Somewhere in the Indian Ocean, November 20th
Something brown was floating in the water, bloated. Sharks began to circle it, analysing. Soon, they decided it would do well for breakfast. The waves on the water began to rise as the sharks closed in, then something resembling an arm, jerked about the bloated object, it spun around itself, revealing a mass of hair and a human face; reverend Pious Hunter. He panicked as thought awoken from a nightmare, splashing around in the ocean, coughing out water. Suddenly, a sharp pain struck his ribs, causing him to scream out in terror. Before he could act, he found himself underwater, being flung around like a rag doll by a school of sharks. Blood began to leek from his waist; the sharks had chewed out a chunk of his stomach; a normal man would have already been dead. Then again, a normal man wouldnt usually wake up in the Indian Ocean.
Pious held out his arms and within seconds, his body temperature had dropped to sub zero, dropping further to -90oC, he expelled the cold, instantly freezing the water around him. The predatory fish were killed and encased forever, but so was he.
For the umpteenth time in his life, Pious body was thrust back into life. He gathered enough strength, and broke out of his ice tomb, shattered the large iceberg hed caused into smaller lumps. Cold and naked, he began to swim, all the while morphing his cell structure.
----------------------------------------------------
Harvey Medical Centre, Founders Falls, November 22nd
Having survived his battle with arch-nemesis Alicia Barzini, found his way back to his native dimension and escaped an unfortunate shark attack, Pious Hunter was happy to be back in Paragon City, doing what he feels is his responsibility; protecting the people from harm. He had read in the papers that a young girl was hurt by his falling eye-plate just six days ago and decided to pay her a visit.
A nurse escorted him to bed number 3, where a dark-skinned girl with long black hair lay, sleeping. She was unconscious for three days, but she came through said the nurse, however during her tests, we flagged her as a possible mutant. The specialist doctors ran some further tests last night and the results came in this morning. The nurse showed several pages on a clipboard to the licensed hero, who stood out against the hospital blue with his black cassock. Her body is struggling to cope; we fear the mutation may be killing her.
A morphogenetic copycat said the Priest, already making the links thats a rare breed. The nurse simply smiled, then excused herself from the area, exiting through the wall of light blue curtains. The Priest stood still, quietly studying the girl through the slits in his eye-plate. He knew her mutation was likely triggered by the blow to the head, caused by his falling eye plate and similarly to his own past experience, her body was struggling to cope. It occurred to him to attempt a more supernatural healing process that may help her as it helped him several months ago.
Beneath his skin, the Priest began to transform, bringing the DNA strands for empathic healing to the surface. He held out his hands and began to pray inwardly. Moments later, Rachel Grey began to stir; she opened her eyes groggily and noticed the tall man at the foot of her bed.
You! she managed, in a hoarse whisper. Where am I?
Youre in a safe place. The Harvey Medical Centre said the Priest.
What happened? asked Rachel. The last thing I remember is that mask on your face hitting me on the head. Trying to kill me?
No, he replied, moving closer to the girl. Im sorry about your pain; I assure you it was an accident. However, the Doctors found strands of evolved genetics in your body. You were struggling to cope with the change, so I helped a little.
What do you mean by evolved genetics? asked Rachel, holding the Priest by the wrist in an attempt to sit up. At her touch, the Priest was hit with a flood of psychic information. He gasped in pain and stumbled backwards. Oh my god, what did I do? asked Rachel.
Nothing, you did nothing said the Priest, a look of utter disbelief painted across his face. He was clearly shocked by whatever he had seen in his vision. I must go, but here are my contact details should you need me. He produced a small chip, positioned it on the bedside unit and disappeared behind the curtains.
(written with Pious)
ICON costumes and fashion superstore, Founders Falls, November 24th
Since the strange mans visit at the hospital, Rachel had been obsessing over his identity. She traced him to the team of heroes known as the Militia and learnt his codename was the Priest. In her possession were two of his items; a contact card and a metallic eye-plate, the very object that fell from the skies and sent her into a coma. In the privacy of her dormitory, she had even tried it on, pretending to be a super-powered hero.
The doctors said she was no longer an ordinary citizen, they called her a mutant. She was shocked at first, but it soon dawned on her that her prayers had finally been answered. She wasnt stupid, in fact, she was one of the brightest in her biology class, and she understood perfectly what her body was going through. The doctors said she was morphogenetic, able to observe, analyse and imitate the appearance and abilities of others around her, including objects. It was all very exciting to her and she yearned for a hero to welcome her to the crowd.
That is why she was here, at Paragon Citys finest costumes and fashion superstore, ICON. Several hours later, she was all shopped out and ready for a night out at Pocket D. On her way back to campus, she produced her mobile phone and dialled the Priest.
Hello said the Priest; he answered so quickly, the girl was caught off guard.
Oh, hello she stammered. This is Rachel Grey, from the hospital?
Yes. Good evening he greeted.
Erm, hmm she stuttered. Evening she greeted nervously, followed by an awkward silence. She wanted to invite him out to the nightclub, but simply didnt know how to ask appropriately. Erm, you said to call if I needed anything
Yes. What do you need? he asked bluntly.
Well, erm, err she stuttered. I dont know she shrugged.
Youre suddenly super-powered; I would imagine you need mentoring? asked the Priest.
Mentoring, okay said Rachel.
Alright then said the Priest. I will be patrolling the Steel Canyon district on Thursday night, we can meet then.
Oh, there are combat simulation facilities at the pocket dimensional nightclub, wouldnt that be safer?
The Priest sighed. I dont approve of that club, but fine, well use their combat facilities. Come appropriately dressed.
See you then said Rachel, closing her mobile phone. It wasnt exactly ideal, in fact, it was a little scary, but at last, she had gotten herself a date with a real hero. After all that effort learning all the citys heroes by name, face and ability, all it took was a few nights in a hospital, she joked.
Just then, a muscular, blue-clad hero with a white lion emblem flew past; she looked up and instantly recognized him as Britanic. She watched him closely, putting her abilities to the test. She felt a little dizzy as unused nerves and muscles started to communicate with her brain, and before she knew it, she was defying gravity, slowly levitating at the expense of energy. Oh god she prayed, help! she whispered, trying her best to calm down. Suddenly, she heard a brick in a nearby wall shatter to pieces. Then another, and another, and suddenly, it dawned on her that she was being shot at! She followed the direction of the shooting and surely, up on a distant rooftop, was a Crey sharpshooter, mistaking her for a hero in civilian clothes. Twenty feet up, she panicked and began to fall, screaming.
Seconds before colliding with the pavement, she closed her eyes, fully expecting to re-open them and find herself at Harveys Medical Centre. Fortunately, she was caught by a speeding hero. When she opened her eyes, she was glad to see the man called, Bulletshield! Oh thank god you came, I was being shot at by that, ahh! she screamed, after another shot was fired, ricocheting off the heros impenetrable skull. Instinctively, the man leapt into the air, bounding from building to building until he reached the sharpshooter. One super-strong punch to the jaw knocked the agent to the floor before being tagged by an arrest beacon. Bulletshield leapt back down to the young lady.
What is a damsel like you doing around this part of Founders? he asked.
I was just on my way back to campus, I guess the shooter confused me for a hero she replied.
Paragon University right, I can escort you if youd like.
Thank you said Rachel, and suddenly, in a blur of traffic lights and street lamps, she was on campus. I remember now! Bulletshield, your abilities are super strength, invulnerability, phasing and speed through density control, she said, clearly impressed.
You sure do read the papers. Have a good night damsel and stay out of trouble, said the hero, before disappearing in a ball of dust.
Damsel said Rachel, decreasing and increasing her own density, I like that
(written with Pious)
Origins of the Damsel Part One: Fall of the Priest [WARNING: Contains scenes of extreme violence]
Villa Montrose, Port Oakes. November 16th
Emil Marcone and Alicia Barzini sat at opposite ends of a long dinning table. Tall windows lined the expanse of the room, allowing great streams of the afternoon sunlight to pour in. The wallpapering, carpets and ornamental decorations resounded with traditional Italian Romantic designs. A number of chefs were busy clearing empty plates, cautious of the woman at the end of the table. Alicia found herself rather comfortable in a long strapless black dress with laced floral patterns. She accessorised with black rings, a dark beaded necklace and large-hoop earrings of expensive black materials. Her make-up comprised of black mascara, eye shadows, deep black lipstick and a pale white foundation.
There is something different about you Alicia, said Emil, smartly dressed in his trademark white suit. Ever since you were resurrected, youve been all dark and gloomy. The Alicia I used to know was bright and colourful, a lot more fun to have around.
Get used to it Emil, I no longer have a purpose in life. Except of course, to bring death and destruction when and where I feel, you understand me? said Alicia.
Yesterday when we went to see your father, his dying wish was for us to get married, primarily so you can live a happy life, but also for me to take on the legacy of the Barzini family, said Emil.
Alicia shot up from her chair and made to leave. Take the Family, but you can forget about the marriage. Now, if youll excuse me, I feel like killing a few people.
One last thing, your killing spree is starting to draw unwanted attention to me. Now, Im not foolish enough to stand in your way, but I have to protect my home, my family. Maybe you should go back to Le Sicarose.
Alicia smirked in disbelief. Thats it? You take all my money, all my men, my status, my power and my Family. Wham, bam thank you Maam, [censored] me up the [censored] and kick me to the curb. Oh no. No, no and no Mister Marcone. You dont get to rid of me. In this relationship, I am in control. With that, Alicia walked into her shadow and was gone.
The Dockside, Port Oakes. Later that day
Sweat trickled down the fishermans face, all sixty-two years of his life flashing before his eyes. This was it; he would die at the hands of a crazy zombie-woman dressed like a cowgirl.
Three, two she counted, her back turned to him, hands dancing over the flint-lock pistols holstered to her waist. One, draw! she commanded, spinning around with her face contorted, weapons drawn. She readied to fire but the old man was no where to be found. What the hell!
Up here came the familiar voice of Pious Hunter. He remained airborne metres above the Docks, his holy cassock fluttering in the gentle breeze.
I remember you said Alicia, in a demonic voice, deep and echoed. She closed her eyes and the cowboy attire was gone, replaced with a black, battle-scarred skin-tight leather outfit. She opened her eyes to reveal hollow ink-black sockets drowned in darkness. It was you who chased me to the world of Virtue. You came to kill me
No said the Priest. I came to help you
In a blur of darkness, Alicia leapt up and somersaulted over the Priest, drawing her flint-lock pistols all the while. She fired two shots simultaneously, hitting the Priest at point-blank range. The force was so powerful; it knocked the man out of the air, sending him crashing into the river. With practiced ease, Alicia summoned forth the demon within; the souls of Nasfahtu, a dark servant to do as it willed.
The Priest regained consciousness at the bottom of the river, thinking very fast about which power would better match his foe. Minutes later, he shot through the water dragging along a set of large demonic wings the span of five meters below his shoulder bones.
I aught to thank you, really, Pious said Alicia. My experience in hell has made me a whole new person. You see, the thing you have to understand is; only in death are we truly ever free. Let me show you exactly what I mean
Without warning, Alicia unleashed a second hailstorm of dark bullets. They ripped at the surroundings, shredding away the wooden piers and burning through the water, but the Priest remained unharmed.
For some reason or the other, Alicia, a very close friend of mine was sacrificed for your resurrection and ever since, you have left a trail of death and destruction in your wake, said the Priest, his voice darkened with pure rage. Its good to hear you enjoyed hell, because Im sending you back
Quicker than the eye could see, the Priest flew upwards, grabbing the woman by her neck. As he gathered speed, he positioned her at arms length, allowing her body to collide with the air particles, shredding through her skin. She fought back, swiping and kicking at his face, accidentally knocking off his eye-plate, which hurtled back to the earth.
Higher and faster the Priest flew, his hand corroding at Alicias neck with deadly radioactive emissions. Piece by piece her body began to erode, her back suddenly tore open, muscle and bones spurting into the atmosphere. Then at last, the womans neck dissolved into nothing, her severed head tumbling towards the earth.
High up in the sky, the Priest sighed in shame, a feeling of deep regret washing over him. Of all mankind, he, the exemplar of God should have known better than revenge. But without his partner, he felt so alone, so vulnerable. He began to realize just how much he had loved her, more than anyone, more than Alicia Barzini. No, his sister-in-law was a monster and the world was a better place without her, despite his want for revenge, the death toll that followed Alicia meant sooner or later, he or another hero would have came after her anyway.
With his mind lighter, he made to descend. A flash of shadow, and another, suddenly the entire sky was black. Sorry Pious, this time, you dont get to rid of me said Alicia, hidden in darkness. How could it be, was this woman immortal? A sharp pain cut across his shoulders and he realized as he began to fall that his wings had been removed.
As he fell his wings re-grew and the darkness clouding his vision began to fade. He could make out a figure chasing after him. Wings steady, the Priest righted himself and unleashed balls of darkness from his fists; they shot through the air and collided with the figure, knocking her off balance. Then the figures began to multiply, the souls of Nasfahtu, slowly surrounding him. Suddenly, in unison they sprung a line of oppressive gloom into him, he screamed in terror, held and unable to move.
Do you fear death, Pious? asked Alicia, now hovering directly in front of her victim. I wouldnt think you did, being immortal and all. However, the people around you arent. Thats why you live alone, in solitary, ever since the Princes of Hell made you the top most wanted soul. Now I have you. Arent I amazing?
I have no-one. No-one you can hurt to get to me, she was killed to resurrect you, and as it seems, you really immortal, but not without vulnerability.
A sudden flash of light as intense as the sun swept the planet, then the immediate area around the Priest began to compress inwards, sucking in the demons like the vacuum of space, then, without warning another flash swept the face of the earth, this time, it was pitch black, momentarily blotting out the sun.
Paragon City University, Founders Falls Campus.
Star student Rachel Grey looked up at the afternoon sky as the sun was suddenly blotted out. Everything went black for about three seconds, though it felt like a lifetime. She rightly guessed it as the aftermath of yet another supernatural conflict. Little did she know just how supernatural her own life was about to become.
As the skies cleared and the sun returned, something metallic sparkled high above the university grounds. It soon became evident the object was falling, fast, towards her. The books clutched to her breast and the weight of her handbag dragging along the ground restricted her movement. With a loud clunk, the metallic eye-plate collided against the concrete floor, bounced twice and arrived at its target, squarely onto the exposed forehead of Rachel Grey. With a mighty thud, the poor girl hit the ground, unconscious.
[To be continued]
(Written with Damsel)