To wrap up the plot I put it in short story form. Those involved in the plot will understand, those who were not involved in the plot, read anyway. You might enjoy.
Crossing The Line
Fire fell from the sky like rain, sharp wind blew violently scratching against the faces of those who stood near. Automobiles, street lights and phone boxes were tossed around like rag dolls. Everyone watched in awe as the night sky opened. Beautiful sapphire light emitted through the opening while grey clouds danced around it. Mouths hung open and eyes were wide as they witnessed an unexplainable yet beautiful sight. The streets were not safe but the citizens refused to run and take shelter. Perhaps they have given up and are waiting for fate to decide what will happen. Maybe they are captivated by the lights magnificent glory. Or maybe they are waiting for their heroes to save them once again. At the start of the crisis there was rioting and looting. Fear, anger and desperation overcame the people and made them fight for survival at all cost. Now... Now it was just silent, every gaze was upon the sky. They waited for what was going to happen next. Was the sapphire light the sign of another alien invasion? Is it a weapon created by the government? The arrival of a new hero or villain? Was it the wrath of god? No one knew. No one knew, so they waited.
"It's happening," those were the whispers that escaped the lips of a rugged, bearded man who watched the sky from a dark ally. After taking a swig from a half empty bottle of wine, he turned his eyes away from the light and walked off into the darkness. "I tried, I really tried." Mr.Beyond's words was heard by no one.
1 Days Earlier
"Harrington will be hiding here." Scott extended his index finger and slammed it on a location on the map. "It's the biggest Lazarus base, no doubt it will be crawling with security."
"That's a Lazarus base? You're pointing at an airport in Denver, Colorado." Maria questioned.
The gang stood surrounding a boardtable. Behind them was a thick window, the darkness of space was the only view. Opposite them, uniformed personel tapped on glowing buttons and consoles which made up most of the bridge. The walls shone a shiny silver, polished and metallic. Apart from the sounds of the bleeping buttons, zipping noises were heard as the crew entered and exited rooms through advanced automatic doors.
"The base is underneath," Evrin spoke coldly, her focus was directly on the map. It seemed she was already planning a stratedgy.
"Great, i'll pack my shovel." Deathelocke joked. His voice was upbeat as always but now wasn't an appropraite time to joke. Although, it didn't stop him. Never does.
The group glanced at Dave disaprovingly then back at the map. Determination and focus were on all of their faces as they tried to find a way to enter the base.
"Check if there is nearby construction going on. There could be tunnels that lead to the base." Unavenged Knight suggested.
"They had to get in somehow." Maria replied. "Computer, bring up blue prints of Denver international Airport." She instructed but there was no
answer.
"Computer, bring up the blue prints of Denver International Airport," Scott repeated. A blue, 3D hologram of the airport covered the boardtable. Scott used his finger to rotate the hologram round and round as he searched for clues. Maria frowned as she was a bit frustrated that the computer didn't listen to her.
"It's because he's commander of the ship and you're not, Maria." Unavenged Knight told Maria in attempt to put her mind at ease of why the
computer didn't answer her.
"Makes sense." Evrin replied, her focus still on the task at hand.
"What's that over there?" Deathelocke pointed to a large vehicle at the corner of the mapped hologram.
"Computer, show Denver International Airport and surrounding areas," Scott commanded and the hologram enlarged showing everything near by.
"Oh, it's just a tractor. Never mind," Dave said and gave out a frustrated sigh.
"No, you might be on to something. Tractors are used when digging." Unavenged Knight leaned closed to the hologram, "what's the black mark over there?"
"It's a hole," Maria answered immediately in a fed up tone.
"No, it's a tunnel." Evrin spoke without taking her gaze off of the map.
"Looks like we found our enterance then," Scott said to the group, "but
from the looks of it, only one way in and one way out. Could be dangerous."
"It will be." James responded. He knew this would not be a walk in the park.
"Right. We'll meet near the tunnel tomorrow morning," Scott instructed.
"I would prefer if we did it now," Unavenged Knight suggested while leaning off the boardtable.
"Me too," Maria agreed.
"Me three," Evrin also gave her input.
"Me 7 thousand 6 hundred and 88." Everyone turned round and looked over at Dave. After a few seconds of having an awkward silent moment Dave just shrugged.
"I agree with Scott. We'll meet tomorrow morning. As for tonight, we'll build a bigger team. We'll need all the help we can get. Ekliptus is inside the Lazarus base and I doubt we will be able to send him home this time." James said sternly, laying down the law.
"So are you going to kill him this time, James?" Maria asked.
"No, i'll never cross that line." James answered, he looked away from the rest of the team. He was lost in thought. He knew if the time came he would probably have to for the greater good.
It was a beautifuly starry night. The stars glittered and danced in the night sky. A soft wind blew on James' face as he stared up into the sky from his apartment window. He watched below him at the people who went on with their daily lives. He envied them, they weren't thinking about winning a war, deciding whether to kill for the greater good, keeping others alive. No. They were thinking about going home to their families, trying their luck with the lottery, being in love and content with their lives. All the things James never really managed to experience growing up. All he experienced from life was pain and loss. Before the only thing that kept him going was his mission. His birth right. To uphold justice around the universe, to be a soldier of light, to be an inspiration, a symbol of peace. But now things were different. It wasn't just the mission that kept him going. For once he finally had friends. People he would die for regardless of the mission. He would always be the last of his kind but for the first time in a long time he didn't feel alone.
A shadow passed the corner of Evrin's eye and lead into a dark ally. She didn't hesitate to follow it. The street was quiet and cold, newspapers were blown past then vacant roads, trash cans rattled and swayed in the wind. As she got closer to the dark ally something else caught her eye:
"Blood." Evrin whispered before entering the narrow ally. She followed the trail of blood and couldn't help but notice trash cans tipped over, blood stains on the brick walls aswell as on the ground. It appeared that there was some sort of struggle. A bloodied leg, one foot bare and the other wore a shoe with a snapped heel. A pool of blood stretched across the ground and dripped into a near by drain. With careful steps she nears in on the body, her hand was ready and reached for her dagger.
"Selina." Evrin kneeled down, she recognized the body as Selina Carter. A fiesty reporter who once had a grudge against meta-humans. Although being an arrogant loud mouth, Selina was harmless. She had also turned over a new leaf and dropped her grudge. Selina's eyes were wide open, the expression of fear was worn on her face and remained there even after her final moments. Blood dripped from her broken nose and her mouth. There was more blood on the back and side of her head. Her left hand covered what appeared to be a stab wound. Glasses lay beside her, both of the lenses were cracked and the frame was badly damaged. It became clear that Selina was stabbed and beaten to death. But why? And by who? Evrin remembered the shadow that passed her quickly and lead her to the ally which meant whoever or whatever lead her here could still be lurking around. Evrin pulled out her dagger. Her eyes searched the rooftops and gazed into the deepest shadows of the ally.
"Who's there?" Her grip round her dagger tightened.
"No need to be alarmed, it's only me," a familiar voice spoke from deep inside the shadows.
"Reaper." Evrin frowned and readied herself for battle.
"A bit late, don't you think?," General Reaper emerged from the shadow and calmly approached Evrin.
"Why did you kill Selina?" Her eyes were locked on to Reapers.
"With all the destruction you and your friends have left behind, Selina conducted an investigation. She found out about Lazarus and their agenda's and was going to give Mr.Harrington media attention. I know how much he hates being in the spotlight so I did him a favour." General Reaper grinned sadistically.
"You knew I would come here?" Evrin asked.
"No. No, I didn't but I suppose fate brought us together on this night as I have a proposition for you."
"I'm not interested."
A cold wind blew past them both, the rattling of trash cans could still be heard aswell as the flutters of the newspapers that were blowing around. The two stood facing each other. Their eyes locked and focused. Evrin stood ready for battle whereas Reaper stood calmly.
"Not even if it saves your friend?" Reaper smiled widely.
"What are you talking about?" A hint of frustration was detected in her voice.
"As we speak, Abercurda Champions are closing in on your friend, The Knight Angel. If you don't know, Abercurda Champions are our elite warriors. Powerful, brutal, intelligent and loyal. Mr.Harrington wants to speak with you in private, you let me take you to him and I will call of my champions. Turn down my proposition and The Knight Angel gets his wings clipped. Simple as that." Reaper crossed his arms and tilted his head to the side as he waited for an answer.
Evrin seemed hesitant and carefully put away her dagger.
"Call them off and I'll come with you." She requested.
"No, deal." Reaper uncrossed her arms and pulled out his pocket watch,
"won't you look at that, they're probably already there. If not, I give them another 30 seconds." He looked away from the watch and grinned at her again.
"F...Fine!" Evrin yelled and unwillingly went through with the proposition.
Reaper clicked a button which stuck out the side of his pocket watch,
"alright, I called them off. But if you try anything, all it takes is for one click and your angel dies."
Evrin nodded slowly.
"Now, if you just come with me."
The light was dim but the walls were silver and metallic, chemistry equipment sat on top of shelves and trays. Dead bodies lay on top of slabs, some bodies were openly being experimented on. Lazarus soldiers and scientists scurried around the base hard at work but they were distracted by the arrival of General Reaper who was leading Evrin towards a heavy metallic door. General Reaper coded in the password and the door opened. Evrin looked over at General Reaper. He smiled at her and nodded as they both entered the posh boardroom. A black leather chair was stationed behind a large brown desk which was host to two empty glasses and a bottle of red wine. The chair slowly spun round and Mr.Harrington face Evrin and Reaper. He smiled at poured both glasses and slid one across to Evrin.
"Thirsty?" He asked.
"I'll leave you both to it then," General Reaper turned around and walked towards the exit, "oh, and Evrin."
Evrin's gaze was locked onto Harrington's sadistic evil smile but she turned round at the sound of Reaper's voice. General Reaper smiled at her, he put his hand in his pocket and took out his pocket watch, "I lied. This is just an ordinary pocket watch. Thanks for your co-operation anyway." He grinned as he left the room, the heavy metal door shutting behind him almost immediately after his exit.
"You *******!" Evrin ran straight towards the door in attempt to go after Reaper. Suddenly, a sharp ***** was felt on the back of her neck. Her vision blurred and she turned around slowly, facing Mr.Harrington. A dart gun was held in his left hand and a glass of wine on his right. Evrin struggled and limped towards Mr.Harrington, her hand, although weak, reached for her dagger. She fought with all her might to stay awake, using the table and a chair as leverage to keep her balance she reached forward with her dagger in attempt to stab Harrington but it was no use. Their was no energy behind the thrust of the dagger.
"I admire your determination but this is the same toxic that took out Ekliptus. It pains me to see you struggle like this darling, just give up." Harrington pointed the gun at Evrin's limp body.
"Never..." Evrin used the last of her energy to speak, her body collapsed on the floor infront of Harrington.
James awoke inside of a damp and dusty prison. Skeletons and bones lay scattered across the sand filled floor. The only thing that seperated him from the outside world was an iron door with a small bullet proof window. James stood up and shook off the cobwebs, his clothes were torn and blood trickled down his lip. A burning sensation was felt on the back of his neck which caused him to look up. The bright heat of the middle eastern sun was beating down on him. Straight away, James knew where he was. He was in the hidden city of Abercurda. Without hesitation, James ran towards the door and threw a heavy fist at it. Usually that was all it took to knock down doors, sometimes even walls. Ccccrrraccckkk! James' hand broke against the door. He slid to his knees and cradled his broken hand.
"My powers, what happened to my powers?" James questioned himself.
"You still have them, but they won't work in here Knight Angel." A mysterious voice spoke to him from behind the door.
James got up and walked towards the door, he peered through the window and saw a man who worse a mask which made him look faceless.
"Steward." James grunted. "Why don't you just kill me?"
"Well, you may as well be dead. All your friends probably think you are by now. It was requested that we keep you alive so when Lazarus build their super soldier using the DNA of other meta's, including Ekliptus, you will be the one to test the strength of the super soldier." Steward answered calmly, "you should have listened to me before and joined us, you wouldn't have been in this situation. Their will always be pain and suffering in life, you also will never belong. You would have had a home here, with us."
"I'd rather die!" James yelled, still cradling his hand.
"You may get your wish, soon enough. Evrin is being held inside the base right now, soon her abilities aswell as Ekliptus' will be transferred into the super soldier. Unavenged Knight and the rest will be arriving at the Lazarus base soon. They won't get very far, Abercurda Champions will be waiting. I hope you said your final goodbyes." Steward stared quietly at James before turning around and walking away.
"You need to get me out of here, sir." The voice of a young woman was heard in the cell next to James. She had an Egyptian accent.
"I would if I could." James said as he slid down across the wall and sat down.
"You have powers, yes? The cell is a power nullifcation room. Their is a device hidden under the sand, if you can switch it off your powers will come." The young woman spoke with some hope in her voice.
James' frowned, the look of determination was all over his face without hesitation he got on all four's and began raking through the scalding hot sand with his fingers in attempt to find the device. He dug and dug, the sun continued to beat down on him. Digging with a broken hand wasn't easy.
"It's been 2 hours, where is Knight Angel and Evrin?" Maria asked. She held her staff firmly in her hand. She gazed down into the deep tunnel which stretched for miles underground, the safest way to get inside wasn't safe at all. They would have to take a small lift that was attached to the side of the tunnel. Making a direct approach would alert the guards but it was the only way to get inside.
"Maybe something happened to them?" Scott suggested.
"Yeah, they probably got captured," Deathelocke joked as he kicked small rocks into the tunnel.
"Point is they're not here and we are." Heads turned to watch as Unavenged Knight approached the rusted yellow, construction lift. His finger hovered over one of the buttons on the console, "you guys coming or what?"
The group looked at each other and nodded before making their way to the lift and squeezing inside. Maria reached back and pulled her mask over her face, completing her transformation as the hero known as Staff Girl. The masked hero Deathelocke, dressed in his usual blue and black attire reached for his pistols. Scott, The Galactic Commander, wearing heavy blue military armour, pointed his assult rifle and prepared himself to fire when ready. Unavanged Knight, the hooded vigilante, blended in with the environment, turning himself invisible. The lift made clanking and gushing sounds as it desended into the abyss. Bleeping of buttons were heard from below as well as the occasional scream of patients being tortured and experimented on. Dust blew up from the ground and the noise of rocks shattering were heard beneath them as the lift landed. One by one the team made their way off the elevator and stepped slowly and carefully towards a giant metallic door with a console on the side of it. The door needed a password in order to be opened.
"Great, now what?" Scott grunted before eyeing up the console.
Without warning the door began to open, bright white light and smoke escape from gap as the door slowly opened. A tall dark silhouette toward above the team. The shadow clutched a long sword in one hand and a shield in the other. The clanking of armour was heard as the medieval warrior stepped out from the light and confronted the band of heroes.
"Who's this?" Scott asked, his gun pointed directly at the armoured menace. His finger rested on the trigger, prepared to open fire.
"An Abercurda Champion." Staff Girl answered.
Deathelocke wasted no time and began opening fire at the Abercurda Champion. He flipped through the air doing atheltic twists and turns as he fired his pistols. However, each bullet bounced off the champion. Deathelocke landed behind the sword wielding warrior and plastered an explosive on his back. With a devastating roundhouse kick to the enemies back sending him forward, Dave activated a trigger. A small explosion errupted, flame and smoke surrouned the Abercurda Champion. However, when the smoke cleared the armoured man was still standing. His armoured burnt and dented but seemingly not in any pain. Deathelocke again wasting no time pointed his guns at the man. Turning quickly, the Abercurda Champion reached for Deathelocke's neck and with a tight grip he began to strangle him. His pulled his sword back before attempting to thrust it into Dave's gut. However, his attack was deflected when Staff Girl blocked the champion's blade with her staff. An army of bullets riddled the Abercurda Champion, but the bullets just bounced off his armour and helmet. Although, it was enough to cause him to loosen his grip around Deathelocke's neck. With the grip now loose, Dave placed his foot on the champion's chest and kicked him off. While the 3 battled against the Abercurda Champion, Unavenged Knight who was still cloaked, used the oppertunity to sneak behind the armoured enemy and delve deeper into the Lazarus Lab.
"INTRUDER ALERT! INTRUDER ALERT!"
The alarm repeated as the red emergency lights flickered through out the lab. Unavenged Knight passed the security with ease. He refused to take them out as he did not want to raise suspicison. Taking out Harrington was his main priority.
"Prep the transfusion." Harrington was heard saying from across the hall.
"But sir, we should make sure the threat is eliminated first before we conduct the transfusion. We can't risk people coming in and ruining everything." A sharp dressed professor said.
"Do it now. General Reaper's champions will handle the intruders." Harrington argued back.
"Yes, sir." The professor said with a salute before entering a near by laboratory.
"Arthur Harrington..." A monotonous voice was heard from directly behind Harrington. The voice cause shivers to run down Arthur's spine.
"Unavenged Knight." Harrington turned round slowly but he saw nothing. Although, he did feel his presence. "You can come out from hiding now."
Unavenged Knight's invisiblity faded. His tall, dark, gloomy figured towered over Arthur. His hood hid any facial expression. Unavenged Knight grabbed Harrington round the throat without warning and lifted him high into the air. Harrington attempted to pull Unavenged Knights hand off of his neck but couldn't. His legs kicked as he struggled to get loose, his face went red as he struggled to breathe.
"SIR!" Lazarus soldiers rushed towards Unavenged Knight and their leader. They pointed their weapons but did not open fire incase they accidently harm their boss.
Unavenged Knight looked over at the Lazarus guards then back at Harrington. His grip tightened causing Arthur to weeze and gasp for air unsuccessfully. Unavenged Knight took out his blade and pointed it at Arthur. He was a few seconds away from ending the threat which has harmed and killed many.
"Grandpa!" A little girl in blonde pigtails and a white dressing grown ran past the Lazarus guards and towards Unavenged Knight. A teddy bear was cradled in her arms which caught the tears that ran down her bright green eyes. Unavenged Knight was caught off guard by the unusal occurance and dropped Harrington. Harrington wasted little time crawling behind his guards to seek protection from the hooded hero.
"Why!? Why!?" The little girl banged on Unavenged Knight with her tiny fists and teddybear. "Why would you try and kill my grandpa!" Unavenged Knight remained still. His towering figure shadowing the small girl. The Lazarus guards remained in their defensive position with their guns drawn and pointing at Unavenged Knight, the little girl was no in their line of fire.
Harrington frowned and gritted his teeth as he watched from behind his guards.
"Open fire!" Harrington commanded. To his orders the Lazarus guards fired without hesitation. Harrington nor the guards cared that the little girl was in the line of fire. Quickly, Unavenged Knight grabbed the girl and kneeled down, he used his back as a shield and the bullets pierced into him. The little girl cried out in fear as Unavenged Knight was taking the hits.
Meanwhile, inside a laboratory near by, professors rushed to stick tubes into a Evrin and Ekliptus who were K.O'd and lay motionless on top of operating tables. The tubes that were linked to Evrin and Ekliptus were also linked to other meta's who were also laying motionlessly on operating tables. Some of the meta's captured were well known heroes and villains. Lazarus must have been busy. In the distance, the body of a pale, slender, bald man who wore nothing but a hospital gown also lay motionless. However, all the tubes that were connect to the meta's connected to him. This must be the person they are using to turn into a super soldier.
"DNA transfusion in 30 seconds!" The professor said with panic. The bullets that were being fired at Unavenged Knight could be heard from outside of their laboratory.
The bullets continued to pierce into U.K, he let out small moans of pain but his grip round the small girl did not loosen. He cradled on to her as tight as she cradled on to her teddy bear. Suddenly, the little girls head spun round and she looked U.K in the face. A creepy smile grew on her face, her eyes and the eyes of her teddy bear both turned bright red. She opened her mouth and U.K leaned back in shock of what he was seeing. The little girl wasn't a little girl at all. She was a robot. And inside her mouth....A bomb.
"Get down!" One of the Lazarus guards instructed before bracing themselves from the blast. A few guards covered Harrington to shield him from the oncoming explosion. Their was nothing Unavenged Knight could do.
BOOOOOOOM!
The velocity of the explosion shook the whole Lazarus Base. Consoles and computers malfuctioned. Doors opened and closed repeatidly on its own. Burn marks, ash and smoke covered the hall. Inside the transfusion Laboratory, the motionless bodies on the tables were tipped over. Some bodies lay face flat, others on their side. Some instruments and debris squashed the bodies of meta's and the scientists.
Evrin opened her eyes slowly, she saw the destruction of the lab. Sparks and flames flickered from computers, chesmistry sets were knocked over. Blood leaked out of the bodies of some meta's and scientists. Using the burnt wall as leverage, Evrin got to her feet. She limped towards a knocked over tray. On the tray was weapons and technology used by those who was captured. Their was a selection of guns, utility belts, blades and more. Out of the whole selection the only thing she took was her dagger. Blood dripped down Evrin's face, she too must have been injured by the explosion. She gripped tightly on to her dagger with bloodied hands and continued to limp towards the exit. A chilling snarl was heard behind her. She turned her head slowly to exam the noise. She soon found out she was not the only one awake. So was Ekliptus. Evrin looked back towards the exit before whispering to herself...
"****."
Deathelocke pointed his pistol away from The Abercurda Champion's face. "That oughta do it." The whole group panted and gasped to try and get their breath back. The Abercurda Champion flat on the ground, his armour damanged and dented. His helmet was was riddled with bullet holes and blood leaked out from every one of them.
"We got to keep movin', Unavenged Knight must have went ahead." Scott suggested. Blood and sweat dripped down his face.
"That explains why he wasn't helping," Staff Girl replied, leaning on her staff to help her stand.
"Enough talk, lets go!" Scott reloaded his assult rifle and sprinted deep into the base.
"Who died and made you boss?" Deathelocke asked while reloading his pistols.
"Him," Staff girl motioned her head over at The Abercurda Champion before running in to the base and catching up Scott.
"Wait up! You're suppose to protect me!" He joked as he trailed closely behind Maria and Scott.
Steward entered the cell room. James lay unconscious on the bench. The sun was setting but it had already caused it's damaged. His hands were bloodied and burnt with all the digging and sweat dripped down from his face and chest. Steward reached for his gun and pointed it at James.
"Just got word from Reaper, the Lazarus base is under attack and the experiments were lost... Which means, we have no further use for you." He stared down at James' motionless body, the gun pointing at James' head, "at least you won't feel th-"
He turned his head and looked at the corner of the cell. To his surprise he saw a device sticking out from the sand. The device was heavily dented and wires stuck out from it. It was the power nullifcation device. It was broken. Steward slowly looked back over at James and was taken back, he leaned backwards at the sight of James standing up right. His chest facing directly at the barrell of the gun. Before Steward could push the trigger and pushed hard against Steward's chest and sent him flying into the wall.
"You got to get us out of here!" The Egyptian young woman cried out.
James nodded to himself, "right," a loud woosh and a force of wind blew past Steward's face and sand took to the air as James supersped out of his cell.
"Heh." Steward got back on his feet and dustied the sand off of his clothes. He could hear the celebration of the prisoners who were rescued from their cells. It didn't take them long before they began attacking the guards and freeing each other. There was an uprising in Abercurda. The was a revolution.
General Reaper watched from above. He was stationed on a balcony on his palace. He witnessed the citizens of Abercurda battle against the Aberucrda guards and champions.
"It ends now, Reaper." A voice was heard from above General Reaper. He looked to the sky to see James floating above him with his arms crossed. James was now in costume. He was The Knight Angel.
"You had to run all the way home and get dressed just to say that to me?" General Reaper grinned. Knight Angel decended and landed beside General Reaper, he stared him dead in the eye. His posture was intense and intimidating but it did not phase Reaper.
"Call of your guards now." Knight Angel commanded.
"Or else what, Knight Angel?" General Reaper said, squaring up to the hero.
"The reason why I quickly went back to Paragon City was to recognize the location of Abercurda. Now I know my way from there and back. Which means if I tell the U.N of where Abercurda is situated, your secret city will be... Not so secret." Knight Angel said while uncrossing his arms. His eyes was locked on to General Reaper. "Call off your guards, give the citizens safe passage out of here and I will keep the secret of this city's location."
General Reaper frowned, he was taken back by the offer. He loved ruling the city of Abercurda and wouldn't be able to bear it if it's location was no longer secret. In Reaper's eyes, that would make his city vulnerable. He looked over the balcony at the riots below him then back at Knight Angel. Turning his back on Knight Angel and facing the crowd beneath him he raised his arms in the arm and spoke loudly in his native tongue. The riots ceased and the citizens raised their arms in celebration. General Reaper spat on the ground in disgust of what he had just did and looked over at Knight Angel. Although, he remained silent.
Knight Angel nodded at Reaper and floated slowly into the air. With the bang of a sonic boom, Knight Angel flew off into the distance at top speed.
Evrin raced down the narrow hallway, knocking chemistry sets, bookshelves and computers behind her in attempt to block the path of the oncoming monster known as Ekliptus who destroyed and squashed everything in sight. Evrin ran as fast as she could, her leg dragging across the ground behind her. Despite her rush something caught her attention, ahead of her was Unavenged Knight who lay unconcious, trapped underneath debris. As much as Evrin wanted to stop and aid U.K she couldn't, Ekliptus was closing in on her. She knew if she tried to help U.K, Ekliptus would target him also. Evrin, continued to run until she passed the Unavenged Knight, she took a sharp corner and dived into a near by office. Ekliptus also passed U.K and turned the corner but carried on walking up the hallway unknowing that Evrin had taken shelter in the office.
Evrin leaned up against the door. She panted and gasped for breath, she was lucky...For now. Hearing a shatter behind her, she turned round. Arthur Harrington hid behind a desk, a broken vase rested on the carpet next to him. Harrington's eyes widen and he backed up against the wall and lifted his hands to protect himself. Evrin tightened her grip round her dagger and limped towards Harrington. A focus, determind look was on her face. All the suffering and pain Harrington has caused to Evrin and others has reached this moment. With each step she took forward, Harrington heart beat faster.
"Evrin, Evrin don't." Harrington was panic stricken, he tried to crawl further back but had no where to go. The only way in was the way out and Evrin was blocking the way out.
"T-T-Together we can accomplish great things!" Evrin ignored every word that escaped his mouth, she continued to slowly limp towards Harrington.
"Aren't you going to say anything!? Evrin held her dagger with he edge pointed towards Harrington's neck. Evrin gaze into Harrington's eyes and with a swift flick of the wrist, she sliced Harrington's throat. Evrin watched as Harrington struggled and grabbed on to his neck to stop the bleeding. He fell on to the floor, his body vibrating in pain and panic. His skin turned pale as he choked and gurgled on his own blood. After a few seconds of fighting for his life, Harrington lay motionless in a pool of his own blood.
"Over there, look!" Scott yelled as he ran towards U.K who was trapped underneath the debris. Scott wasted little time and began digging the debris off of Unavenged Knight.
"Told ya we should have packed a shovel," Deathelocke said while dropping to his knees and began to help dig U.K out of the mess.
"Uh...Guys?" Staff Girl stood firm with her hands gripped tightly around her staff. She watched the slowly approaching Ekliptus who eyes were locked onto the heroes. Scott and Dave looked round and saw Ekliptus staring dead at them.
"Keep digging!" Scott instructed. He used his assult rifle as a rake or shovel to remove the debris.
"I'll distract him, keep digging!" Staff Girl charged towards Ekliptus and waved her staff at Ekliptus and attempted to slam her staff across Ekliptus' head. Staff Girl's staff broke off of Ekliptus' face, slicing her staff in two. Ekliptus grabbed Staff Girl by her hair and lifted her high into the air. Ekliptus snarled at her and looked her dead in the eyes.
"HELP! HELP!" Staff Girl cried for help, her legs kicking against Ekliptus' chest but it did not phase him. Ekliptus' eyes glowed red and a heat laser fired at Staff Girl, causing her to catch fire. Staff Girl let out a haunting scream as her costume and flesh melted away until she was nothing but a burnt skeleton. Ekliptus smiled sadistically before crushing Maria's burnt skull in his hands.
"Keep digging!" Scott commanded Dave as he rose to his feet and also charged towards Ekliptus, firing unrelentlessly at the beast. Ekliptus walked towards the blasts, each hit unphased him. Scott pushed the trigger but no rounds were escaping his gun. "****," Scott, reached for his belt to search for more rounds. He urgently needed to reload.
"Come on big guy," Dave lifted U.K up and attempted to carry him over his shoulder be U.K pushed him off and stood on his own.
"I'm fine." Unavenged Knight moaned, clearly hurt from the blast.
"We have to help Scott!" Dave yelled.
"We can't." Unavenged Knight said in his monotonous voice.
"Why not?" Dave turned round and was shocked by what he saw. Scott was torn in half, the top half of his body was covered in blood, guts, organs and intestines hung out of him. His legs dangled upside down in Ekliptus' arms before being thrown against the wall. Ekliptus gazed upon Dave and U.K and slowly walked towards them.
Evrin snuck out of the office, her dagger still covered in Harrington's blood. She quietly creeped up behind Ekliptus and lunged at him with her dagger. Ekliptus turned around quickly and grabbed her by the wrist before throwing her at Dave and U.K. The whole team fell down and rolled across the ground.
"That guy needs to lay off the steroids," Dave said leaning up, rubbing his head. U.K got to his feet behind him and helped Evrin up.
"You're hurt." He stated.
"I'll be fine," Evrin replied. "Where are the others?"
"Dead." Unavenged Knight answered.
"Where's Knight Angel?" Dave asked without looking at the group, he watched Ekliptus slowly approach them.
"Abercurda Champions took him," Evrin said in a concerned tone.
Ekliptus slowly but surely walked towards the group, the blood of those he murdered dripped down his face and body. He licked some of the blood off of his lips as he continued towards his targets.
"Shouldn't we be running or something?" Dave asked. He pulled out his pistols and pointed it at Ekliptus.
"Yeah, we really should be." Unavanged Knight answered, he held his blade tightly in his hand in a defensive position. He watched as Ekliptus came closer.
"Then why aren't we?" Evrin held her dagger with the blade pointing down, fresh blood dripping from it. She was also waited and watched Ekliptus grow closer.
The three heroes stood side by side all in a defensive position as Ekliptus approached them.
CRASH!!!!!
The ceiling behind Ekliptus caved in, dust and smoke blew around the hallway. Ekliptus slowly turned his head and the group looked past him. Knight Angel stood firmly behind Ekliptus, his hands by his side and fists tightened. His cape blowing behind him, a stern frown was worn on his face. Ekliptus turned to face Knight Angel. Knight Angel looked over at the burnt skeleton of Maria and the torn body of Scott.
"You'll pay for this." Knight Angel warned.
"You won't kill me... You can't kill me." Ekliptus responded.
Knight Angel charged at Ekliptus, debris and the bodies of fallen Lazarus guards behind him were pust away by the gust of wind that escaped Knight Angel which was caused by his super speed. With a tight clenched fist and anger in his eyes, Knight Angel delivered a devastating uppercut to Ekliptus which knocked him out through the roof and out of the Lazarus base. Knight Angel wasted little time and flew up straight after him.
"Show off," Dave said. He turned his head to see U.K and Evrin running towards the exit where the elevator was. "A little bit of warning before you run off would be much appreciated, thank you!" He yelled as he chased the both of them.
High above the Denver sky, Knight Angel and Ekliptus battled. Matching each other, strike for strike. Shock waves were felt through out the state of Colorado.
Finally out of the tunnel and into the open the team looked to the sky. Ripples and shockwaves were felt and the winds blew furiously. Citizens at
the airport peered through windows to see what was going on.
"The planes can't take off at this rate!" A crew member said who was about to board a plane.
With a loud thud Knight Angel landed on top of a taxi, his back smashing against the windscreen. He rolled down the hood of the car and crashed on to the road. Near by cars stopped, drivers and passengers got out of the cars and looked over at the fallen hero. The citizens of the city of Denver crowded around Knight Angel.
"You okay, sir?" A police officer asked.
"Get back!" Knight Angel commanded as he rose to his feet.
Ekliptus landed behind Knight Angel and tackled him into a nearby office building. Fire and smoke escaped from the building and it didn't take long before the office works ran out of the building in fear.
Evrin, U.K and Dave arrived in the city in a pickup truck they found abandoned at the construction site. Dave pointed at the smokey building,
"My guess they're in there".
Evrin got out of the truck and limped towards the building, U.K followed close behind her. Dave however, remained inside the truck.
Smoke and dust clouds filled the office building, tables, chairs, computers and water coolers were knocked over. Windows were smashed as well as walls. Evrin limped towards a figure laying down on his back, she could tell it was Knight Angel straight away as soon as she noticed the figure having small wings on the side of its head.
"James! James!" Evrin ran over and cradled Knight Angel's head, blood poured out of James' mouth. His costume and cape was torn and ripped at parts and the parts of his flesh that showed were covered in blood and bruises.
"Look out!" James pushed Evrin off of him and to the side. Ekliptus came crashing down from the roof, narrowly missing Evrin but slammed into Knight Angel sending him 9 floors down and into the basement.
"James!" Evrin gazed down the hole. Ekliptus ascended from the basement, floating up slowly until he towered over Evrin. Ekliptus' eyes began to glow red as he was preparing his laser. Out of no where, glass shatters as a truck entered the office building from outside and rammed into Ekliptus. Dave dived out of the truck and shot at the truck's fuel tank causing it to explode sending Ekliptus back down into the hole.
"Knight Angel's down here, " Unavenged Knight said before jumping down the hole and into the basement.
It was hard to see because of the flame and smoke but Unavenged Knight could make out the figure of Ekliptus who was already back on his feet and charging directly towards him. U.K jumped to the side, dodging Ekliptus' attack and retaliated by swinging his blade at him. Ekliptus' flinched and attempted an earth shattering punch. U.K ducked again and like before swung his blade at Ekliptus. Ekliptus flinched again. U.K attempted to thrust his blade into Eklipus but the beast managed to deliver a quick backhanded smack to the side of U.K's head sending him tumbling over an already broken table.
Ekliptus shook his head, shaking off the cobwebs and dizziness he was suddenly feeling. Ekliptus was met by Knight Angel who stood infront of him looking beaten and bruised.
"Your people have banished you, you don't need to kill me to prove anything anymore. The grudges against our planet is over, your people already think i'm dead. We can share this planet, you can use your abilities to help others just like I am. You are a powerful warrior, we do not need to fight."
Knight Angel attempted to reason with him.
"Killing you before was because it was my mission. This time... It's personal!"
Ekliptus shot a black energy beam from his mouth that wrapped around Knight Angel, squeezing him. Blood dripped down from Knight Angel's mouth and nose. The sounds of his bones crushing inside of him was loud and echoed through out the building as well as his screams. With a sudden snap, Knight Angel's neck broke, his eyes turned white and his skin pale. The darkness energy that surrouned Knight Angel vanished. Knight Angel lay motionless on the ground, twisted and broken. Ekliptus smiled with a satisfied grin. He turned round in search for his next target but was met by a large fist which sent him flying into the streets. Knight Angel, posed with his fist held out in the position of how he clocked Ekliptus. He gazed up and nodded at Evrin.
"Illusions..." Ekliptus said quietly to himself as he lifted himself off of the concrete. Ekliptus head snapped back as a bullet grazed him right in the eye. Deathelocke hung upside down from a lamp post firing multipe shots at the monster. Each shot directly hitting the beast. Citizens of Denver ran to the nearest shop or subway to take shelter. Unavenged Knight uncloaked his invisiblity and was stood quietly behind Ekliptus, with a mighty, swift, swing from his blade, he slashed Ekliptus' back, causing to fall to his knees. Knight Angel quickly arrived on the seen and hovered above Ekliptus, firing laser down at him from his eyes. Ekliptus was pinned down.
"No... No!" Ekliptus grunted, he was desperate to escape from this position but couldn't. Bullets pierced and grazed his body, slashes pinched his back and the heat of the lasers burnt into him.
Ekliptus grinned to himself, "if I am going down, so is this planet!" Ekliptus began to glow a bright red colour and heat and radiation emitted from his body.
"Stop!" Commanded Knight Angel. Dave leaped off the lamp post and landed beside Knight Angel. Unavenged Knight flipped over Ekliptus and landed infront of Knight Angel. Evrin limped up to the group slowly.
"He's self destructing. His blast will take out the entire planet," Knight Angel informed the team.
"What do we do?" Evrin asked.
Knight Angel stood silently, he stared at the threat then looked back at the team and smiled.
"Uh oh! I seem that look before. I seen it in Dragonball Z, you're going to sacrifice yourself!" Deathlocke shouted.
Knight Angel nodded at Dave and looked over at Evrin, "what happened to Harrington?"
"He's dealt with," She answered.
"You killed him," Knight Angel said and looked back over at Ekliptus. Heat and radiation still escaping from him.
Knight Angel reached into his belt and took out a folded piece of paper and handed it to Unavenged Knight.
"this is the location of Abercurda. If General Reaper ever tries anything, give this to the U.N."
Unavenged Knight nodded back and took the paper.
"He's going to self destruct!" A young man shouted. Shortly after, the citizen began to riot and loot as if it were the end of days.
"They're starting to panic," Evrin said calmly.
"I know," Knight Angel replied.
"Are you really going to go through with this?" Dave asked.
"There has to be another way," Evrin suggested.
"We don't have time to come up with a plan." Knight Angel answered.
Unavenged Knight looked over at Knight Angel and nodded, "he's right, we don't have much time."
"It's been a pleasure serving along side you all. And i'm honored to be your friend." Knight Angel said with a warm smile.
"The honor is ours," Evrin replied.
Knight Angel extended his hand and offered U.K a handshake which he accepted without hesitation. And did the same with Dave. Knight Angel then turned his back and approached Ekliptus.
"What are you doing?" Ekliptus yelled.
"I'll give you one last chance to stop what you're doing and change your ways." Knight Angel offered.
"Over my dead body." Ekliptus grinned, his whole body was covered in red light.
Knight Angel grabbed Eklitus and wrapped him in a bear hug. The heat radiating from Ekliptus burned Knight Angel, causing him to sweat and burn. Knight Angel leaped into the sky taking Ekliptus with him. A sonic boom was heard as the two reached high up into the sky, passing through clouds until they were high above the earth.
The sky shined and a thunderous boom was heard from high above. There was no sight of the explosion, just the sound. Evrin, Dave and U.K remained silent. Their heads bowed down in respect for the lives that were lost. Finally, it was over. Or was it?
Fire fell from the sky like rain, sharp wind blew violently scratching against the faces of those who stood near. Automobiles, street lights and phone boxes were tossed around like rag dolls. Everyone watched in awe as the night sky opened. Beautiful sapphire light emitted through the opening while grey clouds danced around it. Mouths hung open and eyes were wide as they witnessed an unexplainable yet beautiful sight. The streets were not safe but the citizens refused to run and take shelter. Perhaps they have given up and are waiting for fate to decide what will happen. Maybe they are captivated by the lights magnificent glory. Or maybe they are waiting for their heroes to save them once again. At the start of the crisis there was rioting and looting. Fear, anger and desperation overcame the people and made them fight for survival at all cost. Now... Now it was just silent, every gaze was upon the sky. They waited for what was going to happen next. Was the sapphire light the sign of another alien invasion? Is it a weapon created by the government? The arrival of a new hero or villain? Was it the wrath of god? No one knew. No one knew, so they waited.
"It's happening," those were the whispers that escaped the lips of a rugged, bearded man who watched the sky from a dark ally. After taking a swig from a half empty bottle of wine, he turned his eyes away from the light and walked off into the darkness. "I tried, I really tried." Mr.Beyond's words was heard by no one.
Around the world everyone gazed up at the sky. The sapphire light was beautiful yet blinding, the cause of it was unknown. Could it have been caused by Ekliptus' self destruction? Or was it something else?
"Was this caused by Ekliptus' self destruction or is this something else?" Deathelocke asked.
"Something else." A voice from behind Deathelocke said. The whole group turned around and to their surprise, Knight Angel stood behind them. His costume and mask torn even worse than it was before.
"But how? What? Huh!?" Deathelcoke said in confusion.
"Ekliptus wasn't self destructing, he fooled us. He's a coward, he wouldn't risk his own life." Knight Angel informed them.
"Got it, then what was he doing?" Evrin asked.
"It was a homing signal," Knight Angel responded.
"You saying E.T called home?" Deathelocke asked.
Knight Angel looked over at Dave and nodded, "something like that."
"I thought his people banished him?" Unavenged Knight said as he continued to look up at the sky.
"They suckered us. To lead me out." Knight Angel's tone was filled with anger and frustration.
"Ekliptus was pretending to be banished this whole time?" Dave questioned.
"And got himself caught by Lazarus on purpose?"
"It worked, didn't it? We're out in the open, Lazarus are out of commission and Abercurda is no longer a threat." Knight Angel replied.
"Makes sense. I found it strange that Lazarus were able to capture Ekliptus in the first place. Harrington said he was going to knock me out using the same toxin he used on Ekliptus. However, it didn't take me long to wake up... Ekliptus must have been waiting patiently in dormant all this time." Evrin added.
"So what was that booming we heard up there? I thought it was you guys who would have went boom?" Dave askied.
"A ship coming through a portal." Knight Angel answered, he clenched his fists ready for battle.
"Great, more Nemesieds." Dave shooked his head and reached for his pistols.
"Ekliptus is hard enough, how do we handle a whole army of them?" Unavenged Knight asked.
"We fight." Knight Angel replied.
"That's it?" Dave asked.
"What's the blue light?" Evrin questioned.
"It's the mothership. It's still a fair distance away from Earth but it's light is so bright we can see it from here" Knight Angel answered.
"What happened to Ekliptus?" Unavenged Knight wondered.
"He was beamed back on board the ship as soon as it arrived through the portal. I flew back here straight away." Knight Angel responded.
"Why is the mothership on Earth, I thought they were only interested in you?" Evrin turned to face Knight Angel, "I thought you said taking over Earth or destroying it wasn't their priority."
"Yeah!" Dave yelled in agreement.
"Yeah, I remember you saying that too..." Unavanged Knight added.
Knight Angel looked away from the team and bowed his head,
"I was wrong..."
"You should have killed him," Unavanged Knight said quietly.
"I'm sorry... I-" Knight Angel paused, he was lost for words.
"You what? Didn't want to cross that line?" Dave said.
"Sometimes you have to do what needs to be done." Evrin suggested.
The group stood silently, Knight Angel stared at the ground, lost in thought. The rest of them stared into the sky, the sapphire light grew brighter, the wind grew sharper and fire fell from the heavens caused by small meteor rock that were knocked into Earth's orbit by the gigantic ship.
"How many do you think are on the ship?" Unavenged Knight asked.
"800 hundred, give or take." Knight Angel answered.
"I have a plan," Evrin informed the team, "it's a risky plan but a plan nonetheless."
"What?" Dave asked?
"Infiltrate the ship and blow it up from the inside." Evrin suggested.
"No." Knight Angel answered immediately.
"Let me guess, because you don't want them to die?" Evrin said, limping up to James. "Scott's dead, Maria too! They were killed by Ekliptus and you want to show him and his kind mercy!?" Evrin yelled.
Knight Angel grew quiet and nodded slowly, "if we kill we are no better than they are."
"You're an idealistic fool!" Evrin shouted.
"Evrin's right. If you send them away, they might come back again!" Dave added.
"Not if..." Knight Angel smiled.
Unavenged Knight looked over at Knight Angel. Knight Angel looked back at Unavenged Knight and smiled. His attention turned to Dave and Evrin, the warm smile remained on his face. Without warning, Knight Angel took off once again into the sky at top speed.
"What? What's he going to do?" Dave asked U.K. But The Unavenged Knight remained silentl, he looked high up in the sky, Knight Angel growing further and further away until he was unable to be seen at all. Evrin stared high into the sky also, watching her friend vanish behind the bright sapphire light.
"Look! It's... It's fading!" An ordinary citizen said pointing at the sky. The blue sapphire light began to dim and fade until it vanished.
"What the hell did you do..." Evrin said quietly to herself.
There was a loud thunderous bang, similar to the sound of the portal when it opened and the sapphire light vanished completely. The wind calmed down and fire ceased from falling. The citizens looked high into the air in confusion, unknowing of what had taken place. To them it was just an event that came and went.
"Someone want to tell me what just happened?" Dave asked.
"He stopped the crisis without having to murder. He didn't cross the line." A familiar voice was heard behind Dave. The team turned round quickly to see Mr.Beyond, however, he looked different. He was clean shaven, his hair cut and combed to the side and he wore a tux. If it wasn't for his voice he would be unrecognizable.
"What if they come back?" Unavenged Knight questioned.
"They won't." Mr.Beyond replied with a smile.
"What happened. What did he do?" Evrin's tone was tired.
Mr.Beyond smiled at them before vanishing into thin air.
"Hey guys... It's over." Dave said quietly, Unavenged Knight and Evrin both looked over at Deathlocke, "Lazarus, Abercurda and the whole Ekliptus thing is over... What now?"
Unavenged Knight, Dave and Evrin all turned their heads to look at the citizens celebrating, hugging and kissing one another. Friends and families were gathered in the streets shaking hands with strangers. They were being grateful and thankful to be alive. Only when there is crisis one truly appreciates life.
"We lost a lot of good people." Evrin said softly, "we continue living for those we lost."
A few of the civillians approached U.K, Dave and Evrin. A young blonde woman clapped her hands, followed by a rugged biker and then a police officer. The whole town cheered and waved their fists in victory, thanking and celebrating their heroes. The heroes, beaten, bruised and tired couldn't help but smile at the gratitude they were recieving. It was a long and hard fought victory. Friends were lost in the chaos but they will continue to live on in the hearts and memories of those who stood beside them in battle. The celebration was not only for the heroes who stood infront of the people, it was for everyone. Everyone who sacrificed their lives in the war. Selina Carter for being brave enough to report about Lazarus despite having no abilities or super powers. Maria Cruise also known as Staff Girl for being an asset to the team, informative and loyal, fighting against Ekliptus to by time for her team in order for them to rescue a fallen comrade even though she knew Ekliptus would over-power her. Scott McKenzie, The Galactic Commander, It was thanks to him the team managed to find the Lazarus base. Scott was not included in the battle against Lazarus from the start but he involved himself in it because it was the right thing to do. It may be his job to uphold justice around the universe but it was his passion for helping others that made him a great ally and friend. And James Knightly, The Knight Angel. Saving lives was the soul purpose of his existence, even in times of crisis he wouldn't cross the line and take another's life. He believed there is good in everyone, even inside the darkest souls. He was a symbol of peace, hope and justice and inspired everyone to be the best they can be. Whenever there was trouble Knight Angel would always offer to help, no matter how much was on his plate he would drop it all without hesitation. Although, the typical cape, mask and spandex superhero, what made him different from the others was his heart. Through out all the pain, loss, lack of guidance or friends growing up, he still turned out to be a soft, gentle and caring man. It wasn't because of his alien genes or his superpowers, it was because it was the right thing to do. The right person to be. A hero. And deep down there is a hero in all of us.
To the heroes dead or alive, thank you.
THE END
A big thanks to everyone involved in the plot. It was fun RPing with all of you and I appreciated every moment. I hope the story was to your liking. It is ashame CoH is coming to an end. This story is my way of saying thank you and farewell.
