Match 21328 Daredevil vs. Zartan

[Boratz]

Chapter 56: Witness Protection
 
With aching muscles and throbbing bruises, Juno Skinner stumbled back to look over the body of the curly-haired assassin. Even though she was slightly dizzy, she could see the marks that were left from her hands on the woman's throat. While this woman knocked around Juno with relative ease, the antiques dealer gained the upper hand when she put her hands across the throat of the assassin. The greedy art dealer squeezed as tight as she could and waited until light in the woman's eyes died out. While looking over the lifeless body of Lori Quaid, Juno staggered around until she fell forward against a counter. Looking over her reflection, she saw the bruises and cuts on her face. 
 
"What a bitch?" She muttered to herself while reaching over for a towel. Wiping away a line of blood from under her nose, the greedy businesswoman stood for a moment to catch her breath. Her dark brown eyes scanned the warehouse and looked over the pieces of art that were destroyed in the scuffle. After regaining some of her composure, Juno headed to the closest bathroom.
 
She turned on the sink and rested her hands underneath the cold water that ran out of the faucet. Juno splashed some water across her face. Her hands trembled under the water from the adrenaline that was still coursing through her veins. She looked back up in the mirror to see the bruises a bit closer on her face. After taking a moment to breath, the businesswoman reached over for her purse. She dug through the small bag and retrieved her expensive make-up. Once she finished applying the make-up, Juno stood up straight and took a deep breath. She walked outside of the bathroom and looked over the remains of what had recently transpired in her warehouse. Juno pulled out a phone and called one of her contacts to start cleaning up the mess in the warehouse. 
 
It was not long until one of her assistants sauntered into the warehouse. Her assistant looked over the damaged pieces of art and the shattered sculptures. Shaking her head, she assumed that teenagers or vandals broke into the warehouse. Her eyes widened in shock as she looked over the bodies of the dead workers that were scattered throughout. She then gasped as she looked over the strangled remains of the curly-haired assassin. As she started breathing heavily, she stumbled back and saw her employer stepping out from around a corner.
 
"I need a lawyer!" Juno hissed while approaching her assistant. 
 
New York District Courthouse
 
"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, a horrendous crime was committed. A grizzly murder was committed. You have heard the evidence, or the lack thereof that the prosecution had failed to present. They have tried and failed to prove that my client was responsible for the murder of the victim. They have tried to present evidence of my client's vigilante escapades as a reason behind the horrific murder of this innocent victim. Once again, none of evidence that has been submitted has pointed to my client, Luke Cage as being the one responsible for this heartless act. Whatever Mr. Cage has done in his past, or what he does in his free time should not have any bearing or carrying any weight toward this crime. Ladies and gentlemen, you must remember that Mr. Cage is not on trial for being a vigilante or a superhero. He is not on trial for what he does in his free time, or how he decides to serve this city. He is on trial for murder to which the prosecution has failed prove that beyond a reasonable doubt he is responsible for. You have heard the evidence and the testimonies. You have heard my arguments and the testimonies of the eyewitnesses. You have seen the lack of evidence that fails to prove that my client is guilty. As I said, a horrendous crime has been committed. A grizzly murder has been committed. There is no doubt of that, but the truth behind who committed this act is still out there. The true culprit is walking free to this day and is not sitting in trial for this crime. I am urging that the police find the one who is responsible and bring that person to justice. So, in closing; ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I urge to do what you believe is right in determining that my client is not guilty." 
 
After Matt gave his closing arguments to the jury, he walked back over and stood alongside his law partner, Foggy Nelson, and his client, Luke Cage. The judge proceeding over the trial gave his direction to the jury and they were dismissed for deliberations. Luke complimented the two attorneys from Hell's Kitchen over their efforts in the trial. Even though, he felt that they presented a strong case for his defense, he still had doubts that the jury would see the truth. With his personal experiences in the court of law and with his past, the Power Man was preparing for the worst. Despite Danny Rand's persistence that the truth would prevail, and the true culprit would be brought to justice, Luke would not so certain. Luke sauntered off to himself and leaned forward against a wall. He lowered his head and closed his eyes to drift off in meditation. It was something that Danny always encouraged, but something that he did not care to do until now. 
 
While Foggy scrolled on his phone and waited patiently alongside his law partner, Matt was trying his best not to listen in on the jury's deliberations. It was something that he tried not to do out of professional courtesy, but there were times that he could not help himself. It was not long until they heard from the bailiff that the jury had reached a verdict. Matt and Foggy followed Luke as they headed back into that crowded courtroom. From the heartbeats of all that were inside that courtroom, Matt could hear that everyone was anticipating the jury's decision. Matt, himself, was curious as to the decision as the deliberations seemed quicker than usual. Foggy muttered under his breath that this must have been a record at how fast they came to a decision. From the sound of his heartbeat, Matt could tell that Luke was more anxious than ever. The Man without Fear tried his best to comfort his client as they watched the jury being led to their seats. 
 
As the jury foreman read out the verdict, a sigh of relief escaped from Luke's lips. "Sweet Christmas." He said softly while a smile formed across his cheeks. After hearing not guilty on all charges, the Power Man could not help but have tears in his eyes. As the Power Man, Luke had faced some deadly opponents and fought some of the worst enemies that Harlem had to offer. Even though, he faced the worst kinds of criminals, he was afraid of that twelve-person jury. He wrapped his long muscular arms around both Nelson and Murdock in one of the tightest bear hugs that either one had ever felt. The crowd in the courtroom cheered while the prosecution walked over to shake the hands of the two lawyers from Hell's Kitchen. 
 
While Luke stood alongside Danny Rand and other Heroes for Hire, Matt left with Foggy to head back to the office. They did not want to take away from Luke's victory or his celebration. Besides, Matt knew all too well that Foggy would want to stick around and talk with all his favorite heroes which was something Matt did not care to be around for. 
 
Nelson & Murdock LLC
 
After returning to the office, the two lawyers were met with a nice praise from Karen. They sat around their small, beat-up conference table and talked about the trial. Foggy made a remark that even though they were the attorneys for all the different superheroes that roamed the city, they were still not being paid the big bucks. Matt gave off a smile before pulling out a stack of papers. It was not long until Karen walked back to her desk and answered an incoming call. 
 
“We should definitely go to the bar tonight!” Foggy exclaimed while leaning back in his chair. “Do you think Luke knows Spider-Man or any of those X-Men? I’d consider buying all of them a round.” He said with a boyish grin.
 
“Really?” Matt said with a smirk. “You, one of the absolute cheapest people that I have ever met would buy a round for the X-Men.”
 
“On second thought, maybe I would just sit back and drink a martini.”
 
Matt stopped as the sound of someone entering the office building caught his attention. It was a couple of women. From his office, one of the women was wearing a high-priced perfume. The thing that really caught Matt’s attention was that the perfume seemed to mask the smell of blood. It was not long until they walked down the long hallway and into the reception area of the Nelson & Murdock Law Firm. Karen tried to give her standard greeting, but she was immediately cut off by the woman with the high-priced perfume. She demanded that she speak with one of the attorneys as soon as possible.
 
Shortly after, Karen sent a message back to both Matt and Foggy. Foggy’s boyish grin faded once he realizes that work never seemed to cease. Matt’s best friend and law partner leaned forward to look down at the stack of papers that were covering his desk. He rubbed his eyes before looking over at his best friend since law school.
 
“You know, how is it that we are as busy as we are but still do not have enough money to hire some good old fashion paralegals?”
 
Matt chuckled before responded, “We do not do it for the money.”
 
“We never do.” Foggy said before he looked down at the phone line. “Karen, you can send them back.”
 
After Karen led the women back to Foggy and Matt’s office, Matt could hear Foggy’s heart beating faster. Even though he concealed it for the most part, Foggy’s muscle started to shake, and he started to perspire in different areas of his body. Matt could tell that his friend was infatuated with the woman with the high-priced perfume. After stepping foot into their office, Matt’s attention fell upon this woman. The strong smell of high-priced perfume and the expensive make-up hid a recent injury. He could hear the muscles in her hands trembling from the altercation that she had previously been involved in. Foggy cleared his throat before speaking to the women.
 
“Thank you for coming to our office toda…
 
“I don’t need some welcome package.” The woman interrupted before taking a seat. “I need some really good lawyers.”
 
“What services are you looking for in a lawyer?” Matt asked.
 
“There are powerful individuals that I am needing protection from with full immunity from the law.” The woman replied.
 
“Usually those come with something in return. You would have to be able to provide evidence or testimony to get that level of protection or possible immunity.” Matt replied. “What is your name?”
 
“My name is Juno Skinner.”
 
“What kind of situation have you found yourself in, Ms. Skinner?”
 
“I am a dealer of ancient art and antiquities.” Juno responded while Matt listened in on her heartbeat. While she was talking about her business, Matt could tell that it was lines that she had recited on more than one occasion. She had become confident in what she told to different individuals and even government officials. Despite her introducing herself and discussing her business, Matt knew that she was lying. He knew that she was holding back vital information. He continued to listen to what she was saying. “Recently, I provided my services to an employer and now they have found it necessary to try and have me killed.”
 
“I think that would be better handled by police.” Foggy muttered.
 
“Listen, my operations may be considered questionable and confidential.” Juno replied with a slight smile.
 
“Ms. Skinner, we do not care to align ourselves with questionable individuals.” Matt interjected.
 
“I am willing to pay a lot of money.” Juno replied.
 
“Why would you hire any other attorney?” Foggy asked with a puzzled expression. “There are tons of attorneys out there that would be more than willing to take you on as a client.”
 
Before she could answer, Matt could hear her heart skip a couple beats. He realized that she was afraid. She had come to them out of desperation.
 
“You’re afraid.” Matt said unemotionally. “You have nowhere else to go and no one else that you trust.”
 
Juno sighed and swallowed her pride. “Yes.”  She said begrudgingly.
 
“Who exactly wants to have you killed, Ms. Skinner? Who do you need protection from and what do you need immunity for?” Matt asked sharply.
 
“You can leave.” Juno said to her assistant. The antiques dealer watched as her assistant walked out of the office and down the hallway. She then turned her attention back to the two lawyers from Hell’s Kitchen. “Lex Luthor…” Juno said reluctantly. “I transported items off world for his corporation, and now…” She said reluctantly before shaking her head. “Now, I believe he is trying to cover it up. Cut any potential loose ends.”
 
Matt turned his attention to Foggy and nodded. He then turned his attention back to the greedy businesswoman. “Ms. Skinner, we will take your case. Now, we need you to go into detail regarding what exactly took place.”
 
On a Yacht off the coast of New York,
 
"Your work with Cobra and many other organizations from around the globe have proven to be quite extensive. Even with your name remaining a mystery to the most powerful spy networks and intelligence agencies in the world, you have certainly gained a rather intriguing resume. A resume that my employer has developed an interest in. While he regrets our involvement in your former employer's collapse, he has wanted me to reach out to you for a potential job opportunity. What do you say, Mr. Zartan?" A woman said as she stared at a hooded figure standing in the corner of the room. 
 
"Please, Ms. Graves, it is simply Zartan." The hooded figure replied with a thick accent as he stepped closer to Mercy Graves. The figure pulled back his hood and looked over the cold woman. "What is that you want me to do?"
 
"My employer has a thorn in his side. Recently, we hired someone to take care of this thorn but that ended in failure. Now, this thorn has proven that it could be more of an issue than he originally had envisioned. For this pesky thorn not turn into an infection, we need the thorn taken care of. We need any potential risks taken care of as well. We also do not need any potential harm or liability coming to my employer." Mercy replied. 
 
"What is the name of this pesky thorn?"  The Master of Disguise asked while rubbing his chin. 
 
"Juno Skinner." Mercy replied coldly. "We have learned that she may have acquired the legal services of Nelson & Murdock based out of Hell's Kitchen, New York. It would be most satisfactory if they go out of business sooner rather than later."
 
"I will see to it that it gets done." Zartan replied with a devious grin. 
 
New York,
 
The Master of Disguise devised a plan after watching over his targets. His main target, Juno Skinner was locked away in a penthouse in one of the city's high rises. From what he gathered; she would not pose a challenge. The main challenge was the infiltration and carrying out the plan that he had worked hard for. In studying and learning about this law firm; he circled around one of the members particularly, Foggy Nelson. Both Matt Murdock and the secretary, Karen Page did not have emotional ties within the city when it came to a loved one. Foggy, on the other hand was married. The former Cobra stalked his prey and studied Foggy's every move. He even went as far as studying Foggy's own wife and her daily routine. 
 
The former Cobra waited patiently for his time to strike. He knew that it would not be much longer until he would be able to infiltrate his target's penthouse. Zartan knew it would not be much longer until his devious plan went into action. 
 
Inside Foggy's Apartment,
 
Feeling his phone buzzing in his apartment, Foggy stumbled around while trying to get himself ready. He placed a folder in his mouth before reaching down in his pocket. After pulling out his phone, he rearranged the folders back into his hand.
 
"Hey, Karen." Foggy answered while continuing to get all that he needed before leaving the apartment.
 
"I'm just calling you to remind you that there is the meeting with the judge. Then you also have that meeting with Ms. Skinner about her case later tonight."
 
"Yeah! Yeah! I remember. I'm about to head that way." Foggy said while scooping up his apartment's keys.
 
"Hey, I was just reminding you."
 
"Tell me again, why is Matt not meeting with Ms. Skinner?" Foggy asked as he reaches for a bottle of water.
 
"Didn't you volunteer to go over the documents with her?" Karen asked.
 
"You got me there. Just don't tell Debbie." Foggy said jokingly.
 
"Tell Debbie what?" Foggy's wife said from behind him.
 
"I got to go, Karen. I'll see you in the morning. Bye." Foggy said before hanging up the phone. He turned to look back at his wife with a puppy-eyed expression. "Oh, you know, just how amazing you are."
 
"Nice try, but you will have to do a lot more than that!" Debbie chuckled.
 
"It was worth a try." Foggy said before giving his wife a quick kiss. "I will be late tonight. I have a meeting with a client."
 
"So, don't wait up?" 
 
"Unless you really love me just that much?" Foggy said with a large grin. 
 
"In that case, I think I will binge watch a show and then hit the bed early." Debbie said with a smile.
 
"Ouch." Foggy chuckled before walking out the door of the apartment.
 
Debbie let out a sigh before walking over the kitchen. She felt a sensation inside of her and gently rubbed her hand across her stomach. Debbie then made her way into the bathroom and opened a drawer. She pulled out a pregnancy test that revealed it was positive. Under her breath she mumbled, "Just wait and see what we have in store for you, Mr. Foggy Nelson." She had been trying to find a way to break the news to her husband, but she always came up short. The moment ended when she heard a knock at the door. Debbie slid the pregnancy stick back into her pocket before heading back to the entrance of the apartment. She looked through the peep hole and saw Foggy standing on the other side of the door.
 
"Fog, did you really forget your keys again?" Debbie laughed before opening the door.
 
Debbie backed up while Foggy quietly walked into the apartment. He stared at Debbie with a grim look on his face. 
 
"Fog, what is it?" Debbie asked with a concerned look.
 
A sinister smile formed across Foggy's face as he pulled out a large kukri knife from underneath his jacket. Debbie backed up and let out a blood-curdling scream that pierced through the rest of the apartment complex.
 
Nightfall
 
Matt's Apartment
 
Standing before his suits, Matt rubbed his left hand against one of the many masks that were in his apartment. He took a deep breath as he heard the blaring sirens that haunted the streets of Hell's Kitchen. For many, these sirens were nothing more than an annoying sound in the distance. For Matt, it was the city crying out for help. This was simply another night for the Man without Fear. Matt prowled the rooftops and alleyways of New York in hopes of helping those in need. On most nights, he would watch over his city as the Guardian Devil of the City. He was going to suit up once again as the one that criminals had come to fear. He was going to suit up as the Daredevil. 
 
Before he could leave his apartment, his phone had started going off with an alert from Karen. At first, he was going to ignore and begin his nightly routine of watching over the city. After the phone had gone off several times, something in his chest told him that it must have been an emergency. Matt walked over toward his phone and picked it up off the counter 
 
"Hey Karen, what is it?"
 
"MATT!" She cried out hysterically. "It's.... It's Foggy." She sobbed.
 
"Karen, I need you to calm down. What is it? What happened?" Matt asked.
 
"Po... Police..." Karen stuttered as her voice was filled with emotion. "They came by. They... They said that they are looking for Foggy. They said, his wife..." She burst into uncontrollable sobs as Matt stood in his apartment.
 
"Please, Karen... I need you to be strong for a moment. What about Debbie?" Matt asked as he tried controlling his own emotions.
 
"She's dead. A witness... A witness saw Foggy leaving the apartment covered in blood!" Karen said before continuing to cry. 
 
"Karen, I need you to get somewhere safe. Foggy was going to bring the court documents to Ms. Skinner's penthouse for her to review tonight. I am going to head there and see if he is there."
 
"Okay... Matt, please be careful. If..  If he..." Karen pleaded before going silent.
 
"He didn't do this. He is not that person." Matt said confidently before hanging up the phone. 
 
Matt dropped the phone onto the counter and placed the red mask over his face. Immediately, he ran toward the balcony window and launched out of his apartment. 
 
Juno's Penthouse
 
After hearing a buzzing in her penthouse, Juno looked over the security camera at the entrance. She saw the face of Foggy Nelson and let out a sigh. Although, she was expecting Foggy to show up with the documents for her to review regarding her deal, there was a part of her that hoped it would be Matt that showed up to her door. The greedy businesswoman had grown attracted to the blind attorney over the past couple weeks. With a scowl on her face, she reached down to press a button for the intercom. 
 
"I am going to buzz you in. Just make yourself at home, Mr. Nelson. I need to finish getting ready." 
 
Foggy looked up at the camera that was pointing down at him. He grinned while giving off a nod. The door unlocked and the attorney walked into the penthouse. He stared at the expensive furniture and sculptures that were sitting in the living room of the penthouse. Foggy's soon tilted his head as he heard a noise from behind. The attorney turned to look back and saw Juno standing next to a wine rack in the corner of the living room.
 
"I hope you don't mind; I am a little famished." Juno said while pulling out one of his more expense bottles. 
 
"Not at all, Ms. Skinner." Foggy replied as he dropped his briefcase on the floor. 
 
"So, what do you have for me?" Juno said with a large smile. She popped the cork off the bottle of wine and started pouring herself a glass. "Would like one?" She asked while glancing back at the attorney.
 
"Not quite yet." Foggy said as he reached into his jacket. 
 
The attorney pulled out a large and bloodied kukri knife from inside his jacket. Juno's eyes widened as she looked over her attorney. 

"What is this? Mr. Nelson, what are you doing?!" She screamed.

"My job." Foggy replied before raising the blade up from over his head.
 
Suddenly, a red billy club came flying and knocked the blade out of Foggy's hand. The billy club bounced back into the hands of the Man Without Fear. Daredevil flipped high up into the air and landed between Foggy and Juno.
 
"Who are you? Where is Foggy Nelson?" Daredevil while facing off against the imposter.
 
"I do not know what you are talking about. I am Foggy Nelson!" The man pleaded.
 
Matt knew his best friend. He knew his heartbeat. He knew how he breathed and where he would sweat when he was nervous. He knew how he talked and how much cologne that he would usually where. Matt knew his friend and this man was not Foggy Nelson.
 
Daredevil stood in complete silence as he stood before the man that looked like Foggy. He raised his billy clubs and stood in a fighting position.
 
"I heard you were good." The man that posed as Foggy said in a thick accent. He started to chuckle as he reached down and picked his knife off that floor. The imposter, Zartan, pulled another large blade from his jacket pocket. "What gave me away?" Zartan asked as he held a large blade in both hands.
 
 
Daredevil did not reply at first. He just stood facing off against his opponent before finally responding, "Where is Foggy Nelson?"
 
"Maybe he is dead like his wife and unborn child..." Zartan laughed. "Maybe he is alive, but you will not be alive long enough to know."
 
Matt could not believe what he had heard. Foggy's wife was pregnant. The Man without Fear felt a rage burning through his veins as his grip started tightening on his billy clubs. "Get out of here!" Daredevil growled as he turned his attention to Juno. Without a word, Juno nodded before running away. Daredevil soon turned to face the Master of Disguise once again.
 
"See you in a second." Zartan smiled before looking over the Man without Fear. "Carving you up will be fun!"
 
***************
This takes place shortly after Juno’s battle with Lori Quaid. Juno has decided to hire an attorney to help her with getting immunity and provide evidence against LexCorps for their illegal activities as well as them trying to have her killed. She ends up hiring Nelson & Murdock as she feels that she cannot trust another other law firm for fear that they may be in LexCorps pocket.  Mercy Graves ends up hiring Zartan to take out Juno as well as take out Nelson & Murdock.  Zartan disguises himself as Foggy Nelson and kills Foggy’s wife to frame Foggy and cover up the conspiracy.
Zartan as Foggy then tries to take out Juno but ends up being intercepted by Daredevil.  Can Master of Disguise defeat Daredevil and then take out his target? Or will the Man without Fear stop this assassin?
 
Daredevil has his billy clubs.
 
Zartan as two large kukri knives and a couple karambit knives.
 

 

[Callisto]

Learn More About
Daredevil
Read more about Daredevil at Wikipedia
Official Site: Marvel Comics Links: Daredevil Wiki Entry The Man Without Fear Superhero Universe DD Entry

Zartan
Read more about Zartan at Wikipedia
Official Site: Hasbro Links: Wikipedia IMDb Wikipedia

[Boratz]

Hope you all enjoy 

[leroypowell3]

Deadly as Zartan is Daredevil can take him.

[Pizza Guy]

Daredevil doesn’t get enough appreciation, he’s one of the best street fighters of the Marvel universe alongside Cap and Panther. Don’t let his lack of MCU film adaptations fool you.

[leroypowell3]

19 hours ago, Pizza Guy said:

Daredevil doesn’t get enough appreciation, he’s one of the best street fighters of the Marvel universe alongside Cap and Panther. Don’t let his lack of MCU film adaptations fool you.

Real talk...

 

Zartan would make a good villain though.

[Boratz]

1 hour ago, leroypowell3 said:

Real talk...

 

Zartan would make a good villain though.

I definitely agree. I liked the idea of him disguising himself as Foggy so visually it would be Foggy vs. Daredevil.

I guess with Matt, that doesn't really matter but I thought it would make for a fun battle. 

[DSkillz]

Another very good chapter to your arc, Boratz. Everyone seems to be in-character, including how ruthless Zartan can be.

Lori would've finished off Juno, though, voters. 

Anyways, as for the match, yeah, Zartan's good, but Daredevil's one of the better fighters from Marvel. I think Matt would take the spy down after a bit of a struggle. 

 

[Callisto]

Match Final Results

Member Ratings:
4.60 - DSkillz
5.00 - JohnnyChany
4.60 - Pizza Guy

FPA Calculation:
3 Total Votes cast
14.20 Total Combined Score
14.20 / 3 = 4.73 Final Rating on the match

MATCH SCORE
Daredevil: 6
Zartan: 1