Suit Boys

By Archie Fair

As if fulfilling the One-Hundred-Soul Debt Contract to Death wasn’t bad enough, now Kenobi Reynolds is forced to work with the one thing he hates most: a Dark Mage. With the unexpected announcement that he has three days to collect five souls, the embolden Death Disciple (Kenobi Reynolds) prepares to confront the one responsible for his father’s death that returns by way of the forced open sacred portal.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Apr 15, 2019
• ISBN: 9781532072802

Archie Fair

Archie Fair; a screenwriter moonlighting as novelist and seeker of influential ideas to entertain the casual to the hardcore reader seeking something new to feed their cravings of the mind.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Suit Boys

As the winds wisp through the reemerging Saigon Forest; a frantic Astral Mage named Astron weaves through its maze-like design. Without warning he stumbles into a scorched open field sending chills up his spine. Immediately he recognized it from the stories of the elder mages of Astrology

Before he could choose his next move three bullets whizzed by piercing a tree in the distance. Quickly he darts to the heart of the scorched area preparing to face his pursuer.

With each unnerving moment of silence; he begins to sweat heavily from his brow.

Only cowards hide from their enemy, taunts Astron trying to bait them.

A chuckle followed by cold steel to his back brought forth a gasp as a voice echoes into his ear.

Who said I was hiding? boldly replies Kenobi to his words of bait.

Kenobi Reynolds; the legend of myths the Death Disciple that has a debt with Death which mages footing the bill with their souls, who is fueled by his hatred of mages only matched by his debt to Death himself.

Good, I don’t have to explain myself.

A light flicker in the night sky which brings a smile to Astron’s face.

Neither will I, boast Astron looking skyward.

With a flicker the bright light catches Kenobi’s eye as he looks up curiously. The cunning Astron took advantage of the moment by drilling Kenobi into a nearby tree only to flee deeper into the forest. He vanishes leaving him in its path of the falling stars setting the forest ablaze once more.

Astron journey of joy and relief slowly turn to frustration and disgust with the path of confusion.

Why did I come here? he grumbles in frustrated.

Without warning he launched head first into large oak tree.

A stunned Astron turns with blood streaming down his face trembles at the sight of the impossible. Slowly he rises to his feet in utter shock.

You should be dead!

Is that so, says Kenobi pointing Soul Static at him.

The defiant Astral Mage takes a deep breath then lift his hands to the sky above. Kenobi frowns in disgust with his attitude knowing what he’s done. The enraged teenager nails the rogue mage to a large tree unloading full clip.

What have you done to me! inquires the struggling Astron.

Nothing yet.

To explain himself better he revealed the greatest weapon in his arsenal: The Soul Palm. Upon it unveiling the once proud Astral Mage is replace with tears of sorrow and fear.

By the look on your face; you know what this is?

Aston’s eyes stare at his unbound left hand with trembling bottom lip knowing what was his soon to be fate.

All Mages are told about the nightmare of mages known as Death Disciple and the Hundred Soul Debt they must pay to Death. I never really thought it was real

Kenobi slams the Soul Palm on Astron’s chest knocking the wind from his terrified lungs forcing him to gasp for air. In panic desperately gasp for air.

Consider it an honor to die at my hands.

As the rain begin pour down; the screams of the Astron echoes throughout the forest. The screams fade as a roaring thunder sparked a heavy down pour drenching the burning forest.

Kenobi exits the forest only to stops on a nearby hill to look back with his dreads rustling in the wind. Amidst his moment of reflecting a black portal open as two individuals emerged behind him.

Still can’t let go? taunts the Reaper.

Reaper; the right hand of Death who is usually accompanied by the Architect. In disgust points the Soul Static in his face without looking at him.

Don’t patronize me, demands a slightly agitated Kenobi.

The Architect; the genius behind every weapon used by employees of the Order of Death; chuckles at Kenobi’s bravado.

Kid’s got guts in spades. However; a child is still a child, says The Architect with a grin.

So why are you here?

Reaper grins widely as a forgotten gem of his contract emerged.

Three days, says the Reaper with a serious tone.

Kenobi eyes wide as his word echo amidst the rain drops pecking into his ear with each rain drop.

Three days for what? inquired Kenobi with a hint of uneasiness to his proclamation.

To collect five souls.

The startled Kenobi turns in misbelief at what he just heard. Three days. Five souls.

And you’re tell me this now!

You will get a notification about the targets, but not from us.

He gives a puzzled look.

Parallel Society?

Don’t know.

I have three days to collect five souls and all you can say is I don’t know!

We never said it would be easy.

You never said I’d be looking for Waldo either!

Three days, repeated the smiling Reaper as the duo vanished into the portal from which they arrived.

Kenobi stares at the spot of their departure grumbling as the words echo into his ears. He continues to mumble to himself with balled fist only to be halted with smirk. A name grazed his head thoughts as a little smile emerged. Iggy Jones.

The Jones residence that resides in the Eastern Parallel which is the home of the other half of the Suit Boys Iggy Jones. The half Japanese dark mage of seventeen years that wishes to find his faceless father only to be denied by his mother. She refuses to talk about it which annoys him greatly. Upon build up frustration he once again approaches his mother about his father. She continues to resist but it’s becoming more difficult with each passing confrontation. Reena Jones; the loving mother of Iggy, who wishes for him to live a normal life as possible. She once again braces herself sensing his presence.

I have the right to know. Every child does, implies a stone face Iggy with his arms crossed leaning against the wall

Reena continues to wash dishes without looking back.

Sometimes it’s best not to know even if you feel you do, replies Reena putting away plates and utensils.

But I want to know. Is he a dead beat? In jail or are you not sure who he is?

Reena turns in shock almost dropped her China Set to his proclamation.

Really?

There must be a reason. What are you afraid of?

She paused a moment before the words escaped when she remembered why. Quietly she regained her composure to reaffirm herself. With a sigh she gazed at him in a defiantly motherly way that reestablished her position.

You’re not ready, she rebuttals with a cold stare.

What do you mean . .! bellowed the enraged Iggy trying to find the right words.

Because I said so. End. Of. Discussion. Now get ready for bed.

Iggy storms out the kitchen almost running over his sister April.

Watch it you idiot! scorns an off-balance April.

She regains her balance entering the aftermath as Reena leans over the sink bracing herself fighting back tears forcing her to sit down.

I’m sorry Iggy, apologizing while wiping away tears, I’m so sorry.

In utter disgust April storms out to confront her brother for the heartache he’s caused their dear mother.

Paces franticly through the newly renovated living room that forces her to stumble as she turns toward the stairs. Upon reaching the top she stumbles again turning sharply to the left.

Motivated by her desire for justice she approaches his bedroom only to be halted by the creepy noise it made as it slightly opens. After regathering herself nerves once more; she burst in hoping to confront her evil brother.

To her surprise he wasn’t there. She walked over to the open the window puzzled and confused as to where he could be. She looked out the window before closing then locking it with smirk then exits closing the door. Moments later Iggy exits closet then sits on edge of bed. His mind wonders while he gazes out the window.

I’m not ready, he mumbles flopping across the bed looking toward ceiling, Whatever.

Parallel Society; the infamous organization that rose shortly after the Great Purge that is secretly being funded by undocumented international accounts.

On a late-night request; a training session echoes throughout the building walls at the Training Facility on the compound of Parallel Society. Keiko Fukushima; the beautiful daughter of the Grand Fist that is responsible for recruiting Kenobi and Iggy, trains with her mentor and co-trainer Rune Master Shin. The Grand Master of the Rune Arts from a parallel world known as Dragonia aids them as an ally.

Shin notice her mind is split elsewhere, so he attempts to get her back in tune.

You’re slipping! taunts Shin.

Huh? What? says a half aware Keiko.

In a blink of an eye he puts one’s eye sight to no use zipping about at inhuman speed.

I can’t see him! Where is he?

Right here, whispers Shin appearing behind her.

With a gentle touch; she hits the floor hard as he stands over her expecting a counter attack.

Ouch! bellows a grounded Keiko upon impact.

He extends a hand to assist her to her feet.

I’m trying to keep up. I just can’t keep up when you go that fast.

You’re doing fine. You just need to stay focus and not let outside thoughts interfere in your training smiles a confident Master Shin trying to make her aware of her greatness, If only you knew how good you’re doing.

I guess so, says Keiko dusting herself off.

You must believe in yourself. Once you believe in yourself; keys to greater heights will be unlocked.

Keiko dwells on his advice as two other associates entered. Jeremy McCloud; the founder of Parallel Society, created the organization in honor of a friend who gave his life to protect the world. Jeremy is well known for his well-tailored suits and his love for dark coffee. He has an eye for talent but isn’t fully convinced about their star recruits.

Figured you’d be here, joked Jeremy as he stands before them.

We can’t let our guard down. One slip and they’ll be at your front door, says Shin.

As they nod in agreement; a slightly uneasy Charles Dempsey; the Head of Intel and longtime friend of Jeremy. He is curious about other parallel worlds and their inhabitants. Charles chimes in to change the subject.

How are our star recruits?

Keiko try not to show her feelings, but it was bound to explode. And it does.

Those knuckleheads make it next to impossible to recruit anyone! I swear I just need ten good minutes to teach them a lesson! rages Keiko clenching fist.

Okay, well tomorrow morning we’ll have our annual reports, reminds Jeremy trying to ease the tension.

That time already? ask a surprised Keiko.

I know. Time flies, says Charles.

I’m expecting good reports, says Jeremy.

As they departed Shin looks over his shoulder at Keiko noticing she’s not in a training mindset.

Let’s call it a day.

Keiko watches Shin exits out the side door while her mind wonders about her pupils of her distress. She wondered how long they’ll stay loyal to the No Hostility Pact they agreed to. Especially being how Kenobi’s animosity towards mages was so engulfing.

You boys better learn to get along and put your petty grudge aside. We need you to, balls up fist as she grimaced, Even If I have to beat it into you.

Kenobi approaches home as he attempts to adjust his suit as he straightens his tie. While making final adjustments; he enters a dark living room which fits him well. Upon heading toward the kitchen; a lamp flicks on startles him as he sees his mother sitting in a recliner with ice cold 1.25 Liter Pepsi in her right hand.

Mom! shouts a surprised Kenobi.

Abella Reynolds; the loving mother of Kenobi with shoulder length dreads and intimidating chocolate brown eyes, smiles eerily as she relishes them moment.

So, takes a sip of cold Pepsi, Where were you tonight, inquires Abella taking another gulp of Pepsi.

Kenobi didn’t know if to be scared or even to take her serious. He knows one thing. He hopes there is another Pepsi left.

I-I-I went for a walk. You know, nerves about first day of school, replies a nerves Kenobi eyeing the Pepsi.

Your senior year can be stressful. I miss those days.

Abella lifts from the recliner to approach the on-edge Kenobi. Not knowing what she’s up to has his mind flipping like a popcorn in a pot. She approaches with a motherly smile to embrace him causing his heart to skip a beat.

Anytime you need to talk I’m here, okay?

Thanks mom.

Both made their way down the hallway to depart to their respected bedrooms.

Upon entering Kenobi sighs then flop across the bed with a deep sigh of relief.

That was close.

He closes his eyes as the words of the Reaper echoed in his ears. Three days. Five Souls. As he pondered this unexpected crisis; he slowly begins to fade under the effect of his bed unmatched softness into a deep sleep.

CHAPTER TWO

The Bait

The Lab of Purge that once resided on the Public District of Science Technology or better known as PDST is forced to move its operations to the remote mountain area. Led by the Doctor Juan Marino; the personal assistant to the world’s destruction, who’s hatred toward humanity grows out of control since his exile from the science community after his ethics violation. The betrayer of the world works feverishly on his super computer while an associate stands behind him.

The plan is in place. All we need now is your father. Well, as long as these runts don’t get in the way, says a confident yet a slightly concerned Juan.

Standing behind him with a straight face was Zous; the youthful dark mage from a parallel world with shoulder length mangled black hair looking like he just woke up tag teamed with piercing grey eyes, that wishes to follow in his father’s dark footsteps looks at the images on the large screen before him.

Are these the runts you speak of? inquires Zous as Juan nods, What possibly do we have to fear from them?

They almost killed you father.

They’re only kids!

Don’t let their looks fool you. Luckily they couldn’t get along or your father might have died that day.

Zous couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He knew his father made some miscalculation, but this was unnerving.

How do you plan to deal with these two? ask Zous.

I thought you’d never ask, says a smiling Juan.

Image on screen changed as Kenobi’s photo fills the screen sending chills down Zous’ spine. Juan notice with smirk but chose to ignore it and continue.

"This is Kenobi Reynolds. A cold-hearted killer. He hates mages with a passion. Being so; I decided to send the Elemental Brothers to Saigon Apartment to stir a little chaos.

Sounds good so far.

Next is this little gem. Iggy Jones, looks over shoulder at Zous, He’s a dark mage.

I heard a few fled here during the First Purge to start a new life. Traitors.

Being they don’t get along can be to our advantage if exploited right.

However; that’s only the first half of the plan.

So, what’s the real plan?

Juan smiles with great joy as he brings up image of his greatest creation.

This is out trump card.

What is it?

It’s my greatest creation. The Parallel Breaker! boast Juan with great zealousness.

Will it destroy the Parallel Barrier?

Not quite.

What a waste. It’s not that great after all.

Even if we can bring your father back? suggest Juan looking for a trigger.

You can do that!

That is the plan. With your father here, we can finally complete our true goal.

When do we do this?

Tomorrow.

Father will finally return, he smiles with a wide grin as Three Dark Shadows arose from the shadows on one knee smiling.

The members of the Parallel Society Council sit around circle table as Keiko yawns trying to wake up. Meanwhile Shin stands by large window leaning against wall looking toward Parallel Courtyard thinking of his home world. He noticed an eighteen-wheeler weaving through traffic toward the center of the Courtyard.

Jeremy sit back in his managerial leather chair sipping on his dark coffee after cooling it down with milk.

Anything to report on the matter at hand? ask Jeremy while still struggling to sip coffee.

Charles begins to sweat amidst the unwelcomed silence which was intensified by Jeremy blowing and sipping on coffee. Keiko continues to yawn as she tries to stay wake. Feeling a like a he’s trapped in a tight vice he tries to ease into the madness to come. However; this is different with the recent events must report. He delays because of possible repercussion of not telling that has escalated to a point of no return.

Not really, trying to ease in with good news to delay the oncoming wrath, We did capture a few targets that was high on our list, reports a nerves Charles.

What about the Accomplice of the Purge? asked Jeremy before his next sip.

Charles swallowed hard as he struggles to get the words to come forth. With a few deep breathes they rolled out like an echo in a cave.

We-we lost track of him a few months ago.

Like a raving tsunami all eyes widen followed by Jeremy’s eyes widening in misbelief. He almost dropped his coffee followed by Keiko slamming her palms propelling her out of her chair.

Tell me you’re joking! bellows an irate now full alert Keiko.

A distant Shin turns in shock to his declaration of the calamity moment.

A few months ago! chimes in a startled Shin.

Look who decided to join us, jokes Keiko smiling.

Jeremy approach a trembling Charles with a concerning gaze hoping his coffee can calm him down.

You better have one hell of a reason for not telling us earlier, barks Jeremy.

Charles begins to slowly crack under the unbearable pressure as tears begin to roll down his cheeks.

Look! I’m sorry! One Field Agent’s cover was blown then another! It just got out of hand! explains a tearful Charles.

Keiko couldn’t believe what she was hearing as she pounds her palms once again.

You sacrificed lives to cover you own ass! Do you have no soul! insults the enraged and shocked Keiko.

Jeremy stumbles backwards into his chair in misbelief.

Charles, you didn’t.

It wasn’t supposed to happen like that! It’s as if they knew who we send! says Charles.

Amidst the madness; Shin approached Charles to place his hand on his shoulder with a smile of comfort.

I understand, calmly quotes Shin.

A relieved Charles smiles as someone finally understands his plight.

You do?

The thought of failure added with the loss of life can be a daunting task. But you’re not alone.

Keiko takes deep breaths calming herself down enough to speak without yelling.

We’re a team, adds Keiko still trying to calm down.

Now that we know; we need to know exactly what you have discovered, says Shin.

Charles wipes away tears while a sniffling. He finally calms himself as all waited to hear how bad the new is.

Doctor Juan is no longer in the Public District.

So; you lost track of him. What else? asks Shin.

Charles pauses as he gathers himself a little more as the burden seem to be lifting.

He has a device that can possibly open portals.

That’s not possible! They’ve been trying for years to do that! exclaims Keiko.

He’s trying to reopen the Sacred Portal, implies Shin.

No, says Charles, He wants to do more than simply open a portal.

What does he want? inquires a puzzled Shin.

HE wants to destroy the Parallel Barrier, says Charles with a dropped head.

Is that even possible? asks Jeremy with a trembling bottom lip.

Shin ponders on his words then it hit him as his bottom lip begin to tremble.

He’s still alive.

Who is still alive? ask Jeremy with great concern.

The Lord of Terror. Sulphuric, says Shin with a trembling voice.

That horrific thing from seven years ago! bellows Keiko.

Why would he bring that thing back? ask Jeremy a cracked voice.

Unfinished business, says Shin with a glazed over look in his eyes.

Charles digs into his folder as all are pondering the impact of the beast of legends return. Amidst they’re debating a photo of Zous was placed at the center of the table.

Oh yeah, he’s here too.

All eyes look in shock as they knew his presence meant one thing. The tension just amplified to a whole new level as Keiko braced herself once again with her palms trying to hold her temper in check.

You’re full of surprises today, aren’t you? says Keiko slowly with great restraint.

Keiko, call them, demands Shin.

Now? Shin looks at her with a firm gaze, Fine.

As the tension continue to rise an even darker cloud was approaching when a Field Agent burst in. Alex Brown; an entry level employee who wears special enhanced bifocals from birth defect, enters to discord with a smile.

I’m sorry for interrupting, but you might want to look at the news.

This is no time to be checking the weather! roars Shin.

Let’s just see what he’s talking about, suggest Jeremy as he grabs the remote.

Upon its activation; the image of the eighteen-wheeler with a man in a knee long leather hooded trench coat standing next to its trailer smiling. He stands with his hands in his pockets as the public is in complete hysteria.

Is this live? ask a curious Keiko.

Wait, that’s the center of Parallel Courtyard, acknowledges Jeremy.

The question is who and what are they up to, says Shin staring at the news broadcast.

The mysterious man in hooded trench coat looks about as the public looks on as the moment of contagiousness spreads rapidly. Military along with others begin to mount a barrier to