Emma Black is a UK based artist. She graduated in 2012 from the University of Westminster with a First Class honours degree in Illustration, and in 2016 from the Cambridge School of Art with a MA in Fine Art. The unknown, whether an aspect of the physical world or a limitation of the human mind, is the main starting point for her work. Using mainly traditional media and autobiographical themes, her practice explores notions of The Uncanny, human subconscious and our relationship to death and the natural world. - via wowxwow
When I was 16, my father was killed. It was always my dad and me, and I didn't know what to do, but then I received an email with an attachment - a video, more precisely a video of my father telling me what my legacy was. I was a woman of letters from my dad who was a man of letters. I didn't know what it was so I searched my whole house to know what truly my legacy was and when I found out what was hiding in the shadows I didn't know how to react, so I went to the men of letters bunker. For the short amount of time I stayed there, I knew these people were no good. They only acted on their “code” without caring about second chances to the ones that deserved it. So I secretly started to work on something on the side without telling anyone, something that I knew would change a lot of things, especially my life. I was going to honor my father’s memory and his legacy. My heritage.
Emma’s point of view
My life had been wonderful. I had caring parents and an annoying big brother. My life was as dull as a teenagers life could be, and my biggest worry was to know if my crush liked me back or not. Until that one gloomy day, I’ve lost everything I had. Puff and nothing was there anymore, just my broken self. I was 16 at that time, and coming home from school. I had found my family lying in the living room. So much blood everywhere. I had spent 3 days sitting next to my deceased family before somebody found us. Later I’d found a DVD with my name and my brother’s on it. My parents were explaining my dead sibling that we belong to a secret order and me. The Men and Women of letters. That’s when I started my researches and found a Letters bunker. They took me in and shared their secrets. But something around them was giving away some pretty bad vibes. Strict and merciless. That’s what they were. Later I met a girl who seemed to share my thought about second chances. Maybe she was someone to trust.
Amelia’s point of view
First, when I saw her, I thought she was just another toy, but she got herself in a lot of troubles for not listening to orders, which made me believe that she did not want to be here. That was something I had to try, if I were going to do what I wanted, I would need someone to help me every step of the way. So one day I went to her and asked her why she was not listening to the orders and she told me because she didn't trust them. At this moment I did not know if she was being honest or not, but she was an asset I could not risk to lose. Back then, I liked to think that we were a part of something bigger, something great and I know that today, we are. Because no matter what, we are both legacies.
Emma’s point of view
During the time I was at the Men of letters bunker, I’ve got myself in a lot of trouble for not listening to the orders. But how could I when every molecule in myself screamed against it? I couldn’t believe my caring parents were part of this organization. And nothing gave me more satisfaction than bringing the others to rage against me. I often was alone and could observe the others around. One day that that girl came over and asked me why I was acting like that. In a moment of secret sharing, I told her I didn’t trust the men around us. I’ve watched her later. While I was getting into trouble for acting against orders in the sight of everyone, she was more discreet, never getting caught. She was good at what she did, and her way of contouring the rules without anyone noticing was making me interested in her plans.
Present Day.
Lux and Aurea were both fighting against two other men. Both of Lux and Aurea had headsets, someone was telling them what to do and who was coming at them.
“Lux, there is one aiming at you at 5 o'clock.” says the person talking in the headset.
Lux turns around and throw a punch at her attacker and kick him in the face, knocking him down.
“Aurea we have to get the files.” says Lux.
Aurea knocks down another man and nods at Lux. The both of them runs to the door, they put an electronic box and back away. The door explodes, they charge and aim their guns.
“You go east, I go west. If something goes wrong-” Lux starts.
“We say the word.” cuts Aurea.
This wasn't the first time they did this, but this time it wasn't just them, all of their works were in danger, those files could destroy everything they've worked for.
Aurea’s point of view
I look everywhere, aiming my gun, ready to shoot. It has been years since we've been there and nothing had changed, the Men of Letters’ bunker is the same, which is a point for Lux and I. As I approach the rooms where the kids live, I hear screams. I press my headset to warn Lux and Gravity.
“Something is going on in the kids’ side, I am going to take a look.”
“Be careful.” Lux answers.
“The door is open, be careful there is no camera in there.” Gravity adds.
“Okay.”
Lux’s point of view
I can’t decide if I should head back and cover Aurea or if I should go further. I don’t like the thought the kids could be in danger. After all, they are only kids…
I shake my head and walk further. She will be okay. After all, she isn’t a newbie, and she knows how to handle herself.
“Gravity, can you see anything around? I’m not really getting a good vibe right now…” I mutter.
“It looks like you’re alone… Wait… No. It seems like somebody is right in front of you, but I can’t make out much more, the camera isn’t positioned correctly.” Gravity’s statement comes clear through the headset.
“Well then. I hope this is going to be fun.” I whisper back only to be greeted by Gravity’s grunt.
I take a stance and stop, waiting for whoever is hidden to show up.
I have no news for Aurea, but I know she’s alright. Otherwise, she would have used the word.
Lux’s point of view
I wait and wait. I’m not sure if I’m going to have enough patience if my opponent doesn’t show himself in the next minutes. Something rustles before me as I straighten up. Finally, he has decided to show himself. I prepare myself for whatever will come next. But when I can finally see the person who is now standing a few feet away from me I’m frozen.
A little boy, not older than 11, stands there, his hands clenched around his body, shaking.
“Hello?” He whispers asks.
“Hey, buddy. What are you doing here all by yourself?” I’m angry at myself. Apparently, I scared the poor thing. No wonder when I’m standing around with my gun raised. I let my arm sink and put the gun back into the Hollister.
“I’m kind of lost…” The little boy answers my question while taking a few steps towards me, now that I’m not armed anymore, I’m not scary either.
“Well, I should be doing something else… But I guess I can quickly help you find your way.” He gives me a timid smile, and I’m shocked how much he looked like him when he was around his age.
He steps forward and takes my outstretched hand in his tiny one.
“Where were you heading anyway?” I ask.
“To the library.” He answers, no hesitation left. I smile. He tugs me forward into a direction. A sound starts from somewhere. It sounds like the buzzing of a bee. But I ignore it.
“What did you want to read?” I can’t help myself but ask. He reminds me so many things, it’s overwhelming me.
He starts to tell me about the things he wants to do some researches about. And while I listen I slightly wonder why we’re heading in the right direction if he lost himself, him a few steps before me.
All of a sudden he comes to a stop. How bizarre. I’m pretty sure I didn’t hear Gravity since the boy has appeared. I shrug it off.
“Is there something little one?” I ask and crouch down, a concerned look on my face.
He turns and frowns at me.
“Yes, there actually is. Can’t you hear that noise?”
I listen carefully, and now I can make out what it is. Gravity is almost shouting into my headset.
“Lux! For the sake of everything, I can muster! GET OUT OF THERE!” I jump up alerted. Gravity is usually not the one to curse.
“What’s up Gravity?” I’m trying to make out when I stopped listening to her. She normally is our safety string in those situations, and it can be a life threat not to listen to her.
“IT’S A TRAP IDIOT! GET OUT GET OUT GET OUUT!” I turn and see the boy smile mischievously at me.
“Looks like it is too late now.” A metal net falls down on me bringing me to fall down. When I try to stand up again, I remark the weights on each end. Kids are sitting there, holding down the net with their bodies.
“I didn’t think it would be that easy to catch you. But you make this very easy.” He states while he takes the gun and points it at me. “Now would you please stretch your hands out and then if you don’t mind following till the end. The master will be pleased to see you.”
I curse under my breath. They are kids. I can’t do anything against kids. That’s what I promised myself. I glare at the boy, but it only makes him chuckle. Standing up I stretch my hands. A girl around 13 comes near and cuffs me before another one pushes me in the back.
“Gravity, some help would be needed over here,” I mutter. The boy looks up and points at the headset with one hand while he holds the gun towards me.
“Give me that.” Reluctantly I hand it over just to watch him smash it with his feet.
What have I gotten myself into?
Aurea’s Point of view
Once I come into the room, I look around, but I cannot see anything, the room being too dark.
“Hello? You can come out I am not going to hurt you, I'm here to help.” I try to calm them.
Three teenagers get out, looking terrified.
“Hey, it's fine. I'm going to get you out of here. Come on, let's go.” I say.
The teenagers don't answer me, they stare at me.
“Okay. We gotta go, we-”
One of them runs to me, aiming a knife.
“What the!! Gravity!” I yell as I fight the teenage boy.
“I know it's a trap something happened to Lux, you've gotta get out of here!!” Screams Gravity.
I try to fight the boy but the two others come to help him and knock me down.
Lux and Aurea were attached to chains in the middle of a room.
“Lux, are you okay?” Asks Aurea.
Lux had a couple of bruises, but she was going to be okay.
“I'm all right.” Answers Lux. “Are you?”
Aurea has no time to answer, a man enters the room and steps right in front of Lux and Aurea.
“Well girls, welcome home!”
“You son of a bitch!” Yells Aurea.
“Martin, let us go.” Says Lux in a cold tone.
“You know, you were trouble when you were young, but none of us thought you'd ever do this. Destroy your legacy? That is a bold move, even for troublemakers like you two.” States Martin, the man of letters.
“We don't destroy our legacy, we honor it, we save what's left of it. You are the one who destroys it. No human being like you should be in charge of such things. You are a danger and dead or alive, I will take you down.” Maintains Aurea.
“You've hurt so many good people that were making a difference in this world; but just because we don't follow your stupid code that makes us threats. Well good, because we are threatening you and for good reasons.” Spats Lux.
“You have to obey the code! The code is what makes us different from those monsters!!” Screams Martin.
“No! What makes us different is love, compassion, hope, and kindness. This code makes you worse than monsters! But this ends today.” Screams back Lux.
“Even if we die tonight, it is beyond us, we are way more than you think. We are worldwide. It won't stop with our death, it will only go further. I told you, dead or alive we will arrest you and everyone who follows the code.” States Aurea.
“But your death is personal. You see, I know everything about you two.” Replies Martin.
“There is always things you don't know, Martin. We will take you down, you cannot stop us. You failed.” Answers calmly Lux.
Gravity was fuming when Lux got caught. Why did the girls ignore her warnings? Were they foolish or what? Before she had the news that Aurea too had been found, she was already searching for help.
She puffed while her fingers run through the pages searching for somebody to help. At first, she had freaked out. Without Aurea and Lux, a significant part of the order would have been taken down. After all, they were the first ones to stand up against the Men of Letters.
A relieved sigh left her when she finally found what she was searching. A smile tugging her lips up. If this wasn’t the dream team, she didn’t know either.
Quickly her hands fly over the keyboard of the computer sending away the alert. They should respond quickly now.
Not too long after three alerts came up on her screen. All had agreed to come. She typed a quick response.
“Women of Letter bunker. Arms are here. Aurea & Lux are in trouble. Make it quick.”
It wouldn’t take too long now. Hopefully they wouldn’t be too late.
“You have to be kidding me…” Clint mutters while he sees his team mates. Both masked and joking around. The red masks were both so bright it was already annoying him.
“Hey, panty pooper - when did they decide to call you for rescue? Weren’t you supposed to make some acrobatics?” Deadpool asks.
“Nah thought I would hang around here…” Spiderman answers.
Clint just groans. This mission was going to be annoying.
“Can we go now? I thought both of you knew not to leave the ladies alone and waiting for too long in those situations…” He mutters. Swinging his bow in his hand.
The two others let out some shocked gasps.
“That was really low, even for me!” Deadpool states.
“I can’t believe you just hit that low!” Spiderman adds.
Clint just shrugs.
“Get it moving, we have work.” And turns around.
The place was calm when they arrived, nothing around them, just empty rooms. Until the last one where they can hear a man’s monologue.
“It’s showtime baby.” Even through the mask, you can tell Deadpool is smiling.
Clint looks around and sees Lux and Aurea bound to chairs and Martin in front of them.
“Hard to imagine these two needs saving.” Whispers Deadpool.
Aurea still had her headset, to her luck.
“Help is here, I see you on my camera, give me a sign you hear me.” Declares Gravity to Aurea.
Aurea move her finger repetitively for Gravity to see.
“Good. Okay, so we still don't have the files. You will have to buy us more time so they can search for it get them, scan them and burn them.” Communicates Gravity.
Aurea moves her fingers once more.
“So what? What now? You have us, an army of devil puppies or whatever and the files, our records. What was your plan?” Asks Aurea.
“I plan to destroy the Women Of Letters for the British and us to be the one to rule. All those hunters that don't kill monsters when they should don't get me wrong, the Winchesters are good, really good, but they are not enough, they follow their own code, and we cannot risk our own code for two idiots.” Argues Martin.
“And the metahumans? Vigilante? Seriously? They are ridiculous with their masks! And those heroes, pretending to do that for the greater good when they truly do it for power.” Adds Martin.
“And making an army out of innocent kids is pathetic! Why don't you be a man in tights and fight us?! You are one big bag full of dicks! Presuming to know everything, playing God by having the right over life or death on others! Who do you think you are? You are nothing, Martin. And it's time for you to pay for your actions.” Counterclaims Aurea.
“What you did to those kids, how could you? They are not an army! They are innocent! How could you chose for them? For us?!” Fire back Lux, understanding what Aurea was doing.
“Did you find the files? Lux and Aurea won’t be able to distract him for too long.” Urges Gravity.
“Listen, woman, we won't go faster if you keep screaming at us.” States Deadpool.
“Call me woman again, and you will live to your name. Find those files, scan them, burn them and get Lux and Aurea out of here.” Threats Gravity.
Clint snorts and keeps searching.
“I got them.” States Spiderman.
“Take them, kill them.” Says Martin.
“They are children you cannot turn them into murderers!” Screams Lux as the kids takes them.
“Kids or not I won't let them kill me.” States Aurea.
She pushes the kids, take the chair and hit them with it.
“Gravity now would be a good time!” Pleads Aurea.
Lux watches Martin run away as Clint, Deadpool, and Spider-Man comes in.
“Aurea!” Calls Lux.
Aurea looks at the team, they nod. Aurea runs to Lux and breaks their bounds.
“Let's kill that son of a bitch.” Affirms Lux.
Lux and Aurea search for Martin in the bunker.
“Gravity, can you find him?” Asks Aurea.
“East side.” Answers Gravity.
“East side, let's go.” Repeats Aurea to Lux.
When Lux and Aurea arrives to the east side of the bunker they look all around, all the rooms to find Martin.
The team knocked down the kids without hurting them too much and runs to help Lux and Aurea only to find them fighting against other men of letters.
“They know how to take a swing.” States Clint. “Let's go.”
Deadpool gives knives to Lux and Aurea. Once no men were fighting the girls they run to Martin, attacking him at the same time. Kicking him and punching him. Aurea backs away and take an arrow of Clint and stabs him, making him fall on the ground.
Lux backs away and takes Martin’s gun.
“That's for our family and those kids.” She shoots him in the leg. “Death is too kind for you. Justice won't. See that is what makes us better than you, and the monsters.” Says Lux.
“You will be a message for all of the Men of Letters who believe in your code. We're coming.” Adds Aurea.
Once they were outside the police was waiting for Martin. The kids were heading to the hospital, probably going back to their family.
“We will have to be careful with those children.” Declares Lux.
“I know...Thank you guys for your help.” Adds Aurea.
Spiderman hands two files to Aurea.
“What are those?” Asks Lux.
“Your files and your family’s.” Replies Clint.
“We thought you'd like to keep them.” Adds Deadpool.
Aurea watches the police leave and looks at Lux.
“Thanks…” Whispers Lux.
“Let's burn this place down.” Says Aurea.
The girls get on their motorcycles and take several bombs and put them all in the bunker and once they get out of it, blow it out.
“I think that fireworks by Katy Perry would be good right now.” Says Deadpool.
“Listen smartass, I think you should stop saying bullshit.” Snaps back Spiderman.
“Here we go again…” Mutters Clint making the girls laugh.
“Well I'm a smart ass, and I have a great ass!” Exclaims Deadpool.
“Ha! Mine is way better than yours, sweetheart!” Adds Spiderman.
“What is wrong with them?” Asks Lux while Aurea looks at their asses while walking to them.
“Aurea please don't…” Pleads Lux, knowing what Aurea is going to do.
Aurea walks behind Deadpool and Spiderman and put her head between them, grabbing their asses.
“ Well, to be fair, Deadpool's butt is better.” She said winking at them and walking back to Lux and Clint while Deadpool and Spiderman fight, making them laugh.
Emma Black a.k.a. googoogilly is a freelance artist and illustrator from the UK. She graduated in 2012 from the University of Westminster with a First Class honors degree in illustration, and in 2016 from the Cambridge School of Art with MA in Fine Art.
The unknown has always interested me, whether it is something in the physical world or a limitation of the human mind. Using mainly traditional media and autobiographical themes, my practice explores notions of The Uncanny, human subconscious and our relationship to the world around us. I take a lot of inspiration from the natural world, I am particularly interested with our different views towards animals and the changes the world is currently going through.
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