Sisters
Part I
fifteen years ago...
The world exploded. She didnt understand. She heard screaming, but it wasnt until she put her hands to her face that she realized that it was herself, screaming.. That scared her even more, but.. at first she wasnt sure why. Then she remembered there should be another voice crying out in fear. Where was her sister? She picked herself up and called, but there was no answer. The air was thick and hot in the tiny, filthy apartment. The door to Uncle Wills workroom was knocked off its hinges and fire was licking up the walls. A terrified chill went up her spine and she began to run.
She couldnt remember where her sister had been, but the door to Mommys room was shut so she ran there. Mommy was sprawled on the bed, pale and motionless. Then a faint whimper rose from under the bed. She dropped to her knees and pushed dirty clothes, shoes, and dishes out of the way so she could look underneath. There was her sister, lying on her side, hidden by the trash that had accumulated under the bed, her brown hair spilling around her. She clutched her filthy doll and rocked. Her eyes popped open and locked on.
Keely! Come out.. we have to get out!
Neely? she said, and began to crawl towards her twin. Neely.. my ears hurt.
Mine too. Cmon.
Keely crawled out from under the bed, heedless of the dust and trash under her hands and knees, and immediately jumped onto the bed. Mommy! Mommy! she cried, shaking their Mothers limp form, but Mommy wouldnt wake up. Neely touched her, and the cold, damp skin sent a thrill of nameless dread through her.
Cmon, Keely
we have to go. Neely was just a little girl, but she knew you couldnt count on Mommy. And when Mommy wouldnt wake up, there was no point in trying.
Keely ignored her twin, and kept trying to wake up their mother. Neely reached out and tried to take her sisters hand, but Keely yanked away.
NO! she yelled angrily and starting screaming at mommy to wake up.
The air was so hot, and smelled bad, and Neely was starting to feel sick. She felt tears start to roll down her cheeks, tears of fear and frustration and anger. Keely, please. Lets go! Im scared. Neely felt her knees starting to buckle, and she dropped to the floor, put her face in her hands, and began to sob. She could hear people shouting, and sirens from outside, but in here, it was quiet except for Keely, now quietly begging Mommy to wake up.
Then, Keelys voice trailed off and it was silent in the tiny bedroom. Neely looked up and saw Keely slumped over Mommy. She tried to jump up, but her legs wouldnt work right. She crawled over to her sister and pulled her off the bed. Keely mumbled a protest, but Neely ignored it. She dragged Keely over to the smeared window and tried to pull the window up, but it wouldnt budge. The fire was roaring in the small apartment, Neely could hear it devouring her world, but here in the tiny, dirty bedroom, it was just smoky. Neely felt dizzy and sick. She couldnt open the window, and she knew she couldnt go back into the living room where the fire was. She wrapped her arms around her twin and curled up with her under the window and tried to think what to do.
When Neely woke up, she could hear her sister screaming angrily Letmegoletmegoletmego! There was something on her face, and her head hurt horribly. She reached up to her face and felt some sort of plastic thing covering her mouth and nose, but a woman in a uniform pushed her hands back and told her to leave it alone.
People were rushing around, dozens of people - some of them Neely knew - in pajamas, wrapped in blankets were standing around shocked, crying, watching the rescue workers. A trio of people in white shirts and blue pants, like the woman standing over her, came rushing out with Mommy on a rolling bed. They were talking fast and seemed really scared. Then one man came out, pushing another rolling bed, this one with a big black back on it. That was when the woman with Neely stepped in front, blocking her view, and said, Darlin, do you have any family nearby?
---
now...
Neely sat bolt upright in her bed. It was the third time this week she had relived that night. She and Keely had been six years old when something exploded in Uncle Wills room. Hed been killed outright, and Neely, Keely, and their mother were lucky to have survived. Mother, however, had been profoundly intoxicated by drugs and alcohol. And the twins had become wards of the state.
And just like that, like a slap in the face, Neely remembered she no longer had a sister. The Shades of Vengeance had killed her. And that was why Neely kept having that dream. She couldnt rescue her sister this time. It was too late.
Sisters
Part II
now....
Every senior member of the Ghosts Reborn had an apartment in the base, but most had their own home off base as well. Neely was horrified by the cost of her tiny apartment in Founders Falls, but she still loved it. In her heart she was still a poor girl barely scraping by, even though in reality Paragon City gave Heroes of the City a nice stipend.
She turned in front of the full length mirror in her bedroom, checking the fall of the dress Ici Cold had talked her into buying. It was more sophisticated and more revealing than what she normally wore, but Ici insisted that they were all going to dress like girls tonight! She blushed in advance of anyone seeing her in it, slipped into the strappy sandals that matched, and stepped out to the cobbled streets.
She lifted into the cool evening air, surrounded by the white glowing nimbus of her Kheldian energy, and immediately dropped back to the ground with bright red cheeks. No WAY she was flying anywhere in that dress! Which meant she would have to hoof it to meet her friends at Pocket D on time.
Neely found Ici leaning again a wall, wearing an outfit of a short denim skirt, halter top and sandals that only someone under 20 could hope to pull off. She was trailing a colorful silk scarf through her fingers with a wistful expression. Neely politely scuffed her foot as she approached, and Ici stuffed the scarf away and bounded over to Neely. You look HOT! she announced with a bright smile and flung herself on Neely in a huge hug. Cmon, lets go in!
Pocket D was noisy and crowed that night. The air was warm and filled with wild good cheer. Ici pushed her way through the crowd to a large table where Celestial Nav, Sooner Spirit and Sooner Magic, Midnightangel, Princess Ginsu, Ruby Sapphire, and Lilac Pendragon waited. Neely smiled at her friends as Ici whooped, This is a fine looking table of heroines! and plopped down. Neely slid in as well, for her first night out since Keely was killed.
The music and the atmosphere, along with the company of good friends was good for Neely. She found herself laughing and enjoying herself. It had been three months. And while she knew shed never forget her sister, and a part of her would always grieve, she knew it was time to let go of Keely, and to move on with her life.
It took a brave man to approach that particular group of ladies, but there were more than a few brave men in attendance that night. Before long, there were dancing and laughing and having a great time. And if Neelys smile and laughter were still a little forced, her friends didnt seem inclined to call her on it.
DJ Zero started a retro block, and MidnightAngel dragged Neely out to the dance floor for an energetic Goody Two Shoes. After bouncing, hopping, and gyrating through a custom-remix extended version of the already frenetic dance tune, Neely was happily panting for breath as she made her way back to the table. She plopped down and leaned her head against the partition between booths. Ici, looking none the worse for wear, ran off to get everyone more drinks, and Neely found herself alone at the table for the first time that night.
She took the opportunity to remind herself that she had nothing to feel guilty about. Her twin would not have wanted her to waste away in mourning, and in fact, Keely would likely have been delighted to see Neely out having a good time. Neely smiled, remembering the last night out she and Keely had enjoyed, when the conversation from the booth behind her penetrated her consciousness, and her good cheer evaporated in a sudden chill.
Ya, he got another Kheld. Dont know what hes doin with em, but they sure dont live long once hes got his hands on em. The mans voice was deep and harsh, and slurred a bit from alcohol. His companion asked him a question she couldnt understand, but his reply was clear. Well, ya.. That one Peacebringer got away from him, but the others didnt leave till they was dead. A long pause, then, Well, you manage to get your hands on a Kheld, you better make it soon. Rumor has it hes close with that Warshade, if he doesnt manage to kill her first. Once he gets what he wants from her, the Shades are sure gonna withdraw that reward for Khelds.
Neely, are you ok? Neely sat bolt upright, startling Ici as she sat down her handfuls of drinks. Ici frowned at Neely, You look pale. Are you ok?
Neely felt herself trembling with reaction as she sat there, and, almost against her conscious control, she suddenly erupted into dwarf form. She leapt away from her seat to a spot directly in front of the booth where the two men were talking. They flinched back from her for a moment, until they, apparently, remembered she could do them no harm here.
The one she had overheard was dressed as a typical lower class citizen of the rogue isles, but his companion made her roar out her dwarf forms cry of challenge. He was wearing the uniform of an Archon. The Archon ignored her utterly, but other man smiled as if he knew perfectly well hed been overheard.
Have a seat, brother, he offered facetiously.
She leaned onto the table, satisfied with the way it creaked under her weight, and perfectly content that he thought she was male. Her voice in dwarf form was rough and sounded alien as she forced the vocal apparatus to form sounds it was never intended for. The warshade... who is it?
Whats it to you? Need a girlfriend?
She slammed her fist onto the table top. The Archon simply lifted his glass and held it, but the other man scowled as his beer tipped over. Tell me who it is!
One of the infamously discreet Pocket D bouncers appeared at her shoulder. Is there a problem?
The Archon stood abruptly. He drained off his drink and stepped away from the table. There is no problem, he stated unemotionally. He turned to face Neely. Young. Slender. Brunette. Theyve had her about 3 months, shes survived longer than almost any other. He walked nonchalantly away.
Neely stood hunched over the other man who was finally starting to look nervous, and then abruptly changed back to human and flew across the dance floor, down the elevator, and back out to Founders Falls.
So far so good on the Hero colors Sooner.
The Abrams is one of the most effective war machines on the planet. - R. Lee Ermy.
Q: How do you wreck an Abrams?
A: You crash into another one.
Sisters
Part III
a few years ago...
Neely possessed very few belongings other than her high school diploma. Her tiny shabby apartment defied all her attempts to make it look actually clean, but it was hers. One room - close to the bathroom she shared with the other apartments on this end of the floor - and only a hot plate to cook on. Her scant wardrobe fit perfectly into the narrow closet, and the ancient sofa bed was her main piece of furnishing. She had a tiny TV shed bought from a thrift store, and the rest of her wall space was filled with cinder block-and-plank shelves filled with paperbacks and tiny figurines of kittens.
Neely paused to brush one finger over the one framed picture. It was a snapshot of Neely with her sister at the age of 14, just one year before the ever rebellious Keely was taken to a group home for children with special needs. It was the last time Neely had seen or heard from her sister no matter how hard shed tried. She promised herself again to try harder to find her twin.
However, on that particular night, she had plans. She slipped out of her Up-and-Away uniform and stood staring into her closet trying to decide what to wear on an actual third date. Erich had already seen the blue dress, the black dress was too funereal, and the red skirt and blouse might look too much like she planned to invite him up. It was just dinner and a movie
maybe her best pair of jeans and a blouse?
She slipped into the jeans, pulled on a slightly faded but still very pretty blouse, slipped into a pair of sandals and ran out the door to meet Erich, who had swept her off her feet just two weeks ago and hadnt let her down yet.
---
Keely somehow managed to doze despite the bone rattling volume of the bass. She tucked her legs up underneath her body and let her head fall back on the plush back of the booth. Smoke filled the air, nearly masking the odor of stale beer and sweaty bodies. Keely let her head roll, her rich brown hair falling over her eyes. She blinked and looked through the curtain of her own hair at her new boyfriend, Avalanche. He was handsome in a rough sort of way, and she smiled as she listened to him retell the story of pummeling another young hero whod dared to set foot in his part of Steel Canyon. His fellow Outcasts laughed at the story theyd all heard before, but everyone knew that Avalanche was going to be big in the Outcasts and they all wanted to be in good with him when it happened.
He looked up and their eyes met. That exhilarating thrill went through her at the possessive look on his face. His lips curled in a smile and he moved over to sit by her, a proprietary hand slipping over her thigh. Then he resumed his story and Keely dozed again.
Now...
Neely packed a few changes of clothing in a bag and thought about who she could ask for help. Sooner Spirit? No.. She was like an overprotective mother to the Ghosts after the failed mission that cost the Ghosts Keely and nearly Glacius9 and Sooner Magic. No.. This would have to be done without Sooner Spirit ever knowing. And that meant her sister, Sooner Magic was out too. Her old teammates UPS and Strif? She smiled, remembering UPS threatening to throw her into an elevator and break the doors if she didnt stay back from a void slayer, and suspected UPS would vigorously oppose her plan. And if UPS didnt agree, no point talking to Strif. There was no way she would ask her old mentor Ahren to go back to the Rogue Isles - his face still bore the scars of his journey there, and his eyes were still haunted. Glacius? No.. If one Peacebringer would be hard to conceal, two would be like a flashing billboard.
She worked her way through the entire roster of senior Ghosts, and realized that she was on her own. Most of her friends would refuse out of concern for her, and the very few who might be willing she wasnt willing to lead into that danger.
But she had to tell them something... so she gathered up her bag, squared her shoulders, and flew to the base.
Sooner Spirit was there, and UPS. Celestial Nav sat with a worried expression on her pretty face, and Broken Shadow hovered nearby. Sooners face was skeptical, and UPS had that little frown line between his brows.
A leave of absence? Sooner finally asked. For how long?
A few weeks? A month? Neely shrugged, trying to be as casual as possible. I just need some time away to try to... resolve this.
UPS sat back with his arms crossed, as Sooner leaned forward. Of course.. Take all the time you need, but-
UPS stood abruptly, smacking his hands down on the table and pushing himself up. Neely waited for the outburst, but he just quietly asked, Where are you going?
She shrugged, unwilling to outright lie to her friends and teammates. Away from Paragon City...
Sooner nodded, obviously still troubled. One month.
And if youre not back, UPS added, Were comin lookin for ya.
Sisters
Part IV
a few years ago...
Neely was smiling and happy as she walked home from work. Even the lingering odor of the fryer hovering about her wasnt enough to squash her good mood. She had another date with Erich. Another! She liked him so much, and he was so handsome and kind. She could already imagine a life with him. A better life.
She remembered the first time theyd met. He had come into Up-and-Away during a slow time to order a drink, and ended up standing at the register and chatting with her for almost an hour. His eyes were so bright blue, and his hair a rich brown so dark it was almost black. Every time her boss would turn around to look, Erich ordered something else. By the time he left, after securing her promise for their first date, he had a half-dozen burgers, 4 fries, 3 fried pies, and a large box of chickin fries. She smiled again at the memory. Nothing like that had ever happened to her before. It was like a movie.
She rounded a corner and then stepped back quickly. There were four Council soldiers there, pushing a young man between them. She back-pedaled, trying to decide what to do even as the group came out of the narrow alley and rushed towards a parked van. Neely plastered herself back against the wall and tried to be as unobtrusive as possible.
The man they were taking was young, with bright red hair. He was obviously terrified, and his green eyes darted around the street as they opened the van doors. His eyes met Neelys suddenly, and he mouthed Help me! as they shoved him into the van. One of the council soldiers followed his line of sight and found Neely.
She actually didnt recognize him until he called her by name. Then it was as if his face snapped suddenly into focus. There were those bright blue eyes, under a council helmet. Her mouth dropped open in shock, and then Erich called her again.
She turned and fled, confused, angry, and frightened.
now....
Keely huddled in the back corner of her tiny cell. The ever present red light sapped her of her strength, her energy, her will. She drew herself up even tighter when she heard a noise, but it passed her by. This time. Next time... it might be him again. Or the demon. Or any of the lunatic minions who seemed to have no purpose other than tormenting her.
She glanced up at the sickly red glow of the light that kept her helpless, but it couldnt take her hope. Neely would come for her. She knew it. Neely would save her.
now...
Neely took her time leaving the base. She belonged there. It was her place. It was also the first place she remembered being happy with Keely. She wandered into the conference room and found the table where she always used to sit with her usual teammates, UPS, Strif, and Celestial Nav. She had the oddest feeling that she wouldnt see this room or her friends again. Not a feeling of foreboding, just the feeling that she needed to say goodbye.
Several Ghosts found her and wished her well, but the two she really wanted to find were nowhere to be seen. She was used to Ahren being elusive since his return from the Rogue Isles, but Glacius9 was usually easier to find.
On a hunch, she went to the roof, to the beautiful view of Founders Falls. It was Sooners favorite spot to think, and a few others had adopted the habit as well. And, sure enough, there was Glacius, leaning on the railing, staring out at the crystal blue water below.
Glacius, she called, and smiled when he turned. It was still both strange and comforting to have his familiar face around again. She walked to him and put her hand on his shoulder. I need to tell you something.
What is it, Neely? he asked.
It wasnt your fault, what happened to Keely. I know you blame yourself, and I know that there are a few others who may blame you as well.
But it is. I screwed up. If I hadnt, shed still be here.
Neely shook her head. If you hadnt gone.. She would still have been there. Nothing was going to stop her from going... nothing. For that matter, you couldnt have stopped Sooner Magic either. In fact, Im glad that she was with friends before... before it happened.
He shook his head, If I hadnt-
No. she broke in. No. She made that choice herself. Glacius, she-
Before Neely could continue, the door to the roof opened, and what appeared to be the majority of the membership of the Ghosts filed out onto the roof to say goodbye to Neely. She managed to exchange one last look with Glacius, and she was sure that even if she hadnt convinced him, at least he knew she didnt blame him.
Neely was kept busy hugging and shaking hands, saying goodbye after goodbye and exchanging well-wishes with more friends than she could count. But when it was over, and the crowd began to disperse, she still hadnt seen Ahren. She finally resigned herself and approached her old friend UPS. Please tell Ahren I said goodbye, she offered.
Tell him yourself, UPS said with a smile and a nod.
Neely glanced over her shoulder and smiled with the familiar combination of fondness and sadness she felt whenever she saw her onetime mentor and longtime friend. He had been such a strong, handsome man. Now his face was scarred from his captivity and his once vibrant personality was withdrawn and quiet. He was still, and always would be her friend, but not the same man she first knew.
She turned to him, and offered her hand. Ill miss you, Ahren, she said.
Taking some time away, are you? he asked. He took her offered hand. Be careful, and come back safe.
Then he gave her the shock of her life by pulling her into a rough hug. She stared, wide eyed over his shoulder and then jumped again at a sudden spark of static from where his hand touched her back. Just as she got over her shock enough to hug him back, he released her, and said again, Be careful.
A few of Neelys closest friends remained on the roof as she flared into brilliant white light and flew away. They watched until she was just a spark in the fading twilight. Then UPS crossed his arms, and looked over at Ahren. Shes headed to the Rogue Isles?
Ici jumped up with a indignant squeak. What? We have to stop her!
UPS snorted. Have you ever tried to stop that woman from doing exactly what she wanted to do? Cant be done.
But shell get killed! Ici protested again.
Ahren smiled then, and held up a small handheld monitor glowing green. Shell have angels watching over her. He smiled more broadly. Or, at least, Ghosts.
Sisters
Part V
a few years ago....
Neely sat in the dark in her tiny apartment. She didnt know where else to go. Erich had come by and knocked at her door while calling her name, but she didnt answer. She didnt get really frightened until she saw a shadow move on the fire escape. Someone was trying to look in, but the drapes were closed, and whoever it was went away. Then someone picked the lock, but Neely had applied a chain and three different types of security bolts, so the door opened a few inches and then no more. She heard a mumbled curse, which might have been Erich, and then the door was pulled closed again. Now she was trapped, and didnt even dare peek out the window.
None of it made any sense. The idea that Erich was a member of some sort of evil militia was ridiculous enough, but for him to keep pursing her this way, spying on her, picking locks... those werent the actions of a spurned boyfriend, they were the actions of a person who wanted something... badly.
---
Keely loved Avalanches noisy old car. She didnt love it when she was crammed in with Avalanche and all his friends. There was no room, it wasnt comfortable, and she liked it better when she had her boyfriends full attention. When his friends were around, he was different.
So.. She snuggled up to him and whispered Lets dump these losers and go someplace fun.
He turned a big smile on her. Oh, were goin someplace fun, all right. His friends laughed and Keely scowled.
Where are we going? And cant we have... like... a date without Spanky and the gang?
They laughed again, and the look on Avalanches face made her stomach tie up in knots. Was he going to dump her?
Well, babe, he said, I dont know that its gonna be much fun for you... But Im gonna enjoy my payday.
What are you talking about? Keely turned to glare at the outcasts still laughing at every word either of them said. Shut up, you idiots!
That was when he hit her. A casual backhand blow that snapped her head back. She tasted blood. It took her a second to come back to herself, and it was a second she didnt have. By the time she was able to move again, the outcasts had dragged her into the back seat and tied her wrists and ankles, then shoved her to the floor. And some of them werent being careful with their hands.
She began a screaming tirade, fear masked as anger, until they yanked her head back and shoved a bandana in her mouth and tied it in place too.
Dont hurt her, now Avalanche said. I dont get paid as much if shes hurt. And hands off! Keely curled up under their feet, still fighting uselessly to get free and battling her terror.
The big V8 engine opened up and Avalanche sped through a tunnel that opened up into the night sky of Steel Canyon. Avalanche relaxed when he drove, and Keely could see his elbow peek over the back of the big bench seat as he began to talk again. Dont know what they want you for, babe, but you sure did make it easy. Pick you up? There you were, in that bar, just waiting for someone like me. Get to know you? Hell.. .youre just waitin to spill your life story to anyone wholl listen. Turn you over to them? Well.. Here you are, all tied up like a nice little package ready to be delivered. All I gotta do now is collect my pay. He just laughed as she began cursing incoherently at him through the crude gag. Just a lonely little girl, lookin for a father figure.
The big old car pulled over and came to a stop. Avalanche turned to peer at her over the top of the seat. End of the line, babe, he said with an infuriating smile.
The doors opened and Avalanche and his outcasts clambered out, leaving Keely in the floor of the backseat. She craned her head around to look out and saw a small group of uniformed men - Council. One leaned in, and examined her, his blue eyes cold. He straightened again and glanced at Avalanche. She really does look just like a brunette version of her sister. Keelys head snapped up at the mention of her sister. And the blue-eyed council man looked back at her. Dont worry, Keely. You and Neely will be reunited very soon. He gestured at the other three and they leaned in to drag Keely out. She kicked and fought, screaming past the gag, but they dragged her out of the car and into the unobtrusive door of the nearby warehouse.
---
Neely jumped when the phone rang. Earlier, it had been going off every fifteen minutes or so all night, but it hadnt rang at all for nearly an hour. The answering machine picked up after four rings, and then there was a long silence. She already had a half dozen messages from Erich, so she wasnt surprised when his voice came over the line.
Neely? Neely? Come on, I know youre there. This isnt what you think. Just talk to me. Please, and let me try to explain. This is important. Ok.. I went in there that day specifically to find you. We had information about you and your sister that you might be a danger.. Or in danger.
Neelys head snapped around at the mention of her sister. She reached for the phone, but then deliberately put her hand back down. She wanted to see what else he might reveal.
I sought you out, and got to know you, and realized that you werent any kind of threat. But you do have.. characteristics that could make you a target. You have to come out and let us protect you. I can take you to your sister. He fell silent, and Neely held her breath as if he might be able to hear her if she moved at all. Call me, Neely. Let me help you. Another long pause, and then he hung up.
Neely sat there in her chair, trying to figure out what to do. What if he was telling the truth and he was trying to protect her from something? What if her instincts were right and he wanted something from her? Wanted it enough to spend weeks setting it up? What if he could take her, finally, to Keely? Wouldnt anything be worth that? She sat curled up in her chair, trying to make sense of what had happened to her life.
now...
Ici flew to the top of a rickety fire escape on the side of a dilapidated building. She landed lightly, ready to take flight again if it wouldnt support her weight, but it seemed solid enough.
This little corner of the War Zone showed signs of the ravages of the still on going Rikti war, but seemed to be free of Rikti activity at that moment. It was remarkably quiet, the temperature was pleasantly warm, with a delightfully cool breeze gusting sporadically.
Ici hunkered down on the metal ledge and concentrated on controlling the temperature around her. With a little effort she could create a fog around herself that rendered her very difficult to see. When she was confident that no one would see her who didn't know where to find her, she settled in to wait.
The longer she waited, the worse the knot grew in her stomach. This would be the first time she'd been alone with Bounty-Killer since they escaped from Oranbega. There had been that terrifying time that they had worked together for Vanguard's Lady Grey, but they had been surrounded by six others, and she hadn't dared ask him the questions that filled her brain.
She heard a noise, dismissed it as the whoosh of a bird taking flight, and then jumped and let out an embarrassing squeal as a strong, warm hand pressed into her neck. She was preparing a blast of ice even as she recognized the voice that said, "You should be more careful. There are dangerous... creatures about."
"Bounty-Killer!" she exclaimed. She wanted to jump up and hug him but she was suddenly awkward. He faded into view, and she couldn't help but smile to see his face again. It was a handsome face, with expressive almond eyes, skin quite a bit darker than her own, and a European cast to his features. That above a body with the build of a dancer, set off handsomely by the red shirt he wore under a billowing trenchcoat.
There was a long, awkward pause, then they spoke together. "You needed me?" he asked, as she said, "Thank you for coming."
The silence stretched again, then Bounty-Killer turned, glanced in the window behind them and said, "perhaps we could talk someplace less exposed?"
The window was intact, and slid open easily, two surprises. He gestured for her to enter first, and then stepped in behind her.
Bounty-Killer hid his smile as he entered. When Ici ducked into the window, he caught a quick glimpse down the neckline of her school girl uniform. He recognized the colorful design on the scrap of silk tucked inside, and was touched that she kept it close to her heart. He quickly squashed the feeling, however. There was no possibility of a relationship with this woman. None. still, he found her even more intriguing now, in the full strength of her power, than when she'd been been without powers and going forward on nothing more than determination.
They stood in silence for a moment, then Ici glanced around. He hid his smile at the moment she realized they were in a bedroom - a bedroom in remarkably good shape. Her blush was strikingly apparent on her pale skin. To defuse the tension, he sat down on the bed, clasped his hands and asked, "What did you need?"
She drew a quick bracing breath before speaking. "I am very worried about one of my fellow Ghosts. Do you know who Neely is?"
He considered for a moment before answering, "Peacebringer, female, blonde. Has a sister who is a warshade?"
She nodded before correcting, "Had a sister. She's dead. Well... we thought she was dead. She may be..." Ici paused, and he could see she was struggling with some emotion. Fear? "She may have been captured by the Shades of Vengeance."
He didn't bother to hide his wince at that. The dread fates that had befallen captives of the Shades we're legendary. And they had a special reputation where Kheldians were concerned.
"I'm sorry to hear that," he offered. "Were you close?"
"She was a Ghost," Ici answered flatly, and he nodded, taking her meaning. Ici paused again, apparently gathering her thoughts, before continuing. "It's been months. We thought she was dead. Then Neely heard a rumor... she took off..." another pause, "We're so afraid she's gone to the Rogue Isles."
"And that they'll both be taken." He nodded. "And you want me to do what?"
"Watch for her. Help her. She's powerful... but by herself, she's no match for them.. in their base."
He arched a brow. 'You want me to help a hero in the Rogue Isles? Help her do what?"
Ici's face darkened with emotion. "Not get killed? Get out of there? Get home?"
"I can keep an eye out for her,"' he said with a nod, "but do you have any idea what the bounty is that the Shades are offering for a kheldian?"
She blinked. "You want me to pay you?"
"I may not be only one watching for her," he said. "Peacebringers are not exactly known to be unobtrusive." He smiled bitterly at her expression. "I don't want your money, because I don't take a job that I don't have confidence I can complete. If I see her, I'll do what I can. But if she's in the Rogue Isles, she's in more danger than one man may be able to help her out of."
Ici sighed, a wavering sigh, and sank to the floor. Against his better judgement, he reached out to touch her, and the shock as his hand pressed into her pale skin made them both jump.
"I.... should go," Ici muttered.
Ici dozed, warm, safe, content. She woke slowly, relishing the feel of one strong arm flung across her belly. She opened her eyes slowly. She felt a warmth come over her as deep inside she knew the level of trust it implied that this man was asleep with her there. Then, just like that, his eyes opened and he gazed back at her.
They were frozen that way for a long moment, then they were interrupted by that horrible, whistling shriek just before a Rikti appeared in the room, its black armor gleaming with green light that cast the abandoned room into long and strange shadows.
Bounty-Killer was up a long moment before she was with his sword appearing in his hand. Ici clambered to her feet and jumped, preparing to fly near the ceiling. The Rikti unlimbered his gun and fired directly into Ici's chest. She flew back and slammed into the wall behind her, dimly aware of BK's enraged roar.
She'd seen him fight like a dancer and she'd seen him fight like a boxer on punch from being KO'd, but she'd never seen him fight like a wild beast. She was stunned by the ferocity of it as she regained her feet. Movement caught her eye, and she saw more Rikti outside on the fire escape.
She shook her loose hair out of her eyes and, with a moments thought, she summoned an ice storm outside the window. She smiled as the Rikti fled. She turned her attention to the one remaining in the room. She pelted it with blast after blast of ice until she finally encased it completely. She saw BK go down into a crouch, then lunge forward, spitting the Rikti like a bug on a collectors pin.
It collapsed between them and now the awkwardness was back. They gathered their belongings, neither willing to speak what they knew to true.
Ici trailed the colorful scarf between her fingers, and Bounty-Killer's eyes followed it as she tucked it back inside her shirt. She straightened, cleared her throat. He looked at her, appearing calm and expectant.
"So... um... you'll watch for her? Neely?"
He nodded. "I'll do what I can."
Silence descended again. Ici shifted from foot to foot. "I... should go." She ducked her eyes and turned toward the window, then twirled and ran to him. She grabbed his face in her hands and kissed him, very thoroughly, before turning again and fleeing out the window.
She didn't look back, and now, as she headed back home, reality slammed back into her, and she cried hot, bitter tears as she flew.
Sisters
Part VI
Now....
UPS stuck his head into the library and found Ahren there, reading a book titled December 7th, at Dawn. The monitor was sitting beside him, blinking comfortingly.
Ahren... theyre ready. Theyre ready now., UPS said.
Ahren looked up, startled. Now? I thought it would be next week
Weve got 36 hours before they expire and we have to try to create a new batch. UPS looked significantly at the monitor.
Shes still in Paragon City. Ahren said. How long if we have to try again?
At least a month. Possibly longer. UPS shrugged. We can start over... or you can leave the monitor with a Ghost. If she gets into trouble and we need to stop... we can wait another month.
Ahren considered, glancing at the monitor again, and then nodded. I think I know just the Ghost.
a few years ago....
Neely actually managed to doze off in her chair when the phone woke her again. It was Erich, of course. Shed learned that the phone only worked when he wanted to call. When she tried to call out, it was dead. It only rang when he called.
The answering machine clicked, and then Erichs voice came over the line again. Neely... were running out of time. Please pick up. Neely just tucked her legs up and hugged herself. Im been trying to hold them off, but they are going to come in after you, and soon. I keep telling them youre not a threat, but the longer you refuse to come out, the harder it is to convince them. Neely, if you dont come out.. People could get hurt. he paused, then spoke in a near whisper. Theyre going to hurt your sister, Neely. If you dont come out, theyre going to do something bad to her... call me, please.
Neely sat quietly for a long moment. A part of her wanted to curl up and cry, but she had been trapped in her own home for hours and now they were threatening her sister. Crying would do nothing to solve her problem. It was time to act.
She stood and strode to the tiny closet, pulled the curtain aside, and carelessly yanked the hangers from the rod, dropping the neatly hung clothing on the floor. She grabbed the footstool neatly leaning against the wall in the kitchen, opened it, and climbed up to the top step. She reached overhead, pushed a plywood panel aside, and then pulled herself up into the ceiling over the closet.
She took a minute to orient herself, and then headed off to the direction she believed would take her to the one empty apartment on this floor. Whether by design or oversight this crawlspace provided access to every apartment. Many tenants had taken to padlocking the panel shut, and Neely had intended to do the same, as soon as she saved up a few dollars for the lock and hardware.
She counted as she crawled, turned to the right, and counted more. After just a few minutes, her skin was itching horribly from the insulation. It was hot and dusty and she struggled not to sneeze and give herself away. As she moved carefully over peoples homes, she passed an interesting assortment of items stored in the dark space above the closets: Luggage, a stack of neatly folded and flattened cardboard boxes, a full box overstuffed with contents and labeled fat clothes, and a collection of outdated computer equipment including a dirty and stained box marked Apple 2e+
Finally she reached the panel she was looking for and, with her breath held in case shed miscounted, carefully slid the panel aside. She sighed with relief at the empty apartment she saw below and dropped down. The apartment had been thoroughly trashed by its previous occupants and the super hadnt gotten around to cleaning it yet.
She remained in a crouch, ignoring the dirt and debris around her, and listened for any sign that her escape had been discovered. She crept, as silently as possible, and peered out the peephole into the hall. Sure enough, there was a man leaning casually against the wall, appearing to read a newspaper. He wasnt wearing a uniform, but something about his bearing screamed of military training. She had no doubt he was council, and the fact that kept glancing at her apartment door just added weight to her suspicions.
She turned back to the room and headed for the fire escape. That was the moment that her life changed forever.
The room erupted into a blinding blaze of white-blue light. There was something moving in the center, but she could barely see it past the light.
A voice spoke, directly into her head: Yes, you are the one I have sought.
Only a finely tuned urge to survive this night kept her from screaming. She did drop to the ground and throw one hand up to try to shield her eyes.
Do not be frightened. I will not harm you.. I need your help, as you need mine.
Help? she asked. I can barely help myself. How can I help you?
Join with me. Together we will be strong. We will be more powerful than our enemies. Your sibling desperately needs your help. You desperately need my help. And once you and she are safe, you and I together can combat the ancient enemy of my people - the nictus.
And then she understood. Shed read about Kheldians in the newspaper. Seen footage of them on TV. She gasped... realizing exactly what was being offered, and asked. She would be a Hero. She would have powers, but she would be expected to behave as a hero. And really.. It was no choice at all.
Yes! she said. Yes! I gladly accept! She stood, threw her arms open as if welcoming an old friend, and invited the Peacebringer in.
The bright light vanished and it felt as if shed just received the strongest electric shock of her life. It startled a cry from her and she stumbled back as the light flared again inside her very soul. The union of two minds was confusing, frightening, and wonderful. She remembered flying between the stars. She remembered battling nictus on a hundred different worlds. She felt the symbiotes pain as it relieved her childhood. Their two minds joined into one, with a shared determination to find Keely. They knew where she was. They knew where she and several others were being held. They knew the evil that was being perpetrated there.
Now...
Ahren had been many things in his life. He had been a Peacebringer until that was taken from him. He had been a hero, a prisoner, and a hero again. He had taken up a rifle and mastered traps. He was soon to put those weapons aside and take on a new hero role. The one thing he had never stopped being was a teacher.
UPS watched as Ahren carefully and thoughtfully instructed a young hero, Crimson Blaydes, in the use of the small monitor.
Shes got the skin tag, he instructed, but also a bigger tag in her bag. The bigger one sends out a stronger signal, but the skin tag cant be dropped or left behind. So, you need to check both of them. How do you switch from one to the other?
This button, Blaydes replied.
Very good. the teacher nodded. You have our contact information. If she goes anywhere near the Rogue Isles, you call us. Immediately.
Blaydes smiled, delighted with the responsibility, and nodded, Yes sir!
UPS and Ahren headed out of the base and Blaydes settled in to watch over Neely.
A few years ago...
Keely landed hard on her hands and knees but sprang back to her feet and jumped at the door just as it slammed shut. Dammit!!! she screamed and began to pound on the door with her fists. You freaks! You sick freaks! You.... you deviants! You cant leave me here! Get back here! Get back here! She pounded until her fists hurt, then screamed wordlessly at the door before turning to survey the room.
It was small and dark, with a single, narrow bed. There was no window besides the one in the door that was also the only source of light. It was too terrifying to even contemplate.
She drew in a trembling breath, and another. She looked down at the thin hospital gown that was all she had to wear and then at the band at her wrist that looked deceptively like a hospital band, but which no amount of pulling could remove. It was blue, and marked with the legend KHC96% She tugged at it a few more times, with the same result. She was bruised at wrist and ankle, and wasnt sure if it was from the ties the Outcasts had used on her, or from the exam table the Council had strapped her to. The crook of her right elbow was bruised as well, from where theyd drawn tube after tube of her blood, and she still had the sticky residue from EEG and EKG leads on her head, chest, and sides. Her mind shied away from remembering the clinical and thorough physical exam shed been given.
She heard a noise from outside the room and ran to peer out the tiny window. Two council soldiers were dragging a red-haired young man between them. The captive was wearing a gown and a wristband like Keelys and his face was terrified. They tossed him into the cell across from Keelys and slammed the door. A moment later his face appeared in the window. Keely couldnt hear him, but she could see his mouth moving. His green eyes held onto hers with desperation, but there was nothing she could do to help either of them.
She turned back to the shadows of her room and finally flopped down on the bed. She threw an arm over her eyes and tried to figure a way out of here. There had to be a way. And what about Neely? That man had said Neely would be here soon. She was filled with a longing so powerful it was painful to just see her sister again.
The quality of the light changed in the room and she cautiously raised her head. She bolted upright when she realized the shadows were moving in the room. She backed into a corner, trying to make sense of the purple and blue swirling shadows in the tiny room.
Join me... a voice spoke directly into her head. Join me. Help me.
Keely battled down her fear and yelled, Get out of my head! Get out!
You need me, the voice answered. You need my help, as I need you. Join me. We are alike. Regrets, desires, wishes.. Things we cannot change. Join me. We cant change our past, but we can make a better future.
NO! she screamed. No no no! Get out get out get out!
The voice sounded confused. You are right for me. I am right for you. We need each other. Together, we can escape this evil place and use our power to make this world better. Your sibling is in danger. Together, we can help her. Apart... You will die here, and I may die before I find another host.
She threw her hands up, blocking the swirling shadows from view. NO! she screamed again.
The shadows shifted. There was silence in her head. Then the voice spoke again, full of regret. Farewell, then.
The shadows began to lift away. Keely watched them go and thought about her first evening as a guest of the council. She thought about Neely being in danger. She thought about spending the rest of her life trapped in this little room.
She flung out her hands again, this time reaching for the fading shadows. Wait! Wait, come back!
For a long, terrifying moment there was no response. Then the purple and blue swirling tendrils seeped back into the room.
Yes? It spoke. You... called me back? She could hear hope and wariness in its mental voice.
Neelys in danger? she asked.
Very grave danger. It answered.
And you can help me get out of here?
Together, we can escape. It paused. A long pause. Join me?
Keely was more afraid at that moment than shed ever been, including the last horrible 24 hours. Nonetheless, she opened her arms to the swirling darkness and said, Yes, Ill join you.
The colors seemed to contract, and then the voice spoke in her head one more time. This may be painful. Then it vanished.
Keely was suddenly overcome with feeling of regret, guilt, and sorrow so powerful it dropped her to her knees. She sobbed as she remembered causing pain and death to those who didnt deserve it. She remembered the moment she resolved to become a warshade and begin to attempt to make up for the pain shed caused. She felt the warshades pain as it experienced the fire that had cost her home and her family, the neglect, the hope as she and her sister were taken from home to home and then the pain and loneliness of being taken from her sister and losing the last family she had.
And then it was over. The storm of emotion passed, and they climbed to their feet.
Sisters
Part VII
Now...
Neely was finally ready. She had a couple changes of clothing shed picked up from a thrift shop and she neatly folded them and placed them in the bag. She hefted the bag and was unhappy with the way it felt. Too bulky. She sighed and unpacked it, trying to eliminate anything else. Then, down at the very bottom, she felt something hard. She pulled it out and frowned at it. A small, clear plastic cube filled with circuitry.
Ahren... she muttered. Or maybe UPS. She still remembered that surprising hug. Either Ahren placed this himself during the hug, or UPS took advantage of her surprise to drop it in her bag. She bounced the cube on her palm a few times, then stuck it in her pocket and continued to pack.
When she was satisfied with her packing, she took a last look in the mirror. She had taken a minimalistic approach to disguise, dressing like a lower-class citizen with old, baggy clothes and worn shoes. Shed considered dying her blonde hair, but decided there were certainly blondes in the Rogue Isles and so just pulled a stocking cap over it to hide it partially. She reminded herself again not to use any powers while there if she could avoid it, as any display of kheldian powers would be a beacon to villains everywhere. She nodded at her reflection, and headed for the docks.
She detoured from her plans to head to the cruise ships. She thought she remembered a cruise ship pulled out most weekdays in the early evening, and, in fact, there one was. All decked out with streamers and lights as families eagerly boarded for their vacations. She spotted a family with luggage digging through their papers and approached with a friendly smile.
Where are you headed? she asked.
The wife looked over with a distracted smile. The Caribbean. If he can ever find the tickets.
Oh! That should be so fun! Neely smiled even brighter. Be sure you get your hair braided while youre there!
The family laughed politely, and Neely turned away, stumbling and falling to her knees amongst the luggage. She pushed herself up, dusted off herself off, and laughed. Im alright! Im alright. So sorry. Enjoy your trip!
She strode away, leaving the tiny plastic cube to sail to the Caribbean.
Neely left the clean, tourist-friendly piers that hosted towering cruise ships and headed for the weathered and heavily worn commercial docks flanked by rusting old container ships, creaking oilers and foul-smelling fishing boats. She had a pre-arrangement with the captain of a fishing boat, and had to hurry... the diversion to the cruise ship had cost her time she hadnt planned for.
She was pleased when the captain didnt immediately recognize her when she arrived, but when he did he twisted his lined face into a scowl and barked, Youre late!
Im here now, she answered.
Get aboard, then! he barked.
---
UPS nearly ignored the phone when it rang. The procedure was not going well. Ahren had spiked a high fever, and the meta-human specialist doctor was standing over him, watching monitors, adjusting fluid rates, and administering medications. UPS was standing by to answer any questions about the nanites, but he had done all he could, and now it was up to the doctor. UPS had watched enough doctors work to know when the doctor looked worried, those who cared about the patient should be worried indeed. However, UPS had more than one friend on his mind that day, so he turned and snatched up the phone.
This is not a good time, he answered gruffly.
Its Crimson Blaydes, a meek voice answered.
Shes gone, hasnt she?
Well.. She went to the docks, and shes headed south, by sea.
South? What the hell is she doing going south? That answer was unexpected enough to distract him from watching the doctor work. And even Ahren, his face flush with fever, glanced over.
I checked some schedules, and, sir, I think shes on a cruise ship.
Shes on a cruise ship. UPS shook his head, Did you check both- At that moment Ahrens body arched painfully, the doctor inhaled sharply, and UPS cursed under his breath. Call me if anything changes. And slammed down the phone.
---
Neely tried to look as if she belonged as she stepped off the ship onto the docks of the Nerva Archipelago. She dropped her head to look at the ground in front of her feet and adopted a weary attitude as if she had just enough energy to make it home. In her mind, she was envisioning the map in the Ghosts intelligence files that approximated the location of the Shades base. She headed north.
---
Bounty-Killers left hand fiddled with the scrap of paper in the pocket of his trenchcoat, restlessly folding and unfolding the note containing a date, a time, a name, and a location. The timing bothered him. Usually he brushed aside things that preyed on his mind, that distracted him, but this... he just couldnt put aside.
He had no sooner returned to the Rogue Isles, from meeting with Ici Cold, than he was contacted by a broker and offered the note. It was a request for his presence, on this date, to meet Ebony Rose, the techowizard who shared leadership of the Shades of Vengeance with Shattered Ice9. A powerful woman in the Rogue Isles, a woman with many connections and many sources of information.
He arrived considerably earlier than he was expected, as was his habit whenever possible, and headed for a nearby coffee house with a view - albeit a long one - of the main entrance. It was a pretty day in Nerva, with the sun out and a cool breeze. A very nice day to sit out on the patio and enjoy a hot tea. And, of course, observe the base of a powerful villain group.
He acquired his drink and turned to survey the patio. He would not be alone, he regretfully observed, a woman of indeterminate age was sitting there as well, nursing a coffee and facing out towards the ocean. From behind, all he could see was her baggy, faded clothes, stocking cap, and tufts of blonde hair dangling to her shoulders. As he watched, she shifted a bit in her seat, stretched, and glanced over her shoulder - giving him her profile for a brief moment-before settling back in a comfortable slouch. He set his drink aside and faded from view.
---
Neely sat quietly, eyes half closed, appearing to be dozing. She had identified the main entrance to the Shades base, currently guarded by two burly men lounging with exaggerated casualness against the entry-way. Despite her reputation for exuberant confidence in her own abilities, Neely had no illusions about her ability to break into the Shades base through their front door. That, she knew, would only accomplish giving them another kheldian to experiment on. For now, she was merely observing, gathering data, and coming up with a plan.
Her only warning of danger was a faint metallic sliding sound, and then the very sharp tip of a knife was jabbing her painfully just below her shoulder blades. She gasped, jumped, then held very still, reminding herself NOT to flare into kheldian energy... just yet.
And just like that, a rich voice spoke from behind, Youre dead. You... should go home. Before someone else finds you.
What do you want? she asked. She remained still. The fact that whoever it was hadnt killed her was a good sign, the fact that he hadnt raised an alarm was another. She took a relieved breath when the knife was withdrawn, flexed her shoulder, and took a carefully casual sip of her coffee.
The man who stepped around and took a seat at her table looked familiar, but she couldnt place him immediately. He was attractive, but oozed danger. His almond eyes were alert, and she noticed that he slid his chair around so that he too was facing the entrance to the Shades base.
I want you to go home. he answered, and took a sip of his drink.
She frowned at him, becoming exasperated. Who ARE you? And who are you to tell me I cant have a cup of coffee on my way home from work?
This is not the time for games. I know who you are. I know why youre here. Go home. Youll accomplish nothing here but your own death. Or worse.
Neely leaned closer to him and pitched her voice low, but still intense. They have my sister! And I am not leaving without her.
He shook his head, You will accomplish nothing by trying to get in there. You will not help your sister and your best hope is that you yourself wouldnt be captured as well.
Her face set in a stubborn expression that any of her friends would recognize as meaning that conversation was hopeless. Im not leaving as long as my sister is alive and trapped in there.
Your funeral, he said with a shrug. He drained off his tea, set down the cup and stood.
Wait! Where are you going? she asked.
I have a meeting. It may be about you. The comment stunned her into silence. Dont do anything until I come back. Will you do that?
She still felt the chill from his words singing along her nerves, and just nodded. As he left, the trenchcoat swirling around his ankles, she got up and ordered another coffee. She sat back down, took her first sip, and nearly spit it out as she suddenly remembered his face from the Ghosts intelligence files as one of the most notorious assassins and mercenaries in the Rogue Isles.
Sisters
Part VIII
a few years ago...
Neely stepped out onto the rusty fire escape and looked up into the starry night sky. Part of her remembered the exhilaration of flying, but part of her was terrified she was about to fall to her death. She fixed an image of her twin firmly in her mind, focused on it, then jumped into the cool night air. Gravity grabbed her body and yanked her down. She gasped in a lungful of air, and then expelled it in a surprised shout when energy rushed through her skin and suddenly she was rocketing into the sky surrounded in a bright glow of purest white light. It was the most incredible feeling. She was a bright spark of energy shooting across the sky of Kings Row. She laughed aloud, for that moment forgetting the crazy afternoon and night of fear as she flew joyously into the pre-dawn morning. It was a cold night, but the energy that suffused her body kept her warm.
She banked into the train station, more out of habit than necessity, for a quick ride to Steel Canyon, then shot back out into the dark sky over the tall, gleaming offices and apartments of Steel Canyon where her kheldian half told her she would find Keely. She flew high into the night sky, relishing the sensation of the cool night air rushing past her skin and ruffling through her hair. It was odd... Experiencing something for the first time she remembered doing all her life. She knew that soon their two minds would meld firmly into one, but for now there was still an interesting duality as they learned things from one another that they already knew.
She landed with a bit of a stumble on a rooftop overlooking a run-down warehouse. This is it? She thought to herself, and then realized that she knew there were 11 captives in there, each an excellent candidate to be a kheldian host, and that she would be the twelfth if she failed. She remembered sensing them, and being drawn to them, but knowing that there was a more perfect host waiting.
She shook her head as the dual-thinking became confusing, and crouched to study the door that appeared to lead into what would be the office part of the warehouse. Part of her was terrified at the idea of just running into a group of armed soldiers, but part was quite confident that she could manage it. With a last, shaky, inhaled breath, she lifted into flight again, and landed lighted at the door.
What happened next remained a blur of frenetic activity. Her Kheldian half flared within her and she was surrounded by a bubble of shimmering energy. Encouraged by the alien thoughts within, she leaned back and kicked in the door in front of her. It shattered inwards, and the two uniformed soldiers inside reacted instantly, their guns blazing. She watched as several bullets bounced off her glowing shield. She felt the rush of battle overwhelm her for the first time, and the thousandth time and she let out a shout of challenge. A beam of pure energy fired from her eyes, and she followed up by a bolt from her palms. The first soldier fell and the second turned to run; to raise an alarm. She leapt towards him and finished him off with solid punch. She felt her face break into a smile. She had never felt powerful before. She liked it.
Driven by will and instinct, she blazed a path through the council. She did have to retreat a few times when they began to outnumber her, but she was stunned at how fast her injuries healed and she was back on the attack after just a few moments to catch her breath.
Then, abruptly the last gun stopped firing and it was silent in the huge warehouse. Neely looked all around, but there was no activity, no noise, no men shouting, no weapons firing.
What? Where? she said aloud, confused, but then the answer was there, in her head. Below. They are below.
She flew through the now empty warehouse, seeking a clue for how to proceed. She became more and more frantic with worry before she finally spotted a carefully concealed door behind a paletted stack of boxes. She pushed the nearby button, and the door slid open. We must be careful, she thought, and stepped into the elevator.
She entered a scene of chaos. The base no longer bore any resemblance to an old warehouse, this was a sleek, modern base. There were Council soldiers running everywhere with no apparent leadership. Some men were fleeing, some were fighting, none were working together. And over it all was an odd, percussive humming sound, and a young woman roaring challenge.
Neelys two halves spoke together. As the human half yelled aloud, KEELY! the kheldian half thought, with a twinge of uncertainty, Warshade.
Neely flew towards the sound, picking off Council targets as she went. She found her way to an elaborate lab, with three examination tables, each with ominous restraints. Numerous pieces of scientific or medical equipment were stored along the walls. The room was neat, efficient, and organized, except for the brown haired young woman, surrounded by a nimbus of blue and purple tendrils and wearing only a hospital gown, who was systematically destroying everything she touched.
Neely skidded to a halt, landed, and screamed out, Keely! Keely! The warshade turned and their identical blue eyes met. For a split second, an identical expression of distrust flared over each face, then the human halves of the newly bonded pairs pushed the ancient feelings aside and ran to embrace each other. They hugged and babbled joyously at each other, but their reunion was cut short by a trio of soldiers. In near unison the sisters turned and fired energy from their eyes, a beam of pure blue-white speared one soldier, while a blue-purple beam struck another. As their first targets fell, they turned and fired together on the third.
Neely was jubilant. To have finally found her twin again, and now to be fighting with her, they were both safe, and now they would both be Heroes. First we must safely escape, she thought, but she had no doubt. Finally together with her sister, after so long, she knew nothing would ever separate them again.
The pair held off a small but concerted attack on the lab, and then there was quiet again. Neely turned back to her sister, but then her attention was captured by a file that had fallen on the floor. Poking out of it was a photograph of Neelys face. She crouched and picked up the file which was labeled Kheldian Host Candidate Identification Project. A chill rocketed through both her halves. Inside, she found several more photos of herself, page after page of indecipherable scientific jargon, and a heavy wristband which had been imprinted with KHC98%.
98%? she mumbled aloud. You are nearly perfect, the alien voice answered.
She frowned down at the file until Keely suddenly snatched it from her hands. Help me! she insisted. Dont let them do this to anyone else! Keely ripped the file in half, threw it down, and stomped on it.
Neely just stared, stunned, for a few moments. Her eyes were drawn to the dark, purpling bands of bruises on Keelys wrists and ankles, the bruising and swelling on her face, and the dark shadows at the bends of her elbows. Her gaze was drawn back to the restrains on the exam tables, and her face darkened as she realized at least some of what had happened to her sister. With a yell of her own, she kicked over one of the tables, and began enthusiastically aiding her sister in the utter destruction of that lab.
When there was not a single working piece of equipment left in the lab, the two finally rested. There hadnt been a sign of council activity for several minutes, and the lab was as destroyed as it could get with the building still standing.
Can we go home now? Neely asked with a smile.
Keely shook her head, No.. There are others.
Others? Neely asked aloud, even as her inner voice reminded her, there were eleven captives. Where are they?
This way, Keely answered, and led the way.
The hall was lined with heavy doors, six on a side. The nearest room stood with the door open, another had the door blasted open. The very atmosphere was one of hopelessness and despair. From within the cells, she could faint sounds of people pounding on their doors and crying out. Neely peered into the open door, at the room she presumed at been set aside for her, and shuddered at the tiny, dim space that would slowly crush the soul held within. She looked up at her twin. You take left, Ill take right.
One by one, the sisters pounded down the heavy doors, releasing the captives within. And then, halfway down, across from the room Keely had blasted her way out of, Neely was nearly blinded by as bright white light flared inside the room. Ah.. Even we so rarely get to see the bonding of another. Neely peered in to see the red-haired young man - the young man shed seen Erich kidnap - on his knees, reaching his hands up to the bright light. The light flared suddenly, and rushed into the young man. He collapsed then, after a long moment, he rose to his feet. He met Neelys eyes and smiled. Then he and Neely together destroyed his cell door.
The newest kheldian introduced himself as Firesong... er.. Zach... er... Fire-
Neely smiled and told him, Youll get used to it.
With the third Kheldian along to help, they made short work of the remaining doors, rescuing 9 frightened humans, guarded by 3 determined Kheldians. Neely went from captive to captive quickly, checking the wristbands of each. She found the humans ranged from 85% to 92%, while Keely had been judged 96%, the red-head 95%, and her own rating of 98%.
She held the young mans hand while reading his wrist band and commented, They were onto something, werent they?
The three kheldians led the way out of the base. Neely noticed that every one of the captives seemed quite satisfied with the current condition of the destroyed lab as they passed it. As they neared the elevator, however, Neely stopped. The elevator was running.
Back.. Everyone back. she instructed. The group scurried back around a corner, and the three kheldians stood, waiting.
The door slid open, and a heavily armed group of Council soldiers stepped out. Neely didnt know the man in front, the man obviously in command, but over his shoulder, she could see Erich. His blue eyes met hers, and then widened at the flare of white kheldian energy surrounding her.
That is quite enough, the commander announced. He was a fit, middle aged man, obviously used to command. All of you, back to your rooms. Immediately, and there will be no reprisals. You three.. You will come with us.
Like hell! Keely yelled back.
Neely shook her head, No. Were leaving this place. ALL of us are leaving. And you wont be stopping us.
The commander sighed, as if bored by the whole thing, gestured, and said. Take them. Try not to kill the Kheldians.
Sir? Erich attempted to interrupt, but he was brushed aside, and the soldiers began to attack.
At first, Neely was distracted by the cries of fear from the rescued captives behind her, but then the need to keep moving, keep attacking, keep advancing overrode any other concerns. Neelys eyes were fixed on Erich as she fought her way across the room. He was engaged in some sort of argument with his commander. The commander was paying no attention to the conflict around him, and Neely realized suddenly that he must not understand that he might lose this fight. Erich, on the other hand seemed all too aware. As he argued, he kept watching everything. And then he noticed Neely, fighting her way towards him.
As Neely approached, the commanders voice rose even louder, and she could clearly hear him for the first time. Your objections have been heard, they have been noted, and they have been DISREGARDED! You think trained Council cant handle three brand new kheldians? Moretti, get your cowardly [censored] out of my base!
Erich met Neelys eyes, and then frowned back at the commander. Gladly, sir!
Neely let out a cry of rage as Erich disappeared onto the elevator and vanished. Zach! Keely! Over here!
I think Im going with Firesong, the red-head answered and began to fight his way to her.
The over-confident commander didnt seem to realize his danger until over half his men were down. The three kheldians were making short work of the Council, and only after he realized that all three were angling towards him did he even draw a weapon. By then, it was much too late for him. He fell, hard, under the blows of two angry peacebringers, and one enraged warshade.
Twelve people emerged from a nondescript, run down warehouse as the sun began to peek over the horizon. Neely led the way, while Keely and Firesong brought up the rear.
What happens now? Firesong asked.
Neely smiled, hugged her sister again, and said, Now.. The three of us go register to be Heroes.
I loved it, Sooner! I just found this and read it all in one sitting.
Together we entered a city of strangers, we made it a city of friends, and we leave it a City of Heroes. - Sweet_Sarah
BOYCOTT NCSoft (on Facebook)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/517513781597443/
Governments have fallen to the power of social media. Gaming companies can too.
Sisters
Part IX
now...
Bounty-killer approached the heavily reinforced metal door of the base of the Shades of Vengeance. The two men stationed outside the door were obviously there because of their impressive muscles and intimidating stature more than any other reason. As he approached, they both straightened up from their comfortable slouches and glowered at him.
The larger of the two, a bleached blond trying hard to look like Billy Idol with a severe anabolic steroid habit, stepped forward while the other, his black hair cropped into short, spiky mohawk, crossed his arms. Mohawks exaggerated muscles strained alarmingly at the sleeve hems of his tight black t-shirt.
You got business here, friend? the bleach job rumbled at him.
Im here to meet Ebony Rose, Bounty-Killer answered calmly, though the way the two exchanged glances increased his tension by a couple of notches. He tried to brush it aside, as was his habit, but his mind refused to rest easy.
Name?
Bounty-Killer. Now he hid a smile at the second, significantly more respectful glances the two exchanged.
Come on in, Mohawk said, and pushed the heavy door open.
Bounty-Killer was duly impressed by the high-tech, efficient base revealed inside. The entrance was guarded by automatic weaponry, some obvious, some a little more subtle. The lighting was dim and the air was cool. The entrance was surrounded by banners in deep red and black each bearing the black skull emblem of the Shades. It was the same emblem as the white skull that the Ghosts Reborn wore. He thought of Neely trying to get inside and shook his head. This base was a fortress... or a trap.
Come with me.
Bounty-Killer followed his guide through an impressive trophy room, past a picture window that looked out onto a beautiful rose garden. The plants that lived there thrived under the care of small gardening robots making their rounds as he watched.
They continued down a long corridor, then his guide stopped, and gestured at a staircase going down. Hes here! the man bellowed.
There was a long silence, then a light soprano voice rose up the staircase. Thank you. The tone spoke of careful patience. Send him down, please.
Shes down there. the man announced, then turned and strode back toward the entrance.
Bounty-Killer watched his guide march away, then made his way down the metal stairs into the basement workroom. He felt his unaccustomed level of unease ratcheting up with each step. The very air seemed to reek of fear and despair. The lighting down here was even more dim, and as more of the room came into view, he could see a metal table on which some sort of complicated device had been taken apart. Along one wall was an array of equipment obviously intended to cause human suffering; he had to force his gaze away from it. The far wall was lined with reinforced metal doors. He realized quickly he was looking at cells. Most of the cells were dark, but he did notice one had a sickly red light emanating from the tiny window.
He stepped down into the large basement room and his stomach lurched when he saw who was waiting for him. Ebony Rose was not alone. Shattered Ice9 was with her.
---
Keely pushed herself up off the cold floor, trying to remember what had happened, but she couldnt think past the gibbering in her head. Another beating? From the pain and the coppery taste in her mouth, she suspected so. She thought she remembered the demon standing in the doorway instructing a pair of villains as they stood over her. Or that might have been days ago.. It was so hard to remember, and the noise in her head was so loud. Images of alien worlds, starscapes, and strange people filled her mind, images of bad deaths, pain, suffering, like some sort of bad dream, chaotic images from a particularly pretentious music video. She couldnt think, couldnt remember. It was so loud.
She glanced up at the evil red light and abruptly started laughing. Her Kheldian half had been made helpless by the light. It had been under constant stimulation from void-slayer technology for... how long? Weeks? Days? Months?... Years? And now.. It had gone mad. She laughed even harder, until the laughing itself hurt. She had no idea what he wanted with her... but knew it was about her being kheldian. She wandered if he would still want her now that her Warshade half was raving insanities. A reformed nictus, now insane, lived in her in her head. And so she laughed.
But still, she knew it would all be ok. Neely would get her out of here. Neely would get her help, and her kheldian would be sane again. Neely would come for her.
---
As Bounty-Killers foot hit the floor, he took a moment to sternly take control of his rushing thoughts. He put Ici Cold away, he put Icis friend Neely away, he firmly put aside his concern that his guests knew he had talked recently to either, the fact that he was alone inside the base of another villain group, and reminded himself that he was here for a job. The job was the thing that mattered. With that familiar mantra firmly in mind, he took his booted foot off the last step as well, and strode over to meet his hosts.
He had never met either before, so he studied them carefully. Rose was a tall, slender woman with a high-tech prosthetic arm and dressed in sleek black leather. Her dark hair was pulled back into a neat ponytail and her eyes were hidden by simple wire-frame glasses. Her face was serious, with that air of unconscious superiority common among the very intelligent. Shattered Ice9 was a tall, powerfully built man with white hair and goatee. Everything about him spoke clearly that this was a dangerous man, and the look in his eyes warned that he was not entirely sane.
Shattered stepped forward, a welcoming smile on his face, and offered his hand. Bounty-Killer! Welcome to our base! He was every bit the warm, congenial host, as he shook hands and brought his other hand up to clasp Bounty-Killers shoulder. He used that hand to guide Bounty-Killer the last few steps. And this is Ebony Rose, who invited you here today.
Bounty-Killer offered his hand, Miss Rose, he greeted her.
Call me Rose, please, she answered with a quick efficient shake. She turned away and took three quick steps to the parts strewn along the length of the table. She lifted a rectangular object, copper with plastic strips and two metal prongs on one end. This is a power source. It has proven to be ineffective for the intended use; the stored power is expended too soon causing the experiment to fail.
Equipment failure was not even on the list of topics Bounty-Killer had anticipated. He really didnt know where this conversation was headed, but he maintained a politely interested expression. I see. Go on.
This is based on Council technology. I have information that they have developed a new power source for their void slayer rifles. I need you to acquire the prototype for me. I need you to do this quietly, quickly, and with a minimum of... um... bloodshed.
Sounds simple enough, he responded. But now I have to ask.. Why me?
You are wondering why I dont have one of my over-abundant minions do this simple task for me? There are many answers, but the simplest is that it will be easier, quicker, and a better use of my assets to simply hire you to do it than to take a resource off another project. She paused, quirked an eye at his expression, and went on. Ah.. Youre suspicious? Do I have a reason to want you dead?
Do you? he asked in return.
If I did, you would have been killed as soon as the front door closed behind you. She shrugged and took a fat envelope off the table. Well... never mind then. You were my first choice, but there are others.
If that is your choice, Bounty-Killer shrugged, but I didnt say no.
The temperature in the room suddenly became cold as Shattered Ice9 cocked his head and raised his hand. Several expressions ran across his face - anger and disbelief chief among them - and he turned and stalked to the cell door with the red light emanating weakly from the window. He rapidly punched a number into a keypad and yanked the door open. A womans laughter drifted out of the tiny cell.
Bounty-Killer noted, and filed away, the uncomfortable expression on Roses face at that moment. He was more interested in what was behind that door.
What do you have to laugh about!? Shattered demanded in a furious growl. Answer me!
Shattered stepped forward, and Bounty-Killer could clearly see into the cell. What he saw there was barely recognizable as human. Dirty, emaciated, bruised and bloodied from a very recent beating, she crouched in a far corner. But when she looked up, he knew those eyes. They were identical to the eyes that had looked at him over a cup of coffee just a few minutes ago. Except this pair was gleaming with pure insanity - a mind that had been pushed too far for too long looked out of those blue eyes.
The woman in the cell, Keely, looked directly at Shattered, raised her hand to point at him, and said, You, as she laughed all the harder.
Shattered strode into the cell and his foot slammed into her body, hard, three times before Rose called out, Shattered! You will waste all your work if you let her provoke you that way.
He paused, foot poised for another kick. Perhaps fortunately for Keely, he had knocked away her breath, and that had stopped the laughing. She curled up in a tight ball and let out a single, gasping moan. With a curse, he turned, stomped out of the cell, and slammed it behind him.
Some instinct told Bounty-Killer to look away from the cell, and he turned to study to parts arrayed on the table as the air in the room became even colder. Shattered stalked back over stand beside Rose. Bounty-Killer watched as he shook his head and drew the a tattered illusion of sanity back over himself. Bounty-Killer actually felt a chill run up his spine at the moment Shattered looked up and smiled that friendly, congenial smile again.
You have doubts about our Roses offer? He shrugged, It seems simple enough to me.
Im merely making sure I understand what Im being asked to do.
Ah, then, Ill leave Rose to fill you in on the details. Pleasure to meet you. With that, Shattered turned and climbed out of the basement, and the temperature rose 10 degrees as he left.
An uncomfortable silence fell. Bounty-Killer cleared his throat and spoke, Ill need to know where Im going, what the object looks like, where its likely to be kept, and if there is a particular deadline.
Rose nodded, glanced over at Keelys cell door, and said, Certainly. Lets go talk in my lab. Its warmer there.
Sisters
Part X
a few years ago....
Keely flew high above Steel Canyon. She loved her nova form, loved flying through the clouds. She wished Neely was with her, but Neely was off with UPS 2.2 and Strif, again, doing Sunstorms bidding. Shadowstar had a few jobs for Keely, but Keely had her own project she was working on. Besides, she didnt like UPS with his creepy armor** that covered his whole body.
**originally, UPS 2.2 wore body armor. He eventually discovered a way to incorporate nanite technology into his body and no longer wears armor.
She had thought, once she and Neely found each other again, theyd be inseparable, but Neely had embraced this whole Hero thing. She always asked Keely to come along, but Keely just couldnt forget that merely her potential for gaining powers had put her in that Council cell. It was a lot harder to lie to herself since shed bonded with the warshade, and so she had to admit that she was frightened. It was so much danger, being a hero. Heroes got hurt all the time, killed sometimes, and sometimes they were captured. She knew both her halves had things to make up for, bad things, but she just wasnt ready to throw herself into it like Neely had.
She swooped lower as she approached the south end of Steel Canyon. She really wasnt nearly ready for the challenges that Steel presented to a younger hero, but she had some business here. She was looking for someone.
She spied his car first, that big, old powerful car. Painted a deep, metallic charcoal grey, it gleamed with the care he gave it. Care she had thought he had for her. Then she saw him. Avalanche, holding court over his followers, was waving his arms and telling a story. She wondered if it was the story of how he tricked some stupid girl into trusting him before he sold her to the council for experiments.
She felt her tentacles thrashing with agitation like a cats tail as she swooped down, past one of those diners that seem to gather up old folks like fly paper gathers up bugs, and positioned herself behind a corner. She could feel the uncertainty of her warshade half, but there was no WAY she was going to pass up a chance to kick Avalanches [censored]. Not now that she had powers.
She drifted back and forth, back and forth, trying to plan. She knew how powerful Avalanche was, and she was abruptly unsure if her new powers were enough to allow her to take him. Her Kheldian half was very reluctant to proceed.
Finally she sighed, switched quickly back to human, and flipped open the supergroup radio that Neely had presented her with. Neely.. I found him! she said excitedly. We can take him right now! There was no response for a long moment. Keely frowned, and spoke again, Neely? Are you there?
After another very long pause, UPSs voice came over the radio, Were just a touch busy tryin not to die at the moment.
Keely scowled at the radio and muttered, No one was talking to you!
Neely spoke then, breathless with exertion, You found him? Who? Avalanche? Oh, Keely... be careful!
Cmon Neely, Im in Steel. We can take him right now!
Keely....
Keely, UPS broke in, well be available to help you when were not armpit deep in pumpkins and jackalopes.
Keely scowled furiously at the radio and flung it away. It hit a nearby building and shattered. Why did Neely have to hang around with him? He was SUCH a jerk. And thought he could order everyone around. And thought he knew EVERYTHING. And thought he was so tough. And she HATED the way Neely let him push her around and order her around. Big bully! And WHY did Neely always run around with him? Like right now, when Keely NEEDED her!
Keely cursed, vigorously, under her breath, and then switched back to nova. She peered around the corner at Avalanche, took three deep breaths, and bolted forward. Only to run smack into a very broad, very hard chest. That old man hadnt been there a moment ago... She flicked her tentacles angrily, and started around him, only to realized he had grabbed her tail!
Are you nuts? he demanded in a deep, gruff voice.
She flipped back to human form, and glared at him, Get your hands off me, you old pervert! He obligingly removed his hand from where it had ended up after she shifted.
Pervert, eh? he laughed. I don't think so. My apologies for where my hand ended up, but I simply can't let you run in there and get yourself hurt. You charge into that bunch, and youll be wrapped up in seaweed with rice in no time.
Just get out of my way! That one owes me, she said, nodding towards Avalanche. He owes me big.
Ok. he shrugged, None of you kids ever listen, do ya? But listen to this, little squid, you better make sure the batteries are fully charged and installed properly on your emergency teleport, because youre gonna be taking a trip straight to the hospital.
Whatever, Pops, she answered, rolling her eyes. She shape-changed again as he obligingly stepped out of her way.
She let out a shrill, alien battle cry as she charged towards the group. She flung energy at them, and trilled a victory shout as most of them went flying. And.. Oh.. She recognized some of them from that last trip in his car.
The outcasts started climbing to their feet. Several of them drew guns, but some of the more powerful members began using powers of their own. Keely dodged, laughing at their efforts, and then Avalanche stood up and covered his body with layers of rock. He paused long enough to point at Keely, then crouched to rip up a piece of pavement.
Just then, that crazy old man stepped around the corner. Look at that, The Hellions are all grown up!! he shouted. Almost as one, the Outcasts turned to the old man, yelling angry protests, and began firing at him instead.
Oh! Hey, no! Keely shouted. That old man was going to get killed! She started to swoop down, to get their attention back, and then that chunk of pavement hit her square on and she tumbled back through the sky.
Once she reoriented herself, the old man was gone, but there was a man-shaped granite mountain standing in the middle of the crowd of Outcasts. He was shouting insults and making surprisingly rude gestures. He looked up at her and yelled, Cmon, kid, Im just keeping em riled up for you! When she hesitated, he yelled again, Cmon! My soups getting cold already!
With a bowl of lukewarm soup on the line, Keely charged in and attacked the outcasts enthusiastically. She remembered every pinch and prod, every kick. She remembered how theyd laughed at her fear. She remembered how Avalanche had tricked her and lied to her. She poured her anger into every blast until they began to fall. Every time they started to turn toward their attacker, the old man would yell out something so horribly offensive that theyd turn back towards him again.
When Avalanche began to falter, she swooped in even closer, waiting for just the right moment. He collapsed, finally, the rock armor falling off his body. He lay on the pavement, heaving for breath, trying to get up. Keely hovered over him and switched to human form.
Keely? he said, What?
She smiled, the big, warm smile that used to be just for him. End of the line, babe, she said, and kicked him right in the crotch.
When the last of the Outcasts were teleported away, the rock giant abruptly turned back into the old man. Good job, kid. That last kick may have been a little much, but I got the feelin you two have some history there, he said gruffly. You woulda got your [censored] handed to ya if yad been alone, though. Ya know that, right?
I wouldve done alright, she answered.
Hah! Ya think so? he scoffed. I gotta go see if I can get my soup reheated.
---
Neely was so worried she was blazing like a shooting star across the sky of Steel Canyon. UPS and Strif were following, but neither of them had that edge of worry spurring them on. She spoke into the SG radio again, Keely! Keely! Are you ok? She waited, then called to her team, She still wont answer!
Shes probably just off peeing, or whatever you squid things do after you drink too much coke Strif said, trying for a joke and falling short.
Strif could be right, Neely, there could be a simple explanation. UPS offered. In fact-
In her worry, Neely had flown too low. She saw the evil beam of red, black, and purple just a fraction of a second before it hit her. Her Kheldian half let out a squeal of alarm and then she was engulfed in a fiery pain so intense she couldnt even think. It was as if every nerve in her body were being electrocuted and burned and frozen and crushed all at the same time. It knocked her out of the air and she plummeted to the pavement, stunned and unable to even breath. None of her muscles seemed to be working right and she couldnt push herself up. She rolled over to see the void slayer lining up for another shot, the shot that would kill her. She managed to raise one hand in a feeble warding off gesture, knowing that this time, her friends werent going to be in time to save her from a thing whose purpose was to assassinate her kind.
Then, like an angel, a man glowing with blue-white light of his own swooped down, putting himself between Neely and the void. Before the assassin could reorient himself, the stranger had knocked him flying. The Peacebringer followed and leapt into the air, bringing his fists down together on the void and engulfing him in pure energy. The void fell, and the Peacebringer stomped his foot on the still glowing rifle, shattering it.
He flew back to Neely, landed, and helped her to her feet. Are you alright, cousin? he asked.
I think so, she answered, a bit dazzled by her close call and by her rescuers sheer power.
Im Ahren, he said. You really have to watch out for them.
Neely, she stammered. Im Neely.
UPS and Strif arrived at that point, and UPS bestowed his typical glower on Neely, the one reserved for those times she ran off and found trouble. After introductions all around, Ahren offered Neely his contact information with stern instructions to call if she needed any help, advice, or guidance. I know Sunstorm can be a little intimidating, he said, So call me anytime you have any question.
I will, Neely answered with a smile, instantly liking the handsome, outgoing man. She watched as he lifted into flight, and then turned back to the south again. I have to find her, she said, and lifted into the air herself.
Neely flew, with her nerves still tingling, to Keelys last known location. She found the shattered radio and picked up the pieces, Her radio! she called to her companions. Its broken! What happened to her?
She didnt wait for us, UPS said, taking the pieces of the broken radio and examining them. She may be at the hospital.
Neely looked up at him, Or, she could be hurt and needing help! We have to find her.
UPS didnt bother to argue, he just nodded. There wasnt much in Steel Canyon to bother that particular trio, so they spread out to look. Neely was frantic with worry, and she knew her friends were just humoring her, but Keely had always had such talent for finding trouble.
Then Strif called out, Over here, Neely! She flew as fast as she could and found the giant man standing in front of an old diner. He pointed in the window, and there was Keely.
Neely ran in and found her sister sitting with an old man, both of them enjoying bowls of soup. Keely! Youre alright!
Of course Im alright. the warshade answered. And I kicked Avalanches [censored]!
Afternoon, Keely, UPS said. Glad to hear that.
Keely muttered something under her breath, and turned her attention back to her soup.
Introduce me to your friends, young lady. the old man said suddenly.
Oh! Sorry, Gramps! Neely, UPS, Strif, this is Grampafari-Man!
now...
UPS and Ahren had made a point of telling no one their business when they left the base. So when they returned, the Ghosts were stunned to find Ahrens scars vanished. His face was as clear and unmarked as it had been before he made his unfortunate trip to the Rogue Isles. And, as if his inner scars had healed somewhat as well, he seemed to stand taller, like the man he had been before he earned those scars. Sooner Spirit seemed moved nearly to tears by the sight, and all of his oldest friends were curious about the nanites that UPS had helped create for Ahren. And if the pair skimmed over the details of how the procedure had nearly killed Ahren, it was just because they saw no reason to worry their friends.
Im going to go find Crimson Blaydes and check on our errant Peacebringer, Ahren announced after the greetings were over. He found the young hero, with the monitor duly sitting at his side, in the lounge, watching a rerun of M*A*S*H*. Whats she up to today? he asked.
Shes in St. Thomas, Blaydes answered. Im a little jealous. The weather is beautiful there today!
Ahren picked up the monitor. Thanks for looking out for her, he said. He pushed the button that switched to the skin tag, frowned, pushed the button to switch back, and then again. UPS! He bellowed. Shes in the Rogue Isles! Shes in NERVA! Ah, dammit! Shes right on top of them!
Sisters
Part XI
now...
The Ghosts base boiled like an angry hornets nest. Heroes ran in their brightly colored costumes as transport units were warmed up and prepped. Ahren would reluctantly stay behind, but he was already on the phone to the Freedom Phalanx, alerting them that the Ghosts Reborn were moving on a location in the Nerva Archipelago, and to Longbow, informing them that there might soon be some action near their bases in Nerva.
Less than one hour after Ahren discovered Neelys true location, two large transports thundered out of the Ghosts base and headed out to sea. Sooner Spirit sat, side by side with her sister, Sooner Magic, and thought again and again, I am NOT losing another Ghost to that [censored]. Not one more.
---
Bounty-Killer exited the Shades base lost in own thoughts. His mind was occupied by three sets of blue eyes: Icis asking him for help, Neelys full of worry, and Keelys lost in madness. How did it come to this? he wondered. One of the most notorious villains in the Rogue Isles, worried about not just three women, but three Heroes.
He patted the fat envelope filled with the deposit that hed collected from Ebony Rose to remind himself of the job. He had told Ici he would try to help, but he had a job, and that was most important.
He made his way back to the little coffee shop, and his heart skipped a beat when he didnt see Neely there. Was she trying to break into that fortress of a base? But then he saw her sitting inside with her eyes fixed on him. He knew she was powerful, hed read her file. But no one was powerful enough to get in there, not and have any hope of getting back out.
He pushed his way inside and approached her table. Those wide blue eyes looked up at him. She sat down her drink. So, are you going to kill me? she asked.
No, not today. he shook his head. She gazed up at him, and he shook his head again as an image of Keelys mad, staring eyes flashed into his mind. He didnt know Keely, but he couldnt imagine she would want her sister suffering the same fate. He had to say something.... Your sister is gone, he said abruptly. He watched Neelys face fall, Shes gone, and theres nothing you can do about it. Go home, Neely. Go home.
Neely put her head in her palms. Her body shook, and she didnt look up when she said, Thank you for telling me. He paused for one awkward moment, and then she reached out and took his hand. She looked back up at him, her eyes already filling with grief. I mean it. Thank you.
Youre welcome, he answered. Please, go home.
She nodded and lowered her head again. Ill go, she answered.
Satisfied that hed done all he could, he turned and walked away from the devastated hero.
Shattered Ice9 stepped out onto the roof of his base. His memories of being Ice9, before he was betrayed by his supposed friends and left - broken and helpless - to die alone on a cold, rocky beach, were sometimes clear and sharp, and other times blurry and jumbled. On that day, as he approached the railing and leaned out to face back toward Nerva, he vaguely remembered standing on a roof with people who claimed to be his friends and teammates. It was a habit that stuck with him, and he liked to watch the people of Nerva wandering about, living their lives, never understanding how close they were to a force that could snuff them out with little more than a thought.
He was so close to victory with the warshade... so close he could feel it. It was Rose who had identified that the power source was the problem. When used on Ahren, it had run out of energy after extracting the Kheldian, but before containing it. So once they had the improved power source, he knew he would able to successfully extract and hold the energy being from within the bonded pair. At that point, he could not care less what happened to the former vessel as long as he maintained control of the Kheldian. His fists clenched with anticipation of the way his power would increase once he was successful. And if his preference would have been for a Peacebringer, it hardly mattered now, now that success was so very close.
His nails bit into his palms, drawing blood, when his scattered thoughts returned to the moment he realized that thing was laughing at him. Didnt she know she belonged to him? That her very existence was in his hands? How dare she? He entertained himself with plans for how he would crush the life from her once he was finished with her. Something to make her truly regret each laugh shed uttered.
At that moment his attention was drawn by a woman stumbling out onto the sidewalk. He didnt know why... she seemed completely ordinary. She might have been attractive if she dressed in clothes that fit, but... for some reason... there was something very familiar about her. As if he knew her... or.... as if hed known her... in a previous life. He scowled, watching her. Her emotional distress was obvious, even at this distance. She paused, put her hands to her face, then raked her fingers back into her hair. Her stocking cap was pushed back, back, then it fell to the ground, revealing her shoulder length blonde hair.
Shattered straightened. Oh, yes.. He knew her. Hed fought beside her, trusted her with his back, believed her to be a friend. But, of course, she was as faithless as all the rest of the Ghosts. His head buzzed with a heady combination of fury at the NERVE of them to send someone in so very close to his base, and jubilation that he would very soon have another powerful Peacebringer in his grasp. He turned and ran for the stairs down into the base, and began bellowing orders before the door had even closed fully behind him.
Sisters
Part XII
A few years ago...
Neely sat with UPS at her side, across a table from Ice9. Ahren sat with him, and Cowboy Dream and Sooner Spirit were also present as Ice9 explained why Neely should merge her super group with his.
Ahren speaks highly of you, Neely, and your group, he said.
They are a fine group of young heroes, Ahren said with a nod.
Sooner and CD have agreed to join us, along with several of their friends, Ice9 continued, and I am hopeful your entire group will as well.
Neely glanced at the map displaying the so called Rogue Isles, and the pins indicating super-powered villain build-up.
The choice is ultimately Neelys, UPS said, but I do agree, a strong unified force will be better than several smaller scattered groups trying to battle alone.
Ice9 nodded at UPS as Neely sadly asked, Do you really think it will come to that?
Yes, I do, Neely. Ice9 said. I think a dark time is coming when we will need friends and allies we can trust at our backs. And as your friend says, Neely, we will be stronger together.
Neely nodded, her face still sad, Then I agree, but my people join as equals to yours, with the ranks they hold in my group transferring over with them.
Ice9 seemed a bit surprised that the seemingly innocent young woman would think to make such a request, but Ahren smiled and nodded. After a moment, Ice9 leaned across to shake Neelys hand. Agreed, he said. Welcome to the Ghosts Reborn.
Neely stood, shaking his hand, as her phone suddenly buzzed at her hip. She considered ignoring it, in the spirit of the moment, but she did glance to see who it was. Its Sunstorm, she said, surprised, and answered.
The pleasantly deep voice of the representative for Peacebringers on earth greeted her. Neely, do you have a moment? I think I have something that will interest you.
She glanced around the room. As if her agreement had signaled the end of the meeting, UPS was chatting with Ahren and Sooner Spirit, Ice9 was talking with his wife, Cowboy Dream. It seemed festive, but Neely was filled with foreboding. Not a sense that shed made the wrong decision, but perhaps just a feeling that Ice9 was right.. That dark times were coming and shed made the only choice she could.
Neely? Sunstorm asked.
Sorry. Actually.. This isnt a great time, she answered reluctantly.
Oh. Well, I can call you again. Sunstorm started, then said instead, Actually, Neely, let me say two things. And if you still want me to call later, I will.
Ok, go ahead. Neely said, mystified.
The Kheldian Host Candidate Project, and Archon Erich Moretti.
The conversation in the room came to a stop as Neelys body came to full alert and her glowing shields flared involuntarily.
Archon?was all she could manage to say, Hes an Archon?
The project has been reactivated under Archon Morettis leadership. Apparently, the original leader of the project failed to consider the possibility that, if he gathered together a group of ideal Kheldian hosts, some of them might bond, which would result in kheldians inside the base. As it happened, Moretti was on record as having expressed concerns about the lack of planning for that eventuality, and, in the end, he advanced because of it. So... Interested? Or should I call someone else?
Of COURSE Im interested. Let me see if I can find some help, and Ill be right there! She turned to UPS, See if you can find Strif. And.. See if you can find anyone else. Oh... I cant believe this.. I have to... I have to stop him. I have to find help!
As UPS turned to try to locate their friend Strif, Ice9 stepped up. No need, UPS. Youre Ghosts now, and you have a team ready to help right here.
Neely was stunned, as Sooner Spirit and Cowboy Dream both stood with Ice9, and Ahren stepped up as well. I- I- she stammered. Four Heroes of the City, well known, well respected, offering to help her?
UPS stepped forward. She accepts. Gratefully.
now...
Neely brushed away her tears. She was still in enemy territory.. She would have time to cry when she was home. She wasnt even sure why she was so upset. Shed already grieved her sisters death. Was it just that having her hopes raised and then crushed made it that much worse? It didnt matter just then, however. She just needed to concentrate on getting home.
She would make her way south, on foot, back to the fishing docks. Hopefully, she could find the same boat that had brought her here, but if not, she had plenty of cash. She could hire another boat. And really, it only had to get her away from the Rogue Isles and she could fly home faster than it could sail. Or get her just a little closer to home, and she could safely use her base teleporter.
She never noticed her danger until the enormous man known as Death Shrowd had already knocked her to the ground. Ears still ringing from the tremendous force of the blow, she scrambled away from him and felt a chill run through her as she glanced behind her. There were four Shades the Ghosts wanted more than any others: Shattered Ice9, Ebony Rose, Cowboy Nightmare, and Death Shrowd. And all four were coming after her. The Rogue Isles citizens were scattering as the four villains closed on her.
Death Shrowd was advancing on her as she tried to get enough room to get to her feet. Shattered Ice9 was zooming towards her, and she believed Cowboy Nightmare waited deliberately to be noticed before vanishing. And charging toward her was a small army of clanking robots, with Ebony Rose following close behind.
Neely wasted no more time trying to hide who she was, since it was obviously too late for that. Her powers flared around her and she lifted into flight to get away from Death Shrowds fists. She knew she couldnt fight them. Alone, she was no match for the four of them. But before she could gain more altitude and zoom away, her feet were encased in ice and she was dragged from the sky.
Death Shrowd was charging her and she was frantically trying to spot Cowboy Nightmare. She fired blast after blast at Death Shrowd as he came towards her, but didnt appear to be hurting him at all. It had all happened too fast for her to be afraid, yet. Shattered stopped a short distance away and called out, just as Death Shrowd was winding up for another punch, Dont kill her, CN, my dear. Death Shrowd, stand down.
Shattered was advancing on her, she was stuck where she was, and fear was finally starting to set in. She fought to be free as he gloated. Neely, my old friend. You made a grave mistake coming here. You will regret it. I, however, will benefit from it.
She turned her full power on him, YOU are NOT my friend! she bellowed. He fired back at her, bolts of ice, and each blast anchored her more firmly to the ground. She was so cold, she could feel her strength sapping out of her. She thought of Ahren, of his scarred face and changed personality, and felt panic trying to set in. Roses robots made a circle around her, but didnt attack. Death Shrowd stood nearby with a gloating smile, ready to attack again, and she heard a quiet laugh at her back, so eerily like Cowboy Dreams, yet not. They werent worried... they knew Shattered was just playing with her. She blasted again at Shattered, shouting, YOU were NEVER my friend! It was futile defiance - they would take her when they were ready, but it was all she had. Energy blazed from her eyes, You are NOT Ice9! She flung pure power from her palms, You are a LIE! and this time the force of her attack knocked him down. And that disrupted the flow of his attacks enough to give her a chance.
She concentrated on her Kheldians past, summoning forth a form it used to wear. Shattered scrambled to his feet, already screaming, No! Stop her! Stop her! She heard the robots cycling up to attack, she saw Death Shrowd step towards her fist cocked, and felt more than heard Cowboy Nightmare crouch behind her. Then Neely erupted into her enormous dwarf form. She paused just long enough to stomp one enormous foot into the earth, sending shockwaves around her and knocking Shattered to the ground for a second time. She focused on the air high above her head and teleported straight up into the sky. She wasted no time looking down at her attackers, she merely thought again, and reappeared even higher up into the air. As gravity started to pull her down, she switched back to human and flew as fast as she could.
She took a moment to orient herself, and realized she was flying north, rather than south. She started to turn, but looked behind and could just make out Shattered Ice9 behind her. Making that turn would give him the opportunity to cut across her arc and close with her. The fire in her wanted to close and continue the fight with the man whod killed her sister, but deep in the heart of the Rogue Isles was not the place to make her stand. She couldnt afford to give him the chance to pull her out of the sky again, not if she ever wanted to make it home. She fled north into Nerva, hoping to lose her pursuers on the way.
Sisters
Part XIII
a few years ago...
The council base was hidden in a far corner of Boomtown, where heroes were not at all likely to stumble over it. Neely blazed a path across the Boomtown sky like an avenging angel. Nobody else was going to be made captive to further the councils war on Kheldians. Nobody. And if along the way, she got to punch her ex-boyfriend in the face, so much the better.
Following behind her were some of her own heroes, people she had never imagined shed be privileged to fight alongside: Ice9, Cowboy Dream, and Sooner Spirit were names shed known even before she became a hero herself. Ahren was her trusted mentor and friend, but theyd never fought together. And, of course, her old friend UPS 2.2.
She had tried several times to reach Keely, she knew her sister would want to be here for this as well, but hadnt gotten an answer. She tried one more time, and finally, Keely answered.
Keely! Where are you?
Im in Striga. This place is messed up! Friggin Council [censored] EVERYWHERE!
Youre going to want to come to Boomtown, Keely. Something big.
Whats UPS got you chasing after now? Keely asked.
Keely! Dont start that. Its Erich Moretti! Were going after him!
Keely didnt answer for a long moment, and Neely could just hear her breathing. Moretti? Hes in Boomtown? Ill be right there.
Ok. Strif is on his way too, you can meet up with him on the way.
Neely could almost hear her sisters eyes rolling. Ya, whatever. Ill be there in a minute.
Neely landed on a nearby rooftop for her team to assemble. Ok, We have to take out Moretti, she instructed. We also need to find and destroy the research so they cant just start it up again. Sunstorm says the backups are kept onsite, so we should be able to put a final stop to this today. If there are any captives - which there likely are - we need find them and get them out as well. Since Moretti got this promotion because his predecessor screwed up by not planning for his captives to bond, we should expect there to be plenty of Void Hunters and Quantum weapons. UPS cocked a brow at her, and she smiled back. He hated it when she tried to go toe to toe with Voids, but she just kept doing it. Keely and Strif should be along soon, but well get started and they can catch up on the way. She looked at each member of her team, and knew that her excitement showed in her eyes. She smiled as she saw that eagerness reflected back from each of them. I expect heavy resistance right from the door. So well go in hard and fast, and keep moving. She met each of their eyes one more time. And thank you.
At Neelys signal, they charged the entrance. UPS, his defenses glowing brilliantly, kicked in the door while CD and Sooner stood ready at either shoulder. The rest of the team pressed back into the wall to avoid the anticipated counter-fire, but there was only one very young soldier staring at them with his jaw slack and his eyes opened as wide as they would go. Before he even thought to grab his weapon, Neely, Ahren, and Ice9 had blasted him back into the wall where he slumped, unconscious.
That wasnt quite the welcome we expected. Ice commented.
Lets go, Neely said. Im not going to complain if hes making it easy for us.
Once inside, the base was a clean and austere technological facility. Instead of the heavy resistance they anticipated, they found just a few soldiers going about their duties, and each seemed genuinely surprised as the heroes overpowered them and moved on.
Something is not right here, Ice said with a frown, and CD nodded over his shoulder.
Neely, did Sunstorm say where he got this information? UPS asked.
He didnt say, she answered. But Erich obviously doesnt know the information is out, so we should move before hes alerted and possibly gets away! In fact... UPS, why dont you and I go see if we can find any captives, and you guys find the research. Well get back together and take out Moretti after.
Dead silence met this suggestion, as five pairs of concerned eyes stared back at Neely. Finally Sooner spoke up. I dont like the idea of splitting up. You two could get overwhelmed-
By file clerks? Neely was practically bouncing on her toes with her agitation. Come on! If he learns were here, hell run for it, and then just start over somewhere else!
Neely- Ahren started, then shook his head.
Ice9 took one step forward. Its your call. Your mission. Is this what you want us to do?
Yes, it is, she answered. I cant let him do to anyone else what he tried to do to me and did do to my sister.
Alright, Ice answer. Well go north, then. And well meet back up here in... 30 minutes?
Neely nodded, and didnt wait to watch them go. She turned to the east corridor and lifted into flight.
Hey, Crazy! UPS called, How about you let me take point?
Fine! Just get moving! she answered, only half joking.
UPS jogged ahead, and she dogged his shoulder. This doesnt feel right, Neely, he said.
Were so close! she said, Weve almost got him. Would you let a vague hunch stop you if you were me?
Before he could answer, they found a trio of Council, typing data into computers. Hey! UPS called out as he stepped into the room. You guys playin cards?
Neely didnt waste time with the snappy patter, she just stepped in, drew energy into her body and expelled it in a blinding flash at the nearest soldier. He went flying to smash into the wall behind him, and she watched him just long enough to make sure he wasnt getting up again. These soldiers were a little more quick on the draw then the ones theyd fought previously, and the thought came to Neely to wonder why data entry techs were armed.
When time allowed, Neely loved to watch UPS fight. Even the way his feet moved was like a talented dancer. He dodged, punched, and chatted away as if carrying on a friendly conversation over a cold beer. She never had time to be worried in the thick of it, even when she saw him flinch when a bullet managed to penetrate his shields and crease his skin. Afterward, she worried. In the thick of it, she just grit her teeth and kept moving.
She was so focused on finishing off the two they were fighting, she wasnt aware of her danger until UPS called out to her, Neely, behind you!
She only turned far enough to see the evil red-black glow of a quantum weapon and then it fired. The pain was unbearable and she crashed to the floor in a trembling heap, completely helpless while the attack danced along her nervous system. She dragged herself to hands and knees to see UPS nearly hidden behind the Council soldiers. There must have been 20 of them all attacking him. Except for the Void Slayer who was watching her. The arrogant body language made it clear he knew she was beat. He held his rifle casually and ignored all of UPSs attempts to gain his attention.
Neely! UPS yelled.
She didnt answer. She knew she had one shot. If she could hit him hard enough to knock him from his feet, she might be able to beat him. Her body was still quivering from the attack and all her defenses were down. If he hit her again, she was done. She had to knock him down. She had to. Time slowed to a crawl. She blinked, then surged to her feet like an Olympic sprinter. She refused to allow her body to sway, stagger, or stumble. She charged her target as she gathered energy to herself. She watched him raise that rifle and sight on her. She thrust the energy toward him as her fist sank into his belly. She threw herself to the side, her eyes glued to him. She inhaled for a victory shout as she saw him knocked off balance and take one step back. But then he lined up the rifle again, at point blank range, and all she felt was the pain.
She was barely clinging to consciousness. She heard UPS call her name again and it sounded like he was calling to her through a long metal pipe, slow, deep, and reverberating. She shuddered as the Void went to one knee beside her and put his hands on her, rolling her onto her back. She couldnt stand the touch of the assassin, but couldnt move to stop him. She managed to activate her radio to whisper, hos...pi..tal...
UPS spoke as well, Its a trap, team. Neelys down, and headed to the hospital. Im going to try to make my way back to you, but my dance card is pretty full. You guys, watch your backs.
She waited until she saw UPS starting to back out of the room, then keyed her emergency transport. She felt the familiar, but still somewhat sickening, rush of energy envelop her. When she could open her eyes, she let out a horrified cry. She wasnt in a clean, modern hospital. She was in a tiny, dirty cell.
Sisters
Part XIV
a few years ago...
This is giving me the creeps, Sooner complained. Theres nobody guarding anything! When have you ever seen a council base that wasnt just crawlin with the bastards?
Cowboy Dream nodded as she gathered up stacks of hardcopy files and back-up media.
Especially if he was worried about an attack from inside, Ahren added, from a newly bonded Kheld.
Exactly! Sooner agreed. Our info told us he would be more heavily guarded than normal, not less! She sighed, then blurted out, And you DONT break up the TEAM!
Im not happy about it either, Sooner, Ice9 agreed, But-
Just then they all stopped with a chill as a voice too full of pain to be identified spoke over the radio, hos...pi..tal...
Before any of them could react, UPS spoke, his voice was flat and emotionless, the careful calm of a pilot whos just lost an engine, Its a trap, team. Neelys down, and headed to the hospital. Im going to try to make my way back to you, but my dance card is pretty full. You guys, watch your backs.
I KNEW it! Sooner yelled as all four of them broke into a run, trying to get to their teammate in trouble. They turned into the corridor and came face to face with dozens of council soldiers.
Void, Ahren warned.
There was one endless moment of silence and then the deafening clatter of chain guns began to reverberate off the walls. The void hunter fired and Ahren dropped. Sooner and Cowboy Dream charged and Ice9 dodged and ducked as he flung attack after attack into the mob.
Most of the bullets lost their way in Sooners shadowy armor, but a few made it through. Most of those just stung, like angry wasps, having expended their velocity and energy just trying to get to her. However, there were those few that still had the power to hurt her, and when that many bullets, and flames, and coherent sound, were coming at her, the injuries began to mount up. No time to worry about her companions, no time to stop and see how badly she was hurt. As long as her limbs were functioning, she kept going.
The void hunter was the first to fall, and she was delighted to see Ahrens pure blue-white energy lancing past her. She was so relieved that she refrained from making her usual complaints when the soldiers went flying around and she was forced to chase them. Cowboy Dreams katana flashed as she leapt and whirled, and council soldiers dropped. And all around them, soldiers were slowing and shivering in the cold as Ice9 turned that corridor into a winter storm.
But, despite their best efforts, they were being overwhelmed. Sooner was pulling energy from her attackers as often as she could to keep herself going, and Cowboy Dream had already fallen, only to drag herself back up and rejoin the fight with twice as much determination. Ahrens attacks had slowed, and Ice9 had been forced to retreat completely for a few moments to recover. Sooner flinched and stumbled back as a booted foot connected solidly with her jaw. She tasted blood where her teeth had snapped shut on her tongue. Her armor faltered and she was forced to concentrate for a moment to bring it back to full strength. She straightened, and her eyes met CDs for a moment, just long enough for their gazes to share the knowledge that they were going to lose that fight.
---
UPS 2.2 was retreating step by step, but he was making them pay for every inch. And while he was at it, he was making them pay for taking out his teammate. The shell casings were coating the floor, making the footing treacherous. His shields held firm, the bullets did little more than sting, the flamethrowers were just a warm breeze, and the punches and kicks were barely noticeable.
Keeping the wall at his back, he slowly gave ground. He paused in his efforts to key on his radio again, to the supergroup channel. Neely! Check in! He flinched back from a punch and responded with a vicious uppercut that knocked his opponent into the air. Neely! If youre headed back here, you better bring help.
Whats going on in there!? It sounded like Neely, but, of course, it was her sister. Her sister who didnt know they had walked into a trap.
Neely was down. UPS started to explain, but another half-dozen soldiers rounded the corner and the intensity ratcheted up another notch. Shes at the hospital. he finished.
She is NOT at the hospital! Keely yelled. What the hell happened?!
UPS muttered a particularly vehement curse, and answered, When you locate her, let her know we need help in here.
You [censored]! What did you- Keely started, at which point UPS turned off that channel.
He inched back around a corner. Behind him was a narrow doorway, a place where he could make a stand until the rest of the Ghosts arrived. He let them drive him back to where he wanted to be, then glanced over his shoulder. His teeth clenched and he murmured a curse. The doorway was closed with a heavy reinforced blast door. He was backing himself into a dead end.
He took his stand, back and flanks protected as well as possible in the corner. Ok, [censored]! You may take me down, but its gonna cost you. He threw a punch into the jaw of the nearest soldier, dropping him to the floor. Lets see how many of your sorry [censored] are goin down first!
---
The pace of the fight was taking its toll. Sooner was fighting her own exhaustion at least as hard as the council. She and Cowboy Dream found themselves back to back in the middle of a swirling knot of soldiers. The never-ending clatter of the guns was deafening. She couldnt even think past the next punch, and yet, they kept going because there was no other choice. She reached out through the darkness to strengthen herself again, at the expense of her enemies, but she know it was just a temporary fix. It was just a matter of time before she and her friends were beaten.
Cowboy Dream was humming something under her breath, it might have been Another One Bites the Dust! Her normal grace and economy of movement were starting to wear down under the constant onslaught, but her sword never stopped flashing. Sooner envied CDs ability to heal almost any wound, but even that admirable ability was being taxed under the continual assault.
Then Ice9 yelled out, Heads up!
Cowboy Dream, facing her husband, gasped and murmured Oh [censored]!
Sooner glanced over her shoulder and said, Is that a.. rocket launcher? And then her question was answered as the Vortex Cor Leonis Archon fired and the explosion flung Sooner into the nearest wall where she slumped to the floor, barely conscious.
She could see CD, dripping blood from a dozen wounds, being driven back. She couldnt even locate Ahren, and was afraid he was down as well, but the blasts of ice and cold continued, supporting CD, as a clear sign that Ice9 was still in the fight.
The darkness inside Sooner reached out to the nearby council, tasting their energy, tasting their souls. She could take their energy, use it to get back up, but she wanted it to count. She waited, the darkness pushing her to act, for the right moment.
Statesmen himself, at the head of the Freedom Phalanx would not have been more welcome than Strifs voice at that moment. Hey! Ive got a pizza here for Seymour Buttz! Which one of you [censored] is it? he called out.
The council turned to the new threat, and the giant of a man waded in, a Dark Nova that had to be Keely hovering over his shoulder. CD let out a whoop and pressed the attack as Sooner let darkness reach out to the council around her. As their energy flowed into her, she lifted into the air and landed lightly on her feet, pulling her shadowy armor around herself again. She laughed aloud as the soldiers staggered away from her, confused and disoriented by the drain.
Behind her, she heard Ices voice, Get up, my friend. Were not done with this fight just yet. Moments later, Ahren was back on the attack as well. Ice called out, Hell just froze over, [censored]! and a blizzard as cold as February erupted in the hallway. Ice dropped to his knees with exhaustion after, but the council were dropping even faster.
The last soldier fell under the onslaught of the exhausted heroes, and Keely transitioned back to human form abruptly. Where the [censored] is my sister!?! she demanded.
She went to the hospital, Keely, Ahren answered.
Like hell! Shes nowhere! Shes not at the hospital, shes not at the base! Where is she!?!
Shes not with us, Keely, Sooner answered. I dont know where she is.
Then where is the [censored] [censored] who walked off and left her?!
Sisters
Part XV
a few years ago...
Neely cursed and threw her radio at the door. It made no more impression on the stubborn door than anything else shed tried. The useless hunk of plastic and metal hit with a thunk and then slid across the floor to come to a stop against the nearest wall.
She had pounded on that door with every ounce of energy she could muster, and it hadnt even been scratched. Once she conceded she was well and truly trapped, shed clicked on her radio, only to find that it was thoroughly jammed. She refused to let her mind travel down the path that would lead to panic, and turned her attention to the hinges. Then the door frame. Then the air vents.
Nothing. Someone, most likely her ex-boyfriend, had known what might be trying to break out of these cells, and had planned well. Everything in here was resistant to her Kheldian energy. She punched the door again, and then stalked over to the tiny cot. She sat on it, then jumped up again, as if sitting on it acknowledged that she was going to be staying.
She paced, then pounced on the radio, checked to make sure it wasnt broken, then turned it on again. Cmon... UPS... Sooner? Keely? Anyone? There wasnt even a hiss of static to answer her and she cursed long and loud.
A tiny metal window in the door slid open suddenly. A pair of bright blue eyes that shed never forgotten peered in at her.
Hello, Neely, Erich said with a low, throaty chuckle. I knew if I played hard to get long enough, youd come to me.
She screamed, YOU [censored]! and flung the radio at the window where it shattered as he flinched back.
---
UPS cast a grim glance at the red battery indicators on his armor. He figured he had just minutes left before his shields dropped. And once that happened... he was done. He refused to acknowledge the ball of tension swirling in his gut. Neely was counting on him. The rest of the Ghosts were counting on him. He was not a man used to failure, and he hated that he was going to fail, in a matter of a few short breathes. He never faltered, though, never slowed down. If they knew how close he was, they would swarm him. Hed taken enough of them out of the fight to make them cautious, and he liked it that way.
They began to crowd him again, and he leapt into the air, His fists blazed with energy as he spun, and his attackers stumbled back again. As his feet touched the floor, however, the battery indicators all began to flash frantically. A faint warning buzz sounded, and the words Multiple system failure began to flash across his monitors.
He let out a wordless battle cry and struck out at his enemies, deliberately discharging the very last of his energy into his foes. The feedback struck him a moment later and all his monitors turned black. His armor shut down, and he went to one knee as abruptly he was exposed to the full force of the council attack. A bullet hit his shoulder like a Clydesdales double hoofed kick, and he fell back into the blast door behind him, then flat to the floor as that door slid open and six very angry Ghosts Reborn stepped through the opening.
---
UPS crouched in the corner of the hallway, while the Ghosts gathered round and Keely paced around behind them all like a caged tiger. UPS had replaced the spent batteries in his armor, and was carefully examining the cracked faceplate on his helmet as he explained what had happened. The must have been waiting for us right around the corner. They waited until we were inside that room before attacking us. The void hunter went straight for Neely, I couldnt stop him.
But then what happened? Why didnt she go to the hospital like she said? Ice9 asked.
UPS stared into space, carefully considering his answer. The void touched her, turned her over. I thought he was just checking to make sure she was down, but he might have put some sort of teleport interrupt on her. I dont know.. She teleported away and that was the last-
Keely strode forward, shoving her way through the assembled Ghosts. You stood there while one of those things put his hands on her!? Her blue eyes flashed fire at UPS. You [censored]! My sister trusted you! She counted on you and you just walked off and LEFT her there! She was always there for you, and when she needed you, you just- She cut off with an oof as Strif stepped forward, put his hand on her chest, and shoved her back from UPS.
UPS looked up at Neelys sister. His face was calm, but there was a storm of emotion behind his eyes. You are young and impulsive, he said speaking very slowly, so Ill cut you some slack. But do not ever question my devotion to these heroes.
Keely face twisted with anger and she spat out, You [censored] coward! She cut off again as UPS stood in one smooth, fast motion. Strifs other hand shot out so that he stood with one hand on each chest, but before either of the combatants could say another word, the rest of the team jumped in.
Who the hell do you think you are talking to ANYONE like that! Cowboy Dream demanded.
Ice9, with a furious glower on his face, growled, Keely, I understand your passion and fury but you are WAY out of line questioning UPS' honor or courage!
Sooner jumped in at the same time, Whoa! That is totally uncalled for! You had just better shut that mouth before someone shuts it for you!
While Ahren, his soft laugh lost in the shouts of teammates added, You're too narrow sighted for your own good little girl. You'd be wise to shut up now and just apologize to UPS while he might still forgive you.
Enough! UPS didnt yell it, but the firm, no-nonsense tone of voice cut through the babble of angry voices. I dont know why, but Keely and I just dont see eye to eye, we never have. Shes worried about her sister. Im worried about her sister. This is not the time for us to be arguing, this is the time for us to be working together. Keely, lets put this behind us until were ALL safe. Then, if you feel the need, we can discuss this again. Agreed?
Keelys mouth opened again. She glanced at the angry faces surrounding her, a few, like UPSs still showing the marks of their recent battles, then closed her mouth with an audible snap. She was still for a long moment then she gave one sharp, angry nod, and shoved at Strifs wrist as she stepped back.
UPS pulled his still cracked helmet back over his face. I suggest we continue forward. At the very least, we should be able to find someone to tell us where she is.
Keely shook her head. Shes not far. I can feel it.
Sooner cast a glance at Ahren, Is that a Kheld thing?
Ahren shook his head. No... Maybe a twin thing, though.
Keely looked up at her team, her emotions still quite plain on her face. Shes here. And shes pissed.
---
Its just a matter of time before we have Keely in here, too. Erich explained.
Neely had given up yelling at him, and was prowling her tiny cell, looking for any weakness at all.
And who is that other one that came in with you? Well, neither you nor he will provide as much useful data as Keely will, since we have her human baseline data. Weve just got the preliminary data on you, but being able to test you both now that youve bonded... Itll be a gold mine of information. And... the other one will likely provide some useful information... Arakhn will be very pleased with my final report.
She cast a furious glare at him and dropped to the floor by the cot, to see if she could manage to remove one of the legs. One of the screws holding it in place was loose... maybe she could get it out.
And, I can compare the findings from the three of you with the five host candidates and see if we can refine our selection criteria. I wonder if you and your sister bonded because you were in danger? Perhaps if we imperil the host candidates, we can provoke bonding for them as well... He paused thoughtfully, Drowning? Fire? Torture?
Neely put all her anger into trying to get that screw to loosen, but it wouldnt budge. Her fingers slipped and she let out a curse, then leapt to her feet and whirled towards him. Why are you HERE!? You have an entire BASE to run! And you dont have anything better to do than stand there talking at me?!
He smiled, and she would have gladly killed him at that moment. Im happy to see you. I missed you. I was looking forward to getting to know you better before you bonded and escaped. Besides, after your companions are captured, theyll be brought here, and I want to see my two new Khelds first thing. It shouldnt be long, now. UPS is alone and cornered, the other four are wearing down. Once Keely gets in the base, the trap will be fully closed, and I will be expecting another big promotion.
He leaned closer with a broader smile, And Im still interested in getting to know you better.
Neely erupted furiously into dwarf form at his words and roared a challenge at him. They were both interrupted by a loud warning claxon. She saw Erichs face turn the color of spoiled cottage cheese, and then every door in the cell block slid open.
She spoke in her rough, dwarf-form voice. Oh, youre going to get to know me better, alright, and took one huge, ground-shaking step out of her cell.
Sorry for the delay, I've been out of town.
Sisters
Part XVI
now...
Shattered Ice9 pursued his fleeing target high over the tangled forests of Nerva. Impossibly, she was increasing her lead. She couldnt be faster than he, but somehow, she was pulling away. All he could see of her now was a flash of pure white energy ahead of him.
Every moment that she evaded him, his fury grew. His fragmented memories of being a hero, of being Ice9, included all the times he and Neely had fought side by side. Up until the time that counted, of course, the time he needed her, and shed left him to die. She, and all her so-heroic friends, turning their backs on him, leaving him to die, leaving him to the non-existent mercy of Crey. He dug deep to put on even more speed. He had to catch her. It was not possible that she would escape him now.
His radio flared to life, and Roses voice, uncharacteristically anxious, called to him. "Shattered! We are under attack. The Ghosts Reborn are approaching from the shoreline.
And suddenly it all made sense. Heroes? Faithless is what they were. It was a trap. To present him with a target too tempting to ignore, then attack his home when his forces were scattered out chasing it. Betrayal and treachery. With a roar of fury, he fired one futile attack after the fleeing spark of light and turned back. He couldnt leave his Shades undefended against those who would imprison them and try to take away what hed built."Sound the alarm and activate all base defenses." he ordered. He switched to the channel that would reach all the Shades. "Shades, report to your assault stations and prepare for battle. The Ghosts Reborn have come to kill us, defend yourselves and our home to the death!"
a few years ago...
Keely hovered in nova form behind her team. Shed switched forms after the confrontation because she knew none of them, with the possible exception of that know-it-all Ahren, would be able to read her expression in her alien form. She was a roiling ball of emotions and if her nova had tear ducts, shed be crying hot, angry tears.
Didnt they understand that Neely was all she had? No family, no one who cared for her, no one to be there for her, except Neely. Ya, she was upset! Who wouldnt be?!? A horrible, evil thing had put its murderous hands on her sister and she was just supposed to stand there and nod thoughtfully? The only person in the whole world who loved her was in danger. The only person who stood by her, cared what happened to her and these people expected her to be calm about it? These people who kept Neely from her, filled her head with the idea that it was Neelys job to save the world, thought she should be some sort of quiet polite little follower about it?
There was little council resistance left, and the Ghosts made good time through the base, following Keelys monosyllabic directions. Keely had always been able to feel her sister, at least when they were near each other. That ability had grown stronger since they bonded, but now it was like she could feel her sisters emotions, and Neely was just getting angrier and angrier. She supposed that was a better sign than if she was frightened, but Keely was becoming frantic with worry over what could be making her calm and sweet natured sister that angry.
Under Keelys guidance, the team found their way to a cramped control room manned by a handful of council. They put up a token resistance, but in the end, the seven Ghosts crowded into the room. It was filled with monitors, levers, and buttons and dominated by a large open window looking down into a cavernous room lined with heavy reinforced doors.
Shes here... Keely breathed.
This is the... what... prison? Barracks? Sooner asked. Where they keep their candidates?
So it appears, Sooner, Ice answered.
Keely abruptly dropped back into human form. Thats Moretti! she snarled, pointing at the tall man in an Archons uniform standing in front of one of the cells. She felt her teeth clench and her stomach knot. She could remember so clearly lying strapped to a table as that man stood over her. Shed never told Neely that it was Moretti in charge of the lab, shed known it would upset her sister more. As if it had just happened, she remembered everything hed done to her in that lab. She crouched, in preparation to switch to dwarf form, when Ahren reached out and grabbed her shoulder.
Wait just a minute, Keely! he cautioned.
She cast one furious glance at his hand, before straightening and glaring straight into his eyes. She spoke, her voice low and her words slow, You dont need to touch me.
It was such a contrast to her earlier tantrum that Ahren just nodded once and removed his hand. Alright. But lets not rush in there. Hes already tried more than once to trap us.
Keely stood, her fury now plain on her human face. She inhaled, and exhaled hard, still glaring at Ahren. She knew what a contrast they made as they stood, eye to her, her small, slender frame surrounded by dark tendrils of energy while he was tall, powerful, and glowing with brilliant white energy. With her next heavy breath she turned her attention to the control panel. With her third, she blew out a heavy sigh. Ah, [censored] this! she hissed. She grabbed a lever and moved it to the All position and then slapped another labeled Open. Her team crouched in alarm as a loud siren began blaring. Keely took that opportunity to make her change to dwarf form. And as a glowing White Dwarf roared out of one of the cells, Keely teleported to join her.
Neely roared with satisfaction as she swiped at Erich with one huge clawed hand and he stumbled back into the railing behind him. She raised the other hand to attack again, and a Black Dwarf appeared beside her, surrounding them all with dark swirling energies that made Erich cry out painfully before it coalesced and was absorbed into Keely. Their angry, alien cries of challenge mingled as Erich got his feet under him and stepped into a defensive stance.
As one, the sisters changed back to human form. Neely leapt into the air to bring both fists crashing down in a flare of bright white light as that dark energy swirled again. Keely then changed forms yet again to her tentacled Nova and backed away, firing blast after blast at Moretti. Neely stayed close, hammering him with punches and point-blank energy attacks.
Erich, however, had gotten his feet back under him and was proving considerably tougher than Neely had expected. I dont want to hurt either of you! he protested.
Keely let out a loud alien screech, too furious to force human sounds out of her nova form, but Neely just stepped in and punched him again, her fist sinking into his belly as he tried to dodge back and was just a little too slow. Unfortunately, Archon, we cant say the same!
Erich cursed, then called out, I need backup in the candidate dormitory! He turned an angry scowl to Neely, then leapt into the air and kicked her hard. His booted foot connected solidly with her ear. She reeled back, struggling to stay on her feet as Keelys angry squeal cut through the ringing in her ears. Then her feet gave out and she tumbled back, with an angry cry, into one of the cells. As she landed, prone, her shields dropped.
Ah, I thought you were an angel, said a rich male voice with a strong Italian accent, but now I see you are merely angelic.
She reached for the offered hand and then looked past to the face behind it. Male, handsome, dark haired, big, gorgeous dark eyes. At any other time, he would have been more than worth a second look. Just then, however, she rather distractedly responded, Thanks. Please stay in here, youll be safe until the fightings done.
Neely shook her head, still trying to clear it as she stepped back out and Keely swooped between her and Erich, still blasting away.
Dormitory?!? Neely finally got out. You arrogant bastards call this dungeon a dormitory?! She flung her arms into the air, forming three powerful balls of explosive energy. You really are insane, arent you!
Whats insane is you and your sister risking yourselves in a fight you cant win, Erich answered at his most reasonable. At the same time, he drew out a massive assault rifle and leveled it at the dark nova still firing at him and screeching angrily. Neely felt a smile fleet across her face as some of those squeals were translated by her Kheldian half into some of the most foul profanity known to the inhabitants of that long ago planet that was home to the nova form.
Neely stepped back into the fight, striving to draw his attention - and fire - off the fragile form of her sister.
She heard UPSs warning shout of Incoming! and risked a glace to see Council soldiers pouring into the room as the Ghosts spilled out of that control room to meet them.
now...
The sun was just starting to set over Nerva. It had been a beautiful day, sunny, but with cool breeze that was developing a bit more bite as afternoon turned into evening. The normal evening quiet was ripped apart by the furious arrival of the Ghosts Reborn and the even more furious determination of the Shades to expel them.
The very best of the Ghosts had made that trip, battle tested and experienced, but they were met by the full roster of the Shades swarming out to defend their home. As the Ghosts won their way to dry land, the skirmish turned into a war as Arachnos forces arrived on the heels of Longbow and flung themselves into battle.
And in the midst of it all, Ahrens voice cut through the noise and chaos, Neelys on the move. Shes headed north. There was a pause, as Ahren had just realized how poorly timed that information truly was. Shes no longer at your location, Ghosts.
Sisters
Part XVII
now...
Neely slowed to a hover over the eerie forests of Nervas Primeva. The rugged terrain was full of jagged ravines, thick vegetation, and meandering waterways. With dusk settling over the forest, it was a forbidding sight that ran a chill up Neelys back. There was no sign of Shattereds pursuit. She couldnt believe hed give up chasing her, knowing his insane hatred for any Ghost and obsession with Kheldians, but she had at least pulled away from him. She looked behind her once more, then dived down into the lush, tangled forest.
She swooped under a rickety rope-and-wood-slat bridge that she couldnt imagine actually walking over, and then was under the cover of the trees. It was like being in a huge, damp cave. The hidden night creatures were beginning to stir as it appeared to be full night under the canopy. The air had a damp odor and was heavy to breath. And over it all was a frisson of magical energy. She shivered as she got her bearings.
It is almost never a good idea to go to ground in the open when running for your life, she muttered to herself. Had it been Ice9 whod taught her that? If so, Shattered would know shed keep moving. Should she then do the unexpected and find someplace to hide? No... even if he knew shed keep moving, he wouldnt know which way. Since he would expect her to head south as soon as possible, she instead angled slightly west, hidden under the trees, and hating, for that moment, that she glowed like a giant firefly in the dark forest.
She burst out into an open area and came to a shocked halt. The ground fell away in front of her, and she saw ancient ruins poking up through the jungle. She recognized the architecture, though. Orenbega. These ruins were built by ancient Orenbegans. She forgot her own danger for a moment in the wonder of what she was seeing. It was incredible.
She heard movement behind her, and, while she was certain it was just a wild animal, she dived into the ravine. Seeking even more cover, she swooped under another of those terrifying bridges down into the ravine and followed the rocky path to the north-west.
Down in the depths of the craggy canon, the ruins were even more impressive. Covered with vines, the stones eroded and cracked, she could still feel the power of the ancient people who had poured their time not just into building, but into making their home beautiful. She wished she could pause to stare at the carved stone, but it was not worth her life and freedom.
She saw flickering firelight ahead. The narrow stone walls opened into a hidden valley. The ruins here were in better shape, and there were signs of human occupation, including a candy wrapper and a soda can tossed carelessly to the side.
She reluctantly extinguished her shields and landed on her feet, her bright energy flicking out, so she could creep forward in the darkness. She stepped lightly through the jagged roots trying to twist her ankles, and slunk around the angled stone walls, trying to find a crack to peer through. Surprisingly, there were none. There was, however, a ramp leading up to the flat roof, well hidden by the low hanging trees overhead. She jogged lightly up the ramp and smiled when she saw the light streaming skyward from the huge open hole in the roof.
She crouched and crept towards the opening. The first thing she saw was a huge leaded window, a circle with a staring eye. She moved even closer and could make out the rubble that had fallen in, and a huge stone hand reaching out of the earth towards her, like a trapped giant straining to be free of the earth. She nervously moved even further, concerned about whether the jagged pieces of roof that remained would hold her, and then she spied the swirling purple of an active CoT portal. She frowned... and looked further in, to see a man in a lab coat, typing into a tiny hand held device.
And then the stone underneath her crumbled, and she tumbled down into the room below.
---
As the sunset painted the sea a fiery orange, a furious battle raged on what would have been a quiet beach. It was a battle slowly going against the heroes, and now Shattered Ice9 had arrived. And since most of the Ghosts knew what their fate would likely be if they fell this close to the Shades base, it was a fight UPS and Sooner Spirit were not willing to lose.
Weve got to retreat, UPS said to Sooner as the flow of combat brought them closer together again.
But Neely- Sooner started to protest,
-isnt even here. Were not helping her.
Sooner glanced around at the battle, at her Ghosts, their counterparts in the Shades, the Arachnos and Longbow joining in, even as she viciously attacked a metal spider wearing a womans face. And were just going to get these people killed. She nodded. Ill coordinate with Longbow so we pull out together. Then well go after Neely.
---
It all happened so fast. The man in the lab coat let out a yell of alarm as Neely tumbled in. She managed to roll, collecting a few new bruises as she somersaulted over the rocks, and got to her feet quickly. Before even activating her shields, she took two long strides and knocked the device out the mans hands. And then the portal flared, and out stepped a woman dressed in head to toe black and white, who turned a very surprised deaths-head mask to Neely.
Bones Idle! Run! the man called, his voice thick with some accent.
The woman, evidently Bones Idle, ignored the advice. Before Neely could take another step, dead things began to crawl up out of the ground. With her eyes the size of saucers, Neely reactivated her shields. The zombies flung themselves at her, and she grit her teeth at the smell and disgusting sight of the rotten flesh dripping from their bones as they batted at her. She couldnt bring herself to touch one, so she summoned photon seekers. Two of the floating balls of energy detonated on the zombies, sending rotting flesh splattering everywhere. The third seeker drifted serenely away to float quietly near the ceiling. She scowled at it, then turned back to the necromancer, who had just gone on summoning more zombies. Neely ignored the remaining zombies and pushed through to their mistress. The villain was flinging shadows at Neely, but was no match for a Peacebringer of Neelys experience. Neely punched Bones Idle once and she staggered back. Neely followed with a bolt of pure energy and Bones smashed into the wall. She stubbornly stayed on her feet, but as Neely prepared to attack again, the remaining seeker suddenly seemed to realize it had a target and swooped down on the villain, expending its energy. Bones Idle was tossed into the air like a doll and then crumbled to the ground. Without her will, the zombies fell as well.
Neely turned to see the man in the lab coat shakily pulling a cell phone out of his pocket. She knocked it away as well and pointed to a corner far from the portal. You! Over there. NOW! And dont take anything else out of those pockets! The man obediently scrambled to the corner as Neely propped up the groggy villain. She smacked the woman lightly on the frightfully realistic mask. Wake up! Cmon... Wake up.
The villain shook her head and batted futilely at Neelys hands, but did open her eyes. Neely shook one finger. Dont move a muscle. Dont lift a hand. If I see so much as an undead mouse moving in here, youre toast. Understand? The villain glared at Neely, but nodded. Where does that portal go? Neely demanded.
Bones Idle blinked, confused, then answered, Wherever you want it to.
What do you mean? Its location isnt set?
Naylor sets it. As far as I know, it can go anywhere.
Where is it set for now? she asked. Bones Idle paused and Neely punched the wall with a flare of energy next to her head. Dont stop to think. Just answer me.
Steel Canyon, hero. the villain answered. I was just at Steel Canyon.
Neely nodded, feeling a rush of hope. She started to stand, then, with a sigh, punched Bones Idle one more time, watching her slump into unconsciousness.
Youre Naylor? she asked, as she turned to the man. Dark skin, dreadlocks, lab coat with the Arachnos symbol emblazoned on the back. He backed fearfully into the corner as she approached. Are you Naylor? she demanded again, and he nodded.
This will take me to Steel Canyon? Is it still set that way?
I- ah - unless you armed the controller when you it it, its set for Steel Canyon in-
Neely glanced down and found the controller on the ground. She picked it up and stared at the multitude of buttons, dials, and displays. How would I know if it was still set right?
You could and it to me and Ill tell you. he offered reasonably.
You wear an Arachnos symbol. How can I possibly trust you? She frowned as he shrugged. Wait.. Do you know what these numbers should read?
He nodded. The first is -3178, the second is -84, the third is -387, and the fourth is 873-82.
And this setting will take me to Steel Canyon?
He nodded, obviously terrified. She stared at the portal, at the easy way home, if she could trust the word of two villains. No having to evade Shattered Ice9, no worrying about the Shades spotting her... just step through and shes home. On the downside, if theyd lied to her... she could end up anywhere. She could end up someplace she couldnt hope to escape. On the other hand, if she tried to make it back through Nerva and ended up captured by the Shades... well... that truly was a fate worse than death for any Ghost, and a Kheldian besides.
She looked up, through the jagged hole and up into the canopy overhead. And was filled with a fierce longing for the bright, towering skyscrapers of Steel Canyon. With a resolute nod, she tucked the controller into her back pocket, and stepped through the portal.
---
The Arachnos forces had made a token pursuit of the retreating heroes, but the Shades had been in earnest. They had pursued stubbornly until the last of them was outdistanced by the speed of the flyer. Once they were free of pursuit, their attention turned back to the problem that had brought them here.
Ahren, Sooner called back to the base. Whats her location now?
She in the Primeva region. Shes stopped running for the moment. Youll have a hard time getting the flyers through the canopy, though. Perhaps a few of you could go - he broke off abruptly. Oh [censored]! he yelled. There was silence for along moment. Ive lost her. Shes gone.
Shes... gone? Sooner asked, exchanging worried glances with her friends. What do you mean? Shes dead?
No.. Id still have the tag if she died. Id have seen damage reports if the tag got hurt. Its as if it just ceased to exist. One minute it was there... now its gone. Another long pause. Shes gone.
---
Keely huddled under her bunk, curled up tight, her hands fisted in her hair. She had a rare moment of peace, as her insane Kheldian half fell quiet. Now if she could just be lucky enough to not get visited by Shattered or the demon for just a little while. Just a few moments to savor the quiet in her head.
The loss was sudden and as painful as if shed been impaled on a red hot steel. It shot through her with no warning and left an awful sense of loss behind. Neely was gone. For the first time in her life, Keely couldnt feel her twins presence.
She threw back her head and howled like a wounded animal. For the first time, she accepted that she was going to die in that tiny cell at the hands of a madman who hated her. Her sister wasnt coming for her. There would be no rescue. And so she screamed.
Sisters
Part XVIII
now...
Neely was in between... in portal space. The strange twisting, whirling nothingness between portals went on and on. It seemed too long, she wanted to breathe, but had no lungs to fill and no mouth to open. Something was wrong! It shouldnt take this long! Just as she began to fear that she would be stuck disembodied and helpless forever, her foot struck the solid ground of Steel Canyon and she was staring at the giant boots of the enormous statue in the center of Steel.
It was dusk in Steel Canyon, and unseasonably warm. The cloudy sky overhead was turning a rich pink color with sunset. Searchlights lit the clouds overhead as a few passing civilians glanced at her strangely and walked on.
She let out a whoop of sheer delight at being home. Why did she ever leave on nothing stronger than an overheard conversation in a noisy bar? Keely was still dead, and nothing was gained. Instead she had put herself in great danger for no good reason.
With a laugh of joy, she lifted into flight and spiraled in happy circles around the giant booted feet. The skyscrapers glowed with lights, and the street lamps cast softly lit circles on the pale cement underneath. Valkyrie and Positron stood in their usual spots, he with his bald head gleaming in the light reflected from the statue behind him, she with her giant sword slung across her back and her blond hair covered in an archaic-styled helmet leaving her face bare. The security chief on the night watch kept an eye on her as she passed. She whooped one more time before coming to a hovering stop at the base portal. She was suddenly so homesick. She so wanted to see her friends again and apologize for worrying them. There was a strange unreality about the city, as if shed been gone for far longer than a few days, and things had changed ever-so-subtly.
She activated the portal, and waited while the base recognition system reached out to her and found the tiny implant that identified her as a member of the Ghosts Reborn. She frowned as it took longer than she was used to for the system to recognize her implant, but then the system withdrew its electronic search, and the portal activated, allowing her into her base.
She frowned again, her sense of unease growing as she stepped into the base. Probably UPS had made some changes while she was gone... but something was different. She spun slowly in a circle, her stomach clenching in a knot. Something wasnt right. There were the banners, the rich deep blue and white, with the gleaming skull emblem emblazoned at the top. The walls were plain and practical, a simple grey that UPS insisted on using because they were utilitarian. The single enormous potted tree placed in the corner was the same, but still the knot in her stomach tightened. She turned again to face the wall that commemorated their fallen heroes with photos, plaques, and remembrances.
She stumbled back a step at a familiar face that hadnt been there when she left. The handsome face, the brown eyes that could be so cold to his enemies, but so warm to those he cared for. The picture showed him smiling and happy. Oh no no no no! she cried out as she stumbled the few steps toward the photo. UPS! Oh no! It had only been a few days.. What could have happened to her friend?
She shrieked as an alarm suddenly started wailing. It took her a moment to recognize it as the intruder alert. It was one shed never heard except in a drill because the security was so tight in the base. It was nearly impossible for anyone to enter who wasnt granted permission by a member already.
She whirled, looking for the intruder, since she was already in the entrance, and well placed to attack whoever came in, but there was no one there. She heard running feet, and spun back, ready to take her place with her friends in the defense of their base. She broke into a smile as her friends came into sight. Mighty Atarax led the charge, already covered in flames, with Sooner Spirit, Sooner Magic, and Princess Ginsu right on his heels. Right behind them were Ici Cold, MidnightAngel, Zemuron, and Celestial Nav. They spread out as they came into the room, their faces furious and shocked.
Oh... [censored]! Sooner Spirit hissed. You have a lot of nerve showing up here like this!
How did you even get in here!? Ici demanded.
Be careful, Atarax cautioned as the over-eager Sooners and Princess Ginsu began to crowd around him. We dont know what shes capable of.
And suddenly Neely realized they were about to attack her. She was the intruder. She stepped back, and again, trying to come to grips with the fact that the hostility in their faces was directed at her. Then the part of her concerned with self-preservation spoke up, reminding her that these were the most powerful, most experienced heroes she knew, and they were all preparing to attack her.
Wait! No! Im not who you think! She protested, backing even further. She recognized the signs, it was just a matter of a few moments before they attacked her. She didnt know what else to do. She dropped all her shields. She sank to her knees and laced her fingers behind her head. I am not what you think, she said again, and I cant bring myself to fight any of you. So, I give up.
You want to give up? growled a familiar mans voice from behind the crowd. A tall, muscular man pushed through the sea of astonished faces. She felt like her mind had just stumbled as she tried to make sense of what she was seeing. A handsome face, bright green eyes, reddish hair. She shook her head once, as her brain tried to catch up. The last time shed seen that face, it had been horribly scarred. But this was the face that belonged to her trusted friend and mentor from so long ago.
Ahren? she asked, completely confused as he strode towards her.
You want to give up, do you? he asked again. Here, let me give you this instead! She could only stare, completely paralyzed by confusion as his right hand formed into a fist by his hip, wound up in mocking circles as it rose across his body, and then smashed into her chin. With no shields and no defenses, the punch knocked her flat, and her world went black.
---
Hours later, Neely still sat on a hard steel chair in a tiny interrogation room deep inside the base. Her movement was severely restricted by heavy shackles that she was quite certain would hold her, though shed made no effort to escape. One thing was abundantly clear. She hadnt asked Naylor nearly enough questions. She kept hearing him in her head, its set for Steel Canyon in- before shed interrupted. In where? It was obvious shed gone to a different Steel Canyon than her own, and it was obvious that the Ghosts here had a very different relationship with her counterpart.
They had refused to answer a single question, but kept peppering her with questions she couldnt answer. Sooner Spirit and Ahren had been her primary questioners, but there had been others. She was absolutely numb. It was all too much. The confrontation with an assassin in the Rogue Isles, learning again that her twin was dead, nearly being captured by her deadly enemies, fleeing for her life across hostile territory, finding a way home, being attacked by one of the people she trusted most in the world, and now... held captive in her own home. All over the course of a few hours. There was no emotion at all left inside her. And then the door to the tiny room opened and someone new stepped in.
Neely tried to leap up, but the shackles tripped her and she fell awkwardly back into the hard chair. Keely! she cried happily. Youre alive! Youre safe! And then she burst into tears at the distrust and wariness on her twins face.
Why are you here, Neely? Rather than moving forward into the room, Keely was pressed back into the wall.
Neely looked back up into her twins angry blue eyes and answered, I came home. Thank God, Keely.. Thank God youre ok. Neely felt a chill race up her spine as the look in those eyes became even harder. Keely, what happened to UPS?
Keely took three fast steps to the table and leaned over it, You killed him, you [censored]! We thought you were dead, we thought theyd killed you, and then.. Months later, we got a call, Keelys voice rose abruptly in a vicious mockery, Its Neely! I escaped! Please, come help me before they capture me again! UPS and I raced to help you. He didnt think he needed any defenses against a fellow Ghost. He saved me from you, at the cost of his own life. He made sure I escaped, to warn the Ghosts. And you killed him.
Neely sat absolutely stunned, staring up at her sister. She felt the color drain from her face. No no nononono.... was all she could say.
And then her disbelief took another blow as Keely suddenly flared into the brilliant white-blue shields of a powerful Peacebringer. Fury twisted her features as she drew back her fist. The door burst open and Ahren and Sooner rushed in, pulling Keely away before the punch could fly.
MidnightAngel pushed into the room. I have a suggestion to resolve this. I called in a favor.
And the already tiny room suddenly seemed too small to contain the personality that walked in. The attractive red head was, perhaps, showing too much skin, but nobody was ever going to call that particular woman on it.
Sister Psyche? Neely said in surprise.
The one and only.
Sisters
Part XIX
a few years ago...
Keely careened into a wall. Her fragile nova form didnt feel pain the same way she did in human, but she felt that impact to the tips of her tentacles. For a moment, she thought she would drop back to human form, but she managed to hold her form. She wiggled, hovering in place for a moment, and then met the surprised gaze of the occupant of the cell Neely had been thrown into. He was watching her intently as she prepared to rejoin the fight.
Her harsh alien voice warned him, Stay back. Please, dont get hurt.
I will stay well out of danger, he answered, in a deep, rich Italian accent, and took a large step back to demonstrate his cooperation.
Keely kited to her left, so that she and her sister had their target bracketed, and also so she could keep an eye on the battle near the control room. The Ghosts were holding their own, but each time it seemed they would gain control, another group of reinforcements would arrive. And another, and another. She watched UPS and Strif trying to control the mobs, while Cowboy Dream and Sooner Spirit plowed in and Ahren and Ice9 stood well back, fighting from range. She hated to admit it, but they were good people, and impressive in a fight.
She turned her attention back to Moretti, and resumed blasting away at him. He winced under the onslaught, dodging away from Neelys energy packed punches and blasts. Keely flitted in closer than she knew was wise as she continued her assault.
Her concentration was interrupted by the call of Void! from the team of Ghosts. She shifted her attention and noted that a Void Hunter had gotten past the Ghosts and was racing towards the twins. Keely at first thought he had targeted Neely, but as she shifted position again, she saw him angling towards her. Time slowed, but not nearly enough for her. She felt as if she was stuck in molasses as she tried to dodge out of sight. She watched the rifle come up in slow motion, she saw the evil red-black glow start to intensify around the barrel. She let out a cry in anticipation of the fiery pain, and then her view of the Void was blocked by a broad back. UPS had flung himself in front of the assassin and taken the hit. She saw the ugly glow impact on his chest, and he rocked back under the power of the quantum weapon. And then Sooner and CD both attacked the void and he went down under a flurry of fists and a flashing sword.
UPS turned, and one burning brown eye gleamed out at her through the widening hole in his visor. She realized then that hed taken that hit for her even with the damage to his armor. She bobbed her head in a nova forms version of nod of acknowledgment, and turned back, once again, to Moretti.
The twins pressed the attack as he faltered. He was getting tired, and it showed as his reactions slowed. He stumbled a bit, and they both closed in, sensing an opening, an opportunity to finish him. As soon as Keely was in range, though, he whirled to face her and lashed out at her with a kick that knocked her head over tail. The confusion caused her to drop out of nova form where she could just stagger back as Moretti turned and planted the sole of his other foot into Neelys belly, sending her flying back again into that same open cell.
As Neely disappeared from view, Moretti turned back to Keely with a satisfied grin. She shook her head, still too off-balance to do more than stumble away from him. Enough of this, he said, advancing on her, I wasnt finished with you when you got away from me last time. This time, youll be staying as my guest for the rest of your life. You, and Neely, and that friend you brought along.
Before he could advance any closer, however, something large and white flew between them. Moretti cursed loudly as he was enveloped in it. Keely got her feet back under her as the gorgeous Italian hunk laughed and ran back after flinging what appeared to be a bed sheet over the Archon. As he flailed and cursed, Keely stepped in and unleashed furious blows into his belly. Neely emerged again from the cell, shouted at the Italian, You! Inside! Now! and ran towards Moretti as he finally shrugged off the sheet. He barely turned towards Neely as she leapt into the air and crashed down on him with both fists and a brilliant white flare of energy. As she landed, she launched another punch straight into his belly that sent him flying back into the wall behind him where he slumped down and didnt move again.
Neely laughed aloud and flung her arms around Keely. We won! We won! she laughed, pointing at the rest of the team jogging over to them. Keely was still panting for breath as Neely rushed to UPS and Strif, hugging them as well, and laughing happily.
Keely turned back to where Moretti lay on the ground, so she was the only one who saw his hand wrap around the butt of his assault rifle. As he brought it around, toward Neelys back, she changed quickly to Dwarf form. She was already moving toward him when his hand dropped open again, and his head sagged onto his chest. She hesitated, then furiously leapt into the air and landed squarely on his chest with both feet. The crunch of breaking bones filled the room, and Neelys head whipped around and her stunned blue eyes stared back at her twin.
now...
Sister Psyche leaned over the back of a chair in the large conference room of the Ghosts base, while the subject of her conversation still sat, shackled, in a room deep underneath the base. She looked into the faces of the Ghosts. Their expressions were furious, or worried, or, in Keelys case, deeply troubled.
This women, this one who calls herself Neely, Psyche said, is no danger to you. She appears to be exactly what she says: A Peacebringer who has accidentally crossed dimensions and found her way here. She gestured at Keely, Her memories are almost exactly the same as yours. And when I say that, I mean that you two lived the same life. Your twin, and hers, had the more troubled life. Her twin was captured and experimented on by Council, like yours. Her twin bonded a Warshade. Her twin was captured by your enemies, The Shades of Vengeance. And thats where your memories diverge. Where your twin came out of her ordeal as a furiously insane villain, hers was killed. Fortunately for her world, at least, they will never have to see what their Keely might have become. She also seems to have traveled forward in time. It was early spring for her when she traveled here, and she was just trying to get back home from an attempt to save her twin.
I found no sign that her memory has been tampered with, and, while it is challenging to get anything from a Kheldian mind, I sensed that her Peacebringer half was just as frightened and confused as her human half.
Sister Psyche looked down for a moment, then took a moment to look at each of the gathered Ghosts as she spoke. I know the Ghosts Reborn have suffered a great loss, and great pain at the hands of a woman named Neely. The woman you hold downstairs is NOT that woman.
Keely was starting to tear up as Sister Psyche spoke, and tears were pouring down her face by time Psyche was finished. Without a word, she reached over and hooked a small set of keys off Ahrens belt. Then she pushed back from the table and bolted from the room.
---
Fear was finally starting to work its way past Neelys mental numbness. If these Ghosts sincerely thought shed killed UPS, she might very well live out the rest of her life in the Zig. And she reluctantly admitted to herself that Ahren could well just decide to kill her, if this Ahren had lived the same life as the one she knew, he had no mercy in his heart at all for villains.
Grief consumed her as well. What if something had happened to the UPS from her world? She couldnt bear to think of her dear friend, her protector and shield, who had fought with her and for her more times than she could even guess, gone from any world. And it boggled her mind that she could have deliberately harmed him, for any reason, no matter what had happened.
The door opened again, and Neely looked up nervously. Keely stepped into the room slowly and stood by the door. They studied each other, these sisters from two dimensions, and then Keely advanced, step by hesitant step across the room. She knelt by Neely and began releasing the shackles, then pulled Neely to her feet and embraced her.
Im so glad youre alright, Neely said and held her sister even tighter. I cant believe UPS is dead.
Neely felt her sisters shoulders tighten, the relax again so slowly. I cant either. You never liked him, though.
Neely drew back to look into her sisters face. I love him - loved him - like a brother.
Keely nodded, slowly. I did too.
Understanding spread over both their faces, and they held each other and grieved together.
Very nicely done. I kinda skimmed it because I'm at work right now, but it caught my interest enough that I'll be reading the whole thing when I have time.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Dechs Kaison See, it's gems like these that make me check Claws' post history every once in a while to make sure I haven't missed anything good lately. |
Sisters
Part XX
a few years ago...
A somber group of Ghosts left the Council base as Longbow forces arrived to tear it down. The research data had been thoroughly eliminated, the backups destroyed, and every member of the team who could recreate even a part of the research was arrested or dead.
As they exited the base, UPS 2.2 tossed aside his ruined helmet. The faceplate shattered as it struck the ground and rolled away. Never again, he said with disgust. Next time I go into battle, I wont need armor. I will be the armor.
Keely watched the helmet bounce away as she probed the place inside herself where she and Neely had always been connected. That connection was weaker now. It had felt like a door slamming shut when Neely turned around and saw Keely standing on the dead man. Neely had stared, and turned away, and that door had slammed.
Keely looked ahead again, where Neely walked with the rescued captives. That gorgeous Italian man was trying in vain to capture Neelys attention, but Neely was obviously distracted and he couldnt get more than polite conversation from her.
I am Mateo, he said in answer to her question, But I am known to my friends as Scimmia. He smiled, turning on the charm, I would like for you to call me Scimmia.
Keely watched her sister smile back at him and ask, Why? What does Scimmia mean?
The word means ape. It is a joke because of my studies. I am a doctoral student and I was here, in your city, for a conference before returning to Africa for more observation of the apes. Also, they call me that because I am tall and... ah... wide... like an ape.
When Neely just laughed politely at that, he shrugged - a very eloquent European shrug - and dialed back his efforts to friendly conversation. His wristband IDd him as a 97% match, so Keely suspected he would be joining the ranks of Paragon Citys heroes soon.
Keely knew shed irreparably damaged Neelys trust by killing, but she couldnt regret it. After what that man had done to Neely, to Keely herself, and to so many other potential kheldian hosts, with what he had planned for the future, she couldnt regret her choice. She regretted, deeply that Neely had put up that wall between them, but she knew shed do the same again.
Neely patted Mateo on the shoulder and dropped back to walk with her sister. She put her arm across Keelys shoulders, squeezed, and said, You know I love you.
Keely nodded and smiled. I love you too, she answered.
now...
Ebony Rose replaced the last tiny assembly pin into the machine shed built for Shattered Ice9. It lacked only the power supply shed sent Bounty-Killer after to be fully functional again. She glanced at the wall clock - he should be arriving at any moment.
She stepped back to take in the machine as a whole. It was evil, and not something she would ever have designed on her own, but she, Shattered, Cowboy Nightmare, and Death Shrowd owed so much to each other, had been so much to each other, that she had not hesitated to build it for him.
And now Shattered and CN were missing - vanished***. The day after the abortive attack by the Ghosts, he and Cowboy Nightmare had left the base. A messenger had arrived and had a whispered consultation with Shattered even as frantic reinforcement of the base defenses went on. Hed called to Rose, and spoken hurriedly to her, in a rushed whisper, "Our Lord of Spiders calls. See to the repairs and the wounded." Gesturing for Cowboy Nightmare to follow, he turned back to Rose again before leaving the room. "I leave our Shades in your able hands Rose, we will see to the Ghosts when I return."
*** this relates to events in the story You can call me Glacius9 " which Ice9 has posted at my urging (read "urging" as "endless pestering.")
However, neither of them had returned. It had been two days, and there had been no word. It was so unlike them. Obviously something had happened to them, but she couldnt find out a single trace, shed only learned that Glacius9, the man the Ghosts claimed really was the returned Ice9, was missing as well. Rose ran her hand over the smooth, gleaming metal of the machine, waiting, wondering, worrying about her friends.
A mans voice bellowed down the stairs, Hes here! Rose set her teeth in irritation. The man was a complete idiot, but his size and impressive muscles made him a natural choice for guarding the door.
Send him down, please, she responded.
---
Bounty-Killer descended the stairs into the basement of the Shadess base once again. The job had been easy, had gone down flawlessly, and, as requested, no bloodshed. Hed been in and out of the Council base with none the wiser.
He didnt allow his relief to show when he found Ebony Rose alone in the basement. He cut his eyes just once to the door with the red glowing window and then determinedly looked away again. When his eyes found the assembled machine, however, they narrowed, and one hand went involuntarily to the pouch that held the object hed been sent for. He was sure that was a quantum array, but he wasnt sure what the rest of the apparatus was. But any machine based on a void hunter rifle could only be bad for Keely.
You have it? Rose asked.
Killer patted the pouch, opened it, and removed the glistening copper power supply. He held it, waiting patiently until Rose slid a fat envelope - twin to the one shed handed him days ago - across the table. Then he laid the power supply on the table as well, slid it towards her, and picked up the envelope with his free hand. Grazie. He didnt waste time counting, just slipped the envelope inside his trenchcoat. They wont even notice its gone until they go looking for it, he said.
Excellent! she replied. I hope I can call on you again when I have a task that needs your talents.
As long as youve got the money, fiore bella, Ill be there, he answered. He turned on the charm, a handsome man who knew how attractive he was.
She smiled then and turned to the machine, slapping the power supply into place as if it were a fresh magazine going into a pistol. Killers fears were realized as the machine flared to readiness with a red-black glow.
This is part of Shattered Ice9's Kheldian project, is it? he asked. He leaned forward, giving her the full force of his dark eyes and a friendly smile.
Rose turned back, as if surprised to still see him there. Why, yes. It is.
A most impressive machine youve built there.
Rose gazed back at him, a smile playing over her lips. Her smile grew broader, and she shrugged. Built to Shattered Ice9's request and specifications, she answered. She gestured to the glowing part with its sinister red and black tendrils. This is the quantum array of a void rifle. It attacks the energy being half of the Kheldian, rendering it helpless. Her hand slid gracefully to caress a cylinder with a tangle of wires protruding in a chaotic birds nest around it. This is a creation of ours. It comes online approximately 5 seconds after the quantum array begins firing. It attacks the humans autonomic nervous system directly, and creates conditions which mimic the death of the host, causing the energy being to be released. That process takes 20-30 seconds Finally, she gestured to a squat cylinder with a pair of smaller tubes running alongside, connected to a stoutly reinforced metal rectangle. And this is the extractor - which removes the energy being from the host, and the containment unit - which will, hopefully, contain the energy being until Shattered is ready for it.
Bounty-Killer set his face in his most pleasant expression as Rose turned back. He smiled again, that warm smile that melted so many womens hearts. Thank you again, bella. He turned away, then cast one look back over his shoulder. I look forward to hearing from you again, Miss Rose.
Killer held his emotions in check as he exited the Shades base. He glanced at the coffee shop where hed talked with Neely, and the image of her devastated blue eyes flashed into his mind. He needed something stronger than coffee. He used his VIP pass to travel directly to Pocket D. He barely paused as he passed Isaac the bartender and called out, the usual.
The ice in his glass clinked softly as he swirled it. He sipped, making his way to a quiet booth in a dark corner. He settled in, sipping again, staring out into the bright lights of Pocket D from within the shadows that kept him hidden. He thought of Ici Cold asking him to help Neely. He thought of Neely, and how hed crushed her hope in the name of keeping her safe. But mostly he thought of Keely, her mad eyes, and that machine, and the part hed played in bringing it to life. He sipped again, and the shadows hid the single tear that trailed down his cheek.
---
Rose smiled as she watch Bounty-Killer leave. A very charming man, and she suspected he used that charm to great effect. It took more than a nice smile and dark eyes to sway Rose, but hed been looking for information she was willing to share, so she shared it.
Her smile was short-lived, however, as she turned back to the extraction machine and powered it down. Her worry for Shattered and CN grew with each passing minute, and this machine, while ready, would not be used until they returned. With a heavy sigh, she drew the cover over the machine and pushed it back into its place against the wall.
As she turned back, Conall Cian, wearing his human form of a tall man dressed as a Paragon city police officer, entered the basement, followed by Sterling Gold and Scorpio Son.
Afternoon, Rose, Conall said, with a cordial nod.
Hello maam, his followers murmured politely.
Conall, she answered. Her eyes narrowed as the trio advanced on Keelys cell. Her right hand rose involuntarily to stroke the smooth metal prosthetic that replaced her left arm. Rose most often kept her memories of being locked in her own cell well under control, but today, that frightened, helpless girl she used to be wouldnt stay quiet. Of course, that which does not kill you, makes you stronger, she thought. She stepped forward. Stop. Stop right there, she ordered.
Conall turned, one brow raised. Did you need something, Rose? he asked in his most calm voice.
When was the last time she was fed? Rose demanded.
Two days ago. The prisoner got food and water, two days ago.
And nothing since then? Conall just shook his head very slowly, once to the left, once to the right. Since I dont see any food now, I assume it is not your intention to feed her?
Conall took one step towards her. Rose smiled again. One man tried to charm her with good looks and a smile, another tried to intimidate her with size. She just looked back up at him calmly. There were plenty of good looking, charming, over-sized, muscular men in the Shades. She wasnt impressed. She stepped closer as well, and looked calmly into his eyes. I asked you a question.
Conall hesitated, then answered, No, she can eat when were done with her. I am instructing these two in how to break the will and hope of a prisoner.
This is the same prisoner that spent the last two days screaming and sobbing? Her will has been hammered enough, and as for hope, she obviously hasnt any left. She glanced at Scorpio Son. You - go fetch her a meal. She will be fed three times a day starting now. She turned to Sterling Gold. You will get her cleaned up, her injuries tended, and get her some clean clothing. She faced Conall again, And you will stay well away from her.
Conall scowled, and his human form vanished, revealing the red-skinned, flame-eyed, horned demon that he truly was. Shattereds orders to me were-
Rose held up one hand. Were my orders clear?
The room was absolutely still. No one moved. The power struggle raged between the enormous demon and the slender woman, quiet and unobtrusive to the observers. When Conall stepped in again, Rose smiled, a broad, teeth-baring smile. She never took her eyes from his as she said, Sterling, Scorpio... go. Now.
When the two backed slowly out of the room, Conall straightened. Fine, Rose, well play it your way. He turned and stalked to the stairs before turning back, For now. But when Shattered returns, he will hear about this.
Yes, Conall. Yes he will, she replied. You have no business down here now. None. Understood?
Conall hesitated before answering through his gritted, bared teeth. Don't push me woman, you don't have any tin cans around to stop me from pushing back, he said as he vanished up the stairs.
Rose released a long, pent-up breath. She caressed her prosthetic arm again, this time fingering the hidden panel that would open to reveal controls to many of the bases internal defenses. Not even Shattered knew how thoroughly she could control their base. She watched the enormous demon stalk up the stairs and thought to herself, If Shattered doesnt return, and soon, I may have to have that one killed.
---
Tina Macintyre sat at the front of the Ghosts enormous conference room, with two portal corp techs standing at her shoulders. The tiny control unit that Neely had carried through the portal with her sat on the table, its readouts black and lifeless. Ahren, sitting nearby, shrugged and sat back. Keely sat at the nearest table, her right arm across Neelys shoulder, her left hand holding onto Neelys right. Neely smiled. Over a lifetime of looking out for each other, this was the first time she could remember Keely being so protective of her; she was more used to their roles being reversed. She suspected this Keely, however, was very accustomed to the nurturing role.
Tina poked the controller with one fingertip, sighed, and said, We have a few problems. The first, obviously, is that this is broken. The second is that from what your alternate-world-Neely tells us, this controlled a magical portal, so even if we can get it working again, the technology may be completely unrelated to what were familiar with. This is complicated by the time travel aspect. She shrugged. I suspect we can find your world, Neely, but I dont know how long it will take.
Sooner Spirit leaned forward. She can stay with us. She shot a glance at Ahren who had shifted abruptly at her words. She will be welcome to stay with us. It has been amply demonstrated that this Neely is not the same as the one we knew. Sooner held Ahrens gaze until he nodded. Thats settled, then. Tina, youll let us know when you find a way to send Neely home.
Tina stood and nodded, placing the broken controller in a padded case. Neely turned to look at her sister. Keely smiled as their identical blue eyes met. This Keely looked so like the sister Neely had known, but there was some barely perceptible difference as well. Neely thought, perhaps, this Keelys face was a little softer, as if her life hadnt marked her the way her alternate selfs had. Neely wondered where the difference had been. She wondered, in this world, which of them had been in the living room when Uncle Wills lab exploded. Or did it go farther than that? Neely had no idea which of them had been born first... but was it that simple that fate was so unkind to the one born first? Or second?
She glanced around the room, at the expressions on the faces so familiar to her. She loved the Ghosts. They were her family, to a girl whod never really had a family. She loved them, but these people didnt love her. Their expressions made it clear that they ranged from tolerance to distrust to outright hatred. Only Keely, only her sister from another dimension, looked at her with love. And - Neely realized suddenly - that was enough.
She squeezed her sisters hand, cleared her throat, and stood. My fellow Ghosts Reborn- she began, then looked straight at Ahren as his eyes narrowed, for I AM a Ghost Reborn - I found my way here by accident, but I also found a sister I thought was lost to me. I have spent most of my life looking after, and lately, looking for my sister. For most of that life, we had nothing but each other, and even when we were together, there was conflict. Beside her Keely nodded.
The very first thing I said to you all upon entering this base was Im not who you think I am. I didnt know how true that was when I said it. I didnt know how much harm my other self had done to you. This group has suffered a loss that can never be replaced. And even though I did not perform those actions, it was an alternate of mine that did. Perhaps, given enough time I can make up, at least in some small part for that harm. Perhaps, I can earn the trust that my other self betrayed.
Neely looked down again at her sisters face, and smiled. Tina, I would appreciate it if you would let us know when you figure out where I came from. But, in my world, I have a lost a sister. In this world, Ive found her again. She squeezed Keelys hand. I wont be going back. Id like to stay here.
This was my third foray into fan fiction, and I got a little ambitious.
There are two story lines playing out at the same time, "then" and "now."
A few people told me they found it a bit confusing, so I'm going to try a different device: I will put the "then" storyline in black, and the "now" storyline in default colors.
I have no idea how this will look on the CoV color scheme, so if it doesn't work, someone please let me know - while I can still edit it! - and I'll try something different.
Anyway... I certainly hope you enjoy this story, and, as always, comments are welcome.