Of Vengeance & Martyrdom ((RP Chat Logs as Story))

This is the edited Artful Dodger RP chat logs from the night of 5/28/2007.

I hope you enjoy them.

Of Vengeance & Martyrdom, by Quiet American

Prologue: Sunset

INT. ZIG PENITENTIARIES.SUNSET

A wheelchair labors under the weight of its hulking, cadaverous occupant, as it squeaks through the dim halls of Paragon City’s Zig Penitentiaries. Guiding this butcher’s display is famed criminal medical researcher, Dr. Zachary Smith, almost comically small compared to the misshapen mass he strains to push. Six of Paragon’s finest in blue complete this grotesque movable feast.

Dr. Zachary Smith:
You have come such a long way with your…t-t-t-t- treatment, Dr. Vahzilok! I am so happy I can afford you this small… t-t-t-t-treat.

The thing in the chair speaks, with a terrifyingly calm human voice.

Dr. Vahzilock:
I knew, when you first walked into my cell, Dr. Smith, I knew that hope had finally arrived. I have so much to thank you for.

Dr. Zachary Smith:
No, you only have yourself to thank, my good Doctor. You did all the work. Your response to the drug… t-t-t-therapy alone, will occupy academic… t-t-t-t-theory for years! I could write a library… w-w-w-worth of books on just this past… w-w-w-week’s work alone! And coming to terms with your… f-f-f-f-failures, with your… f-f-f-f-faults, and with your… f-f-f-f-fantasies that you could save the world through medicine, you made remarkable progress toward embracing humanity, and all of its…f-f-f-f-flaws.

Dr. Vahzilock:
Yes, I now understand human faults and flaws like non other, and again, I owe that to you.

At the end of the corridor, the procession stops at a set of high-energy blast-resistant doors.

Guard:
Now remember, Dr. Smith, you and your…

...the guard does everything in his power not to look at the molted flesh of the prisoner beside him...

Guard:
...patient, have only been granted two minutes in the activity yard.

Dr. Zachary Smith:
DON’T YOU THINK I KNOW THAT!?

The small doctor composes himself by pulling a handkerchief from his coat pocket to blot the spittle from his mouth.

Dr. Zachary Smith:
I’m sorry officer... y-y-y-y- yes… y-y-y-yes, I understand the restraints the… w-w-w-Warden has pressed upon my patient's treatment, but he has earned this time. Now, out of the… w-w-w-w-way, if you please.

Adjusting his riffle, the guard punches a release into the key lock. As one, the guards take a deep breath with the expectation of the relatively fresh Bricktown air replacing their prisoner's stench. However as the doors yawn open, a cloud of pestilence waits for them instead. Gaging and struggling to stay upright, the guards aim through watering eyes at the shapes lurching toward them.

Walls of flesh muffle the riffle shots, as many, many dead hands make short work of the stunned officers. Their bodies dragged into the growing dark to a croaking chorus of, “Fresh meat.”

Kicking the wheelchair aside Dr. Vahzilock’s bulk fills the door frame, blocking from view the gruesome dismemberment wetly taking place beyond.

This thing now speaks in a terrifyingly frantic, inhuman voice.

Dr. Vahzilock:
I knew, when you first walked into my cell, Dr. Smith, I knew that hope had finally arrived! I have so much to thank you for! Yes, Dr. Smith, I now understand, human f-f-f-f-f-faults, and f-f-f-f-f-flaws, like non other, and again, I owe all of that to you! This time it will be different! This time I will save the world. Please, let me show my gratitude… by starting... with you!

Dr. Zachary Smith isn't given the time to stutter a scream.



DISPLAYED UPON A GLOWING CELL PHONE SCREEN:

From the Desk of Antonio Nash

To: All Artful Dodgers
Concerning: Information sought in connection to the escape of Dr. Vahzilock.

Artful Dodgers,

I am writing concerning some news that passed my desk this morning. Please read, and if there are any questions, please respond.

ONE ITEM :
Dr. Vahzilock escaped from Zig Penitentiary's medical unit two months ago. He was being held under chemical sedation while criminal medical researcher, Dr. Zachary Smith, studied his condition. The mutilated body of Dr. Smith was discovered beside an open sewer drain not far from the infirmary complex.

The City Representative has asked me to contact you in case you have seen any evidence of Dr. Vahzilock’s activities in Kings Row.

Thank you.
Antonio Nash, GIFT

Personal Note:
Felicity Primgaunt and Martial Eidolon,

I have reports that you two are attempting to apprehend Dr. Vahzilok. If you do find Dr. Vahzilock, I would advise against engaging him alone. Seek out the help of other heroes. He's not your common thug. He is a brilliant but insane threat that will stop at nothing to continue his experimentation.

Tony


EXT. STEEL CANYON. SUNSET

Perched on a ledge overlooking Blade Square, Martial Eidolon snaps his cell phone closed with a dismissive grunt after having the device’s voice translator read off the government stiff’s message.

Martial Eidolon:
I'm coming for you, [censored], and to be sure, I'm bringing along some friends. Just so they can watch!

The masked figure stands for a moment, breaths in the air to quell his growing anger, then leaps from the ledge catching the night on his way to meet The Artful Dodgers.



EXT. FOUNDERS FALLS. SUNSET

Probationary Martyr tucks her phone into her belt. Closing her eyes, she pivots to face Casval Regelis. Taking a deep breath, she opens them and sees…



EXT. FOUNDERS FALLS. SUNSET

...Casval, staring at the phone in his left hand, while clenching and unclenching the hilt of his katana in his right.

Casval:
Explain it to me again, Fel. Why do you have to save the world?

Chapter 1 EVENING

INT. SEWERS. EVENING
He felt too heavy and he felt awkward, like he was standing in those damn platform shoes his wife bought him, and he was… bandaged. Something was near by, something that smelled… he knew that smell.

Dr. Vahzilock: Ah, Doctor Smith, you are finally awake. This is good! This is very good. It means my treatment is working. Soon you will be saved. Soon you will show the world what can be achieved!

Dr. Zachary Smith: W… w… w… what have you done?

Dr. Vahzilock: I have saved you! You are the first! You will beget millions, billions! You are Patient Zero!

This time, Dr. Zachary Smith was able to stutter a scream, which lasted a very long time. Longer than what was left of the sanity in his transplanted brain.


INT: CROWNE MEMORIAL RESEARCH CENTER.DAY

This average looking building on Union Street houses one of the most advanced medical research labs in Paragon City. Within these walls, not a day goes by that a medical miracle isn’t taking place. Of course, there are exceptions to everything.

Today, these walls are under siege by the Paragon Police Department, while inside, The Artful Dodger make their way through the now empty halls to the disease control center. We join our heroes, Probationary Martyr, Casval Regilis, Kid Crey, The Silver Prince Pin Feather and Stripling as they answer a call for help from Martial Eidolon. He, Kaijikoro, and N’Roll had tracked Patient Zero of the new Vahzilock Plague here, and they needed help securing the site, while keeping Patient Zero from kid napping the Institutes Doctors.

Let's listen in as everyone arrives just in time…

Probationary Martyr: ...high tech. What are we facing here?

Probationary Martyr glances around a corner. Shadows shuffle in the distance.

Casval Regelis: like frankenzombies to me.

Stripling: Interesting...

Kid Crey: So, who are you, anyway?

Casval Regelis: Casval Regelis, who are you?

Probationary Martyr blinks, glancing up to see who Kid Crey's talking to.

Kid Crey: Sorry got caught up and forgot to introduce myself.

Probationary Martyr smiles, blushing faintly.

Probationary Martyr: It's fine. This entire experience made me forget to introduce anybody.

Kid Crey: Kid Crey.

Kid Crey offers hand.

Casval Regelis: ...Crey?

N' Roll: Hopefully, no relations to the Countess.

Kid Crey: It's a nickname. Actually, they're after me. Kaij and Stripes said that I can hang out for a bit, until the heat dies down. Then I'm outta here. So, don't really worry about remembering my name. It'll only be a day or so until I'm gone.

Casval Regelis: ...Oh.

Casval Regelis finally shakes his hand.

Casval Regelis: Nice to meet you, then.

Probationary Martyr: Well.. I appreciate the help. We'll miss you.

Kid Crey: You people seem pretty cool. I'll miss you, too, Fel.

Silver Prince: Thank you, young helmet man.

The shuffling shadows grow closer, just around the corner. Their croaking of, “Fresh Meat” begin to echo in the deserted halls.

Kaijikoro: We r'eady t'cook em?!

Kaijikoro laughs.

Kid Crey: Like Hot Pockets, Kaij.

Probationary Martyr: Evidently... we have three scientists to rescue... somewhere in here. So let's be on the look out and try and figure out what we can.

Silver Prince: Indeed.

Probationary Martyr: Let's go!

Kaijikoro: Time t'suffer ... zombies!

The kids encounter a small scouting party, Abominations, Zombies, a few Mortificator’s and one of Dr. Vahzilock’s leather bound medical freaks, one of the powerful Eidolon. The villains react slowly, surprised by the teen onslaught!

The battle is over quickly.

In the aftermath, Probationary Martyr glances nervously between the prone Eidolon and Martial. Martial steps over the body, and heads down the hall… but stops in mid stride. Coming down the hall, more, much more… Martial sneers and leaps into the group.

Kaijikoro opens up on the undead crowd.

Kaijikoro: BURN!

Many stagger and fall, but more fill in behind. Martial is lost to sight, Kid Crey is next to be engulfed.

Probationary Martyr clenches her jaw, her healing power ebbs and flows as the contagion housed in these cadavers begin to attack her in their own vicious way.

Probationary Martyr: Everyone will be... just... fine...

Kaijikoro’s fire burns fearce!

Kaijikoro: HAHAH!

Pushing through the grasping bodies, Casval finds one of the captured Doctors. Swinging his katana he carves a path to safety.

Scientist: There aren't words to describe my gratitude, Casval Regelis.

Probationary Martyr: ...is everyone okay?

Silver Prince: I am well.

Kid Crey: Y-yeah. I'm fine.

Martial Eidolon: Fine!

Kaijikoro: Lets 'GET EM

Kid Crey climbs out from underneath a heap of defeated zombies.

Kid Crey: I just [censored] suck at this, is all.

Probationary Martyr: You're doing fine.

Probationary Martyr is about to give him a helping hand, when around the corner, another regiment of undead stumble. Even more than the last batch.

Kid Crey: Holy hell! Would ya look at the number of them?

Probationary Martyr coughs lightly.

Probationary Martyr: Q..quite a number.

The kids go to work, the bodies come, the bodies fall… and the battle continues. Slowly, the kids make headway, moving deeper into the lab.

In the melee, Felicity finds herself next to Kid Crey. Still the bodies fall.

Kid Crey: Hey, Felicity?

Another zombie down, another takes its place.

Probationary Martyr: ...yes?

Kid Crey: If I make it through this okay, you let me take you to a movie, k?

Momentary distracted, a powerful Eidolon reaches out for Kid Crey.

Kaijikoro: BURN FOOL!

Kaijikoro has defeats Murk Eidolon.

Felicity sidesteps the burning zombie and aims at the next threat.

Probationary Martyr: I.. erm.. o..okay?

Probationary Martyr glances mid-blast to Cas.

Probationary Martyr: Is that okay?

Casval Regelis turns as he drops an Abomination

Casval Regelis: Is what ok?

Kid Crey glances at Cas.

Kid Crey: Oh...

Probationary Martyr: If Kid Crey takes me to a movie?

The zombies come…

…Casval swings his katana….

…and the zombies go.

Casval Regelis: What?!

Kid Crey: Oh, uh. As friends!

Casval Regelis: Only if he buys me a ticket too!

Probationary Martyr giggles lightly, blushing fiercely. "N..nevermind!!'

Again, Kid Crey drops his guard, and a Mortificator raises a machete.

Silver Princes, makes him drop it. Kid Crey kicks the machete across the room, then kicks the Mortificator to the room’s other side.

Kid Crey: Ya know... just friends?

Probationary Martyr laughs warmly.

Another army arrives… ghostly white, lethally intent, created by dreams controlled by nightmares… Stripling’s calvery has arrived, and they begin to thin the crowd.

Probationary Martyr: What do you say, Crey?

Kid Crey: You, uh.. you could come too, if you want.

Kid Crey ducks Casval’s katana as it slices another zombie that managed to sneak up behind the kid.

Kid Crey: I guess.

Martial feels something tug him, he turns and comes face to face with Patient Zero.

Patient Zero: I must have these Scientist! It’s the only way! The only way! I must… help…

The light goes out of Patient Zero’s eyes.

Patient Zero: Fresh Meat!

Martial Eidolon: FRESH MEAT MY [censored]!

Martial Eidolon sends the medical nightmare into the wall. Patient Zero slumps to the ground.

Again, Casval manages to pull a hostage free from the grasping arms.

Scientist: Listen! I have to tell you something, that… that was Dr. Zakary Smith under all of that! That… I don’t know how it happened! He wanted this. This! Take it!

Probationary Martyr takes the vial. The cure to the plague. Such a small amount. Not enough. Hope leaves Felicity’s face.

Probationary Martyr, is this it. Is this all you’ve managed to make?

Scientist: I must leave, I must get out of here!

Casval gives Felicity a look of regret, then drags on the Scientists collar.

Casval Regelis: I’ll show you out.

Stripling’s army begins clearing out the halls as the sounds battle come from further and further away. The group looks down at Patient Zero.

Kid Crey: We've cleared out a bit, and very few Eidolons my side have tried to eat me.

Silver Prince: These men are very ugly.

Martial Eidolon eyes Prince.

N' Roll: Death does that to you. Death...and maggots.

Kid Crey: Ewww!

Pin Feather glances at Martial Eidolon

Martial Eidolon looks down.

Silver Prince: No offense to you, my friend.

Probationary Martyr glances curiously to them.

Kid Crey: So, this is going well.

Kaijikoro: Som'un t'ell m'what is'goin on?: An... why aint... we... ...doin something?

Probationary Martyr: Nothing. Nevermind. Shall we check back?

Stripling: Yes.

Probationary Martyr:...I'm.. really glad you're all here. I'm proud to be a Dodger. Thank you.

Silver Prince: It is my pleasure to be here.

Martial Eidolon: No prob.

Casval returnes with the last cowering doctor.

Casval Regelis: Labs suck, let's get out of here.

Pin Feather: I hear that Cas.

Probationary Martyr bites back a giggle, glancing up at Cas. "...I missed you."

Casval Regelis grins back before heading off.

Kid Crey: I like what Felicity said a lot. I like what Casval said more.

Probationary all right, outside we go!

Kaijikoro: W'could burn i'down firs?!

Kaijikoro: Oh... wait... no...

Kaijikoro rubs his head, frowns, then reaches into his jacket groping for something.

Kid Crey: You lookin' for something, Kaij?

Kaijikoro frowns, then raises his brows.

Kaijikoro: Wha? No. Ne'rvous 'abit.

Kid Crey: You people are supposed to be helping others, not getting your fixes.

N' Roll: Can't they do both?

The Dodgers leave the lab as an army of blue PPD replaces Stripling's army of white.

Chapter 2 NIGHT

EXT.STEEL CANYON. STREET LEVEL. NIGHT
Out on the street a crowd had gathered, as crowds do around police barricades. Camera’s flash as the Dodgers exit the lab.

Making a quick note of each photographer, Casval makes a quick exit to a nearby roof to plan for the next move. The others catch on, and follow him away from the commotion.

Let's also follow them up and away from the gawking crowds.


EXT: STEEL CANYON. ROOF-TOP. NIGHT

Probationary Martyr: OK, well… we should check back with the Doctor...

Stripling: And then?

Probationary Martyr pales slightly, her eyes widening as she peers down at the ground.

Silver Prince: Is something wrong, lady?

Probationary Martyr clears her throat, shaking her head and rubbing the bridge of her nose.

Kid Crey: You okay?

Probationary Martyr: No... nono, I'm fine.

Stripling: Let us find this doctor of yours and get some answers.

Kid Crey: Look, I was just kidding about the movie.

N' Roll looks at Martial, puzzled.

Probationary Martyr: Oh, it's not... That's... I need to call Dr. Engles. Excuse me.

Probationary Martyr pulls a phone off of her belt and drifts up into the privacy of the sky.


EXT. STEEL CANYON. STREET LEVEL. NIGHT
As the rest of the Dodgers watch and wait, Probationary Martyr talks quietly into her phone above them. With all eyes turned upward, Kaijikoro makes a quiet escape down a nearby fire escape. Breathing a sigh of relief, that sounds more like a snarl, he looks about to vent anger.


EX. STEEL CANYON. ROOF-TOP. NIGHT
Meanwhile, back on the roof, Probationary Martyr gracefully returns, trying to use her phone as a distraction from her teammates stares.

Probationary Martyr: s..steel canyon..

Casval Regelis: What?

Probationary Martyr swallows lightly, a meek smile upon her mouth.

Probationary Martyr: This is it. He's there.

Probationary Martyr presses send on her phone, all the other Dodger’s phones bleep. Clicking them open, each reads the message, noting Dr. Vahzilock’s current location.

Martial Eiddolon: I’m ready now! Let’s just go!

Kid Crey looks about and notes the absence of Kaijikoro.

Kid Crey: I think I’m gonna need to gear up a bit, before we hit him.

Others mumble various needs, and a sketched planned meet time is arranged. Casval and Probationary watch as each of their teammates leave the roof, making themselves ready to face the coming threat. Casval Regelis puts his hands on her shoulders, leaning close.

Casval Regelis: I'm sure you'll do great. Just… don't overextend yourself. There are others here to help you, don't try to do all this… by yourself.

Probationary Martyr: I… I won't, but… he's there. And… I…

Probationary Martyr takes a deep breath, slowly exhaling and glancing away.

Probationary Martyr: I should... go talk to them, the others.

Probationary Martyr clicks on the team com and speaks softly into its microphone.

Probationary Martyr: When… everyone's… if I could talk to you in the base really quick, that'd be swell.

Over com static, various replies of, “Will do!” “Fine!” and, “Already there!” blow away into the night, ignored as these two teenagers brace themselves against the sudden wind.

Chapter 3 MIDNIGHT

INT. ARTFUL DODGER BASEMENT. MIDNIGHT
In a bricked up sub-basement of the King’s Row Garment Works, the Dodgers have created a place of relative safety, a haven where the only troubles are the ones you bring with yourself. Here anything is open for discussion, debate, and argument.

Kaijikoro frowns, feeling his jacket pocket. Realizes his pills are missing. He wrings his hands together, fuming.

Probationary Martyr: Can… I… erm…

Probationary Martyr: I'd like to talk to everyone, when I... I'm gonna go sit down.

Probationary Martyr makes her way to the magic lounge, a space sanctified for occult research and spiritual introspection. In this peaceful space, Probationary Martyr finds a seat in one of the deep cushioned couches.

Probationary Martyr smiles, very nervous.

As the other’s mill in with mixed looks of curiosity and worry, Kid Crey makes his way to Kaijikoro. The wild haired boy frowns down at the couch.

Kaijikoro: …

Kid Crey nudges Kaijikoro. Leaning in he whispers…

Kid Crey: Just because I'm not staying here, doesn't mean I can't do my part to help weed out the fakes.

Kaijikoro Glances at Kid, and whispers back…

Kaijikoro: Wht'hell y'mean by that?

Kid Crey: When this is done, I'm gonna figure out how to use my gloves to analyze those pills. Hope they don't have anything in them.

Kaijikoro snaps to attention.

Probationary Martyr takes a deep breath and slowly exhales, toying with the fabric on her knee.

Probationary Martyr: …so… we're… this is almost… done... I just… um…just in case what might happen… happens… I wanted to get this… yanno, out there. Off my chest.

Silver Prince twines his tail around his wrist.

Probationary Martyr: Ten years ago… May 22nd… my 9th birthday… um… There was… I was having a birthday party outside, with my friends, parents, and my little brother… I didn't know anything about heroing or heroes or anything like that. My father was a professor of Heroic Theory, but it seemed like studying legends and stuff... not... I mean... there are no heroes in my family...

Kid Crey: Heroes are legends. You people are legends...

Kid Crey looks to Kaijikoro.

Kid Crey: …most of you.

Kaijikoro: …

Probationary Martyr nods, looking quietly at her lap.

Probationary Martyr: well into the party, there was... a lot of noise out in front of the house. My brother ran out to see it first, and we all followed. It was an attack by the Vahzilok... A cadaver had hit my brother... really hard... his skin was... burning from... th... the...

Probationary Martyr coughs lightly, closing her eyes, catching her breath, and continuing.

Martial Eidolon looks down.

Probationary Martyr: My parents got everyone out of there, but I wouldn't leave my brother, and my father wouldn't let my mother go after me. So I grabbed him, and I just... wished... so hard... that I could fix him. That I could fix... all of it, yanno?

Kid Crey nods sympathetically at Martyr.

Kid Crey: We all have that wish sometimes.

Probationary Martyr tucks some hair nervously behind her ear.

Probationary Martyr: So... um...

Probationary Martyr: I just started thinking… and concentrating… and at some point in all of that, I started producing some sort of healing energy... Every blow they delivered upon me was healed pretty quickly... most of the wounds on my brother... but... I… I don't know...

Probationary Martyr 's voice softens lightly.

Probationary Martyr: I think he was dead before I even started actually healing…

Probationary Martyr glances nervously to Cas and back to her lap.

Martial Eidolon 's grip on the top of the globe tightens.

Silver Prince pulls at the hairs in his tail.

Kid Crey: I'm so sorry, Felicity.

Probationary Martyr: I, ah... after that, I just... well... when I realized he was dead, I started screaming... a lot... and... um... w... well...

Probationary Martyr 's green belt facing dances with a flicker of dark purple as her hand summons a small cloud of dark energy.

Probationary Martyr: There... was... I created... an explosion... that wiped out virtually everyone in the vicinity. The street had been evacuated, so it was… it was Vahzilok, and not... civilians, but... I… erm... The Vahzilok made me. Long story short. And I think... I think they might destroy me as well.

Kaijikoro: SAy it again?

Casval Regelis: Nobody's getting destroyed. 'Cept for that monster, Vahzilok.

N' Roll wonders how you kill the undead...

Probationary Martyr: Two weeks later, my parents enlisted me in the Paragon City Freedom Corps Academy, and my fervor got me swiftly assigned to the task of quelling the Vahzilok... threat…

Silver Prince looks horrified.

Silver Prince: Destroy you how?!

Probationary Martyr glances up to Prince.

Probationary Martyr: My immune system is very unique.

Silver Prince nods thoughtfully.

Silver Prince: Unique.

Martial Eidolon knows that all too well.

Probationary Martyr: I actually have the ability to absorb any physical or biological affliction from someone else into my own body. Common colds, headaches, flu, mono... My immune system purges it very quickly, though.

Stripling: I have noticed...

Kid Crey: Any disease?

Probationary Martyr: The only disease my immune system hasn't been able to purge is the Vahzilok Disease. It's been... burning in my blood since I was 9. Since I tried to cleanse my brother. And it slows me down... it weakens me... and... it... If I can absorb the rest of this disease, I might be able to wipe it out. I just don't know that I can handle it myself.

Kaijikoro's fingers grip the couch.

Kid Crey: Wai… wai... wait.

Probationary Martyr smiles, peering down at her knee.

Probationary Martyr: That's always been where my name came from. They were joking that I was going to martyr myself doing this. But they said until then... I was... on probation, yanno? As a martyr?"

Probationary Martyr mumbles quietly.

Probationary Martyr: I thought it was funny.

Kid Crey: You want to go out of your way to absorb it?

Probationary Martyr nods quietly to Kid Crey.

Probationary Martyr: It'll get rid of it.

Stripling: A true empath...

Silver Prince: You are so noble.

Kid Crey: And the odds of that killing you are... what?

Probationary Martyr: 3,982 to 1.

Probationary Martyr blushes, picking at her knee.

Probationary Martyr: I, um... I've been working it out for a while.

Kaijikoro snarls.

Kaijikoro: Nah if'we kick' th'cure out of him.

Kaijikoro shakes his fist.

Martial Eidolon looks away.

Kid Crey: I don't know odds. Is that good?

Kaijikoro: Bad.

Stripling: At one time, when I healed I would bleed... Fel, could I help?

Silver Prince: Can any of us help?

Probationary Martyr glances up, smiling faintly and offering a shrug.

Kid Crey: Hey, uh...I was thinking. Ya know... Crey's gonna be looking after me for a while. So it might be better if I stick around and watch you, Felicity.

Kaijikoro snarls!

Kid Crey: You know. Scratch my back, kinda thing?

N' Roll wonders what Kid is getting at.

Probationary Martyr: All of you do what you feel is right at this point… I'm just… informing you of... what's...

Kaijikoro: They'll be no need! We'll tear 'im t'bits?

Probationary Martyr: the most help any of you could be would be to make sure that I don't get hit… a lot… I could sustain the blows, or I could sustain the disease. Both could kill me.

N' Roll: Consider the blows mine.

Probationary Martyr smiles fleetingly.

Stripling: Fel, I absorb pain...But if I tried...I don't know if I can absorb disease. But I trust you, I will try.

Probationary Martyr: Don't try, Stripling.

Kid Crey: We got your back, Felicity.

Kaijikoro frowns.

Probationary Martyr: This… this is all I've ever wanted. All I've asked from my life. This is my chance to really do something. And even if it's a 3,982 to 1 chance... that means... there's still a chance.

Stripling looks away, trying not to cry.

Kaijikoro kicks the couch.

Kaijikoro: Martyrdom is [censored].

Kid Crey mutters…

Kid Crey: Says the druggie.

Probationary Martyr looks quietly after Kai.

Kaijikoro frowns, leaning in.

Martial Eidolon understands how she feels all too well.

Martial Eidolon: I've got your back, Fel.

Kid Crey: You'll be fine, Felicity. It's really noble what you're doing.

Probationary Martyr nods to Crey and Martial, smiling lightly.

Kaijikoro fumes.

Stripling: Then let us take this "doctor" and end this.

Probationary Martyr reaches down, scooping up a pencil and paper from the end table and scribbling something down. Kaijikoro leans in as Probationary Martyr writes. Reading over her shoulder. He snarl-smiles wide.

Probationary Martyr: And... if... I don't end up... well, I should be fine. But... if... erm... you know? Read this.

Probationary Martyr folds up the paper, setting it back down on the end table under the pencil.

Stripling: I need coffee...

Silver Prince: I will do what I can to affect the way the fates treat you, Ms. Primgaunt.

Martial Eidolon: You ready, Fel?

Probationary Martyr turns to watch Cas quietly.

Probationary Martyr: is everyone else?

Silver Prince: I am ready.

Martial Eidolon nods.

Martial Eidolon: I am.

Kaijikoro taunts.

Kaijikoro: ‘ring ‘em ‘n!

While the others share their consent, Probationary Martyr slowly lowers to her knees before Cas, taking his hands in her own.

Probationary Martyr: Casval, I love you.

Casval Regelis: This is stupid. You don't need to do any of this.

Stripling shakes his head and whispers to himself…

Stripling: God, tell her you love her too...

Martial Eidolon turns away.

Kid Crey: Tell you what, Felicity. I'll just go ahead and pay for your two tickets for the movie. You'll need them.

Casval Regelis turns his head to the others.

Casval Regelis: Go outside... we'll join you in a minute?

Probationary Martyr: I'll... be there. Steel Canyon. Then we can head off on the next lead.

Silver Prince: Em... they'd like some privacy.

Probationary Martyr glances to the group, nodding lightly.

N' Roll gives them space.

The others make their way out the various portals, leaving the two teens the sanctuary afforded by the magic research room.


INT. ARTFUL DODGER'S BASEMENT. TV ROOM. MIDNIGHT

As Casval and Probationary Martyr settle in the Magic Room for a talk, Kid Crey picks up the TV remote, settling in for a long wait. As he flips the channels, two other Dodgers stay behind for the moment.

Martial Eidolon walks up to Kid Crey, Hey... I'm sorry 'bout trying to kill you earlier and all...

Kid Crey: Whatever, it's cool.

Martial Eidolon nods.

Kid Crey: You're fine now, right?

Martial Eidolon: think so.

Kaijikoro: Where are they?

Kaijikoro: stares at Kid Crey, glaring.

Kid Crey smiles to himself.

Kid Crey: Where are what, Kings Row?

Kaijikoro leans over Kid Crey and snarls.

Kaijikoro: Give them t'me.

Kid Crey: Tell me what they are first.

Kid Crey changes channels on the television to a comedy show.

Kaijikoro eye twitches then grabs the kid by the shirt.

Kaijikoro: We're leavin.

Kid Crey: Where're we going?

Kaijikoro: Kings Row!

Chapter 4 EARLY MORNING

INT. ARTFUL DODGER’S BASEMENT. MAGIC ROOM. EARLY MORNING

Casval Regelis runs a hand down his face, searching for words.

Probationary Martyr stares at Cas' knees, quiet.

Casval Regelis: If you can't… cure this thing when it's inside you…You can send it back out, right? Send it back to Vahzilok?

Probationary Martyr shrugs lightly, her eyes welling with tears a little bit as she stares at his knees, forcing a smile.

Probationary Martyr: Maybe? I've... never tried..."

Casval Regelis: Then… try. If it gets to be too much for you, just send it back out. Somewhere, to anyone.

Probationary Martyr nods, closing her eyes, trying harder than ever not to cry and keep that same smile, in the process kind of forgetting to breathe.

Casval Regelis places a hand on her cheek, caressing it softly, "I love you, Fel… I don't know what I'd do if you… didn't come back."

Probationary Martyr opens her teary eyes, glancing up to him as her face softens. She smiles, sniffing a bit and turning her head to kiss his hand.

Probationary Martyr: I'll always come back for you, Cas. Somehow. I... I don't know. I'll do... I'm... I'll… I should be fine… I think…There's still a chance, you know?

Casval Regelis leans down, placing his lips on hers.

Probationary Martyr closes her eyes, a faint sob jerking her body as her lips press up against his own.

Casval Regelis: Just don’t become a Real Martyr, alright?

Probationary Martyr nods and smiles, wiping her eyes and sitting back on her heels. "I'll try."

Casval Regelis stands, offering his hand to her. Martyr takes his hand with a smile, climbing to her feet and leaning up to press a kiss to his cheek.

Casval Regelis grins lopsidedly at her, looking not nearly as sure of himself as usual.

Casval Regelis: Let's go.

Probationary Martyr nods, giving him a quick hug and taking off in a run for the teleporter.


EXT. KINGS ROW. THE GISH. EARLY MORNING

Two young men fume at each other upon tar expanse of a rooftop. The moon underscores the darkness.

Kaijikoro: They're prescription medication.

Kid Crey: Okay, spaz, you got me here.

Kaijikoro: My prescription.

Kaijikoro: Now 'ive em.

Kid Crey: Right.

Kaijikoro holds out his hand.

Kid Crey pulls the bottle out of his pocket and looks at the name.

Kid Crey: You couldn't tell me you got prescription medicine in front of everyone...

Kid Crey reads the prescription lable, raises an eyebrow.

Kid Crey: ...Danny Abbot? Sorry, I thought you were the Kings Row Kid. Not Danny Abbot.

Kaijikoro: Give m'my pills. Now. Before... I lose my temper, Kid.

Kid Crey: Fine.

Kid Crey thrusts the pill bottle into his hand.

Kaijikoro snarls, opening them immediately, knocking back three, then stuffs them in his jacket.

Kid Crey: You're supposed to be a hero, right? You get your fix? Listen. I'm gonna go help Felicity, k? Some things are more important than…

Kid Crey points to Kaij's pocket.

Kid Crey: You do your thing. I'm gonna do mine. That cool?

Kaijikoro stares at him, hard.

Kaijikoro: y'think I'm leavin her to die?

Kaijikoro watches Kid Crey fly off, stroking the compartment in his glove that has the last pill.

Chapter 5 PRE-DAWN

INT. STEEL CANYON SEWER SYSTEM. PRE-DAWN

The Paragon City Sewer System; in most American cities, there are urban legends where people flush alligators, and deep in the pipes, they grow into monsters. In Paragon, the things that are flushed are twice as deadly, and the monsters that grow from them are quite real.

One monster has chosen this refuse as a refuge. A doctor, bent on recreating the world in his twisted medical image. In the gloom, one of his images has returned home, to destroy his creator, and he’s brought along some friends to watch.

When Martial Eidolon opens the doors, a musky sent flows out. The tunnel before them disappears into darkness…

Pin Feather: It's so quiet.

Probationary Martyr: Too quiet.

Kid Crey: Smells like [censored].

Probationary Martyr whimpers quietly.

One by one the kids enter the purgatory of waste. Each thinking upon the coming battle. Each jostling for position in front of Probationary Martyr.

About one hundred feet in… they come. The medically dead!

All the kids seem to leap as one, intent on their mission, to protect their friend, and leave as soon as possible. Cadaver after cadaver falls as the teen onslaught continues. Probationary Martyr reaches out with her powers, pulling the pain from her friends, refreshing them as the battle continues, and unfortunately, drawing out the disease infestation surrounding them. In the fight, one gory hand manages to touch Probationary Martyr’s shoulder. Kid Crey is on it like a flash!

Kid Crey: Stay away from Felicity!

The battle seems to only last moments, but the number of fallen cadavers filling the pipe tells a different story. Probationary Martyr leans against the pipe for a second, catching more than her breath.

Probationary Martyr: okay... we'll be fine…

In the dark ahead, Martial Eidolon has found someone to vent some of his vengeance upon. The Leech, a creature created with malice upon one of Dr. Vahzilock’s butchers’ tables. Martial pummels him to his knees.

The Leech: Dr. Vahzilok warned us you might try to stop him, Martial Eidolon!

The Leech falls into the muck. Martial stands above him, breathing hard, while before him, another army of the clinically dead shuffles closer… Martial balls his hands into fists, and rushes forward unaware of an army of white that rushes with him.

Stripling: Let me show you pain, let me gift you with agony!

The other teens catch up with the battle, swinging, kicking, blasting, and slicing deeper and deeper into the sewers. All the while… the contagion around them grows.

Probationary Martyr winces.

Kid Crey: You okay, Fel?

Probationary Martyr: mm hm!

Kid Crey: A girl as cute as you shouldn't be in trouble.

Kid Crey winks.

Probationary Martyr blushes a bit, shaking her head.

Then, just as soon as they clear their pipe, Martial Eidolon comes across a gruesome site. One of the contagion’s sources. A body bag that seemingly smokes with flies.

Martial Eidolon unzips the bag.

Martial Eidolon: Damn.

The smoke becomes a cloud filling the space with their filth.

A splash is heard, as a com hits the water. Explosions echo through the sewers.

Kid Crey: Ah! My ears!

Martial Eidolon: The hell?

Kid Crey: the hell was that?

Probationary Martyr: Kaijikoro??

All hold still for a moment, their wild companion not in sight.

Silver Prince: What happened to him?

Probationary Martyr: KAIJIKORO!!

Her voice echoes off the maze of pipes before them.

Martial Eidolon: [censored].

Probationary Martyr: Where is he??

Probationary Martyr coughs lightly, wincing, a little paler than usual.

Kid Crey: Marty, you okay?

Martial Eidolon: ... I'm fine.

Kid Crey: Hey, uh. We're cool. You know? From before? We're cool?

Martial Eidolon: Yeah, I know.

From an adjacent tunnel, a hand reaches out, grabbing Kid’s shoulder and dragging him into the promises of many, many more!

Kid Crey: GET IT OFF OF ME!

Half the team reacts, rushing to follow the Kid, while other half are already scouting a head for the missing Kaijikoro. Probationary Martyr realizes she is suddenly alone.

Probationary Martyr: Don’t split up... Oh, please don't split up... nigh...

Probationary Martyr stumbles lightly, wincing.

Kid Crey: Die, you stupid things!

One by one he frees himself of the grasping hands. His fists thudding in the dark against giving flesh. His powers tearing down the wall of hunger before him. Then, finding the tunnel suddenly empty, he trips, stumbles, and falls atop another fly infested body bag.

Kid Crey: Marty, there's a body over there!

Probationary Martyr: We'll grab it on the way out…Grab all the bodies on the way out... stay focused... The bodies you can get without me. The Doctor...

The group reforms around Kid Crey, Casval leading the way for Kaijikoro. Taking a moment to get their barring, the teens strike out into the sewers, and the sewers strike back, by giving up the undead.

The deeper they go, the more they fight, all to the miserable chant of “Fresh meat!” Probationary Martyr feels the infection, filling the air, permeating everything. Her powers absorbing it… constantly. More bodies, more cadavers, more fighting, tunnel after tunnel… Probationary Martyr loses track of time, location… herself.

Probationary Martyr winces, toppling down unconscious.

Probationary Martyr: nngh...

Her struggle, at first, goes unnoticed amidst the mayhem.

Kid Crey: Ha ha! These guys don't stand a chance.

Then…

Silver Prince: Where is the lady?

Kid Crey: What the... Marty? Felicity?

Casval Regelis pulls Fel out of the water.

Kid Crey: You okay?

Pin Feather: I got one, here!

Pin Feather pulls out a light blue pack, breaks it across his knee, and then holds it over Probationary Martyr’s face. In a moment, her eyes flutter open.

Probationary Martyr coughs lightly, shaking her head, trying to wipe herself off a bit. "S... sorry, just..."

Kid Crey: Marty?

Martial Eidolon: I'm... I'm fine...

Kaijikoro: Thank God, haha!

Everyone breathes a sigh of relief as Probationary Martyr stands, seemingly ok.

Then another set of hands grasps N’Roll, Kid Crey grabs back!

Kid Crey: Guys... Help?

Stripling’s white phantoms push the horde back… but it is too late, N’Roll is down, and Kid Crey is soon to follow.

Probationary Martyr: Stop... STOP!!!

Probationary Martyr stretches herself to the limit, sending out bursts of healing energy out to N’ Roll, lifting him from the muck, and breathing fresh life into him.

N' Roll: thank you!

But a new group, stumbling from yet another tunnel, over shadows this small victory.

Pin Feather: They’re everywhere!

Kid Crey: We got this. Come on, Dodgers! We got this!

The Tunnel suddenly becomes over crowded. The Teens gather in a circle, back to back, looking at the new wave slowly approaching… Casval watches their movements, and sees, off to the left, their source. Zombies stagger up from a wider tunnel then the rest, once which dives down into the darkness.

Casval Regelis: He should be down that tunnel... that's where they're coming from... [censored].

The zombies strike as one, for the first time coordinated. But this time, the Teens are as well! Stripling’s white army, Kid’s armored might, Pin Feathers’ birdlike grace, Kaijikoro’s savage fury, N’Roll's matured strength, Casval’s natural skills, Probationary Martyr’s defensive tactics, Silver Prince’s innocent determination, and Martial Eidolon’s blind hate also strike as one.

The two waves crash into each other. In time, one of them breaks.

In the aftermath, Probationary Martyr weakly stands, supported by Casval.

Probationary Martyr: Everyone okay?

Kid Crey: We're worried about you, Felicity.

Probationary Martyr shakes her head lightly, wiping something from her forehead. “Don't... I'm doing fine...” Probationary Martyr smiles fleetingly.

The teens move to the dark pit of pipe that dives deeper into the waste. From below, “Fresh meat” is song.

Casval Regelis: He’s down there.

Martial Eidolon takes off his hood and sets it on the ground, then removes his mask. Martial Eidolon a path of stitching is all over his face, resembling a well put together abomination.

Probationary Martyr glances out of the corner of her eye to Marty.

Kid Crey shakes head.

Kid Crey: Whoa. 'Zat what you really look like?

Martial Eidolon: I want this [censored] to remember me, to remember what he did to me. Please. No one look at me.

Martial Eidolon descends into the pit.

Martial Eidolon: I want this [censored] to see me real face!

Silver Prince looks even paler.

Silver Prince: Oh my ...I wish my father were here.

Probationary Martyr coughs, tumbling backwards, catching herself on the ledge.

Kid Crey: You know what? We should just turn back.

Probationary Martyr: No.

Probationary Martyr 's eyes gleam.

Kid Crey: Whoa.

Probationary Martyr: let's do this. Cas, I love you. Never forget that.

Kid Crey: I wish some other heroes were here...I'm not enough.

Kid Crey steps back, and watches as each teen hides fear behind determination as they follow Martial Eidolon into the abyss. Then, taking a deep breath, he too joins his friends.


INT.DR. VAHZILOCK’S LAIR.PRE-DAWN

The tunnel ends in an old maintenance room for Paragon’s failed subway system. Abandoned years ago in favor of its modern tramway it now lies, forgotten, lost, presumed dead and buried, but now reanimated for a more sinister purpose. Huge dynamos that would have fed life to the city above by powering commuters below the surface now spark life into the medical nightmares dreamed up by its newest conductor, Dr. Vahzilock.

Within this charnel house, body’s shuffle forward… freshly killed, freshly risen, and now freshly hungry, while all around them, and permeating everything, floats a contagion that begins its noxious overload of Probationary Martyr’s already taxed immunity system.

Probationary Martyr grips Casval’s arm, while her legs beg her to fall as she scans the room for the contagion’s source. Probationary Martyr can barely manage a whisper.

Probationary Martyr: ...why do I not see him?

As if they heard Probationary Martyr’s question, the rotted army turns as one in answer.

Kaijikoro: One by one, you [censored].

The teens once again strike into the gruesome scene. Powers decimate flesh; flesh grasp costumes… hunger comes… hunger goes returned to the state of clinical death from wince they came. All the teens keep a tight circle around Probationary Marty, but even with this protection, the infestation of disease does much worse damage than any physical blow can manage. With fevered eyes Probationary Martyr stares through the horde, flowing the flow of contagion, to its source, Dr. Vahzilok. Her jaw tightens, as she sees the first of Stripling’s white army brake through the undead and reach out for the arch villain.

Stripling: I found him!

Probationary Martyr 's voice is quiet and even.

Probationary Martyr: As did I. It ends now!

Probationary Martyr reaches out with her power, and pulls on Dr. Vahzilok’s infection… attempting to… heal.

Dr. Vahzilok turns to look at the small girl, his skin weeping with flies as they abandon his body and surround Probationary Martyr.

Dr. Vahzilok: This is an emergency medical situation, and amateurs are only going to get hurt!

Probationary Martyr lets out a scream, toppling to the ground.

Kid Crey: Felicity? Felicity!?!!?!?!

Silver Prince: Lady!

Dr. Vahzilok: If you don't step aside, I'll treat you as I treat all infections: I'll wipe you from the face of the Earth!

Then from behind, a shadow leaps upon the Doctor, pushing him into the mass of dead behind him.

Martial Eidolon: MOTHER [censored]! REMEBER ME!

Martial Eidolon jumps on Vhazzy's shoulders. Martial Eidolon gets him in a sleeper hold.

Dr. Vahzilock’s neck, his weakest link to the mammoth body he created, the one spot where brute force can kill, the one spot Martial Eidolon has been waiting all this time to grasp, to rend, to tare.

Martial Eidolon: Remember me, [censored]! It's Martin Montenegro! Or maybe you remember Martial better?!

Dr. Vahzilok: My greatest failure! You, I am doing this for you, my pretty!

Dr. Vahzilok throws Martial from his shoulders… and advances.

Dr. Vahzilok: I have worked my arts upon your weak flesh, but I malpractice my art! Now I have the chance to fix that. You are my mistake! Now I shall fix that mistake! I shall save you! And to do that, I must kill you! My prognosis is your death!

Martial Eidolon: [censored]!

Stripling’s army pulls Dr. Vahzilok away tearing at his stitches setting more flies free to swarm to Probationary Martyr.

Dr. Vahzilok: What are you doing! This is my mess; I'll clean it up.

Meanwhile, in the midst of a crowd of cadavers as thick as flies. Kid Crey drops to a punch-drunk knee having been stunned by a cold dead fist.

Kid Crey: Augh!

While Kaijikoro leaps over the his teammate, and tackles the offending cadaver.

Kaijikoro: ON BY ONE! YOU BASTARDS! ONE FOR ON!!!

Kid Crey clears his head and sees Probationary Martyr, covered in flies, waves of her healing energy pulsing weaker and weaker.

Kid Crey: Someone? Anyone? Do we have someone that can help Felicity?

Pin Feather pulls another blue pack from his belt, breaks it on his knee then… brushing flies from her face, places it over Probationary Martyr’s mouth.

Probationary Martyr coughs quietly, groaning and curling around her stomach. Still, one by one flies touch her flesh, then disperse harmlessly back into the sewer above. But with each fly, Probationary Marty grows that much weaker in Casval’s arms.

Casval Regelis emits a low growl, gritting his teeth. "Damn-it..."

The sea of clinically dead reach out for Probationary Martyr only to break upon a beach of ghostly warriors and ferocious teens.

Probationary Martyr pulls free of Casval’s protective arms, and points to the evil Doctor.

Probationary Martyr: G...get... h... h...him...

Casval looks down at Felicity, then up at the elf.

Casval Regelis: Protect her!

Stripling nods as another of his creations forms and joins the lines.

Stripling: Fear!!!!!!!

Standing, Casval looks across the room, grips his blade, and leaps.

Probationary Martyr coughs quietly, her face distorting in pain.

Probationary Martyr: End... this...

Pin Feather: come on pull through!

Probationary Martyr’s eyes flutter closed while her healing power fades and the flies disperse.

N' Roll: Your justice shall be swift, Vahzilok. A life for a life!

Kid Crey: She's not dead, Roll. Shut up.

Meanwhile, across the room, Dr. Vahzilok his biggest failure has become his biggest threat.

Dr. Vahzilok: You fools don't understand my mission!

Martial Eidolon: [censored] [censored]! You will understand mine!

Martial Eidolon leaps, tearing at Dr. Vahzilok’s neck, his fingers snapping tendons, his thumbs cracking spine. Dr. Vahzilok croaks for air… reaching out to a horde that pays no attention to their creator’s plight.

Dr. Vahzilok stumbles, blood pouring from his juggler. This thing in the room, speaks weakly in a terrified human voice.

Dr. Vahzilok: No! My work must continue!

Dr. Vahzilok grips his neck and turns to flee, just as a katana blade finds its mark, and plunges clean though moldered flesh, white puss, and yellowed bones. Casval looks into Dr. Vahzilok’s panicked eyes as he twists the blade. Dr. Vahzilok grips Casval’s shoulder. Casval shrugs him off and twists he blade again… and again… and again….

Martial Eidolon and Casval Regelis have defeated Dr. Vahzilok.

All around the teens, zombies drop their arms, some drop into the mire, while others shamble away into the dark.

Kaijikoro snarls

Kid Crey: Felicity?

Pin Feather: Come quick!

Kaijikoro: …

Silver Prince: Lady?

Martial Eidolon stands above the fallen monster.

Martial Eidolon: You [censored]...

Martial Eidolon: …you [censored]...

Stripling: Fel!

Martial Eidolon covers his face.

N' Roll: Felicity was your -final- victim, Vahzilok.

Kid Crey: She’s not dead Roll! Stop saying that! She can’t be dead!

Casval Regilis returns to Probationary Martyr’s side.

Casval Regelis: Fel...

Probationary Martyr coughs, her flesh sizzling with acidic sweat, her breathing short and fast.

Probationary Martyr: It's… n...not... that... it's not that... b...bad...

Kaijikoro stares at her, face livid.

Casval Regelis kneels down, picking her up carefully out of the water.

Probationary Martyr 's face distorts in pain as she stares up at Cas, a trickle of blood sliding from the right corner of her mouth. "Cas... I. I'm.... s... I'm s... s...so....

Casval Regelis: We have to…

Probationary Martyr: I'm... s...sorry... I.... I tried...

Pin Feather pulls his policeband from his belt.

Pin Feather: Can anyone read me!

Casval Regelis: The base... maybe there's something there, one of her.. machines.

Probationary Martyr: Is.. he.. gone..?

Probationary Martyr coughs up a small amount of blood.

N' Roll: He is no more.

Casval Regelis: Yeah, Fel, he's gone...

Martial Eidolon: Yes... Thank you Felicity...

Martial Eidolon rubs his forehead.

Kid Crey: We broke his [censored]. Now let's get you out of here.

Probationary Martyr smiles faintly, her eyes starting to calm.

Probationary Martyr: Then... it's... done...

Silver Prince: It may not be... safe to move her.

Kaijikoro frowns.

Pin Feather: I got the paramedics on the way just hold out.

Casval Regelis adjusts his arms under her legs and back lifts her, and turns to leave.

Casval Regelis: No, they won't know what to do."

Probationary Martyr tries to grab onto Cas' jacket with what little strength she has, and beckons Cas to lean in, to avoid speaking up.

Probationary Martyr: I love you...

Probationary Martyr slowly falls limp in Cas' arms, her head slumping against his shoulder.

Casval Regelis: No.. Don't you dare say your goodbyes.

Kid Crey: Is...

Casval Regelis: We're leaving.

Kaijikoro: …

Casval Regelis walks briskly toward the exit, Fel in his arms.

Silver Prince sheds milky tears.

One by one the teens follow Casval Regelis back out of the pit and up to the surface, fear hidden once again behind determination.

Kaijikoro grabs his jacket up. Looks back at Dr. Vahzilok lying in a puddle of sewage, blood, and puss.

Kaijikoro: …

Stretching into his jacket, Kaijikoro turns to follow his teammates up into the pre-dawn night, abandoning the old failed Paragon Subway maintenance room, which once again becomes forgotten, presumed dead and buried.

Chapter 6 DAWN

INT.ARTFUL DODGER BASEMENT.MEDLAB.DAWN

Casval gently lays Probationary Martyr upon the medical diagnositc bed. Turning he looks at the clinical computer with dismay. One by one, the other teens join him, some hanging back, others at bedside. Probationary Martyr hasn't regained consciousness.

Kid Crey: She okay?

Casval Regelis: I don't know.. anyone know how to work this stuff?

Silver Prince shakes his head.

Kaijikoro frowns at the floor.

Stripling: Is there anything? I don't understand any of this.

Casval Regelis: I don't even know if any of this can help her... Strip can't you do something?

Stripling: I can't absorb disease...I have no pattern!

Casval Regelis: Then what the hell good are you?!

Stripling: Nothing...I am good at nothing.

Felicity Primgaunt (Probationary Martyr) continues to lie motionless on the bed.

Kid looks from face to face, then steps up to the Clinical Computer and starts experimenting with the keyboard, hoping to see a key labeled "ON" somewhere... anywhere! With a sigh, that's just what he finds. Clicking the switch, the medical bay hums to life.

Kid Crey: I think I can get the basics down. Where's Holo?

The bay begins to calibrate... a little loading bar scrolls across the monitor as systems blink to life.

Kid Crey: Lemme see. I'm trying. I think I can get some of this.

An arm stretches out over Felicity, then runs from a small light from her head down to her toes. The screens blink a few times, then show up with blank results.

Kid Crey: Uhm... It isn't showing anything. I must have this wrong. It's wrong. That can't be right. Can someone else look at this damn thing!?

Kid Crey clicks the on off switch a few times, rebooting the system, the bar loads again, screens flash, and the medical sensor does its best impression of a copying machine, again the data screens show up blank.

Kid Crey: I don't know, I... Cas.. c'meree a sec.

Casval Regelis stands at the foot of the bed, looking at his girl-friend's body. Felicity Primgaunt 's acidic burns finally cool, leaving her arms and legs a less than pretty sight.

Kid Crey: Cas?

Casval Regelis: What?

Kid Crey: Come here.

Kid Crey whispers to Casval.

Kid Crey: I wasn't reading it wrong...It's... it's because there are no life signs. No vitals.

Kid Crey reaches once more to the off switch, when...

A soft laugh brushes across the minds of those in the room, something not entirely human. A Kheldian drifts up nearby, curiously tilting its head, almost seeming to smile.

Kid Crey: What the hell?

Casval Regelis: hell..?

Silver Prince: An... angel?

Kaijikoro: ...

Kid Crey: Anyone know what the hell we are looking at?

Martial Eidolon: Welcome.

N' Roll: Well...that's something you don't see everyday...

Stripling: You!

The alien presence tilts its head cheerfully to Stripling, waving a little tentacle thing.

N' Roll or do you?

Stripling: Why are you here?

Felicity Primgaunt chitters quietly.

Kaijikoro: …

The alien looks at Cas, chittering lightly and shaking its head, seeming to laugh.

Stripling: I can here her thoughts...

N' Roll: It's a 'her'?

Silver Prince stares in wonder. "It's beautiful."

The alien nods quietly to Stripling, drifting over towards Felicity's limp body.

Casval Regelis: Get the hell out of here, we don't need your games right now!

The alien cranes its neck to stare at Cas a moment, then reaches out a tentacle to touch the clinical computer.

Kid Crey: Hey... Get her away from that.

The alien seems to be either chittering, growling, or laughing at Kid Crey.

Stripling brushes tears.

Stripling: Let it be!

The alien reaches a tentacle out to Casval, as if to embrace him. In Casval's head, he hears:

The Alien: I could revive her. We would share the skin for her to live, but it /would/ be her.

Casval Regelis stares at Felicity's body, ignoring the squid for the moment.

Kaijikoro: …

The alien reaches out a tentacle to tap Casval on the noggin.

Casval Regelis: …

The alien turns back to Casval, tilting its head.

The Alien: I have the consent of one. You're swiftly running out of time, hmm?

Casval Regelis holds Fel's hand, still staring, the usual confident look completely replaced with a mixture of anger and sadness.

Casval Regelis: …

Casval Regelis tilts his head to look at the squid.

Casval Regelis: What do you mean?

The Alien seems to cheer up a bit, rolling back in a somersault. Again, Casval hears the soft voice in his head.

The Alien: If she would assist my physical presence in this realm, I could revive her mind and anatomy alike.

Casval Regelis: Do it.

Silver Prince looks at Stripling.

Silver Prince: Is it friendly?

The Alien turns to the Silver Prince, seeming to smile before dipping in a playful bow.

Stripling: It is.

Silver Prince: Hello.

The Alien's soft laughter seems to tickle the minds of all present.

Casval Regelis holds Fel's hand, still staring, the usual confident look completely replaced with a mixture of anger and sadness.

Kaijikoro snarls silently

Kid Crey: Um. Does that thing KNOW Felicity?

Stripling: She is.

Kid Crey: You mean, she Does!

Silver Prince: Same?

Pin Feather eyes dart back and forth examining it while looking more confused by the minute.

Kid Crey: So, what is going on right now?.

Stripling: Cas, will you let it help?

Casval Regelis: I know that, so DO IT.

Kid Crey: What the hell is it saying!?

The Alien chitters defensively at Cas before slowly starting to lower down over Felicity's body.

Kaijikoro: … Wh'sactly is th'ah thin doin?

Stripling: Sharing life...

Kaijikoro:…

The Alien slowly starts to dissipate into a myriad of light and the implication of laughter, sliding around and over the body of the Probationary Martyr.

Kaijikoro stares, not trusting the thing, at all.


Felicity Primgaunt starts to drift up into the air. The energy wraps around her body, pulling out to each and every limb. Felicity Primgaunt 's lips part with a gasp as her eyes burst open, gleaming with white light, sounding and looking like someone pulled up to the surface after being trapped underwater for far too long.

Pin Feather stumbles back and trips.

Silver Prince just stares.

The clinical comptuer springs to live, loudly blinking and flashing like a christmas display.

Kid Crey: Kid Crey: What the hell? Whoa. Vitals! Cas. The vitals are... are good.

Felicity Primgaunt: …wh..

Stripling: Fel?

Kid Crey looks up at Felicity. What the hell?

Martial Eidolon stands up.

Felicity Primgaunt 's acidic burns slowly sink back into her typical smooth visage, her hands running in confusion over her arms.

Casval Regelis: Fel..?

Felicity Primgaunt glances curiously up at Stripling. Felicity Primgaunt looks to Cas, instantly dropping to the ground and throwing her arms around him, the white light vanishing.

Casval Regelis hesitates for a moment, then wraps his arms around her as well.

Casval REgelis: Is it... really you?

Silver Prince 's tail twitches happily.

N' Roll thinks: Did it go...-into- Felicity?

Felicity Primgaunt: It is... I... I told you I'd be back for you! I told you we'd be fine!

Martial Eidolon smiles. Difficultly, but he manages one.

Felicity Primgaunt laughs, her eyes welling with tears as she buries her face against Cas' shoulder, just... hugging him as hard as she can. Which... isn't very.

Casval Regelis: That... thing...

Stripling: Is her now.

Felicity Primgaunt shakes her head, mumbling something about not wanting to talk about it into his shoulder and clinging to him for dear life (very dear life).

Casval Regelis 's expression turns from sadness to joy as he just starts laughing, holding Felicity tight.

Felicity Primgaunt giggles, shifting her weight in excitement and littering Cas' shoulder with kisses.

Casval Regelis: It doesn't matter... you're alive. Nothing else matters...

Martial Eidolon realizes he's not covering his face and promptly does so.

N' Roll mumbles "maybe I should give them some privacy..."

Silver Prince claps happily, before hearing the comment about privacy.

Kaijikoro: …

Silver Prince blushes.

Felicity Primgaunt starts faintly, turning from Cas just enough to see the other people. "N..no, you don't.."

Felicity Primgaunt: It's fine.. I.. thank you..

Silver Prince: I'm... glad you are well lady.

Felicity Primgaunt: All of you... I j... I...

Felicity Primgaunt giggles happily, wiping tears from her face.

Kid Crey: Just happy to see you okay.

Felicity Primgaunt nods to Kid Crey, beaming.

Kid Crey: You Dodgers are certainly a weird bunch.

Felicity Primgaunt: Nice.

Felicity Primgaunt blushes a bit, giggling nervously against Cas. "Sorry..."

Stripling: I honestly think I need a drink.

Casval Regelis: Just don't... do that again…

Felicity Primgaunt shakes her head. "Never. That really... really... REALLY hurt."

Princess Powerfull: So um... Hey everyone...What’s going on? What’I miss?

Everyone turns to look at Princess Powerfull who has just entred with some new Dodger recruits, Jezebeil Omen, Firelfy Kid, Tadekatsu Sakai, and Tiger Sun. There is puzzled silence as each begins to try to put it into words. Then… it starts with Marty smiling in the shadows, then one by one, they all begin laughing.

All but Kaijikoro, who just snarls in the corner.

The new comers just look back our heroes, confused.

Kid Crey: [censored] it. I'm gonna hang around for a little while. This place seems like fun.

Epilogue: SUNRISE

INT. ARTFUL DODGER BASEMENT.SUNRISE

Casval Regelis and Felicity Primgaunt find them selves alone as the other Dodgers move off, some looking for sleep, others for food, and some for more adventure. Felicity allows the clinical computer to do one more sweep of her body, just to be sure.

Casval Regelis: So what does... the... what does it feel like?

Felicity Primgaunt looks at Cas with wide eyes, shaking her head quickly to discourage any interest in the matter.

Felicity Primgaunt: Really really hurts. Then, you feel everything fade from you... not just strength... Emotion.... happiness... pride... hope...

Casval Regelis: No, not.. not that. I have an idea how that feels...

Felicity Primgaunt: I... oh, the... er...

Felicity Primgaunt 's eyes flash white briefly.

Felicity Primgaunt: That?

Casval Regelis: Yeah. That.

Felicity Primgaunt: It... ehm... well, there's something in my mind, creeping around... but... my mind's going too wild right now to really... er... Once I calm down, it's going to weird me out. A lot.

Casval Regelis: But you're still... you, right?

Felicity Primgaunt nods warmly, smiling.

Felicity Primgaunt: It's just like having my brother back... he's just... er... in my head... instead of my bunkbed..

Casval Regelis: You're not going to... get pregnant and spawn a demon baby, right?

Felicity Primgaunt: N...no, at least I hope not.

Casval Regelis: Alright, then.

Felicity Primgaunt gives Cas an odd look before giggling happily and hugging him tightly.

Casval Regelis leans his head down.

Casval Regelis: I love you, Fel.

Felicity Primgaunt smiles, touching her forehead to his own and whispering happily.

Felicity Primgaunt: I love you too, Cas.

Felicity Primgaunt takes Cas by the hand, tugging lightly to guide him elsewhere.


INT. SEWER. SUNRISE
Martial Eidolon once again walks within the dark pipes. Sewage flowing about his dead footfalls. The only light comes from a small plasma torch held in one hand. In time, he retraces his steps to the first of the body-bags now lying flyless, lifeless, and truly inert. Touching the torch to the bag, the heat consumes the remains, while Martial Eidolon watches in grim silence. When the deed is done, he moves on, deeper into the mire. Body-bag after body-bag consumed in his wake all with his same silent vigil. As the last bag is destroyed, Martial looks at the torch in thought. He draws it close to his wrist.

Martial Eidolon : Why should I be spared this fate? Shouldn't I join them? Am I not one of them?

Pain begins to twist Martial's features into new forms of the grotesque causing Martial to pull the torch away and plunge his wrist into the sewage.

Martial Eidolon : No, I... I can't!

As Martial sits rocking in the waste, his torch expends its fuel allowing the dark to slowly reclaim the pipe.

We leave Martial to his doubt, and drift deeper into the dark, deeper into the shadows, deeper than any hero has yet gone, and there we find...

A thing in the dark that speaks with a mournfully human voice, "Help. Help... my children."

THE END?