“Sir it’s Jigsaw, I have some news.” The scarred stallion explained as he entered his employer's office.
“Is that so? Then please Jigsaw have a seat and tell me what’s so important you must interrupt my current meeting?” Kingpin answered gazing at the now groveling form of one of his favored enforcers.
Jigsaw was terrified as he looked up at his boss. The Kingpin was always intimidating He stood nearly a foot taller than most average stallions, always adorned in an expensive suit, his white coat neatly combed, and his body rippling with a girth that could crush a normal pony in an instant. However that was all irrelevant what was terrifying, what caused even the most wretched crook to cower in fear, what made the most sadistic killer whimper like a foal, what made him the true King of Crime were his eyes. They were like two dark piercing voids that permeated your very soul.
“Well, what do you have for me Jigsaw?” The Kingpin asked flatly.
Upon hearing the question Jigsaw quickly snapped out of his thoughts and returned his gaze to the larger stallion. “Well you see sir last night there was an incident in Hell’s Stable and according to some of our guys that ex-guard whose family we killed a while back...he found out about you and well now he’s coming after ya, and well if he finds out who really killed his wife an’ kids well you’ve seen his work right?” The disfigured unicorn quickly informed the room.
After a minute of silence the Kingpin let out a short chuckle before standing from behind his large desk, and slowly making his way over to his very fearful messenger.
“I see well that is a bit of an inconvenience isn’t it?” The crime lord mused dryly. “If your information is right which I believe it is then we will have to move up our time table a bit.”
“Y-yes, right away boss.” Jigsaw quipped back quickly. But what should we do about the stallion that’s after us?”
“For now we’ll let him continue his little escapade. For you see I have a very special plan for Mr. Castle.”
“Aaaawww I was hopin’ you’d let me go finish the job. I so hate it when there’s a survivor it’s not professional you know?” Voiced a third stallion who had until now been watching the back and forth disinterestedly.
“I know Bullseye but we need him alive for now. But I promise once he has served his use he is all yours.” Kingpin promised earning a manic grin from his favorite assassin.”
“For now just keep an eye on him, we can’t have him getting too close to fast can we?” The massive stallion said as he returned to his desk and waved for Jigsaw to leave.
“Of Course boss I’ll have some of our guys watchin’ him twenty four/seven.” Jigsaw saluted before trotting out of the room and off to accomplish his new assignment.
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The door to Avenger mansion closed swiftly behind the captain as he slowly trotted into the main lobby, giving a small sigh at the events of the previous night. First his stake out ends with nothing to show for it, Then he goes for a quick patrol into the city only to end up fighting some weird hero. No, hero was the wrong word Carmel mused vigilante was more appropriate, because he was a hero and heros don’t kill they find a way to save and protect the innocent without resorting to execution. As he continued mulling over his encounter with this lone thug he failed to notice the large form of the god of thunder heading straight for him.
“Hail Captain, how went last night’s operation?” The mighty Alicorn asked shaking the super soldier from his thoughts.
“Huh? Oh Thor ummm not great the whole thing ended up being nothing. Go figure right?” He replied giving a forced smile.
“I see, well that is a shame. What did you do after the stakeout?” His comrade pondered quizzically.
The Captain took several minutes to gauge whether or not he should tell anypony about the late night showdown. After a quick moment of internal contemplation he gave in and looked back up at the still waiting Thunderer.
“To be honest the bum stakeout was only the beginning of the night’s disappointments. After that I decided to do a quick patrol through the city just to be safe. While doing so I ended up coming across a bar fight which led me to meet what I thought was another hero. But...”
“But What Captain, surely meeting another hero was a good thing right?” Thor mused gesturing for his friend to continue.
“Normally I’d agree but this guy...he didn’t just beat the criminals he massacred them and then just acted like it was another day on the job.” The solemn stallion finished giving a short sigh at the memory of the morbid scene from the prior night.
“Could it really have been that bad?” Thor asked uncertainly. “I mean they were villains that he bested right? so perhaps he just went a little farther than necessary, maybe we could find him and if all goes well we may have a new Avenger on our hands hmmm, what do you say Captain?” Thor mused grinning as he watched his friend contemplate his own thoughts for a solution.
“I guess that could work I mean I didn’t even get the guy’s name, maybe he was just in a bad mood. But how exactly would we find him; I mean we don’t even know where to find the guy?” Carmel asked sarcastically as he turned to stare out a nearby window at the slowly rising dawn.
“Well if he is as you say then we’ll just keep an eye on Manehatten after all we have friends there and when we can we’ll confront this new “hero” and from there we’ll decide what to do.”
“Yeah, that could work. I’ll see if Daredevil can keep an ear to the ground.” The super-stallion thought aloud.”
“Very good, but I have a meeting with Princess Luna so I must excuse myself for now my friend. May our new plan bear fruit soon and add yet another ally to our just cause.” The godly stallion laughed as he quickly departed leaving his fellow Avenger to continue towards his room a small smile now spreading across his face.
I woke from another dreamless slumber, my limbs still sore from last night’s beat down. I slowly rose from bed and scanned the contents of my safe house. The small underground bunker was exactly like I left it, not that I expected any different. Taking a deep breath I rose from my cot and walked over to the nearby sink to clean myself off and prepare for another day of punishing those who have done wrong by the innocent sheep of my so called home.
Finishing my preparations I quickly exited my bunker and headed out into the early light of the dawn. I couldn’t help but let out a small sigh of disinterest, most find the likes of the sunrise to be beautiful. Most aren’t me the only feeling the sun brings me anymore is annoyance. To think our supposedly benevolent leader reduced to the form a child because she was too arrogant to believe she could be bested. Shaking myself from my thoughts I continued onward my destination every rathole and scum hideout in Manehatten, until I find Kingpins goon Hammerhead and from there I plan to pay the crime lord a visit myself.
As I continued through the increasingly busy streets of the stable, I found this entire game of cat and mouse was getting me nowhere. No matter what info I got from the idiots who chose to bar my path it seems to only lead me on a never-ending circle of half-truths. As the day progressed I noticed that I was being followed. I had known this for the last several hours but the "peeping Tom" seemed to be getting bolder more reckless and closer to getting me mad. After another ten minutes of being prowled on I turned off the street and headed into an alleyway. The alley led into a building supply area that had fallen into disrepair, go figure right. Turning to face the entrance I waited, preparing to punish the idiot that had chosen to follow me.
If you back a feral dog into a corner they attack, but if you back me into a corner I don't attack because I’ve already put you in checkmate. After several minutes of waiting I heard the telltale sound of hooves on stone. I stared unfazed into the shadows of the alley ready for any sort of attack. The mare that emerged was surprisingly not some gang assassin or mercenary. Instead she wore a red full body outfit complete with a red a cowl. Where her Mark would normally be was a pair of Interlocked D's instead. As she drew closer I couldn't help but smirk at a sense Déjà vu.
"Hello Daredevil what brings you here this early in the day?" I quipped as she stopped mere feet in front of me.
"What, surprised to see me?" The mare retorted a smirk playing at her features.
"Honestly after the first time we met I expected you to be a bit more cautious around me." I conceded rolling my eyes at the now grinning mare.
"Sorry Castle but I’m a hero and that means I defend those that can't protect themselves, even if that means from you." She stated smoothly. "Besides the Avengers wanted me to keep an eye on you, as tough as that is." She returned giving a short laugh at the mere concept.
I had a feeling if her eyes weren't covered by the cowl she'd be rolling them at the very notion of keeping an eye on anything. "I see, one small scrap against Mr. Equestria and I'm the most wanted stallion alive." I concluded dryly raising a hoof to run through my mane.
"I don't care if they approve of my methods Devil. You and I both know I'm not going to stop until the cities free of villainy or I’m dead.” I stated in a matter-of-fact tone giving the heroine a severe glare. She surprised me by letting out a short bout of laughter Complemented with another knowing grin.
"Yeah I figured as much I might be blind, but I don't need eyes to see your conviction. After all you’re called The Punisher for a reason." She vouched in a rather serious tone for the first time since she confronted me. "Besides they don't want to fight just talk." She explained waving a hoof in a nonchalant manner.
"You will have to excuse me if I don't believe you; after last night’s brawl I don't think the Captain Is just going to let it slide." I deadpanned with a hint of annoyance creeping into my voice.
"They want to get you Fort. Ole Cap Is confused about whom or for that matter what you are. He's convinced you're a hero but he wants you to explain your whole... I don't know punishing thing I guess." Daredevil reasoned not totally convinced herself.
"That's a waste of my time I have a crime lord I need to find and having a social visit with the Avengers isn't helping in that effort at all." I finished walking past the mare and heading back through the alley toward the street. Before I was out of hearing range the blind mare turned toward me giving one last piece of advice.
"Listen Fort if you don't go they'll send someone a lot less reasonable then me to investigate. I would just humor them if I were you I promise it'll be a lot harder to catch a crime boss if you also have to hide from the largest group of heroes around."
I didn't even so much as look back as I continued out onto the streets. Deep down I knew she was right About avoiding this issue, It would most likely only make my job a lot harder but if I went and they found me a problem I'd still be taking them on and trying to take on the Kingpin as well. I shook my head of this dilemma and continued walking through the crumbling streets of Hells stable until the moon was high in the sky. If I have to battle the Avengers I might as well do it on my terms I decided. Tomorrow I would pay a visit to Canterlot and hopefully get those Self-proclaimed heroes off my back once and for all.
Moving from that issue I couldn’t help but think back to Daredevil. As I made my way back to my safe house I couldn’t help but reminisce on the first time I met the blind heroine.
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I kicked the little worm in the chest sending him crashing into one of the many wooden crates in the broken down warehouse. The stupid punk didn’t seem to understand who I was or how much I didn’t mind breaking every bone in his body to get the information he had.
“I’ll ask one more time either tell me where you’re getting your shipments of Opium, or I’ll start taking you apart.” I commanded lifting the scum from the broken crate and slamming him into the warehouse wall.
“Augh, you stupid bastard, you think I’ll tell you anything? My boss would kill me; you got nothin’ on me nothin.’” He spit his rage earning him another smack across the mouth.
“I don’t think you get it, I’m not a hero, or a guard. I’m not going to beat you and send you to jail; either you tell me what I want or I’m going to kill you.” I whispered coolly.
“Wh-what, no you’re just bluffing if you’re not a hero then what are you hmmm, why would you be after somepony like me if not to put me away?” He reasoned gulping in disbelief.
In response I took hold of his left hoof in my magic and pulled it in a rather unnatural position and kept adding pressure until I heard a rather prominent snap. This resulted in my victim letting loose a pained yell.
“Now, who’s your supplier?” I asked once more pulling him closer.
“Aaaahh…graaa,” Not getting a response I grabbed his now limp limb with my hoof and twisting it until he answered.
“Okay…okay, aaaahhhh! Dear Celestia please I’ll tell you just stop!” He cried to my satisfaction.
“Good now let’s get a name.” I stated letting go of his mutilated leg.
However before I could get an answer, I was hit by a rather hefty force sending me skidding across the stone floor.
“Alright lowlife I think it’s about time you learned that torture and extortion doesn’t pay.” A new female voice professed cockily.
As I righted myself I heard the sound of the mystery mare drawing closer. Taking in the new figure I noted the red body suit, the grin on her face, the pair of nunchucks strapped to her side, and finally the fact that her mask had absolutely no eye holes.
“Oh good you got up, I rarely have to hit someone more than once before they beg for mercy.” She boasted as she readied herself for another attack.
“Heh, then you really aren’t in for a pleasant night.” I quipped back. Wiping the small trail of blood from my now bleeding lip I scanned her body for any tells.
She charged turning in mid stride to deliver a swift low sweep. Seeing it coming I managed to jump over her crouching body and landing behind her and shooting my back legs out in a powerful buck. To my surprise she rolled out of the way just in time and jumped back onto all four catching me in a less than ideal position. Taking advantage of my surprise she slammed into my side shoulder first once again leaving me on the floor.
“Ha, not so cocky now are you hmmm?” She jabbed walking causally to my prone form. “Now let’s get you to jail, I do have other things to do tonight pal.”
As she drew up beside me I twisted around to face her, my horn aglow. Letting the energy surge forth it blasted the stunned mare sending her sailing across the room and slamming back first into a large heap of crates.
“You talk too much girl. I prefer actions.” I mused as I slowly made my way to the heap my horn still pulsing with power.
Several pieces of wood shifted as the mares form hefted itself to a crouching position. Taking queue at her still disorientated form I took her in my magic and pulled her toward me.
“Now that you cost me my informant I have a few questions for you.” I announced calmly.
Not too my surprise she stayed quiet, if her eyes weren’t hidden behind her mask I’m sure she’d be glaring death at me.
“I assume you’re one of those mutant hero’s right?” I asked in a rather bored tone.
“Why do you care, what type of criminal asks such stupid questions?” She growled in a rather perplexed tone.
“That’s easy somepony who’s not a criminal, I maybe a lot of things but criminal isn’t one.” I answered. “If you’re done attacking me I’m willing to let you down, sound fair?” I tried seeing no reason in making unnecessary enemies.
She nodded in agreement and I let go of my magic letting her fall lightly onto the ground. Now standing face to face I motioned for her to speak.
“You can call me Daredevil and yes I’m a mutant. I’m gonna assume you are as well right?” She tried rubbing one hoof against her now throbbing head.
“No, I’m no mutant or hero, my name’s Fortify Castle, ex royal guard.” I corrected an edge of annoyance edging my words.
“Wait, you’re not a mutant and for that matter why the heck are you revealing your identity to me?” she sputtered extremely confused by my reveal.
“That’s easy, I have no intent of hiding who I am it’s not like anyone can use my identity against me. Now like I said Daredevil you cost me an informant which means I have some work to do.” I explained heading toward the door closest to where the scum had been before I was interrupted.
“Wait, that’s it you just tell me this and walk away, who are you? Or maybe what are you would be a better question?” The now dumbfounded hero stammered walking after me.
Pausing at the doorway, I turned and gave a short sigh. “I suppose that’s the real question isn’t it? My name is Fortify Castle, but that’s merely a mask like the one you’re wearing now. Who I really am is much simpler, I’m The Punisher.” With that I turned back to the doorway and left the still distraught mare to absorb my answer by herself.
As the memory ended I sat on my cot staring at the mirror across the room. “That was just over a month ago and yet it lingers in my mind, why? What is so special about that night? For that matter why did I answer her question? Until that day I wouldn’t have been able to answer that even for myself but that night It came so easily.” Shaking out of my self-interrogation I lay back onto my cot.
As I lay there I couldn’t help but wonder over the morrows dealings. I had to meet the Avengers and still attempt to find the Kingpins men. I had a bad feeling tomorrow is going to be one headache after another. With that thought I closed my eyes and drifted off into the abyss that sleep always held for me.