradicate. The biggest thing I can take away from this fight is that if I can barely handle Rocko, Im going to be in a lot of trouble when I take out on the other two. As Charlie Clark, Im just a college grad struggling to find work in a bad economy. When I put on this hockey mask, Im The Hoodie; someone with the power to do things I never thought were possible. If I can learn to harness this darkness and own it, the world just might have a fighting chance.

Miller 27 Authors Note: For my revision of I Saw the Devil, Ive made the following revisions: I eliminated the Bioshock style floating bit. I changed the character of Grant. In my first draft, hes an established killer whos pretty much desensitized to violence. In this draft, hes an average guy whos forced to fight to survive. While this isnt a revision note, IStD suffered due to the 26-page epicness of The Hoodie (which I feel would be better suited for a more visual medium), primarily because I see the first story as a three part saga and to be honest, Im not nearly as invested in this story.

I Saw the Devil A sea of people file out of a downtown movie theater. Grant and his girlfriend Melanie push through the crowd, laughing and conversing about the bad romantic comedy they just watched. Its a hobby they picked up over the last few months after they had settle for Kissing Under The Moonlight. So on a scale of bad to super bad, Grant says. Terrible, Melanie replies. I think we outdid ourselves tonight. Lets hurry up and get back to the car. I think the meters already run out at this point. Okay, okay. Calm down, tightwad.

Miller 28 Grant playfully pushes her to the side before running towards the nearby parking garage. She giggles and runs after him. Hey, wait up! As they enter the garage, two young men wearing black jackets and animal masks, the taller, skinnier one wearing a mask that resembles a frog and the shorter, bulkier one wearing a mask that resembles a rooster. The frog reaches into his backpack and pulls out a short lead pipe. The rooster nods as they make their way into the garage. Grant opens the door for Melanie before performing a Dukes of Hazard-style slide across the hood and getting into the drivers seat. So Grant says. Im thinking we go back to my place, maybe feel each other up a little bit and see where it goes from there. What do you say? You sure have a way with words, Grant. They give each other warm smiles before sharing a kiss. I love you, Grant. I love you, too. Melanie goes in for another kiss when Grant notices a shadowy figure wearing a rooster mask walking up to the window. Before Grant has a chance to speak, the frog smashes his window in with the lead pipe. Melanie shrieks with terror as the rooster smashes in her window and grabs her by the mouth. Melanie!

Miller 29 The frog rips open the driver side door and yanks Grant out of the car. The rooster pulls Melanie out of the car and tosses her over his shoulder and walks over to a nearby SUV. The rooster opens the door up and throws her into the car before jumping in. Melanie! Just as Grant starts to get up, the frog cracks him across the temple with the pipe, knocking him back to the ground and causing his head to knock against the concrete. Sweet dreams, Romeo the frog says as Grant loses consciousness.

The sun leaks in through the blinds of the hospital room and washes over Grants face. His forehead is tightly bandaged. A nurse and a police officer enter the room as he begins to stir. Good morning, Grant, the nurse says. Its good to see that youre finally awake. Where am I? Youre in the hospital, son, the police officer says. You were assaulted last night. All I can remember is a man standing over mehe was wearing a frog mask It was the Delgados: a two-man gang who rob young couples and kidnap the woman. Weve been trying to track them down for months. Grants eyes shoot open as he tries to jump up out of his bed. The nurse manages to hold him down. They took Melanie! They have my girlfriend!

Miller 30 I hate to break it you, the officer says. But theres a chance shes no longer with them. What do you mean? The Delgados are notorious for killing the women they take. Weve found three bodies in the last two months alone. You need to do something! You need to find them right fucking now! Youre gonna need to lose that attitude, boy. Dont fucking boy me! The officer steps back and takes a breath. Look. I know this is upsetting but were doing everything we can to track them down. Are there any other details you can give me? Anything at all? Grant shakes his head. All right. Get some food in you and rest up. Well be in contact if we find anything. The officer nods in the nurses direction before walking out the door. The nurse places her hand on Grants shoulder. Is there anything I can get you, Grant? No, Im good. Do you know when theyre gonna let me out of here? You took a pretty nasty blow to the head, Grant. Youre gonna need a few more days, at least.

Miller 31 Grant nods. Im going to get you some more pain medication. Ill be right back. The nurse smiles at him before she walks out. Grant waits until shes out of eye sight before turning his attention to his IV. A grave look begins to creep onto his face.

I have some vicodin for you, Grant, the nurse says as she comes back into the room. She yelps when she sees an empty bed and a dripping IV. Grants nowhere to be seen.

The frog and the rooster make their way into the parking garage, their prey already in sight. The couple gets into their car and the rooster heads to the passengers side. The frog bides his time behind a nearby pillar. He watches as the rooster smashes the passengers side window in with a lead pipe, leading to yells and screams from the couple. Just as the frog is about to run over, a man wearing a white fox mask nails him in the back of the head with a pipe. The rooster looks up to see the white fox mercilessly bashing his partners skull in. The rooster starts to make his way over to intervene, only for the car he just damaged to back up into him, knocking him a few feet across the lot. The car speeds off as the white fox walks over to the immobilized rooster, his mask and pipe splashed with fresh blood. The white fox kneels down over the rooster and pulls his mask back, revealing that hes Grant. Where is she? The rooster takes a moment to register who the young man is and begins to chuckle.

Miller 32 Weve been ducking the cops for years and we get stopped by a kid. Go figure. Where is she? Shes long gone, pal. We made sure to go niiiiice and slow. Grants eyes fill with rage as he raises the pipe and slams it between the roosters eyes, causing a geyser of blood to spray outward.

Grant enters his apartment, covered from head to toe in blood. He plops down on the couch and turns the TV onto the news. The headline is DELGADOS FOUND DEAD IN DOWNTOWN PARKING GARAGE. The cop who saw him at the hospital is talking with a reporter. Grant changes to the movie channel and sees the opening credits for Kissing Under The Moonlight. Grant goes to turn off the TV but cant bring himself to do it as tears begin to well up in his eyes. He starts sobbing uncontrollably as the movie begins.

Miller 33