The Hollows are a dangerous place for a rookie hero, and the Outcast with the stone fists was out to prove exactly that point. Lets rock baby he leered, and let loose a solid left hook directly into the red clad woman in front of him. There was an audible crunch as one of her ribs snapped and she went down felled like a tree with a whooof as the wind was knocked out of her. The Outcast grinned You big girly hero. You die now and aimed a sharp kick to the womans head. She squirmed out of the way and the boot glanced over her cheek, leaving a sharp cut.
The woman grunted and her hand jabbed out, an arc of purplish-blue electricity shot from her fingertips to the Outcast, whose muscles tensed up in reflexive action. Then the woman stood, and wiped her cheek. Ok, I think this is going to stop now! With both hands she stretched out and a second, wider arc, flared from her fingertips and felled the Outcast.
The woman panted and leaned against the wall of a building. She was tall, very tall, dressed from head to toe in bright red spandex and leather, a mask covering her eyes, an ironic nod to disguise. She rubbed her cheek and gingerly felt her ribcage, cursing David Wincott softly under her breath, although not too maliciously. After all, she had volunteered to take the assignment. Just run across the Hollows and bring some Outcasts to justice.
So the Hollows is where to make your name is it? she muttered. Well, that was the general consensus of opinion. The Hollows was where most of the rejects from Paragon hid out, Trolls, Outcasts and Circle of Thorns being some of the most popular. Tough, arrogant and vicious, the inhabitants of the Hollows hunted in packs like wolves. Well come on Rosie, make your name. She pushed herself off of the wall and began to jog into the Cherry Hills.
The sun was setting. It was going to get even more dangerous. She slowed her pace, aware suddenly that she was being followed. She grimaced as the guttural voices of the Trolls revealed her pursuers, loping behind her. She would need to make her first shots count. She crouched and braced her arm, extending her fist before up and concentrated, the force of her will harnessing the static in the atmosphere and releasing it in a huge bolt from her fist. It felled the lead troll before he even saw it coming, and a couple of further blasts took out the second, but then they were upon her, mauling, punching and stabbing.
She was on borrowed time from the moment they closed to hand to hand range and even though she had whittled the numbers down, one injured woman against three Trolls was never likely to be a positive result for her. Hand to hand fighting was not her forte in the first place. Within moments, she was on her knees, battered and bruised and taking a pounding. She struggled to maintain consciousness, warding of blows and clubs, barely noticing the light that suddenly exploded in front of her - a burst of flames that shielded her, and suddenly the trolls were blasted back by a flaming flurry of fists.
A sudden silence descended. The woman rolled over, hurt and panting. Fuff thanks. She looked up at her saviour, a tall female, busty, with pointed ears, golden skin and flames emanating from her skin.
Youre welcome, she responded, in a voice that echoed of stars and time. I am Corona. She extended a hand and helped the red-garbed woman to her feet, and then had to look up, with a raised eyebrow. I know you. Didnt you used to be Rosie La Rouge?
The woman nodded with a grin. Used to be? I like to think I still am. She wiped a hand across her cheek. But now I go by Scarlet Shocker.
I watched you on the TV when the Freakshow attacked your last performance, remarked Corona. It was impressive.
Thanks. Its what made me come here, trying to make a difference. What about you?
Corona looked down. I cant go home. So I stay here and do what I can.
Why not? Wheres home?
Far away. Thats a story for another time. So, what are you doing alone in the Hollows?
Scarlet grunted. Well, stupidity cant be ruled out. Then she grinned. Ive got to take some Outcasts into custody. I could use a hand, if youre up for it.
Corona grinned and extended her hand sideways, and a flame shot out from it, and formed the shape of a scimitar. It would be fun. Lets go
The run across the Hollows was quicker on the second leg. Trolls and Outcasts arent renowned for their bravery. Nor are they renowned for their intelligence. Which explained why there was no guard on the door of the abandoned office. Corona didnt even have to break it down. It wasnt locked.
Corona grimaced. It stinks in here.
Ever seen an Outcast take a bath? remarked Scarlet dryly.
The door opened into a long corridor. The pair moved down it cautiously, only the sound of Coronas flaming sword, and Scarlets sparks making a sound. The rounded a corner, and stopped. Before them, armed and waiting, stood at least fifteen Outcasts, ready for action. There was a pregnant pause as both sides eyed one another up, then an explosion of action. The Outcasts launched themselves forward, guns and knives and baseball bats. Scarlet pointed at the lead and launched a stunning blast of electricity at him, flooring him instantly. Corona piled in, fists and flames and sword whirling. But despite the superior skill of the heroes, the outcasts numbers began to tell, and more entered the fray from a mezzanine above.
Run Scarlet yelled Corona, backhanding a knife wielding outcast across the face and knocking him back, unconscious. Scarlet did not need to be told twice. She squeezed out a bolt that bounced between a few of them, stunning them temporarily, and bolted, Corona close behind, the outcasts hot on their tails. The cannoned out of the door, Scarlet first and straight into the midriff of a half-naked, tattooed giant.
Well, what have we here? he boomed, deftly pounding an outcast over the head. It seems you ladies may be in need of some assistance. Great Wulf at your service. Perhaps I might join your endeavours.
Feel free, panted Scarlet, rolling lithely to her feet and letting an outcast who was bearing down on her have the benefits of both hand charged with several thousand volts, leaving him writhing on the floor.
Please do Corona agreed, then turned and exhaled a long stream of fire into the face of another outcast who screamed in terror and turned to flee, to be felled by the fist of the giant Great Wulf. Within moments, the Outcasts had been dealt with and quelled and the trio stood outside the building.
Good work people. Thanks for both your help, Scarlet grinned through grime and bruises.
Indeed my lady, boomed Great Wulf. It was, to coin a phrase, a pleasure. He bowed, his arm out wide.
Corona grinned and leaned against the wall. Yes we should do more. I have a colleague who wants me to help clean up some caves here. How do you like that plan? Her voice had an odd timbre to it, like a volcano in the distance but with a sibilance that took the edge off it.
Suits me, agreed Scarlet. Lets go kick some pumice butt.
- - - < - > - - -
Do you suppose it ever gets warm here? grumbled Scarlet Shocker, surveying the wreckage and rubble of Boomtown.
Its cold? Corona grinned at the red clad heroine, and twitched, her flaming aura flickered and expanding a moment. Great Wulf mimicked Corona with a chuckle.
Scarlet Shocker grinned back at her friends. You gits! She shook her head and leapt into the air on some micro-anti-gravity pulsars and surveyed the rubble around them. It was bleak, a collection of destroyed offices and apartments. Twisted shards of metal pointed skywards, stark fingers of despair. A few outcasts in the distance took guard on seeing the heroes. Scarlet ignored them. Clockwork were the object of desire on this occasion.
Ok people my scanners telling me the targets half a mile north-west, said Scarlet and headed off, keeping high, sacrificing speed for safety. Great Wulf and Corona had no such fears, and tanked across the broken ground at a steady run. Few Outcasts even dared to intercept them.
Within moments they were gathered once again at the entrance to the abandoned skyscraper. Corona formed a fist and her flaming scimitar appeared. Scarlet?
We know what to do. I figure we should do this the same. Scarlet nodded.
Agreed, grunted Great Wulf, and with a single blow, smashed the external door from its hinges. Corona dived through, Scarlet second and closed with the Clocks, Corona and Wulf using their immense strength to batter and break, Scarlet using her electrical powers to short circuit and fuse.
No battle with the Clockwork can ever be considered to be a walkover. This one was even worse. Not simply Tesla Knights and Cannon Dukes, but a raft of Princes. Scarlet twice had to use the hospital teleporter, and even Corona needed it once. Great Wulf was seemingly oblivious to all pain, and charged forward at every opportunity. Even so, he was bloodied and bruised by the struggle. Perhaps that is the nature of a hero not to be cowed in the face of adversity.
Finally, the trio made it to the top of the building, the Penthouse. Corona peered around the corner and paled. Four Princes.
Scarlet smiled wryly. Great this is gonna hurt! Ready up people. Wulf and Corona took position, and Scarlet aimed her clenched fist at the lead Clockwork, a massive jolt of electrical power zapping forth, dropping the Assembler Prince to its knees. The other three turned and aimed at Scarlet, whod dived around the corner. Great Wulf and Corona charged them, fists and fire against electro-mechanical monstrosities. Scarlet took up the rear, bombarding them, but one of the princes broke from the melee and charged her, gears whirring, fists clanking, a smashing blow knocking Scarlet backwards to the floor.
Corona spat fire into the face of her opponent and hacked at him with her flaming sword. Great Wulfs approach was more direct, he leapt on the shoulders of his assailant and slowly twisted the head of the clockwork around, up and off.
Scarlet scrambled lithely to her feet and aimed a burst of electrical energy at the Prince in front of her which writhed and shuddered. Corona and Great Wulf, their own foes defeated joined her and delivered the coup de grace, fire from the two tankers and Scarlet shoving her fist deep into the chest cavity of the machine and unleashing a massive jolt of electricity into its chest, melting gears and frying circuits. It crashed to the floor, face down, broken.
Fuf, she muttered.
Well done, again, my lady, Great Wulf congratulated her.
Yes, we did well, agreed Corona in that sibilant, eerie voice that reflected the sound of a furnace.
Scarlet grinned and dusted herself down. Yanno chaps, Ive been thinking. We work really well together and weve become really good friends in the process. Right?
It is ever my pleasure to accompany both of you ladies into battle. In my world women do not fight but I am proud to be associated with warriors of your calibre. Great Wulf puffed out his chest as he effused praise on his companions.
I like fighting with you grinned Corona.
Well Ive got news for you guys if youre interested. The trio exited the building having quelled the Clockwork menace for now at least. I had an idea, Scarlet continued. I hope you two think the same. I just think that we work really well together. Were tight, we are successful and weve become good friends.
I agree, nodded Corona.
I also heartily concur my lady.
Im glad, because today, I went to Atlas City Hall and filled out some paperwork. I am now the proud owner of a licence to form a Hero Super group, and a licence to build an HQ. Ive registered the name Shock Tactics. I want you to in at the start. I figure that if we make it official, we can build on what the three of us started. Not just a random collection of heroes but a group that has the same philosophy people committed to working together for the benefit of the group and Paragon.
Its a lofty ideal Scarlet, said Great Wulf.
Corona grinned. Where do I sign up? Her flames flickered reflecting the excitement of her mood. I love the name Shock Tactics Assemble
Scarlet grinned and went to hug her friend, but withdrew at the last moment, conscious of the flames. Instead she pointed a hand-held DNA scanner at her friend. There you go youre in. She pressed a couple of buttons. There you go, youre co-leader. I dont want this just to be about me. Mr Wulf?
Great Wulf grinned. Scarlet, I would love to join. But I also hope to return home one day and that would divide my loyalties. My people well I care for them and miss them. I cannot give up working to return. They need me.
Scarlet nodded. I understand. I think Id be the same if I was in your shoes. But, face it Mr Wulf, youre not going home any time soon. If you do, then great! But meanwhile, I want you on board. I have no problem with your loyalty being divided. While youre here I know youll give your all. If the day comes you get to go home, then Ill be happy for you, but realistically, something that might happen in the future shouldnt stop you doing something that can happen today.
Great Wulf frowned in mock despair. Your logic is insufferable lady Scarlet. I accept your kind and heartfelt offer. But I do have one question for you why do you call me Mr Wulf?
Scarlet grinned, and scanned him. Youre in now and a leader too. She stuck her tongue out. And in answer to your question, because @$%& head sounds rude!
"You got to dig it to dig it, you dig?" Thelonious Monk
Posted
This is really really good and well-written! Two thumbs up!
The Hollows are a dangerous place for a rookie hero, and the Outcast with the stone fists was out to prove exactly that point. Lets rock baby he leered, and let loose a solid left hook directly into the red clad woman in front of him. There was an audible crunch as one of her ribs snapped and she went down felled like a tree with a whooof as the wind was knocked out of her. The Outcast grinned You big girly hero. You die now and aimed a sharp kick to the womans head. She squirmed out of the way and the boot glanced over her cheek, leaving a sharp cut.
The woman grunted and her hand jabbed out, an arc of purplish-blue electricity shot from her fingertips to the Outcast, whose muscles tensed up in reflexive action. Then the woman stood, and wiped her cheek. Ok, I think this is going to stop now! With both hands she stretched out and a second, wider arc, flared from her fingertips and felled the Outcast.
The woman panted and leaned against the wall of a building. She was tall, very tall, dressed from head to toe in bright red spandex and leather, a mask covering her eyes, an ironic nod to disguise. She rubbed her cheek and gingerly felt her ribcage, cursing David Wincott softly under her breath, although not too maliciously. After all, she had volunteered to take the assignment. Just run across the Hollows and bring some Outcasts to justice.
So the Hollows is where to make your name is it? she muttered. Well, that was the general consensus of opinion. The Hollows was where most of the rejects from Paragon hid out, Trolls, Outcasts and Circle of Thorns being some of the most popular. Tough, arrogant and vicious, the inhabitants of the Hollows hunted in packs like wolves. Well come on Rosie, make your name. She pushed herself off of the wall and began to jog into the Cherry Hills.
The sun was setting. It was going to get even more dangerous. She slowed her pace, aware suddenly that she was being followed. She grimaced as the guttural voices of the Trolls revealed her pursuers, loping behind her. She would need to make her first shots count. She crouched and braced her arm, extending her fist before up and concentrated, the force of her will harnessing the static in the atmosphere and releasing it in a huge bolt from her fist. It felled the lead troll before he even saw it coming, and a couple of further blasts took out the second, but then they were upon her, mauling, punching and stabbing.
She was on borrowed time from the moment they closed to hand to hand range and even though she had whittled the numbers down, one injured woman against three Trolls was never likely to be a positive result for her. Hand to hand fighting was not her forte in the first place. Within moments, she was on her knees, battered and bruised and taking a pounding. She struggled to maintain consciousness, warding of blows and clubs, barely noticing the light that suddenly exploded in front of her - a burst of flames that shielded her, and suddenly the trolls were blasted back by a flaming flurry of fists.
A sudden silence descended. The woman rolled over, hurt and panting. Fuff thanks. She looked up at her saviour, a tall female, busty, with pointed ears, golden skin and flames emanating from her skin.
Youre welcome, she responded, in a voice that echoed of stars and time. I am Corona. She extended a hand and helped the red-garbed woman to her feet, and then had to look up, with a raised eyebrow. I know you. Didnt you used to be Rosie La Rouge?
The woman nodded with a grin. Used to be? I like to think I still am. She wiped a hand across her cheek. But now I go by Scarlet Shocker.
I watched you on the TV when the Freakshow attacked your last performance, remarked Corona. It was impressive.
Thanks. Its what made me come here, trying to make a difference. What about you?
Corona looked down. I cant go home. So I stay here and do what I can.
Why not? Wheres home?
Far away. Thats a story for another time. So, what are you doing alone in the Hollows?
Scarlet grunted. Well, stupidity cant be ruled out. Then she grinned. Ive got to take some Outcasts into custody. I could use a hand, if youre up for it.
Corona grinned and extended her hand sideways, and a flame shot out from it, and formed the shape of a scimitar. It would be fun. Lets go
The run across the Hollows was quicker on the second leg. Trolls and Outcasts arent renowned for their bravery. Nor are they renowned for their intelligence. Which explained why there was no guard on the door of the abandoned office. Corona didnt even have to break it down. It wasnt locked.
Corona grimaced. It stinks in here.
Ever seen an Outcast take a bath? remarked Scarlet dryly.
The door opened into a long corridor. The pair moved down it cautiously, only the sound of Coronas flaming sword, and Scarlets sparks making a sound. The rounded a corner, and stopped. Before them, armed and waiting, stood at least fifteen Outcasts, ready for action. There was a pregnant pause as both sides eyed one another up, then an explosion of action. The Outcasts launched themselves forward, guns and knives and baseball bats. Scarlet pointed at the lead and launched a stunning blast of electricity at him, flooring him instantly. Corona piled in, fists and flames and sword whirling. But despite the superior skill of the heroes, the outcasts numbers began to tell, and more entered the fray from a mezzanine above.
Run Scarlet yelled Corona, backhanding a knife wielding outcast across the face and knocking him back, unconscious. Scarlet did not need to be told twice. She squeezed out a bolt that bounced between a few of them, stunning them temporarily, and bolted, Corona close behind, the outcasts hot on their tails. The cannoned out of the door, Scarlet first and straight into the midriff of a half-naked, tattooed giant.
Well, what have we here? he boomed, deftly pounding an outcast over the head. It seems you ladies may be in need of some assistance. Great Wulf at your service. Perhaps I might join your endeavours.
Feel free, panted Scarlet, rolling lithely to her feet and letting an outcast who was bearing down on her have the benefits of both hand charged with several thousand volts, leaving him writhing on the floor.
Please do Corona agreed, then turned and exhaled a long stream of fire into the face of another outcast who screamed in terror and turned to flee, to be felled by the fist of the giant Great Wulf. Within moments, the Outcasts had been dealt with and quelled and the trio stood outside the building.
Good work people. Thanks for both your help, Scarlet grinned through grime and bruises.
Indeed my lady, boomed Great Wulf. It was, to coin a phrase, a pleasure. He bowed, his arm out wide.
Corona grinned and leaned against the wall. Yes we should do more. I have a colleague who wants me to help clean up some caves here. How do you like that plan? Her voice had an odd timbre to it, like a volcano in the distance but with a sibilance that took the edge off it.
Suits me, agreed Scarlet. Lets go kick some pumice butt.
- - - < - > - - -
Do you suppose it ever gets warm here? grumbled Scarlet Shocker, surveying the wreckage and rubble of Boomtown.
Its cold? Corona grinned at the red clad heroine, and twitched, her flaming aura flickered and expanding a moment. Great Wulf mimicked Corona with a chuckle.
Scarlet Shocker grinned back at her friends. You gits! She shook her head and leapt into the air on some micro-anti-gravity pulsars and surveyed the rubble around them. It was bleak, a collection of destroyed offices and apartments. Twisted shards of metal pointed skywards, stark fingers of despair. A few outcasts in the distance took guard on seeing the heroes. Scarlet ignored them. Clockwork were the object of desire on this occasion.
Ok people my scanners telling me the targets half a mile north-west, said Scarlet and headed off, keeping high, sacrificing speed for safety. Great Wulf and Corona had no such fears, and tanked across the broken ground at a steady run. Few Outcasts even dared to intercept them.
Within moments they were gathered once again at the entrance to the abandoned skyscraper. Corona formed a fist and her flaming scimitar appeared. Scarlet?
We know what to do. I figure we should do this the same. Scarlet nodded.
Agreed, grunted Great Wulf, and with a single blow, smashed the external door from its hinges. Corona dived through, Scarlet second and closed with the Clocks, Corona and Wulf using their immense strength to batter and break, Scarlet using her electrical powers to short circuit and fuse.
No battle with the Clockwork can ever be considered to be a walkover. This one was even worse. Not simply Tesla Knights and Cannon Dukes, but a raft of Princes. Scarlet twice had to use the hospital teleporter, and even Corona needed it once. Great Wulf was seemingly oblivious to all pain, and charged forward at every opportunity. Even so, he was bloodied and bruised by the struggle. Perhaps that is the nature of a hero not to be cowed in the face of adversity.
Finally, the trio made it to the top of the building, the Penthouse. Corona peered around the corner and paled. Four Princes.
Scarlet smiled wryly. Great this is gonna hurt! Ready up people. Wulf and Corona took position, and Scarlet aimed her clenched fist at the lead Clockwork, a massive jolt of electrical power zapping forth, dropping the Assembler Prince to its knees. The other three turned and aimed at Scarlet, whod dived around the corner. Great Wulf and Corona charged them, fists and fire against electro-mechanical monstrosities. Scarlet took up the rear, bombarding them, but one of the princes broke from the melee and charged her, gears whirring, fists clanking, a smashing blow knocking Scarlet backwards to the floor.
Corona spat fire into the face of her opponent and hacked at him with her flaming sword. Great Wulfs approach was more direct, he leapt on the shoulders of his assailant and slowly twisted the head of the clockwork around, up and off.
Scarlet scrambled lithely to her feet and aimed a burst of electrical energy at the Prince in front of her which writhed and shuddered. Corona and Great Wulf, their own foes defeated joined her and delivered the coup de grace, fire from the two tankers and Scarlet shoving her fist deep into the chest cavity of the machine and unleashing a massive jolt of electricity into its chest, melting gears and frying circuits. It crashed to the floor, face down, broken.
Fuf, she muttered.
Well done, again, my lady, Great Wulf congratulated her.
Yes, we did well, agreed Corona in that sibilant, eerie voice that reflected the sound of a furnace.
Scarlet grinned and dusted herself down. Yanno chaps, Ive been thinking. We work really well together and weve become really good friends in the process. Right?
It is ever my pleasure to accompany both of you ladies into battle. In my world women do not fight but I am proud to be associated with warriors of your calibre. Great Wulf puffed out his chest as he effused praise on his companions.
I like fighting with you grinned Corona.
Well Ive got news for you guys if youre interested. The trio exited the building having quelled the Clockwork menace for now at least. I had an idea, Scarlet continued. I hope you two think the same. I just think that we work really well together. Were tight, we are successful and weve become good friends.
I agree, nodded Corona.
I also heartily concur my lady.
Im glad, because today, I went to Atlas City Hall and filled out some paperwork. I am now the proud owner of a licence to form a Hero Super group, and a licence to build an HQ. Ive registered the name Shock Tactics. I want you to in at the start. I figure that if we make it official, we can build on what the three of us started. Not just a random collection of heroes but a group that has the same philosophy people committed to working together for the benefit of the group and Paragon.
Its a lofty ideal Scarlet, said Great Wulf.
Corona grinned. Where do I sign up? Her flames flickered reflecting the excitement of her mood. I love the name Shock Tactics Assemble
Scarlet grinned and went to hug her friend, but withdrew at the last moment, conscious of the flames. Instead she pointed a hand-held DNA scanner at her friend. There you go youre in. She pressed a couple of buttons. There you go, youre co-leader. I dont want this just to be about me. Mr Wulf?
Great Wulf grinned. Scarlet, I would love to join. But I also hope to return home one day and that would divide my loyalties. My people well I care for them and miss them. I cannot give up working to return. They need me.
Scarlet nodded. I understand. I think Id be the same if I was in your shoes. But, face it Mr Wulf, youre not going home any time soon. If you do, then great! But meanwhile, I want you on board. I have no problem with your loyalty being divided. While youre here I know youll give your all. If the day comes you get to go home, then Ill be happy for you, but realistically, something that might happen in the future shouldnt stop you doing something that can happen today.
Great Wulf frowned in mock despair. Your logic is insufferable lady Scarlet. I accept your kind and heartfelt offer. But I do have one question for you why do you call me Mr Wulf?
Scarlet grinned, and scanned him. Youre in now and a leader too. She stuck her tongue out. And in answer to your question, because @$%& head sounds rude!
Thelonious Monk