The Silent Z
Just Here
London; 1985
___________
Walking down a cobblestone path drifting between alleyways with the cover of shadowy patches where light from street lamps and windows couldn’t reach, avoiding the commotion of London’s hustle and bustle as folks headed off for work, walked and talked in and out of shops, thugs from various gangs hiding in plain sight while others looked on from afar. Z had a routine that consisted of different patterns, different routes, a lacking of fear in his frame of mind to enter in dark alleys and taking more indirect paths to wherever he desired to go. Even as Diablo’s presence throughout London grew slowly spreading to other parts of England and the Uk as a whole, Z went about his business as nonchalantly as possible, taking few opportunities to show his passive opposition to the growing threat, not desiring to be some hero for the people, but instead live his life and step closer toward his dreams and keeping his lifestyle in tact. ___________
Occasionally Z intervened to protect the innocent women, children and families that wandered the streets and found themselves in troubling situations with little to no means of defending themselves or getting out unharmed. But you could still say a selfish and individualistic view existed within Z and was often on display. The youngish man who happened to have his own stand, grew up on the streets of Chicago knowing only one way of life, but it seems fate had different plans for him. Despite his best efforts the would be bystander looking to preserve himself and remain apart from the worlds growing troubles, would be singled out and sought after by an order of extraordinary ladies and gentlemen who gathered to oppose this public menace without a face thus far and known only as Diablo.
This order was observant, worked in covert manner, operated more and more behind the scenes with a reach beyond Z’s comprehension and ties unseen. At first they failed to recruit him when finally showing themselves to the youngish stand user, but over time their words plagued his mind and he began to see more with his eyes that once may as well have been blind to what was going on around him. Where he chose blissful ignorance and nonchalance started to become poisoned by the words of this order....
Soon enough Z’s life and occasional intervention became increasingly difficult to live without becoming a target for one side or the other. Less often enjoying peaceful enough walks along the streets of modern London, England, watching double decker buses traveling by and passers by going about their daily lives. The nightclub scene was becoming increasingly influenced by gangs, thugs and hirelings doing the work of Diablo, further making life complicated for Z who went by Karma Zyrellious, a aspiring singer and entertainer making a living off his stage name and work while supplementing his lifestyle with occasional cons.
Beneath morning sun and cool breeze with a scattering of clouds in that blue sky above, Z passed through alleys with hands in his pockets, the brim of his hat down to partially cover his eyes and face as a toothpick moved about between his teeth. It seemed ever more he’d have to accept this orders offering and role to play in clear and more aggressive opposition to Diablo and his goons. A offer he accepted recently yet still was trying to figure out ways to get out of it and return to his normal, daily life and style. Never seeing himself as the hero unless perhaps in a movie role? Always the single bachelor who aspired to be...
But desires and should be’s were becoming twisted to fit the needs of others and their expectations. He could no longer see life the same way and live the same after that first meeting. Either way, the present was the present and he’d certainly need a capable team, he wasn’t going to foolishly undertake such a task alone and he didn’t quite trust this order.
Question was if fate would have him play this role then... who’d join him in this cast of would be heroes?
