Jaws of Death

Chapter 17

Matt opened the door to his apartment his brain ringing with what Father Lantom had said. But as soon as he stepped into his apartment, he knew he wasn't alone. There was a familiar heartbeat and a distinctive smell that hung about the room. He knew who it was.

"Foggy! How did you get here?"

Matt heard Foggy exhale. "As soon as you left, I came here. Because I could kinda guess what you are going to do next."

Matt stayed silent. He heard Foggy's footsteps coming nearer. His heartbeat felt clearer than ever. His breathing was ragged. He's worried sick, Matt thought. Whom he was worried about was beyond his level of understanding at the moment. Was it Karen? Or Was it him?

Foggy cleared his throat. "Matt, I don't think you should be doing this."

"What? I don't-"

"LISTEN TO ME!"

Matt stopped in his tracks. He had never felt Foggy lose control before. Just in a matter of seconds, Matt felt Foggy's heartbeat double up. The room had fallen uncomfortably silent. Matt knew he couldn't fool his best friend, even if he tried to. If there was one person in his life who actually knew everything about him, it was Foggy.

"Matt, I'm sorry. But I don't think you should be doing this. You're barely in a proper state yourself. You're thinner than I've ever seen you. Those eyes look like they need proper, scheduled sleep. Even looking at you brings me to the point of tears...and I'm not even a sensitive fuckhead...so, that is the level of bad state you are in right now, Matthew Murdock. At this stage, if you don that costume and walk out to save Karen, you will die a-"

"THEN, LET ME DIE!" Matt exploded. "LET ME DIE!"

Foggy stood speechless. The amount of sheer emotion in Matt's voice was enough to silence him. In just a minute, the roles had reversed with Matt Murdock gaining the upper hand of the discussion.

Matt repeated, in a softer tone. "Let me die, Foggy!"

He strode towards his room, knowing the way by-heart, and stooped down to pull out the drawer. In it was the costume, along with the horned head-case. Matt ran a finger along the fabric, thick and strong.

And he recited to himself.

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes!