The Janitor Who Was A Killer

As school ended, Vardan chatted with Jenkins, the janitor, about how he had beaten a bully using just an eraser. Jenkins smiled, proud of Vardan's resourcefulness. While they spoke, Jenkins suddenly felt like someone was watching them. He turned around, but saw nothing. It was now dark outside.

Later, Jenkins walked around the school grounds, taking in the quiet of the night. As he passed by the corner of the yard, he spotted a figure—Mia, standing alone.

He approached her. "What are you doing here, Mia?" he asked.

"I… I lost my ring," she replied, her eyes darting around. "I'm just looking for it."

Jenkins noticed a shiny object on the ground. He bent down to pick it up, but before he could reach it, Mia suddenly pulled out a knife and lunged toward him.

Surprised but calm, Jenkins, still bent over, spoke softly. "You shouldn't do this. Put the knife away."

Mia froze, unsure of what to do. Jenkins, still crouched, picked up the object—a simple bottle cap—and turned his gaze toward her. "Who sent you?" he asked.

Mia was silent, but Jenkins could read the fear on her face.

"Was it the organization?" he pressed.

At the mention of the organization, Mia's eyes widened. Jenkins had worked for them once, and now he could tell she was part of it too.

Without a word, Mia dropped the knife. Jenkins, unfazed, continued. "You're spying on me, aren't you? Feeding information to Jack, the guy I defeated? You've been watching me."

Mia's face grew pale, realizing the janitor knew everything. She stepped back, fear evident in her eyes.

Jenkins, studying her, said, "You're not a killer, Mia. Just a low-ranked agent. But you're good at hiding, at spying."

Mia stood frozen, the weight of her actions settling on her shoulders. Just as Jenkins turned to leave, he felt a sudden shift in the air—a presence behind him.

Before he could react, Mia was grabbed by her hair, and she screamed in shock.

Jenkins turned around to see a tall man holding Mia. He introduced himself with a smirk. "Ethan. D-rank killer for the organization. We need to finish what you started, James."

Mia struggled to free herself, but Ethan's grip was tight. He turned to her. "You failed," he sneered. "You'll pay for it."

Jenkins stepped forward, his voice steady. "Let her go. If you want to fight, then fight me."

Ethan's grin widened. "No, I think I'll take care of both of you."

With a swift motion, Jenkins hurled the bottle cap at Ethan's hand with precision. The cap struck with force, causing Ethan to hiss in pain as the sharp edges burned his skin. His grip on Mia loosened, and she stumbled backward.

Jenkins grabbed Mia's hand, and they both ran.

They rounded a corner, hiding behind the nearest wall as Ethan gave chase, but they managed to stay out of sight. Jenkins glanced at Mia. "Run," he said. "I'll keep him busy."

Reluctantly, Mia bolted down the path, while Jenkins turned back to face Ethan, buying her time.

When Ethan saw Jenkins, his face twisted into an excited grin. "You're quick for an old man."

They engaged in a fierce battle, Jenkins moving faster than Ethan had anticipated. Ethan took a few hits but didn't back down. The fight intensified as they exchanged blows, but Jenkins was visibly tiring. He could feel the weight of age catching up with him.

Breathing heavily, Jenkins struggled to land another hit, while Ethan seemed to be gaining the upper hand. The old man was now on his knee, struggling to rise.

Just then, Vardan, who had returned to the school to retrieve his forgotten locker key, spotted Mia running towards him. She stopped when she saw him and gasped for air.

"The janitor... he's in trouble," she panted.

Without thinking, Vardan rushed inside the school, his heart pounding.

As Vardan approached, he saw the fight unfolding. Ethan, still eager to defeat Jenkins, smiled as he prepared to deliver the final blow.

But before Ethan could strike, Vardan leaped in front of Jenkins, protecting him. Ethan, confused, looked at the newcomer. "Who are you?" he sneered.

Vardan turned and saw Jenkins kneeling, his energy spent. He felt a surge of something deep inside—Jenkins had always been more than just a teacher to him, and now it was time to repay that kindness.

Ethan didn't know what to do. He rushed at Vardan, aiming to take them both down. But Vardan dodged easily, their fight quickly escalating.

Vardan, using his martial arts skills, landed a few blows that made Ethan recoil. The man grimaced in pain, but he continued fighting. Ethan landed a few hits too, but Vardan withstood the pain, impressing Ethan.

Vardan scanned his surroundings quickly, then with a sudden move, he jumped over Ethan, grabbing a branch from a nearby tree.

"You think you can defeat me with that?" Ethan sneered.

Vardan smiled. "We'll see about that."

The two clashed fiercely, with Vardan using the branch to his advantage. Every strike sent jolts of pain through Ethan's body. Finally, after a brutal exchange, Ethan fell to the ground, defeated.

Vardan stood over him, breathing heavily but victorious.

Mia, having watched the entire fight, walked over as Vardan approached Jenkins, who was still breathing heavily but alive.

"I've taken care of him," Vardan said, his voice steady.

Jenkins, despite his exhaustion, managed a small smile. "I'm proud of you, kid," he said, his voice soft.

But as he spoke, something changed. Jenkins' face softened, his eyes closed, and he let out one final breath. He had passed.

Vardan's heart shattered, and he sank to his knees, tears streaming down his face. Mia watched from a distance, her own expression filled with sorrow.

Vardan stood up, wiping his eyes. "I'll get revenge for you, Jenkins," he vowed. "I'll destroy the organization."

He turned to Mia, who was still frozen in place. "Did you work for them?"

Mia nodded, still in shock.

Vardan's voice grew cold. "If you go back to the organization, tell them that Ethan was defeated by James, not by me."

Mia nodded silently, her eyes wide in disbelief.