posted
"Tell me again why there are only eight of us?" Wildfire demanded as the jet carrying them streaked across the Pacific.
"I agree. Asia is geographically larger than Europe." Amihan pointed out, firmly but politely.
Rebound sighed. "Look, I empathize, I really do - I grew up in the Philippines and my ancestors came from China - but it was a tactical decision."
"How so?" Hygeia asked, also firmly. "I hope you do not mean to imply that Asia is less important than Europe or America. Would you care to explain?"
"Our intelligence indicates that one of Mordru's main fronts is the USA," Shifter explained helpfully. "And Europe is geographically nearer his home base. We know that Mordru plans to attack multiple fronts in Asia, but without more intelligence..."
"We just sit and wait? Is that it?" Amazon's voice was heavy with concern. "What about all those people in Asia? What if their intelligence is wrong?"
"She's right! Don't those doofs realize that we have no way to cover all of Asia even with these jets?" Wildfire flared at that thought.
"I don't like it any more than you do," Shifter maintained composure, but his feelings on the matter were clear. "However, the danger is more imminent elsewhere. I'm sorry..."
"I believe we 8 are more than powerful enough to handle this, with the support of our military," Element Lad's voice was gentle; it was clear that if he fought, it was only to defend his fellow man. "But if we do not know where Mordru will strike exactly, how can we be sure to intercept his forces?"
"That," Rebound said with a grin, "is why we have Quislet along. Hey, Quis! Want to demonstrate what we've been working on?"
"What fun!" Quislet quickly merged with their jet. "Hold on tight, we're going for a ride!"
"You'd better strap yourselves in." Chuck was clearly enjoying himself as he radioed the pilot. The other six had just settled in when the plane suddenly surged forward, as if propelled by a giant.
The young Legionnaires gasped, screamed and (in Wildfire's case) whooped as their plane lurched forward, then stopped.
"Looks like all that training paid off, huh, Quis?" Chuck's grin was wider than ever.
Quislet emerged from the jet with an even wider grin, if that was possible. "Quislet learned to make machines perform more efficiently!"
"That is awesome!" Wildfire yelled. "We could zip to any spot on the globe in no time!"
"So that's why you weren't worried! You dear, dear boy you!" Amazon squeezed Rebound tight, and would have hugged Shifter too, if he hadn't suddenly morphed into a bird and zipped for a map.
"Don't celebrate too much. Quislet can only keep that up for a short time, else our jets will burn out. Even with the added speed, we can only shave a few hours off our flight time - like our little jump took us over Pakistan into China." Shifter was no-nonsense now, and all his teammates listened with rapt attention.
"Intel shows that Mordru is most likely after sites of ancient mysticism in Asia," he explained. "He's targeting Asia because it's nearer Khundia than, say, Latin America; plus, it is home to some of the oldest civilizations in the world. Now, with his magic, he could send his armies out anywhere, but he would most likely want to conserve his strength.
Rebound stepped forward. "One reason all of you were chosen for this team is your knowledge of Asian culture and history. Even though we have Quislet, based on the limitations that Reed outlined, it would help a lot if we could predict which sites to cover."
"I spoke with Cos; he believes that soon he'll be able to spare a few of his team members to join us in defending Asia. Our role is to establish a beachhead, predict the most likely problem spots, and develop a deployment plan that will allow us to cover as much ground as we can," Shifter added.
"Tibet, then." Element Lad's eyes shone. "It is a spiritual haven."
"My hometown in the Mountain Provinces of the Philippines would be good," Amihan piped up. "Sagada, for example, is known for our hanging coffins and mysterious caves."
"The Angkor Temples, as well." Hygeia looked homesick for a bit. "I would hate very much if Mordru destroyed the heritage of my people."
"Can we go to India, too?" Amazon asked? "The Taj Mahal is there... and it's just so romantic! Just the place that an old grump like Mordru would wan to spoil."
"Nepal's Kathmandu Valley is also a good target," Drake mused. "It used to lie at the crossroads of several ancient civilizations, and is thought to have been inhabited as early as 300 BCE."
The cockpit fell silent. Drake shrugged. "Hey, just because I'm a hothead doesn't mean I'm not smart."
The suggestions flew in, as the eight young Legionnaires made their plans. Their front may be small, but they would die before they gave it up.
It was dirty, it was loud, it was chaos. Catalyst had expected monsters or trolls or goblins, he realized, thinking that the Dark Lord Mordru would surely attack like that. But instead it was the Khundish military and the attack was guns and bullets and people falling as they shouted at the top of their lungs. The Legion wasn’t made for this, he thought. It was not made to be deployed in war. Why are we here?
He turned to see if Lyle was still by his side by Lyle was gone. Of course. He’s invisible and doing this his own way.. Catalyst looked around and saw Dreamer up ahead, and decided he would stick by her. He liked Dreamer quite a lot; she was really Lyle’s friend, one of his best friends in fact and “partner in crime”, but they still got along just fine.
“Damn!” said Dreamer loudly and Catalyst’s heart sunk.
“What is it? Are you shot? Are you hurt?!” he yelled.
“Broke a nail,” she said with a wicked smile and suddenly his face went red and anger flared. But then it subsided and he started laughing at the top of his lungs as bullets fired all around them.
He looked up and suddenly he saw the giant form of Leviathan walked nearby. He had to be over 25 feet, Condo thought. “Idiot,” said Condo, “all he’s doing is making himself a bigger target!”
“I don’ think so,” said a voice, as Shrinking Violet leapt onto his shoulder from what felt like out of nowhere. “Look out there, in the sky! Something big is coming! Bigger than even Gene!”
They looked out and could make out a figure approaching. It was winged and it was huge. Maybe the biggest thing any of them had ever seen.
“Oh my God…” said Shrinking Violet, her stomach suddenly tightening up so hard she felt like she might throw up.
The creature had a long neck and was scary all over. It’s mouth was wide and covered with large, razor sharp fangs. It was massive and it was clear what it was to all of them: it was a dragon.
Glaurung, Father of Dragons, had entered the fray. While Mordru’s greatest agents were deployed elsewhere, his most fearsome belligerent had been reserved for exactly this. To announce itself fully to the world and reek havoc upon all it saw.
As it grew closer, the Legionnaires and their soldier allies scrambled. Ferro looked up from where he was fighting—in metallic form—and he was suddenly too overcome with fear to move. Valor sprang forward from Sensor’s side and yanked him back out of the open, knowing an attack was forthcoming.
Nemesis backed up slowly into the shadows to watch how things played out. I can beat any one opponent in single combat, he thought. But can I beat that? I’d rather not find out…
It was Livewire whose voice brought them to their senses. “Legionnaires!” he yelled. “It’s scary as hell, but its up to us to battle that thing! It’s why we’re here! No come on, just like Cos taught us! Get yourself into position! We can all hit this thing together!”
At those words, the French hero known as Atmos rose into the air and flew strait at the dragon. “Watch and learn, mes amis” he shouted in English with his French accent.
“No!” yelled out Leviathan and Tela at the same time. “Idiot!” yelled Livewire.
Atmos flew at the Dragon and the Dragon picked up its pace so fast that Atmos was suddenly taken aback. The dragon was on him instantly and he breathed forth a huge spray of blue-yellow flames, blasting Atmos hard enough to knock him out of the sky and into the ground. Still above the shore, Atmos fell from the sky into the water.
“Is he…?” said Livewire.
“No,” said Tela. “I’m picking him up telepathically. But he’s in pain. A lot of pain.”
“Good,” said Livewire. “Now let’s see what we can do about a freaking dragon.”
As the Legionnaires all emerged and got themselves into position, the dragon now flew directly above where they were. It’s massive girth caused it to block out the sun and cover them in shadow. However, it did not attack; instead, it slowly began to land.
“Something is wrong,” said Dreamer. “Why isn’t it attacking?” But as she said the words, in her heart she knew what the answer was.
As Glaurung landed along the beach, they could see there was something on its back. It cast a bright white light that made it impossible to make out at first—so bright, they all had to turn and avert their gaze. Slowly the light began to fade and they could make out a figure.
And there, he was revealed.
His long flowing white hair was magnificent; his muscled frame was perfection; his white beard was flowing and indicative of his many years. But it was his eyes. His eyes were stunning and terrifying. Even from a distance, you could see them and you knew he could see you—piercing you with them.
Mordru the Merciless had left his Secret City. For the first time many millennia, Mordru took up arms himself to lead his armies into war. He was declaring himself for all the world to see.
”CITIZNES OF EARTH”, his voice boomed. It was incredibly loud but there was magic to it. Everywhere, all around the world, the voice could be heard. Mordru’s spells ensured it. FOR MANY CENTURIES MANKIND HAS HUNG ON IN DESPAIR, AT THE BRINK OF ITS ANNHILATION. IT HAS KEPT ITS DEFEAT AT BAY. NO LONGER.”
“YOU THINK YOU DO NOT KNOW ME, BUT IN YOUR HEARTS YOU KNOW WHO I AM. YOU HAVE DREADED MY EXIST FROM THE EARLIEST DAYS OF YOUR YOUTH. TODAY I CAST ASIDE ALL SHADOWS AND BARE EVERYTHING FOR ALL TO SEE. I, MORDRU, WILL RESUME MY ROLE AS THE SUPREME RULER OF THIS EARTH.”
“AND YOU WILL ALL BOW BEFORE ME.”
And with those words, Mordru proclaimed himself to the citizens of the Earth. His words were magic and had meaning; with them, he officially declared war upon the Earth and unleashed all of his magic.
******************************************
The Legionnaires fell to their knees and felt nothing but despair. Every moment of self-doubt flooded back to their minds. Each one felt alone and in that loneliness knew that in their hearts they were worthless.
Of them all, though, it was he who had felt these feelings his whole life that was able to overcome this spell. Ferro lifted his head and once he met Mordru’s gaze again, the spell broke. For Andy had never not felt this way, even now. Yet he survived and he pressed on throughout his life—and he did those things now.
Mordru locked his gaze upon Ferro and his face widened into a large smile. It was full of joy yet it was the scariest thing Andy had ever seen. “I look forward to this contest,” said Mordru.
And suddenly he was gone in the blink of an eye.
Ferro turned himself into his metallic form and walked across the debris to where the other Legionnaires were still recovering. He saw Dreamer, Catalyst and Shrinking Violet all together. Mordru was gone, Ferro knew, but he might come back. Somehow he had not realized his own daughter was here, or surely they would all be dead.
“Nura,” said Ferro, still in a daze, “you must hide. Your father. He can come back.”
Nura looked up, not understanding at first but it soon began to dawn on her. She look at him, seeing him for perhaps the first time. And then she looked beyond him and her eyes widened. At last she found her voice. “Andy!” she yelled. “Behind you! The dragon!”
Ferro turned and Glaurung unleashed his tail, knocking the Legionnaire backward. Mordru was gone but the dragon remained. As did the Khunds.
The battle resumed.
END PART 1
[ December 02, 2011, 09:23 AM: Message edited by: Cobalt Kid ]
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
| IP: Logged |
RJ Brande looked at the newscasts on the various screens in front of him which showed the theaters of war throughout the planet. It was becoming too numerous to keep track of. Yet, even in this century of technology and instant access to even the most remote areas, he knew there was so much not being covered by either the media or the various Governments of Earth. “Dammit!” he yelled suddenly. “We need to know what’s happening!”
The others turned to him surprised. Ambassador Anton Relnic was still questioning why RJ Brande was even here, and how he had been allowed to stay. He knew that little outbreak did not help his cause.
But it was Secretary-General Chu that spoke. “RJ,” she said, “perhaps you should take a break and get some air. This is…stressful on all of us.”
RJ nodded. “You’re right Jeannie. My apologies, everyone. All of this war is hard for this old main to take.” With those words, he got up and walked out of the room.
He continued on for some time, soon even leaving the building and entering the streets of Paris. As he walked, he thought of so many things. So much that had happened that led them to this point.
**********************************
Marseille, France
The dragon known as Glaurung, Father of Dragons, continued to unleash chaos upon the Legionnaires. His tail smashed into them, his claws knocked them back and his fire breath sent them scattering. But still, they would come.
“Let’s go, ugly,” said Leviathan, rising to his feet. “Round three.” Leviathan ran forward to try to punch the beast again and below Livewire knew what they had to do—blasting electricity at the creature’s legs. It staggered backwards and used its tail to balance itself and soon was on the offense once again.
<<Lyle>> said Tela using her telepathy. <<You are very close now; you should start to see him.>>
<<I’ve got him,>> replied Invisible Kid. <<I’m bringing him in now.>>
Badly burnt but still alive thanks to his powerset, the French hero known as Atmos was carried back to shore by Invisible Kid, who made sure he used his invisible to hide them from the massive dragon.
Meanwhile, all the other Legionnaires regrouped to think about the best way to stop a dragon. “It’s not like Val and Hasim can just start punching it!” said Catalyst. “And the rest of us are almost useless! We need some firepower!”
“It may be up to you, Jacquie,” said Val to the girl he was coming to feel so strongly about.
She understood. Perhaps her powers could confuse it somehow. “Dragons are supposed to be pretty resistant to magic…” she said hesitantly, “…but we have to try…”
*************************************
Palermo, Sicily
“Tell me again,” said Matter-Eater Lad as he crouched down behind a fallen piece of debris. “Why was this a good plan?”
Next to him was Flare, as the two hid from bullets being fired. They knew the soldiers were approaching, however and they didn’t have much time.
“Don’t look at me,” said Flare. “I’m giving up on tactical decisions! Where in the world is Blok?”
“Right here, my friends,” said Spirit rising out of the ground in front of them, so the Legionnaire faced the oncoming soldiers. “I will deal with them so you can get to safety. Dawnstar is fast approaching so be ready.”
Dirk looked up and saw Dawny circling up above them, waiting for the right moment. “So we know where Dawny is…but where is everyone else?”
***************************************
Paris, France
RJ Brande continued to walk around Paris to cool off and put his thoughts in order. He entered the world famous Luxemburg Gardens and instantly the fauna and change of setting helped ease his mind.
He had worked so hard to get to this point. To get the Legion of Super-Heroes up and going. But Mordru has somehow sensed something was wrong and sped up the time table. How could he have known? It was no matter—somehow the Dark Lord did know. They both realized that the Legion was something new; a new entrant to a game played for thousands of years, and ultimately, it was a turning point. Either Mordru would win this time once and for all, or he would lose.
When the Legionnaires first started to emerge, he was ready for them. He’d built up everything he possible could to make sure they had what they needed at their disposal. Money. Technology. Political capital. Allies. He was waiting for them so when they finally did arrive, he could give them any possible leverage. Because the war was coming.
And now the war was here. Mordru was unleashed and RJ Brande realized that after such a long life time, everything he ever worked for was coming to a head right now. It was an incredible feeling, and very alarming. But he checked over in his head and realized he had done all he could. He’d failed so many times before that he knew what steps needed to be corrected. He knew how he would beat Mordru this time.
He walked farther into a remote section of the gardens and soon found himself to be alone. He looked around the plant life and breathed heavily. It was time. Time to reconvene with his oldest and most capable ally.
“Blok,” he said out loud.
“Blok. I need you now. We are on the brink, old friend. All the pieces are in play. It’s time for secrecy to be cast aside and for you and I to stand united.”
After a moment, as the words faded into silence, everything grew quiet. A stillness overtook the air.
And suddenly RJ noticed the plants beginning to shuffle, and something growing out from the Earth. “I am here, old friend,” said Blok, emerging.
“It is good to see you again…Ro Jath.”
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
| IP: Logged |
Ella stared out of the window into the twilight, where only a faint glimmer of daylight now remained down at the seaborne horizon. Things had moved quickly since they left the helicopters - Cosmic Boy had divided most of the team into pairs to search for signs of life, making careful note that they should stay together at all times, but had sent herself, Starboy and Polarity to act as bodyguards for Gear as he tried to establish communications with the outside world from the top floor of Coast Tower.
"Spark, c'm'over here..."
Gear's voice jolted her back from her reverie, and she span around to face him. "What is it?"
"I need some help with this radio equipment - before I hook up to it, I need to know how much of it is working, and how much I need to replace--"
"--and you can't get the emergency generators working, let me guess?"
"Bee Eye Enn Gee Oh. I sent Tom & Kid Cos up to check on the physical condition, but even if they're intact, they might not be fine. S'can you do it without frying all this stuff?"
"I can run battery voltage without frying stuff. Mains is easy."
"Well, if they--"
"They're back," Polarity's voice rang in from the staircase, and both his and Starboy's faces were dark as they entered. "Roof's covered in scrap. No wonder the elevators didn't work - they even junked those, just to be sure."
"Everything?"
"Yeah, it's all bent, bucked and broken." Tom verified. "Someone must not have wanted anything getting out, in person or in voice."
"How's it looking down here?" Polarity added. "It doesn't seem as bad as upstairs. If I jury-rigged an aerial--"
"Give me a chance," Gear cut in as his arm exploded into various cables, tendrils and devices, before plugging in and indicating that Ella should start powering the equipment, "I've bar--"
"Barely what?" Polarity asked. An answer was not forthcoming.
Spark pulled her hand away from the radio, and in front of Gear's face. "Hello? Anyone there?" He didn't react.
"Did he just... crash?" Starboy's voice echoed around the room.
Ella shrugged and reached into one of her belt pouches. "Dox from Spark, Dox from Spark."
"What is it?"
Spark winced at the tone. Q, in the same "non-combatant" category as Gear, had been sent to scout under protest to start with, and she suspected Kinetix was driving him nuts on top of that. "Something's just happened to Gear - he'd barely plugged in and he's now completely frozen up. Could you come over to Coast Tower and see if you can help?"
"Fine. I'll be th--" An unearthly sound began to fill the air, which seemed to echo through Spark's bones. Seeing nothing over the sea, she looked to the other bank of windows for the source, and saw that one building - the City Hall, she thought - had lit up with the setting of the sun, and she almost thought she could see the giant shape of a ghostly, naked woman floating over it.
"A siren?" she muttered. Obviously, she rationalised. The Big Bad was supposed to have loads of mythological creatures working for him, what was one more - especially if it could take enemies down without a fight. She toggled her radio again. "Q, are you still there?"
The radio was silent, but the room wasn't - there was a loud SMASH and she turned to see Polarity on the floor, covered in broken glass, as Starboy floated out of the window. Instinctively, she raised her hand, but Paul pulled her down before he could zap him. "Not a good idea. He'd end up falling to his death."
"Better that than getting lured onto the rocks by that siren! How come you didn't follow him out the window?"
"How come you didn't?"
"Well, seeing as I'm a girl, I-" He cut her off
"Wait, are you trying to say that-" This time, it was the commlink which interrupted, but it wasn't Dox at the other end.
"MAN DOWN, MAN DOWN. IS ANYONE RECEIVING ME?" Trinity's voice sounded at top volume through both of their earpieces, distracting them.
They took a moment to recover, and glare at each other for a moment before Polarity clicked to answer. "Trinity, this is Polarity. Did you say that R- That Cos is down?"
"Can you hear that sound? As soon as it started, Cos stood up and made to walk out, like he'd been hypnotised. I had to belt him."
Ella pushed her 'talk' button. "Spark here, we hear it. Gear was already down, and Starboy flew out after it, but me and Polarity seem to be immune. I thought I saw something at City Hall - can you see anything from where you are?"
[i]"N- wait. One of me just saw Quantum take off and start flying toward it. And now Kinetix too. And I think I just saw Dox."
Polarity answered, "Are they attacking something, or--"
"Doesn't look like it. They're all going slow, Dox is walking, KQ & K are flying slow and vertical."
Polarity glared at Spark, who ignored it and switched her radio to open-comms. "This is Spark. Any Legionnaires who receive this message please respond."
They waited ten seconds, then twenty, then thirty with no new responses. After a full minute, Trinity's voice came over the radio. "We're all there is, aren't we?"
"Looks like it." Polarity answered, then added, "Trinity, don't try and engage unless you can take them out in one go. I tried to stop Star heading out the window and got a window smashed over me for my trouble."
For a minute, there was only the unearthly song. Then Trinity spoke up. "Where are you, again?"
"Coast Tower," Paul replied. "Can you make it here to regroup?"
"No way. I can't leave Cos here, especially with that still going on, and he's too heavy for us to carry."
Spark and Polarity looked at each other, then at Gear, still tied into the equipment. Neither felt comfortable trying to remove him in case they caused permanent damage, nor leaving the Legionnaire they were least sure of alone with an unconscious Cos in hostile territory. It was Ella who broke the impasse, "Think he'd be safe if we left him?"
"Definitely a lot safer than Rex & Lorna out in the open. Who knows what that singing's a prelude to."
"I'll cover him up, then. You find out where she is so we can meet up." ___________
Fifteen minutes later, the sky was completely black, the siren still sung, and Spark & Polarity reached the alley where Trinity was hiding with an unconscious Cos.
"How is he?" Paul asked about his brother, shining a flashlight to look him over.
"He started to stir about five minutes ago, and I had to belt him again. Nothing since."
"Well, I don't think we can wait for that noise to stop if it ever does. I'll take him an--" Paul's voice died as the siren suddenly, finally stopped. All three conscious Legionnaires felt a crushing silence envelop the seemingly deserted city, waiting for the other shoe to drop.
CRACK went the ground.
"What wa--"
CRACK! Louder, this time.
All attempts at speech died as the cracking sounds not only continued, but grew louder and more forceful, sounding as if the city was being torn to bits.
Polarity risked a glance from the alley, fearful the buildings around them would join in and collapse over them, but there were no sign of falling masonry. Instead, in the rising moonlight, huge shapes appeared from great gashes in the ground.
Easily twelve feet tall if they were an inch, dozens of monsters, huge and hunchbacked, climbed into the open air.
"Sir, greatest respect, but... well, if you'd consider..."
John Jones, headmaster of the Legion Academy, was unhappy. In the distant past, he'd been to war, and he'd hunted men. But he still remembered the charnel and flame of those wars, and it was not the place for what he thought of as children. As such, the suggestion that the man on the other end of the phone was making that he make the students of the Legion Academy available "to play a part" in what the media were apparently dubbing "the Earth War" - as if any of the other wars they covered took place off-planet... - was not one he took lightly. Or responded well to.
The phone went back on the hook. He'd gained a stay on the decision, no more. He'd have to see them in person to ensure they saw things his way.
His lined brow furrowed deeply, he reached for the microphone on the side of his desk, pressed a button, and summoned all the staff and pupils of the Academy to the Assembly Hall before leaving and closing the door behind him.
Ten minutes later, he returned to his office, with his three Powers Dept. members - Danielle Moonstar, Shikari Lonestar and Tikhik Miraz - in tow. The announcement he'd made had been brief, essentially just telling everyone to remain there, and asking for the other teachers to perform a complete headcount to ensure no students were elsewhere. The real decision was yet to be made, and he laid out what had been asked of them baldly.
"No way." Dani was emphatic. "This isn't a barracks, and we're not drill sergeants."
"I fully agree. If I thought that was the case, I would not have come here." Tikhik said, before adding, "And if it IS the case, you will have my resignation within the hour."
"'Kari?" John asked for the third teacher's opinion.
Shikari was more conflicted in the matter than the other three. Coming from a culture that prized conflict avoidance over confrontation, she'd always felt her people to be too passive, verging on cowardly. And now she was in the minority again, only this time in an inner council. She knew each of the others well enough to know they wouldn't be swayed on the idea that they SHOULD go to war, however. "Is there to be an attack here?" she finally asked.
"Don't know." John answered in his careful drawl. "They say nothing doing, but they're saying a lot of things. Doubt they know themselves. Definitely not sending anyone here to help.`"
"If there is, and we run, will they not follow?"
"Ptui," Tik spat. "I hardly leave footprints for someone to trace. I can have the whole school evacuated to you-know-where in less than fifteen minutes."
Shikari shook her head, "I could track you, whatever path you took, even if you were gone in fifteen seconds. This is a powerful army with varied and magic power - should we assume they cannot do the same?" She looked hard at John Jones, and their eyes met for a long moment.
"You've got a point 'Kari," he admitted. He thought for a moment, then continued, "No kids should get sent to war, but if war comes to us, we could ask for volunteers to stay here and keep the young kids safe."
"Isn't that the Legion's role?" Dani retorted. "I'm not happy asking my students to put themselves in danger to cover someone else not doing their job."
John shook his head, "Been told they're all a long way from here, stretched out across three continents. I already said we're not getting help from the outside, Legion or else, and we might still be asked to send pupils elsewhere to help - if we're agreed there, I'll have to go talk to someone about that after we're done here."
"We're agreed there," Tikhik interjected. "If anyone comes to collect any students, I'll send them to Siberia."
"In which case," Shikari resumed, "can you swear that you can send Mordru's armies to Siberia as well if they come?"
"Do you think I can't?"
"I wou--"
"Please." John broke in. "Going round in circles won't help. Dani, say we DO ask some students to stay, at least at first. How many could we ask."
"I'm not happy abou--"
"Just say."
Dani ground her teeth for a moment before replying. "There's only six who are over 16 *and* I'd give an 'A' grade to right now. That's the only set that's Legion-eligible. At a push, we could ask them."
"That is not enough," Shikari said bluntly. "If there was an attack, they would be overwhelmed. There are another sixteen who are over 16, 'B' grade, and virtually ready. We can ask those as well."
"I didn't know we were asking anyone just yet." Dani's voice was icy in her disagreement.
Tikhik added, in a similar tone, "Why are you so keen to send children into battle?"
Because I've seen 'children' save worlds. Shikari thought in her own tongue. What she said, however, was "If armies attack our school, it is likely that they will find us wherever we run. If so, our students will be forced to go into battle. If we do not ask for volunteers, all of our students would be forced to fight. If we do, I would want there to be number enough to have a chance of success. I do not think six or fewer would be that number." Again, she turned to look at John.
"She has a point." John Jones conceded. "Dani, I want a straight answer. In your professional opinion, if the worst happens and we have to choose between risking everyone and risking a few, EXACTLY how good are the 'B'-grade students? Would we be throwing warm bodies into a fire, or could they hold their own?"
Dani pursed her lips tightly. She was beginning to feel as if she'd been backed into a corner. "A 'B' means that, under controlled testing conditions, I think they aren't as good as they could be, but they know how to use their powers well. Still, that says nothing about their temperament or control in a life or death fight. There are students who are under control enough in a calm, quiet room, but not in a war scenario. Maybe half of Shikari's sixteen could hold up under those sorts of circumstances."
"Which ones?" Shikari put her on the spot. "For instance, would you include Sofia? You were saying that she was 'only a hair' away from an 'A' yesterday, and the only reason you weren't giving her one was that you were being careful about bias."
"That's not fair, Shikari," Tikhik said. "Asking someone if they'll risk their daughter, adopted or otherwise, in a situation where they might be killed - how, exactly, do you expect her to be objective?"
"That is my point. This needs to be looked at objectively, and objectively, I feel the risk is less by asking the wider group."
"Look, people," John was beginning to feel things had become too heated to make a decision, but it couldn't wait. He had to get over to Metternich's office before choices were made there that would render their whole debate moot. "We--"
He was cut off when the phone buzzed to signify an internal call. The others remained silent while he took it.
"That was Jim - he said there's been a register taken, and one pupil is missing. Young kid called Doreen Green. 'Kari, would you track her down and make sure nothing's happened?"
Shikari shot a glance at Dani and Tik, and John took her aside for a moment. "I promise nothing will be decided here while you're gone."
"But J'onn..."
"I need to calm matters down here anyway. Just hurry back."
She glanced back for a moment at the other two, then at John Jones for a moment longer, before armouring up and exiting through the window.
"'Till 'Kari gets back, can we take a minute to calm down here?" And even as he said it, despite the situation, both Dani and Tikhik felt some of their tension lift.
After a minute, he continued, "I agree with you - kids shouldn't go to war. But self-defence is 'nother story, and if something happens, we DO have to be ready - it's just which unpleasant choice we make, not if we make one."
"Something HAS happened." The voice came from the window, as Shikari struggled to manoeuvre through while carrying something. John rushed to help, and took the object from her, to a gasp as Dani realised what it was.
The mauled, bloody body of the squirrel-like student called Doreen Green.
The man known as Mordru enters the deep valleys of his dearest allies, amazed and delighted at the creation of such a splendid and beautiful small continent. “Perhaps you should leave a lasting magic effect on this land,” he speaks aloud, “and mark it as your own for millennia to come.” “Nay, friend,” replies his ally joining him from the roots of a nearby bush. “I shall allow it to grow as it will independently, for I am curious to watch things grow.” “Ro Jath,” replies Mordru, “one day you shall learn that to watch things grow is to watch things die. You must involve yourself in shepherding it forward, tending to your gardens as they blossom.” “On that, we differ my friend,” smiled Ro Jath, and the two were at ease amongst each other. These were two of the greatest of all of Ekron, matched only by a third, who was similar to both, yet different still. “Tell me more of your orbs,” said Ro Jath. “My Emerald Eyes,” said Mordru, “one of my greatest creations, they will hold a part of my essence in them forever, and shall bound themselves to their wearers. Perhaps I shall offer them to this creature man, as a gift of our benevolence.” “They are indeed wondrous,” said Ro Jath, “but to bind themselves to another is to instill harsh rules. To you would you offer them?” “To my most beloved of course,” replied Mordru, which ended the conversation. Ro Jath did not like that Mordru had begun to take on concubines from the primitive creature known as man, and even worse, now offered them these items of enormous power. “Ah, our friend joins us.” The third of their group, Thymius, at last joined them. He looked troubled, however, and shaky, and pulled his hood far over his face as if to cover his features. “What is it Thymius?” asked Ro Jath with concern. “What ails you?” “My friends, while you do you duties to conceive new ideas and place restrictions on them, I do my own to gaze into the future and the past and understand the nature of time. And what I see troubles me. It troubles me greatly. Lo, that such a burden fall on one such as I.” “I do not understand, my friend,” said Mordru. “Surely the future holds glories we do not even comprehend yet, as Ekron shapes the world?” Thymius was silent for a time, and at last spoke. “I see the future, and Ekron will not be a part of it for long. I see War and I see great disaster, and Ekron itself shall be destroyed. A great civil war will consume us…” Ro Jath was greatly concerned, while Mordru scoffed at the idea. “War? What good might war be in the acts of creation?”
quote:Originally posted by Cobalt Kid: “Thank you, ancestors,” she said.
“You are welcome child,” replied Lydia. “Trust in the darkness—when Mordru’s end comes, darkness will be the last thing he sees”
“Remember your cousin Greg,” said Rostam.
“Look to the West,” said Nommo, “your greatest ally remains hidden yet still”
And with that, they disappeared, and Tatiana pulled away the cloak of darkness, and so that once more, she and Blok were alone in the natural darkness of the cell.
quote:Originally posted by Cobalt Kid: Mordru was no longer a physical form, but as an entity moved across the Atlantic Ocean, towards New York City, his poisonous presence sending a shiver down the spine of every person or animal he came into contact with. He had to know for sure that it was Nura who had come to New York City.
As he raced forward and approached New York City, he suddenly felt a tremendous barrier blocking his way. He tried again, but no…he could not enter the city. And it was then in his heart he knew she was in there, being protected from him.
Very well then…he would ensure agents of the most horrifying kind were sent to engage this ‘Legion’. It was far too soon in his planning, but they had pushed his anger beyond barrier. One daughter kept secret from him in New York and one group of his enemies having the audacity to defy him. Now it was time to once more declare war upon the Earth.
Throughout the world of the 21st Century, there is one name that stands for entrepreneur more than any other: Raymond John Brande. The quintessential businessman, RJ Brande evokes accomplishment, commerce and innovation from thriving metropolises like Manhattan to the remote towns in Omaha; throughout Asia and Europe, Africa and the Americas. RJ Brande is as well-known as any one or thing.
Yet, the story of RJ Brande is larger than any know at all. Save one; save his ally for thousands and thousands of years, the brotherless one known as Blok. Though perhaps if Blok did have a brother, it would be RJ, the one who Mordru always feared.
Far back before the annals of history hundreds of thousands of years ago in the Ancient Empire of Ekron there were three among the Ekronians who had the greatest understanding of the structure of the world. While the brightest star was Mordru, the one with the most insight was Ro Jath. For Ro Jath understood that for things to flourish and creation to abound, all things must be free. Only in chaos can there truly be freedom.
When Mordru’s obsession with order and understanding created a new ideology, it was Ro Jath who stood against him, as their third, Thymius, had sworn not to interfere. And so while the Civil War that destroyed Ekron—and almost the Earth—brought an end to the story of Ekron, it did not bring an end to the debate. For while Mordru survived, so did Ro Jath.
Mordru’s intentions over the thousands of years became increasingly clear as he wished to subjugate the Earth’s people. At every step, Ro Jath was there. Sometimes he was barely victorious; sometimes he failed completely and then had to work to free humanity. Yet always was he there to battle the Dark Lord.
He was there for Ancient Atlantis; he led Nommo, King of Tor to the waters of the Garden of Eden, so that he would start the ancient line of shadow-wielders. He used force to battle Mordru and the Emerald Empresses in Egypt and he used knowledge to battle close-mindedness in Akkad.
He took many names. In Antiquity he was Rajeef J’arra, the Vizier to the Parthian Shahansha, who battled alongside Monius Elysius of the Romans and Rostam, shadow welder of the Persians. He was defeated then by Mordru’s deceits but while Mordru later corrupted the Julio-Claudian line of Augustus, Rajeef was two steps ahead of him, already having convinced Augustus to halt Rome’s expansion.
He taught magic to Merlin, though perhaps they were one and the same? He taught the magic of illusions to the House of Proiectra to combat the House of Romanescu and destroy the Middle Age kingdom of Venegar. As the Balkins became increasingly a base of operations for Mordru’s agents, he expanded his teachings to Austria and passed on knowledge to the Wazzo family.
He pushed for the Age of Reason, and encouraged the expansion of science and logic. He cheered on capitalism and the free market; yet he also encouraged the ideas of socialism. While Mordru oversaw the Congress of Vienna, Ro Jath coordinated the revolutions of 1848.
When Mordru cast his most powerful spell of all—the one that stunted the evolution that would not allow mankind to grow its super-powers following Mordru’s experience with the House of Proiectra, Ro Jath set about fixing that as well. And by using his agent Marla Latham to infiltrate the Dark Circle, he helped succeed 25 years ago.
When Mordru realized his daughter Nura was in New York City, it was Ro Jath’s spells protecting the metropolis that prevented Mordru from entering it.
And it was Ro Jath who encouraged Nura’s mother to meet Mordru for the first time, so that one day, the children would be born to shatter the spells Mordru had put in place.
RJ Brande had worked for thousands of years to battle Mordru and now the battle was coming to a conclusion once and for all. Once the spell was broken he knew the super-powered children would begin to arrive and he set about preparing everything they needed. When the Legion was born, he was there for it. Could this work? Could this be the key to beating Mordru at long last?
******************************
RJ Brande and Blok stood together in Luxemburg Gardens and RJ could not help but smile. “You look well, old friend,” he said. “Considering your look never changes.”
“Indeed,” said Blok. “At long last, all our plans come to fruition. I know you believe in the children—this Legion. I believe in Maziah and I think she can deliver us all.”
Throughout those long centuries, Ro Jath’s chief ally was the child of the Earth, whom the Sentinels called Blok. They worked together for so long that they could anticipate one another’s thoughts. Some centuries they would be side by side while others they would be apart, planting seeds on their own.
“The children are our only hope,” said Blok, “but they have not seen war before. I fear they will be undone by the travesties committed. Perhaps we have rushed them off too soon?”
RJ considered the comment and saw that perhaps Blok was right. “Maybe it’s time to pull them back and regroup,” he said. “They’ve gotten a taste of the enemy and that is enough. While the rest of the world battles Khundia and such, I think its time to for all of them to get some focus.”
“Agreed,” said Blok. “Let them have a moment’s respite and then we shall have our confrontation.”
“I think my friend,” said RJ, “it’s damn well past time my Legionnaires officially met your Sentinels!’
[ December 08, 2011, 08:02 AM: Message edited by: Cobalt Kid ]
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
| IP: Logged |
Dreamer could not remember ever feeling this tired in her entire life. Her body ached and was sore all over. Her mind was also extremely tired from all the stress of the War. She could hardly remember the sequence of events that had just transpired. Mordru announced himself and then disappeared but just when they thought they had a moment’s respite, the dragon launched its attack. They battled it for what felt like forever and eventually it began to back-off. By then the SHIELD agents were telling the Legionnaires they were being requested to get back to France. Perhaps it was the hum of the helicopter or perhaps she would have fallen asleep just about anywhere, but she soon caught herself starting to doze.
The dream was unnerving, but that was not uncommon for her. She dreamt of the war and felt tremendous anxiety as explosions occurred in the background and bullet fired past her. All around her were screams and people sobbing. But up ahead, she saw a bright white light. She approached it and as she grew closer she couldn’t help but feel an incredible happiness come over her. Maziah, she realized. Oh, how I’ve missed you! But as she approached, she could see Maziah was crouched down no her knees; she was the one who was sobbing. In her arms lay a body and Nura instantly knew that person was deceased. Somehow, he means something to her…
Dreamer woke up immediately in an instant. Her head felt heavy and was pounding, and she knew that was not just a dream but a prophecy, which was her natural gift. Already it was fading but she could remember that final detail, with her sister and the dead man. She realized the helicopter had stopped moving.
“Good timing,” said Invisible Kid to her. He sat by her side and was covered in dirt and scars. Resting on his shoulder was Catalyst, who looked exhausted and upset. It was how they all felt.
“We’ve arrived then?” asked Dreamer.
“I think so,” he said, looking out the window as the soldiers got out of the helicopter and other soldiers ran up to open up the doors and let them out. “Is that Mr. Brande?” asked Lyle.
As Invisible Kid woke Catalyst, Dreamer jumped out of the helicopter with Livewire and Tela. Hoping Tela might have some answers, she asked “What’s going on? Any idea why we’re here, or why Mr. Brande looks so intense?”
“No,” said Tela, who Nura suspected might be trying to read RJ’s mind. Evidently it was not working and she wasn’t pleased. “But I think we better go with him instead of the UN soldiers.”
“Agreed…” said Dreamer. They all felt much safer around RJ Brande.
********************************
The tired Legionnaires—11 in total, plus Atmos who was already healing from the burns—were ushered into a large room with sofas, chairs and food & drink laid out. RJ followed them in and then turned to the soldiers. “If you’ll please give us a few moments,” he said to them. They listened without a word which made Invisible Kid and Dreamer look at one another with an eyebrow raised. Usually those requests didn’t go so smoothly.
“What’s this about Mr. Brande?” asked Leviathan. “We should really be out there on the front lines.”
“I know, Gene,” he said, immediately walking to the other side of the room. “And you will be. But I think this is more important. “You’ve had a taste of the horrors Mordru is unleashing on the world. But while defending France or any country is a valiant effort, we need to be smarter about where we deploy you. That goes for your other allies as well.”
“Other allies?” asked Tela, curious as to what that meant. Could it be? she thought.
“Yes,” said RJ. “And I think its long past time that you met.” With those words he opened a door in the far back corner of the room which most of them did not even realize was there before. It opened into yet another room, this one larger than before but with the same accommodations.
They could see King Faraday, the Checkmate spy, in the doorway talking with some people. Right by his side was Jacques Focquart, the spy known as Fantomas. They heard many more voices though as they watched RJ walk through.
Livewire looked at Tela to see what she thought but she was already walking over to the room and through the door. He followed, as did Leviathan, who wanted to be front and center. Sensor, Valor and Nemesis followed.
Dreamer turned to Invisible Kid, who shrugged. With Catalyst and Shrinking Violet, they began to walk forward when they heard a high-pitched scream on the other side. A scream of happiness? thought Nura. It was a girl’s voice and she was greeting the Legionnaires.
It began to dawn on Nura just what was on the other side, and she began to walk faster. At that, Catalyst and Shrinking Violet knew who was there as well.
Dreamer crossed the threshold into the other room and was shocked at what she saw. Out in front was Spirit, hugging Irma and Garth tightly. To the side was Sensor hugging a blue girl who Nura immediately knew was Tatiana her childhood friend who she never met in person. There was a large rock monster, a winged girl and two rugged looking boys—one with a cape and one without—to the side. Valor was extending his hand to shake another boy’s hand who happened to be the best looking boy she’d ever seen and she immediately knew that was Dirk Morgna. Nura anxiously looked around and as she did, she realized everyone else was turning to look at her.
And then she saw her. Tears began streaming down her face and she did not bother to hold them back. “Hello Nura,” said the soft voice with a smile.
She ran over to her and hugged her as tight as possible. Both girls cried and neither broke the embrace. “Maziah…” she said in a whisper and suddenly everything felt alright.
********************************
Nura and Maziah’s reunion had left a lot of them blurry eyed but soon the two teams of teenagers were checking one another out. King Faraday and Jacques Focquart enjoyed the spectacle. “I know you’re close to them in age, Jacques,” said King Faraday, “but thank God you’re not a teenager.”
Jacques laughed. He could immediately see that while some of the girls were hugging, and even some of the guys as Valor lifted up Matter-Eater Lad in a tight hug, some others were standing back, taking each other’s measure as if this was a competition.
The winged girl known as Dawnstar remained very aloof. The Legionnaire known as Nemesis, who Jacques knew once was part of this “Sentinels team” was not even bothering to shake their hands or hug his old friends. The new one, Atmos, also stood to the side saying nothing; he was obviously in pain and seemed to resent the Legionnaires for it. Jacques could see it was the one known as Leviathan, the leader of the Legion, that was really taking in his new allies. He seemed to have an eye on Mon-El and Ultra Boy, who were clearly two very rugged young men.
“After all these years…” said Tela as she hugged Umbra tightly.
“Bet you didn’t think I was blue, yeah?” said Tatiana with a laugh. “And you! C’mere Princess!” she said to Sensor, pulling her into the hug. “Guess you really did go and muster the Legion of Super-Heroes!”
Sensor laughed and hugged her friends tightly. She turned to see Dreamer and the White Witch walking over to them and the five girls all hugged “Reunited…at long last…” said Dreamer and all five girls were on the verge of tears.
“I wish I knew what was happening,” said Livewire to Spirit.
Spirit just smiled. “It’s a looooooong story,” she said. “Oh, I wish Cos and Trin were here,” she added. She was smiling so widely that her face looked like it would start to hurt soon.
“Hey you,” said Flare walking over and not caring to break up the reunion of the girls. He was talking to Sensor, and she turned and gave him a tight hug. The two had become great friends before and of all of them, he was perhaps the hardest to leave. “Please tell me you and Val are together,” he added. He didn’t add the other part of what he wanted to say, which was and please tell me you’re not with Hasim.
“Oh, of course that’s the first thing you ask,” she said with a laugh as she hugged him.
As Valor walked over to shake Mon-El’s hand, the reunion was cut short as RJ Brande spoke. They all turned to see RJ and Blok at the front of the room. “It does my heart good to have all of you in the same room at long last,” said RJ. “And soon enough, our little Eurasian contingent will meet the rest of the Legionnaires too, I hope. But I’m afraid we need to focus on the matter at hand: the Dark Lord.” He turned to Blok. “Legionnaires, this is Blok. You can trust him explicitly—no greater ally exists in the struggle against Mordrdu.”
Ultra Boy leaned forward and whispered into Spirit’s ear. “Is that RJ Brande? He makes it seem like this was all part of some grand plan.”
“It is odd,” she said, considering that for a moment. He was making it seem like he knew all along what the ‘Sentinels’ had been up to. And he’s treating Blok like an old friend. “He does have incredible connections…” she said to Joe, though she clearly was trying to convince herself so she could move on and continue basking in the moment of the reunion.
“Between all of you,” said Blok, “we believe we have something in our arsenal to battle Mordru which we have never had. And I believe that now is the time to bring this battle to a close.”
Most of them were nodding in agreement. “This is long overdue,” said Flare out loud, as the thought of battling Mordru at long last was like a light at the end of the tunnel.
They’re all almost drunk on the good feeling this meeting has given them, thought King Faraday. The boost in confidence is good…but hopefully they’re not over-confident.
“We think a direct assault on Khundia itself is where we will find Mordru,” said RJ Brande. “And if we can cut off the head, I believe the body will die, or at least become a manageable threat.”
Suddenly Leviathan spoke up as if he couldn’t stand it any longer. “Mr. Brande, that’s all well and good. But there’s a war raging outside. Yes, I want to get to Mordru but don’t you think we should be taking back the occupied European cities and countryside first?” Clearly, Leviathan was trying to assert himself and Faraday wondered if he even cared about what he was saying as being right.
“You’re not listening,” said a crisp voice which suddenly cut Leviathan in his tracks. It was Mon-El, and when he spoke, his words carried a great weight. “Cut off the head and the body dies. What use is liberating any city or country if Mordru lives and can simply retake it at his convenience? We have one chance and that is to beat Mordru. He is through playing games and he’s prepared to bring this to a conclusion. We have to be the same.”
“Who are you?” said Leviathan rudely. He did not like being talked to like that, clearly.
“A fellow soldier, like yourself,” said Mon-El. He stared directly at Leviathan now as if he was the only one in the room. Rather than his usual growing superpowers, it almost looked like Leviathan was shrinking. “And I know a good strategy when I hear one. Tell me, did you not just have a confrontation with Mordru?”
“Yes,” said Leviathan meekly.
“We’ve had our own as well. They do not usually go very well, correct? We cannot afford too many more—it’s time for one final confrontation to end this all.”
Leviathan simply nodded and did not say anything further. Invisible Kid whispered to Dreamer, “that was incredible.”
“I think I’m in love,” said Catalyst jokingly and Invisible Kid elbowed him in the side.
As they were talking, Flare looked back at Shrinking Violet and their eyes met. He winked at her. She turned away, embarrassed but was even more so when she saw Lyle, Condo and Nura all saw. All three smiled.
“Mon-El is right children,” said Blok to them all now. “We have all come a long way for this final battle and now we shall have it. It will be a privilege to fight by your side.”
RJ nodded and that brought an end to the meeting. He turned to Blok with a smile. “It’s happening, at long last,” he said.
“It feels different this time,” Blok agreed. “The outcome will not be the same as so many other times.”
RJ clapped his hand on Blok’s back. “This time we can beat him.”
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
| IP: Logged |
The being known only as Blok transferred his consciousness to the soil, rocks and fauna, forming his traditional ‘rock monster’ form and rising from the Earth. The Legionnaires were en route but he felt he should be the first to arrive. If a trap was waiting, he must be the one to suffer. It was a responsibility he’d had for thousands of years.
Blok was not a sentient that felt nostalgia. Things happened and he must move on—all that mattered was his purpose. After the Ekronian Civil War, the Earth was shattered; it almost did not survive. Fearing for its safety because Mordru remained free, the Earth birthed its own only child to defend it and if need be, die for it. That child was Blok and he had served this purpose ever since for hundreds of thousands of years.
Blok moved into the shadows and watched, seeing the capital city of Khundia was bustling with chaos. This was the hub of the Khundish military dictatorship. Blok also knew that while Mordru’s home was the Secret City in Yemen, Khundia was where all the wartime strategy was taking place.
Minutes earlier it was pitch black though now the sky farthest to the East was letting in sunlight. Dawn was coming.
It was a soldier’s scream that caused the chaos of noise to coalesce into one big gasp. The soldier was screaming and pointing at the sky. Blok knew why: in the distance, figures began to emerge from the air, approaching Khundia’s capital.
Dawnstar’s magnificent wings were easy to make out. Mon-El’s cape flapped behind him in the wind. Atmos pulsated energy with his every movement. Ultra Boy’s posture clearly showed he was a threat to be taken seriously.
The soldiers scrambled knowing full well who was approaching. This was beyond their training and would be a problem for Mordru’s elite.
The Legion of Super-Heroes was arriving.
**********************************
The SHIELD helicopters dropped off the rest of them securely at a predetermined point while the flyers delivered a healthy dose of chaos throughout the Khundish military headquarters. They rushed forward into the chaos, hoping the shock & awe tactics would send the soldiers running. Stray bullets were a risk they would have to take, though the armor & shock absorption woven into their costumes might provide some protection.
The plan was to stay together instead of split up; being separated was likely to happen anyway. But the Legion was not sent here to battle soldiers—they were sent here to battle Mordru.
“He’s here,” said the White Witch with a dread certainty.
“I’ll be right by your side, Maziah,” said Dreamer. “We’ll face father together.”
They moved out, each one using their powers to good effect. Livewire, Catalyst, Umbra and Flare blasted forth their powers, while Nemesis, Valor, Ferro, Blok, and a giant-sized Leviathan engaged them in combat directly. Shrinking Violet, Spirit, Matter-Eater Lad, Tela and Sensor used their powers for stealth.
“Khundish Legionnaires!” bellowed a loud voice, “ATTACK!!!” Ah, thought Matter-Eater Lad, I was wondering when they’d show up.
Firefist, Bloodclaw, Flederweb and Veilmist teleported right in the middle of the group and at once they leapt at the various Legionnaires. Bloodclaw and Ultra Boy hammered at one antoher, as Flederweb lept at Umbra and Tela. Veilmist found herself attacked by Shrinking Violet, and Firefist moved to strike Leviathan where he stood so tall.
It was Atmos who came in for the save, blasting back Firefist. “Thanks!” yelled Leviathan down to him.
“No problem,” said the French superhero, “I’m starting to have a problem with fire-casters,” he added, still feeling embarrassment and anger over being taken out by the dragon in the first engagement. He was not one of them yet, but he felt a growing camaraderie respect for the Legionnaires.
In an instant, however, he felt pain once more as in a blur he was punched and sent flying—his invulnerability the only reason he was not killed. The blur stopped and the Sentinels recognized the enemy: Dev Em.
“Where is my old friend…?” said Dev Em with a wicked grin and in a red and blue blur, Mon-El came flying down to meet him as the two reignited their battle from two days earlier.
Another blur, all in black, came flying through them, and everyone moved out of their way to be careful. “Hasim!” yelled Joe suddenly. “Can you handle this guy?” he asked referring to Bloodclaw.
“Hah!” said Nemesis, “of course I can. Getting too rough for you?”
“Just have other things on my mind…” said Ultra Boy, flying off after the black blur, which he knew was the ‘super boy’. <<Tela, can you hear me?>> he asked.
Before the battle, he knew had to take a moment to introduce himself to Tela for exactly this. <<I can>> she replied. <<Is this the one?>>
<<Yes>> replied Ultra Boy. <<I’m almost positive he’s being mind-controlled. Maybe you can help him…>> With that, Ultra Boy raced after the teenager in an attempt to slow him down before he truly hurt someone.
“Everyone! Look out!” yelled Catalyst suddenly as a flash of green light sent he, Invisible Kid, Valor and Dawnstar flying backwards. As they rolled on the ground to get out of harm’s way, their attacker let herself be known: the Emerald Empress.
The Empress looked up and found the one she wanted the most. “Jacquie,” she said. “You were stupid to come here.”
“Sara,” said Sensor in a calm, collected voice. “The time for talk is over between us. You were once like a sister to me, but no more. You killed all the people on that flight. And now you’ve sided with the devil himself to destroy the world.”
The words stung the Emerald Empress as if they were a slap. Sensor was surprised by the effect—for a moment, it looked like the Empress may even cry. Could it be? Is there still hope for her? But after she killed those people…
“I hate you,” was all the Emerald Empress said and she unleashed her magic at Sensor.
“We’re with you, Jacquie!” said Umbra, joining her friend. By her side was Dreamer and the White Witch. “Sara, at long last we’re all together…but you’ve ruined it. By becoming what you are.”
“We’re your friends, Sara!” said Maziah. “Do not do this!”
“I have no friends…” said the Empress as she renewed her attack.
*******************************
The black blur began to slow down as he approached Ferro up ahead. Ultra Boy saw an opening and suddenly picked up his speed even more, gaining on the boy and then overtaking him. He tackled him at full speed and they went flying to the dirt, landing just a few feet from where Ferro stood.
Neither was a blur anymore as they rose to their feet. Ultra Boy could see for the first time this was a teenager like he was, with jet black here. He had an empty look in his eyes.
“Conal?!” yelled Ferro suddenly, recognizing his friend. “Conal! Oh my God…I thought you were dead!”
“You know this guy?” said Ultra Boy, getting ready for the attack he knew must be coming.
“I do! I hoped we might find him here…but never truly believed…”
“Well Ferro, I hope you have a plan on how to help him. Because he’s mind-controlled and he’s about to—“ before Joe could finish, Conner Kent attacked them both at super-speed, grabbing them each with one hand to smash them against one another.
Ultra Boy went invulnerable as Ferro remained in his metallic form, so neither was hurt, though they fell to the ground. Conal Kent stood over them, preparing for to kill them.
Suddenly, his hands grabbed at his head in pain as he screamed.
“Conal?!” yelled Ferro again jumping up to help his childhood friend.
“No Ferro!” said Ultra Boy grabbing him. “It’s alright. It’s Tela. We planned this. She’s going to help him.”
Tela emerged from the brush. “He won’t attack again,” she said, “and I’m going to see if I can set him right. I need you two to stay by me right now. We’re a distance from the others and you need to make sure nothing comes. Let’s see if we can restore Conal Kent to his old self…”
***************************
The battle raged on, as Sensor was joined by Nemesis and Valor against the Emerald Empress. Mon-El and Dev Em continued their struggle both in the skies and on the ground, smashing through everyone else whenever they got too close. The Khundish Legionnaires remained locked in battle with the real Legionnaires.
Blok appeared beside the White Witch. “He is here, Maziah, and he is watching.”
“I’m ready Blok. We can do this—we can beat him.”
“I know,” said Blok, truly meaning it. “I’m so proud of you, child. Both the Earth and humanity are in your hands now. You can do this.”
And as Blok uttered those words, a sudden silence began to overtake the melee. The sun, which was still in the process of rising, reversed its course and began to set. A great darkness was descending on all of them in mind, body and soul.
“Vile creature,” said a soft voice that was almost too beautiful to bear. “You’ve have committed numerous transgressions against me over the centuries. But none are so vile as this: to turn my own daughters against me.”
The Legionnaires turned, and at once felt a familiar feeling of despair. All except the White Witch and Blok, who stood in his path.
“Father,” said the White Witch. “This must end now.”
“On that daughter,” said Mordru, “we agree.”
[ December 09, 2011, 01:32 PM: Message edited by: Cobalt Kid ]
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
Mordru stood among them and though he at first appeared no taller than a normal person, his form continued to grow until it looked as if he was a giant. He was magnificent to behold: regal and powerful. But above all else, by just looking at him, you knew he was cruel.
“You have always ruled through fear,” said Blok to him now, very clearly. “But no longer. We will overcome this fear.”
“You will overcome nothing!” said Mordru in anger, as he raised his hands preparing to strike Blok down.
“No father!” yelled the White Witch, also raising her hands to cast her own spell. “If you must attack, direct it at me!” She began to float into the air to meet his gaze eye to eye. “It is I who feels the most animosity towards you now! It is I that feels let down and betrayed, knowing what you truly are, and what you would have me become! It is I that loved you like a daughter should for so long, only to know deep in my heart that you feared me and would one day have cast me aside!”
Throughout his long lifetime, Mordru could hold his anger in check easily and create a façade of calm. With his own daughter, however, he could do this no longer. “You are wrong daughter! I do not fear you because I fear nothing. You’re actions have shamed you and shamed me. You’ve sided with these weaker beings, who only wish to fornicate and murder one another. They are a lesser race and unworthy our respect or kindness. Yet clearly you have chosen. So be it! For thousands of years I lived without a daughter! I can do so again!”
And with those words, in a lighting quick motion, Mordru unleashed a backhanded slap with all of his might, striking Maziah directly in the face and knocking her to the ground. She fell hard, letting out a loud scream. Landing on the ground, blood ran from her mouth and tears from her eyes as he pale skin on her cheek began to turn into a large red bruise.
Maziah looked up and in a moment of weakness she felt fear and shame. All she wanted was to crouch down and cry into the ground, begging her father for forgiveness. But no. She had come too far; she was much stronger than that. She put her hands on the ground and pushed herself up, struggling to regain her balance.
Blok extended his hand and lifted her up. “I am right by your side, Maziah,” he said, adding, “we all are.”
Maziah looked back and saw them now, all assembled. All of her friends and allies. The Legion. They looked grim and tired but they were determined. Their unity gave her the courage she needed.
“Your reaction is as predictable as ever, father,” she said. “When something displeases you, strike it. Well you have struck, but her I stand. Here we all stand.”
Mordru was silent, considering her words for a moment. His anger remained but now it began to change from uncontrollable to something worse: a sinister bloodlust. “So be it,” he said, as he unleashed his attack.
Mordru clapped his hands together and a sonic boom erupted outwards to the gathered heroes, knocking them off their feet. Many of them instinctually reached for their ears to hide from the noise. Maziah fell to one knee while Blok remained standing.
Once more, the White Witch rose. She began casting the spell she had been saving for this moment. White lights began to dance all around her and then they quickly reached out and grabbed at Mordru, pulling him closer. “Father,” she began, “you are too powerful to beat in single combat. But though you are Ekronian, you are still a man.”
There was a confidence in her voice, and Blok felt his admiration for her grow even more.
“You have caused untold suffering for so many over the centuries. Though their names have fallen out of your accessible memory, somewhere inside of you they remain. See now, the chaos you have done, as my spell forces you to remember all the harm you’ve done to others and the world!” With those words, Maziah unleashed her spell upon Mordru and at once, images began to flood his mind.
They came fast and furious and he realized he had no control over what he was seeing. Memories of his long lifetime and the atrocities he’d committed: murder and torture; genocide en masse; rapine and plunder; bringing down civilizations and ending family bloodlines. Delighting in pain and suffering.
All of these things he relived once more though not as the villain, but as the victim.
Maziah concentrated hard as the Legionnaires gathered around her. Mordru’s soldiers and agents watched in disbelief, not understanding what they were seeing. She focused her will solely against her father’s knowing theirs was a combat of wills.
Mordru relived the memories as he stared at the ground. But soon, he looked up, directly at Maziah. “Foolish girl,” he said. “You make a grand assumption—that I would feel any guilt at all over the harm done to these animals over the centuries.” As he spoke, his eyes went blood red and face grew harder and meaner, as his true self began to come to the forefront. “You think to beat me with this…?” he asked, his voice full of phlegm and spit. “You think to test my will against yours?!”
And in that instant, Maziah felt a moment of fear and that was her undoing. Mordru sensed it and pounced on it—attacking back and imposing his own dominating will on hers. At once he overtook her and totally dominated her mind. She felt helpless and could only watch on as this act was done to her—the ultimate violation. “See how your own spell works, child!” he yelled. “I can watch the atrocities with great pleasure, but can you? Can you bear witness to the terrors I’ve unleashed on the world?” Maziah cried out in pain as the imagery in Mordru’s mind was now seen in hers, and she witnessed horrific acts being perpetrated on men and women throughout the ages. She fell to her knees, crying out.
“ENOUGH!” yelled Blok, moving forward. In his heart, he began to realize the battle was lost, but more than anything, he only was concerned about the safety of Maziah. “Let her go, vile one!” he yelled, as he ran forward and hammered on Mordru with his fists.
Mordru fell backwards and his hold over Maziah was broken as the spell was done. Blok continued his assault, punching Mordru with all of his might, hoping to subdue him physical while he had the upperhand because of the distraction.
“Let’s help him!” yelled Livewire and the Legionnaires rushed forward.
“N-no…” said Maziah from the ground in pain, “…it’s…n-no use…”
The Legionnaires moved forward without hearing her but once again they were blasted back by a burst of magic. Once more, only Blok stood up to Mordru as the Dark Lord rose.
“You took quite a gamble, brotherless one,” said Mordru to Blok, “but unfortunately, you bet wrong. For the first time, I have you clearly in my sights and that is a mistake I intend to make you pay for.”
And suddenly Mordru moved with lightning speed, grabbing hold of Blok by both shoulders and firing a blast of magical energy into him. Mordru’s face became distorted and hideous, as his eyes grew wide and his smile grew too big for his face. He let out a disgusting cackle as the magical energy came pouring forth.
Blok quickly tried to react by letting this form die and transferring his essence into the ground so he could reform elsewhere but it was too late; Mordru had him and lifted him into the sky, severing his connection to the Earth. “Now, my old enemy, YOU DIE!!!”
And suddenly all the light was sucked back to Mordru as he let loose the ancient spell of <font face="impact">Death</font f>. To the plain eye, it felt as if the world blinked and when it flashed back to reality, Blok’s body was a lifeless husk, which Mordru cast downwards.
“See, daughter!” he yelled. “See what happens to those who dare stand against Mordru! When next we meet, it better be for you to pay me homage!” And suddenly, Mordru was once more gone.
The Legionnaires arose in shock. Those who knew Blok as part of the “Sentinels” were too stunned to say anything.
Maziah crawled on her knees to Blok’s lifeless body and she immediately knew it was over. Blok was dead. She had failed him; she had failed to beat Mordru and Blok died because of it. She tried to speak but couldn’t breathe. She tried to look up but could not look away from Blok. At last she found her breath and all she could do was cry and scream. “NOOOOoooooooooo!” she started but her voice began to grow hoarse.
“We need to get out of here…” said Invisible Kid to Leviathan and immediately Gene knew he was right.
Dreamer began to walk to her sister and in stat instant she knew he last prophetic dream had come true. “Oh Maziah…” was all she could say, as she leaned down and held her sister, who sobbed next to the body of Blok.
“He might still be…” said Flare to the others, hoping against all things that Blok still lived.
“No,” said Sensor, whose powers let her see the truth in this situation. “He’s truly gone.”
“We need to leave,” said Ultra Boy, who had arrived with Tela, Ferro and Conal Kent at some point. Joe was looking around and saw the soldiers regrouping, and with them were the Khundish Legionnaires. Dev Em and the Emerald Empress were nowhere in sight. “Like right now,” he added.
Mon-El walked over and picked up Maziah in his arms. “I’ve got her,” he said, as she sobbed into his chest. He looked at Blok’s carcass, which was already dissolving into the world. “Good bye, old friend,” he said.
“It’s over,” Matter-Eater Lad to Spirit and Flare. “W-we had our moment…and we lost…
END PART 2
[ December 09, 2011, 01:31 PM: Message edited by: Cobalt Kid ]
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
| IP: Logged |
The Legion Outpost, San Francisco, California, USA
“Mein Gott!” cried Nightcrawler, looking at the television. “It is becoming difficult to watch!” Kurt Wagner a blue demon-looking creature. He was a super-powered being with the abilities to hide in the shadows and teleport. He was many things. But first and foremost he was a devout Roman Catholic and the imagery on television made him question everything he ever believed in. To him, it was the apocalypse.”
“Easy, Kurt,” said Bucky to him. Bucky was standing as Nightcrawler sat on the very tip of the couch. The children Ivy, Kid Psycho and Renkil Kem were sitting on the couch in front of him. Bucky realized the oldest among them, Kid Psycho, was only 12.
“How can I go easy, my friend, when zombies are walking through the streets of San Francisco? We should go do something!”
“Kids, go find Renkil’s mom,” said Bucky. They didn’t move, so he added. “NOW.” All three got up and ran. When he wanted to, Bucky could make his voice sound like his old partner’s. Once they were out of hearing distance, he spoke to Nightcrawler. “Kurt, you’re scaring the kids. You can’t do that. They can barely understand what’s happening.”
“Do you understand?” said Nightcrawler. “Look outside my friend. The end of days is here. Yet we sit here and watch television as if it was some movie. Should we not be doing something?”
***************
Bucky walked through the Outpost to the kitchen. Should we? he thought, considering Kurt’s words. Every inch of me tells me we should. And yet…the thought of going out there. Without Steve. Without any of the guys. In this crazy era…
“Lot on your mind?” said a voice. Before he turned he knew who it was from the smell of musty old clothes and freshly smoked marijuana.
“Don’t we all, Doc?” replied Bucky. Marla Latham had been gone for awhile now and Dr. Mayavale had basically stepped in as spiritual head of the Outpost, even though Sun Kem was running things. Bucky found Dr. Mayavale amusing but far less than the others. He could only tolerate so much of his nonsense. Thank God I missed the 1960’s and 1970’s.
“Old friend,” said Dr. Mayavale, “you were stuck for a long, long time. And now you’re free, but you’re still stuck. What good is walking if you’re still walking in the same place?”
Bucky finished a glass of water he poured himself and left his glass in the sink. I can’t hear this right now. “Sorry Doc,” he said. “I’m not the introspective type.”
“Eventually James,” replied Mayavale, “you better start living. Because what you’re doing right now ain’t it.”
**************
Annoyed, Bucky walked outside from the confines of the mansion into the vast grounds that made up the Outpost. Tennis courts, pools and fields covered his line of sight, even in the evening darkness. A brisk winter breeze flew through him.
He stared out across the grounds to the water beyond. “Was this truly the end of days? Did I wake up just for this?” he said out loud. “You’d know what to do, Steve,” he finished.
The wind began to die down and he could hear something nearby. It was coming from the woods. Sniffling he realized. Someone is crying.
It was a little girl’s cry. He ran over, concerned and saw her. It was Ivy, the ten year old girl from Nigeria. She was an odd one, occasionally saying some heady and mature things that always seemed to be on target, but Bucky liked her a lot. There was something very kind about her.
“What is it, Ivy? Are you okay?” He could see she had been crying.
“No,” she said quietly.
He leaned in closer. “What’s happened?”
“He’s dead,” she said as fresh tears ran down her cheeks. “He’s gone. They killed him.”
“Who?” said Bucky, concerned. “Whose died?”
“Blok,” she said now crying completely again. “Blok is dead. He always would visit with me and talk to me. But now he’s gone. I can’t feel him anymore.”
Bucky leaned forward and gave her a tight hug. He had no clue what she was talking about. “It’s going to be okay,” he said. It was all he could think of saying.
“No, it’s not,” she said to him firmly. “Blok told me it would be okay but he’s dead. He was wrong. And you don’t know. All you do is mope around here. How would you know if everything is going to be okay?”
Bucky had no answer for that so he just hugged her.
Maybe it will be. Maybe it won’t. How would I know?
**************
As the hours went on, Nightcrawler felt no relief. In fact, his anxieties only increased. In his heart, he was trying to gather the courage to head out into the night alone to try to help in anyway he could.
“Still want to make a difference?” said Bucky, entering the room.
Nigthcrawler looked and his eyes went wide. Bucky was wearing his old costume. From World War II; the one he had hidden away and never talked about. They all knew who he was at the Outpost but no one ever talked to him about it. “Yes,” replied Kurt, feeling some courage by seeing that uniform.
“Then let’s go,” said Bucky.
“Does this mean you’re back, my friend?” replied Nightcrawler.
“I don’t know,” he replied. “But I’m hoping to find out.”
End Interlude
[ December 14, 2011, 07:59 AM: Message edited by: Cobalt Kid ]
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
| IP: Logged |
“Is this the end of days?” asked Jack Ryder on Fox News. He was deadly serious. “I’m beginning to think it is. And certainly one of the contributing factors is the idea of magic, which is against everything any good, God-fearing person would believe in—“
The television channel changed to another news station. “…Khundian troops continue to march through the South of France and Italy, as well as the probably assault on Spain which we fear is coming shortly. Elsewhere, the aggressions continues throughout the entire rest of the world, as—“
Now the television was turned off completely. “This is very bad,” said Ambassador Relnic. “RJ, when you told us this secret assault on Khundia by the Legionnaires was going to fix this war, I knew it was too good to be true. But still, a part of me hoped. And I started to believe. But that didn’t happen and here we are. The whole world is at war, and some of the combatants aren’t even human. Maybe this is the end of days…?” Relnic was doing his best to help bring the war to a close but by now he was beginning to despair. Imagery of dragons and zombies and vampires had caused that.
RJ Brande sat in his chair and rubbed his eyes. He looked up and for the first time in his life, he truly looked the part of an old man. “Anton,” he said. “I need some time to think. Would you mind…?”
Relnic took the hint. “Of course. We’ll talk later,” he added and left.
RJ stared at the blank television set and replayed in his mind how the events in Khundia could have gone down. How they gambled everything and lost. The Legion was defeated. Blok was dead. And Maziah…was a mess.
*******************************
Alone in a guest bedroom, Maziah once more felt herself beginning to sob. She curled up in a ball and lay on the bed, trying her best to go to sleep but unable to. Every so often the memories of what her father made her live through would flash but she could somehow push those away. Because the grief was the hardest part of all.
She had come to love Blok. He was there for her in a way that no one else had ever been.
And now he was gone. And once more she was all alone in the world, with no one who truly understood what it was like to be the White Witch.
“Maziah,” said a voice from the door that Maziah knew was her sister once again. “It’s Nura. You need to eat,” she said. Maziah said nothing. “I’m coming in then,” said Nura, and she entered. She had a tray of food which she left by the food of the bed.
Nura sat next to her sister and held her hand, leaning forward to kiss her on the forehead. And then she just sat there, and held her.
*******************************
“It’s been two days,” said Mon-El to Umbra. They were in a common room at the United Nations building in Paris and not far away were various Legionnaires and Sentinels. Nearby was Sensor, Valor, Nemesis, Dawnstar and Atmos. “It’s time we got back out there,” he said. Even Mon-El had an edge in his voice; a hint of despair. He was beginning to feel the war was being lost.
“I know Mon,” said Umbra. But we’re not ready yet. Some of us are hurt, others are…damaged…in other ways.”
“Maybe I should just go,” he said. “Joe will go with me. Dev Em is out there…”
“There’s been no sign of Dev Em or the Emerald Empress since our battle in Khundia,” said Sensor who had overheard. “I’ve been checking continually. It’s almost like they’re waiting.”
“But for what?” said Valor, as he too walked over to join them. He put his arm around Jacquie, which mirrored how Mon-El was holding Tatiana on the couch. Though they were far too distracted to pay much attention to it, having someone you loved and cared for brought a subtle comfort during such terrible times.
“Whatever the reason, we’ll find out soon enough,” said Nemesis. He stood in the doorway as he spoke and then walked out. As soon as Valor put his arm around Sensor, Hasim had started to walk out of the room.
He’s not even hiding it anymore, thought Jacquie. I should have dealt with this a long time ago. I had hoped he would move on…but I guess not.
“Is he going to be a problem eventually?” asked Mon-El. Mon-El never said it aloud before but he never liked Hasim. The time apart and reunion had not changed him.
“No,” said Sensor, feeling that old obligation to stick up for him. “He’ll be fine.”
*****************************
Conner Kent was being checked out by two different doctors as the Legionnaires Tela & Livewire stood by. Sitting next to Conner was one of his oldest friends, the Legionnaire known as Ferro.
“So I was mind-controlled?” Conner asked again for the 8th time.
“Yes,” said Tela, hoping this would be the last time she explained it. “But I’ve checked and rechecked and rechecked again. You should be free of it. I’m sure it must have been quite an ordeal.”
“The things I did…” he said, “I can remember them. The killing. It’s a little blurry…but if I try hard enough…I can remember.” He seemed very stoic about the entire thing and Tela knew he was having some post-traumatic shock.
“Best try not to think about it then,” said Livewire. He looked at Tela and shrugged. It was all he could think to say.
“Con,” said Ferro, anxious to talk and now believing the others were done. “I can’t believe its you, man.”
Conner tried to force a smile but it wasn’t genuine. “I should have never agreed to leave Suicide Slum, Andy. Everything that happened after that was awful. The girl, Kono…not sure what happened to her. Danielle is captured. And Doug…oh man, Andy, I’m so sorry about Doug…”
Ferro hugged his friend. “It’s okay. I got to see him in the end. At least you’re okay.”
“Yeah,” said Conner, “Good think I’m okay.” Okay was the last thing that he felt, as he remembered all those innocents he was made to slaughter.
*****************************
quote: They did a prime job in dumping him too. Real top notch. No one seemed to know a thing about him—not that he was waking up anytime soon. Then he swore a voice hit him like a hammer one day: WAKE UP JOE. And he did.
RJ Brande walked downstairs towards the kitchen. He realized he hadn’t eaten in awhile either and thought he could use the distraction. As he walked in to look through the cabinets and see what was around, he turned to see Ultra Boy entering.
“Mr. Brande,” said Ultra Boy. “I’m Joe. I don’t think we’ve met.”
RJ looked up, smiled and went back to looking for food. “I know who you are, son,” he said matter-of-factly. Joe had always been the type of person that could read people very well; it was a skill he picked up in order to survive. He knew immediately that Brande knew he was the same person from the Workforce, which meant probably was not a fan.
I had better make this to the point, he thought. “I know who you are too, sir,” said Joe.
“Oh?” said RJ with a smile. “There have been many who thought that.”
“I know you and Blok have been battling Mordru for thousands of years,” he replied. Slowly, he put down what he was holding, closed the cabinet, and turned to look at him. Joe had considered how he would say those words for some time. In the end, he decided he’d pretend he knew this to be fact and hoped it was indeed true.
Brande looked at him now, regarding him as if for the first time. Joe noticed a shift in Brande’s demeanor. The façade of the jolly old man was gone and in its place was a sharp, calculating individual. “Do you, now?” he said at last. “And pray tell, what makes you think that?”
“Blok took me into his confidence,” he said, lying. “Well, not really,” he added, deciding that lying was not the correct way to go.
“It’s quite a story,” said RJ and suddenly he sighed. He was so tired and felt so defeated after the catastrophe in Khundia. “But then again, there are many amazing stories to hear these days.” He looked up at Joe as if to say he was not ready for a match of wits but would do so if called upon.
Joe took the hint. “Mr. Brande, I’m here because we still have a chance to win this. And well, if you’re really what I think you are, well, we’re going to need you to lead the charge. To rally the troops. Because we’re pretty low right now.”
RJ considered his words quietly for a moment. He walked over and motioned to a seat. “Sit down, Joe,” he said.
Joe sat down tentatively knowing what was to come was vitally important.
RJ smiled at him. “We have met in a way, young man”. Joe looked at him, unsure what he meant. “WAKE UP JOE” As Joe sat there stunned, RJ continued. “Let me tell you my story and the story of Mordru, and perhaps we can figure out the next best step…”
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
“Alright Legionnaires, let’s get started.” RJ Brande sat at the head of a conference room table, leading up an impromptu meeting. For the first time in two days, he looked like he had some life back in him.
Around the table was Leviathan, the Legion leader, with Tela, Livewire and Spirit, the founders. Atmos, the French superhero the UN had insisted join them had now insisted he be at this meeting too. And Flare, the Sentinel Dirk Morgna, had also been asked to sit in on this, since Spirit said he was basically ‘their leader after Jacquie left and now that Blok is gone’.
“I assume this is to plan the next phase of attack?” said Atmos. “I suggest we get started back in Southern France where it all began. If we can push them out of Europe, we can have a few minor victories and rally the public by building up moral.”
“You’re just saying that because you’re French!” said Livewire, annoyed.
“So?” said Atmos. “It’s still a good plan.”
“What about trying to hit Mordru again?” said Spirit. “Are we abandoning that?”
“You guys are stuck on the idea that we can win this war right away and be done with it,” said Leviathan. “Be realistic. This thing is going to last for years—“
“You would say that!” Spirit shouted back, getting ready to yell more.
“Enough!” said RJ Brande. “Listen to me. The war is being fought all the world over. Beyond your Legionnaires in Asia and in the United States there are reports everywhere where people are fighting the forces of Mordru and Khundia. Hell, we just learned that the Dark Circle has taken up arms and is assisting in the fight against Mordru in the Caucasus area.”
“The Dark Circle?” said Dirk surprised. “They told me they were pulling out completely and going into hiding.”
“Likely they’ve figured out that there is no hiding from Mordru. No one can afford to sit this one,” said RJ. “But the point is, everywhere around the world there is fighting going on. It is being handled. I know you all want to get out there and start battling the armies but the Legion was created for more important work than that.”
“More important work…?” said Leviathan, offended. “But—“
“What I mean, Gene,” said RJ raising his voice, “is the Legion needs to be surgical. Precise. Whatever the next course of action is, it can’t just be to supplement something else. It needs to be a game-changer. We need to do something about Mordru!”
“No offense,” said Flare, “but we tried that. It didn’t work.”
“Well, lad,” said RJ. “We try again. And in the meantime, you all better start getting everyone back on board. Try to lift their spirits, try to get their advice and make them feel included, and try to get everyone back on track. This isn’t over, by damn! Not by a long shot!”.
**********************************
Spirit ran from the meeting with RJ Brande across the United Nations building to her next “meeting”. She told Invisible Kid she’d meet him there and hoped her being a few minutes late would be okay. She was running so fast phasing in and out of walls, that she almost ran right through the meeting room.
“Tina!” yelled Lyle and she stopped.
She looked around and saw there were others there too: Shrinking Violet and Matter-Eater Lad, and beyond them, the Checkmate spy King Faraday and Fantomas. It took her a moment before she realized this was all of the ‘sneaky’ Legionnaires. “What sort of meeting is this…?” she asked.
“Reed and I have been talking for awhile about creating some kind of Espionage Squad,” said Lyle, referring to Shifter who wasn’t there with them. “I think now is the perfect time for such a thing. And who better to teach us the basics than a master spy himself?”
Invisible Kid turned to King Faraday who smiled. “You’ll need to make sure they know you’re going on this one,” he said to Lyle, but my first bit of advice is from now on, keep most of these missions off the books.” Jacques shook his head with a smile. King Faraday made no apologies for his ways.
“An espionage squad?” said Tenzil. “And I’m invited? Cool.”
“From what Vi tells me,” said Lyle, “you share our mutual trait of being tricky and clever. And we’re down a few potential members right now. But there’s a reason to gather,” he said.
King Faraday spoke up again. “Listen,” he said, his voice suddenly sounding very frank. “This is something SHIELD can handle, or Checkmate, or whoever, but the truth is, they might not have the firepower to get it done and the red tape might delay things. But we have a real problem here. As you’ve seen, when the Khundish army or Mordru’s forces attack an area, there is an occurrence several hours before that essentially takes out the target’s communications and technology.”
“Yes,” said Lyle, “I’ve been wondering about that. Like an EMP blast before a bomb that takes out all the surrounding tech.”
“Similar but not quite,” said Jacques. “It’s my sister, Danielle. She was on the Suicide Squad mission to Khundia and was taken captive. I’m positive that this technological attack is the result of the Khunds using her powers, much like they mind-controlled Tetsuo—Conner Kent—to battle you all.”
“The assault on tech and communications is a deadly part of Mordru’s game. It’s one of the major factors why we have been unable to mount an effective counter-assault. Unless something is done about it, I think the chances of ending this way anytime soon are very dim.”
“So we need to go get her,” said Tenz. “Back in Khundia.” He did not seem thrilled with the idea.
“Yes,” said Faraday. “We have to extract Oracle. That should be our top priority. While everyone sits around waiting to go on the defensive, it could be a real game-changer that turns things in our tide.”
They were all quiet for a moment so King Faraday continued. “Look. None of you have to go. I can understand wanting to go back to Khundia. But Jacques and I are going. We’d enjoy having some of you come along with your fancy abilities.”
Invisible Kid smiled at the way he referred to their powers. “We’re in,” he said.
Shrinking Violet immediately realized this was going to be an issue, “Lyle, Gene will never let you…”
“We’re in,” he repeated. They turned to him surprised. “C’mon guys,” he said, adding “you know none of us are any use against Dragons and Emerald Empresses. All I did in the last few battles was get my ass kicked. This is a mission for our kind of Legionnaire. Let’s show them why we’re on this team.”
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
“She’s not good, Mr. Brande,” said Dreamer. Now that she was away from Maziah, she couldn’t hold back her tears any longer. She could be strong for her sister, but just like the rest of them she was at her breaking point. She put her hands up to her face to wipe them away but it was no use.
“It’s alright dear,” said Brande pulling her close to his chest and letting her cry against it for a moment. “Let it out.” Dreamer had become known as “Mr. Brande’s favorite” among the Legionnaires and it had always perplexed many of them, specifically Leviathan. As Mordru’s daughter, RJ had made sure to get to know her better, and during that time, he had come to care for her like a daughter as he did about so many of the Legionnaires. “It’s time for you to get some rest,” he said. “I’ll talk to Maziah now. Let’s see what I can do.”
“Okay,” she said. She was so tired and exhausted that she knew he was right. And while men had let her down her entire life, there was something different about Mr. Brande.
She’s strong, that one, thought Mr. Brande. Even now she looks beautiful. And she has a strength about her too that is easy to miss at first..
As Dreamer walked away, RJ opened the door to Maziah’s room and saw her lying on the bed still. Her food had once again gone untouched. “Maziah? Would you mind if I came in?” he asked.
She did not look up and said nothing for a moment and at last spoke. “I do not mind,” she said softly. All she could think about was losing Blok yet once she heard RJ’s voice she remembered that she had intended to ask Blok about him. She was curious about what relationship Blok had with RJ since there was obviously some connection.
“Maziah,” he said, “I know you’re hurting. We’re all hurting. But you need to hear something.” He spoke these last words firmly. “You cannot give up hope. You simply cannot.”
She turned to face him now, showing her exhausted, worn out face covered in dry tears and mussed up hair. “Can’t I?” she replied. “I fought my father…and I lost. And because of me, Blok is dead.” Her final words came with fresh tears, which ran down her cheeks.
“Blok died doing what he was put on this Earth to do,” said RJ firmly. “He died defending you because he knew in his heart that just because you failed on your first attempt, eventually you would succeed. He believed in you. He loved you. And he knew it would not be easy, but eventually you would prove him right.”
He sat next to Maziah on the bed and she looked at him with fresh eyes. “Who are you, Mr. Brande?” she said. “How did you know Blok? How do you know these things?”
Mr. Brande smiled, and it was warm and genuine. “I am Blok’s oldest friend, though perhaps you were his best. When we communicated, it was always about you. He believed in you, and I can see why.”
She was silent for a moment but responded. “I cannot.”
“Maziah, these great feats we hope to accomplish…we do these things because they are difficult. We do them because they have meaning. Blok’s purpose was of extraordinary difficulty. He was unable to see it to the end but now you can. You can give true meaning to all of his life’s work, and your own struggles. You have to press on, my dear. For him, for yourself, and for all of us.”
Maziah said nothing in response and RJ thought perhaps that was a good thing. Perhaps his words were taking effect. He spoke one final time before leaving: “He was a gentle soul and only cared about bettering this Earth. You were lucky to have known him, and he was lucky to have known you. But you can’t spend your days with regret and sadness. You can only remember and smile about the good times, and honor as best you can during the bad. He counted on you, Maziah. We’re all counting on you now.”
*******************************
The “Small Council”, as Atmos put it, was meeting together again. This time it was Leviathan, Tela, Livewire, Flare, Sensor, Ultra Boy and Catalyst.
“I can’t believe this,” said Tela. “They just took off on some secret mission? Without telling us?”
“This is the second time Tina has done this,” said Livewire, equally annoyed.
“Well, technically,” said Catalyst, “they did tell us. Some of us, anyway.”
Livewire and Tela were annoyed. Having learned that Invisible Kid, Spirit, Shrinking Violet and Matter-Eater Lad had left on a secret espionage mission only added to the stress. They had called in Catalyst to talk about what Lyle said to him before leaving and to his surprise, also called in Ultra Boy to see if Spirit had talked to him.
“Why am I here, again?” said Ultra Boy with a smile.
“We know Tina and you have some kind of thing going” said Garth, perhaps too crudely. He was pretty annoyed after all.
“Ha,” said Ultra Boy out loud, mocking Garth. “Do you now?” Joe had seen Tina before she left and it didn’t take him long to figure out what she was doing. He could tell she had something she wanted to say to him, but it never came out. Surprisingly, he couldn’t quite get the words right either. I guess I really am developing feelings for her… he thought.
“Look guys,” said Leviathan, also exhausted. “Lyle approached Mr. Brande and he cleared the mission. He’s not a Legionnaire or even a UN official but let’s face it. He cleared the mission and its fine. They’re gone. With their powers it was probably the smart call.”
They were all surprised. “Uh, Gene? Irma, scan his mind and make sure he’s not being controlled.”
“Haha,” said Gene not laughing. “We’re not doing too good these days, Garth,” he said matter-of-factly. “If Mr. Brande thought it was a good idea, then it probably was. We have to start trusting someone. We might as well start with each other.”
“Will wonders never cease?” said Catalyst to himself. He thought his own farewell with Lyle. He pulled him in tight and kissed him as hard as he can. If anyone could take care of himself it was Lyle. But going all the way into Khundia? If anything should happen to him…. No, he had to push those thoughts away.
“Guys,” said Flare, who like Sensor had been holding his tongue. “They’re gone. So its all besides the point. But here we are, with a war raging outside. We need some kind of strategy on how the Legion is going to be important in this war. I think we all know it has to do with Mordru.”
“We know,” said Leviathan, distrustful of the new kids as always.
“Soooooo,” said Flare, always ready to fire back his own annoyance, “maybe we’re going about this all wrong. Maybe all of us rushing in to battle Mordru is the wrong idea. If perhaps we could draw his attention elsewhere with a big distraction, and then a smaller squad could confront him…”
“It’s actually a good idea,” said Sensor, speaking up. “In fact,” she said thinking, “better than you know.”
She didn’t say anything else and the room got silent. “And?” said Atmos, leaning forward so Sensor could finish.
“Garth, let her think a minute,” said Tela, suspecting what Sensor was considering.
“Since I’m here,” said Ultra Boy, changing the subject, “there’s something I think we should do. We should have people guarding RJ Brande,” he said.
They all looked at him with eyebrows raised. “Why?” said Atmos.
“Because he’s a target,” said Ultra Boy clearly. “He could use some protection.” Clearly, Joe would say no more.
Tela knew Ultra Boy had spent some time with Mr. Brande recently. For a moment, she considered reading his mind, but ultimately did not. “Okay,” she said, “it’s probably a good idea.”
“I’ll have Valor and Nemesis do it,” said Leviathan. “Make them spend some quality time together.”
************************************
On the roof of the United Planets building, Mon-El and Umbra looked out as the sun began to set. Soon it would be dark again and another day will have gone by without any action by the Legion.
“You would think an old warrior like me would have learned some patience,” said Mon-El as he gazed at the sky. He held Umbra tightly against him.
“Especially one who took a 2,000 year nap,” she said with a smile. She knew the anxiety of inaction was killing him and so tried to lift his spirits.
“Soon enough, we’ll be wishing we had moments like these though,” said Mon-El introspectively. “That’s the way of war. I’d forgotten.”
“Sounds awful,” she said. Though she had never seen war, however, Umbra was a true warrior. With her ancestors advising her in the darkness, she was ready for what was to come.
“It is,” said Mon-El. Soon the silence overtook them again and they held one another. Both took a moment to be thankful for finding the other in this crazy times.
It was Mon-El who broke the silence. “Shady,” he said, using the nickname Dirk and Tenz gave her. “There’s something coming. Towards the city.” Mon-El used his vision powers to look out far beyond where others vision could see.
He could see them coming: thousands of them. Tanks. Soldiers. Other vile, magical things. And in front of them, Dev Em.
“Bloody hell, what is it?” she said.
“The Khunds. And Mordru’s army. They’re coming towards Paris. They’re coming to siege the city!”
[ December 17, 2011, 04:24 PM: Message edited by: Cobalt Kid ]
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
| IP: Logged |
Polarity stood there in shock for a minute as the monsters kept coming. Then he shook himself and pulled back.
"We need to move," he told Spark and Trinity, carrying his unconscious brother with him as he flew upward. "I'll come back for you, but the ground isn't safe."
"Pau--" Spark started to object, but thought better of it, and decided that if she was ever to use the flight ring, now was the time. As she took off, though, she heard something to her left, and saw Trinity also taking flight, a golden ring having suddenly appeared on her bare hand.
As they touched down on the roof moments later, Ella told her "I won't ask if you don't."
A nearby cough from Polarity made them turn. "Don't I get to ask why you two can suddenly fly?"
"You can ask," smirked Spark.
"It's called a flight ring." Trinity sighed as she held up her hand. "Technically banned. I got mine ages ago and never gave it back." She didn't feel like adding that she'd extorted hers from Invisible Kid shortly before the Workforce exploded. She did add, to change the subject, "Where are we going now? We can't just stand around here." The rising moon was bright, and all three could see now see the huge, rock-like monsters streaming from great gashes in Coast City's streets.
"Only thing we can do is head for City Hall," Polarity said, taking charge. "Slow and careful, mind, but that seems to be where our teammates were summoned. Which means that, at the least, they're probably being held there and it might be the bad guys' HQ on top."
"What will we do about Cos?" Trinity looked down at her unconscious boyfriend. Spark almost thought her purple eye had flashed orange for a moment as she said it - but that didn't happen, did it?
"I'll carry him," Paul answered. "If you two can both fly, however it happened, it'll make things a lot easier. Just keep out of the reach of these things and we should be fine." _________
"There are more out there. Moving. Using Ninth Metal." "Ninth... I haven't seen that for three thousand years - I thought it had all been denatured. Still, easily dealt with, then you can retrieve them." _________
They were flying over a residential street when, with no warning, Spark and Trinity suddenly began to fall.
"Ella!"
Spark began crackling with electricity. She'd floated at least once before, in a fit of temper. Now she desperately tried to do it again to save her life. It wasn't smooth, but she stopped falling. "I'M FINE," she shouted over the noise of her own power. "GET TRINITY!"
Lorna, indeed, had no such backup. She'd already hit the pitched roof of a building, and while she rolled with the impact, doing so had only sped her descent toward the ground. Just as she rolled over the gutter, however, Polarity finally got a hold of her iron wristlets. It nearly wrenched her arms from their sockets, but she forgave as he guided her relatively safely to the ground.
"Did I catch you in time?" he asked, as he lowered himself and Cos downward, sweat pouring down his face as the toll of his workout began to show.
"...just... winded." Trinity gasped. "Hang on." She split into three, none of whom were gasping for breath. "We'll let our merged self recover later," T-Neutral said.
"Uh, guys!" Spark shouted over the cracking of her aura as she tumbled down in slow motion. "Problem!"
A dozen or more of the monsters, rocky skins loudly cracking and reforming as they moved and apparently attracted by the commotion, were closing in on them.
Paul acted quickly, using his power to open the lock of the nearest door and throwing it open. "Inside, come on!"
Moments later, they were all within, and Paul quickly moved to weld everything he could to reinforce the door. There were tense moments, but apparently the rock monsters were simple enough that out of sight meant out of mind. They breathed a collective sigh of relief.
"What now?" T-Orange asked, nervously.
"Now," Polarity slumped to the ground, strain beginning to tell, "check this place out. Make sure there's no evil pixies hiding under a bed or anything. I need a rest for a few minutes..." ______
Ten minutes later, they were gathered in the combined living/kitchen room, with Cos still unconscious, laid on the couch, and the others gathered around the dining table. With no electricity, the house lights were out, but Spark had found some candles to save their flashlights and her own strength. Neither Spark nor the Trinities had spotted any trace of anything living in the house - whether human, magic or other.
With time to think in the darkened house, their minds had turned back to the siren, and how they'd avoided the fate of the other Legionnaires. "Why weren't we affected?" Trinity-Orange asked aloud, eventually. "Surely..."
She was cut off as Spark, Polarity and her other two selves answered in a chorus, "McCauley." Spark added, "We all went through his mind-melter, the others didn't. It must have done some permanent damage..."
"That, or Irma sealed us off better than she thought," T-Purple countered. "Either way, it doesn't really matter. We have to free the others now, along with everything else here."
"How?" Polarity asked. "Right now, can we even get past these rock things? Magnetics and electrics aren't exactly the best things to use, and I was beginning to struggle just carrying me and Rex over them. I can't carry all four of us."
"Cos has to wake up at some point, right?" Spark countered. "If you carry me, and he carries Trinity..."
Unnoticed by Spark or Polarity, T-Neutral had been distracted for a minute or two, playing her torch around the room. Suddenly she spoke, "Every closet door in the house is shut, right?"
The others glanced around quickly. "Yeah," Polarity noted. "What's your point"
"Did anyone check the fridge?"
All eyes spun toward the kitchenette. Indeed, the door of the large fridge was slightly ajar. Rattled by what was happening, Polarity beckoned everyone over to one side, then quickly yanked the door wide with his powers.
Everyone gasped.
There was a woman in the refrigerator.
To be continued
-------------------- My views are my own and do not reflect those of everyone else... and I wouldn't have it any other way.
posted
<<We’re going to need everyone!>> said Tela into the minds of all the Legionnaires, perhaps too loudly. <<We don’t have much time!>>
Outside, the Siege of Paris had begun. As Mon-El rushed out to battle them, Umbra warned the others. Soon she, Dawnstar and Atmos were out among the NATO soldiers helping to fight off the oncoming attack.
Umbra took comfort in that this time Mon didn’t rush off to battle Dev Em again, but rather try to do some good elsewhere. She wondered if Dev existed solely as part of Mordru’s strategy to occupy Mon?
Soon Ultra Boy, Flare, Catalyst, Sensor, Livewire and Tela joined them. “Guess all this time spent deciding where to bring the fight ended up causing the fight to come to us?” joked Flare though no one laughed.
Sara isn’t a part of this, thought Sensor. It appeared Dev Em was the only super-powered agent of Mordru present in this engagement; the rest were Khundish soldiers.
As each Legionnaire flexed their muscles, Dawnstar flew through the air and was able to get a bigger picture of the battle in total. They outnumber us four to one she thought. But with the Legionnaires and ourselves, we’re able to turn the tide to our favor. This ‘Siege’ seems doomed to fail. She looked and saw Atmos laughing as he flew down and blasted several soldiers. Elsewhere, even Flare was smiling as the thrill of winning the battle was overtaking them. But why? What would be the point?
************************
Inside, Valor looked out the window and again felt a wave of anxiety and guilt for not being out there.
RJ Brande could see it on his face and felt bad himself. “Son, I think you should be out there too,” he said. “Having you two in here watching over me is flattering but I think it’s a waste. Go ahead. I think in this case, abandoning me for a little while is justified.”
Valor looked back and considered it. He relented at last. “No, we were ordered to protect you. We should not disobey the order.”
Nemesis laughed a crude ‘heh’ but said nothing. Instead he watched the two of them for a moment. RJ Brande was distracted, almost not paying attention to the battle outside. Silly, stupid old man thought Nemesis. He considered RJ Brande a fool for being so over-involved in the Legion’s affairs.
His attention turned to Valor then, who continued to pace around the room and who was putting on a very rare show of anxiety. Usually, he was the epitome of self-control. It’s Jacquie he thought. He’s worried about Jacquie. The thought made him cringe and anger flared up in his nostrils. He hated Val with every fiber of his being. The perfect little warrior, so noble and so comforting to the weaker ones.
Val had stolen Jacquie from him but he could see now that he was lucky. Jacquie was making Val weak, as evidenced right now. His concern for her was causing him to totally miss what was about to happen. It was good that Hasim no longer had any chance with Jacquie. Otherwise, he might have tried to save her or bring her with him, and then he too would grow weak. Better she dies along with Val and the rest.
******************************
Nemesis leaned against the back wall but suddenly stood up strait. He walked forward, past RJ Brande who didn’t even bother to look up. Soon he was approaching Valor. “There isn’t much to see here,” said Valor, who had his back to Hasim.
Nemesis said nothing but got ever closer. As Hasim was only a foot away, something in Valor’s highly trained senses began to scream at the Legionnaire. Something was wrong. Micro-seconds stretched out into an eternity as it all happened immediately.
Valor knew he was about to be attacked; his mind reacted slower as the realization set in that the attack was coming from Hasim. He turned and was able to dodge a killing blow, but he was still hit brutally hard as several ribs cracked.
Nemesis launched forward at Valor, punching him with his super-powered fist, intending to kill the Legionnaire where he stood. The blow missed but still landed on Val’s side and did incredible damage. Valor fell backwards from the blow and Hasim was on him in a second.
Valor rose and moved back. The realization was now formed in his mind. Nemesis had hated him from the second they met one another. But Valor trusted him; they all did. This group did not all get along totally but it was clear they could overcome those differences and work together. Never in Val’s wildest dreams did he think one of their own would betray them.
Hasim could see the confusion on Val’s face and he smiled. He could see Val breathing heavy and then a trail of blood coming from his mouth. “You’re wondering when,” said Hasim, stating a fact. “When did he really betray us? Since Khundia, you idiot. The first time. That’s how long. And every day since then, I’ve been waiting to do this.”
Valor felt as if a bucket of cold water was thrown into his face. Every emotion possible hit him: betrayal, hurt, shock, anger. Regaining control of himself and remembering his training he pushed those thoughts away. He knew the attack was coming and so he knew it was time to go on the offense. He lunged at Nemesis.
Nemesis was waiting. Valor launched a chop and then a kick, but Nemesis countered every move. Valor was the greatest fighter in the Legion but Nemesis had hurt him and slowed him by a half-second. It was small but it was enough. Nemesis had the power to overcome any single opponent in battle. His powerset was perfect to combat Valor.
They had stupidly never asked how his powers worked. Magic, of course. And who better to enhance them and make him stronger than the master of magic himself, Mordru?
The two battled one against the other for what seemed like hours but it was only minutes. Each one delivered blows, but Valor’s were unable to overcome Nemesis’ powers. Meanwhile Nemesis landed blow after blow and soon Valor fell to his knees. Nemesis stood over him to land the killing blow.
“That’s enough by damn,” said RJ Brande, who held a gun at Hasim’s back. “Stop.”
*****************************
When the betrayal occurred, it took RJ a moment to realize what was happening. Soon, Valor was down and while he was getting back up, he knew a great deal of damage had set in.
No, thought RJ. NO! He knew what had happened: somehow, undetected by the Legionnaires, undetected by Blok, undetected by even RJ himself, Mordru had found a way to place a traitor on the team. And now in their darkest moments, the traitor stood revealed.
RJ knew he should run. Obviously this was occurring so Nemesis could get to him. He was Mordru’s primary target. He wondered if perhaps that was the sole intention of Nemesis joining the Legion? Perhaps once Mordru learned he could not enter New York?
But no, he could not run. If he did, the boy Valor was dead. Nemesis hated him, they all knew that. More so than any of them could ever suspect. And he obviously meant to kill him. No matter what, he could not allow that.
He fumbled through the desk, finding a revolver he secretly placed there earlier for protection and pulled it out. He pointed it at Nemesis’ back and spoke. “That’s enough by damn. Stop.”
Nemesis stopped but breathed heavy.
“Legionnaires! Nura! Maziah!” he called out. “Know that I’m contacting Tela telepathically,” he added to Nemesis. “They’ll all be on their way here. You have mere moments to run. Make your decision wisely,” he said to Nemesis.
Hasim turned slowly and RJ could see his face was one that had true menace. He looked mean and cruel. His true nature had been revealed. “Stupid fool,” said Nemesis and suddenly he lunged forward.
RJ fired the gun but Nemesis’ powers kicked in again and the shot went awry. Nemesis grabbed the gun out of his hands and threw it and launched his attack on RJ Brande.
************************
Moments later, RJ Brande fell to the floor with blood running out of his mouth and his breath coming in fast, awful fits. Nemesis ran out the door, forgetting Valor and knowing if he was going to get away it would have to be fast.
RJ looked up at the ceiling and tried to rollover but could only get to his side. His insides were shattered and his lungs were filling with blood. He was done for.
He looked at Val and saw the boy was hurt but okay. Val looked at him and extended his hand but could not get up either. Tears ran down Val’s face.
“RJ!” screamed a voice. “RJ!!! Where are you?!!!” It was Nura’s voice, RJ realized as she got ever closer. Soon she came to the doorway and entered, gasping deeply and running over to her knees. “Oh no,” she said, “no, no, no, no, no…” she repeated, unable to find the right words.
“Legacy…” said RJ Brande to her, barely able speak.
“What, Mr. Brande? What did you say?”
“L-legacy…” he repeated, “you all…are…my legacy…and I’m…so proud…”
And with that, after two hundred thousand years on the Earth, the great philanthropist, the greatest of the Ekronians, and the father of the Legion of Super-Heroes passed away.
[ December 19, 2011, 10:42 AM: Message edited by: Cobalt Kid ]
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
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