#bleachedpages

“Artemis?” His head ached and throbbed, and something was wrapped gently around the man's brow, continuing around his head in several layers.

 He couldn't figure out where he was, nor how he'd gotten someplace so soft, but the smell of coffee, of the cleanliness of the room caught him, and he gave a small groan, turning his head slowly to crack his eyes open. “You're awake.” Came a familiar voice, and Artemis hissed, “I do believe you are.” Someone settled onto the chair adjacent to him, and Artemis looked at the white-clad figure, his memories flooding back to him.

 The Purification had gone wrong. So wrong, and they'd fought. It had indeed been a bloodbath, but Artemis had spared the spy from death.

 What happened after.. well, Artemis assumed the Pure had no idea.

  The blood of the spy, as well as his own, caked his clothing, dripping onto the red carpet, and smearing onto the pews.

 No one was there, no one was around to see the Brutal, nor the glint of the gun he held, as he marched right on up to the cross on the wall, eyes staring with accusation. “I did everything,” Artemis hissed, “Everything.. except one. I did not know I held onto it.. I did not know I didn't let go, but that.. that spy's touch, trigged the last purification memories. I had not meant to attack him..” His voice choked at this point, and he took in a breath, the next word tumbling forth as a broken man, “Why?” “Why am I not allowed to become a Pure? I want to be good. A good man... and I'm not. I'm a Brutal. All I know is how to kill...” He looked at the ground, slowly contemplating his next few words. “I know you're there. You're always around, in my mind, heart, and soul. You know I'm suffering. He was my friend, my only friend. And I have no one.” The glint of the metal weapon, pressing against his temple as footsteps sounded behind him, pausing as the figure realized what Artemis as going to do, a cry, as the Brutal turned. There was Joseph, eyes wide, having heard his words. He'd just been walking around, getting ready to pray for the night, and visiting Father Benjamin, who was following. Both watched, horror eyed at the Brutal, who merely gave a calm smile. “You freed me, Joe.. You f-freed me..” “Artemis, you don't have to do this. You're a good man.” Joseph spoke, raising his hands, “Calm down, let us talk.” “No,” Artemis whimpered, “I-I'm done talking. I'm n-not good, I”m just.. just..a Brutal.” “You are not,” Joseph replied, “You're a wonderful human being, and the Almighty loves you. What did you not let go of? We can still do the purification if you just talk to me.” “I..” Artemis gulped, lowering the weapon for a moment, chaos written on his face. He was going to be dead soon, so it didn't matter, did it? “I tried to be purified once before. We got to the hands, but.. something went wrong. The man I trusted was no Pure as he led me to believe, and I ended up being burned alive. Scars on my hands are triggers because of that.” “I see,” The white-clad man answered, “That is why you attacked?” “Yes.” Artemis gulped, keeping the weapon held in a white-knuckled grip, and moved it back to his temple. “We can help you move on, then purify you,” Joseph suggested, “Please?” “I-it's too late,” Artemis grunted, and the next sound anyone heard was the gun going off, and the blood and skull fragments splattering against the gold of the cross, Artemis' body slumping to the ground.

  “Do you remember?”

 “I didn't think you knew,” Artemis answered, looking at Joseph through his icy blue eye, wondering why everything was dark on the left side. “For a sniper, you missed.” The spy chuckled, “You managed to get some of your brain and what not, but.. you're not dead.” “How..?” “Well,” Joseph sighed, “The Almighty is still with you. He does care and love you. Being a Brutal is something you can work from being, and if it's that important for you to be a purified man, then we can try.” “Friendship is more important, mate.” Artemis spoke, tears slipping down his face, “W-we were friends. Not anymore. I..” There was silence for a moment, then the other spoke up. “Yet, you flirt with me and asked about the Brutal and Pure.” “I.. I do love you,” Artemis admitted, “Always was scared to tell you, but I just.. Friends..” Joseph shook his head, still feeling bitter over what had happened. If Artemis had explained, but.. he'd attacked, rather than talk. -------------------------------------------------

 “You have something you didn't let go,” Joseph hissed, staring at the Brutal angerly, scooting away as he drew his knife.

 “I..” Artemis turned his head, then glared back at the man, “You're a bleedin' preacher! You're supposed to understand!!” “Understand what?!” Joseph spat, eyes narrowed, “What did you not let go of?” “ITS NOT YOUR BLEEDIN BUSINESS.” The Brutal roared, seeming lost of an void of sanity, the eyes flashing dangerously, as he lunged. He held no weapons, but Joseph knew that it didn't matter. He still had the strength and speed, and it wasn't long before the stronger male grabbed him and tried to slam him into the nearby tree. The spy struck out, slashing with his knife, forcing the blade into the tender flesh, listening to the man give a meager grunt in response, his free hand moving to grab the blade. Joseph didn't give him the chance, as he slashed the open palm, listening to the pained cry, as Artemis let go, confusion etched on the sniper's face.

 It was the opening he needed as he ran foreward, pushing the blade into Artemis' gut, the other pulling back in shock and anger, then kicked out. Joseph felt the crack as he was struck in the leg, his body tumbling a bit as he was thrown back. He couldn't help but give a cry, his leg broken. Artemis ran forward, like a beast, as he grabbed him, a fist slamming into Joseph's face, causing the Pure to cry out. Another, than another, each blow filled with anger and pain, but the spy pushed his leg into the other's groin, hearing the audible grunt. Good. He rolled away, and sought out some form of protection, only to wrap his hands around a thick slab of rock. Artemis barrled toward the weakend man, and it was instant, the crack as the stone hit him, hard. His body twisted and spun, crashing to the ground where he didn't move. No sign of a twitch, and Joseph panted, face already swelling from the bruises.

 What had gotten into the man he called a friend? What got into the man who so dearly wanted to be a Pure?

 He had no idea, but the feelings of hurt and anger consumed him, and he stalked off, getting himself cleaned, and left to go to the church to speak to Father Benjamin.

 “I hurt..” Artemis' voice caught Joseph out of his deep reverie, and he glanced at the icey blue eye, a small smile on his face. “Of course you do,” He responded, “You took a stone and bullet to the head.” “Do I not get pain killers?” “Yes,” there was laughter in the spy's voice, and he stood. “Sorry,” came a mumble, and the other looked down, seeing Artemis' hands grip the blanket, “I should have said something. I pushed the memory so far back and tried to.. to.. leave it be. I got rid of all other sins, but that one. I couldn't let go of. I was scared, and.. I was stupid. I want to be a good man. I want to be.. be like you... no death and killing.” “You still can be, Artemis. Just let yourself move on and get rid of the sins.” “You don't..” Artemis' eyes pleaded with him, and a hand reached out, grasping the other's wrist, “Don't go.. please.” “I'm getting you some pain pills. I will be back,” The spy answered, gently patting Arty's hand, “When I do, we will talk more. I want you to tell me everything. Understood?”

 “I.. yeah.” Artemis smiled softly, “I do. Just.. please don't be angry. Please let us be friends.” “We..” Joseph recalled something. The Lord always forgave. “I forgive you.”

 “Good..” “Now, I”ll be back, okay?”

Halloween was on its way, which meant the crisp fall colors, teeth-rotting candy, and the ever present pumpkin smashing that would ensue. For the BIO team, it meant heading home to loved ones, perhaps even taking any children trick-or-treating... if they had any, that is. For Artemis, it meant going home to feed his cats and pets, followed by visiting Joseph. Perhaps he'd bring him out pumpkin shopping... Maybe. Artemis stepped out of the base, feeling the cool morning air hit his face. The forest around them was full of bright leaves, all within the beautiful fire colors of fall. The crisp scent caused him to sigh in delight, deeming to pick up some apple cider for the Pure Spy. His boots moved toward his car, which he entered and drove into town. His eyes gazed upon the multitude of costumes, and he wondered just how much he could pursuade Joseph into wearing one. The man was so.. different from the Brutal, however. Yet, he wondered if Joseph would have some fun when he got there. His eyes planted on a store, well.. mega-mall. Deciding that was the best place to find some candy and costumes, he wandered inside. It'd been a while since he'd been here and sought out the bookstore first. There was plenty of new books, which he felt he had to add to his growing library. This was followed by hitting the arts store for book making materials, something he did in his spare time. But the biggest place he hit was a halloween store, seeking out something for both himself and Joseph. Something he felt both the spy would like and he would feel comfortable in. Eyeing the costumes, he came across several angel based ones; finally setting his eyes upon the mechanical wings, which spread at the push of a button. This would be perfect for the Pure spy! He pondered about for a moment, seeking out anything he'd enjoy. Seeing nothing, he decided that perhaps it'd be better if he hand made both costumes.

 With the idea of the wings in mind, he hit up the craft store again and bought some real feathers. Next was the stop to the supermarket, which he bought his favorite chocolate, chose out steaks and potatoes for he and Joseph, followed by candles that changed colors as they melted. Blacks and oranges for Halloween! The candles would be the center piece in each window, castng the eerie glow upon the rooms. This was followed by a few more decorations and some cider for the two. Who needed wine when warm apple cider was to be had? Artemis then began his way home, seeking out a simple way to get there and arrive on time to surprise Joseph. He trusted the man now to give him a key to his home and have him feed his pets when on the job, yet Artemis felt he owed it to Joseph to atleast get him something! The home was empty, something the man was used to. He headed to his library, placed the books on the shelf, then moved outside to a barn along the pathway into the woods. It was there he set to work on the wings. He molded metal, fused wires, and added the feathers; studying his white raven's wings in order to gain some form of understanding on how to place each individual feather. The outside he painted gold, which the inside was given a varinish to shine in the sunlight, followed by a white glow for the night hours. Testing the wings, he felt satisfied with his work and glanced at the clock. It was near three A.M. And Artemis realized he'd forgotten about dinner and Joseph! Hurrying with the wings back to his home, he made his way inside. There, he was greeted by Joseph, who took in the grime coated man and the wings which he struggled to hide behind his back. “Hey, Joseph..” Artemis spoke with a shakey breath, “I.. er.. sorry, I was working a tad... too late.” “I see,” Joseph spoke calmly, “May I ask what the wings are for?” “Er..” He paused, “Oh! Just a project I'm working on! Don't worry about it. Just something silly..” It was partially a lie. It was indeed a project, but not silly. It was important to Artemis. Very important. Joseph's grey eyes settled upon the man. He knew he was lying, and watched as Artemis squirmed under the piercing gaze. Quickly, Artemis removed his black jacket and placed it over the wings as he finally revealed several scars upon his arms and neck. Many that looked like battle wounds. Recent and red as they healed. “Artemis..” Joseph spoke, his tone a bit stricter than Artemis was accustomed to. “Alright, Alright,” Artemis raised his hands and pulled the jacket off of the wings; hanging it by a peg in the doorway, “They're for.. a friend. Someone special in my life. I want to repay them.. and well..” He glanced at the finished project, “Truth be told, Joseph.. they're for you. For Halloween..” “Artemis..” Joseph was going to scold him when he heard the second part, “You... you really didn't have to..” He moved over to inspect the wings. It had such intricute detail when it came to the feathers, each placed in their proper place so that they looked like real wings. He even jumped back when they spread, the varnish doing it's job as it shined within the light. “I don't.. really celebrate Halloween,” Joseph spoke, voice soft, “But thank you.. Perhaps I will this year.” “I know people always have their kids dressed up as monsters and demons.. but.. I thought.. maybe you'd enjoy being something that.. well suited you.” “I am but a humble servent of the Almighty,” Joseph responded, “You know this, Artemis.” “I know, but.. I thought.. maybe.. I dunno.” He gave a small smile, “As I tell you when you say that.. 'Even servents have their rewards.'”