2. The Union of Heroes
Paragon City had seen an increase in crime the past two weeks. The mysterious deaths of a few archeologists barely made the last few pages of a few small newspapers. More riots, more daring crimes, and more stressed police and heroes. Even though The Dark Harrier had swamped himself with crime fighting he still hardly felt like he was making a difference. The only good it did was distract him from her. Most of the time. She began to intrude into his thoughts on his way to an interview. Another way to consume his attention.
Her feint cries for help crept into his mind while he was flying through the skyscrapers of Steel Canyon when his cell phone rang.
Hello?
Is this The Dark Harrier? This is Azuria.
He sighed, What did you lose this time?
She returned with her own annoyance, Nothing. But something is wrong. I have felt a disturbing ripple pass through this world. Something evil has returned.
What?
I wont be sure until I do some research, until then can I call on you?
Call some other super group. The Union of Heroes has plenty of work on its plate. Were not interested in bad feelings. We are interested in real work.
Thats just it. I have called other groups. No one else will take me seriously either. She said desperately. Look, Im not asking you to come down and stick your nose in a book. Im just asking you to listen to me, and take a mission from me when the time comes. Please? I will keep you busy enough to not think about her if that is your main concern.
He scowled at her words, Fine. Call on us when you need to. But dont bother us with anything other than real missions. Got it?
Got it.
Alright. Bye.
He hung up and redialed his phone to a secure line halfway across town.
His phone clicked and popped as it passed through a series of encryptions until finally someone picked up.
Identify yourself.
This is The Dark Harrier.
The voice recognition program recognized him.
This is The Flaming Mistress. Black Gamma just stepped out for a moment so I am filling in for her. How can I help you Harrier?
How is everything going over there?
A few are in the simulation room. Some are patrolling, some are off, the same as it was when you called ten minutes ago. She said with a smirk.
Well, this is not just a check up, Azuria just asked for our help, so if she calls make her priority.
What does she need help with? Flaming Mistress asked.
Nothing yet. Well, something kind of. Its complicated. Just make her calls priority for now. Thanks. He said hanging up his phone.
The black clad hero arrived in Atlas Park landing gracefully, despite his muscular frame. He approached Maria Wesley. She recognized the famous hero from his perfect blonde hair, flashy smile, and the white predatory bird emblazoned on his chest.
Her and her cameraman were already set up and waiting for him. Paragon Network News, PNN, had relished at the opportunity to interview one of the most talked about heroes of the city. It didnt take long before the cameras were rolling and she was diving right into the questions.
I am here with the famous Dark Harrier. Leader and Co-founder of the new super group, The Union of Heroes
He answered her questions with a smile on his face. Ranging from their latest Task Force to his favorite hobby. Halfway through he felt something. An uneasy ripple passing through him was the best description he could find. He decided Azuria had made him paranoid.
Andrew Penne sat in his modest home in Founders Falls watching the interview that had taken place earlier that day when he suddenly felt uneasy. As if something bad had just happened. Being a person of magic capabilities he took his feelings seriously. Just as Andrew reached in his drawer and put on his protection amulet a loud crashing sound came from his front door.
When he ran to see what had caused it he found the black giant. The armor looked ancient, but thick. His tattered cape fluttered in the wind.
An inhuman whisper echoed in Andrews ears, I have come to reclaim what your ancestors stole from me.
Andrew backed up in horror and shaking his head in disbelief, No. It is impossible! We made sure you could never come back.
He chanted while holding the amulet and drew a dagger with the other. A force field surrounded him but he still held the dagger menacingly.
The giant drew his long, serrated sword.
Obsidian Nexum! Andrew said in awe, You really are Atheum!
He dropped to his knees and screamed as the sword passed through the force field lopping off his hand.
How? He asked with a trembling voice.
A deal with the Undergod is more powerful than your trinkets.
Atheum raised his sword again and ended the mans life. His sword absorbed his blood and power. He was about to leave when the television caught his attention.
The Union of Heroes has quickly become one of the most active and popular super groups with such powerful heroes as The Black Harrier, Blood Wolffe, and The BDSM Avenger.
He had truly found a feast of power. In short time he would become a god.
((A quick OOC note to let everybody know that I will be getting back to this story after the holidays.
Advice: Don't send your mother-in-law a joke christmas letter about you and your new wife's adventures in bootlegging, drugs, and sex. She will not get it.))
((that's a wonderful piece of advice...rofl hysterically))
[[Heehee!]]
Have a happy holiday Wolffe. I look forward to reading more.
3. History
The Flaming Mistress, as she was known, hated watching the monitors, a duty shared by all the members. The room was metal and had a sterile feel. The only light at the moment was the bluish glow from the monitors. One was a map of the city with the locations of all the members, one was for incoming calls and for the computer, and the other was for the news, which was muted. Eight hours on duty. It was too much time to think, not enough time to do. As hard as she tried her mind always wandered back to her parents. They had been killed by a villain called the Night Collector. Of course no one had been able to prove this but she knew. Still, she diligently watched the screens. A few incoming reports of minor crimes was all she had to keep herself distracted. It wasnt enough.
Mithril Zeta walked in the room bringing her something to drink, You always seem so restless at the monitors.
I should be out there. Doing something.
By doing something do you mean looking for him?
He had seen first hand how obsessed she was. A few years ago they had him cornered in the cellar of a burning mansion. He had stolen the one thing she still had from her parents. A singed letter had no value to anyone but her and him. The Night Collector always took something from his victims. A prize he had been denied for a long time.
Mithril could remember vividly how the Collector had been saved at the last moment as the house began to collapse. They had him dead to rights until the passage collapsed between them. The Flaming Mistress clawed at the rubble with tears in her eyes until he pulled her away. He had dragged her out of the mansion kicking and screaming just seconds before it collapsed in on itself and was destroyed.
Yes I mean looking for him. She said defensively.
Mithril sighed sadly There is no way he got out. He is dead.
She wouldnt hear it, There was no body.
Thats because that fire was burning at over 3,000 degrees for almost eight hours above ground and forty-eight below ground.
A snake like him is good at squirming its way out of trouble.
A flashing light indicated an incoming call.
----
Maggie leaned over her perch on top of an occupied Council building looking down at a group of soldiers with narrowed eyes. She quietly drew the chamber back just far enough to see the brass of her 5.56mm rifle round. Then she slowly took an M203 round out of a pouch and loaded it into the breach of her grenade launcher. She had a fresh tank for her flamethrower. The safety was clicked off silently by her trained thumb. She shouldered the gun and adjusted until it was in place firmly and comfortably.
Aim
Breath out
Sque-
What do you think youre doing? Blood Wolffe interrupted with a harsh tone.
I was just-
You know your parents would not approve of you going out to start wars. He said.
Blood Wolffe was moderately tall and moved stealthily. He always wore tight red and black leather that contained small strips of advanced armor. Where someone like him got it was always a question on the observant persons mind. His frame was rugged yet he appeared sleek, a contrast to the child. Even if she was adorned in armor and military gear, her best war face would still get ahs from adults. She loathed their reactions. She wanted to be taken seriously. Wolffe was the only one who did.
Are you gonna tell them?
No. But you shouldnt go out by yourself. You never know when the Council is going to surprise you with some experiment.
I know what Im doing. Ive been around them all my life.
He looked over the edge at her targets. He let her see him smile a little. She wasnt his but he watched over her and was proud to see the young pup learning to hunt so effectively. But for now he would respect her parents wishes to keep her safe.
How about we get some pizza? I stopped a robbery at a pizza shop down the street a few days ago. Normally I dont accept rewards but the shop owner insisted.
Her face lit up with excitement. He had her at pizza, but before they could make a move Wolffe got a call from the base.
Sorry Maggie. We have an emergency meeting. He despised them as much as she did the ahs.
You want to come with me? Could be a big Task Force.
Yeah! She said, jumping at the opportunity to go on a real mission.
----
Azuria had called them all to a vast meeting room in City Hall. Everything was marble. The floor, the walls, the pillars that surrounded them, even the table was a thick ornately carved slab of marble. The chairs were large, and made of deep rich wood, cushioned with velvet. The room could have been there for royalty.
Everyone was there sitting in awkward silence waiting for Azuria. The Dark Harrier sat back in his chair with his elbow propped on the armrest and hand against his forehead. The BDSM Avenger sat cross-legged. Her arched posture never allowed her back to touch the chair. Blood Wolffe paced slowly back and forth never making eye contact with The Dark Harrier.
Sit up straight! Black Gamma said to Dark Harrier. When Rad-iator snickered she shot him a look that made him sit up straight as well.
The Jeweler examined the table through his eyepiece, Its not faux. Its real
Cut nice too. Rad-iator feigned interest.
Maggie watched everyone; nothing escaped her keen eyes. Including Dark Harriers growing impatience. He fidgeted more and more until he couldnt stand it anymore.
Thats it. Im not waiting around anymore. He said getting up.
Hold on just a second! You were the one who called this meeting so youre staying. Blood Wolffe said.
No, I did. Azuria said as she walked into the vast room.
So what is this all about? Wolffe said.
I dont know if many of you have heard of him, but Andrew Penne was a high-ranking member of the Circle of Thorns. He was recently found in his house in Founders Falls
Murdered. There has been a recent rise in crime that Im sure you have felt if you havent heard of it. But I am getting ahead of myself, let me start from the beginning. How many of you have heard of the civilization of Mu?
Boy, when you say the beginning you mean it. Rad-iator said.
Azuria smiled, It disappeared very mysteriously. There are a host of theories as to why, one of them being that there was a great war that culminated into one massive battle, which destroyed it. Texts from that era are have been recovered from various Circle of Thorn bases. While documents of the battle in question are rare one name consistently appears in them. Long before the battle there was a sword that had been contained because it was considered too powerful to be in the hands of any one man. Obsidian Nexum. Legend says that if someone were to slay another with it, it would give him the victims power, their soul. Legend also tells of a vicious warlord. His name was Atheum, and he had a black heart. He scoured the lands with his army of men and monsters living only for war and slaughter. He was merciless and cruel, and somehow he got his hands on the sword. After that he and Mu disappeared, but a few rare sightings of Atheum have been uncovered. Babylon, Harappa, Atlantis, The Aztec civilization, Troy. I dont think I need to remind you that all those civilizations mysteriously disappeared or suffered terrible wars before they fell.
The Dark Harrier spoke up, Okay, what does that have to do with us?
Now he has been spotted in Paragon City.
A long silence was broken by Black Gamma, Alright, how do we stop him?
Im glad you asked. There were originally twelve artifacts that could send Atheum back to the Underworld. Atheum himself destroyed nine long ago. One was destroyed in a fire a few years ago. The last one is held by the Circle of Thorns.
Wait. The Jeweler interrupted, I thought you said there were twelve, ten were destroyed and one is controlled by the Circle? What about the other one?
Azuria replied, The truth is no one knows where the last one is. It is mentioned briefly in one text vaguely about being Buried deep. That is all anyone knows.
If this is that important, why isnt Statesman or some other high-ranking super group on this? Blood Wolffe asked.
Because no one believes me. There is little more evidence than my feelings on this. But let me assure you, Atheum is a threat. His mere presence causes wars. His vision is a world plunged into eternal war with him sitting at his throne as the god of war.
Alright. Dark Harrier said, Tell us where to find this artifact.
((Sorry it took me so long to get this chapter up. I got this game called viva pinata for christmas and have been super addicted. I have a pretztail named Woofers though!))
((DISCLAIMER: I may have tweaked CoH history... and actual history to fit the story. Just letting everyone know.))
Nice going so far. Don't worry about the events of history being changed. White Wolf has claimed everything important has been masterminded by vampires, werewolves, and mages for a while now.
After much delay (Sorry I didn't tell you I was on vacation for the last week) I am cracking down on this. The next chapter will be up in a few days.
Yaaaaaaay!
Statesman said let there be heroes, and there were heroes.
Lord Recluse said let there be villains, and there were villains.
NCsoft said let there be nothing, and there was nothing.
[[[Woot!]]]
(Yay!)
4. The Bridge to Victory
The artifact was a vial of water that, according to legend, had been blessed by a truly innocent being. Unfortunately the Night Collector was the one who possessed it. An assassin who only came at night and always took something from his victims, he had acquired it during a job on an eccentric old man who had taken to acquiring rare antiquities. Night Collector didn't take it for its power. In fact it was almost useless against most things. He sometimes took the most random things. Sometimes very sentimental things.
Flaming Mistress believed he had taken something very close to her heart when her parents died but no one had even been able to prove they were murdered. Which was why she was so determined to go along with the group.
I said no! Dark Harrier put his foot down on this issue. But his determination didn't have any effect on hers.
I know him the best out of anyone here! I have leads on him! He is mine dammit! Her voice echoed through their mostly outdated base.
The Dark Harrier spoke with cold facts, You are too emotional when it comes to him. You will get overwhelmed, you won't listen to orders, and you will endanger yourself or others.
She put her hands on her hips, Oh really? Then shouldn't you be staying back too? You have feelings just as mine after what happened to Jai. She said returning his stare.
The Dark Harrier's face turned red. Veins looked like they might pop due to his furiousity.
He spoke deliberately but with tangible anger, I have been able to control my emotions! My call stands. You sit this one out, and don't you ever dare use her as leverage against me! You have no idea.
Neither do you! She yelled with tears welling in her eyes.
Blood Wolffe and Mithril were within earshot of the whole thing. Wolffe saw it as a fight for dominance, therefore he would do nothing about it. Mithril Zeta had seen enough though. He got in between them and pushed them away from each other.
Okay you two, just calm down. Flaming Mistress, would you please take a walk to cool down? Literally? He said referring to her smoldering skin.
She huffed, then stomped out while saying, Fine! I don't want to be anywhere near that bonehead anyway!
Blood Wolffe watched her walk out. Mithril turned to to Dark, She may not be ready to face the Night Collector but you could help her through it. He said in her defense.
Regardless of that, have we found any leads on his location? Mithril asked.
Yeah. Dark said, Skyway City, and we are heading out right away. But don't tell Mistress what were up to.
Wolffe snickered with crossed arms, As if she isn't going to know. She has a point you know, are you sure you're going to be level-headed out there Harrier?
I'll be fine. Now let's gear up and move out.
Brett Mason sat on the couch of the small hotel room they had rented out with his clunky boots propped up on the coffee table. He was casually throwing playing cards into the black beanie he almost always wore revealing mussed up black hair. Scars from long ago zig-zagged his face. He wore a leather coat and jeans instead of the other's stealthy outfits.
So, Night Collector. Can we hit the bank yet? He said with a snide smile.
Stop asking me every ten minutes! You're being childish. Night Collector said looking out the window with binoculars.
How else am I going to entertain myself? Eckankar doesn't even get it when I make fun of him and Leucetios can't take a joke.
The giant man in green and black armor merely grunted in disapproval.
The rigid lizard-like man in bone armor barely moved, I understand what you're saying. I just do not find it amusing.
That's not the point of making fun of someone. Brett said.
Why don't you feed the Fenris Project? Night said.
No way! Every time anyone gets near his cage he freaks out. Someone is going to report us if they haven't already. He was hard enough to sneak over here. That thing is gonna have an annurism.
Well, feed him anyway. You're driving me mad. Night replied, Besides it's his feeding time as it is.
Fine. Brett said. He grabbed a vacuum packed chunk of meat from a crate and left for the sewers underneath the building. He hit the elevator button but it was out of order. With a sigh he lazily walked over to the stairwell, opened the door and rocketed down with blinding super speed. He made his way into the sewers. Around the corner in a cage with thick bars was the Fenris Project. Nine feet tall and almost 600 pounds of muscle he was by far the biggest warwolf Brett had ever seen. His arms and chest were wrapped in heavy chains. He was sleeping now.
Hey... Hey! Brett tried in vain to wake him up.
He knew what to do though. It worked for cats and dogs. Just open the food container. The perforated line made a zip noise as Brett ripped the package open. Fenris' ears twitched forward and he could see to yellow eyes staring back at him with anticipation. Before Fenris could make his usual noise he was thrown a nice big chunk of meat. He immediately tore sloppily into it with a mouth as big as the average man's torso.
Just above Rad-iator and the Jeweler were crouched down, sneaking up on the building.
Dark Harrier, this is Rad-iator. We are in position.
Blood Wolffe, Solid Shot, and Harrier were on the roof above the Hotel. Cianna, Mithril Zeta and the BDSM Avenger were on the other side.
Okay. Harrier said into his communicator, Let's make this raid fast and clean. Got it?
Brett overheard them through a sewer grate.
Just great! He whispered, I knew this job was a bad idea!
He took out his cell phone and called up to their room, Night! We have several heroes moving in on us right now! Get out of there! I got a plan to distract them.
Brett pulled out a Council insignia he wore around his neck and showed it to Fenris, Okay big guy. Time to play.
He opened the cage and the Fenris Project walked out on all four, ready for commands.
Brett pointed up, Smash!
The Fenris Project looked up. He crouched down and gathered his might. Rad-iator and the Jeweler were flung from their hiding places as the ground beneath them exploded. The Fenris Project leapt high into the air. Brett put his hands up to shield himself from falling debris.
The Night Collector and Eckankar were already on their way out of the building, heading for the towering suspended highway that led out of Skyway. Brett had caught up with them in a heartbeat.
Down there! Wolffe exclaimed, pointing towards the two battling the massive beast.
Blood Wolffe, Mithril Zeta, go down there and help them! The rest of you come with me. Dark Harrier said.
Rad-iator instinctively threw a volley of radiation at the giant warwolf with nearly no effect. It stalked towards him, muscles tense and ready to pounce. He looked up at the creature in awe.
A beam of energy smashed into the side of Fenris' head, knocking it into a brick wall briefly. Other than jolting the beast it seemed to have no effect. Blood Wolffe got closer to send a surge of energy into it's chest while Mithril Zeta wound up and uppercut Fenris right on the chin. Fenris replied with a backhand, smashing Mithril into a building, sending dust and chunks of brick flying. He then grabbed a nearby dumpster and swung it into Blood Wolffe with one hand.
The Jeweler healed Mithril Zeta instantly and Rad-iator filled Wolffe with beneficial radiation. Wolffe got up and was about to attack again when he had to cover his ears. The Fenris Project perked in the direction of the other villains and leapt off to meet them.
The villains were outnumbered. They had no escape. The road was easily two hundred feet in the air. Victory was assured.
Well. Brett said looking at the BDSM Avenger clad in revealing leather, Look at you.
Save it moron. She snarled.
The Dark Harrier stood tall in front of the rest of them, Surrender. All of you, and skip right to jail, or make a long visit to the hospital first.
He stood confidently as the others arrived at his side. Even with the addition of Fenris to theirs. It was now eight against five.
Cars flew by them at high speed on either side. The Night Collector lowered his razor katana to his side.
What makes you think we don't have the advantage? He said with a smile.
With blinding speed he lashed out at a passing car, slicing through the body and both tires sending it careening out of control toward the edge of the highway. The Dark Harrier immediately rocketed off in flight toward the car as it slid off and fell to the city below. He got underneath it, straining to bear its full momentum.
Brett unleashed a cone of fire across the highway causing cars to skid to a halt and smash into each other. A tanker truck full of fuel jack-knifed and screeched to a halt just before reaching the fire.
Attack! Blood Wolffe yelled.
Cianna created an small army of illusion from her mind. Brett Mason countered by creating ghoulish fire demons of his own and choking the BDSM Avenger and Solid Shot with a cloud of burning ash.
Mithril squared off against the Fenris Project and Leucetios at the same time with Rad-iator and the Jeweler backing him up. He connected with Fenris but Leucetios was fast. He smashed down on his shoulder with his fist.
Blood Wolffe went after Eckankar while Cianna took on the Night Collector with her army.
Solid Shot aimed in on Brett, Can't choke a robot.
He opened fire with a burst of rounds. Brett instinctively ducked with super speed, avoiding all but one that ripped through his shoulder. He grabbed it and squeezed, looking at the robot with anger. He sent his conjured fire demons hopping and scampering toward him.
Oh boy. Solid Shot said spraying bullets that seemed to pass through them harmlessly. Not the face!
BDSM Avenger waved the choking ash off and punched Brett in the chest, launching him back. Solid Shot's electrical fists seemed to do more damage to the small demons and one by one he pulverized them.
Night Collector sliced through one of Cianna's conjured minions, causing him to melt from existence. Another launched a volley of energy that managed to knock him off balance for a moment.
Wolffe had fired his own blue energy at Eckankar, knocking him down to the ground. But Eckankar got up rapidly. The lizard man flicked his tongue at Wolffe who growled back. Eckankar opened his mouth and sent a sonic attack at Wolffe. He grabbed his ears again as he felt a dizzying pain.
The Dark Harrier flew back towards the Fenris Project. With the help of Mithril Zeta they managed to push the villains back.
Night Collector was quickly slicing through Cianna's army though, and Eckankar's sonic attacks were especially damaging to Blood Wolffe.
Eckankar was on Blood Wolffe now ready to deliver a huge sonic blow. Bullets suddenly riddled him from the side. He let go of Wolffe and keeled over in pain, retreating to the rest of the villains. Another barrage of bullets was deflected by Night Collector. He looked over to the cause. A small girl in military fatigues and covered in equipment. It was Maggie.
Mithril Zeta ran up to her, Maggie what are you doing here!? This is very dangerous!
You needed help! She said.
Enough of this! Night Collector hissed, Fenris! Throw! He said pointing to the fuel tanker. The Fenris project immediately went over to the tanker. It creaked and moaned as the warwolf slowly hefted it above his head with all his might. His legs and arms shook as his muscle bulged. The semi truck lifted at the back end where it hooked to the tank before breaking and falling off. Fenris growled, his eyes squinted with intense concentration as he prepared to toss the tanker.
Night Collector ran up to it and sliced through the metal, causing the fuel to pour out, Mason! Fire it up!
With a running start Fenris threw the tanker into the air, sending it sailing towards the heroes. It seemed to lumber toward them, creaking quietly in the air. Brett sucked in air and blew out a cone of fire igniting the giant bomb. The tanker collided into the suspended highway exploding in a rumbling, immense, raging fireball. Mithril hugged Maggie and shielded her with his metallic body. His back was peppered by hissing flaming shrapnel.
It had landed in front of them. A tall wave rippled through the highway, buckling it under great tension. The heroes were flung by the wave back to where Mithril was. It was now split in two. With several cars dangling precariously off the crumbling edges. Ignoring her own pain, the BDSM Avenger held onto a passenger bus that was about to fall over and held it on the bridge. Dark Harrier was lying down at the edge holding onto a car by its frame with one arm, gritting his teeth. The people inside begged him not to let go. Wolffe and the others were pulling people out of the burning wreckage and healing them.
Maggie. You have to go home now. You've done all you can, now go. He said.
But I can help! She protested.
Go home! He said with authority as he turned to help.
Maggie frowned and started to walk back when she noticed a van with a family in it hanging off the edge beginning to fall.
She turned to the others, Hey! They need help!
But they were all busy. She looked back at the family. They screamed as the van shifted toward the edge. She furrowed her brow thinking. The van shifted again. She reached into her ammo pouch and pulled out an M240 round. She loaded it as fast as she could then aimed at the van. The gun popped loudly and the grenade exploded beneath the van, launching sticky webbing everywhere, holding it to the ground. She ran up and pulled on the door. It was jammed. She smashed the side window with the butt of her gun.
Get out now!
One by one the family crawled out. Maggie looked back at the webbing. It was snapping under the strain of the weight. She pulled the father out as the last few strands broke, sending the van falling down into the city down below.
On the other side, the villains were gone. They had no artifact and time was short.
((huzzah! Zeta fighting Fenris...boy, my tanks are getting pounded by him all over the place. 
))
"Not the face! Not the face! .....oh wait, I can always punch you guys to death. I'll show you to go after my face!"
Indeed, Solid Shot. Indeeeed.
Eheheheheheheheh. Can't wait to see Netharak. And on a side note: Fenris kind of freaks me out. >_>
Statesman said let there be heroes, and there were heroes.
Lord Recluse said let there be villains, and there were villains.
NCsoft said let there be nothing, and there was nothing.
Nice. This is so good it makes me want to go back to playing as BDSM Avenger again.
Next chapter will be up tomorrow. Half is done, just need to finish it and do a little cleaning up.
Now this I like. Very interesting.
((Thank you Krocket. I likes the comments.))
4. Siezing the Artifact
The Flaming Mistress smirked at the Night Collector from the shadows. She had stealthily followed them to a rather beaten house in the Rogue Isles. Its yellow paint was fading to a dirt color and chipping off. The porch sagged and all of the wood creaked in a gray sky's wind.
You ready? She said to Maggie.
Flaming Mistress had gotten fed up with the Dark Harrier acting like he was her father and came just after the explosion. She asked Maggie if she would like to come along with her. Normally she wouldn't ask a 13 year old kid but Maggie had proven herself in many fights before and she wasn't about to disobey an order to not fight and make her stay behind. Maggie couldn't have been happier to oblige.
Maggie gave her a thumbs up.
Okay. We will sneak around the other side and see if there is a way we can sneak in.
It wouldn't be hard. The old two-story house was surrounded by tall piles of smashed cars, broken appliances and various other garbage.
Longbow jets dotted the skies and soldiers crawled all around the collapsed section of highway. Dark Harrier was told to keep everyone there until Lieutenant Cross arrived.
Lieutenant Cross was a very short man with a very large napoleon complex. He prided himself in thorough procedure and due process. His uniform was immaculate and his hair was slicked back with laser precision.
He stormed up to them with clenched fists and teeth.
Oh great. Blood Wolffe rolled his eyes.
Cross snapped at them, Just what in the hell did you think you were doing!? Do you have any idea the damage your little skirmish is going to cost the city!? Why didn't you think to call in Longbow!?
We didn't exactly have time. After all, they attacked us first. The Dark Harrier said defensively.
One of them did. Then you proceeded to engage retreating hostiles who weren't threatening at the time. But you still had time to bring a child along into a dangerous situation. A clear violation of Longbow's Code of Conduct.
Blood Wolffe interjected, Now wait a second, we're not a part of your little club! We don't go by your rules.
Besides, Mithril Zeta said, They were a higher priority because one of them has an item that we need.
Cross smiled, Rules are exactly why you aren't in Longbow. It is also Hero Corps Headquarters has decided that you are unfit for this assignment. You are not to pursue this case any further. Longbow now has complete jurisdiction over this task force and will handle it appropriately.
You mean put it through months of beurocratic red tape until it gets forgotten about. Dark Harrier said.
Cross looked at them all smugly, Well, I think it is a low priority case. After all, it was taken from a Super Group that couldn't even handle a few bank robbers and their dog. It's a wonder you could even register as heroes. You all certainly don't deserve it.
The BDSM Avenger stepped forward, Why you little weasel! I ought to smash that grin off your face!
Lieutenant Cross gulped nervously before resuming his overdone show of power, I think I have made my point.
There may not be enough time. At least make this a high priority case. Mithril said.
Why? Because of some old myth in one book and a feeling Azuria got? I think not, and you had better not try anything.
Solid Shot fixated on his hair, Is it bullet proof? He tapped it and simulated a clinking noise perfectly with his robotic voice.
Lieutenant Cross slapped his arm away. He was red with anger.
I will be watching all of you! If you try anything I will personally make sure you all get your hero licenses revoked!
He stomped off toward a group of Longbow Agents and began barking orders and yelling at them.
The Dark Harrier sighed, Perfect. Let's go back to base and figure out what we're going to do.
We're not going to listen to that Longbow dog are we? Wolffe said.
Look! Nobody wants to get those guys more than I do. But right now we need to just get out of here and think about our next move. He clicked on his communicator, Flaming Mistress, this is Dark Harrier. We're heading back to base.... Flaming Mistress?... Hello? Damn it! I know what she did, she must have gone after them!
Cianna looked around, Where is the young one, Maggie?
The sky was darkening. Puddles on the ground made the gray seem to suck the color from the world. Maggie looked at the house with cool determination while Flaming Mistress could feel excitement and anger welling up. She had started growing impatient and sacrificing stealth for speed.
Flaming Mistress! Slow down! There might be more of them around here.
She was about to tell the kid not to worry when a green fireball burst around her skin. It burned deep. Deeper than flesh and bone, into her soul. Lord Netharak stood tall in blood red armor. A toothy grimace spread across his ghoulish face.
The Fel Fire burns more than just the flesh. he said in a raspy voice.
Maggie's rifle spit fire as she made a peppered line of bullet pock marks on his armor.
Night Collector looked out a window at the commotion briefly seeing the two through the junk, Fenris!
The Warwolf lifted his giant head in Collector's direction
He smiled and pointed at the child, Get the small one. Bring her here.
A rumbling growl grew from inside the beast when he stepped outside. He knew that child. It was the same one that had caused him so much trouble when he escaped the Zig a long time ago. Runt.
Maggie heard a roaring howl from the other side of a pile of cars. She froze, but only for a second. She didn't know he was here! She wouldn't have come if she had only known! Maggie sprinted through an obstacle course of broken vehicles. Fenris' paws tore up thick chunks of mud as he loped towards her. He exploded through the pile of cars outstretched claws and snarling maw. A grenade from her launcher landed on his chest. The explosion knocked him onto his back. Maggie took the time this gave her to set a trap. She positioned a land mine carefully underneath a precarious stack of crushed cars despite the terrifying roars of anger.
She stayed there as long as she could. The Fenris Project plowed through the small field of cars sending them spinning away or knocking them over causing violent splashes of water. He careened around the corner and just as she predicted his weight forced him to skid into her trap. Maggie smiled as the mine exploded underneath the warwolf sticking shrapnel into his thick hide. The pile toppled over and several tons of metal landed on Fenris. It didn't have the effect she was hoping for though. They all bounced or rolled off him, making him bend at the knees slightly.
Maggie's victory smile faded quickly. She ran and dove through an open window and crawled towards the other side of a truck as Fenris clawed it apart. She turned around to fire a burst of hot lead into his snapping jaws. Most of the bullets flattened against him, only a few managing to break skin. She screamed and avoided his grabs at her legs while trying to clamber across the seat. His claws were scratching at her legs and the most mild scent of her blood from the grazing scratches sent him into a frenzy. The head of the warwolf plunged into the vehicle and snapping at her caused her to let out a yelp. She clicked on her flame thrower and held it up to him. Before she could use her lightning quick trigger finger the gun was snapped in half by Fenris' jaws. He seemed to know that this crushed her hope and suddenly calmed down. He grabbed the crushed in sides of where the door was and pushed the truck apart. With easy access to her Fenris brought his huge muzzle to her face and looked her in the eye. She could feel his breath. His growl vibrated in her chest. His eyes looked into hers with predatory regard. She was frozen.
Before she could muster a thought he wrapped his paw around the majority of her body, pinning her arms to her sides. For all of his berserker frenzy obedience to his Council handlers ruled above all. With each of them carrying a Council insignia he was in control of the Night Collector and his allies. He walked on three legs while he carried her calmly over to where they held Flaming Mistress in Power Negating Shackles taken from a shipment heading for the Zig.
So this is the little girl that has caused us so much grief lately? I am impressed. the Night Collector said.
Maggie! I'm so sorry! You sent that thing after a little girl!? You monster! Flaming said to Night Collector.
He grinned back at them both, Hey. You're lucky I didn't give him his berserk command. He would haver ripped her and the whole junkyard apart with the leash off. But let's not worry about that. he said as he began to walk between them to get a good look at both, What were you doing trying to get into my humble abode? To kill me?
That would have been a plus. Mistress said through her teeth.
Then what else?
What makes you think I am going to tell you?
Leucetios. Lord Netharak. If you will.
Leucetios wound up and punched her face with bone crushing force while Lord Netharak burned her soul with his Fel fire. Maggie screamed for them to stop from Fenris' clutches.
Enough. So Flaming Mistress, what else were you here for?
Brett Mason picked her up from the ground.
She spit out her blood and looked at him with determination, You're going to have to do a lot better than that.
The Night Collector smiled and leaned in close to her, You want to see me do better? Watch this. he stood back up, Fenris. Squeeze her slowly and lightly.
Maggie squealed in pain as the warwolf's grip closed around her like a hydraulic press.
Stop! Stop you [censored]! Mistress yelled.
Maggie's screams faded to grunts then to nothing as all the air was forced out of her lungs. She was turning red in her face.
Brett looked at Night Collector in disgust, What are you doing!? She's just a kid you psycho!
The Night Collector gave him an evil look and Brett backed down, knowing when he was outmatched.
Stop! I'll tell! Mistress screamed.
Are you sure? he said drawing out Maggie's pain.
Yes!
Fenris. Stop.
Maggie gasped air in again. Tears ran down her face.
Now... he said, Tell me everything or next time he won't be so gentle.
The fog of Dark Astoria was thick and uneasing. Lieutenant Cross checked his watch again. He was on time as always. As always he was on time alone. Only the feint moan of a weak wind kept him company. He thought if this man were under his command he would receive a stern reprimand. He saw a shadow approaching him slowly through night fog.
Who's there! I'm warning you, I'm a Longbow Officer and I will use force if you don't identify yourself! he said with his breath suddenly visible in a now frigid air.
Atheum appeared through the clouds gliding in a ghostly visage. His armor looked ancient. But for all the rust and rubbing metal he made no sound. He stopped in front of him. Atheum towered above the small man.
What have you found out of the artifact? a hollow voice came from within Atheum.
The vial of water? Cross said nervously, It was supposedly destroyed in a fire a while back but I managed to track it down to a small time villain. I buried the information but some small time hero found out that he had it. Nothing to worry about. I made sure they won't look for it.
Name.
What?
Give me the name of this hero and villain.
It was Flaming Mistress and the Union of Heroes. Then it was the Night Collector and his gang. Now, about that power you promised me?
Atheum grabbed him by his collar. The metal gauntlet was freezing. A bitter cold stung down into his bones. He gasped and staggered back. The pain faded.
How do I know that even did anything? he said holding his shoulder.
Atheum took the pistol from his side. He regarded the strange weapon with curiosity. He then aimed it at Cross.
No! Cross screamed holding his hands up.
The bullet flattened against his chest and bounced off. Cross smiled.
I have one more task for you. Atheum said.
A black oily substance oozed from the seems of his rusted armor, Take this and put it in your army's quarters. It won't take much. Do this and you will be given more power than you can fathom.
What is it? Cross asked reluctantly.
It contains the seed of the war to end all wars.
Cross looked at it, If you pull this off I want something big. I want my own country.
Atheum stood silent, considering his offer, Very well.
With a shaky arm Cross held out his hand and touched the black oil. It dripped into his hand where it formed into a solid ball.
Now go. Atheum said.
Lieutenant Cross gladly obeyed. Two ghostly women appeared from the fog, one in blue armor, one in white. Other than that they were twins.
They spoke in unison, What would you have the rogues do our Lord?
Find the heroes. Find the villains. Kill them.
(( From the Envisionaries forums , DonnchadH writes:
I just wondered if someone could just put a little note into the pillar of war thread in the roleplay section of the official forums for me.
Just to thanks Blood Wolffe and tell him that I am loving reading the story and seeing so many of my characters coming to life. ))
Great chapter! I look forward to seeing more!
I have to agree, pretty good stuff here. Can't wait to see BDSM Avenger punch Cross in the face.
((ooc: The story is inspiring; so inspiring I couldn't get the picture of Mithril Zeta and Fenris Project going at it out of my mind, so I've started drawing again. Here are my first two efforts - Mithril Zeta and then Mithril Zeta vs the Fenris Project.
Mithril Zeta
Pillar of War: Mithril Zeta vs the Fenris Project ))
Thank you Mithril Zeta! I am very flattered, and inspired as well. I will have to get working on the next chapter right away!
((And another picture sketched where Zeta shields Maggie from the explosion. You can see it . here at my DeviantArt Gallery.
I'm hoping to get a few more pictures out, so don't be too surprised, those of you whose characters I have seen pictures of 
.))
1. Resurrection
Seventy miles north of the Italian border Juliano Filippo, a farmer, felt his tractor run over a large rock. He stopped and turned his machine off. It rocked to a stop as it wound down and Juliano stepped out to size up the rock. The more dirt he brushed off it the more excited he got, cleaning it as best he could. Eventually he got up, and ran to his house. The farmer burst through the door of his modest home past his surprised wife to the phone. When he put his finger down to dial he hesitated, unsure of who to call. He settled on the operator and waited impatiently for someone to answer.
Two weeks later Professor Pisano discussed how the excavation was going with a small group of students from the School for Archeological Studies of Rome. The Professor was the head of the Museum of Italian History, also from Rome. Everything had been going very well. They had made very good progress uncovering the newly found structure despite Mr. Filippos constant interruptions about rights to the site.
The Professor spoke in an excited tone, It appears to be some sort of tomb from the late Roman era. It is very unusual because it is not similar to any other structure of its kind. We are blessed to have found such a unique structure. He said with all the eagerness of a child on Christmas morning.
A wide grin grew on his face, We could change the textbooks with this find.
He had been increasingly excited since they had begun. He had three shifts of people digging up the site nonstop. Not surprisingly the people with the shovels werent as excited about the digging.
However his assistant, Antonio, couldnt rein in his enthusiasm as he ran up to his mentor.
Professor! Professor! He gasped for breath as he tried to speak, We found something.
Well? Dont keep me waiting. Tell me!
We dont know. It is like nothing we have seen before. Nothing about this site was, Please, come look.
That was more than enough to get the old mans heart pumping, Of course! He looked at the students, What are you waiting for? Lets make history!
It was a large wall with Latin carved into it. Upon closer inspection it was apparent that there was a seam in a large section of the wall. It was a masterfully crafted door.
The Professor and the others who could read Latin stared at the inscriptions.
It looks like a warning. I dont think we should try to open it. Antonio said nervously.
Nonsense! The old man replied, Dont be superstitious.
The Professor put his hand on the wall to brush off the millennia of dust. The seam felt like it had a cold wind blowing through it when his hand went over it. He wedged his fingertips as far as he could into it.
A low, booming thump resonated through the tomb. Professor Pisano jumped back.
I am sure it was something falling over, possibly due to the excavation. He reasoned.
The door slowly began to grind with the heaviness of tons upon tons of stone. Wind hissed through the opening like spirits whispering.
They all stayed riveted to their spots. The door stopped when it had left an opening about six feet wide. Everyone except the Professor looked at each other, who was staring into the blackness that had opened up.
The Professor took a few stunned steps toward the darkness until he was right in front of it. As his eyes adjusted it he thought he could see something. Suddenly he felt cold in his stomach. When one of the students screamed he looked down to find a sword in him almost up to the hilt. A black serrated broadsword, stuck five feet out of his back. A giant man stepped out, clad in black armor that had rusted around the edges. Even though he couldnt see his eyes through the narrow slit of his helmet Professor Pisano felt a piercing stare come from above.
The man lifted him up by the sword bringing him to eye level effortlessly. No flesh or bone could be seen between the creases of armor.
As the old man slid down the rest of the way to the hilt he managed to utter, My god
The giant pulled him close and let out an inhuman whisper, Soon.
The Professor was flung off his blade to the side like and tumbled like a ragdoll into a bloody heap. The sword rang in a deep tone, accentuating its extreme mass.
The sword absorbed the blood like a thirsty sponge. The smallest amount of rust shrunk into the monsters armor.
Azuria sat in the MAGI office in Paragon City looking out the window at the fall leaves drinking from her warm mug. It was her weekly tealeaf reading, and she never missed such an important appointment. As she looked down into her half empty mug she saw a ripple disturb the teas surface. A feeling passed through her like a pulse. It was a feeling of fleeting urgency. Outside a playful wind turned ominous. It was time to make some emergency phone calls.
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Italics signifies translation from spoken Italian language.
Orange signifies translation from spoken Latin language.