For Our Children - Pt. 2
The Fire, The Ice and The Portal
“So that’s twelve. Twelve kids that have been killed by Breunor, God that makes me sick.” Diana said as she brought over coffee for the group of people. “How long is Gareth going to make us wait? – It’s been six months and I’ve yet to hear from him. I’ve gotta take this, it’s David.”
“Calvin, Ian, Samuel,” Roger said, “The crème is to your left. Will you pass it around?”
“Okay that was David and Joanna. They’ll be here shortly.” Said Diana. “I’m going to put the food in the oven. Calvin why don’t you help Roger sort through some of the recent files and sis, why don’t you help me out in the kitchen.”
“Hey, I’ve been meaning to ask you something.” Said Leslie as they walked into the kitchen. "For the last three or four months has something been going on?” asked Leslie.
“What do you mean going on?”
“Between you and Roger…” She continued.
“Sis, look, after Frank died and I stopped fighting, I put all of my attention on Frank Jr. and I just lost the will to find anyone who… Sis? What the… What in the hell?” Diana said. As she looked at her sister, she seemed oblivious to the world around her as if paused some how in complete stillness. Suddenly a bright yellow light emanated from the living room. Diana walked in to find everyone frozen in place and Gareth, standing halfway in a portal.
“Come with me, Diana.” Gareth said.
“But what about…?” She asked.
“They will not know you have been gone. Quickly now.” He said as she grasped his hand. The two traveled through the portal. Diana watched as the world around her became but a speck in a matter of seconds before finally they reached the floating, timeless citadel of Ouroboros.
“So this is it, this must be Ourboros!” Diana asked. “Wow, Frank always forbid me from coming here but I wish I had.”
“I cannot waste time therefore I stopped it and took you to the only place where time stands still.”
“I have a lot of questions.” Diana said. “You said that Breunor withheld the sprit of Belenos, the god of fire, and that you exist because he exists. Does that mean that you’re also the spirit of Belenos too? And how did all this happen?”
“No.” Said Gareth. "I am not of Belenos. This shall be difficult to understand. No god is completely immortal. The vessels that contain the powers of the ancients can live for many years, so long as they have a purpose. I have lived this long because Breunor has lived this long. While he dawned the power of Belenos, I dawned the powers of Arausio."
"So gods are actually humans that've gotten immortality from a never ending power... that can be given by any god - that can only be destroyed by an opposing god?" Diana asked. "How did you and Breunor get powers from gods?"
"Breunor and I were once companions, good companions. We knew each other from birth." Gareth said as he took Diana to a nearby floating island. "But our lives were immortally intertwined when the mountain we were camped on, gave way. We fell to the valley below. I survived the fall somehow - crippled as I was, but Breunor... Hour upon hour passed as I prayed to Arausio. Finally as it began to rain, Arausio appeared before me. He said in the time he had spent within this world, he had grown tired of his ancient body. He offered to save Breunor but at a cost. Breunor would have to take in the spirit of Belenos in order to survive, but I would have to take in the spirit of Arausio. I agreed without question, under the belief that my lifelong friend would return to life."
Diana asked “But I don't understand. Why is he killing...”
Gareth interrupted and said “While I dawned the powers of water and ice and spawned these wings of an eagle, Breunor became covered in scales, his eyes caught fire and fell out as lightning emanated from them, he sprouted the wings of a dragon and became enraged with hatred. I managed to overcome Arausio's will. Breunor could not do as I.”
“So why can’t we just kill Breunor?” She asked.
“The gods played a cruel trick on Breunor and I.” Gareth said. “Arausio and Belenos were ancient enemies, but one could not exist without the other. As I’ve learned from many incarnated gods, Arausio and Belenos cared not for what their powers would do to us. No, instead they desired to remain in this world in our bodies. Nothing more. Now, to fuel his power, Breunor captures those of our bloodlines to take their bodies and use their powers, what in your tongue you call super heroes or super villains, to open the gate way into the underworld and release an army of beings since long forgotten from this world.”
“So basically, he's like Hades?” She asked Gareth.
"More like the Titan, Tartarus." Gareth said.
"And if Arausio had the power of ice and water, and Belenos the power of fire and lightning..."
“Yes, only I may bring a swift end to Breunor.” He said.
“Then why haven’t you? You could have at any time.”
“DO NOT QUESTION WHAT YOU CANNOT UNDERSTAND!” Gareth said with sudden anger. “Forgive me,” he said as he calmed himself. “I have not had to explain to any human in a very long time. If I end Breunor's reign, in doing so I also end my own.”
"But you've decided to kill him now! - that means..." Diana said.
"Yes." Gareth said. "Enough blood has been spilt. If it means that I must perish, so be it."
“So where do we go from here?” She asked him.
“Now I take you back, and bring another to Ouroboros and explain.” Gareth said as they flew back to the citadel. “Everyone must understand the dangers of joining in this quest. After that, we will seek out Breunor together.”
A portal quickly surrounded them and they returned to Diana’s home. Gareth unfroze time and let Diana tell the group what was going to happen.
For Our Children - Pt. 3
Knight in Shinning Armor
“Okay listen up everybody.” Diana said. “Gareth just froze time and explained everything.”
“What!?!” exclaimed Ian
“Ian listen, everyone – just listen. We have no time to waste and as such, Gareth is going to take each one of you to the timeless citadel of Ouroboros and explain it to all of you, the rest of us will remain here, frozen in time. Hopefully Breunor won’t get to far. Who’s going to go…”
“Freeze!” an officer said as he peered through the window. “He’s in here men!”
Gareth gestured, opening another portal.
“Hold it!” The man said as officers burst through Diana’s door. “I said hold it.”
Gareth continued to move towards the opening portal.
“NO DON’T SHOOT!” Diana said as the officers fired their guns. “NO!!!”
Suddenly time began to slow, as the officers moved in to the now fallen Gareth. The portal he had opened vanished.
“Quickly, we must leave. I cannot stop time completely and keep all of use moving at this speed, not while I am injured.” Gareth said as he began to bleed ice. “We must make… haste.”
“Roger, get the van.” Diana said as Calvin hoisted Gareth over his shoulders. “Leslie, call David and Joanna, tell them to meet us at the corner of Los Angeles and Third in one hour. Call Julie and tell her the same!”
“Once we’re in the car, I must unfreeze time.” Whispered Gareth. “Breunor must be on to us now, I did not foresee this.”
“He’s losing his grip on time!” Roger yelled. “Quick, everybody get in! Get in!!!”
“GO! GO! GO!” Yelled Diana as she slammed the van’s door shut as Ian jumped in. “We need to get him some ice Roger! How’s he doin’ Calvin?”
“He’s going to pass out soon if we don’t get him what he needs.” He said.
“Are we being followed?” Diana asked Roger.
“No” He said, glancing into his mirrors.
“Drop me off at the corner store but KEEP ON DRIVING!” She exclaimed. “They’ll be out in force soon. Come back around in ten minutes.” She glanced down at the quickly fading Gareth. “Hold on Gareth, hold on. You’ll be cold again soon.”
“I can’t do that Diana!” Roger said.
“You can and you must. I don’t know if Gareth can die, but we’ll never be able to catch Breunor without him.” She opened the van door and peered out. “Okay we’re coming up on it, slow down.”
“I can’t let you do this.” Roger said.
“I’ll go with her.” Said Samuel. “We need Gareth.”
“Slow down Roger.” Said Calvin.
“Alright, alright.” He said hesitatingly. “Be careful.”
“We will be.” Diana said. “Be back here in ten.” She said as she closed the van door and the two of them ran into the store as Roger drove off.
“You care greatly for her don’t you.” Asked Gareth.
“Who, Diana?” Asked Roger.
“You love her very much.” Gareth said.
“Now wait a mi…” he said before being interrupted.
“When you have been alive for as long as I have been, you will also find it quite odd when people deny their emotions for one another.” Gareth said as he sat up slightly.
“Yes. I love her.” Roger said before remaining silent for a moment. “But what about you? I am surprised that you don’t have someone driving you around, dropping you off to get ice for your weird friend!”
“There was someone like that, once yes.” Gareth said sadly. “But they have been gone along time now.”
“What do you mean, ‘a long time now.’ What did they leave you for…”
“I am older than Camelot, Roger.” Gareth said.
“Oh.” He replied. “Oh I had no idea, I’m sorry.” Roger said with regret. “If I had known that you were an immortal, I would have guessed that she had passed by now.”
“I didn’t say they were dead, I said they were gone.” Gareth answered.
Meanwhile, Diana and Samuel were frantically grabbing all the ice in the store. As the two of them made their way back out in front of the store, Paragon Police officers made their way down the street. They saw Diana and Samuel.
“Drop the ice and put your hands behind your head.” An officer said over her epi-phone as her squad car came to a stop.
Diana thought that this was it. She had been caught working along side a potential suspect, evaded the police, stole ice – and even if she told them the truth, they would never believe her. She was about to give in when suddenly she saw a car fly over the policemen and take out a nearby gas station. As police took cover, Calvin shielded them with his rock armor, while Roger threw more cars into the raging inferno. Distracted by the explosion, the policemen were oblivious to Diana and Samuels escape with the ice.
“Roger” Diana said as she got in the passenger side door of the van, “You are my knight and shinning armor. Quick, cover Gareth in the ice and get us the hell out of here!”
For Our Children – Pt. 4
Snake Among Us
Looking out as they sailed from Paragon City, Roger said goodbye to the life he had known. While Diana remained on the lower deck of the ferry tending to Gareth, Calvin steered the ship as he had done all his life; this time, to the Rouge Isles to stay. Leslie readied her arrows as Samuel covered himself in rock armor and the group descended further into the sea. As David and Joanna held each other, Ian and Julie lay silent, fearful of the next days to come.
“For someone whose immortal, you sure are stupid.” Diana said to Gareth.
“The power inside me is immortal.” Said Gareth. “It will keep me alive, even on the brink of death. Only Breunor can end my life.” The ice moved further up his neck, now almost covering his entire body.
“How long will we have to wait before we can go after him?” She asked.
“The ice will envelop me completely.” Answered Gareth. “When it does, I will heal much faster. I fear you must take on Breunor’s chaos without my wisdom for now”
Diana overlooked his youthful appearance, disregarding his immortality. She remembered her son and his dreams of becoming a hero.
“Hey” She said as Roger entered.
“Hey. I wanted to ask you something.” He said.
“Yeah?” She said.
“Do you think, maybe when this is all over – I could take you out for dinner sometime?” Roger asked.
“You mean… like a date?” Diana asked.
“Yeah, like a date.” He said.
“Hey! We’re coming up on St. Martial now!” Yelled Calvin.
“Get under the casino!” Diana yelled back. “Take us around to the tunnel entrance! Roger, run tell the rest where we’re going.” Roger started to run quickly. “Oh and Roger,” she said as he turned around. “A date would be great.”
Meanwhile on Mercy Island, a young villain laid ready to attack Stheno. Suddenly the cave was overtaken by the undead. As the decaying bodies crawled on the floor, the walls, the ceiling, the villain was torn, limb from limb, flesh from bone. She was savagely devoured in seconds. The stench of death about her, Stheno remained curious as the horde parted to make an aisle. From beyond the entrance of the cave came a dark voice.
“And to think your father gained his power from the Lady Nodens.”
“Who daressssss enter my domain ssssss.” Stheno said.
“HOLD YOUR FORK’ED TONGUE, SNAKE!” Breunor said as fire entered from the tunnel.
“What do you want ssssss? Who are you sssss?” She asked Breunor.
“I want to make a deal.” He answered as he took form. “Call me ‘Red Horn’.”
“I’m lissssssening.” Stheno said curiously.
“There is a group of humans – rather bothersome and foolish – that are quickly learning of my plans for Paragon City and The Rogue Isles.” Breunor said. “Plans for the transfer of Tartarian power to become my own, that may – If you are willing – guarantee you and your kind’s return to the streets of Mercy and perhaps other areas of the Isles.”
“And if I were, sssss, to disagree.” She asked Breunor.
“Look around you.” He answered. “My children are still hungry.”
“We have sssss, a deal.” She said.
As the group of heroes reached St. Martial’s casino, snakes were given orders to swim out the surrounding Isles. While ice covered all of Gareth’s body, Diana told the group what Gareth had said to her at Ouroboros. Leslie stood guard within walking distance from Diana.
“That was what Gareth told me.” Diana said. “And I don’t know how long we’ll have to wait, but it shouldn’t be long.”
“Here’s the ice.” Samuel said.
“Good, put it over Gareth. Hopefully it helps him.”
“Hey we got in coming!” Yelled Leslie.
“What is it?” Asked Roger.
“A lot of boats.” She answered. “Hundreds of them.”
Just then boat upon boat drove into the hidden dock. Marcone family members flooded the dock as the heroes readied their weapons.
“No one shoot!” Diana said. “What’s goin’ on here?” She asked.
“Say, you’s gatta clear out now!” Said a family member.
“Get you’s crap and get outta here.” Said another.
“Wait, wait, wait, wait!” Diana said as family members grabbed them. “Let me talk to who’s in charge.”
“Why should we’s let you do dat?” A man asked.
“Everyone lowwa ya weapons,” said a voice. “These guys want to talk to me, let ‘um talk. C’mon, where’s ya manners?” As the whole lot of them lowered their weapons, Emil Marcone and his wife emerged from behind them. “Move, move. Ah! You guy’s gatta lower yous’s too!”
Diana gestured to them and they hesitatingly lowered their weapons. “What’s happening out there?” She asked.
“C’mere, let’s you and me’s talk.” Said Emil.
Intermission!
For Our Children – Pt. 5
All In the Family
Having told Emil all that they had gone through, Emil’s concern became apparent. He told Diana that some of his gang’s kids had been slaughtered in the same manner. Confusion rose when several individuals stepped forward and said they had seen the man covered in ice at each crime scene. Diana explained who Gareth was and his importance. She informed them of Breunor. Emil said that he would have been told of such a character by one of his many informants throughout the Isles.
“He has another name too.” Diana said as Emil’s attention to her was re-strengthened. “He’s also known as ‘Red Horn’.”
“Now that rings a bell.” Emil said. “We were paid handsomely to notify police of this guy’s location by Red Horn.” He said as he pointed to Gareth. Turning around to his men, Emil said “Boys! – We’ve been double-crossed! Red Horn’s been playin’ us, and now, wuddaya say we get even?” They crowd of men and women screamed and insisted they seek revenge on Breunor. They continued until Emil raised his hands. All was silent as Emil spoke. “You’s wudda made a fine informant, Ms…”
“Ms. Diana Hart.” Diana said.
“Ms. Hart. And since you’s figured all this out, I think I’d be a fool not ta help ya’s.” Emil said. He turned around to address his gang. “Listen up boys! This is Diana Hart. But you’s all call her Ms. Hart – Marcone. What she says I says. Listen to her’s like you’s would me. Now, take the casino – we’s need to secure this place.” He turned around to speak with Diana as his men moved into the casino. “We’s’ll follow you, Hart, we’s got your back.”
“Emil!” A man yelled as the crowd moved past them. “Falco just informed – Red Horn’s leavin’ Mercy, he’s headin’ ta Cap!”
“Diana, you heard ‘im. What’s the plan?” Emil asked.
“We can’t attack without Gareth – he's the only one who can kill him.” She answered.
“Tell Falco and da others ta keep an eye out.” Emil told the man.
“Right boss.” The man answered.
“If you need’s me Diana, just ask Gino here to take you’s to me.” Emil said.
“Thank you Mr. Marcone.” She said.
“Call me Emil.” Emil said.
Emil entered the casino as the group of heroes gathered around Diana, shocked in what just unfolded around them.
“I never thought in a million years that my son would be dead, I would be in the company of an incarnated god, have to leave my home, come to the Rogue Isles, become a leader of the mafia with Emil Marcone, have snakes chasing after us all while we prepare for taking down another incarnated god!” Diana exclaimed. “This is almost too much.”
“Oh my god!” Samuel said in horror.
“What is it!” Roger said.
Samuel lowered his rock armor and moved a side to find that Gareth, who was incased in ice, had fallen into the water.
“How did this happen!?!” Diana asked.
“I had my armor on and I bumped him, he just slid into the water.” Samuel said.
“And he’s sinking with all that armor holding him down.” Leslie said.
“I can’t swim with my armor on.” Gasped Samuel.
“Is it just me, or is the water turning into ice?” Asked Roger. “Hopefully that will help him heal faster – if it doesn’t imprison him.”
“Gino!” Said Diana. “Go tell Emil that plans have changed. we can’t wait any longer.”
As Breunor landed just outside the Circle of Thorns’ temple, several mages met him. They quickly escorted him inside to further talk of Breunor’s plans; plans that even to them – were unclear.
“My lord, snakes have overrun the surface. We don’t know how long it will be before they…”
“They will not enter the temple Rantusik.” Breunor said. “It was my will that they invade. Unfortunately, Gareth has allied himself with a group of fools and I need them exterminated if I am to succeed.”
“The preparations have been made to your liking Red Horn,” Another mage said. “The sacrifices are being held in the circle. They will begin when you give the order.”
“Let them begin.” Breunor said. “Should the snakes fail to eradicated those who stand against me, I shall deal with them myself”
“Yes, my lord.” Rantusik said.
“My lord,” A mage said as they walked down a dark cavernous hallway. “What exactly are the sacrifices for? Baron Zoria has…”
“Silence.” Breunor said as the undead rose up around the mage. “There is power here beyond your feeble comprehension. In fact, I see no further use for any of you.” Surrounded by thousands upon thousands of undead, the mages screamed, helpless as their flesh was eaten off. “Take the temple my children, kill all who stand in your way! Leave the sacrifices to me!” The mages and demons were helpless as the hungry horde infested the temple, killing everything in their way. Breunor continued walking further into the temple, setting ablaze everything before him. “Now to deal with the arachnid.”
For Our Children – Pt. 6
Crouching Dragon - Hidden Spider
“Recluse, TELL RECLUSE I WISH TO SPEAK WITH TARTARUS!” Breunor said to an injured mage. “Go! And tell Recluse I will raise Grandville from the ground by the power of Belenos if he does not come in person.” The mage quickly made way for the exit. “Follow him from a distance,” Breunor said as two of the undead rose beside him. “If he speaks to anyone other than the spider, kill him.” The undead dissolved into nothing as Breunor turned around and headed back to the center of the temple.
Back at St. Martial, Diana and Roger devised a plan of attack. Emil Marcone guaranteed his men would ensure they reach Cap Au Diable through the snake-infested waters.
“We’ll all have to fight.” Diana said. “It’s not going to be easy. I know some of us haven’t fought in a long time, but there is no alternative – especially now that we’ve heard where Breunor is.”
“So what’s the game plan then?” Asked Ian.
“Samuel and Calvin have their rock armor, they’ll be our shields.” She replied. “Roger has super-strength, he’ll give them a good beat down. Leslie will be our long-range shooter with her arrows along with any one of Emil’s boys that have a gun. Ian has the power of speed; he’ll knock them into a daze. David has the power of electrical control; he’ll shock ‘um. Julie, you’ll stay here unless you can hold a gun. Joanna - I need you to stay in the boat. If anything goes wrong, we'll need to get out fast. Now, I don’t know if we can kill what’s already dead – but we have to try. Even if we can’t kill Breunor, we’ve got to slow him down.”
“What about you?” Roger asked.
“I was shot five times back at the house, my invulnerability will suit me fine.” She said.
“And my boy’s’ll be right behind you.” Said Emil. “But I’s’ll be right at ya side.”
“Emil, you’re not gunnah believe it, but Lord Recluse just landed in Cap.” An informant said. “He’s headin’ in ta see Red Horn.”
“Geese, lets hope that he’s there for a fight.” Emil said
“Either way, we know he’s busy. Lets move out.” Said Diana.
“You heard ‘er boys – move’um out!”
As Diana gathered her supplies and readied herself, the group began to leave with heavy heart – this was the moment they had waited for, the moment when their children’s killer would meet justice. As the boats left for Cap Au Diable, Lord Recluse met with Breunor. Even the mighty spider found Breunor’s undead army chilling. Speaking with caution, he addressed Breunor.
“Tell me, to whom do I have the pleasure of speak to?” Asked Lord Recluse.
“I am known as Breunor, but you may call me Red Horn.” Breunor said and casually gestured his hands, raising flames to separate Lord Recluse from his cohorts.
“It’s not everyday someone asks to speak with the god that made me. So tell me, why am I here?” Recluse asked as they continued to walk.
Breunor answered as they stopped walking. “You and I know full well, that you and the powers you control are two separate things entirely.” Breunor turned ever so slightly as the undead before him got out of his way. “Do you see this place? Does it not seem familiar?” He asked Recluse.
“No, and frankly I’ve had no interest in the Circle of Thorns.” He answered defiantly.
“Your sister, well, Tartarus’s sister – Gaia, was given her powers from my mother, Danu.” Breunor said. “Just as Tartarus held the mighty titans, prisoners of unfathomable crimes; and those who stood in the way of the ancient gods, so did I watch over the prison in which most of my children before you – endured pains and agonies the likes of which this world has since forgotten. Without there blood however, Tartarus will not be so easily persuaded.”
"I obtained my powers from the fountain of Zeus. I didn't know that the gods' powers were so transferrable." Recluse said.
"I see." Said Breunor. "Yet, Tartarus was the god from which you gained power, and none the less - Tartarus was brother to Gaia - who..."
“Fascinating, but unfortunately, I can’t call Tartarus at will, his powers are mine but not his spirit.” Recluse interrupted to say.
“You did not take in the spirit directly then.” Breunor said intriguingly. “Then how else could you have gained his powers?”
Recluse grew impatient “If you wanted a history lesson…”
“Hold your temper. I can still speak to Tartarus regardless, it will only take a moment but I will need your body.” Breunor said.
“Why is it so important to speak to him?” Asked Recluse. “Why should I let you?”
“This place is filled with powers unimaginable to even you.” Breunor said. “Deep below this cavern lie malevolent beings, forced into silence for all eternity by the gods. The only one who has the power to awaken them is Tartarus. I held the power to once, before I took this body. But no longer can I awaken them.”
Curious as to what his outcome will be following Breunor’s actions, Lord Recluse questioned him. “And what will happen to me, were I to agree to this?” He asked.
“You would go on as you have been with even more power.” Breunor said. “I only ask that we have peace, when another city of villains rises in this world. Perhaps then, we can both eradicate your ‘city of heroes’?”
“You are very persuasive.” Said Lord Recluse. “But there is another with the powers of Zeus. He'll not let this go unnoticed. Him and his following, they're their protectors.”
“You have my word, should this incarnation of Zeus get in my way, I shall fight along side you – under your command.” Breunor said. “Do we have a deal?”
Lord Recluse thought long and hard about the offer. Skeptical, he was almost about to decline it. But the thought of even more power – and the support he needed to take Paragon city by storm overwhelmed him. He agreed. Breunor summoned forth Tartarus and spoke to him. Tartarus was easily convinced to bestow the knowledge Breunor sought with the sacrifices the Circle of Thorns provided. When all was finished, Breunor dissolved the barrier of fire and Lord Recluse’s cohorts came running over.
“When the time comes Red Horn, I will call on you.” Lord Recluse said as he caught his breath. “If you double cross me, you will have an army of villains seeking you out!”
“We have a deal, Lord Recluse.” Breunor said. “You have my word.”
Lord Recluse and his apprentices left quickly as Breunor readied himself for the awakening ritual. As Recluse left the temple, Diana, the group of heroes and the Marcone mafia hid within the brush. They entered the temple and began their attack on the undead.
For Our Children – Pt. 7
The Twelve
“How many is that for you?” Emil said to Roger.
“I’m at one hundred and…” He cuts a zombies head off. “Three.” He answered.
“Come one boy, keep up!!!” Emil yelled back as he killed five.
“Yeah, yeah, yeah!” Roger said sarcastically.
“How far are we into the temple Leslie?” Asked Joanna while she stood behind Samuel.
“We’ve got a ways to go. My guess is Breunor is in the center chamber, seems like something a god would do.” Leslie answered from behind Calvin.
“Ian! Go ahead and scout for Breunor.” Diana said as she plowed through a group of zombies.
“Call me…” Ian said as he quickly sliced through twenty undead. “…Silver Slash!!!”
“Oh I see someone’s getting angry.” Said Roger as he watched David shock the group of zombies around him.
“Shut up Roger.” David said as he faced Roger and lightning emanated from his eyes, before shocking some more of the undead. “I’m not angry… HUH-ZAP!!! …I’m frustrated.”
“Leslie’s right, he’s in the center chamber. I think he saw me.” Said Ian.
“Keep pushin’ through. We’ll get ta him!” Emil said.
“Emil, look out!” Roger said as several zombies jumped at Emil. With her arrows, Leslie fired at them and they dissolve in the air.
“I’s am in your debt, Les.” Emil said.
Suddenly, the cavern-way was overtaken by the moans of millions of zombies. The horde withdrew from battle, descending further down the dark cavern.
“Yeah – I’d say he definitely saw me.” Said Ian. “So much for super speed.”
“Wadda we do?” Asked Emil.
“He wants us to come in, we’ll come in.” Diana said.
Meanwhile back at St. Martial, the ice had covered the entire casino and the surrounding water. Curious onlookers came out onto the ice, as the night revealed flashes of blue light deep below the surface. Two figures seemed to be illuminated deep within, each time the light flashed. All became quiet as the flashes stopped and all of St. Martial could of heard a pin drop. A great tremble came over the people just before the ice cracked. Like a shimmering blue star, up rose Gareth.
“Thank you Danu.” Gareth said as he flew off to Cap Au Diable.
Reaching the center chamber, Diana and the rest quickly gathered within while flames engulfed the doorway, barricading it from Emil and his men. Breunor stood in the center of the room. Samuel and Calvin charged at him just before he dissolved into flames. Breunor spoke thereafter.
“Aah – aah – aah!” Breunor said. “You can’t fight me, not when I have a special gift for each of you.” He said as twelve zombies rose from the ground.
“Only twelve? I’ve killed over a hundred in one slash!” Said Ian.
“So you are the dim-witted one.” Breunor replied. “Before you lay not just any mere zombies, no. That would have made things just too easy. These twelve are in fact, the very children you failed to protect.” The group was shocked in horror. “And they are not as weak the rest of my children, they posses the powers they died with, powers in their blood – the powers you all have.” The group readied themselves for the fight. “Now I’d love to continue here and watch your undoing, but I have further things to do – ha, ha. Enjoy the company of MY CHILDREN! Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!!!”
“Okay, everyone! Their not our children!” Diana said as she regained composure. “Our children died.”
As if insulted, the decaying Frank Jr. lunged at Diana, hitting her so hard, she flew across the chamber.
“See, my child would never hit me!” She said as she returned the punch.
“Spare the rod…” Roger said as he hit his undead daughter with a boulder. “…Spoil the zombie.”
A large smash was heard from across the room as Calvin was slammed into the side of the chamber. “Dang, the twins pack quite a punch!” Calvin said. “But it don’t matter how old you are – I’ll still be able to kick your zombie A$$es!!!”
“Mines a run-away.” Said Ian as he caught up to his super fast son and daughters. “Have a nice trip!”
“Julia, can you shoot mine please!” Said Leslie. “Mine got my husbands ice ability.”
“Julia, don’t!!!” Said Diana. “Get you zombie son to shoot ice at the doorway!”
“Right!” Julia said as she ran to the doorway. She stood still as the zombie charged his power and rolled out of the way just in time. The doorway’s barricade was destroyed and Emil and his men charged the chamber.
Man after man died as the zombies proved equal adversaries to the heroes, but were too much for Emil’s men. Finally after nearly all of his men were killed, the zombies exhausted their powers.
“Eat this!” Emil said as he shoved his pistol into a zombie’s mouth.
“Emil, behind you!” Roger said as Emil turned around.
“Get offa me!” Emil said as the zombie bit off a chunk of his shoulder. Roger quickly ran over and smashed the zombie’s head in.
“Samuel, get the last one!” Said Diana. “What happened?” Diana said as she ran over to Emil and Roger.
“One just snuck up on Emil and…”
Emil interrupted Roger and said “One got lucky’s all. ‘Fraid I’ll have ta sit the big battle out.”
“We’ll come back for you Emil.” Diana said.
“Hey we gotta get going, Breunor could be escaping.”
“Da boy’s at the entrance said they saw nothin’, they's was down here just before you’s froze the doorway. They said ain't no one been in, ain't no one been out.” Emil said as Roger dressed his wounds.
“Then he’s here for a purpose. Let’s head in further into the temple.” Roger said.
A loud smack was heard as Samuel crushed the last zombie under his rock fists. Samuel was fed up with the zombie and said “You’re just lucky I didn’t take this fist and shove it up your…”
“Samuel!” Roger yelled. “Come on, we’re headin’ further into the temple.”
“Right behind you!” Samuel said as the group left the chamber.
The group quickly made their way down through the maze of hallways and rooms, fighting of the scores of undead lurking within them. For the moment, there seemed to be a shred of hope in bringing justice to Breunor, as the group disreguarded his immortality.
For Our Children – Pt. 8
The View From the Mountain
As they neared Breunor’s location, the group suddenly got a warm, soothing feeling. A bright blue light went surging past them and knocked them of their feet. They knew that Gareth was with them. Hurrying as fast as they could, the group ran deep into the temple. Within the mighty cavern lie a central platform, on it stood Breunor and Gareth. As they listened, Gareth spoke oblivious to the group of heroes behind him.
“Why do you give into Belenos Breunor!?!” Gareth yelled and asked. “You are the strongest person I have ever known, you were a better knight than I could have ever hoped to be - but I fought Arausio and gained control of his powers within me. Why can you not do the same?!? Why must you continue to do his will!?!”
“LOOK AT YOU!” Breunor shreeked. “You, with your angelic wings, your perfect skin, your kindness. AND THEN LOOK AT ME! This unholy appearance – do you really think I wont be mad at you for eternity!?! – immortality is useless if I am not myself!!! Belenos does not will me - I will it as well!!!”
Gareth answered Breunor and said “I have known you from the day I was brought into this world Breunor, and the Breunor I remember would have never let this happen”
“The Breunor you knew died under the waste of the mountain.” Breunor replied.
Gareth, with the look of sadness on his face looked at Breunor and said. “Than I have no choice Sir Breunor, it’s time that we end this.”
"So it's come to this 'Sir' Gareth." Breunor said in a godly voice.
"So it has." Gareth said. Gareth flew as quickly as he could, illuminating the cave with blue light, revealing the entire horde of zombies on the floor below, the walls of the cave, the ceiling of the cavern.
Breunor raised his hand and spoke. As he did, a mighty white flame encircled Gareth, stopping him in is tracks and trapping him. “No,” Breunor said. “I don’t think you’ll be ending anything.”
As Breunor sacrificed the victims the Circle of Thorns had gathered in seconds, Diana and the group of heroes entered the huge cavern.
“Now this is a surprise,” Breunor said as he killed the last sacrifice. “One that I don’t have the time for. MY CHILDREN!!! FEAST UPON THEIR FLESH!!!!!!” Breunor turned around and began chanting some ancient incantation as zombies rained from the cavetop.
“Julie – run, there are too many for me to protect you.” Calvin said. Julie ran back they way they came.
“Samuel, take Roger and knock the crap out of Breunor!” Diana said as she pummeled through a group of zombies.
“And hit him with what?” Roger asked.
“Me” Said Samuel. “Hit him with me.”
Roger and Samuel made there way over to Breunor, knocking zombies out of their way. With his back to them, Roger picked up Samuel in his rock armor and swung as hard as he possibly could. Breunor flew across the cavern, smashing into its side. As the dust settled, the enchantment holding Gareth was broken.
“Thank you Roger, I am in your debt.” Said Gareth.
“Less talk – more fighting.” Said Roger.
Looking around him at the onslaught of horror, Gareth slowed time, allowing the group to gather near him. As they did, he spoke.
“While I was healing, Danu came to speak with me.” Gareth said.
“Who is Danu?” Asked Ian.
“Danu is the mother of all gods.” Said Gareth. “Or at least the one who gave both Arausio and Belenos; and along with many other gods.”
“Why did she speak to you?” Diana asked.
“Before she transferred her power to the titan Gaia, Danu made Belenos the sole keeper of the underworld or Uffern in my tongue.” Gareth explained. “Belenos not long after which transferred his power to Breunor. Breunor could no longer open the gates into Uffern and as such, he sought out Lord Recluse and to open the gates into Tartarus. Danu was weak, having given most of her powers to Gaia, whose powers now lie in the well of furies. Danu is connected to all the ancient Celtic gods. She informed me of Belenos's will. If Breunor unlocks the gateway to Tartarus, Breunor's spirit will be lost forever and Belenos will gain an army the likes of which no man has ever seen - and we will all be doomed.”
“Wait, what is that!” Roger said, as a large fireball began to grow slowly from the side of the cavern.”
Suddenly time returned to normal and Breunor emerged from the cavern’s wall. “You dare stop me!” Breunor said as he flew back to the platform. “I – AM – BELENOS!!!” Flames rose around him as he raised his arms.
“You know how badly I want to kick his a$$ Gareth,” Diana said.
“I can only stop time for but a second before he knows I have done so.” Said Gareth.
“Let me go at him a second while you have time stopped.” Said Ian. “I’ll get some really good hits…”
The light around Breunor rose until it was almost impossible to see. The undead around Breunor were burnt to a crisp within seconds. The group watched in horror as the radius of the zombie decentigration grew closer and closer. Just as Gareth stopped time, he heard something, and from the corner of his eye, he saw it – a bullet. Julie had turned around and had fired the very same weapon that caused Gareth to be covered in ice. As the group looked at him, Gareth looked at the ground and covered his eyes. He thought aloud as the group came closer. "I am sorry - dearest friend, you have been lost to me for too long." Quickly looking up to the cavern's ceiling, Gareth unfroze time – and the growing blaze dissolved.
“OAH!” Breunor screamed as fire shot out of his wound. “What have you done!?!”
Breunor fell to the ground, as the undead slowly decayed away around them. One by one, the group gathered around Breunor. Each of the heroes took turns beating him, Breunor endured every attack, only growing weaker as his immortality demanded. Gareth, who stood at a distance - was oblivious to Roger standing just out of his sight. As Gareth sobbed, Roger spoke to him quietly.
“I know why you couldn’t let him die.” Whispered Roger. “I know why you couldn’t kill him even after all these years.” Shocked, Gareth faced Roger. "He's the one who you said wasn't dead but had been gone for a long time, isn't he?“ Gareth nodded his head yes as Roger put his hand on his shoulder. "As someone once told me “When you have been alive for as long as I have been, you will also find it quite odd when people deny their emotions for one another.” Tell him Gareth. Just tell him.” From Gareth’s eyes illuminated a bright blue light as his tears froze solid and fell to the floor. “Diana, Ian, everyone get away from Breunor.” Roger said as Gareth stepped forward.
As Gareth picked up Breunor’s limp body, he froze time for everyone around them, so that only he and Breunor could hear. As the healing flames grew in temperature around Breunor, Gareth spoke. “I have known you since the day I was born. We were always good friends before the day the mountain fell, do you remember that?”
Breunor, too weak to talk said nothing.
Crying frozen tears, Gareth continued. “I remember how happy we were the day we joined the Round Table. Our first task lead us into the mountains. We found a lush area on a mountain top. Every chance we had, we would stay there. Sometimes even just for no other reason than to get away from the world around us.” Breunor was silent, but appeared to be at peace. “We were at ease there. Often we would talk of battles and fights we had been in, over looking the majestic view of the valley below us. The last night we spent together, I was going to tell you what I never got the chance to. The mountain gave way as the words came to my mouth." A moment passed as Gareth gasped for air. "I didn’t save you because I wanted you to become the most feared god the world has ever known,” Gareth said. “I saved you because I love you and I couldn't live in a world without you in it.”
Breunor spoke softly as if free of Belenos’s will. “Forgive me.”
“I had to endure your anger, your sorrow, your pain - and in doing so, I made it my own. Don’t you want to be free of it all?” Gareth asked. "Don't you feel that it's time we end the anger and sorrow? Don't you think it's time we soothe the pain?"
“I have wanted that since the day…” Breunor tried to speak but the fire moved further up his body.
“Then let us be done with this.” Gareth said. “Let us be done.” Pulling Breunor in and putting his head cheek to cheek, Gareth’s tears began to melt from the heat. “Always remember the view from the mountain.” Gareth said as he formed a knife of ice. He whispered in Breunor’s ear one last time as he cried loudly. “And that I will always love you.” He kissed him deeply and jabbed the spear deep into Breunor’s heart and then into his own. Time unfroze as rays of blue and red light shot out in every direction from their hearts. Fire met ice as steam erupted into the cavern. The Earth shook as bolts of energy shot out in every direction. Gareth and Breunor began to glow.
"What in the...!?!" Ian said.
“Quick, quick – we gotta get outta here.” Diana screamed. “Ian – run ahead and get Emil – take him to the surface. Everyone! RUN!”
"Julia, get on my back!" Samuel said.
Running as fast as they could as the temple was shaken lose around them, they made it to the surface in just enough time to take shelter from the explosion. In disarray of what had just happened, the group of heroes, Emil and his surviving men made their way back to Joanna at the dock. As the sun rose over Cap Au Diable, everyone remained silent. Having brought Breunor to justice, they all could now breath easily once again. Roger and Diana comforted each other as the heroes set sail for St. Martial. While the snakes withdrew from the surrounding isles, Emil and his men gave a sigh of relief as they parted company. Roger pulled Diana further into his arms as they kissed – the nightmare was over – it was finally over. With the question of Gareth’s actions, Roger told the group what he had learned.
“Just think about it.” Roger said. “Hiding the way you feel about someone for centuries, carrying feelings around for that long.”
“Being gay isn’t so much of a label now as I’m sure it was then,” Said Diana. “Just think about how hard it would have been to tell another person in Arthurian times; how many people were killed because of it.”
Puzzled, Ian asked, “So you mean they – were…”
“In love – yeah, they were. You should try it sometime.” Roger said sarcastically. “But it’s all over now.” He said as Diana tightened her arms around him.
“So what do we do now?” Asked Diana.
“Now I say we stay in the Rogue Isles.” Said Roger.
“Are you joking!?!” Said Julie.
“No, I don’t think he is.” Diana said.
“We can’t all go back to Paragon city now, not with the P.P.D. still looking for us.” Samuel said.
“I know we would move out of our house anyway.” Leslie said as Calvin agreed.
“Maybe it’s the only option we have.” Calvin said.
“Think about it,” Diana said as St. Martial grew on the horizon. “We could help to make this a better place. Help those who need help, be kind to those who take it. There are plenty of villains and I don’t know about you, but I suddenly feel like getting back into the action.” They agreed with her as she continued. This is the best place we could be at and I say we make it a better place. Not just for us, but for our children.”
The End
If you made it down this far and you like the story or have any tips - I'll be very thankful and glad to hear 
I thought it was a pretty good story, a bit chopy in places but overall pretty good
In the beginning the universe was created, this upset many people and is widely regarded as a bad idea.
Dont hate the minty freshness
For Our Children - Pt. 1
The Traveler and Ms. Hart
Standing with Paragon Police officers, a mother cries over her son’s massacred body. His face has been eaten off and his skin peeled away. From the old heroine’s eyes poured the tears of regret, for her only son would never follow in her footsteps. As she raised her head and wiped her eyes, a warm, soothing feeling came over her. She looked across the port to find a man staring at the scene of the crime. He turned quickly with the look of sadness about him before disappearing in a golden portal. Ms. Hart ran to police officers and told them what she saw. The officers were reluctant to investigate what they thought was just another hero who was… too late to save her son. Ms. Hart took things into her own hands and set out to investigate the mysterious traveler even further. Her investigation yielded nothing.
Having had no luck in over a year, Ms. Hart began to give up hope. She often found herself exhausted and would spend her nights at Pocket D; drowning the last moment she spent crying over her son out of her mind. Early one morning, she over heard a gentleman talking about a mysterious person who overlooked the scene of his daughter’s slaughter.
“Jessica was so misshapen, her body was barely recognizable. Oh God, this is too much. And to think, they let the freak that did this get away – AND I SAW HIM!”
“Excuse me” Ms. Hart said. “Did you just say that your daughter was killed?”
The man’s face turned sour as he said “Yes, why are you going to be one of those who’s going to buy me a drink and tell me how sorry you are all night?”
Ms. Hart began to cry as she answered him. “No, I’m not. My son had his face torn off and his skin pealed away over a year ago and the guy got away.”
Shocked and in disbelief, the man gestures to his friends to move over. “Did the person disappear in a golden portal?”
“Yes!” Ms. Hart said. “The person was a male, mid to late twenties with Celtic armor and…”
“Angel wings!?” the man exclaimed.
“Oh my god... and did you get a warm kind of feel...”
“Yes!!!” The man interrupted and answered.
“I don’t believe this” Ms. Hart said.
The group lay silent in disbelief before the man wiped his eyes and spoke again. “I don’t believe it either. Spirit of Death, she’s on my tab. My name’s Roger Burns. I’m sorry to have been so rude – I wish we had met under different circumstances Mrs.…”
“It’s Ms. Hart. Ms. Diana Hart. When did it happen?”
Roger grasped his glass as he answered. “Two weeks ago tomorrow. I have a feeling it’s going to feel like yesterday for the rest of my life.”
“You’re right, it will.” Diana said. “I’ve been investigating this man for a year now and I still have nothing. The P.P.D. have since stated to me that he is of importance, but they can’t catch him.”
“What’s troubling me,” Roger interrupted. “Is “why our kids?” What was special about Jessica that whoever this guy is – he had to kill her – and in the way that he did?”
“I’ve been asking myself that since day one.” Diana said.
“I just want an answer.” Said Roger.
“I have an idea.” Diana said as she downed her shot. “Maybe we should investigate this together. Two heads are better than one; and we may find other people who have gone through this as well – but – I’m not lying when I say, “I hope not.” What do you say?”
Roger smiled a sad smile and said, “I would like that very much. Maybe then we can bring who ever this ******* is to justice.”
“Maybe we can ask some younger heroes for help.” Said Diana. “I’m not as flexible as I was before.”
“Neither am I, but we can talk about that when the time is right.” Said Roger
The two of them talked for hours until Roger’s friends left and He and Diana found themselves alone in the tiki-room. Making sure they had a way to contact each other, they went their separate ways and returned to their homes. As she awoke to the live evening news, Diana quickly called Roger and together, they made their way to Atlas Park, where another victim was found. Pulling up to the tapped off crime scene, Roger and Diana were allowed to speak to the victim’s mother and father. As Roger spoke with them, Diana went in search of the traveler. She hopped in her car and canvassed the area before nearly running him over. Coming to a screeching halt, Diana confronted the crying man.
“Why do you get to cry about this?” She asked the man. “You didn’t know my son; you didn’t know these children!”
Turning around to Diana, the man spoke to her. “I am responsible for those children; for your son. I cry because I could do nothing to stop it.”
“You could have left my son alone! Because of you, he will never know what it’s like to bring down people like you!” Diana screamed.
“I AM NOT THEIR KILLER!” The man replied in a godly voice. “I am the one who failed to save them from him.”
“Him?” Diana asked. “Who is him?”
“He is my counter. He is the reason I exist – as I am the reason he exists.” The man said calmly.
“Why did he kill the children?” Diana asked. “Why did he kill my son?”
“He kills those whose bodies can be used as his followers.” The man said. “Bodies that extend from two bloodlines, his and my own. You will find that your son’s body, as well as all the other children he’s killed have since risen as the undead to serve him.”
“Who is he, what is his name?” She asked the man. “How has he gone unnoticed for so long?”
“He is the spirit of Belenos. God of Fire.” The man said. “In our time he was known as Breunor. Since that age, he has dawned a new name: Red Horn.”
Diana remembered the way his glance made her feel nearly a year ago and asked the man “And what about the feeling I got…”
“I haven’t time for more questions!!!” The man said in a godly voice. He turned around and opened a portal.
“Wait, please. Just tell me your name. Please, that’s all I need to know.”
Turning around, the man regained composure and spoke. “My name is Gareth.” Gareth looked into Diana’s eyes. Seeing that she needed to avenge her son, Gareth spoke. “You wish to bring Breunor to justice Diana?”
Diana answered him, cautious as to how he knew her name. “Yes, and there are others.”
“Then I will come to you when the time is just. Then and only then, shall I answer your questions.” Said Gareth as he turned back around.
Eager for one more answer, Diana asked “But how will I…”
“Farewell.” Gareth said as he disappeared through the portal.
As Gareth disappeared, Diana quickly got in her car and called Roger. She told him everything as she returned to the scene of the crime. She knew she couldn’t share what she had learned with the police. They had to continue their investigation. Together, the victim’s parents, Roger and Diana returned to Diana’s house and spoke in light of what Gareth had said.
- Sorry if it seems a bit ... LONG