Mentor
The ferry to Peregrine Island bumped gently into the dock. Ropes flew off the ship, securing it in place so the passengers and cargo could disembark safely. Cars and trucks slowly offloaded one by one while the more exotic passengers, the superheroes, exited as they pleased. One of their number, unnoticed on the trip to the island, swung himself up onto the dock and stole away into the shadow of a nearby building.
He was swathed in dark, baggy clothes which blended perfectly with the shadows. They were also printed with a disruptive camouflage pattern so that even if you saw them, the observer would not recognize the man as such. Head and face were covered, leaving only dark eyes and a narrow band of pale olive skin showing. A neutral gray bandolier crossed his chest, and a sword hung in a scabbard on his waist. There was no mistaking the man for anything other than a ninja, but due to his clothes and choice of surroundings, he went unnoticed and unrecognized.
The ninja looked slowly about him, making sure he would not be overheard, then touched his left hand to his ear.
Shadow, calling Grog. Can you hear me?, he whispered.
WHAT IN THE SEVEN HELLS?!?
The booming response made Shadow flinch. Since joining the supergroup known as The Forgotten Legion, he had heard the grating voice of Grog singing in the base, usually as he was propped up at the bar. Thus far, Shadow had avoided close contact, as he was too busy to carouse. Getting the full effect of Grogs voice straight in his ear made up for the earlier shortage of exposure, and then some.
Oh, wait, I was expecting you, wasnt I?, continued Grog, louder than he needed to. The slight slur in his voice told of what he had been doing before the call.
Yes, this is Shadow. You agreed to show me some new swordfghting techniques. Do you remember?
Yeah, yeah, I remember, but I thought your name was Kage-Shadow!
Kage means shadow. I am called both Kage and Shadow, depending on what language you speak, but the citys computer will not record both names
Whatever you say, youngster. You in Peregrine Island yet?
I am. Tell me where you are so I may-
The sickening lurch in his stomach was accompanied by a flash of purplish light. The sick feeling intensified as he realized what Grog had done. Shadow was now crouched in an open air restaurant. Bright sunshine beamed down from a cloudless sky, illuminating him for all the world to see. The tables were occupied; indeed, the restaurant looked full of people, all pointing at him and chattering over the new arrival. His special clothing was of no use, and neither was his years of training in concealment and stealth. The humiliation was almost more than he could bear.
Standing before him was the culprit, a massive, burly man in European-style plate armor. Purple tendrils of eldritch energy writhed over its surface. Shadow followed the crackling energy up, up, up into Grogs face, which could only have come from Hyboria. That same face wore a smug grin and the remnants of his meal.
Grog looked down at the still crouching ninja. Excuse me, I didnt realize you were in the middle of something. He waved at the front door to the restaurant. Theres a place inside for you to finish your business.
Shadow reddened under his mask. I was trying to remain unnoticed.
Hah! It doesnt seem to be helping! chortled Grog as he sat down, clearly oblivious to Shadows intent. He waved to the waitress and bellowed, Wench! Fetch another mead for my friend!
Were out of mead, Grog! And its waitress, not wench!
Oh, right. I get confused and forget. This world is so strange. The grin on his face showed the lie in his words.
The waitress stomped off. Shadow discretely coughed, bringing Grogs attention back to the matter at hand.
So, you wanted to learn about swordsmanship?
Yes, Shadow replied, I had heard of your prowess, and wanted to learn some new techniques.
Grog stood back up. Lets see your sword first. Then Ill have some advice for you.
Shadow drew his sword. Not long after he broke the spell that had enslaved his mind and deposited him in Paragon City, he acquired his katana from an unsuspecting street thug in Galaxy City. Though Shadow thought of it merely as a tool, not a work of art like some of his countrymen, he took great care in maintaining it, and it had served him well.
Grog sneered derisively. Oh, youre one of [u]those[u] people! I cant tell you how many of those girlie swords Ive seen here. Those things look like they were designed by weak-wristed, skinny, prancing fairy elves, not by stalwart men! Feast your eyes on a real weapon! He reached behind his back and drew his sword. An enormous slab of jet-black metal inscribed with glowing red runes appeared in his hand. It was nearly as long as Shadow was tall, and the blade was as wide as a mans leg. There was nothing subtle about Grogs weapon, and Shadow immediately began to doubt the wisdom of contacting Grog for advice. Clearly, there was no way a weapon that large could have any technique behind its use.
Grog sighed as he compared his sword to Shadows. Well, if you insist on bringing a toothpick to a sword fight, Ill try to make the best of it. I do know a place where you can learn to use that effete sliver of steel. Stay here, and Ill summon you once the arrangements are made.
Are you sure you know what youre doing?, Shadow asked, giving voice to his doubts. If our fighting styles are too dissimilar-
Bah! You question the mighty Grogs competence? Ill have you know that Ive earned the highest possible award for mentoring heroes. See?, Grog said as he produced his hero ID card. It says right here. Grog the Big, Parry Diggum.
Paradigm, corrected Shadow.
Whatever. There isnt a higher award for mentoring, so dont worry, pip-squeak. Youre in Grogs hands now. All is well. Hold my drink while Im away. Grog unceremoniously thrust his tall glass of dark beer into Shadows hands, then vanished in a flash of purple light.
Shadow awkwardly sheathed his sword while still holding the mug. Just as he finished his task, the waitress walked up and tapped on the table.
Excuse me, whoever you are, put the beer down!
You misunderstand, Shadow explained, Im merely holding it until Grog the Big returns.
No, this is one of Grogs clever schemes to take his drink to go. Believe me, if you keep holding on to that glass, Ill never see it again.
Shadow set the glass down on the table. I dont see how hes going to take the beer away when he isnt-
One sickening lurch later, Shadow found himself in the basement of Portal Corps facility, facing Grog. The mighty warrior looked down at Shadow disapprovingly.
Kage - Shadow? What did you do with my beer?
I set it down.
NOOOO! CURSE THAT SERVING WENCH! SHE THWARTED ME AGAIN!
#69397 Get Grog a Drink!
#155312 No Good Deed Goes Unrewarded
#229565 Take Back the Park! (lowbie friendly)
Praetor of the [url="http://www.forgottenlegion.net"]Forgotten Legion[/url] SG and mod for the HUB player community. All hail the mighty Grog!
The deafening roar of the portal generators filled the room, but Shadow took no notice. Intensely focussed, he moved his arms and fingers through the meditative kata taught to him by his masters. His mind echoed the movements of his body, calling the ancient ninja techniques of manipulating the shadows, pulling every piece of darkness in the room towards his body.
Casting a very large shadow himself, Grog pouted as he watched his diminutive cohort prepare himself for the upcoming mission. This waiting would be a lot easier IF I HAD A DRINK!, he howled.
Alcohol dulls the senses and clouds thought. It is unwise for a warrior to go into battle while suffering from its effects. Shadows clipped, precise English showed that it was not his first language.
Suffering?!? I dont know what you drink, but I dont suffer at all! Ive lived my life by acquiring only three things: strong foes, strong steel, and strong drink. Look what Ive accomplished! Not a soul in Paragon can fail to recognize the mighty Grog! Evildoers everywhere tremble at the mention of my name! Even that sissy Recluse has felt the sting of Grogs sword! All this has come to pass despite my drinking. In fact, Id say its helped a great deal. One stiff swig of my favorite liquor, and all pain is dulled to nothing!
Shadow remained silent, continuing to work his hands and fingers. His body darkened noticeably. As he finished his kata, he spread his arms, and welcomed the shadows to his body. Now, he was shrouded in blackness, perfectly complementing his camouflage. Tendrils of night writhed over his body. He relaxed his posture, and turned to face Grog. Im ready now.
Grog ambled over. You sure this stuff is going to protect you?, he asked. To test, he poked a meaty finger at Shadows chest. The finger slowed, and was very nearly halted as the tendrils of shadow interposed themselves. Grog withdrew his finger, then, more from impish curiosity than concern for his sidekicks safety, poked a few more times. Each time, the shadows interposed themselves, sometimes wrapping around the finger to pull it away from Shadows body. Grog grunted in satisfaction.
It will suffice, intoned Shadow. With practice, the magics will become stronger.
Then lets get started practicing. Into the portal, squirt!
You havent said where were going yet.
Grog grinned. A land of shadows. Youll feel right at home.
With that, the duo strode over the platform and into the swirling ball of light. All faded to chaos. Strange sights and sounds danced in Shadows mind. The realms of possibility stretched before him, finally resolving themselves into a world of darkness. Bare trees with twisted limbs dotted the land. Tombstones sprouted from the broken ground. Overhead, a moonless night sky shrouded the scene. It was creepy enough, but there was another element that caused the hairs on the back of Shadows neck to stand up. It was as if the world itself was evil, and all the laws of this universe were arrayed against him.
Shadow suppressed a shiver. Where are we?
Despite the darkness, it was easy to pick out Grogs expression. He looked bored, as if he had done this a hundred times before. Were in the evil world. You know how Statesman and Positron and those bums are supposed to be the good guys?
Bums? The Freedom Phalanx?
Yeah, them. In this world, theyre evil, and rule this worlds Paragon City with an iron fist. He leaned close to Shadow and smiled an animal grin of excitement. Were going to pick a fight with Chimera, the evil Manticore!
Can we defeat such a foe?
Sure we can!, said Grog, a little too loudly. Ive done it dozens of times before! But, before we can get to him, theres a few others we have to fight. His minions use those piddly swords like youre carrying, and theyre the ones youll be studying most. Theyre all over the place.
Shouldnt we be less conspicuous, then?
Pfft! Were here to fight, not sneak around! Follow me, little buddy. Ill make sure you get a real close look at their technique. Grog clanked off into the night, his armor glowing from all the magical wards. Reluctantly, Shadow followed, though he kept his distance. Grog was guaranteed to be spotted first, and Shadow did not want to get ambushed himself.
It wasnt long before Grog stopped and, most surprisingly, crouched behind a large boulder. He waved Shadow closer and pointed into the darkness. See those pantywaists over there?, he asked.
Sure enough, there were men moving in the night. They were dressed in dark clothes, similar to the kind Shadow wore, and they carried katanas as well. Yes, I see them, Shadow answered. Who are they?
Your first lesson. Grog reached over his shoulder and produced his enormous sword from thin air. And now Grog does what Grog does... -he paused for dramatic effect- ...second best! With that, he teleported into their midst. A mighty grunt followed by an anguished cry told of the fate of one of the men. As Shadow moved to join the fight, another opponent flew up in the air, then crashed back down, unmoving: Grogs second victim. Shadow drew his sword and slashed across the kidneys of one of the foes. The blade did not go in far; these men seemed to have some protection from his sword. The return cut was not deep, but Shadow felt his own blood begin to seep through his clothes. The two combatants split off from the main fight, too intent on each other to bother with Grog and his collection of adversaries. Each man hacked at the other. It was inelegant, and only literally sword fighting. Shadow was used to felling foes in only one or two hits, not prolonged fights. His adversary appeared equally unschooled in sustained combat. In the end, Shadows marginally superior agility and attack speed proved superior to body armor, and his opponent lay unconscious at his feet. Exhausted, Shadow collapsed to his knees.
Finally able to pay attention to his surroundings, he noticed the din of combat had died away. Heavy boot steps in the soft earth told him that Grog has emerged victorious. Shadow wondered how he could have survived fighting all those men while he was nearly slain by a single foe.
Grog walked up to Shadow, and crouched down beside him, chuckling softly. When will they learn not to trifle with Grog?, he asked no one in particular. Shadow looked his mentor over, and was shocked to see that he was as fresh as the proverbial daisy. The armor was undamaged. Though it was covered in blood, it was obvious that none of it was Grogs. Even Grogs face, exposed under his horned skullcap, was unscathed. It was hard for Shadow to imagine that he could learn anything from this excursion, not because Grogs fighting was so different from his, but because the adversaries proved so taxing that he would surely perish in this merciless land.
Grog reached into his belt and produced an extra-large medpatch. Here, he said, handing it to Shadow, Take this. I doubt Ill need it against these losers.
As the medpatch infused Shadows body with medical nanobots, knitting his flesh back together, Shadow asked, Is this what Im to learn? Get a different sword and start wearing plate mail? I barely survived fighting even a single opponent!
Ahh, dont worry about it, Grog replied, dismissively waving his hand. My armor is very strong against swords, clubs, and the like. They were the most common form of attack back in my day, and the wards imbued into the armor reflect that. Also, Ive been doing this longer than you have, so I have more techniques at my disposal. Next time, just stay close enough to watch, but dont join in. Well take a moment after each mob to discuss what happened. When you feel youre ready, or see an opportune moment, you can join in then.
And so it went. The pair scoured the graveyard, leaving a train of broken bodies and shattered steel in their wake. Shadow noticed, eventually, that Grog was not without technique. He kept his blade in constant motion, parrying attacks as well as meteing out punishment in kind. While he was slower than Shadow to complete an attack with his gargantuan sword, each hit was frequently enough to finish a man off in a single stroke. Grog also explained that one of the wards in his armor provided greater protection for each opponent in melee, and also kept the attention of foes on Grog alone. Armed with this knowledge, Shadow began to participate more and more as time went on. He started with finishing off wounded adversaries, then picking off those who would not close with Grog, and finally fighting side by side with the mighty warrior.
After much blood had been spilled into the earth, Grog and Shadow arrived at a stone bridge. Across the bridge, surrounded by more of the same men they had been fighting, lay a mausoleum. Grog paused and squinted at the building.
Shadow looked between the building and Grog. Do you see something important, Grog?
Grog grunted, then replied, Yes. I see him. Chimera is in that group.
Shadow peered across to where Grog had been looking. Soon, he could see him, too. There, dressed like Manticore, only in bluish-grey instead of blood red, stood the arch villain. The distance between Chimera and his observers still could not disguise the sadistic look on his face, nor diminish the glint of evil in his eyes. If ever there was an adversary who needed to be slain, there he stood.
Grog stood, and produced a flask from his belt. He took a swig. Immediately, his body glowed with a greenish light, and the look of superhuman vitality came to Grogs face. Ahh, yeah, thats the good stuff!, he exclaimed.
Shadow stood as well. You didnt need that before. Why now? Are you concerned about losing?
Its unlikely that the two of us can bring him down, Grog pronounced gravely.
Confused, Shadow shot back, You said you had beaten him before!
I did. I have. But hes very dangerous, and I had many more heroes with me those other times.
Then why should we persist? Weve inflicted a lot of damage today. We should just leave, and let him discover for himself who is behind todays attack.
No. I will not retreat until my sword is stained with his blood!
It became clear that Grog would charge no mattter what was said. Shadow resigned himself to that fact. Can we survive the attempt?
Is your medical transporter still working?, Grog asked by way of an answer. It was not what Shadow wanted to hear.
Shadow sighed and resigned himself to the pain. Before we do this, theres one thing Id like to ask.
Hmm?
What do you do first best?
Drink!
I should have known.
Grog vanished, reappearing in the middle of the mob. While he bellowed insults at Chimera, gathering all attention on himself, Shadow sprinted across the bridge and began to cut down Chimeras bodyguards. While the lesser men were felled easily, Chimera stood his ground, taking Grogs hits with no ill effects. Shadow joined the fray, slashing with his own sword at percieved weak spots. It was not enough. Chimera lept into the air, spinning his own sword, and landed while still twirling his weapon in a flourish. The attack was utterly deadly, and could not be avoided. Shadow was knocked back, his abdomen slashed open. Badly wounded and on the verge of passing out, he tried to stand and help Grog.
Hit the hospital! commanded Grog. Get clear!
It shamed him to do so, but Shadow complied just before he blacked out. He regained consciousness in one of the Peregrine Island hospitals medical reconstruction tubes. He slumped out onto the floor, overcome with shame and grief. He had abandoned a fellow hero to the hands of an arch villain, choosing to save himself over protecting his companion. He sat there a while as other heroes appeared and left, contemplating how he could best honor Grogs memory and atone for his own disgrace.
WOOOO! WHAT A RIDE! A familiar voice boomed through the hospital wing. Shadow stood and rushed to discover the source of the exclamation. Not far away, he found the mighty Grog stepping out of a reconstroction machine. Grog waved his fists in the air in unmistakable triumph. Another victory! Grogs reputation grows!
Im glad you arent dead!, said Shadow.
What? That wimp, kill me? Hah! As long as these marvelous resurrection platforms still work, no man can kill the mighty Grog!
And whats this about a victory? Chimera still lives!
But so do we. We can always come back for another round later. Id call that a victory, wouldnt you? Besides," Grog explained as he produced some pieces of equipment scavenged from Chimeras defeated minions, I can do a lot with these. I might even sell them for beer money!
Shadow shook his head. Grog was still Grog. As long as he could fight, drink, and pillage, hed be content.
So, asked Grog, How are you? What did you think of the experience?
It was...educational. I did learn a great deal, despite the savage beating I took. I think I have some insight into new techniques with which to dispense justice on the criminals of this city.
Good! Grog slapped Shadow on his arm, nearly dislocating the shoulder. You can share your insights with Castle. Hes over in Portal Court. Not a bad trainer, or so Ive heard from others. He arrived on the island long after I needed his services. Or, you could return to a more familiar face to practice what youve learned.
Ill do that. Thank you, Grog, youve been a great help. Perhaps I could buy you a drink as repayment?
Grog smacked his lips.
#69397 Get Grog a Drink!
#155312 No Good Deed Goes Unrewarded
#229565 Take Back the Park! (lowbie friendly)
Praetor of the [url="http://www.forgottenlegion.net"]Forgotten Legion[/url] SG and mod for the HUB player community. All hail the mighty Grog!
((Everyone knows about how Sidekicking gets the lower-level hero mad XP. Why does it work? A short explanation in a short story.))
#69397 Get Grog a Drink!
#155312 No Good Deed Goes Unrewarded
#229565 Take Back the Park! (lowbie friendly)
Praetor of the [url="http://www.forgottenlegion.net"]Forgotten Legion[/url] SG and mod for the HUB player community. All hail the mighty Grog!