The problem with Mr. Bunny part 3
Half an hour later, and after much reassurances by Hormesis that radiation healing wouldnt affect the general area of the wound permanently, Cavalier was finally getting his temper under control. Given the fact that Hormesis had made some joke, about male organs being known to have fallen clean off the body, after being irradiated like that, Cavalier was in a good mood. For fifteen minutes, he lectured Cymbaline about using her powers inside HQ, on safe grounds, while Icy Heart sat amused on the old leather couch, sometimes making funny faces behind Cavaliers back. The vein in his face throbbed a few times, while spit showed up on his lips, and his throat was getting raw from yelling at her.
And what do you have to say for yourself? Finally voiced Cavalier at Cymbaline whose face was sad and flushed.
Can we just pretend that I already feel awful about this? She simply replied in a broken voice. Cavalier looked her down, then straight in the eyes, and remembered that she was his friend, foremost in all of Paragon. He turned around, and walked straight for his desk, pulling out two pieces of paper.
I have summoned you two here for a special assignment. These papers are your ECPC permits for this mission. That means you could level a city district girls, but there better damn well be an explanation for it in the end. And whit that, he went to Icy Heart and handed her the two sheets, that amongst other things stated: Mandate of Arrest.
Great, so you call me here to go hunt down ten Hellions, ten Skulls, then twenty Thorns and twenty Freaks? Simply replied Icy Heart as she stood up, and walked for the door uninterested by the details of this mission. She had gone out on too many of them, had given up too much of her time for this city, and she felt in her heart of heart that she deserved more from this super group than simple tasks.
Jade Rade. Simply said Cavalier as he looked at Icy Heart walk away. She stopped with her hand on the door handle, and looked over her shoulder. I want you two to capture Jade Rade and bring her into custody.
Jade Rade has been sitting in prison for the past few months Cavalier, did she escape recently? Icy Heart was the hero who had put a stop to Jade Rade about a year ago, when it was found out that Rade had irradiated the water supply of an entire district, to exact revenge on the Tsoos for the murder of an innocent bystander, her brother. The Tsoos paid with their lives for that action, along with thirty innocent civilians, and several more had to spend some time in the hospital to recover from the radiation sickness. During her trial, Jade Rade had remained silent as she was sentenced to life in the Ziggurat, where she was supposed to be at this very moment.
Look at this. Cavalier held out a pair of photographs for the women to look at. Wearing an eye patch, and what looked like Rularuu skins for clothing, Jade Rade and two others were standing on the ramp, in front of the blue shimmering surface of the dimensional door, at Portal Corps.
What is she doing free, and who are these two clowns with her? Asked Icy heart at the famous scrapper.
The big one is called Metal Core, the small hairy one, I have no clue, were searching the database in the hopes of getting an answer. Bottom line, I want her arrested and brought in for questioning. These three look like they have been away for a long time, and if you look closely at Jade Rades features on the second picture, I think she is happy about being back home. Cavalier pointed his index at Jade Rades face.
A tear. Said Icy Heart as she looked more closely at the pictures. The three people on them looked weathered and tired, combat weary and disoriented, as if they had been fighting for too long. But how could that be, since she was supposed to be sitting in prison for the rest of her life?
How did they get passed General Hammond and his forces on Firebase Zulu? Asked Cymbaline, who had been standing there, listening intently to what had been said. Hammond watches that portal like a dog, no one goes through it without authorization.
Thats another problem we have to deal with today, but its none of your concerns. Replied Cavalier sharply to the ladies. What I need from you two, is Jade Rade and whoever else is with her, to be brought in, can you handle it?
Yes. Replied Icy Heart, while Cymbaline acquiesced.
Go get em girls. Send Hormesis back in will you, please? The girls left the office, heading out into the city, debating where to look first for the infamous defender turned bad. Hormesis walked in and threw himself on the couch, resting a leg across the arm chair, he looked around the room and said:
Smells like burnt hair in here. And he smiled a taunting smile at Cavalier.
Shaddup. I have a special assignment for you, a personal favour. Cavalier leaned both elbows on his desk and hushed his voice as he waited for Hormesis to reply.
Name it, youre the boos. Hormesis was always one to laugh, and with his pronounced southern accent, some words did sound strange when he spoke.
Earlier this morning, Firebase Zulu was overrun by the Rularuu and the military forces present there were defeated. General Hammond is dead and the losses are heavy on our side. Cavalier spoke seriously, with a low voice that carried meaning. Hormesis eyebrows shot up as he heard the news, and his features went from careless to intent, instantly.
The Rularuu host sits now at the entrance of the zone, and they are not coming through or attacking. But if they wanted to, they could gain access to our world. Went on the famous scrapper, who then stood up to walk to the window, looking over Steel Canyon.
The city wants Apocalypse to track down someone that came through the portal this morning. It wont be easy, and I have specific orders concerning that. Given the fact that you are radiation based and that he is radiation created, I think you are the best choice to find him. But understand this, your orders are to locate him, not to try and arrest him. Once you have found him, I want you to call me. Under no circumstances are you to challenge him, if he sees you, run.
Hormesis didnt like what he was hearing at all, it sounded as if Cavalier was trying to cover up something. His tone, his demeanour told the defender something was hidden here, something that shouldnt be brought to light.
I can find anyone or anything irradiated, you know that. But why am I not allowed to arrest him, and who is it? The radiation defender felt intrigued, this task was getting mysterious and exciting.
Understand me well Hormesis, under no circumstances are you to get near him. Just find him and call me, I will take care of the rest. Cavalier turned around and looked straight into the eyes of the radiation defender, dead serious look on his face.
Understood boos. Who is it? Replied Hormesis with a twinkle in his eyes.
Voyager. And with that, Hormesis face went from happy go lucky, to flat serious.
Pressing the record button on the video camera, Moon Psyche came to sit across the table from the huge man that had just been brought in from Brickstown Infirmary. Taking off his fedora hat and putting it gently on the left corner of the table, he looked around the interrogation room. Much like any room built for that purpose, it had the tell tale two sided window, through which observers on the other side could witness the process. Cement walls and floor, with a single ceiling light, it was located in the basement of the Apocalypse HQ.
Please state your name and affiliation for the record please. Spoke Moon Psyche softly while he pushed forward a small microphone, to rest it in the middle of the table. The huge man leaned forward, looked at Moon Psyche, then at the camera and said:
Bunny, Bugs Bunny. No affiliation. Bear Cat was beginning to feel annoyed at answering this all the time, but better that, than the truth. Moon Psyche looked him straight in the eyes, smiling gently.
You can tell me the truth, or I can pry it out of you, your choice.
Bear Cat remained silent, a few seconds went by, then he felt it. Tendrils of a presence, probing his mind, brushing the edges of his consciousness. Clenching his teeth, recognizing a psychic touch inside his head, he knew what to do. His training had included painful sessions of psychic attacks and how to resist them. Scattering his thoughts from subject to subject, never thinking long enough about one object then moving on to the next, he was hoping to hide his memories from Moon Psyche.
But, Moon wasnt just any other psychic, he was probably the best psychic this city had ever seen, all walks of life included. Smiling gently still, Moons eyebrows creased at the effort he was exerting. Bear Cat suddenly felt jarred, and his thought pattern froze on the picture of a horse. Then, a throbbing headache began to pound inside his head, making him grunt.
I can have you tell me everything I want to know, including the maiden name of your great grandmother if I want to. What is your name?
Silence occupied the space between the two men, it filled the room as if the world had hushed itself for a minute. Bear Cats nose had begun to bleed, veins on his forehead and temples were pulsating to the rhythm of his heartbeat. He stood straight up, throwing the table against the far wall, crushing Moon Psyches fedora hat in the process. The controller stood up as well, facing the huge tanker directly, he came to stand a few inches from his face, looking straight into his eyes, unblinking and resolute.
Tell me your name.
Bear Cats body was shaking, held in position by an unseen force, he was trying to regain control of his body, so he could crush the small man in front of him. All Bear Cat wanted, was to get him out of his head, out of his thoughts.
Bear Cat.
He heard himself muttering, while he tasted the blood that had trickled into his mouth. Another sharp, almost unbearable pain, had him fall to his knees. He moaned heavily while a more important blood vessel imploded inside his nose, letting free a flow of red liquid that fell in heavy drops on the floor, in front of him.
Tell me, who do you work for, Mr. Bear Cat. Asked Moon Psyche as he was looking down at the huge helpless man, hoping he was not pushing it too hard. Bear Cat's fists clenched, and his whole body was shaking, from anger and from the psychic bombardment Moon was exerting on him. He had been faced by mind attacks before, but never of this magnitude. Steeling himself, resolved that he wouldnt answer the question, he decided to accept the pain instead.
I will not! Screaming, he fell to the side, body shaking and twitching.
Tell me! Yelled Moon Psyche as he kneeled down next to him. Tell me and I will make the pain stop.
Bear Cat let out a long scream, his ears began to bleed now. Moon Psyche looked at the mirror, knowing that X-ecutioner was on the other side, waiting and ready to oppose the prisoner if the need arose. X was shaken to the core by what he was seeing, he knew Moon psyche was powerful but he had never thought such a frail looking man could subdue a tanker so easily. When the phone rang, it took him some time to answer, so enthralled he was by the scene he was witnessing.
Are you related with the Hunters of Apocalypse?
Moon had carried a lot of interrogations in his time with Apocalypse, and many of those he had to do exactly what he was doing now. It was a merciless task, gathering information from the enemy, but today felt different. Somehow, this man didnt register as a threat. Moon had researched the entire data that Machine had provided, and according to it, Bear Cat should register as a super-villain. But after probing his mind, and shaking the man to his core, Moon Psyche couldnt think of him as one. Bear Cat could be qualified as a vigilante, but a villain he wasnt. For the first time in his career, Moon was interrogating someone that wasnt a criminal per say. He felt strange and oddly ashamed at his conduct, but on the other hand, this issue needed to be resolved. The knock on the door brought him back to reality. He stood up and went outside, in the corridor, to talk with X-ecutioner.
A lawyer is upstairs, with papers that sets him free, Moon.
And those papers check out? Replied Moon who suddenly let his hold on Bear Cat vanish. A moan and coughing were heard coming from the room.
Apparently, they are official, the five hundred thousand dollar bail has been paid, and Bear Cat his free, until his trial.
Interesting outcome. It would appear Mr. Bunny has friends in high places. Ok, call in a healer, get him cleaned up, and let him go. I think that lawyers name will help more than he will. Get all the information you can on who hired the lawyer, and report back to me in two hours.
Moon opened the interrogation room door, and looked in on Bear Cat, who was still curled up in a ball on the floor. Reaching for his cell phone, he flipped it opened and auto dialled a number.
Calling Cavalier? Asked X-ecutioner as he bent down to help Bear Cat stand up.
No, more important than that. Replied Moon Psyche as he looked at the two tankers leave, one almost carrying the other. Alone, standing in the room and looking down at this crushed hat, Moon swallowed with difficulty. He felt ashamed of what he had just done.
Hello Serge? Said Moon as a male voice with a heavy French accent answered a the other end. I need a new hat.
Waiting to see what comes next.
Bravo and fine work.
Still reading 
Come on, come on, the suspense is killing me. Write faster!
Keep up the great work.
Bruisefairy|Lilyn Morrow|Raina Mallory|Knucka Sammich|Whisper In The Dark|Scaryfairy
Virtue server FTW!
Finding A Home: The Origin of Lilyn Morrow
Revealed
Mr. Bunny? Asked the small female, dressed in a professional tailor made suit, with small black rimmed glasses. Her face was cold and emotionless, but then again, most lawyers learned early on to put on a game face when they were in public and working.
Thats me. Replied Bear Cat who was massaging his left temple. X-ecutioner was standing next to him, paying attention to what was being said.
I have been contracted by a third party to bail you out. Please follow me. She said stoically while she handed over the papers that would set him free. You will find that everything is in order, and please also note a restraining order on the account of my client, the Fellows of Apocalypse and any of their representatives are not to come within five hundred yards of Mr. Bunny.
X-ecutioner looked them over, and turned to the last page of the official documents, to find them signed by Judge McArthur, High Court of Justice. The third party in question was a numbered company, with a postal box for address, located in Nevada.
May I have your card, miss? Asked the tanker to the small lawyer.
Corbo, Clara Corbo, attorney at law. And whit that she took out a card from her breast pocket and gave it to X.
You mentioned a third party, Miss Corbo, can we have its identity? Asked X while he put the card away, into his utility belt.
Thats a client privilege, and its not part of my mandate. Replied flatly the lawyer, as she stepped aside to let Bear Cat come and stand beside her, in the lobby of the HQ of Apocalypse. Were you harmed in any way, Mr. Bunny, and should we start procedures to press charges?
Nothing some aspirin and a bottle of whiskey wont fix maam. Replied Bear Cat with a gruffy voice, pounding headache throbbing in his head.
Please follow me. Went on the lawyer as she started walking towards the revolving doors. X-ecutioner watched them go, perplexed and bothered that they were loosing their chance to further interrogate the alleged leader of a rogue Apocalypse faction. When the two of them reached the doors, the huge tanker of the Hunters stopped, eyes lost in the distance as if he was having an internal debate about an issue. He then turned and walked back to come and stand right in front of X. He leaned over X-ecutioners left shoulder and whispered in his ear:
I know where Turbo Starr is
Then walked away again, leaving behind a stunned and surprised X-ecutioner. The leader of Apocalypse had been declared dead, and most of the people in Apocalypse knew that Ghost Starr was in fact, their former leader, transformed into a deadly entity by the Circle of Thorns. Without saying a word,
X-ecutioner turned and walked to the elevators, he needed a conversation with Cavalier about this.
Stepping outside, Bear Cat and the lawyer walked over to a parked limousine waiting on the boulevard. The driver opened the door to let them in, then drove away, heading north towards Talos Island. The woman handed Bear Cat a cellular phone and said:
Theres a number in the auto-dial memory for you to call, please do so once we have dropped you off. Bear Cat grabbed the phone, and sighed heavily, hooking the unit to his belt, next to the one Dr. Wepp had given him. This was beginning to look like a collection. But he knew who would answer at the other end, when he would call, and he knew almost to a certainty what that meant. The Hunters of Apocalypse had been caught, their days were numbered. The limousine entered Talos Island, and after a few minutes, stopped right beside the magic shop, to let Bear Cat out on the sidewalk.
Leave the city Mr. Bunny, and never come back. Said the lawyer, as she closed the door. The limousine drove away and lost itself in traffic. Bear Cat started to walk slowly, towards the train station, troubled, he was wondering his next move. There was no point for him to delay this phone call, it had to be made and the consequences of it would be dire. But, in his line of work and with the type of contract he had signed with his employer, the rules were clear and simple: Do not get caught.
Reaching at his utility belt, he pulled the phone Miss Corbo had given him and opened the auto-dial section, then pressed the button. Waiting for the answer, he leaned himself against the wall in an alley, away from the sidewalk and prying ears.
Hello? Answered an aged voice, raspy and dry.
This is Daffy Duck, I would like to speak with Elmer Fudd. Said Bear Cat, using the code phrase when he contacted his employer.
Yes Mr. Duck, this is he. Im afraid our relationship is coming to an end. Replied the voice and Bear could hear some shuffling paper sound in the background. I have terminated all operations and money transfers for the Looney Tunes. The Looney Tunes in questions was the code word used to describe the Hunters of Apocalypse. When I heard this morning through one of my lawyers that a certain Mr. Bugs Bunny had been arrested, I knew we had reached the end of our agreement. As per detailed in our contract, you have one week to leave the city, will you comply?
Bear Cat thought hard and fast about his answer. Nothing in this deal had permitted any mistakes, and for almost a year, the Hunters had kept a perfect record. But since this morning, that record held a blemish from which there was no turning back. He knew his people must have already scattered and some of them had probably left already for gentler skies. But he, he was stuck here no matter what, and he had to see it through. Seems that everyone he talked to recently was giving him a week to achieve some goal or other, and no more. On the one hand, Dr. Wepp wanted the Mark IV WinterTech armour, on the other, his employer didnt want to risk exposure and public outcry if it was found out that the Hunters had been privately financed through him.
Sir, things are not quite what they seem, I need more time. He then replied to the man on the phone.
Mr. Duck, do not make me repeat myself, or the consequences will be dire.
But, Mr. Winter, you have to
Then spoke Bear Cat, but the phone had been hung up already. In a fit of rage, Bear Cat threw the phone on the ground and stepped on it until it was crushed and broken.
Cavalier, Hormesis here, you alone man? Asked the radiation defender to his leader over the telephone.
Yes, go ahead. Replied the squared jaw scrapper while he went to his office door to close it.
I found his trace, pretty fresh too. Its leading me to Dark Astoria. Went on Hormesis while Cavalier heard the horn of a car passing by in the background.
Well done Horm, pinpoint him, then call me will you? Cavalier felt a tightness in his stomach, maybe his hopes to resolve the Voyager situation were too high, but he believed in giving the man a chance to come clean, even after all he had done. Flashback images of a good friend fighting alongside of him, when he was still but a captain in the Apocalypse family rushed by. Bloodrock, Star-Crusader, Voyager and he, fighting crime for the greater good, the glory days of not having so many responsibilities were filled with vivid images. Having only his team to answer to, Apocalypse was still a small super group then, on the verge of being known throughout Paragon, those memories were filled with emotion and sorrow now.
Sitting down at his desk, he brought up the Thomas Bane file once more, reading it over for the hundredth time. He felt responsible for his former friend situation in a way, ever since Crey had captured him, way back then. And anything he could do to maybe, just maybe help him back to a normal state of being, he would attempt. But his failure as a captain was not the responsibility of Apocalypse, or its members, it was his alone. Lost in the distant past of his thoughts, he recalled how Voyager and him used to talk about life issues and exchange philosophies on the nature of power. He smiled distantly as the image of the two of them being drunk like there was no tomorrow, flashed in his mind's eye, as they were trying to arrest some low ranking Skulls in Perez Park. What a mess it had been to clear up, when they woke up at the police station after attacking the police drone by mistake. Or that time Turbo had given them a speech, that lasted almost twenty minutes, about the duties of a hero and how to not take advantage of single women too impressionable by their status.
If he could talk to him, reach out to him somehow, maybe Thomas would listen and stop all this insanity. He knew in his heart of hearts that he would most certainly be sent to prison for the remainder of his natural life, but he knew that the Thomas Bane he had fought alongside with, would not have stood by and let this happen, if the roles were reversed. How Cavalier wished it was him that Crey Industries had captured that day, and not his friend. How he wished he could turn back the clock and give a different order than the one he gave Voyager that day. He knew his career as a hero wasnt spotless or free of screw ups, but somehow, the weight he carries concerning Thomas was still alive and present. And now, that Voyager was back in town, within his reach, he felt the need to rectify his failure once and for all. He needed to come to terms with it, more so because he knew the reasons why Voyager was here, knew what he was after. Cavalier just hoped he would be able to stop him in time.
His reverie was stopped short by the telephone ringing.
Cavalier here.
Shes in Kings Row. Simply said Icy Heart, then hung up the phone.
Cavalier looked at the telephone, and wondered how the arrest of Jade Rade and her companions would go, all thoughts about Thomas Bane vanished. Thinking for a few moments, he reached a decision as a knock on the door was heard.
Come in.
Cavalier, sorry to bother you, but there is something you need to hear. Spoke X-ecutioner as he leaned inside the office, door partially open.
Funny, I was just about to call you. I have a mission for you.
Revealed part 2
And I have something to say to you. Replied flatly X-ecutioner to his leader. Taking a few minutes to explain the last hour to Cavalier, X-ecutioner brought up the last thing Bear Cat said to him before leaving the HQ. Taking a seat on the old leather couch Cavalier uses as a bed, the piece of furniture moaned and groaned when he did.
Why did you come up here, you shouldve kept him in custody until we could get to the bottom of this? Replied the squared jaw scrapper as he started pacing the room. Could it be that a flicker of hope was finally lighting the darkness. Turbo Starr was still alive.
Restraining order on our behalf, had to let him go. Simply replied X.
A knock on the door cut their conversation short.
Come in? Spoke Cavalier and the door opened. Professor Jenkins, what a wonderful surprise, I was about to call your office to request your presence.
After the incredible night we have just lived through, I had to come and see if I could be of any help. The Circle of Thorns are my specialty, young man. Spoke the old university professor, as she walked into the office. Cavalier made a gesture for Jenkins to wait, and looked at X-ecutioner.
Its not that I dont trust her, or them, but Id like you to keep an eye on Icy Heart and Cymbaline during their mission. Theyre about to either engage or arrest some escapees called Jade Rade and Metal Core. I know the girls can handle a tank easily, given their demeanour, but Rade uses radiation and will not be easily stopped. The two of them together might mean a long fight, and I want you as back-up.
Understood boss, Im on it. And with that X-ecutioner exited cavaliers office, nodding a warm salute to Mary Jenkins as he did so.
What brings you here Mary? Asked Cavalier while he tried to organize the mess of papers on his desk, and restore a sense of decorum to his work place.
The sword, Id like to see it. She said those words with avidity and need.
Its in our vault right now, and it will stay there. Replied Cavalier flatly, eyebrows creasing at the thought of the Ghost Sword sitting in the underground safe of the HQ, waiting to be studied by a team of specialist, as soon as he could locate one.
Its more than likely a Circle of Thorns artefact, Cavalier, and who better than Paragon University to examine it? Replied the sometimes Academy of Heroism professor, and also one of cavalier former teachers.
My team is ready to study it from every perspective, and I promise you that all the results will be submitted to you first, and I assure you that we will not go public with the results, without your say so. But you have to understand, this is an opportunity I cant let pass me by. This sword is more than likely the best proof we have that magic activities from the Circle of Thorns have resumed, and who better than us to ascertain its powers? She spoke fast and with certainty, Cavalier couldnt argue the fact that yes, Mary Jenkins and her team at the university were the foremost authority on the Thorns.
Mary, that sword has to stay here, for safety reasons and the greater security of the city. Said squared jaw Cavalier as the souvenir of the blade piercing him through washed over him.
Until night falls, I am fairly certain it will be safe to study the sword. I can have it return before diner into the vault. And we will resume studying every day, with that same schedule. She said as she sat down on the couch, almost disappearing in the huge couch that let her small figure sunk in. What a frail looking woman she was, although she mustve been quite a catch back in her days.
"Why until night falls?" Asked Cavalier, uncertain as to why Jenkins had said so.
"It's my belief that the weapon's wielder can only live in our realm at night, therefore, he cannot claim it until the evening comes, hence, it is safe to study it during the day. She spoke that last as if giving a lecture in a class room, stating facts rooted in beliefs and common sense.
Let us shed some light on this mystery, Cavalier, let me help as best as I can. She smiled gently, and Cavalier saw in her eyes the same care he would a mother. He remembered her gentle ways when she was teaching, every student that attended her class always received the attention needed, every question they had asked she had answered. He trusted her entirely, so did Turbo Starr, and that was enough to decide him.
Ok, Mary, I will release the sword to the university for studying purposes, and it will be returned to our vault every day before five in the afternoon. Any findings and all final results are the property of the Fellows of Apocalypse, do we have an understanding?
Of course we do young man, can we start today, there is still enough daylight to start gathering data? She asked as she stood up to walk to the door.
Ill clear it with security downstairs, and I will send an escort to guard the sword.
Escort? She chuckled a bit when Cavalier said that.
Well, yes, I have to make sure the sword makes it back here Mary. Nothing personal, but these are my conditions, the sword will remain within eyesight all the time. And besides, if the Circle of Thorns are acting up again, I will feel safer knowing one of my people is protecting you. Cavalier smiled gently, knowing that being safe was better than sorry, he grabbed his phone and dialled a direct number inside the building.
Nether, Cavalier here, I have a task for you
A few moments pass while Cavalier listens to what Nether Spirit is saying then: No, its not Infernal
No, not Bobcat
No
Listen Nether, I need you to guard a sword
And with that, Cavalier pushed his ear away as he the phone on the other end was slammed down. Nether Spirits office was two doors down the corridor, and Mary Jenkins and Cavalier clearly heard Nether Spirit scream.
Oh sure, and why dont I go shopping for teddies as well!
hehe, classic
This is great stuff - 
im wating for more
Revealed part 3
Youre cornered Rade, come out and surrender or were going in to get you.
Icy Heart and Cymbaline had been lucky in tracking Metal Core and Jade Rade in Kings Row. Icy had a hunch that she would come back to her old home, and it proved true. Amongst the rubble and destroyed buildings, Jade Rade and Metal Core had moved from shadow to shadow in an attempt to find Rades former home. But after the night Kings Row had known, all they saw was destroyed and burnt down. Saddened and confused, Jade Rade had suggested that they go to her friends base, located under an old factory in the Gish. Running between buildings, avoiding search and rescue patrols, had proven easy, if somewhat troublesome for the two exiled. But given their wanted status in the city, it was better that they stayed hidden, than running for shelter in a place that would provide none for them.
They reached the factory at the same time that Icy Heart and Cymbaline happened to be searching that area. Followed a pursuit inside the abandoned building, and a fight between them, on the one side to arrest, on the other to stay out of reach. Metal Core had laid patches of fire in every doorway, preventing the two women from reaching them, on three occasions. He wanted to face them, but Jade was adamant about the fact that killing these two would only bring down more trouble than they could handle. On one occasion, Jade had Icy Heart choking in radioactive gas, but instead of letting Metal Core move in for the kill, they had retreated further into the factory where she had hoped to find the secret door that led underneath the structure. Many a times she wondered why Bear Cat hadnt intervened, and sent some help to stop the fighting that was sure to attract attention where none was needed.
Jade, we cant go on like this. Let me break their little necks and lets get out of here. Spoke Metal Core, as he was peeking through the doorway, beyond the fire he had laid, looking straight into Icy hearts cold eyes.
No Takeo, you have to understand, we did not make it back here to be banished once more. If you wanted freedom, maybe you should have gone with Lil Smoke to the Rogue Isles. She whispered between clenched teeth, trying very hard to find a solution to this situation. If they were arrested, it would help her in testifying against Crey Industries and their arrangements with the city authorities, in regards with using prisoners as guinea pigs in Firebase Zulu. But, it would also mean becoming easily accessible to accidents while in the custody of the city. As these thoughts crossed her mind, another fireball exploded into the room, which, much to her annoyance, was a dead end.
This is your last warning Rade, surrender or be arrested with prejudice. Icy Heart nodded for Cymbaline to throw another fireball in the room, hoping to smoke them out. That tanker was a tough cookie, but she loved resistance in men, loved a good fight. Earlier, before Jade Rade had choked her with that damned radiation output, she had exchanged a few punches with the Japanese tank, although he didnt pack much of a wallop, her knuckles were bruised from landing one on his chin. He hadnt even expressed pain as she did so, only looked at her with a defying smile. At that moment, she saw red and only wanted to bring him down on his knees, subdued and beaten. Thats when Jade Rade nailed her, while she was too angry to see anything else.
If we surrender, it will be only to Apocalypse, and no one else. I want a guarantee that we will not be passed on to the city authorities until I have spoken with the states district attorney. Replied Rade, who had started coughing and hacking from all the smoke accumulating in the dead end room. Metal Core threw her a look of disbelief, shaking his head, he whispered:
Look Rade, I aint got time to sing and dance here, as we speak, half a dozen heroes are coming in to help us, one way or the other, youre going back to jail. Replied Icy Heart who nodded for another fireball. Soon, that room will turn into an oven, and you wont have a choice but to come out.
I got news for you lady, me and Jade wont surrender that easily. You want us, you come and get us. Id rather die than go back to Firebase Zulu. Screamed Metal Core who was now kneeling under the smoke that was piling up in the room. No one will make me go back there.
Icy exchanged a look of confusion with Cymbaline, who whispered:
What is he talking about?
Beats me and I dont care. Said Icy Heart to the blaster.
Icy, Im calling on your humanity, agree to our terms or we will die here, today and now. Takeo speaks the truth, we are never going back there again, and we cant risk being under city custody. Arrest us in the name of Apocalypse, and bring us in. I beg of you. Jade and Takeo looked at one another, a year almost they had been exiled into Firebase Zulu, it had honed their sense of survival and sharpened their battle reflexes beyond most super powered being known in Paragon. They had fought and lived in the most adverse environment known to man, and made it back to earth. Out there, you did what you had to, to live and see another day, no compromises and no quarters given.
No deal [censored], youre under arrest, come out with your hands up and surrender yourselves. The sound of wood cracking apart into the room where the two exiled were, drowned Icy Hearts voice.
Jade had been weakening the flooring in their room for the last few minutes, using radiation. She didnt know what was underneath, but it was about to break down. Grabbing Takeos forearm, they braced themselves for the fall. The two of them fell straight down and landed without ceremony, fifteen feet below amongst the debris. Coughing and breathing in fresh, if a bit staled air, they stumbled away into a darkened corridor. Coming from the top floor, they could hear Icy Hearts roar of anger at their escape. Helping each other, they ran for the darkness, while the structure up top was now starting to be engulfed in flames. Outside, city emergency units were making their way through the rubble of what is now Kings Row, to try and extinguish the fire. Paragon city fire chiefs were handing out pressurized water packs to anyone that could help. Icy Heart and Cymbaline ran to the gaping hole in the room, and jumped down to continue the pursuit, under the abandoned factory.
As Icy landed, she had just enough time to flatten herself to the ground, as a huge rectangle shape flew towards her. It passed just above her head, but she heard Cymbalines wind being knocked out of her. Looking behind, all she saw were the blasters legs sticking out from under an old couch that had caught her mid air as she was jumping down. The couch and Cymbaline ended up into the far wall, knocking the blaster out cold. Icy made sure she was still alive before turning about to face a huge dark shape, standing in the much darker corridor. In front of her, coming through the hole, landed X-ecutioner. Putting himself between the women and the dark shape, he spoke:
Cease and desist or suffer the consequences.
A moment of silence went by, the two huge figures standing in front of each other. Then, the dark shape walked forward, to come and stand into the light shaft the hole in the floor had created. Behind him followed Jade Rade and Metal Core.
You again? Spoke Bear Cat quietly as he looked directly into X-ecutioners eyes. You know you have a restraining order, right?
Revealed part 4
Enough games, stand aside Bear Cat. Replied X after a few seconds of silence. You are harbouring known criminals wanted by the city, found guilty of actions for which they have been sentenced. They are escapees from the Ziggurat and in accordance with the laws enforced in Paragon, I am authorized to use any means necessary to arrest them, and no restraining order in the world can prevent me from doing so.
In other words, shut up. Added Icy Heart who leaned to the side to be seen from behind X-ecutioner. Bear Cat stood there, like a rock, debating within what would happen next if a fight broke out.
These people are my guests and my friends, they came to me looking for shelter and respite, and I will honour their request. Stand down heroes and be welcomed as friends or be met as enemies. Bear Cat stood unmoving, blocking X-ecutioners path, being a wall between him and the exiled.
Blah, blah, blah, cant you men just get on with it? Spoke Icy Heart, who was now holding a very tight, very solid ice projectile in her hand, ready to throw it at Jade Rades forehead.
Bear Cat and X-executioner both looked at Icy Heart, a bit taken aback by her bold statement. Behind her, Cymbaline was showing signs of coming about, moaning something about a bus hitting her, and them not supposed to exist in Paragon. The three tankers, Jade Rade and Icy Heart all looked back at Cymbaline with a puzzled look on their faces. Metal Core scratched his head and said:
This is a bit confusing, are we fighting or not?
Look guys, what would be the point, really? Jade Rade and Metal Core are wanted, even if they get away today, they will be caught eventually. And you, Bear Cat, by aiding them, will become wanted as well. The best thing for all of you to do, is to surrender yourselves and face the music. Said X with a reasonable tone in his voice.
I am not surrendering to anyone until me and Metal Core are guaranteed an interview with the states district attorney. Said Jade Rade who was now taking a fighting stance, a green glow suddenly surrounding her.
Have it your way sister. Replied Icy heart as she launched her ice ball directly at her face.
The projectile hit hard and true, snapping Jades head backwards in the process, soon after she fell limp to the floor. Metal Core growled and jumped directly for Icy Heart, whose eyes went wide, as the fire tanker glided over Bear Cat and X-ecutioners tall figures, to tackle her down on the floor. He punched the ice blaster square on the jaw, three times, blood and loose teeth flew from her mouth left and right. The ground shook as Bear Cat and X began to pound on each other, landing blows with incredible strength, they were having a titans fight. Cymbaline, still a bit confused, saw that Icy Heart was in trouble and fired all her fiery attacks at Metal Core. The Rularuu skins he was wearing began to burn in certain places and the smell of charred skin filled the space where the fight took place. Icy Heart, dazed and disoriented, had troubled breathing under the huge shape of Metal Core. Feeling panic begin to wash over her, she froze one of her hands solid and tried to grab Metal Cores throat. At the same time, Metal Core ignited his body with flames, and Icy Heart screamed in pain and agony as it burned her. She froze herself and the surrounding area, which luckily, sent Metal Core sliding and falling to the ground next to her.
Enough! Screamed Bear Cat as he punched X-ecutioner in the stomach, sending the wind out of his lung. That is enough! Stand down Metal Core, and you guys too. He said as he took a step back and bent down to look at Jade Rades forehead, which showed a protruding purple bruise that was bleeding. X-ecutioner, as an officer of Apocalypse, I am asking you to accept our surrender to, and only to, Apocalypse.
X, who was getting up slowly from his bent down position, still amazed at the massive punch he had just received, shook his head in agreement.
Stand down, all of you. I accept the terms of surrender.
Oh puh-lease X, you know as well as I do that as soon as the city hears of this, we will have to turn them over. Why pretend we can help them, when we cant? Spoke Icy Heart in a hushed and painful voice, she was showing signs of second and third degree burns all over her chest area. Some of Metal Core flames, and also some of Cymbalines attacks, had burnt through her suit, and cooked her skin to a blackened state.
Shaddup Icy, you dont know the half of it. Bear Cat here, knows something that all Apocalypse should hear, and if all it takes to hear it, is to agree to hide some criminals into our cells until they can talk to the states district attorney, then so be it. Replied flatly X-ecutioner at the ice blaster. Just tell me something Bear Cat, what you said to me in the lobby, is it on the up and up?
Yes.
And will you help us rescue him?
Yes.
Who are we talking about here? Asked Cymbaline who was helping Icy peel off gently, some shredded parts of her suit that had melted with her skin.
Consider yourselves under arrest then. Said X-ecutioner as he waved a hand for Bear Cat to lead them out of the underground facility.
I swear X, there better be a mention of boob jobs being covered in our insurance, cause these puppies are done for
Spoke Icy Heart as Cymbaline helped her walk. Metal Core gathered Jade Rade in his arms and started following Bear Cat, and whispered in Jades ear:
I hope you know what youre doing Jade.
Still loving this story.
oh hells ya
You did it AGAIN!
But??!! I mean ???!! HUH??!!
Let me guess this straight, I can't post here unless it's another part of the story??!!
Cripes... Did it again!
Your posts bring a sense of hope and dread sometimes Voyager.
once again nice job
Guardians
I think we should move in and arrest him right now. Think of it man, the fame and glory we would get. Said Blue N Gold to Hormesis.
The two of them, along with Control, were standing near the Apocalypse cemetery, located in a ravine deep in Dark Astoria, south west of the Banished Pantheons pyramid, it was under a massive rock outcropping. Statues of angels and priests lined the granite walls, metal doors barred the way into the mausoleum against vandals and unauthorized visitors. The south west door was open and left ajar, telling the three heroes that were waiting for Cavalier, that someone had been inside. Hormesis, who had met Control on his way here, coming out of the hospital after checking up on Mase Lokrin, sensed that the radioactive trace of Voyager was strong and present here.
We will do no such thing, at least not until Cavalier shows up. Spoke softly Control who was looking in the distance, through the fog, at a Banished Pantheon mob patrolling the edge of the pyramid. If Voyager is down there, it will take more than us to stop him. And the more we are, the worst the fulcrum shift will be, the more powerful he becomes. You dont arrest an arch-villain just by going in there." BUt then again, Control felt the certainty that he could go toe to toe with Voyager, and win.
Agreed, I didnt know him before he was exiled, but I read in his file that before he lost control of his powers, he was only an average controller, at best. But now, Id hate to think what he would do to us if we didnt get the upper hand hard and fast on him. Cavaliers on the way, lets see whats his plan. Hormesis said those words as he bent down on the ground and tipped his fingers in a dark stain. Blood. He then proceeded to wipe his fingers on a handkerchief taken from his pockets, to preserve the sample.
Yeah, according to the foot steps trail he left, when he landed, the man that went inside the mausoleum wasnt walking a straight line, probably blood loss dizziness, I surmised. Went on Blue N Gold, expert tracker and intelligence gatherer, he felt that in a weakened state, Voyager could be taken easily. Think of it guys, the city would probably give us a badge for his arrest. Hes weak and injured, we can take him.
You will do no such things, stand down. Spoke Cavalier as he appeared around the corner of a rock formation. I thought I had made my orders clear Hormesis. He then said, throwing a hard look in the defenders direction.
You did boos, you said that I should track him down and contact you, which I did. You never said anything about not bringing some help for the arrest. Control came along to lend a hand and Blue N Gold here, I crossed path with at the train station. I simply thought more power would be needed. Hormesis was fidgeting in place, feeling a bit nervous about getting a talk down by Cavalier. The famous scrapper stood there, arms crossed across the chest, looking at the open door of the mausoleum, eyebrows creased.
If it comes to that, I, and I alone will arrest him. He then said, making eye contact with each of them. Control was the only one of the three, who didnt care one way or the other. Debating about Voyagers powers, he believed he could take him down easily, and by himself. But, orders were orders, and he had been around long enough to know that one obeys a leader until proven otherwise. And right now, nothing in Cavaliers conduct allowed him to believe his orders were not to be followed. Sighing heavily, he said:
Have it your way Cavalier, but we are not leaving you alone out here.
Why do you protect him such? Asked Blue N Gold, still picturing the badge ceremony at city hall, in his mind.
Because
Because I owe him that much. You guys wouldnt understand, you werent there. But Voyager is the way he is, because of me. Replied Cavalier, looking down on the ground for a second, as if in shame. Silence followed, deep and filled with meaning.
Humour us. Flatly said Control, remembering full well the Firebase Zulu incident, feeling still the pain from it, from the utter massacre that took place there. Cavalier looked long and hard in the uncaring eyes of Control and Blue N Gold, looked into the inquisitive eyes of Hormesis, weighing and wondering if he should share that one blemish in a flawless record.
I was only a captain then, all my responsibilities were centered on my team. No academy to tend to, no recruits to evaluate, no paperwork, only my team and me. It was a simpler time in those days, you did what you had to. I can fairly say that in all of Apocalypse, then and now, Voyager has been my best friend. I still view him as such today." A long pause followed, Cavalier was gathering his thoughts, the words he would say.
"A year or so ago, Bloodrock, Star-Crusader, Voyager and me were on assignment to uncover a Crey Laboratory somewhere in Creys Folly. He sat down on a rock, his eyes lost in the distance, reminiscing of the past. We four were always together, but then again, Apocalypse was small compared to what it is now. Anyways, Turbo Starr had given me an order to find that laboratory and put an end to it, there was evidence that genetics mutations and experiments were conducted out of it. I took the team out in Creys, and we interrogated a lot of agents from Crey Industries before we finally found the location for it. It took us days, but finally, we managed to find it, hidden under an old factory.
Control, Hormesis and Blue N Gold listened as Cavalier told the story of that fateful day, how his team fought hard and long in the sewers to gain access to the laboratory, to uncover a black scheme by Crey Industries to enhance their agents through genetic manipulations. The samples to create the super-serum was taken from live subjects, heroes captured and subdued into guinea pigs, for the sole purpose of providing genetic materials. He recounted how they had managed to put a stop to it, albeit it was too late for the heroes there, the laboratory had been shut down.
Right after we destroyed the last generator, we were confronted by a lot of, too many, Crey personnel. Paragon Protectors and Power Tanks filled the room, Security Agents and Crey Scientists everywhere, barring the way to the exit. Bloodrock, that guy never backed down from a fight, dove right in assisted by Star-Crusaders firepower. The battle turned quickly into a bloody mess, and we had to retreat into the holding cells area, a dead end. Bloodrock and Star-Crusader were in a real bad shape, and mediporters didnt snatch them away, we were underground and out of range. Cavalier sighed and rubbed a hand to his eyes, shoulders heavy and a tired look on his face.
Given the situation, Voyager and me were still fit to put up a fight, but the odds were against us, and two of my people were down and in need of serious medical care. We locked ourselves into a cell, and held position there, preventing anyone from entering. But, there was no way out of it, and eventually they were going to get us. You have to understand that as a captain, I had to consider all my options, to save as many lives as I could, if I could. Bloodrock was bleeding all over the place, Star-Crusader was blasting from a sitting position, unable to stand on his own. Thomas and me were hard pressed, all we could think about was running for our lives, but it would've meant leaving Bloodrock and Star-Crusader behind. As a captain, your responsible for the lives of your people, and that is why I owe Voyager, I have a debt to pay.
It cant be that bad Cavalier, and besides, anyone in Apocalypse understands the risks when we put on the cape. Relied Hormesis while waving a hand, as if dismissing it as being matter of fact.
What if I were to tell you that if I hadnt given Voyager that order, he would not be the arch-villain he is today, would you still agree? Spoke the squared jaw Cavalier to the defender.
But, its your job to give orders, and ours to follow them for the greater good. Said Blue N Gold with a bit of impatience in his voice.
Greater good my [censored]. I ordered a man, my friend, to die. Then said Cavalier with clenched teeth. And instead, he lived on to a worse fate than you would wish an enemy. Silence followed that comment, all of them pondering if they could sacrifice a friend for the needs of the many.
Pinned down as we were, bullets and projectiles riddling the room, I knew I had to evacuate the team. But making a run for it would have killed Bloodrock and Star-Crusader for certain. I He hesitated a moment, I told Voyager to hold them, to stop them while I got the wounded to safety. He shook his head, recalling full well that he had given an impossible order to the controller, had sealed his fate and ended his life that day.
I would have done the same, and if you had given me that order, I would have complied. Spoke Control in sympathy, understanding the dilemma Cavalier must have been faced then. But crowd control was the realm of controllers, and as such, they excelled at it.
Right, well, Voyager understood that too, and he complied. I still see him, standing up in that cell, helping me to gather up Bloodrock and Star-Crusader. He then infused me with super-speed and super jump, while bullets ricocheted left and right of us. Cold were his eyes at that moment, when he made me swear that I would come back for him, or his remains as soon as possible. Cavalier looked down into the ravine, at the Apocalypse mausoleum, thoughts lost for a second.
I had never seen him fight like he did that day. You have to understand that he was old when he came into his powers, and as such, he lacked certain training aspects that other, younger controllers do enjoy today. But nevertheless, he rushed out of that cell, and held them all, healing himself as they fired upon him and stalling them long enough for me to rush by, carrying the two wounded and exit the building, with a hot pursuit behind me. I can still hear the sounds of the battle that was taken place in that laboratory, as I leapt into the sky, towards Brickstown. It didnt take long, before all became quiet in there. At that moment, I thought my friend was dead, I had killed him in order to save my fellow heroes.
It took us three days, during which all Apocalypse members were involved, to gain access back to that god forsaken laboratory. Turbo Starr was leading us, but Crey Industries put up such a resistance, that the battle became an uphill climb, inch by inch, for the victory. Imagine our surprise, upon securing the place, to find Voyager in a holding cell, feverish and injured but still alive. We brought him back, and destroyed the installations there, and everything was supposed to be all right.
"But everything wasn't." Added Blue N Gold. "Right?"
Three days they held him, three days during which they tested something on him, to try and suppress his powers. It didnt work as intended, instead of weakening him, they made him
Cavalier stopped talking, realizing he had said too much at this point.
What? Asked Hormesis They made him what? Cavalier looked into the distance, thinking back on the day he read and compared the medical data on Thomas Bane, the weeks that followed, where in the hope of helping him, they had asked Pacem to create a cure for it. Then his banishment from earth and the Firebase Zulu war.
The drugs they poured into Voyager, instead of suppressing and numbing his powers, created a chemical imbalance in his blood stream. Voyager, my friend Thomas Bane, is crazy, and I believe he came back to earth to find a cure. The three heroes looked at Cavalier with sudden understanding, Voyager had known a fate worst than death, he had lived to become what he fought. Cavalier stood up and straightened his combat suit. "I have debt..."
Wait outside, no one goes in there unless I say so. Cavalier looked down into the ravine, then jumped into it, landing a few feet in front of the opened door. Unsheathing the old British blade, he stuck it in the soft ground, next to his foot, leaving it there as he walked for the mausoleum.
Thomas, its James, I am unarmed and alone. Im coming in.
Guardians part 2
The air inside the tomb was stale and mouldy, the ever present fog gave the scenery a soft white glow that permeated the walls. Towards the far end, near the other exit, hung a lighted torch, crackling softly, the only sound from the room. The tombs layout, which could house thousands, had three doors, one for each branch of Apocalypse. The entrance for the Riders and the Legends were closed, but the one leading into the vault for the Knights was wide opened. Taking a few tentative steps towards it, Cavalier couldnt help but feel small in this place.
Thomas, can you hear me, old friend, its James. I am alone and unarmed, I only came here to talk to you. He spoke to the room, the sound of his voice muffled instantly by the fog. He kept walking towards the opened door, knowing well enough where Voyager was, why he came here first, upon his return to earth.
Reaching the entrance, he peered inside the long hallway, which housed the final resting place for all the fallen Knights of Apocalypse. On both side of the deep and long room, were tombs of heroes, only fifty-three were filled out of five hundred so far, and Cavalier counted that as a blessing. A fleeting thought for the Riders passed through his mind, as he recalled that their room was almost filled up, and soon, a new one would have to be built. His attention was soon brought back to reality, as he saw a huddled shape on the floor, no more that twenty feet from the door, lying still.
Thomas? He asked the man on the floor, while proceeding carefully towards the old controller. Something wasnt right here, he told himself, as he looked left and right for an ambush or a tell tale sign of trouble. A few meters from his old friend, Cavalier heard the ragged breathing coming from the man on the floor, and he noticed also that he was shivering, as if cold. The arch-villain lay at the foot of his sons tomb, as if asleep, but if he was sleeping, it didnt sound like his dreams were peaceful. Bending down, he gently put a hand on Voyagers shoulder, and turned him over. The wet and viscous sensation of blood came to his fingers, as he noticed a bullet hole in the left shoulder of Thomas Bane. The old controllers face was covered in sweat, his breathing fast and uneven, Cavalier saw the fiery red eyes trying to show signs of consciousness. Feeling for his pulse, Cavalier realized that Voyager was in a very bad shape, more than likely fighting an infection from the wound. Reaching at his utility belt, he pulled out his emitter and dialled a private number.
Hormesis felt the vibration from his phone, and flipped it open. Looking around for his other two companions, standing some distance apart, they all guarded the grounds in the event that anything should happen, he answered:
Yes?
Its Cavalier, come down here right away, alone.
The famous scrapper held his friend in his arm, feeling the shivers coursing the body of the old controller. How did it come to that? Why hadnt he healed himself? Given Voyagers demeanour, Cavalier couldnt figure out why he hadnt used the first citizen he met, to syphon a bit of life, and heal himself.
Thomas, can you hear me, old buddy, help is on the way. He spoke aloud, lifting the controllers limp head in one hand, trying to get a sign of recognition. The fiery red eyes opened partly, trying to focus in the distance, then came to rest on Cavalier.
I
I felt him die, James. Spoke Voyager to the leader of Apocalypse, body shivering and breath short and fast. I felt him die.
Cavalier looked up at the tomb, the headstone was still new and fresh, installed recently. The name on it hadnt been carved yet, but he knew who was resting there. Akritar Bane, Voyagers son, who had met an untimely death earlier this week. Feeling a clench to his soul, Cavalier understood the pain Voyager was going through. No parent should bury their offspring, no father should outlive their son.
He died a hero, Thomas, he made a difference. Simply replied the squared jaw scrapper, while the old controllers eyes lost focus again.
Whats up boos? Hormesis said from the doorway to the vault, and then: Holy [censored], you arrested him by yourself, just like that? Cavalier remained silent for a second then said:
Heal him.
I will most certainly not. Blurted out Hormesis, not believing the request he had just heard, derision in his voice.
Heal him, now, thats an order. Spoke Cavalier, looking over his shoulder with a threatening look on his features.
Have you lost your mind, boos, that man is a criminal. Hes responsible for the death of at least fifty heroes lying here. I will not. Replied the radiation defender, crossing his arms across the chest.
Fifty-two, he killed fifty-two that day. Spoke the squared jaw scrapper, who was once more looking down at Voyager. Heal him, or I swear I will have your resignation.
Hormesis stood in the doorway, amazed that cavalier would request this in such a way. How could Cavalier, one of the most celebrated hero of the city, ask him to do such a thing? The order went against everything Hormesis stood for and believed in, no one helps a villain, and especially not Voyager.
All right, have it your way. Hormesis walked up to them, and saw that the old controller was in a bad shape indeed. He looked down on him, jaw clenched and fists tight. Cavalier was cradling him in his arms, as if a parent to a child, trying with his presence to sooth and ease the pain.
Hormesis reached out with his hand, and ripped the Legends of Apocalypse from his right shoulder, throwing it down on the floor, in front of Cavalier. The scrapper looked at it, resigned and angry, bowing his head, he nodded silently.
I resign. Simply spoke Hormesis, as he turned around and walked slowly away from them. Cavalier gently put down Voyagers limp body, then stood up and raced after Hormesis, tackling him into the wall next to the exit.
You god forsaken fool, you dont quit on us that easily. I gave you a direct order, its your duty to comply. You have a problem with it, you bring it up with me, or another leader. You dont just turn around and quit, just because you dont like it. Hormesis and Cavalier were struggling with each other, the scrapper was very angry. The radiation defender was holding on to the iron grip that the scrapper was exerting on his suit, looking at him with uncaring eyes.
I dont heal killers, and you cant make me. We should be arresting him, and have him thrown into the darkest cell we can find, not aiding him. Hormesis was yelling with anger at Cavalier, and no reason in the world would change his mind about this issue. Voyager is an arch-villain, and does not deserve pity or help.
I swear by all that is holy, sometimes I think this hero crap has gotten to all of our heads. Cavalier spoke through clenched teeth, still grasping Hormesis, not letting him go. Do you think a foe deserves less mercy from you, than a helpless victim?
He is not a helpless victim. Screamed back Hormesis, still trying to break free. Dont make me hurt you Cavalier, let me go. I dont take orders from you anymore.
The man is my friend, I need your help. Heal him. Yelled back Cavalier as he landed a punch on the defenders cheek. Hormesis felt the jarring of it, then with a flushed face, he looked back mockingly at Cavalier.
He is not mine, never will be. Beat me up all you want, you god damned fool, I will not help him in any way. And with that, Hormesis kneed Cavalier in the stomach. Let me go. Walking into the room, Control came to stand between them, to separate them.
You two should be ashamed of yourselves. He told them, outrage in his voice, and disbelief in his eyes. Hormesis, pick up your insignia right now, you are not quitting today. Control pointed at the place on the floor, next to Voyagers limp form, where the insignia laid. And you Cavalier, according to article 171-B or the Apocalypse charter, I am relieving you of duty, until we can sort this out. Voyager is under arrest, my arrest. Spoke Control, with authority in the voice, strength in his stature.
You know what, screw Apocalypse, and screw you Cavalier, Im out of here. Said Hormesis as he turned around and speeded out of the tomb.
You god damned bull headed scrapper, look what youve gone and done. Admonished Control to the famous scrapper. Shaking his head, Control walked towards Voyager, where he bent down and picked up the Legends of Apocalypse insignia Hormesis had thrown there. Putting it in a pocket, he then proceeded to lift the old controller and carry him out, followed closely by a quiet Cavalier.
Lets take him back to HQ. Said Control as they both stepped out into the ravine, Cavalier closing shut the tombs door behind them. Blue N Gold, scout ahead and clear us a path. The blaster started towards Talos Island, inspecting the grounds for enemy presence. And you, will have to justify your actions to leadership as soon as we get there. Said Control to Cavalier, still not understanding why things had escalated to this.
A tale of four rooms
Jade Rade, security clearance revoked, currently escapee from the Ziggurat, wanted by the city authorities. Is there anything I can get you Miss Rade? X-ecutioner asked as he settled down on the chair, looking at the deadly, yet beautiful radiation defender. A camera was recording everything that was going in the room, and Sun Heat was sitting on the other side of the see through mirror, witnessing and supervising the interrogation.
Yes, the states district attorney and the witness protection program. Replied tiredly Jade Rade to the tanker. And also, I wouldnt mind some food. It has been a while since I hate anything but Rularuu flesh, anything will do, even if its bread and butter. And with that, her stomach growled in unison with her words.
I can have the chef prepare you a meal, what would you like? X was intrigued about her tale, according to the prison records, Jade Rade was supposed to be in solitary confinement, due to her conduct while incarcerated. Her friend, Metal Core had the same reference on his Ziggurat file. And yet, the two of them kept saying that they had spent the last few months as outcasts in Firebase Zulu.
A cheeseburger with fries, fresh broccoli salad, a tall cool glass of milk and chocolate cheese cake with raspberry sauce. Once more, her stomach growled aloud. There was no denying the fact that she was hungry. Her features, weathered and beaten, told a story that had nothing to do with being locked in a cell. X couldnt help but wondered what all this would bring about, as he called in for her food.
It will be here momentarily. He told her, as he replaced the comm unit on his belt.
***
And make sure its shrimp risotto with oyster sauce, and real cheese sauce on the cauliflower. Oh, and I want a pint of beer, any will do, but I want it tall and cold. Metal Cores request for food had been placed, and judging from the spit forming on his lips, Cymbaline could tell he was looking forward to eat. Throwing a look at the mirror, she wondered if Satet had noticed that the tanker wore Rularuu skins for clothing, and how battle weary he looked. Turning back to look on the Japanese man, she said:
Let me get this straight, you and Jade Rade were selected by Crey Industries to be part of an experiment in that dimension.
Yes, we didnt volunteer for it, they grabbed us in the middle of the night, took us out of prison, inserted a transponder in us, and the next thing you know, you wake up in Firebase Zulu, unable to go anywhere. We had to fight for our lives almost everyday, receiving no help from the human outposts, which knew full well that we were out there. Windsor once told me that they were studying the possibility of making Firebase Zulu a prison for super-criminals, no bars, no guards. Just the ever presence of the Rularuu, and the impossibility of ever coming back. Metal Core slammed a fist on the table as he spoke, anger rising as he recalled how deadly each battle had been over there, how merciless life had become.
Who is this Windsor you mentioned? Asked Cymbaline to the tanker.
Shes dead now. She died saving Lil Smoke some time ago. We buried her near our cave. She was our leader, and a damned good one at that too. He replied, eyes lost in the distance, seeing still the broken shape of her body lying on the grassy hill of their island. Shaking the image away, he once more looked at Cymbaline, awaiting her next question.
How did you make it back to earth?
Metal Cores gaze hardened, and his jaw clenched, while his breathing accelerated somewhat.
Voyager.
***
And you say you hear a voice in your head? Asked Moon Psyche to the old controller, as he straightened his hat on the table.
She told me to come here, I had to come back, to save the world. Shes not always there, mostly just before I wake up, she tells me things. Replied tiredly Voyager, who had been healed enough to stand and go through the interrogation process. He could feel the energy signature of her friend, Sun Heat somewhere close by, and he smiled at her souvenir. Something else also, he could feel coming from her, something unexpected that made him wondered if Moon was aware of it.
Thomas, Ive no time and no desire to carry a conversation with you. I can probe your mind and get all the answers I need from you, without having to guess at what you are trying to say. Would you agree to that? Moon Psyche was curious as to the extent of damage the chemical imbalance had done, since he had last probed him. A year ago, when they went through the process of trying to help Voyager, he had scanned his mind, in the hopes that they would find a clue to his cure. The insanity had been barely noticeable, only a hint of it, resting and waiting, for when the controller would use his powers.
If you do, I will fight you all the way in, Moon. Ask your questions, and let me decide if it deserves for you to pry the image out of me first. He replied, with defiance in his voice.
All right, lets give it a try. How did you escape the Rularuu So many questions about this man had been left unanswered since the Firebase Zulu war, any answers he could get, would clarify things.
I didnt escape, they let me go. They were attacked by the Circle of Thorns, they were trying to get to me. The Overlord felt that it was best for me to return to earth. They were escorting me back to the firebase, when all hell broke loose, and I ended up stranded on a floating island, after the Thorns alsmot captured me. Voyagers eyes were darting left and right, looking everywhere at once, as if in a paranoid state.
Ok, that part I can fill in, I think. You met Jade Rade and her crew, then brought down the shield, killed almost everyone at Firebase Zulu, and came back to earth. Went on Moon, while shaking his head, Voyager was still a threat to humanity.
The shield was already down, as she said it would be. I killed General Hammond, and anyone who stood in my way. Earth runs a grave danger, and unless I can locate the one to stop it, life as we know it will cease to exist. His fiery red eyes locked on to Moon Psyches eyes, challenging him, daring him to call him a liar.
Ok, its the end of the world, and only you can save us. How?
Not me, the one who wields the hammer.
Right, ok, the one who wields the hammer, does he have a name? Moon felt that this was going to be one of those days. Interrogating the insane always left a sour taste in the mouth. Half of what they said was make believe, and the other half was the truth according to their crooked understanding of the world. Voyager had definitely gone over the edge, twice over.
She keeps telling me to find him, that he will save us all in the end, right before he dies. She calls him Bear Cat.
***
Tell me again how you came about that laboratory? Psyphoon was perplexed by this man. X had asked her to carry the interrogation, for she had certain powers that could most likely be useful with him. One of which was to be able to get anyone she sets her eyes upon, to cooperate easily.
I was just following up on an old Apocalypse file, trying to gather up some intelligence against Crey Industries. My employer sometimes requests such things from me. The tanker sat loftily in the chair, feeling a peace and a quietness he had never felt before. The woman in front of him inspired him greatly, with trust and confidence.
And once inside, what did you see exactly? Psyphoon had been kept busy lately, being in charge of teaching relaxation techniques at the Academy of Heroism, she had found particularly difficult to get any scrappers to settle down. Bear Cat remained quiet for a few seconds, bringing forth the image of the man he saw, floating in the water tank, attached to all sorts of tubes that pumped his blood out.
Turbo Starr.
Over the last few weeks, I took the time to read it all, it's a long story, I printed it, 184 pages!!!
Anyways, I just wanna tell you that it rocks and a half, and I hope you keep it up!
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Over the last few weeks, I took the time to read it all, it's a long story, I printed it, 184 pages!!!
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That long huh??!!
Guess it's time I put an end top it....
Only one...
And how did you come about to know Bear Cat? Asked X-ecutioner
A month before my parents died, he tried recruiting me into his organization, but I refused. He told me it was an open offer, and that if I ever needed help, to come to him. I had stumbled upon his base by mistake, and I thought at first he would kill me, but it turned out good in the end. Jades eyes kept darting to the door, hoping that it would open and the food she had ordered would finally be here.
I see, does he have anything to do with your exile into Firebase Zulu? X-ecutioner knew that Bear Cat didnt have anything to do with it, but pretending to know a false truth, sometimes got the subject saying more that they should.
Hell no, Crey Industries and someone at City Hall are working together on that one. All I can tell you is that right before I was sent out to that god forsaken dimension, Crey Industries performed surgery on me, and installed a transponder in my left shoulder, which by the way, is still functional. So if they come crashing down on our heads, dont blame me. The door finally opened, and Jade stood straight, both hands outstretched like a child wanting a toy. The orderly put the cabaret down on the table, saluted X, and left them. Jade pulled it up in front of her, grabbed the cheeseburger, smelled it wholeheartedly, then bit into it with a moan of satisfaction. As she was eating, tears began to roll down on her weathered cheeks. X-ecutioner reached once more to his belt, for his cell phone and contacted head dispatch, to warn them of a possible attack by Crey agents.
And that is why you need to speak to the states district attorney?
Who else can protect me now, outside this building, I trust no one. Would you? Replied Jade Rade with a mouthful of fries.
Given the circumstances, my trust in anyone would be limited. I will be back shortly. And with that, X left the radiation defender to her meal, and exited the room.
Cymbaline walked out of the interrogation room, leaving Metal Core to his meal, almost at the same time that X-ecutioner did. Walking up to him, shaking her head in disbelief, she said:
This is one of the craziest tales Ive ever heard.
Well, Rade wasnt in jail for the last year, thats for sure. No one gets a suntan while being locked in solitary. And Ill bet the sample from her clothing comes back positive from the lab. I think they are telling the truth."
But if they are, that means were facing a major conspiracy at City Hall, and so far, were the only ones to know about this. What are we going to do? Spoke Sun Heat as she exited the observation room.
Im not sure yet, when Moon comes out from talking with the nutcase, well ask him. Said X-ecutioner as he looked down the corridor, where a door opened violently, giving against the wall. Icy Hearts face was flushed and anger was clearly visible on her traits.
Whats up beautiful? Asked X to the ice blaster. As she came up to him, not saying a word, she slapped him square on the cheek.
Dont call me that. While Moon had been interrogating Voyager, Icy had been the observer. But she hadnt paid attention much to the conversation the two controllers had been carrying. Instead, she had been reviewing the insurance policy pamphlet, provided to all members of Apocalypse. Insurance coverage for heroes was a premium, and its fees were exorbitant, but such was the plight of heroes. Icy turned to look squarely at Sun heat then said:
Read this, girl, and tell me why I shouldnt go down to Skyway City and level the Corona building, where those [censored] bags work. Icy handed Sun the small booklet describing the insurance coverage for all recognized members of Apocalypse, which Sun proceeded to read aloud.
In the event of the loss of a finger, the insure will be provided with a prosthetic replacement, to the amount of one per year. Sun Heat read the first line at the top of the page, not really sure was she was looking for. She had never bothered reading the thing in the first place, more than happy that they were insured to start with.
Not that one, read number eight. Icy kicked X on the shin, still angry. The tanker yelped and started jumping on one leg, while rubbing the pain away.
Oh, number eight, ok. In the event that breast replacement should be considered, the insure will receive coverage for the amount of one breast implant per year. Hearing the line aloud, Icy Heart roared in anger, while Sun looked at the blaster with sudden understanding.
How am I supposed to get only one booby replaced per year, my puppies are ruined. And these stupid dumb [censored] will only replace one. Do you know how expensive a good pair of boobs go for? She was pacing, anger fuming out of her, almost visible to the naked eye.
Come on doll, it can be that bad? Spoke X-executioner, although he could walk, he could still feel the thumping pain at the bottom of his leg.
Oh really? Have a look at these. Icy Heart spoke these words as she unzipped her battle jacket, and revealed the burns covering her chest and what were once perfect breast. Now they looked melted and the skin looked like accumulated wax, frozen in place in certain areas. X-ecutioner couldnt help but wince and look away. For the longest time, he had pictured Icys breast as being a mans dream come true. But seeing them now, made him wish for blindness. Icy instantly reacted when she saw him flinch, and kicked him the groin. With a moan, X-ecutioner bent over, and Icy was about to knee him in the face, but Sun Heat grabbed the blaster firmly and pulled her away.
Lets see if our insurance can replace one or two testicles in a year. Screamed Icy as Sun heat dragged her away, kicking and screaming.
What is with you and having every man get kicked or blasted in the balls?
[ QUOTE ]
egad!!!
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.... Say Wha??!!