You should keep a copy of these, I think that you could probably make a book out of this.
Kings Row: hour 4
The mighty Cavalier, somehow, I thought you would be smaller. Spoke softly the handsome demon, dark blade in his hand pointing to the ground, where the tip was melting the asphalt with a hissing sound.
Let her go now, or by all that I hold dear, you will suffer. Answered the squared jaw scrapper, blade half raised towards Ghost Starr, not yet challenging him. What do you want from us?
Nothing. He replied with his velvet voice, smiling gently while his eyes looked down on the child, who was terrified and shaking. I wanted to meet you, face to face, James Steele
Well, you found me, now let her go. He had gone to great lengths, during his time in Paragon city, to keep his real name secret and hidden. That this, this abomination knew it, surprised him greatly.
We were expecting you, this morning in Orebanga, not Mr. Starr. I wanted to meet you, to understand the fascination my master has with you. And frankly, I dont see it, Mr. Starr was a far better vessel than you couldve ever been. Ghost Starr then told the story of how the recruits and the leader of Apocalypse were captured today, how they were tortured, fleshed and burned, how they screamed in agony at each moment, while his master basked in their suffering.
Turbo is
dead? Asked Cavalier incredulously, not believing for one second the only man to beat him in a fair fight, could be dead. He shook his head in disbelief, waving away the doubts that had crept in his mind. It answered so many questions all of a sudden, the magical spikes that were recorded this morning, emanating from Orebanga, the mysterious disappearance of the Knights recruits, along with his boss, without a trace. But it couldnt be, even the best planned Malta assassination attempt had failed against Turbo Starr. You lie.
Then where is he? Where is your most vaunted leader, as the bell tolls, nowhere to be found. He is dead, and soon, all of you will be. He raised his sword from the tip down position that it was, and brought it up sideways, the sweeping motion cut Marys head clean through.
Cavalier felt the wind knock out of him, as if he had just been punched in the stomach, his knees gave up, and his sword fell limp from his hand, resounding on the asphalt next to him. A huge uproar of anger came from the barricade, screams and yells of the heroes reached them. Ghost Starr super jumped backwards, landing on a building about three hundred yards away. Pointing his sword towards Cavalier, he said :
Next time we meet, you die. This place belongs to me, and all thats in it, is mine to kill. He jumped away again, just in time so as to not get hit by the coming salvo from the blasters. The building where he had stood took the brunt of the attack, and most of the last floor crumbled and fell to the ground. Rising from below the street level, the Ghost army appeared ahead, charging for the barricade once more. Mase Lokrin, who had finally made it close enough to teleport someone, brought Cavalier back towards safety.
Cavalier let out a long scream of pain and torment, tears were flowing from his eyes, both fists clenched, he roared at the heavens. He had failed her, failed miserably.
Wake up traveller, the time is now.
Voyager rose up, reminded right away that pain was part of living. The pounding that came from his rib cage told him some were still tender and fragile, and his head ached again. He felt antsy and pressed for time, a ball of anger was rooted in his stomach. Jade Rade was looking at him from across the fire, keeping the watch while the others slept. She had been watching him sleep for some time now, and couldnt help but wonder what nightmares visited him, to make him so fidgety when his eyes were closed.
I have to go, now. Said the old man, while slowly getting up, feeling every motion a thousand times, so much the pain was present.
You are in no condition to go anywhere, and besides, where would you go? Asked the beautiful defender, somewhat taken aback by the fact that he could stand up. She had made sure to heal him just enough to keep him alive, and by hero standards, he shouldnt be able to sit, let alone stand. What sort of a man was he, to be able to sustain that much pain, and yet find it in himself to keep going.
Home. Voyager started a slow walk towards the cave exit, each step a difficult process. He coughed painfully and blood came to his lips. Either you make for a lousy defender, or you just dont want to heal me, either way doesnt matter, I dont need your help.
Its a choice old man, better that you are weak and wounded, than fully functional and deadly. Besides, by keeping you this way, I am maintaining the peace around here. If you wanna go, then go, but dont expect me to take your wounds away. Jade stood up, and came to stand next to him by the entrance. What is so important, that you need to go back to earth, they will hunt you down and kill you, if you go there. You are probably the most sought after trophy any supergroup wants to hang in their display case.
I
I hear a voice when I sleep, and shes telling me to go back home, that all depends on my presence. He smiled with derision after saying that, knowing full well that only a mad man hear voices, and furthermore, only a committed mad man listens to them. And I cant help it, I am drawn there like a magnet.
Well you can dream on all you want old man, the Crey transponders grafted to our bodies, will warn the army we are coming well before we make it there. And maybe youve been away too long, but the shield has to be down for us to enter the base, and after that we would have to reach the portal without getting shot a thousand times. Theres no way back to earth, this is where we live, and where we will all die. Jade looked in the distance, squinting her eyes to see better, the orange sky towards the Chantry looked tinted with grey, as if smog was there.
My transponder is broken, has been for a long time, and I know how to deactivate yours too. Voyager looked at Jade, hoping this bargaining chip would be enough of an incentive to get a full heal from her.
Whats that? She pointed towards the grey cloud that was becoming less of a cloud, and more of a black dotted horizon. Voyager looked where she pointed, then looked down on the rocky floor, letting a long breath out.
The way home. He said, then looked at her again. The Rularuu want the dimension for themselves, Jade, Thats what theyve been after all along. They dont care for earth or us, they want us out of here, and want the portal closed forever. We are the invaders here, we are the enemy. The host is coming Jade, and it will be our chance to go back home, or be stuck here forever. Dont you get it girl, out here, we are the bad guys.
I dont believe you, even a first year hero knows the Rularuu is the enemy and has to be hunted down and pushed back. Jade shook her head, this guy was nuts and a half.
Its what we are told, Jade, not what is real. I spent almost a year in their care, talked with them, exchanged points of views, debated philosophies and beliefs. They are definitely not thinking the same way we are, but we do share one thing in common, we can tell when we are being invaded. Voyager stepped out of the cave, and started to cough again, which brought him down on his knee, spitting blood. Jade moved forward and infused him with a partial heal, to ease the pain, and soothe his burning lungs.
How
How do you deactivate the transponder? She asked him.
Fulcrum shifting an army does it. It brings in so much power that the damned thing fuses out. I found that out quite by mistake, about a year ago, when the Nemesis army came to track me down out here. Only one draw back to the whole process, when I take in that much power, I have to let the energy out, I go supernova. Memories of him and Brahma Bullseye fighting a Nemesis battalion near Firebase Zulu flashed in his mind. The process nearly kills me, and can kill anyone standing not close enough when I do it.
Jade Rade knew of the fulcrum shift power, a terrible attack by any standards. It multiplies the damage output of all the people present in a certain area, while draining all the enemy present of theirs. She swallowed hard, picturing the insane amount of energies an army could bring to a shifter, picturing the ensuing explosion if one wasnt close enough to be safe.
Talk to your crew Jade, we have less than an hour to move, the host is the key to our freedom. If you decide to come with me, be ready for the fight of your lives, if not, be stuck here forever. The Rulaaru comes to shut the portal down, and anyone left behind after they do, is fair game. I dont intend to be here when that happens, and neither should you. Voyager slowly sat down on a rock by the entrance, keeping his fiery red eyes on the coming army. God protects the fools and the ignorant, he prayed he was one or the other.
Kings Row : Options
Jade went back into the cave, leaving the frail controller outside staring at the horizon. She woke them all up, explaining to them what was going on, what was to happen, and the choice they had to make. Metal Core and Lil Smoke refused flat out, while Wild-Star had doubts about remaining in the shard for the rest of his natural life. Jade who was finally asked what she thought, found herself torn between her loyalty to her people, and the taste of freedom. If Voyager could pull it off, really get them all out of here and back home, it was a chance she was willing to take. On the other hand, once they did make their way home, they would never again know peace as they did, for the heroes would hunt them down and capture them, another jail in a way, was awaiting them, the jail that has no bars, only running. Her train of thoughts was broken by Voyager, who stood once more in the entrance, leaning heavily against the wall.
Have you decided? He asked them, fiery red eyes looking at them, through them, all was resting upon their choices, and he hoped they would choose wisely. Metal Core looked at his friends, looked at the old controller, then took a step forward and walked ahead, to come and stand in front of Voyager.
We have
Were not going. He stared him straight in the eyes, unafraid and defiant.
Do you speak for all of them, or do they have a voice of their own? Voyager looked over Takeos shoulder to see if one of them wanted to come home, but was afraid to say so, maybe due to peer pressure, maybe due to heroic ethics, the one for all and all for one syndrome. Yes, one wanted to go home, lost in thoughts and shifting eyes, were his clues.
All right, I understand. I would require to be fully healed before I take on the Rulaaru and Human armies out there. He spoke that last one with carelessness, while taking a few steps inside the cave, to stand between Metal Core and the little group, looking into Jades eyes.
No, old man, you leave us alone now, you will get no help from us anymore. Metal Core followed him in, grabbed his shoulder and spun him around. Voyager had gotten a bit closer to the group, and nodded to himself, one of them wanted to leave this place. He was turned around, and faced once more Metal Core, but this time, he smiled gently upon him, like a father to a son.
Takeo fell to his knees, grasping Voyager by the forearms, wind knocked out of him, endurance drained almost completely. He moaned once more, and fell back on the rocky floor, feeling heavy and slow, drained of all speed. The fiery eyes controller turned around, while at the same time throwing cinders all over the vicinity, choking everyone but himself. The Exiled coughed and hacked, tears blurring their vision, he was holding them. The controller turned on himself, looking down on Metal Core, he used him to fully heal himself. A few seconds after it began, all the heroes in the cave were locked and rooted in place, unable to take action and trapped in fire cages guarded by imps, all but one that is.
Its a good thing that I noticed you were having second thoughts, if not, all of you would be dead right now. Spoke the old man.
Dont hurt them anymore, they are helpless and at your mercy. If there is any decency left in you, leave them be, they are my friends. Answered Wild-Star who was shaken up by the fast and furious action the controller had deployed. The fire controller had shown a side of himself they hadnt seen yet, that of a merciless foe willing to show no quarters, and Jaden was taken aback by such conduct. Voyager had shown his true, selfish disposure. He didnt care for them one second, he cared only about going home.
They wouldve let you go, you know, they didnt want you here in the beginning. Wild-Star came to stand next to Jade Rade, she was unconscious and trapped in a ring of fire, beautiful and pale.
Why didnt you try to stop me, blaster? Asked the controller, surrounded by fire and imps, looking more like a demon than a man.
Because
Because I have to go back to earth, and prove my innocence. I was sent out here for crimes I didnt commit, they accused me of things I never could bring myself to do. Wild-Star answered passionately, clenching a fist to his sentence.
We are all innocents here, none of us deserved the fate the city bestowed upon us. Im returning to earth to finish what I had started, and when thats done, Crey Industries and the countess will burn in hell. Voyager decided to play the sympathetic card, empathy was important when forming a new friendship, and this young man fit into his plan so well, he couldnt afford to loose him now.
Your friends are not hurt, only subdued. I needed their energies to restore myself, going home will be dangerous, and if we are to succeed and live, it had to be done. They will awake in less than ten minutes, its better if we were not around when that happens, they are powerful, and anger comes easy when we wield too much power. Come Wild-Star, when the Rulaaru host reaches the base, we have to be there and ready. Voyager ran for the exit and flew up into the orange sky, eyes burning with anticipation. He felt elation, the kind he hadnt felt for a very long time, as he looked behind and saw Wild-Star follow him. When he would shift the armies and take in all their power, next to him would be the best channelling vessel he have, a blaster. The controller looked ahead, towards the base, and smiled.
General Hammond is in for a surprise today
On your knees, hands behind your heads, now! Yelled officer Johanson while pointing his .38 special at Shadow-Step and Marrowsnap.
Hey Vic, were heroes tonight, havent you noticed. Spoke the Skulls leader as he was kneeling down and complying with the policemans orders, a bit of derision in his voice.
Shaddup Marrow, we got enough evidence on you to put you in jail for a mighty long time. And as for your friend here, hes going back to the Ziggurat as soon as I can locate a transport. Officer Johanson was taking out his handcuffs, and was about to use them, when a hand restrained him.
Not tonight Victor, they are helping us, and we need all the help we can get. Chromium Man who had been trying to console a broken up Cavalier, had overheard the commotion, and came to the rescue of the two criminals. They saved those children Victor, thats gotta count for something, at least a delay in their arrest? Victor Johanson looked at the armoured hero, property of Winter Industries and most surely the playboy son of the companys owner, and nodded.
All right, until this situation is under control, they are free, but after that, you two clowns are mine, you hear that? Went on Johanson while pointing a menacing finger at the two unlikely heroes. Putting his gun away, he turned around and yelled orders left and right while walking away.
I would suggest not being here once we resolve this situation, gentlemen. Chromium Man then turned around and returned to stand next Cavalier.
The two of them nodded and stood up, Shadow-Step letting out a long belch as he did so, which clearly smelled of whiskey. They went to the food and coffee trailer that had been provided freely by Good Will Foundation of Paragon city, and helped themselves to a free meal. They both ate and drank their fill without shame, appreciating it all, in a caveman sort of way.
While close by, sitting on the ground and crying shamelessly, Cavalier relived the last few minutes of Marys life. She had looked at him, eyes telling that she trusted him to bring her to safety, so little, so fragile. The look on her face when Ghost Starrs blade had started slicing her neck, the terror that had taken root in her brown eyes, while he just stood there and let it happen. Why had he hesitated so, why? He felt tortured and ashamed, angry at himself and his failure to save one little girl from a horrible fate. Countless of times in the past, he had been faced with similar situations, where the life of an innocent was hanging in the balance, and always, he had prevailed and saved the day, always. What had occurred tonight had broken the very core of his being, his reactions and reflexes had failed him, even with all the training and years of experience, he had failed when he shouldnt have. Looking about, he saw the looks on the faces of the people present, darting in his direction, the lack of understanding or forgiveness in their eyes was there.
Cavalier, man, you gotta pull yourself together, we need you. Spoke Xanthion, who felt a bit awkward at having to say this to the one person who had subdued him. For Xanthion, Cavalier was the only leader he followed, obeyed only his orders and none other, and to see him broken up like this, shook him up to say the least.
I failed her, failed everyone here, failed myself. Cavalier held his head between his hands, tears freely flowing, looking down on the ground like a kid who had just lost a very important toy, realisation of his failure was crushing him.
Get up, theyre looking at you, stop crying over her, shes dead. Xanthion, always one to speak bluntly and true, couldnt stand the sight of Cavalier like this. He stood up, wiped the tears from his eyes, took a long breath that came out shakily. Sheathing his sword, he looked at Mase, Darklightning, Chromium Man and then Xanthion, looked at the ground in shame.
I
I resign my commission, leadership is yours Chromium Man. He turned around and used his super-speed to run into the tunnel, heading towards Independence Port. Everyone present felt the words Cavalier spoke, and most just stood there trying to comprehend what had just happened. He had walked away from a fight, from the field of battle, and abandoned them to their fate, him of all people. Sure, they understood that he had just suffered a great defeat, and they all felt it in a way, but since the beginning of the night, all of them had lost something, be it a family member, a friend or a piece of their innocence.
The great Cavalier had retreated, given up on them and himself, Ghost Starr had stricken a terrible blow without killing him. Ghost Starr had managed to injure his soul to the core
Kings Row: hour 5
Cavalier ran and passed the train station heading towards Bell Point, speeding down the streets, he was soon running through the factories of Wave Landing. He knew what was going on in his mind, recognized the situation, he was in a total state of mental distress. He had seen it happen to others, seen how it turned them from day to night, from good to evil in a matter of moments. Xanthion and Voyager could be regarded as good examples of what goes on in your head when battle stress gets to you, in Xanthions case, it turned him into a somewhat good guy, from the street thug that he was, fighting amongst the Skullss ranks. In Voyagers case, it turned the man into a non-caring fighting machine, cold and merciless with no regard for public safety, only results. And at this moment, he was going through the same process, an inner battle was going on inside, and try as he might, mingled through all those thoughts, he kept seeing again and again, little Marys head being sliced through.
Reaching Industry Pier, he turned south towards Patriot Wharf, still running like the world was on fire. He passed in front of Wilson Eziquerra, his old friend and contact from the early days without stopping, passing him and the two corn silos in the background, Cavalier burned down the street. The smokes stacks and chimneys were giving up their black smoke, ships were docked and waiting for unloading, all of this he saw as he ran, but Marys eyes were still looking at him. He sped through the coal yard, black soot dust lifting as he passed through it, high in the air, he looked in the distance at two flashing beacon lights, high in the sky. The road sign indicated Terra Volta in a mile, he turned and followed the boulevard, passing the fence and guard post leading to Valor Bridge, dismissing the heroic statues in the distance, he ran onto the bridge and came to a stop right between the stone lions that ornamented the causeway.
Breathing fast, hearth pounding and sweating profusely, Cavalier looked at the scene in front of him. Two figures of angels were guarding the way to the bridge, one holding a shield, the other one wielding a sword, symbols of valour and dedication that decorated the condemned construction. He walked ahead, not caring for the graffiti on the walls, eyes wide and wild, he came to stand beneath the angel statue with the sword. Unsheathing his own sword, he looked at the angel, looked at the hold Latin inscription on the blade : Tantum dignus mos habitum mihi he whispered to himself, words he hadnt said aloud in years, not since finding the sword in the old cave near Newcastle, back in England, lying and waiting on the dusty floor for seomeone to retrieve it. Stepping forward on the bridge, he came to a stop in front of an official city plaque, like the ones they installed all over, to commemorate a moment of importance. Brushing away the debris and garbage that had piled on it, mostly due to the wind that was ever present on the bridge, he read it :
When the Freedom Phalanx became the first legally recognized Super Group in 1953, Statesman held a conference at Valor Bridge. He said: The valiant hero Atlas died defending the city on this very bridge. I do not know how to thank you for your faith in the Freedom Phalanx, except to say that I, too, am ready to die in your defence.
In a burst of anger, Cavalier punched the plaque with all his might, denting the metal and crumbling the granite that housed it underneath. He started running again, and jumped onto the access ramp of the suspender cables, streaking upwards, towards the top of the first tower. He ran screaming like a lion, using his sword to cut some of the hanger cables, which sent sparks flying into the night. Upon reaching the top, he stopped, the beacons were signalling in a regular pulse of red lights. In the center of the tower, stood a lone yellow light held by a metal shaft, about twelve feet high, Cavalier sliced it off and watched it fall to the ground. The metal beam went down silently, until it disappeared from sight far below. Falling to his knees, he cried freely, Marys face still haunting him, asking him why he hadnt reacted fast enough, why he had not saved her. He screamed again to the heavens, unable to contain the rage, to refrain from the pain that was visiting him.
He stayed there a good while, until his cell phone rang. Without looking, he took it out of his belt pocket, and threw it in the distance, towards the water. He took a few steps facing the east, to come and stand looking towards the Kings Row tunnel, where his friends and fellow citizens were fighting for the survival of the city. He looked long and hard over there, his eyes reflecting anger and despair, red from crying and tired from being up so long. He took a step back, and was about to launch his sword into the air, but something held him back at the last second. Stopped from discarding the ancient bladd by some unseen force, he looked at it once more, the Latin inscription glowed a soft green, making the engraved words stand out in the night.
Tantum dignus mos habitum mihi, Only the worthy will wield me. He spoke those words aloud, looking at the sword he had been using for the last ten years, sometimes even speaking to the ancient blade as if it was a person. I am not worthy anymore, old friend. He whispered to it, then turned around, and proceeded to plunge the sword into the eastern saddle of the bridge. The blade emitted a long groan, as if complaining at Cavalier, when it entered the granite, where it was pushed in to the hilt. Cavalier then let it go, and backed away, looking at it through a blurred vision. He felt some of his strength abandon him, as if the sword was taking his life force away. Im so tired, so very tired. A worthier man than me will come for you.
He turned around, looking in the distance with Marys ghost still haunting his mind, relentlessly present everywhere he looked, reminding him of his ultimate failure as a hero. Im so sorry kid, I shouldve saved you, shouldve died in your place. He was now standing on the edge of the tower, looking down below. Spreading his arms, he let himself fall towards the dark water of the Independence Bay, hoping to find rest and tranquility
This is central dispatch, hes not answering sir. Said the voice on Chromium Mans communication frequency.
All right, keep trying him until you do. I want you to call in every hero that hasnt reported yet, we need all the help we can get here. Replied Chromium Man.
Understood sir. Then the channel closed, and Franklin Winter started assuming the leadership of the situation.
Get those blasters in a firing position, I want two lines. He said to Electrobolt, who was nursing a black and blue chest, and showing a burnt out hole in his suit where Ghost Starr's beam had hit him.
Hammerhand, get your ground pounders healed and fed, you have twenty minutes, split your team to leave our center line opened, to draw them in, if were lucky the Ghost army will come straight for us, and we will clamp them in between. The big tanker nodded and turned around, yelling orders to his troops and organizing them as the man had requested.
Mase and Ctrl, I know your guys are tired and drained, but I need them up and running ASAP, until we get reinforcements, you are all weve got. Is there anything you need that could help you? Mase and Ctrl exchanged a look, and nodded to each other, Mase spoke:
Weve been supporting the troops for hours CM, and honestly we think you should modify the orders. You have to let our troops go weapons free, to be as deadly as they are. Our casualty rate is too high because weve been acting as expected, fighting fair and nice, like the good guys that we are. If we are to survive this battle, we need to start acting like an army at war, no quarters given, none taken. Mase Lokrin was an old man, and he had seen quite a lot in his lifetime, including the Viet-Nam war, which he survived, he knew what he was talking about, and CM wasnt one to argue with the lead healer in Paragon city. If Mase said they had to go nuts and ballistics, who was he to disagree. And besides, he had been thinking the very same thing for the last hour, the Ghostbuster army was too gentle compared to its enemy, it was time to even up the playing field. He nodded to Ctrl and Mase in agreement, but inside his armour, he felt fear creep up in his heart. Fighting a foe at this level meant loosing some of your humanity in the process, to call on the primordial nature of man, the killer instinct.
Ill give the order in a few minutes, lets give the troops a moment to gather their senses and feed themselves, theyve been holding the line for five hours now, and most of them could use a rest. Lets just hope Ghost Starr needs to rest his troops as well. Replied the leading blaster of Apocalypse.
They both flew to a rock Voyager knew to be safe, and far enough from the base, so that Jadens transponder wouldnt be picked up by the radars. They could see the it from where they were, far in the distance, and they both saw that the shield was down. At first, they thought it had been opened to let aircrafts and transports out of the military base, but after a few minutes of observing, it was obvious that something had gone wrong over there. Coming ever closer, the Rulaaru troops would reach the base in less than twenty minutes. Their plan was simple, let the host attack the base, until the battle is well engaged, then move in to fulcrum shift the whole thing. Voyager had been repeating to Wild-Star to stay very close to him, offering even that they held hands when he would shift. Insuring the young blaster that his transponder would deactivate soon after his attack, Voyager was now lost in thought, looking at another rock floating in the distance, reminiscing of a conversation that took place almost a year ago.
All right Bane, youve done your part, now leave them and join us, we will annihilate the host. Said Turbo Star to the old controller.
But, you dont understand Turbo, they are not seeking to invade earth at all, they only want us out of their territory. Voyager wasnt sure how to react to the order given by his boss. When they sent him out here as a prisoner, he had been contacted by Turbo a few weeks later, and given orders to gather information on the Rulaaru, using an old legend to gain their trust. That in itself, he had questioned many times since, had been an out of the ordinary order form Turbo Starr, whim he had learn to know as a straightforward guy, it was the first time that he knew of, that Turbo Starr had used a subterfuge against an enemy. But he followed these orders and gained the trust of the Shard people with the Traveller legend, and had spent enough time with them to know that they were different and alien in their way of thinking, but also that this dimension was their home, and the humans were invading it.
Its not my place, or yours, to argue with official decisions. They propose, we dispose, and right now, your orders are to cease and desist, and to come along with me. We need your help to beat them, were counting on you, old friend. Went on Turbo, smiling his best cover page smile, and extending a hand of friendship forward, so that Voyager could shake it. The old controller took his hand, but in doing so, he also shifted the famous scrapper, to identify his energy signature. Since he had done so before, in a friendly sparring match with Turbo last year, he expected to receive from him the same signature. But it wasnt
You are not Turbo Starr, and therefore your orders are no good to me. He told him, while his eyes took on a fiery red glow, known by others to be anger.
Well done Mr. Bane, but too late. You just sealed your fate and that of the shard. The false Turbo Starr replied, as he super jumped away, and returned to join the human army.
Voyager stood there, not quite sure what to do, if he went and joined them, surely saying that their leader was an impostor would have him branded crazy, and most of his former allies thought that he was. On the other hand, if he simply stood by and let the battle happen, the humans would suffer a tremendous defeat, and the portal would be destroyed, barring the way back to earth, leaving the survivors to be hunted down like rabid dogs. The Rulaaru host had decided on an aggressive strategy, and they outnumbered the humans at least twenty to one. Thorn between loyalty and duty, he made the hardest choice possible, if plan A and plan B wont work, come up with a plan C.
None shall pass, go back now, or die this day. He yelled those words, not to the humans, but to both armies. He would try and stop the fighting before it got out of hand, he would become the most hated figure that everyone thought he was, simply because he chose it. He flew up and back towards the massive Rulaaru army, to take a position in their rank. Unable to choose sides, he would betray both, and hoped to live through it.
More, more!
This is a really good read! Eagerly awaiting the next chapter.
Bruisefairy|Lilyn Morrow|Raina Mallory|Knucka Sammich|Whisper In The Dark|Scaryfairy
Virtue server FTW!
Finding A Home: The Origin of Lilyn Morrow
Thanks for saying so, means a lot to me 
Ok... Now, gotta try and not let it go to my head 
I post the updates every saturday and sunday 
Than saturday and sunday shall be the best days of the week for me. (ps - just a funny remark)
Kings Row : The Midnight hour
Do you understand what I m asking of you? For the last ten minutes, Chromium Man had been putting together a plan, using the inner display of his helmet to pull up maps and schematic plans of the Kings Row district, to help him locate what he had been looking for. Being the son of one of the wealthiest man in Paragon had its perks, and one of those included access to private information, of which he was making good use at the moment.
Yeah, I got you. Answered Xanthion. Not that I like it much, but I think it can be done. He was a fierce one for sure, born and raised in Kings Row, Xanthion was a former Skulls leader, and would still be if his mentor of then hadnt killed his parents to put him back in his place. Unforgiving in nature, ruthless to the core, Xanthion had been the natural choice to lead this mission. At first, he had flat out refused, stating that only Cavalier could give him orders, which was followed by an exchange of a few choice words, but he came to see things the way Chromium Man did, and complied. How many can I take with me?
Twenty, anyone you want is yours, but no more. Franklin Winter knew that sometimes you had to hand out orders that would jeopardize the lives of people, and he knew this was such an order, but if Xanthions team succeeded, the tide would finally turn in their favour.
All right, twenty it is. But remember this Chromium, you aint fooling me with this mission, its suicide and sheer lunacy, if we make it out in one piece, youre gonna owe me big. Xanthion had a feral look in his eyes just then, reminding Franklin how much of a predator he was, more so than a hero
The perfect choice for this.
You do what you have to, but you get it done. Sometimes, being locked behind a mask had advantages. If Xanthion had seen his eyes he wouldve known that he didnt believe much in the success of the mission he was giving them. One more thing, we wont be able to come to your help, once you guys go in there, youre on your own.
And this message will auto-destruct in thirty seconds, I know the drill tin can. Xanthion turned around without waiting for a reply, already debating who would volunteer for this mission. Choosing who would live or die, was a new thing for him. But then again, he expected to live through this, but who among all the heroes that were here, would have just the right amount of nastiness and deadliness to make it home outside the body bag? Debating to himself, he looked around the make shift barricade, eyes going from person to person. He walked towards a small group, standing around a fire barrel, warming themselves and talking quietly.
Care to go for a hunt guys? He didnt smile or look friendly, but decidedly deadly when he asked them. Sun Kil Moon, Needels, Hyaxia and Stigmata stood there, listening to him explaining what they were going to do, if they came along. Some shook their heads in disbelief, and at one point Hyaxia laughed aloud, until she realized that Xanthion was serious. They agreed to come with him, understanding the importance of his request, and he ordered them to feed themselves and get some supplies from the Red Cross people before they left. We leave in ten minutes, be ready.
He resumed his walk around the camp, stopping to look at a blaster reunion, debating whether to bring a few along or not, he decided against it, too mushy and besides, the barricade needed the firepower. Wandering over to the tanks, it was obvious that the frontline people were needed here more than anywhere else, he sighed softly, wishing he couldve brought one of them along. Waving to Hammerhand, who was busy patching up a fellow tanker, he moved on. The controllers, now that wouldve been an awesome addition, but then again maybe not. Controllers had a tendency to attract unneeded attention to a group, the damned pets they summoned would hinder this mission. Moon Psyche looked at Xanthion, and wondered why he felt like a piece or raw meat for a second, then dismissed the notion, as he returned to the conversation, him and the other controllers were having about the nature of Ghost Starr. Xanthion came to stand close to the defenders, looking at each of them in turn, debating if one of them would come along and keep the team safe. Then he looked at all the injured present, and knew where the defenders belonged this night, too many were in need of them here. Scrappers it would be, only scrappers.
He talked with Machine and Comatoast, of the FRONT, Nether Spirit, Razorbane, Cabaret and Douro, they all agreed to come along. He then spoke with Saiphon, Secret Skull and Sulene, and they spoke in unison that they too, would come. Skye Knight, Silver Girl and Razora High werent hard to convince either, courage was in the heart of these guys, and calling upon it had been a formality. Sir Langleyjoined the lot, mostly due to peer pressure, as he was the only one left out of it, and he didnt want to be known as the guy who had backed down. Scrapper lock was more than a fighting situation, it was the way of life of this archetype. Just a few more, and they would be set and ready to go.
Nah, you got it wrong bro, Back Street Brawler would kick Miss Libertys [censored] all over the place for an hour. Marrowsnap said to Shadow-Step. They were both sitting on the ground, eating and drinking while debating who was the most powerful amongst the legendary heroes of Freedom Phalanx
Pffffffftttt, Miss Liberty would pound him into submission, and theres nothing he could do about it, and besides, I dont think the Brawler could bring himself to hit such a babe. Shadow-Step said with a mouthful of food, chewing loudly.
You two, youre coming with me. Xanthion remembered Marrowsnap from back then, back when he was a Skulls Lieutenant, and he too remembered him. They had never met officially, but both knew of each other from stories told and word of mouth. With Xanthion standing in front of them, Marrowsnap and Shadow-Step felt adrenalin rush through them, something exciting was up.
Ok, where we going, the strippers? Replied Shadow-Step while taking a long gulp from a bottle of water.
Or better yet, we going bowling? Asked Marrowsnap with a sly smile.
No, were going into Kings Row, to locate the portal that most certainly brought the Ghost Army here, and were gonna destroy it. Were gonna go in there, kick [censored] and take names, until we get the location, and after we do, were taking it down, permanently. When the sun rises, Ghost Starr and his minions will have nowhere to run. And you two are coming with me, because you know the grounds as well as I do. Xanthion spoke softly, whispering almost, so as to not be overheard by anyone but them. Behind him, stood the rest of the team, smiling ruefully at the pair of unlikely heroes. Marrowsnap and Shadow-Step both leaned to the side, to look behind Xanthion, and saw them. They then looked at each other and nodded.
All right, but come the morning, you let us go, me and Shadow have no intention of becoming love dolls in cell block C, we aint going to prison. Replied Marrowsnap.
That was my intention. Answered Xanthion.
Bane! Screamed General Hammond, pointing a gun directly at his head. The Firebase Zulu commandant had been injured during the battle, he was limping on the railway that leads to the portal. The base itself was in ruins, building blown out and engulfed in flames, bodies littering the ground and injured by the dozens were calling for help.
Too late general, you cant stop me now. Replied the old controller while turning around to look at the general. He used his char power on him, at the same time that the gun fired. The bullet entered his left shoulder and lodged itself in it, obliterating most of the shoulder joint as it did so. Choking and coughing, reaching for air, the general fell helpless to his knees, while Voyager was sent spinning and falling to the ground.
The battle that had taken place here had killed many a good man. The base had reacted promptly when the radars picked up the Rulaaru host in the distance. Gun turrets and missile towers had been manned, weapons had been given to any who could wield one. Civilians were evacuated, sent back to earth through the portal, accompanied by the sound of the alarms. Hammond had sent a call for help, asking all heroes that could come to the rescue to do so, but had received the answer that most of them were already involved in a situation back home, that required their presence. Left to fend for themselves, the army had prepared as best it could. Combat helicopters and planes had taken to the sky, extra ammunition had been passed, and all stations were secured. General Hammond knew that loosing this position would close the portal for a long time, and make it nigh impossible to return, and his orders were clear, hold your position at all cost, no retreat was allowed.
Voyager and Wild-Star watched from a safe distance as the first volleys streaked the sky from both sides, followed by explosions and more fire. The Rulaaru moved in regardless, taking the brunt of it without slowing down. The combat helicopters and fighter jets were bombarding them from the side, ploughing through their lines in a deadly manner, but still they came on. When the first ground troops landed, hand to hand combat and close proximity fire took over the ranged fighting. Screams and yells were overheard, while soldiers from both armies fought each other, granting no quarters to the enemy, both lines merged into a deadly dance. So many were the Rulaaru, that the humans were soon overtaken on all positions, buildings and firing stations were being destroyed. But the humans fought bravely and without a fault, not allowing themselves to die without taking an enemy along.
Lets go Jaden, and stay very close, be prepared to go nova. Voyager took Wild-Stars hand in his own, and they flew towards the fighting. The two fighting armies were mingled now, and it was very difficult to discern who was in control of the base anymore. It was clear that soon, the humans would fall, and the old controller knew that the Rulaaru would not take any prisoners. Timing was everything in what they were about to do, if he screwed it up, they were both dead. Closer and closer they flew, their trajectory now putting them between the ranged fighters of the Rulaaru host and the combat helicopters, as they passed between missiles and energy projectiles.
General, an Exiled! The radar operator was pointing to his screen, where amongst too many red flashing dots, was a lone blue one heading straight for the base.
Camera view, soldier. Replied the general, and the soldier pushed on a switch that changed the picture on one of the monitors in the bunker, to show the oncoming target. Voyager
The general clenched his jaw, fear creeping into him. He remembered well what the former hero could do to an army, and knew that he had to be stopped. Bring him down! Orders were given to the helicopters pilot to shoot them down from the sky.
The combat helicopters fired missiles towards the pair of incoming former heroes, aiming to kill. Wild-Star used his area of effect blast, and the missiles were destroyed before hitting them, which created a wall of flame and smoke that helped them go further and closer for the base. The helicopters tried to reposition themselves, so as to fire another volley, but by doing so, were left open to the enemy, and were fired upon at point blank range. Chunks of burning metal were now falling for the battle ground, where they crushed and killed the fighters that stood there. Hammond hit the communication console with a fist, frustration and anger surfacing. He knew they were loosing, and giving the order for the choppers to concentrate fire on Voyager and Wild-Star, had sealed their fate, the base would fall, and they would die. But, in his heart of heart, he recalled the events of last year, and of all threats present here today, the fulcrum shifter was the greatest. Hammond knew what was going to happen next, and had tried to prevent it, but the fates were against him when it came to Voyager. If only the authorities had let him execute him, when they had him subdued last year. But no, it had been judged more important for the peace effort, to let the Rulaaru keep him as they had asked, to let him live so that one day he would kill again.
Sound the general retreat, everyone that can make it, to the portal, abandon base. Hammond watched the monitor showing Wild-Star and Voyager, coming closer to the thousands of fighters on the base grounds, a few seconds away. He had given the order too late, it would happen again, and there was nothing he could do to stop it now. Yelling to the people in the command bunker, he said : Take cover.
Voyager and Jaden landed in the middle of the fighting armies, as soon as his feet hit the ground, the old controller raised both arms in the air, and shifted the power present on the battle ground. A little more than fifteen thousand soldiers, humans and Rulaaru, felt their strength drained from them, all were weakened and some even fell to their knees. Jaden felt the surge in his powers, as Voyager did, but he didnt know and wasnt ready for so much, his whole body was shaking from it. Next to him, Voyager was shaking as well, fists closed and teeth grinding, muscles tensed and veins throbbing all over, he let out a long scream, rage and power emanating from it.
Next came the explosions, the first from Voyager, the next by Wild-Star. The shockwave sent everyone and everything flying in all directions, the closest targets turning to dust, the farthest burning like wildfire in the air. The surrounding buildings were melted, the combat vehicles and gear also, everything within five hundred yards cease to function or died, huge chunks of debris lapidated the base grounds, going as easily through reinforced structures as it did through flesh. Those that were lucky enough to be outside the immediate vicinity, were thrown off their feet, to be sent crashing into walls and structures, while others were seen going helplessly over the edge, to fall into the void. From the complete chaos of the ongoing battle that took place here, only quiet and silence remained. Nothing was left around Voyager and Wild-Star, a clean circle had been created around them, as both were on their knees trying to regain their senses. Such power they had expanded, that they were now in a weakened state, reaching for breath.
Wild-Star was clutching his chest, his heart was beating too fast, as he felt a sharp pain coming from it. Unable to speak, he grabbed Voyager by the sleeve, to signal his distress. The old controller removed the blasters hand from his forearm, and slowly stood up, not looking at him.
Youre having a heart attack Jaden, Im sorry, but it had to be done. Spoke the former hero, while trying to regain his balance, he walked away from Wild-Star.
H-h-h-help me. The blaster replied, and soon fell to his side, clutching his chest and trying to will his heart to slow down.
I cant kid. In order to survive this attack, I had to channel more power than I could handle through you, and its about to kill you. Voyager looked down at the blaster, then turned around and started walking amongst the ravaged base, towards the still opened portal that lead back to earth, and left Wild Star to die. In the distance, the Rulaaru had retreated to a safe distance, trying to regroup itself before the final charge on the human base. In the command bunker, Hammond was slowly rising from the ground, ears and nose bleeding, a piece of sharp metal had lodged itself in his leg. He reached for his hand gun, verified that a bullet was in the chamber, while looking through the window at Voyager setting foot on the ramp.
Voyager stood back up, putting a hand on his injured shoulder, feeling the pain throbbing in the shoulder joint. He came to stand in front of the general, hacking and coughing on his knees, he grabbed him by the shirt, and lifted him off the ground.
Ive been waiting a long time for this moment, Hammond. The helpless general grabbed his wrists, trying to break free of the iron grip the old controller had on him.
Justice
Justice will prevail, Bane
You go to hell
He told the arch-villain, and then spat in his face.
Ill tell the Countess to look you up, when I send her there. Replied Voyager who then set General Hammonds body on fire. The man screamed and writhed for a few seconds, then went limp in his hand, life abandoning him. He let the body go, turned around, and came to stand in front of the shimmering portal.
Im going home.
Kings Row : The midnight hour part 2
Sir, this is central dispatch, we received a priority alpha message from Portal Corporation. The male voice on the comm channel was excited and stressed. Chromium Man thought to himself that he didnt need anymore more bad news today. The Ghost army was gathering itself for another assault on the barricade, and the people here were on the breaking point, tensed and tired, they had been fighting for so many hours now. A priority Alpha signal in the city, meant that an arch-villain was roaming the streets free, and it was up to Apocalypse to control the situation. But given the current events, he would be hard pressed to dispatch anyone over there.
Do we have an identity on the threat? He asked while walking towards the blaster line, positioned at the back, where he would take his place in the firing solution that Electrobolt had ordered. Granted he was the leader, but much like Cavalier, he wouldnt just stand by and hand out orders, he would do his share of the fighting.
Voyager. Replied the dispatch.
Say again? He stopped dead in his tracks, now theres a name he hadnt heard in a while, not since the dimensional wars. He selected the private channel, to continue the conversation.
Voyager sir, the security detectors over at Portal Corporation clearly identified him as he passed through, we have video footage also. Should I patch it through?
Yes, and send another hero all-call signal, were gonna need help. Warn the city authorities about the situation, and make sure they understand this has to be contained discreetly, we dont want every John Rambo who thinks he can take down an arch-villain roaming the streets looking for a target. Just great, bad enough we have to deal with an invasion in Kings Row, now we get a powerful raving lunatic back from the twilight zone. Keep me updated.
And he closed the channel, but his eyes were glued to the image that central dispatch had forwarded, that of Thomas Bane walking unchallenged in the corridors of Portal Corporation, clothes tattered and left shoulder bleeding, eyes a fiery red. How had he escaped the dimension, surely General Hammond would've tried to kill him on sight, which more than likely explained why the old controller was injured. He shivered thinking about the military base for a moment, was it still standing?
Bolt, where you want me? He asked the leader of the blasters, while looking at the firing line, nodding his head in response to the waves and salutes he got from them.
Center line, CM. The record holds at fifty-seven hits in a row, held by your truly. And Electrobolt flourished a bow as he said that last, smiling ruefully at Chromium Man.
I told you, I got here late
He replied with a chuckle in his voice. Five hundred yards away, the Ghost army was making noise, the same racket it made right before an attack. Everyone at the barricade took their positions, looking ahead at the oncoming onslaught, some saying silent prayers.
Xanthion and the scrappers were holding position to the left, hugging the wall and waiting. When the fighting would begin, they would sneak out and head north, then head straight east into the zone. Once in there, they were free to do what it took to get the mission done, no questions asked. Xanthion felt elated at the prospect of being let loose, and looking at his team, he saw on some faces the very same emotion. Although some of them showed clear signs of doubts as to what they were about to do, they all understood the importance of what they were attempting.
Xanthion, why did you pick only scrappers for this one? Asked Comatoast of the FRONT, looking around at the others scrappers who were making ready.
Because, I want killers at my side. Simply replied Xanthion. Anything else would be, uncivilized. And he flashed his feral smile to the team.
But what if we find survivors in there, what are we gonna do about them? Comatoast felt uncomfortable looking at Xanthion now, something about him was not right, more of a predator than a hero he thought to himself.
We tell them to come here, where were going isnt a place for them. Theyll have better luck staying put or trying to make it here. Replied Xanthion whose eyes were suddenly attracted to Shadow-Step, he had just slapped a hand to his forehead, like a man who just now remembered something important. Whats up Shadow?
O-Lan, I left O-Lan out there. Replied the dark scrapper.
Xanthion slowly stood up and came to stand in front of Shadow-Step: You know where O-Lan is?
Yes, we were both the guests of a secret organization, hidden beneath an old factory in the Gish, they called themselves the Hunters of Apocalypse. Theyre the ones that broke me out of jail yesterday, and O-Lan happened to be captured by its leader. Shadow-Step looked away from Xanthions penetrating gaze, he would tell him everything, that is, everything but the balls busting kick she had given him. Theyre holding her in a cage, but the base has been abandoned.
Hunters of Apocalypse
Interesting name, but I never heard of them. Would you be able to take us to her?
Yes, the factory is on the corner of fifth avenue and seventh street, we can get in by the sewers. Replied Shadow-Step, who had suddenly realized that she would more than likely attempt to arrest him again. He shook his head in disbelief, their fates were truly intertwined together, try as hard as he wants, shes always in the picture.
Boys and girls, our mission just got an update, we are now a rescue team. Xanthion replied that last as the first volleys left the barricade towards the Ghost army, the fighting had begun anew. Lets move! They ran silently away from the battle, leaving behind the safety of the barricade, and headed north into Kings Row. Each of them looking around, searching the shadows for the enemy, the sounds of the battle slowly faded away, only the occasional flash from an explosion lit the sky now and then. The quietness surrounding them was oppressing, every foot step they made seemed to be making too much noise, even their breaths were beginning to sound too loud. In a district where all power was down, all cars were out of order, even rats tried to keep quiet.
Reaching the coordinates, they turned towards the east, all of them running from shadow to shadow, moving as a unit. Xanthion looked forward to the fighting ahead, his inner being was found wanting for blood and gore, found needing for inhibited violence. That the others had misgiving about it was secondary, the fact of the matter remained that the enemy had proven itself ruthless and merciless, and it was now their turn to repay it in kind.
A truly adictive story.
I like how you don't let the game rule your story, and root it more towards reality. Your heroes are flawed and weak, can be injured and killed.
Anyways, keep it up, write more!
Great story... you forgot the chapter about your blood alliance with The Sect and The Birthright Confederation....
One question : At the beginning of the story, around chapter 5, you kill Turbo Starr, but later on, we find out through Voyager that he was a fake, is he still alive?
[ QUOTE ]
One question : At the beginning of the story, around chapter 5, you kill Turbo Starr, but later on, we find out through Voyager that he was a fake, is he still alive?
[/ QUOTE ]
If I tell you, I will have to send the DEVS at your house, tie you to chair, tar and feather you, and then have you sent to Venezuela in an unmarked boat, for deportation...
Kings Row : hour 6
Onward they moved into the night, going from one dark place to another, scouting the Gish for signs of the enemy. They crept their way close to the train station, which stood offline and breathing a dark smoke still, the flames that had been raging here a few hours earlier, were now gone. The distant flashes of the battle towards the Independence Port tunnel were still lighting up the sky now and then, reminding them that their mission was crucial, and most certainly had to be completed before the sun came up.
I hate timed missions, seems we always have enough time, and yet we have to rush to it just to spare the important seconds. Said Silver Girl in a hushed voice to Skye Knight. That last simply nodded in agreement, along with some of the others. They were all hiding behind crates, turned over cars and debris, Xanthion had chosen this spot for the ambush. They were all positioned in a circular pattern around him, he would serve as bait to draw the enemy in their deadly trap, where he hoped to capture at least one or two enemies for interrogation purposes. The four chimney stacks between the buildings, just north of the station had crumbled to the ground, taking with them part of the buildings and balcony ramps. Silver Girl thought to herself that Kings Row looked more alien now, than ever before, everything she knew about this area of the city, had definitely been rearranged in a destructive manner. How many had died here in the first hour, how many were still alive, had her friends made it out, were they still here? She felt anguish running through her mind, on their way here, they had crossed many a dead body, left in the street, or hanging partly from windows, the Circle of Thorns had killed all that they had found so far.
She looked at Xanthion once more, unphased and steady, standing by the information kiosk of the train station. She envied his nerves of steel, his hard as nails attitude that most certainly shielded him from all this. As she watched him, he suddenly got distracted by something on the ground, near the ramp access of the station. He was walking towards it now, looking around like a wolf for signs of the enemy, he bent down to pick up an object. She couldnt see what it was, for he stood with his back to her, but she looked around for the others, and all eyes were glued to the ruthless scrapper. He then flipped opened his Apocalypse radio and made a call. The conversation was muffled and too distant for her to hear anything, but as he started to walk back towards the ambush position, she clearly heard him say : Well find her Moon, no worries.
In his hands was a purple hat, partly burnt and crushed.
Her train of thoughts was broken by the sounds of footsteps close by. The scrappers were suddenly brought back to reality, and readied themselves for the enemy. All of them were hungry for a bit of payback, and most of all Xanthion. He dismissed the hat and let it fall to the ground, looked at his team, each of them in turn, to make sure they were ready, the animal that slept in him had awaken, and he screamed. There was no denying the boldness of it, the rage and disdain in the long battle cry he let out, was calling out the enemy. Xanthion was letting the killer instincts take over this night, hero code and ethics be damned. Around the corner, to the east, a full unit of acolytes, accompanied by a Demon Lord and a few ghosts appeared.
The leading mage, a death mage, was at first surprised to find Xanthion there, all alone in the middle of Kings Row. But, the Masters orders were clear and he wasnt one to argue with them, to sacrifice everything in Kings Row, had so far been an easy order to follow. But, they hadnt met anything alive in the last two hours, patrolling the Gish district, no one had been found, and now this. Get him. He simply said to the troops, as he summoned the dark powers to aid his fellows.
Yeah
Get me
Answered back Xanthion as he made ready for them. Forty to one were not good odds, he knew this, but they had to come in the trap, then the others would help, so he only needed to hang on for a few seconds. The crescent moon swords they were using looked painful and deadly, and he also noticed the ghosts vanishing from normal sight. He knew this enemy well, fought it often in the past, he wasnt afraid. They came for him running, expecting him to run away and save his life, so when he jumped ahead into their ranks, growling like a tiger, some of them actually stopped dead in their tracks. He took down two of them right away, using his arms like a wrestler would to push them back onto the pavement, making sure the back of their heads were crushed on impact. He followed by rolling on himself, passing under the slicing arc of a blade. Standing up, he threw an uppercut under the chin of an acolyte who literally flew off the ground and over his comrades, jaw broken and unconscious before he hit the ground.
But there were many of them, and he knew he would have to take some damage as well. The burning sensation of a blade cutting through his lower back and another deeply carving into his left arm, had him abandon all reason. The beast within took over, survival instincts kicked in. The warm sensation of blood on his skin, the sweet pain that accompanied those wounds brought him back in time, when he first met Cavalier two streets down from here.
The others scrappers jumped in, screaming their battle cries, to attract attention away from Xanthion. By doing so, the Circle of Thorns mob gave him the few seconds he needed to take down one more opponent. Using his two hands, he twisted the neck of a surprised attacker, who turned around to look at what was going on. The acolyte fell to the ground, lips already blue. Ensued a deadly dance between the Circle of Thorns and the scrappers, but two to one put the scrappers at the advantage, and they killed all of them with a certain ease. Silver Girl had knocked one out, and was now standing with a foot on his chest. Shadow-Step had taken position next to Xanthion and they were almost done with the last ghost, truly the scrappers had shown no mercy.
The Death Mage, when he saw that the battle was lost, had run to sneak into the alley north west of the station. He was hoping to reach the other patrol, and bring them back here. Turning north, he exited the alleyway, passed the dumpster and was now running across 2nd street, towards the grain silos. Hugging the concrete walls, he went on towards 4th avenue, less than four hundred yards from the other patrol, he turned into another alleyway, still going north. As he turned, he felt the blunt end of a shotgun hit him square in the face, his momentum sending him flying both feet forward, to land flat on his back, wind knocked out.
Xanthion said he wanted survivors, you poor [censored]. Said Marrowsnap, as he pointed his shotgun on the right knee of the death mage, as he shot it at point blank range, separating the lower leg from the body. The mage screamed in pain and disbelief, looking down at his obliterated leg, he turned pale and weak.
Shut up. Said Marrowsnap, as he administered another blunt end blow to the face of the Circle of Thorns, who passed out. Marrowsnap quickly untied his belt, and garrotted the bleeding leg to prevent more blood loss, for now. He then swung the mages body on his shoulder and headed back to wards the train station, to regroup with the team. He felt good about himself.
Back at the station, the scrappers were gathering the two surviving acolytes and tending to their wounds. Xanthion was already healing up, he only wished at times that scars would vanish as fast as his wounds.
Wheres the Demon Lord? Asked the mechanical scrapper, Machine.
They all looked around for it, suddenly realizing the situation wasnt quite contained. Then the sound of a shotgun close by was heard, firing repeatedly. .Xanthion ordered Machine and Comatoast to remain with the prisoners, while he, Shadow-Step and the others ran in the direction of the gunfire as fast as they could, finding the alley the Death Mage had used earlier. Upon reaching it, the first thing Xanthion saw, was the Demon Lord holding Marrowsnap in one of his hands, while the other one was raking him across the chest, carving into the flesh and ripping him apart. The scrappers moved in, and destroyed the ghostly being, which had to let the infamous Skulls lieutenant go.
Yo, Snap, you ok buddy? Asked Shadow-Step to his friend, as he crouched down to ascertain his injuries. The deep gashes in chest and belly exposed the organs in some places, and some of his ribcage was visible also. He was badly injured, blood flew freely from his mouth, as he tried to speak.
This hurts like a [censored] man. He gurgled to Shadow-Step.
Be still bro, we brought along some first aid kits, well patch you up and youll be ready to get drunk in no time. Replied Shadow-Step as he looked up at Xanthion.
I dont know bro, it
He went still, breath leaving his lungs for the last time. The scrappers all remained quiet, for a few minutes, and paid respect that way to a fallen hero, even as unlikely a hero as Marrowsnap had been.
All right, grab the mage and lets move on people, nothing more we can do here. Said Xanthion to his troops, as he turned around and started walking to wards the station again. Shadow-Sept looked at Marrowsnap once more, then gently laid him down on the ground. He then grabbed the shotgun, and cocked it.
You were not much of a hero, Snap, but you stood by your friends. I hope god will recognize this. Whispered Shadow-Step as he turned around and followed the team.
We need to find a safe place and interrogate them. We also need to be on the look out for someone else. I think shes still here somewhere, at least I hope, and I promised Moon Psyche wed try and find her. Spoke the ruthless scrapper, as he picked up one of the unconscious acolytes.
Who are we looking for? Asked Skye Knight, while looking around to make sure they werent being observed by the enemy.
Sun Heat
I found her hat in front of the station earlier. Said Xanthion in a flat voice.
Poor Marrowsnap....
A friend of mine, namely the persons who plays Cavalier in the game, wrote this last and submited to me, we talked at lenght about it, and I really enjoyed it, I think it fits well inot my story line, I hope yo guys enjoy it.
Kings Row : Essence of the fallen
Falling, ever falling towards the water; it rushes towards him, the cold air whistling past his face, his hair whipped into a storm as the rush and shock of the oxygen crushes his lungs in an iron grip
blessed unconsciousness creeping towards him blackness shrouding his vision, closer, closer and now darkness. The world is silent, the sound of the water, the air the only noises that he hears. This is his end, his failure, his disaster succoured by this sacrifice. This Knightly thing to do
James winced as the bright light burned through his closed eye lids. The sun light tearing through, waking him from his doziness. He sat up, crossing his arms about him as he woke up from his slumber on his families land. Off to the East lay the New Forest, a place he liked to walk and explore to relax himself after his busy job in the city.
James Steele, city stock broker and London socialite, loved coming back to his familys old mansion, the horse paddocks and broad expanse of land a relaxing change from the hectic lifestyle imposed on him by his firm and the city he nominally called home.
His familys money came from owning the local steel mines in Sheffield, England, and this money gave him the opportunities that he had taken full advantage of a fencing champion and Olympic representative and a Cambridge graduate in modern economics, James had all his life in front of him, his chances to succeed endless.
He stood up and started walking towards the forest, wanting a last final chance to walk through the forest before he had to head back to the capital city, his long weekend away most definitely coming to a close.
As he entered the eaves of the forest, the shadow of the trees blotted out the sun the occasional shaft of sunlight pierced the forest rooftop to illuminate a bright path in front of him. He followed willingly; after all, he had walked these trails for nigh on 21 years.
As he walked further into the trees a cold chill wrapped its cloak around him, goose bumps prickled his skin, but that wasnt just the cold a sense of anticipation, and in some ways, a certain amount of anxiety consumed him. It drove the air out of his lungs and made him breathe deep, taking in the musty smells of the forest; the rotting leaves, the dead undergrowth, the dew and the sap all mingling to create a texture in the air that was palpable a tension overcame him as he felt drawn further inwards. He was compelled to walk further and further his body overriding his unwilling mind.
The towering trees spiralled high into the sky, stretching up past the range of his eyes, the shadows hiding the tree rooftops, giving it a wan light. The golden autumnal colours flashed bright as he continued his exploration, his right hand moving up to push the occasional branch from his face.
This was the furthest he walked in the forest and he could tell it was an area that was scarcely visited. Very little had disturbed the trail in front of him, no sign of outside interference showed that anyone had even come near this place.
A hidden tree root caught his foot and he stumbled, sprawling onto his hands and knees the air knocked out of his lungs. James picked himself up slowly and then stopped in puzzlement underneath a massive oak the shadowed door of a cave entrance was excavated into the earth, digging right underneath the roots of the tree.
Intrigued, he walked closer and saw that hewn into the surface of the entrance were rock stairs leading down to a heavy stone door that was left ajar. Dead vegetation lay cluttered in the doorway; a fallen branch covered half the door.
He stepped softly down the stairs, treading carefully as the stone crumbled and cracked it was clearly weather worn and looked as if it had been around for a long, long time. He dragged the branch down, throwing it clear of the doorway and noticed a faded and weatherworn inscription chiselled heavily into the door:
HERE LIES SIR MARTIN STEELE, SON OF ARTHUR, DAUGHTER OF ELISABETH AND LOYAL SERVANT OF HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, KING RICHARD THE LIONHEART
Underneath the heavy etching lay the Steele family coat of arms a quartered shield showing a mighty tower, an anvil and hammer, a rearing horse and a pair of broadswords locked in combat around the hilt.
This escutcheon meant a lot to James it was the relic of his lost father and mother, and the only tie to his family he had left. This estate was an empty land, no one living in the mansion and no one occupying the land. It was the way James wanted it left exactly as he remember it, no stone turned, no room changed. It was his living reminder of what he had lost most bitterly in the cowardly attack by the Neo Nazis proclaiming themselves as the Fifth Column.
His head fell as his hand laid itself on the coat of arms the stone rough underneath his fingertips. He traced the lettering, mouthing the words softly. He never knew this tomb existed, and most amazingly of all, it was still undiscovered; the dust lay undisturbed inside the doorway.
He leaned heavily on the door; it creaked alarmingly as the stone hinges groaned under the unexpected movement. James pushed harder, using both hands and bracing his feet, driving the door open as his sinews tightened under the strain.
The door collapsed heavily, the loud crash as the stone split up the middle sundering the forests quiet as birds called loudly as their rest was disturbed. James dusted his hand as he stepped over the threshold, placing his feet softly as the awe inspiring tomb lay in front of him.
The echoes ceased and the atmosphere grew quiet again, the sense of unease grew on him again; the goose bumps returned as his breath shortened, adrenalin pumping, muscles tensing and mind spinning as he took in the cobwebs in the corners of the tomb, the dust on the floor and the painted relief on the far side of the room.
The tomb was roughly 30 metres square with a huge stone coffin in the middle of the floor, a bench at either end of the final resting place. The ancient tomb seemed to dull all sounds as James took a few tentative steps in side the doorway. Drops of water slowly trickled down from a crack in the ceiling and echoed through the musty atmosphere. It was the only noise to be heard the forest outside had hushed down to its normal silence
It was about time you showed up! a loud voice echoed in the darkness. James jumped in fright as the voice broke the silence and an apparition appeared in front of him, a man dressed in baggy trousers down to his knees, rags wrapped around his shins and stout boots covering his feet. On his chest and shoulders lay massive scarring; burns, lash marks and various other torture implements were exhibited on the chest of what James could only describe as a ghost, an apparition from the depths of Hell.
Yes indeed, youve arrived later than expected, but at least youve filled out nicely youre not as thin as the last Steele, thats for sure. The ghosts eyes looked at James as if he were sizing up a piece of meat, gazing much further than the surface he felt like he was being examined underneath a microscope.
What you dont realise James, is that youve already been here before. And you know it, but you dont remember it. Its quite a conundrum, no? I am known as Rite of Penance, I am the guardian of the sword, the keeper of the secret and the steel behind the Steeles. He smiled wanly at his joke, and then shook his head as he took in James incomprehension.
Youre here because it is the time of your Penance James, it is time you atoned for your past; and your future. It is here that we shall test you, it is here that we shall measure you, and it is here that we shall decide if you are of the true blood line
The
the true what? James exclaimed.
The true blood line, Rite said, the true blood of the hero.
James disbelief overrode his shock at the apparition. He scoffed at the idea. The true blood of the hero? What hero? The world doesnt have heroes, its full of thugs and violence no one is here to save anyone any more. Its survival of the fittest and my parents are prime examples of that! He clenched his fists as the wounding memories reverberated inside him again. A burning sensation welled up in his chest as the vision of his parents gunned down in front of him, bullets riddling their bodies as they stood in front of him, his father snarling defiance as the shells ripped into his body. He saw his father regain his feet, rush one of his attackers and grapple him; baring the Nazi to the ground. His mother kneeling in front of him, shielding him from the violent attack.
James shook his head and cleared his throat, the memories had risen unbidden he certainly didnt want them to come up
Did you put that into my head? Why did you bring those visions out? His eyes became cold and narrow as he looked at Rite with venom.
Because you needed them. No heroes? Your parents were heroes, that was the prime example. They protected you from the attack granting you the chance to live at the expense of their own. THAT, James, is heroism. Rite visibly sighed his shoulders sagged. He appeared haggard and tired; his body obviously broken by the vicious torture. He appeared to have been with sleep for a long time as his body slowly solidified. Rite sat down on the bench. His back rested on the side of the coffin.
You have to realise that no matter what you do James, youre ancestry has put this blood inside of you. No matter where you go, no matter what you do it will come back to you. This place will call for you and will demand your attention. You have no choice James trust me, Ive been in your shoes before. The age in Rites eyes seemed to show now the depth of experience, the sights that they had beheld seemed to speak volumes as James felt a likening for this warrior grow.
Will you do something for me young one? Will you come and sit by me and let me show you something? James hesitated at first, he still didnt trust that this wasnt some trick or a dangerous game but the look of the ghost and its apparent fragility changed his mind. He took a tentative step and then walked boldly across to the bench and sat on the edge, his hands resting on his knees.
As he sat down a swirling appeared in front of the two men. Rite waved his hand through the swirl and a picture slowly materialised. It showed a verdant park with a colossal statue sat right in front of a wide building. The statue was a picture of a man hefting an enormous globe the globe being Planet Earth.
This, James, is Paragon City. It is a shining light for the examples of heroism that your parents displayed and it will become a crucial place in the future. The fate of Earth may well depend on the right people defending this place.
James certainly recognised the city his firm had donated money to the construction of a new hospice and the reconstruction of one of the monorail stations in a gesture of goodwill.
But why? He asked, Surely one city in America cant decide what happens across the planet
James felt a bond growing with Rite of Penance. He sensed a trustworthiness and honesty rarely found in the modern day world.
Of course it can, Rite sighed. At any one time, the cataclysm and Apocalypse of the World could be caused by one of the many groups seeking total domination and control. There are enormous forces at work in the world now, and who is the average person to stop it? The world needs heroes James. It needs people like your mother and father, and it needs people like you.
The picture dissipated in a cloud of coloured gas and slowly disappeared from view, the occasional shimmer glinting in the soft light that managed to penetrate the dark atmosphere.
I have something for you James. Rite of Penance began. It has passed through the generations of your family for 900 years since the time of King Richard and the Crusades. It is this which caused you to come this way today. Did you not notice you walked a different path? You chose a different route, you defied your normal way of thinking and now you must do the same again.
I have a task for you to complete and it well decide what becomes of you. If you succeed, you shall know all of that which you must know. If you fail, you will remember nothing and will continue with your existence, and when your time comes, you will have lived a happy life. Your family will be around you, and you will go in peace.
But remember this. If you fail, you will be breaking the bloodline and your family will forever be broken and sundered. Your ancestors will never find peace they will be trapped on this mortal coil, forever trapped, forever doomed. These words seemed to shake the tomb profoundly a shiver coursed up his spine.
I
I have no choice. My family, my ancestors will never escape? I cannot, I will not allow that! His fists clenched again, the fire igniting his eyes as the passion overcame his reluctance. His blood pounded, the adrenalin coursed and the desire and passion overcame him. I will face your task!
The sight of James drive filled Rite of Penance with gladness
He felt his old body growing young again, the strength filling his limbs as his tiredness fell off like unlocked shackles.
Come then! We must travel a short way to your task
Come with me
Rite sprang from his seat, his youthfulness returned he extended his hand and helped James rise from his seat. He walked briskly to the door and ducked underneath the lintel. James followed a little more warily the sudden thought of failure stripping him of his confidence somewhat.
The walked through the forest again, going deeper into the trees. The trail became rougher to follow and harder to find but Rite of Penance guided James unerringly, his eyes constantly scanning for landmarks.
A sudden clearing spilled out in front of the two men, the sunlight bright in their eyes as Rite walked into the centre of the clearing closely followed by James.
Given the time zone differences, your test shouldnt take too long to arrive
Rite crouched down with his legs crossed and closed his eyes. He was clearly happy to hand around and wait. James paced nervously he couldnt help but fidget as his apprehension boiled inside him.
A sudden crack and a sword buried itself to the hilt into a massive oak tree stump. Closely followed by a body dumped unceremoniously to the ground it was shrouded in a cape and full body armour. But strangely, a mask shrouded this mans face James couldnt see a single feature.
Rite got up slowly and walked over to the newcomer and picked him up gently, laying his body by the tree stump.
And so begins your task young one. Let me tell you of its nature, and what is required of you
A grave look overcame his face as he began his tale. His eyes darkened and his lips tightened. His voice became emotionless and carried an enormous weight in the tight clearing.
This man caused the death of an innocent child. His failed action lead to her loss at the hands of evil, and because of her death, he has potentially caused the death of thousands of people, deserting his followers to their own fate. He has let evil escape, and because of that, he is a Fallen Hero not even deserving his title, name or weapon. He shall be nameless and bound for ever trapped in a cycle of pain if you so choose.
The body showed signs of movement, slowly trying to gain consciousness. It didnt move from its prostrate position, apparently the man was being held still by some unknown force.
This is where you come in James. Rite continued, You must choose his fate given the information you have been given nothing more. Your judgement will decide what is to become of him.
As sudden as that, James now had the power of life or death over this man. The weight of this responsibility sat heavily on his shoulders as he struggled to come to terms with it.
It is a heavy duty James have no doubt. But you must decide with you lies the chance of retribution, the chance of revenge! Think of the people who will benefit from this. Will you deny them their chance of rest? They lay locked to Earth, forever tied here because of his inaction
The fire rose in Rites eyes again the strength of his convictions clearly driving his impassioned statements.
But surely he did something? His armour it has rents in it! He has recently fought, that is clear. Fought hard too.
Its too easy to blame someone for the death of others did he really not act? Or did he not have the chance? I cant ever know these things and I cant blame him. The power of life or death is not mine to give I can only protect the innocent, defend the helpless and defeat the wicked. Choosing who lives or dies is not what a hero would do a hero would defend all. No one is beyond redemption
A thunderous explosion shattered from the prostrate body the man sucked in an enormous gasp of breath, almost as if he had not taken breath before.
He staggered to his knees, his head bowed. Spiked sandy brown hair, broad shoulders and a tall body were all that James could see. That is, until Cavalier raised his head and looked into his younger selfs eyes.
Welcome home Cavalier! Rite exclaimed. As you can see, your past self still forgives you, and grants you your Penance as you did before
I
I thank you James
I had forgotten this ever happened. The anguish on that girls face, the despair
It broke me. All I could think of was my failure. Cavalier rubbed his eyes, clearing the tiredness. He squared his shoulders and a dark look came over his features. I have to get back! Ghost Starr, the Apocalypse Heroes
They need my help! A despairing look overcame his features as he realised that he had left his friends behind
Calm brother. Calm. Take your sword and concentrate. Concentrate on the Independence Port bridge and return to your time. Go with speed Cavalier. Your time is now
Thank you! Good luck, and thank you again! He ran to his sword and grasped it firmly. He pulled it cleanly from the stump and held it braced in front of his chest, his head bowed. He read the inscription on the sword
Tantum dignus mos habitum mihi - Only the Worthy Will Wield Me
The sound of the teleportation broke through the forest again as Cavalier returned to his time.
Its your time now James you will become Cavalier, you will exhibit his strength and his tenacity. And you will do so with the blood of your forefathers coursing through your veins and their spirits in your sword. Now it is time to don your armour, to sharpen your blade and live up to your promise. Your task is complete. Go with honour into righteous battle!
As James accepted these thoughts a sudden blankness overcame him
He was no longer James Steele, he had become Cavalier once more. All became dark as these events left him, the spell of the blade banishing all memories of this Penance
Meanwhile, back in Independence Port
Falling, ever falling towards the water. A stunning crash startled him from his thoughts as he hit the water. He felt the cold rush as he sank deeper into the sea, the water bubbling past his ears. His eyes were open he could see all around him but the darkness of the water was oppressive. It felt like he was claustrophobic; the gloom overcame him as he remembered what had happened. Mary
I am sorry, so sorry
As the guilt swamped him a sudden surge of anger burst inside his chest. NO! No, it was not my fault. It was not MY fault! He kicked up, driving upwards. Cavalier forced his burning lungs to hold on to hold on for a few seconds more
His head burst from the water and he sucked in an enormous breath, taking in vital oxygen, as his head cleared and his body ached from the impact of the water.
He struck out for the anchor of the bridge. Every stretch was agony, every inch swam was pure pain. His bruised body cried out for rest but he drove on. Ever onwards. His eyes focused on the bridge. He stared at his jump point as if it was the last thing he would ever see. He fixed it in his mind as he swam on.
Cavaliers boots struck the sandy floor; it jarred him from his reverie. He waded out to the ground the water falling from his waist, his thighs, his knees and then clear
Clear of the ocean.
He felt cleansed. His body was washed with the salt water, and with it, his soul flew free and his guilt dropped from him like chains wrapped around him. The weight fell away as he staggered towards the ladder that would take him to the top of the bridge tower. Valour Bridge the name now meant more to him than anyone could ever know.
His feet stamped on the ladder rungs as his hands dragged him up the side of the anchor point. He climbed upwards; he sucked his breath in through his teeth as his joints and limbs complained at their agonising treatment. He might feel better in his soul, but his body was certainly battered.
He stopped at a rest point for the bridge maintenance teams and looked out at the ocean. Over there somewhere was home. Home
He thought. But what is home? Cavalier rubbed his eyes tiredly and then turned around and looked inwards. Inwards into Paragon City and towards Kings Row.
Home is here. Home is where I am needed. Home is with my comrades, my friends
Home is Paragon!
A new drive filled him. He overcame his bodys complaints and climbed the ladder again. Climbing higher into the nights sky, the lights of the city like stars in the background and even higher the real nights stars were shrouded with cloud cover. The moon illuminating the sky like a gigantic lantern, its rays glinting off of Cavaliers armour.
His hand gripped hold of the highest point of the bridge. He hauled himself up and stood there. About 20 feet in front of him a group of 4 squabbled over the sword buried deep into the bridge. Comically, one of them strained with both hands to pull the sword clear.
Step away from the blade. Now. Cavaliers voice ran deep and true a chilling note in the cold nights air.
One of the group turned around with a sneering look by the looks of him, Cavalier thought, a Tsoo Sorcerer.
This is our property now gaijin step back before I teach you a lesson. He turned back and directed a second lackey to help pull the sword free.
I said, step away from that sword. Do it NOW! Cavalier walked forward, a predatory gleam in his eye he walked over the cable joining his anchor to the next.
The sorcerer sighed visibly his shoulders drooping with frustration.
Look fool, we control this area, we tell people where they go and what they do. Not the other way around. And now youve made me angry. He nodded at the third member of his group who cracked his knuckles and then ran towards Cavalier, his sai flashing in the night sky. The Sorcerer laughed and turned back around, ignoring the fool that dared interrupt this operation.
The blade flashed towards Cavaliers head. He watched the blade sail right above his head as he ducked beneath it. He sprang up and drove his fist into the Tsoos stomach. He bent double as the wind was taken out of his lungs. Cavalier stepped further forward and launched a huge uppercut that lifted the lackey off of his feet and dumped him on his back. The sound of the punch echoed through the night as Cavalier stepped over his fallen opponent.
The Sorcerer laughed again assuming that his warrior had whipped the idiot.
Good work Kenji youve earned your next tattoo young warrior
Cavalier walked quietly forwards, he wanted to take advantage of their foolishness and take them by surprise.
Kenji? The sorcerer turned around and the confidence in his voice fell away as he saw the shattered warrior flat on his back.
Cavalier bellowed a war cry as he jumped towards the blade, and just as sudden time suddenly slowed to a crawl as he neared the blade. Before him he saw ghostly images; images that looked like him land near the blade. A hand reached out for the blade and the imaged warped around the blade, spinning down the hilt, a second hand did the same, glinting along the blades edge. A third, a forth, countless images all went before Cavalier attaching themselves the sword. A loud keening broke the air and Cavalier realised that the blade was literally vibrating as his ancestors returned to their home
Cavaliers fingers wrapped around the hilt. He didnt know what to expect. The familiar tingling? A dead sensation? Was he worthy anymore? His hand locked around the blades handle. The sword felt cold under his hand there was nothing. His face fell and his spirit felt broken.
Silence. The world seemed to stop. The outraged Sorcerer was in the midst of some kind of spell and the two lackeys froze in the act of falling backwards, shocked by their attackers actions. Their faces were full of fear. Had they seen the spirits? Is that what frightened them?
The shaking of the blade travelled all the way up his arm and a light seemed to emanate from the blade. With a sudden radiance the light exploded outwards. It splashed an enormous light into the sky as it washed over Cavalier. A untapped well of joy flooded over Cavalier as he felt the familiar sensations return. His confidence, his powers, his purpose were back! He was Cavalier. He was a warrior. He was a hero again!
His body mended, his mind became clear of the guilt for Marys death. He knew that she had died needlessly, and that Ghost Starr must atone, but this was now his duty he was required to bring her killer to justice. He was Cavalier and he would have his revenge.
Time returned to normal the massive light faded, but was not gone. A glow permeated the blade and emanated from Cavalier. He had never felt stronger, fitter or better.
The Tsoos spell finished in a loud shout and a wash of blackness rushed from his hand towards Cavaliers chest. With a roar of triumph Cavalier wrenched the blade from the steel of the bridge and held it aloft. The darkness wrapped itself around Cavalier and suddenly dissipated as the brightness from the sword banished the sorcerers dark powers.
Cavalier turned to the two minions. They both had katanas held in the ready stance. With a shriek of rage one leaped forwards with a massive sweep of his blade. Cavalier flicked his broadsword out and parried the cut. The shrill sound of steel on steel rang out as their blades met. The katana broke like a fragile twig against the magical blade. The look of horror on the Tsoos face provoked a grim smile on Cavaliers face. His fist slammed into the face of his assailant and broke his nose, the blood and cartilage exploding outwards as his face crumpled.
The other warrior took one look at his comrade and dropped his sword and dove off the bridge. Cavalier looked quizzically at the jumper and then turned towards the sorcerer.
Bursting forward in a sudden attack Cavalier sprang towards the sorcerer. His sword held over his head he launched his most deadly attack and sundered the skull of his attacker.
This is your territory? I dont think so
Turning on his super speed Cavalier jumped off the bridge anchor and landed on the road. The night was most definitely just beginning.
Kings Row : hour 6
Why arent they attacking Jade? Asked Metal Core to the radiation defender.
I dont know, but its kind of eerie to watch them, if I were them Id get it done and go home.
She was looking at the Rulaaru army, holding position about one mile away from the military base, they hadnt moved in or attacked since Voyager left the dimension, as if his departure had somehow cancelled their need for the total control of their dimension. Granted, the humans of the base had been beaten, they were now gathering themselves and going back home through the portal. The murky orange sky was still tainted with the black smoke of the fires, and the quietness that had followed, since the end of the battle was only here and then, broken by an isolated explosion from overheated ammunitions. The Rulaaru looked on without moving, observing and waiting, like a patient predator. Why werent they moving in for the kill? The human base was theirs for the taking, nothing would stop them from destroying the portal and close the access permanently. Were they actually giving the surviving humans the chance to leave before they acted?
After they had regained their freedom, Jade Rade, Takeo and Joseph were watching from a small island floating about four hundred yards from the base. Huddled behind the rock, to hide themselves from the Rulaaru host and also from the humans, they had never made it so close to the Firebase. At least not since they were deported here, to be abandoned in the zone as prisoners, unable to return home and branded with transponders that would indicate their position at any time. When they gathered themselves up in the cave they called home, almost twenty minutes after Voyager and Jadens departure, the battle was already started. Jade had assumed that if the base fell, then the radar tower that could home in on the transponder frequency would more than likely be destroyed. And with that in mind, they made all haste towards the base for the first time in months, hope in their hearts that they would find an opportunity to make it home, and start their lives again with more restraint and wisdom than the first time around.
And Jades gamble paid off, the radar tower had been blown away almost to the ground, very little of the initial structure was left standing. But, there were still people down there and she was now worried that when they made their move, they would open fire on them. And after that, if they made it through the portal, they would be right in the heart of Portal Corporations, where countless heroes when to and fro to different dimensions for missions and exploration. What would await them on the other side worried her more than anything at the moment.
I say we take our chances with the devil and go for it, Jade. Metal Core was always one for action, he wasnt a firm believer in thinking things through too long, or debating his ideas.
Well, either way we go, were looking at trouble Jade, but Id rather be a prisoner on earth than here. Replied Lil Smoke who had been quiet since they had made it here, his eyes were glued to a circular explosion mark on the base grounds, and in his heart, he hoped that Jaden was still alive.
Ok guys, but we do this my way. Were not going in there to fight, or to start a fight, were going straight for that portal, no stopping to smell the flowers. And once through we run like the wind for the exit. I know a place where we can go, and we should be safe there. Went on Jade, as she looked at the shimmering blue portal in the distance.
A safe place in the city, now thats priceless. Its been almost a year, who knows you anymore or would want to harbour criminals on the lose? Replied Takeo with derision in the voice, not believing one second she told the truth. They were criminals in the eye of the law, to be arrested on sight. Granted time had went by since they were last seen in Paragon, but some heroes were known to be zealous bastards, that preyed on the criminals like honey to a bear.
Well, the hard part will be making it there, but once we do, there should be no problems about him helping us. He will listen to us, and will use our story against the city. I never thought it possible that the general population of Paragon knew what Crey Industries and councilman Parkinson were up to, by sending super powered beings here as prisoners. And I think my friend will help us bring this to light. It should be protection enough for us, at least for a while. Besides, its my intention to turn myself in as soon as the story hits the newspaper, and testify as a states witness in this, I hope you guys will do the same, to prevent this from happening to anyone ever again. She looked a them both, hoping they would help her in this, for the odds that Crey Industries would let her testify were slim, but if there were more than one witness at the trial, chances are that killing them all would be more than a coincidence.
Well see. Replied Lil Smoke not yet convinced going public would be such a wise idea. He saw here an opportunity to bribe one of the richest consortium of the city, for a very hefty retirement fund, far away from the Paragon. For now, I just want to get out of here.
Yeah, lets get moving guys, before we think too long and see the portal closed or destroyed. And whit that, Takeo stood up and, made a run for the geyser that would propel him towards the base. He was sent ungraciously through the void, feet and arms dangling for balance, to land a few seconds later on the firebase grounds.
Wheres this friend of yours anyways? Asked Lil Smoke to Jade, as he stood up and made ready for the jump.
He has a secret base under Kings Row. Replied Jade as she ran for the geyser.
You sure this is the place? Asked Xanthion to Shadow-Step, as the scrappers all stood around an opened manhole on the corner of 8th avenue and 6th street.
Well, when I exited the sewers, I was confronted by acolytes right away And he pointed to a beheaded acolytes body and I had to explain to them not to mess with me, not tonight. And I clearly remember that head over there rolling to a stop right there, this is the place. Replied Shadow-Step without a smile. Silver Girl made a disgusted face at the butchery scene in front of her.
You took down ten acolytes on your own? Asked Xanthion while analyzing quickly the battle scene.
Didnt have much choice, they wanted to make minced meat out of me, and when that happens, I get
Very deadly. Replied Shadow as he looked at Silver Girl who was still making the face.
If I hadnt promised you freedom in the morning, I would love a sparring match with you. Replied Xanthion as he looked into the manhole, into the darkness below. Only the nights gloom reflected in the dirty waters below. All right, lets go in, Shadow you have lead down there, take us to that base you mentioned.
Shadow nodded and jumped down into the sewers system, his thoughts were on O-Lan, and he knew that as soon as he opened that boiler room door, she would more than likely use her vipers tongue to lash at him from the cage she was in. There was just no walking away from her these days. The heroes and their unconscious prisoners gathered into the tunnel, and walked silently in Shadows footstep. The flip flop of their footsteps was all they heard, nothing else to listen to. That, in itself was very unusual for the sewers of Paragon, who seemed to be always taken over by one gang or another, if not by a monster from another dimension, or a lab experiment gone wrong.
The acolyte Xanthion was carrying on his shoulder started to come about, and was stirring to move. Xanthion walked towards a metal pipe and banged the acolytes head on it, twice for good measure, and the body went limp. Worried, he looked behind at Machine who was now carrying the injured Death Mage, making sure that the powerful foe was still out cold.
Shadow reached the boiler room door, and leaned on it to listen in on the room. Nothing. Turning the handle, he slowly opened it, and light started to fill the tunnel where the scrappers stood, which had them all squinting their eyes until they adjusted. Looking in at the cage, Shadow-Step suddenly felt his heart jump, the cage was empty. Right away, he assumed a fighting position, which sent the other scrappers into the same reaction, which sent their three prisoners into the sewers water without ceremony, face first.
Whats up? Asked Xanthion as he was looking everywhere for danger, ready to attack.
O-Lan, Hissed Shadow-Step shes free.
Shes one of mine Shadow, part of the good guys, remember? Replied Xanthion with a smile, as he bent down to lift up the acolyte.
She may be good to you, but to me, shes a valkirye banshee from hell out to get me, I am not safe while she is free. She
She hates me with a passion. Shadow was still searching every corners, every nook and crannies of his surroundings, while the other scrappers found amusement in his stress level. So far he had exhibited a cool temper, and good judgement, but now he looked like cheese surrounded by rats.
Lets go in guys, standard search pattern, no attacking without my say so. Said Xanthion as he stepped into the boiler room, looking at the opened cage, he surmised right away that it hadnt been opened from the inside, but by the outside, which meant someone else was here. Using hand signals, he directed them into the main corridor of the Hunters base.
The first thing they heard, when they stopped moving, was a distant melody coming from the north end of the corridor, a female voice could be heard singing, and was really not good at it.
Presley? Asked Sun Kil Moon to Xanthion.
No, Sinatra. Replied the ruthless scrapper. Throw our prisoners in that cage. Shadow, take the south end and secure the grounds. Comatoast and Secret Skull with me, Silver and Skye guard the Thorns.
The scrappers separated and headed in their assigned directions. The base was quiet, an abandoned feeling to it. Xanthion, Secret Skull and Comatoast headed north, towards the singing, checking every door before moving forward, for signs of life.
I swear X, it sounds more like a cat being strangled than singing. Said Secret Skull as he cringed again at the false voice trying to hit the note.
Well, when we get there, I suggest that we punch her lights out, for arts sake. Replied Comatoast who had started getting shiver from the singing voice, it was awful.
Onward they crept silently closer to the voice, moving like cats, they found no other signs of life but that voice trying to hold a melody. When they finally reached the door from which the sound was coming from, it had LADIES written on it. They all looked at each other, stalled for a moment by the ethics such a word implied, after all they were men. Then Xanthion gently pushed the door opened, and the muffled singing became even more awful. They all cringed as the voice hit a high pitch, and very false note. The sound of running water was heard, and the dampness of a humid room that was steamed up by hot water accompanied the picture. They looked at each other again, then walked softly inside.
Two rows of lockers were present, most having padlocks on them, and at the farthest wall, an entrance to the lavatories, where steam was hugging the ceiling. They crept on, the female voice raising goose bumps on their body. What a terrible singer she was. Passing through the archway, a series of bathroom stalls was found, and at the end of them to the right, another archway from which a lot of steam came out, indicated the way to the showers. Xanthion hand signalled his team mates to follow in quietly, upon reaching the steamy entrance, he leaned around the corner, looking in. A small corridor that lead to the shower room blocked his view, so he crouched down and proceeded forward, to reach then end of it. Leaning to the side he looked:
Fly-yyy me-eeeee to the MooOOOooooooOoOoon
The woman was dancing under the shower heads, she had eight of them running along the wall. Her small figure moved like a professional dancer under each of them, and compared to her singing, her motions were very provocative. She knew how to use her sensuous curves far better than she sang. Entranced right away, Xanthion watched on as she danced to her singing across the shower wall. Water splashing in all directions as she circled and stretched her body. Soon after, Secret Skull and Comatoast were also slack jawed next to Xanthion, looking at this most beautiful woman dancing in such a way.
Le-et meee siiiiiiiiii-aaainnng amoong the staaaaaaaaaAAAaArs.
She stopped singing, remained there on the shower floor, letting the water wash over her perfect figure, chest heaving from all that singing and dancing. She opened her eyes, looking up at the ceiling lost in her thoughts. The three scrappers were still motionless and stunned from the spectacle, and in all honesty, none of them were in any position to stand, spandex being what it was. They backed away from the vision, Xanthion passing a hand across his face, to remove the sweat that had somehow broken up on it. Comatoast was rubbing his eyes and shaking his head, while Secret Skull was still breathing with his head between his knees, as if he had hyper ventilated.
When she turned the corner and saw the three of them kneeling there, she screamed with outrage, and actually tried to hide her perfect figure with her hands.
Xanthion, what are you doing here??!! She yelled as she ran back around the wall, to hide herself from their eyes.
Arummmph
Sorry Sun, didnt know it was you. Replied the ruthless scrapper with a crimson red face.
Kings Row : The thunder and the rain
Shadow-Step and Sun Kil Moon led the other scrappers towards the south end of the facility, they kept a weary eye out for sounds or movements, walking softly they reached a side corridor entrance. On its left wall could be seen a sign indicating the way to the kitchens. Shadow decided to split the remainder on the force in two, and took the new corridor along with Sun Kil Moon, Cabaret and Machine while the others headed towards the hangar facility. Nether Spirit had found a computer room, and was attempting to hack his way into the database to gather information, Sir Langley and Machine decided to stay and lend a hand with that. All was quiet and dark in the underground base, a gloomy green lighting accompanied the scrappers everywhere they went.
When Shadow reached the two revolving doors of the cafeteria entrance, he pushed on one gently, and looked in carefully for signs of life. All was quiet and still, the twenty tables with chairs in the dining room were all cleaned and empty, no one had left a tray or garbage to indicate that they had been here before. At the back of the room, the kitchen counter was sparkling clean and someone had left the light on in that room. The scrappers entered and took separate directions, hugging the walls, they snuck around the dining tables, to meet again under the stainless steel kitchen counter.
Cabaret took the bold choice, and walked straight in the middle without trying to hide her presence, she felt that if someone was here they should know the base was no longer abandoned, and besides Shadow-Step and Sun Kil Moon were surely the best back-ups anyone would want when trouble found you. Especially that Shadow-Step fellow, what a cutie pie she thought to herself, as she looked at him sneaking along the wall, dressed in blood stained hospital pants. He must be a very deadly foe, and she hoped also, a very skilled lover. Bringing her attention back to the matter at hands, she noticed that across the counter, in the lighted kitchen, a knife and some sliced onions, mustard and bread were on the counter. Looking more closely at the scene, the refrigerator storage door was ajar just a little, not closed all the way. She made a hand signal to her two team mates, and crouched under the counter with them. Indicating them to have a look, she felt her heart quicken, the familiar sensation of a fight and the adrenalin were bringing her senses back to life.
Shadow-Step felt a tight ball of creepiness lurk into his stomach, O-Lan was free and roaming about, and seeing the food left out on the butchers block kitchen counter, reminded him that he was still in a grave danger. Eyes darting to and fro, he listened more intently, still no sounds.
I feel life is here. Whispered Sun Kil Moon, sitting in a yoga position under the counter, he was meditating. Shadow and Cabaret both looked at him with a cocked eyebrow, what a nutcase he could be at times. Of course there was life here, the food left on the butchers block was fresh, and whoever had taken it out, would be back to finish putting together the sandwich.
Ok, Cabaret you stay here, and jump in if we get into trouble. Sun, you take position behind the fridge door, when it opens, the target is yours. Ill hide behind the butchers block and jump on her the minute she comes out. Shadow spoke fast and quietly, then went crouching for the entrance located right beside the stainless steel service area. Sun was with him, walking on all fours, the two of them went in and took position.
What makes you think its a she? Whispered Cabaret from across the counter, wondering why Shadow had looked pale a second ago.
Its not a she, Cabaret, its the devil. He replied seriously while taking the huge kitchen knife away from the butchers block and hiding it under the counter. Looking around, he saw a wooden stand filled with twenty more sharp knives, then noticed the metal frying pans of different sizes, racks upon racks of crystal glasses. He suddenly felt very unsafe about ambushing O-Lan here, very unsafe. He was about to make a hand gesture to Sun, so he would come out of the kitchen with him, but the refrigerator door slowly started to open.
Sun hugged the wall while the metal door came closer to him, he felt like a kid hiding from his older brother. Shadow ducked back down behind the butchers block, heart racing and pounding, he was grabbing his genitals in both hands while picturing what might happen when O-Lan got her hands on a sharp knife. Cabaret who was behind the counter, looked like a cat about to pounce, ready to jump in and subdue the sandwich maker.
Sun Kil Moon screamed his battle cry from behind the door, as he pushed it away and came to stand in front of the new comer. Shadow heard him but was unable to move, rooted in place by fear and visions of more pain for himself. He then saw Sun pass over the butchers block feet in the air, head below with his arm flinging. Sun Kil Moon went to hit the far wall of the kitchen upside down, and landed face first in the industrial size kitchen sink with a resounding impact. Cabaret jumped over the counter screaming, but soon after, Shadow heard her say: What the
Then he heard the sound of crashing chairs and tables, and an outraged cry of pain. He stood up and looked for the O-Lan, but his eyes met another pair of eyes, seriously angry.
The man was holding cold cuts and a jar of mayonnaise, and when he saw Shadow stand up, he threw the cold cuts at his face. Shadow-Step received the sliced pastrami square in the face, which hung there for a second before falling to the floor. Shadow, who was expecting to see O-Lan, stalled for a second while this happened. And a second was all this new person needed to act. His hand free, he pointed toward Shadow who felt a tingling sensation all over his body. Then the man, tall and a bit on the skinny side, with brown short hair and a green bandana, dressed in a green and black copy of the Riders of Apocalypse suit, started to whistle and walked towards the butchers block, not caring anymore for Shadow-Step or the others.
Shadow took a swipe for his chin, just to knock him out, and missed. The man went on whistling while looking at Shadow with raised eyebrows.
Such violence, you should at least introduce yourself before trying to hurt me, its not very polite, you know. Said the young man, who was now turning his back to Shadow. Sun Kil Moon had stumbled out of the kitchen sink, and was running towards the whistler, a guttural roaring in the throat, he dove straight at him. Much to his surprise, he seemed to slide off the man, and went on to fly across the butchers block, both feet left dangling up as he hit the floor on the other end. Outraged and angry, he screamed in pain as his nose hit the floor first. The man looked at the feet and smiled gently, then resumed making his sandwich.
You wanna go get me some more pastrami from the fridge, while youre over there, the one I brought is wasted. He said to Sun Kil Moon while Shadow missed another punch at him. He tried kicking him, and missed him. Tried grabbing him but his hands slid off of him like they were greased.
I have encased you in an energy field, try as hard as you want to hit me or hurt me, you cant. Went on the short haired man who was still busying himself with the sandwich. My name is Erg, and unless you have business here, I would suggest you leave before my friends comes back. He wasnt even looking a them, not a care in the world, he stood amongst enemies. A chair passed over his head, the four legs seemed to encase his skull as it went by and crashed into the wall, but he wasnt even phased by it. Cabaret threw another one for good measure, and it missed him by a hair. The man couldnt be hit.
I beg of you to leave this place now, my friends dont have the same patience as I do, and they will certainly hurt you senseless, while you will not be able to hurt them. Its very dangerous to stay here right now, you must leave. He had finished slapping on the mustard, the mayonnaise and the onions, and was now walking around the block, heading once more for the fridge. Sun Kil Moon swung at him, and ended up missing again. Shadow followed him, not attacking anymore, a plan had just sparked in his head. Erg walked into the fridge whistling, looking at the two scrappers and smiling to them. Shadow smiled back, then with his right arm, shoved the fridge door closed on him. Sun Kil Moon gave Shadow an appraising look and said : You da man, Shadow.
Cabaret, what are you doing here? Asked a very familiar voice from across the cafeteria, a voice that sent chills up Shadow-Steps spine. Sun Kil Moon smiled when he recognized it.
O-Lan, we thought you were lost, or worst, its good to see you girl. Replied Cabaret in the distance.
Judging from the mess in the room, I take it you met Erg? O-Lans footsteps could be heard, and Shadow looked all around for a hiding place.
Yeah, me and the boys tried to sneak up on him, but he got us good. Answered cabaret with laughter in the voice as she hugged her friend and whispered in her hear : Just wait until you see the sexy guy I met today, youre gonna have a fit of jealousy girl.
Sexy, I like sexy. Whispered O-Lan into cabarets ear as they separated.
Yes, and he knows of you too. Smiled Cabaret as she looked towards the kitchen to see Sun Kil Moon appear, alone.
Well, I hope you didnt mess up his attempt at making me a sandwich, Im starved. Shadow looked at the incomplete sandwich on the butchers block, gulped heavily and looked at Sun Kil Moon who had started to walk towards the dining hall. Thinking fast and with survival, for himself and his only remaining testicle, Shadow opened the fridge door, and entered it. Standing in front of Erg, who was wondering what the scrapper would try next, the defender said:
You know, it doesnt matter how hard you will try, the energy field you are encased in prevents you from hurting anyone, but its also preventing me from hurting you, as long as I maintain it active. And Im smart enough to know not to go against scrappers in hand to hand combat. Erg spoke that last while taking a seat on a crate of milk. Im a pacifist when it comes to punching and kicking.
Save me, please. Said Shadow-Step, with genuine fear in his eyes.
This is Kevin Tate, reporting live from inside of Kings Row. Deep inside enemy territory, this reporter is now standing center stage, within the ranks of the Ghost army. All around me, desolation and destruction, and only through sheer luck was I able to be escorted here to talk with the man responsible for the massacre. The young reporter was holding his ear speaker with his right hand, while the microphone sat in his left. He was young to the reporting profession, and had found a job as a field reporter in the most infamous tabloid TV station of the city. He knew this was only the starting point of his career, and bigger things would come his way, someday. But for now, him and the camera operator were the only reporters inside the perimeter, and that meant that every television broadcaster had bought the signal off from his station, and were now broadcasting him all over the country. Kevin Tate would now be a household name, and fame and fortune usually followed closely any reporter who got his fifteen seconds of fame.
In a few seconds, I will introduce to the world the man behind the invasion of Kings Row, who graciously accepted to be interviewed by yours truly, on this night. He tried speaking calmly and to pronounce every word right, doing his best to sound like an old reporter, who had seen it all, done it all, said it all. They were standing in the heart of the enemy force, right in front of the police headquarters building, standing below the dedication to Atlas statue. On the perfect circle granite design on which was engraved Atlas with the planet earth on its back, you could read : Paragon City, Birthplace of Tomorrow, 1823.
So, without further a due, ladies and gentlemen, meet General Ghost Starr. And with this last, the camera panned backwards to broadcast the image of the young reporter and, that of Ghost Starr. Tall and muscular, with raven black hair and a trimmed beard, dressed in a red and black battle suit with a red cape, he looked the part of an evil entity.
Ghost Starr, in your own words, tell the world what it is you are doing here, why did you come to Kings Row, why all the blood shed? Kevin directed the microphone towards Ghost Starr. The Circle of Thorns leader looked at it for a second, more out of wonder than anything else, he was unfamiliar with technology.
We are summoning the master. He answered in a deep voice while his fiery red eyes looked straight at the camera.
What does this summoning require exactly, can you tell us? Went on the reporter, as he was looking at something happening behind the camera.
Twelve thousand souls must be gathered, and we are now close, five hundred and two souls left to gather. Replied Ghost Starr, while the image of the camera suddenly shook then fell to the side, as if the operator had dropped it. Then it was picked up again, and the image returned to its formal position. Kevin Tate, the reporter wasnt looking at Ghost Starr anymore. He was looking at this camera operator trying to run away from the acolytes that were chasing him with crescent moon swords. The image that was broadcasted then, showed the operator being wrestled to the ground by the acolytes, where he tried to struggle free. He was hit once by a sword, which sent his feet kicking, and the sound of a painful yelp was heard. They hit him, this time, three blades carved him in unison, and blood flew red on the ground in front of the Atlas Medallion statue. Kevin went pale, microphone hand shaking as he suddenly understood that Ghost Starr didnt need him at all, only the broadcasting equipment. Ghost Starr took the microphone away from him, in a rough gesture that made sounds on every TV across the continent.
Kevin started to run for his life, away from the police station, and the camera followed in on him. It showed the young reporter fleeing down the street, chased by ghosts and acolytes. They caught up to him, and the acolytes held him up above the ground, arms stretched, chest exposed. One of the ghosts started to claw at his chest, fleshing the skin away, exposing the rib cage and the top of his belly. Kevin screamed in agony, pleading mercy, but the ghost went on. Fifteen seconds went on, where the reporter screamed and yelled in agony, while the ghosts fed themselves on his internal organs, fifteen seconds of pure pain before Kevin Tate died in front of millions of people that were glued to their TV screen, looking at the grim spectacle, hypnotized by the surreal scene. Then, the camera turned around and resumed its view of Ghost Starr, holding the microphone and looking directly at the lens.
Now five hundred souls... Were coming. Spoke the general of the Ghost army, then the image went blank. Kevin Tate had gotten his fifteen seconds of fame.
Kings Row : The thunder and the rain part 2
Hang on, they will not pass
I will not fail them
They must not pass
Control kept repeating these words in his head, as he was exerting himself with all powers to hold at bay more than a thousand front line troops heading straight for the barricade. Beads of sweat and veins were throbbing on his forehead, as he looked on into the enemy ranks. Compared to the previous charges of the Ghost Army, this one was different, more aggressive and there was certainly more troops coming for the heroes. Its as if Ghost Starr had withheld them, in order to keep a part of his army fresh and ready for a later use.
Regardless, the battalion of controllers, led by Control would hold true and fast. Already, they had began the summoning for the most terrible storm Paragon city had seen in a century, he could feel the energy of it coming closer, a few more minutes, and the thunder and the rain, the lighting and the wind would come crashing down on the Ghost Army. Just a few more precious hundreds of seconds, during which the controllers needed to stay alive, and more importantly stay conscious to perform their task. Already some of them, the younger ones, were passing out from the exertion. And the unlucky ones were dragged away by the Demon Lords screaming, knowing that their deaths would come faster than help would. Some had began to fall back some more, making ready to run for their lives, and Control had to take the foremost position on the barricade, in an attempt to inspire them.
Standing there, at the front of the barricade, on the roof of an old Buick, he could see the entire battle scene taking place ahead. The tankers and the scrappers were overwhelmed, surrounded on all sides, they fought on with desperation and fear. The Ghost Army used a tactic of isolation, and moved into the ground fighting ranks of the heroes, outnumbering one fighter at a time. Mase Lokrin and the defenders were hard pressed to teleport the injured back to safety, healing them just enough to send them back into more pain and suffering. Endurance and power were running low, everyone was on the brink of collapse, but the Ghost Army kept coming.
Hold them! Control screamed once more as he looked up to the darkened sky. A few more seconds and the storm would begin. In the distance, he could see Ghost Starr pulling his sword out of yet, another fallen hero, another friend that would not see the sunrise. Anger and sadness washed over him all at once, what will it take to stop them, he asked himself, as he heard the sound of an injured scrapper porting behind him, screaming in pain and holding the stump of his left arm, which had been cut clean at the elbow. Chromium Man was yelling orders, while Electrobolt and the blasters were moving forward from the tunnel, to come and stand at the edge of the barricade.
Prepare for hand to hand combat! Chromium Man had tried his very best to lead the troops, since Cavalier had left. Now that the chips were down, and that all was at stake, he knew that the Ghostbuster Army was facing defeat now, more than ever. There were simply too many Circle of Thorns, and so few heroes to oppose them. The rumbling of thunder made its appearance, accompanied by a soft falling rain. At the same time, a huge fireball projectile coming from one of the rooftops to the east, came straight at Controls position.
This is the end. Control clenched his teeth, making ready for the impact, as he sent another crowd controlling hold into the thousands of Circle of Thorns troops, running for the barricade one hundred meters ahead of him. The fireball hit the ground right behind him, exploding and sending flames in all directions for ten feet. Control was sent flying from the barricade, wind knocked out and cape in flames. He landed on the ground and slid like a rag doll, about to pass out, his last thoughts were cursing Ghost Starr to a thousand deaths, while he felt the flames begin to burn through his battle armour.
Right after the fireball hit the barricade, the first of hundreds of lightning hit the ground, and a wall of rain began to fall. So much rain and wind there was, that it was difficult to see in front of you. The storm began, just in time to douse the flames that were burning Control and the others that were hit by the fireball. The lightings were striking into the ranks of the enemy, sending them flying into the air, killing many without regard. Even heroes were not spared by this, but it had been a last ditch effort to stop the Ghost Army, and Control and Chromium Man had decided on this plan if things turned for the worst. Forces of nature were now unleashed on their position, and nothing could stop it now, it would run its course until the end.
Mase Lokrin was beginning to feel the toll on his endurance, even with all the radiant auras that were cast, there was just too much damage taken too fast by the heroic army. He looked around for another injured to teleport back to safety, seeing the barricade about to be overran, the blasters fighting hand to hand, drained controllers using whatever they could lay their hands on to fight. But, so much rain fell that he couldnt see well who needed help, couldnt discern friend from foe. Looking for Chromium Man, he walked forward to the barricade, and stood on the same Buick Control had used. When he saw him lying on the ground a few feet to the front, he stepped down and ran to him, hoping he wasnt too late.
God dammit Control, didnt I tell you not to play with matches. He said to the powerful controller, as he healed him by absorbing his pain. Right away Mase felt the searing sensation of the injuries that were transferred from Control to his body. His face went pale, some dizziness accompanied the transfer. Control opened his eyes, to see Mase looking down at him, smiling weakly.
God dammit Mase, didnt I tell not play with controllers He told the old defender, as he started to sit up, while assessing his situation.
Then, Control vanished, teleported away. Mase looked behind at the barricade, but Control wasnt there, he looked ahead and saw the familiar flash of a teleportation through the wall of rain. Mase ported himself in that direction, uncertain what was going on. He appeared next to Hammerhand the tank, who was lying on the ground, bleeding from a huge cut to the chest. Using a heal, he patched him up then teleported him into the bus stop shelter to the left of the boulevard. Searching ahead for Control, his eyes finally found him.
NO! Mase screamed as he teleported for his friend. Control was held limp in the hand of Ghost Starr, who mustve used teleportation, to snatch him away from the old defender. The dark blade was raised high in the sky, and lighting struck it as Ghost Starr was about to bring it down. The electric shock held the Ghost Army Generals hand long enough for Mase to appear next to them. Using his electric blasting abilities, Mase sent a surge into Ghost Starr that freed Control from his grasp.
Putting himself between them, Mase knelt and held Control, then looked towards the barricade to locate his next teleportation location. So much rain, that he had to look harder, to get the right position in his minds eye. Behind him, he heard Ghost Starr roar, but he didnt look at the General, already he was activating his travel power.
Mase reappeared on the other side of the barricade, holding Control in his arms, and the troops there cheered him up. He stood there, not saying anything, looking into the Independence Port tunnel. Then, he fell to his knees, and Control slid from his arms to land on the ground. Mase still looked ahead, at a streak of light coming from the bend of the tunnel, coming towards the barricade. Mastema Reign, who was the closest defender present there, proceeded to heal Control who remained knocked out. Mase fell on his side, and Mastema looked on him with worried eyes.
Cavalier! Screamed one the soldiers that happened to be looking at the tunnel. Cavaliers back!
All eyes turned to look upon the sight of the scrapper returning to the battle. All eyes but those of Mastema Reign, who was now bending down on Mase Lokrin, who had become pale. She turned him over, and comprehension hit her face. A deep gash, about two inches deep, ran across his back from left to right. Blood had been flowing free from it, and Mase was now too weak, from power exertion to heal himself.
Cavalier jumped over the sand bags that had been put there so the blasters could have a higher point of view, when they fired into the ranks, and landed next to Mastema. The sword in his hand glinted, his eyes were cold and hard. He knelt next to her, and looked on at Mase Lokrin, one of the best defenders Paragon had known. Using his fingers to feel for a pulse, he felt it weak and unsteady. But Cavalier hadnt come back to mourn a friend or to wallow in sorrow. He was here for a purpose, a renewed sense of duty and faith were now present in his soul. This time, he wouldnt fail anyone, not himself and certainly not his friends.
You keep alive, Mastema. He told her in a steely voice, as he stood and walked forward for the barricade. The tip of his sword raised sparks from the asphalt as he moved. The troops at the barricade were cheering him on, but he didnt notice, some were waving hands and nodding heads in approval, but he didnt see them. His eyes were intent on a point in the distance, a sensation calling him over the barricade, like metal to a magnet. He walked slowly without being challenged by anyone, at times he swung his sword and cut through an enemy that dared to stand between him and his target.
As he moved ahead, the Ghost Army started to fall back. Lightning seemed to help him along, ploughing down on the Circle of Thorns and sending them back towards the intersection, a little before they would have to jump down and fall back into the Gish district. The tide had turned, the missing element that was needed to save the day had finally come, in the form of Cavalier. Steady and true, he stopped one hundred meters from the intersection, sword and man making one, he looked at the Ghost Army, looked directly into Ghost Starrs eyes. He cracked his neck and loosened his shoulders, looked down at his blade and made a circular motion to train it back down on the ground, using the Dauvignac variant, then said :
Whos first?
Kings Row : Dawn
After Cavalier spoke the words of challenge, both sides went into a frenzied battle. The Ghost Army came at the heroes with a renewed sense of zeal, the strength in their numbers made them careless and bold. The heroes were few compared to them, and tired as they were, they fought bravely. For each hero present during the last battle, ten Circle of Thorns awaited, and while the two armies fought on, the lightning and the rain that had been summoned, relentlessly fell on them uncaring. Here a hero was overcome and wrestled to the ground by the enemy, to be drowned in a few inches of water that would have ordinarily been a kid magnet for mischief. Over there, an acolyte was being used as a club by a super strength tanker who kept calling each hit, and keeping score like in a tennis match. Merciless, deadly, it was all that. Unforgiving it was, to the point where one had to decide whether you died doing the honourable thing, or that you might live if you became a psychopath. To some, that line in the sand was not crossed, and they were put down hard and fast. To others, it became a choice rooted in reality, their survival and those of their friends made it easy to cross the line between good and evil.
The old English blade spun through the air, through the falling rain, and came to rest deep in the chest of an energy mage. He fell to his knees clutching it, amazed that such a weapon could be thrown, shocked that it could hurt so much, the moment before you died. Twenty yards away, Cavalier was using the sharp end of a shovel to fight. Nothing that came within reach of the scrapper lived or stood its ground long, of all the deadly people, surely he was the most. Clearing a path forward, to reach his sword, he saw some acolytes attempt to grab it to no avail. The sword truly was attuned to him now, anyone trying to take it, would find themselves unable to lift it, much like an ant trying to lift a skyscraper. Putting his hand back on the hilt, he pulled the blade out in a long arc, wounding two acolytes in the process. Searching through the rain, he found his target, found his anger:
You, Ive got words to pick with you. He said as he pointed his sword directly at Ghost Starr.
Bring it. Replied the Ghost Army General, who stepped forward while he disposed of a daring human who had manage to make it all the way to him. No super powers, nothing special about him, just plain old rage and battle madness. Truly, these humans were a wonder at times, he thought to himself as he sliced the mans head off. The two scrappers, one of light and the one of darkness, met in a fighters circle, created more out of their presence than from anything else. The swords met, the two enemies fought on. Cavalier and Ghost Starr were a perfect match to each other, each strike was met by steel on steel, and only through the small differences, did one gain the advantage on the other. While parrying a thrust, Cavalier received a kick to the stomach, and responded right away by an uppercut to the jaw.
At the same time, far into the district, right in front of the Paragon Police department, the Atlas Medallion started emitting the sounds of pounding. Something was attempting to break it apart. Not from behind, not from the front, but from the inside. The Medallion was two feet thick, a perfect circle of granite. The side of the statue where Blue Steel would stand, showed signs of crumbling, as what seem to be huge fists, were attempting to tear through the middle of the famous representation. Guttural roars of anger could be heard, coming from the inside. Ten Circle of Thorns mages were chanting around it, green magical fumes surrounded the scene. The toll, the summoning that required twelve thousand souls, had been met. The Master was coming, and not a moment too soon, the first shades of morning began to make their appearance in the distance, giving an orange and purple shade to the grey sky.
A beastly fist came out of the Medallion, then another one, and huge hands with sharp nails ripped the center of the 1823 statue. It stood twelve feet high, roared to the sky, a roar that could be heard all across the zone. Turning to look towards the east, it began to run towards the Gish, slashing a mage out of its way as it did so. The beast, The Envoy of Shadows had to find a hiding place, from the daylight that was coming soon, from the pain it would sear into its flesh if he was caught outside.
Back on the battlefield, Ghost Starr had just slashed Cavalier three times across the chest, spilling the first blood. The famous scrapper was surprised by the manoeuvre, and when he felt the burning sensation of cut flesh, he looked down to make sure the wounds werent too deep. And Ghost Starr used this surprise against him, plunging his dark blade straight through the belly, all the way out the back. Cavalier looked at him, face red and surprised that the General had bypassed his defences. Ghost Starr smiled in victory, the smile of a predator, then kicked Cavalier square in the chest, which pulled the dark sword free from the belly, and sent his enemy sliding on his back in bloody trail. Walking triumphant towards the squared jaw Cavalier, confident that he would get rid of this nuisance, Ghost Starr screamed in anger as he heard the voice of his Master in the distance. The summoning had succeeded, the prophecy was underway, only the spirits could stop this now. Cavalier used that moment of distraction to raise himself up, sword swinging in one hand, he would cut the head off this worthy enemy, put an end to this madness.
But not this day, not this moment. When Cavaliers blade shouldve met flesh and slice through it, it met nothing. The scrapper spun on himself, unbalance and injured, he fell back to the ground, screaming outrage from the stolen kill. Ghost Starr had teleported away, saved himself in a cowardly manner. Putting a hand on his bleeding wound, he noticed that the Ghost Army troops were retreating, running from the battlefield without looking back. He sat up, wincing from the pain, he spat blood from his mouth and was taken aback by the sight. There, in front of him, lying in the rain water, Ghost Starrs sword laid waiting, abandoned. After ten hours of fighting non stop, of fear, death and pain, the heroes had prevailed. Looking towards the east, Cavalier understood that their biggest ally yet, had saved them
Sunlight. He tried standing up on shaky legs, and had to used his sword for balance, embracing and welcoming the morning.
Inside the secret base, in the underground facility the Hunters of Apocalypse called their HQ, things were not looking up at all. When Shadow-Step and Erg came walking out of the refrigerator, O-Lan went into a screaming fit. For the last ten minutes, she had been trying to hit Shadow, to claw his eyes out. But Erg had protected the dark scrapper with an energy field, that left him unable to hurt anyone or be hurt by anyone. Still, O-Lan kept trying her best to do so, trashing the kitchen in the process. Away from them, in the dining room, Xanthion and the scrappers, along with Cabaret and Sun Heat were seated, carrying a conversation while in the background Shadow and O-Lan were exchanging some choice words and disassembling the kitchen. These two definitely had an history.
So, how did you two end up in here? Asked Xanthion to Cabaret and Sun Heat. The two ladies looked at one another before answering. Sun Heat was dressed in a bath robe, twice her size, and looked at Xanthion in anger, face red and flushed. Cabaret wore a tight black dress, revealing more skin than was usually allowed for a lady.
We went to a rave, and we were
Invited these two guys for drinks and such. We ended up in a basement with them and had a good time, you know. Cabaret wasnt one to mince her words when it came to her personal life, if it shocked you, then all the better. Xanthion looked at the two of them with a raised eyebrow, then said :
Right, a rave, boys and booze. How did you gals get away from the massacre?
Well, you see, the thing is, hmmmm, the rave was two days ago. And yesterday afternoon, when we woke up. Went on Cabaret, but she was interrupted by Comatoast:
You girls partied for two days? He asked, surprise and awe in his voice.
And we spent all day with our dates, yes. Replied Cabaret without shame.
Well, we were on permission from the Academy. What did you expect two sexy ladies to do during that time, stay home and watch ice melt? Replied Sun Heat as she looked at all of them.
What you girls do on your free time isnt my concern. Replied Xanthion. But how did you survive the attack?
The building crashed on us, it took us hours to dig a hole to the sewers system. We tried digging for the surface, but there was just too much debris. So we dug into the sewers system, and were making our way back to the street, when we heard O-Land scream and shout, cursing the very man shes trying to rip apart right now. The sound of a crashing cooking pot accompanied that last, while Shadow-Step was yelling at her to calm down, explaining himself for the hundredth time.
And where are your dates now? Asked Comatoast who thought to himself that he wished he could be picked up by Cabaret, in the seedy bar where he hangs in Skyway City.
Oh, they decided to stay in the basement to get drunk some more. They were, very tired when we left them Cabaret smiled ruefully. Sun Heat blushed
crimson red, and smiled too.
Just then, Silver Girl came walking into the cafeteria.
Nothing to it Xanthion, they wont talk. The Death mage died from blood loss, but the acolytes would rather be tortured, than reveal the portals location. Her brow was covered in sweat and her fists were covered in blood, telling Xanthion she had used them to get the information. Cabaret creased her eyebrows, then looked at Sun Heat with a decisive gesture.
We can make them talk, just give us a minute alone with them. She said as she stood up, grabbing Sun Heat by the arm.
What makes you think theyll tell you anything? Asked Silver Girl at the two women, a bit incredulous that they would succeed.
Ive learned of a new technique recently, very efficient to make any male talk. Replied Cabaret as she was walking towards the exit.
Oh, pray tell, what is it? Asked Xanthion to the women.
Ask O-Lan, she teaches it. Simply replied Sun Heat before exiting the cafeteria, her laughter was overheard in the distance.
Ok, someone stop O-Lan and Shadow please, this is getting on my nerves. Spoke Xanthion as he proceeded to follow the women. When they reached the boiler room door, Cabaret turned around and told Xanthion to remain where he was. Then she whispered something into Suns ear. Sun Heat untied her bath robe, and left it hanging open, revealing most of her body for all to see. Xanthion gulped and decided to look at Cabaret instead. The black dress came off to rest at her feet, revealing a silken black negligee and garter belt.
What are you girls up to? He asked while his pulse began to race.
You stay here Xanthion, and dont you dare peek inside, it wouldnt be good for your eyes to see what will happen. Cooed Cabaret as she turned around and opened the door gently. The two women vanished inside, and Xanthion leaned on the door to listen in. He didnt hear what the girls said, but after a few seconds, there was laughter going on. Then all was silent again. Leaning closer to the door, as if he could phase through it, he tried to hear what the girls were saying. Then, the sound of a muffled impact was heard, reverberating on the metal door. Soon after, the screaming voice of a man, almost hysterical yelled:
Ill talk, Ill talk, just dont hurt me. The portal is at the bottom of the sewers, well beneath the city, follow the pipe system down, until you reach the junction for the districts. A door leads further down below, in the abandoned section, thats where the portal is. But you cant close it, no hero can close that portal. Sun Heats muffled voice was heard asking a question, then silence followed.
Only a dark heart can close that portal.
Kings Row : dawn part 2
The boiler room door opened once more, and the two women came out, closing it shut behind them. They repeated to Xanthion what he had already heard, then left him in the hallway, while they returned to the cafeteria. On their way back, they crossed path with Machine, he was looking for Xanthion, and they indicated to him where the deadly scrapper was. Xanthion looked at the boiler room door, and then decided to peek in. Inside, he saw a standing acolyte breathing fast and looking through the metal bars of the cage at the still body of the Death mage. Next to him, curled up in a ball on the floor and face red from crying, the other surviving Circle of Thorns fighter. In a second, Xanthion felt sympathy for the injured acolyte, understanding full well what Cabaret and Sun Heat had just done.
Xan, something you gotta see in the computer room. Machine broke his train of thoughts, and he closed the door hastily, as he turned around to look into the mechanical eyes.
Lead on.
Took us a while, but me and Sir Langley hacked our way into the hard drive, we found all sorts of goodies. The mechanical scrapper mimicked human speech and stature so well, that unless you knew that it was a technological product, one forgot it wasnt human. At first, Xanthion had thought that he was yet, another suit of armour produced by Winter Industries.
What did you find? Asked the feral fighter while turning into the side corridor leading to the computers room.
Youll have to see for yourself and decide. He simply replied as they entered the room in question.
Leaning down to look over Sir Langleys shoulder, Xanthion read the directory of files from the screen, opening certain files and searching certain links. At one point his face went from shock to surprise, to outrage. He kept on reading, Sir Langley had let him sit down on the chair so he could go get something to eat. Xanthion, of course, told him to keep his mouth shut about what he knew. Reading on, he shook his head many times, unbelieving the nature of the files.
Can we make a copy of this? He asked to Machine, unable to unglue his eyes from the screen.
Already done. Replied the scrapper.
Some high and mighty heads are gonna fall when this comes out, Machine. I am ordering you, and your mainframe, out of the district right now. For safety reasons, you will report back to the F.R.O.N.T.s headquarters and remain there until I summon you as witness. Is that understood? Xanthion stood up, and looked directly into Machines eyes, awaiting a confirmation.
I will have to let my brethren know of the danger I am carrying. He then replied.
Do that, and danger will come. Keep this to yourself unless it becomes absolutely necessary for you to reveal the information. Now, go. Machine nodded and left the office, walking towards the boiler room, he vanished through it to head into the sewers. Xanthion was right about one thing, his existence was in danger from the moment he had copied that hard drive, and would be until the time when he would be called in to witness. The ramifications of what they had found was terrible, for the city and for the alliance.
Just before entering the cafeteria, Sun Heat looked around to make sure no one was about, then said to Cabaret:
I told you to lie, but did you have to make me pass for [censored] Galore back then?
Well, telling a half truth is easier than telling a full lie. Besides, if these horny dogs knew that I screwed for a day and a night with two men, all by myself, I dont think Id ever hear the end of it. Replied Cymbaline, looking seriously into Sun Heats eyes.
But
Muttered Sun Heat, who stopped talking when she saw Sir Langley coming for the cafeteria.
But nothing, its done and said, and you asked for this. Now, shall we go get dressed into fighting gear, or do we stand here all day debating whos the worst [censored] of us two? Cymbaline pushed on the revolving door and entered the cafeteria, followed closely by Sir Langley, and a few seconds later by Sun Heat. Inside the dining hall, everyone was busy trying to separate O-Lan and Shadow-Step, still attempting to kill each other.
Xanthion walked the corridor back to cafeteria slowly, too much was going on, and some of it had to be reported back. But who could he trust now, which one of the high ranking Apocalypse members was trustworthy enough. Turning the corner, he saw the back shape of Sun Heat entering the eating area for the Hunters of Apocalypse, and it dawned on him, that surely of all the heroes he knew, he would be clean and able to help. Flipping open his cell phone, he dialled the number directly, not going through central dispatch. The phone rang four times, then a screaming voice answered, trying to drown the background noise of heavy machinery:
Yeah?
Moon, its Xanthion, we found her, shes well and safe. He spoke into the phone, hoping that it would go through, even with the noise on the other end.
Hang on, I cant hear you, give me a second mom. Replied the famous controller at the other hand of the line. Xanthion waited patiently, while Moon Psyche distanced himself from al the noise.
All right mom, what is it?
This aint your mama, its Xanthion. Are you alone, is anyone else listening in on this.
Im alone as can be Xanthion, three hundred meters in the sky, hovering above Kings Row, enjoying the sight of a battle won and the first rays of morning. Did you find her? That last was filled with worries in the voice, Moon Psyche and Sun Heat had been together for a long time, they needed one another like a married couple.
Yes, shes safe and sound and with us. Replied the scrapper to the controller, not going into the details of what Cabaret had told them about their behaviour in the last two days. Xanthion could believe that Cabaret would be so bold as to pick up a couple of guys and bring them home for tension relief and unadulterated sex, but somehow, Sun Heat didnt fit into that mould at all. Sun Heat was the total opposite of that, more reserved and quiet, and also very much hooked up on Moon. And Moon was the type of man that had ladies turning heads everywhere he went, although he knew this and enjoyed the attention he received from the female gender, he only had eyes for Sun Heat. Cabarets story didnt register when she told it, but it wasnt his business to ask why she had lied, or why Sun Heats stress level had went up when he had asked them what they were doing in Kings Row.
Good man, its safe enough to
But Moon was interrupted by Xanthion.
Moon, shut up, we have to talk and I dont have a lot of time.
Mastema Reign had just finished patching up Cavalier, the two of them were standing in the middle of Kings Garments Boulevard. She was tired and drained, after pulling a ten hour shift of fighting and healing, and needed rest or a stiff drink. He was looking into the distance, thoughts lost and wandering, he hadnt spoken a word since the Ghost Army had run from the battlefield. In his hand was resting the Ghost sword, dark and red, a trophy left behind by the fleeing General responsible for the massacre that took place in Kings Row. The day break had seen the ghosts and spectral demons vanish, chased away by the sun. The acolytes and mages had discarded their robes as they ran, hoping that once they were far enough into the zone, they would be able to blend in and go unnoticed when rescue parties came.
Chromium Man had called in every available hand from all over city, and was now organizing rescue patrols to proceed into the district, in the hopes of finding survivors. Some fighting would occur in isolated places, pockets of resistance by leftover troops was to be expected, and so all the patrols that left were balanced for battle and defence. It was yet to be understood why the Ghost Army fled when they were about to win the day, why Ghost Starr had vanished at the moment of victory, but blessings come in many mysterious ways, and Chromium Man wasnt one to turn them down. The nightmare that took place here was now over, and for this he was thankful, but he knew deep in his soul, that the scarring left from these events would be felt for years to come.
Eight thousand fighters from all origins, from all walks of life, have answered the call and came here to oppose this madness. Eight thousand souls that, much like Cavalier, Chromium Man or Control, have stood on the barricade and said to the enemy: This far and no further. This morning, amidst the battle fog and the dark smoke of burning buildings, only twenty-five hundred remain alive. At least two thousand are crowding the various hospital corridors of the city, awaiting treatment and care, some in critical condition like Mase Lokrin and Hammerhand. The death toll was massive, frightening and immense. Out of sixty-two thousand civilians present in the district when the madness began, it is estimated that at least twelve thousand were killed, and twice that many were injured. The remaining survivors are, at least this is what the heroic leaders present here today hope, scattered in the district awaiting help.
This reporter has seen many a battlefield in his time, many a frightening sight. But never in my lifetime did I think I would see it strike where it hurts the most, at home. For ten hours we stood here and reported the action as it happened, ladies and gentlemen, and I for one, am ready to say that albeit all the horror that has been witnessed, one bright light of hope stood tall and proud. The city of Paragon owes much to the Fellows of Apocalypse and their ally, the F.R.O.N.T., for the sacrifices they made in meeting head on this grave menace to our security and way of life. There is no doubt for this reporter, that they are heroes and deserve our thanks.
This is Jack Emmert, reporting live from Kings Row.
End of part 1
O_o
uhh
*hurk*
X_X
Ahhh, hmmmm....
Say wha??!!
And also, I'm taking a little break, I'm tapped out.
Bump for a great story.
Two things:
Holy Sh*t!
and
LEEERRRRRRROOOOOYYYYYYY JJJEEENNNKKKKKKIIIIINNNNNNSSSSSSS!!!!!!