Dark Metropolis: Urban Legends

By H.G. Lee

“Fright” was a child who was turned into a creature who lives in the stones of buildings that have recorded everything that has happened since Dark Metropolis was built. Dark Metropolis is centuries old. Buildings on top of buildings tells the story of Dark Metropolis and the people who have lived and died building it.
Urban Legends is the second story of the Dark Metropolis Trilogy

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Aug 13, 2019
• ISBN: 9780359851683

Book preview

Dark Metropolis: Urban Legends

Dark Metropolis:                                                  Urban  Legends

Dark Metropolis:

Urban Legends                                                                     H.G. Lee

Nexus Entertainment Group

2019

Copyright © 2019 by Howard Lee

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review or scholarly journal.

First Printing: 2019

ISBN 978-0-359-85168-3

Nexus Entertainment Group

P.O. Box 180134

Chicago, IL. 60618

http://tomatovisiontv.wixsite.com/tomatovision2/-dark-metropolis-planetsong

Dedication

To my lovely wife Cynthia, who listened to me talking about this book for the last ten years before I wrote it. Thank you. Without your support and patience, I would have never achieved my dream

Contents

Chapter One: The Prodigal Son Returns

Chapter Two: Chateau Bacchus

Chapter Three: Who is Kevin Mathers

Chapter Four: Red Man-Green Man

Chapter Five: Darkness Rises

Chapter Six: Family Affair

Chapter Seven: Unmourned and Unremembered

Chapter One: The Prodigal Son Returns

In the long history of humans on Earth there has been many stories about creatures that have either helped or harmed humans. These stories started in caves, then grass huts, stone cities, and now in glass and steel cities. And as mankind move from the caves to glass and steel cities the stories have changed from men who slayed dragons to men who fought zombies. These new stories from the steel cities are called Urban Legends.  Like stories of early man these Urban Legends are told and  retold, and with every retelling the characters take on a life of their own. But these new stories called Urban Legends are nothing like the ancient stories that have been retold for countless generations. For modern man the characters in these stories are real. Kept alive by the darkness of the modern cities that man have been told to build by an unseen force. They are now what we call Urban Legends.

One such Urban Legend has not only become part of a city called Dark Metropolis. But has always struck terror into anyone who has dared told the tale of  Red Man-Green Man. The Urban Legend of Red Man-Green Man begins. There are creatures of the Darkness who looks for lost children who are no longer wanted or loved by their parents. Then the Darkness comes to these children in their dreams and whispers to them about the things their parents aren't doing for them and  that they will

become their  parents and give them the power to become like them.

And for those children who are willing to become children of the Darkness on stormy nights if they dare to come out of their house and pledge loyalty to the Darkness they will become one with him. Then he will send Red Man-Green Man who will bring the child into the Darkness and once the Darkness takes the child soul. Then the child will have the power to take the souls of others to feed the Darkness. From that day on the child will no longer be human. He will become the servant of the Darkness called Fright.  Now Fright along with Red Man-Green Man who are now under his control will hunt for dark souls for his master The Darkness. But of course this is only an Urban Legend or is it?

In Dark Metropolis not all the stories are hidden in the dark recesses of the city. Many of the stories are told through the three newspapers that serve the city. The Metropolis Tribune is a newspaper owned by the mysterious Knight Corporation its main goal is to promote the powers that be and only reports on stories that puts a positive spin on anything those powers chose to do. The second newspaper is called the Metropolis Times this newspaper is own by the USB Media Corporation this newspaper reports on the rich and famous with stories of no real importance its purpose is to promote the shows on the USB Television and Movie Network.

The third newspaper called the Metropolis Courier this newspaper is known as the People's Newspaper it is the only newspaper not own by a major corporation and for the last 50 years have reported honestly and without fear of retaliation from the powers that be who wants to put them out of business. The newspaper owner/publisher is John Mathers who has been a long time community activist taking up the causes of  the forgotten people of the Dark Metropolis.  Joining  John Mathers on his crusade for the truth is his son Malachi Mathers Editor and Chief  and his sister Sheila Mathers Legal Consul. The Metropolis Courier is in the historical section of Dark Metropolis. It's stone eight story building that is not as tall as all the other buildings around it.

The building is made of concrete with a cornerstone of granite that is said to be cut by Freeman in 1840 as the foundation of one the first black colleges in the state.  Later the building was used as clothing factory in the 1900's that was no more than a sweatshop. In 1910  tragedy struck as the building was the scene of a massive fire that killed 15 of the workers. Because the owner put profits over safety and did not have the proper permits to have a factory in the building. But in typical Dark Metropolis fashion he paid off the politicians in the city to avoid going to jail and didn't have pay any of the families who lost of their loved ones.

To honor the victims of the 1910 tragedy John Mathers had a giant mural painted in the entrance of the building so no one will forget what they are working for.   On the eighth floor inside the offices, John Mathers who is a well built man with a dark brown skin and brown eyes and black hair with a gray streak down the middle. He is wearing reading glasses that are hanging on the far end of his nose. He is  in his seventies but does not look it because he loves  what he is doing that keeps him looking younger than his age. He is arguing with his son Malachi. He is a slightly built man with darker brown skin than his father and like his father he has dark brown eyes and a very close shaved head. He looks like he should be a professor of a college than a newspaper editor. Dad, I can't believe you contacted him. Says Malachi in a slightly raised voice. I did and that's all there is to it Says John Mathers with a stern look at his son. But, Why, what could he possibly do for us and this newspaper. Says Malachi with an upset look in his face.

I have been looking at his work over the last five years and just his contacts alone would bring our paper more influence then it's ever had before. Says John Mathers pointing at a chart of numbers on the computer monitor hanging on the  wall. Dad, I thought that this paper was more than just numbers on a P and L statement but a place where truth the was job one. Says Malachi countering John Mathers last statement. I know that better than you, but if we go out of business then the truth will be lost. Says John Mathers sounding like he did in his activist days of the 60's. Dad, there are hundreds of journalist who would come to work for us with better credentials then him and would give us just as big a profile Says Malachi in a calm voice trying to reason with his father. I made up my mind, besides he's already on his way he will be here tonight Says John in a resolute and strong voice. Fine, if that your decision, but don't expect me to bend over backwards to help him, as far as I am concerned he's your problem to deal with Says Malachi as he storms out of the room.

As Malachi leaves the room his sister Sheila comes into the room. Sheila Mathers is a slender woman with light brown skin and usual light green eyes. She looks like a college student with her long closely braided hair that is falling across her eyes. She sees the exasperated look on her brother's face and does not try to speak to him. Sis, talk to him tell him, he's making a mistake. Says Malachi as he storms out the room. I take it he didn't take your news very well. Says Sheila has she walks toward her father with a folder in her hands. So, are you going to say, I am making a mistake too. Says John Mathers waiting to see if he will have to argue with his daughter too .

No, I am done, I just came in to gave you his employment papers to sign. Says Sheila as she puts the papers on the desk in front of her. John Mathers sits down at the desk and signs the papers then looks up at his daughter with a sorrowful look. Having second thoughts. Says Sheila looking into her father's eyes. I know, I'm doing the right thing Says John Mathers looking up at his daughter. Maybe Dad, but are they for the right reason Answers Sheila with an understanding look. Is it wrong for me to want our family back together again. Says John Mathers looking at his daughter. No, dad it's not, but he made it clear when he walked out on us fifth-teen years ago. And when he didn't come to mom's funeral, at that point he made it clear we didn't matter to him, so forgive me if I agree with Malachi, I don't want him here. Says Sheila in slightly bitter voice. I understand your feelings, but I want my family back together, and so does your brother or he wouldn't agree to come back, all I ask of you and Malachi is to work with him as a member of the Metropolis Courier staff, then maybe one day you can see him as a brother again. Says John Mathers to his daughter as he tries to get her to agree to his decision. Dad, it wasn't Malachi and I who left it was him. If he's wants a family then it will be up to him. Says Sheila as she turns and heads toward the door leaving John Mathers alone at his desk.

As the sun sets on Dark Metropolis the buildings come to life with thousands of lights that shines over Dark Metropolis with the buildings in the center of the city shining like a miniature sun.  At the Metropolis airport a flight is touching down. As the plane is entering to the gate and the passengers started to get off. One of the passengers seems slightly out of place from the other passengers. He is a dark skin man, with close cropped black hair and light hazel-green eyes. He has very well built athletic features. He is dressed in a well tailored black pinstriped suit and black shoes. He is also wearing a white shirt and red and green striped tie.

Dressed the way he was the crew though he was an undertaker. As he started to leave the plane and passed by one of the female flight attendant. I hope you enjoyed your flight. Said the female flight attendant with a slight smile. I had a very pleasant flight, thank you. Say the man in a pleasant voice as he exited the plane.  As she looks at the other female flight attendant as the man exited plane. She just shook her head He's probably married She remarked. No his kind doesn't get married Answers the other female flight attendant.

As the man walks through the airport he stops at the security gate of the International Terminal. Passport Says the guard at the gate. The man opens his small bag and gives the guard his passport. The guard looks at his passport and sees all of the stamps from the countries the man has been in. He then looks at the man. I see you do a lot of traveling Mr. Mathers, will you be staying here long? Say the guard. Perhaps. Says Mr. Mathers with a slight smile. Are you here on business or pleasure. Says the guard in a monotone voice. Just visiting family. Answers Mr. Mathers. Do you have anything to declare. Says the guard in the same monotone voice. Nothing Answers Mr. Mathers.

The guard the looks at him again then stamps his passport. As Mr. Mathers again walks through the airport. He goes through a set of sliding doors. He then looks around and sees a black limo waiting. He walks toward the limo and it slowly stops in front of him. He opens the door and  sitting inside is a large man with white skin and blonde hair and blue eyes. As Mr. Mathers sits down the large man speaks. Did you have a pleasant flight Mr. Mathers. Say the man in a low monotone voice. Yes, I did Max. Says Mr. Mathers looking around straight ahead. Where would you like to go Mr. Mathers. Says the large man. Metropolis Courier Max. Says Mr. Mathers leaning back into the seat. As the limo pulls off Mr. Mathers closes his eyes and becomes lost in his own thoughts. 

Soon his mind leaves his body and he is transported to a dimly lit room. In this room is a long table with several chairs. In the middle of this table is a miniature version of the city complete with lights. Mr. Mathers looks at the miniature city intently. Beautiful isn't it Say a willowy voice man in the darkness. Yes. Answers Mr. Mathers. Then from the darkness enters a slender man with black hair and coal black piercing eyes. He is wearing a black suit with very high collar that hides the sides of his face and makes his face seems like it's floating between the collars. He is walking using a black cane with a silver Knight chess piece at the top. I trust you had a good flight. Says the man looking at Mr. Mathers through the large glasses on his face. I had no troubles Lord Erebus. Says Mr. Mathers as he slightly bows to Lord Erebus.

Good, now to business. Says Erebus has he gets closer to Mr. Mathers and looks closer at the miniature city. I guess you are wondering why, I called you here. Says Erebus as he looks up at Mr. Mathers. Yes, I was doing quite well collecting the dark souls we will need for the final battle. Says Mr. Mathers with a slight triumphant look. Yes, you were doing quite well, but things have changed and now we must concentrate our attentions to what is happening in the city. Says Erebus pointing at a building in the city. We have found one of their strongholds and now we must move if we are to start gaining the upper hand in this battle. Says Erebus now lighting one of the building. Behold the Ephesus Building, home of the Alpha Technologies. They can design anything needed in war from a gun to a stealth bomber, It's also a front for our old friend the weapon maker. Says Erebus as the image of the building floats in the air.

It's owned by Mr. Jonas Grumby, one of  most ruthless men in the world. It was his men you were fighting in Brussels. Says Erebus as an image of a full face man with a smug and cruel looking smile, narrow dark brown eyes and head full of red hair floats above them. I see so do you want me to take the enforcers and get his soul for you. Says Mr. Mathers touching his tie. No, not now, what I want is for you to make him a non-person first, through the Metropolis Courier with a series of articles that will bring what he is doing into the light, then when he comes after you, then you can use the enforcers, this way no one will suspect anything when he goes missing. Says Erebus with a sly smile. Is, that why you wanted me to come back and join the Mathers' family again. Says Mr. Mathers now understanding Erebus's plan.

Of course, what better than a crusading newspaper who's very history is to root out corruption in our fair city, with our help of course. Says Erebus smiling and looking at the miniature city. I see, but won't they know sooner or later it's us who are bringing their agents down. Says Mr. Mathers. Yes, they will but, I have found the weapon that even they fear and I will soon have it in my hand Says Erebus in a sly knowing voice.

You don't mean you found her. Says Mr. Mathers in a slightly fearful voice. Yes, Her replies Erebus in a low voice. I understand Says Mr. Mathers stepping back slightly from the table. Good Mr. Mathers now go and put our plan into place. Says Erebus as he steps back into the dark and disappears.

Mr. Mathers then closes his eyes and when he opens them he is back in the limo heading toward the Metropolis Courier building. In the limo Mr. Mathers takes out his phone and starts to dial a number. Hello this is John Mathers. Says the voice on the phone. Good evening John, this is Kevin, I will be there in ten minutes, will everyone be there. Says Kevin Mathers in a matter of fact voice. Yes, we are all here. Says John. Good I will see you in ten. Says Kevin and then hangs up the phone.

In the meeting room of the Metropolis Courier John Mathers hangs up the phone. Then looks at Malachi and Shelia who is also sitting at the table. Well was that him. Says Malachi angrily tapping the table. Yes, it was him, he will be here shortly. Say John in a stern voice looking at both of his children. I want to make this as short as possible Says Malachi in a voice almost like a warning to his father of his feelings about seeing his brother.  As the limo pulls in front of the Metropolis Courier, Kevin Mathers gets out. Will you need me later on Mr. Mathers. Says Max. Yes, Max I will call you when I leave. Says Kevin Mathers as he heads toward the building.

Kevin Mathers looks at the Metropolis Courier building in the darkness and sees the lights inside. As he gets closer to the building he starts to hear whispering voices in his head as he enters the iron gates that surrounds the building. He goes over to the cornerstone of the building it says Built in 1840.  He then hears to sets of voices Redeem Us Says the ghostly whispering voices. Revenge Us. Say another set of ghostly angry voices.

As he touches the cornerstone suddenly a gray and bloody hand thrust out to meet his. He looks at the hand but is not frighten by what he is seeing. He holds on to the hand tightly as he looks into the cornerstone of the building. He then sees the faces of the slaves who became the freedmen as they labored to cut the stone and who died unknown and unremembered while building this building. I hear you. Says Kevin to the ghostly voices. To the ones who want me to redeem you, I am not a redeemer, for the ones who want revenge, come to me now. Says Kevin in a commanding voice. Then a dark stream energy enters Kevin's body and his eyes begins to glow a reddish-green color. As the energy starts to fade Kevin's eyes lose their glow. Then Kevin breaths in the last of the dark energy like a man who have just had a satisfying meal. He then enters the building. He sees a security guard and walks over to him. The security guard looks at the well dressed man. Who are you here to see?. Questions the security guard. Kevin Mathers to see John Mathers He replies to the security guard.  The guard then takes a closer look at him.

Kevin Mathers, Kevin Mathers. Say the slightly excited security guard. It's me man Luther Adams. Continues the security guard.

Do, I know you? Says Kevin giving the security guard a puzzled look. Come on Kev' don't play with me dude, we when to school together, back in the day, don't you remember. Says the security guard trying to get Kevin to remember him. It's been a long time Mr. Adams, perhaps we can talk about it later, right now I have a important meeting to go to. Says a polite but dismissive sounding voice. Yeah, right I'll see you soon. Says the security guard waving at Kevin as he enters the elevator. 

As the elevator door opens on the eighth floor Kevin walks down the hall to a door. As he opens the door he sees John, Malachi, and Sheila Mathers all siting at the board room table. Malachi looks at Kevin then looks at his watch. I am sorry to keep you waiting Malachi, someone named Luther Adams was speaking to me about our days at school. Says Kevin who notices Malachi looking at his watch. Kevin, we when to school with Luther for four years, we went to Wallcamp every summer, he is now our chief security officer. Says Malachi who could not believe that Kevin did not know their childhood friend. If you say so, Malachi you know him better than I do Says Kevin walking toward the table. I maybe seated Says Kevin in a nonchalant voice. Sit down Kevin Says John Mathers in a exasperated voice. How was your flight Kevin Ask John trying to calm tension between Malachi and Kevin. It was very pleasant, thanks for asking John. Says Kevin in a pleasant voice. So Mr. Mathers shall we discuss, why you summoned me here after all this time. Says Kevin looking straight into John's eyes. Straight to the point, I see don't you want to know how we are all doing. Says John trying to get Kevin to talk about what happen in the past. Mr. Mathers, I am sure you are all doing fine or we would not all be here right now, but since you ask, John, Malachi, and Sheila how are all of you doing. Says Kevin is a obviously fake voice of concern. Fine Says Malachi and Sheila in low disinterested voices. OK, John we are all fine, now why I am I really here. Says Kevin in an exasperated voice. 

Very well, Mr. Mathers you are here because you accepted a job as an investigative reporter for Metropolis Courier. This meeting is to introduce you to the executive staff, and to see what you need to do your job effectively.  Says John Mathers as he looks sternly into Kevin Mathers eyes. Good John then here's what I need At INS I got to work on my own stories, I don't share  my notes or contacts with anyone even legal until, I am ready to present my story and of course I get the byline. Says Kevin Mathers as he looks at everyone around the table.

No, this is not acceptable. Says Shelia looking angrily at Kevin. Well, that maybe the way you did it at INS Here all stories and contacts goes through editorial and then legal before it gets a go ahead, that has been or system for 50 years, and we will not change it even for you. Continues Shelia pointing stern finger at Kevin Mathers. You are something else, you think you can bring your smug ass into our house after 15 years and then tell us that we have to bend over and kiss your ass, then Negro you got another thing coming, you can take your ass and get out, We didn't need you then and we don't need you now . Says Malachi as he yells in Kevin Mathers face.

Kevin Mathers is unaffected with Malachi and Shelia's outburst. He looks at John Mathers. Well, Mr. Mathers we have seem to reach an impasse, thank you for your offer, I will be going now. Says Kevin in a calm voice as he gets up and walks toward the door. Wait, Kevin. Says John Mathers with the look of a father who doesn't want to lose his son again. "I will agree to your terms, if you agree to let me