Disaster Boy’s feet were tired, as he trekked on in his parka. He couldn't tell if they were walking up or down, which was strange since his elemental powers usually gave him a sense of … the elements.
Maybe he was just tired, his frame was still thin from his time as Titus’ slave, his legs weak.
The fellowship walked through a chasm, with high shear walls on either side, at some points the path was so narrow they could barely walk two across. After what must have been hours, Disaster Boy could no longer see the sky. Sometimes they walked up, and sometimes they walked downhill but, he couldn’t get an impression of the general direction they were going. All he knew is his mouth tasted like the strange dirt of this planet.
DB chuckled at the lunacy of the situation. 'This is so obviously a trap!’ He thought as Cobalt Kid gave him a strange look.
Cobalt Kid really hoped Disaster Boy wasn't cracking up again.
CK and Power Boy followed the insectoid princess closely. Power Boy wore everyone’s frustration plainly. He ground his teeth and looked in every direction several times trying to keep watch. None of them liked travelling this way but Cobalt Kid had to wonder why Peebz had abandoned any effort to be subtle …
Tempest walked at the head of the pack with the Princess and Goon Boy. Tempest was the only one other than Goon Boy that the Princess would converse with as they travelled. She thought the Princess must be used to females commanding males. Tempest smirked to herself and spared a glance for the men trailing behind them. ’Could the Princes think these were all HER males?’ and then Tempest thought of the complications ‘Was this a large number of males to own … or … a small number?’
Tempest returned to her conversation with the Princess, her amusement disappeared as she looked at this woman. She was bred to fight her sisters for the title of Queen, physically and to Tempest’s dismay politically. Tempest had intended to learn what she could from the Princess but as the conversation wore on, it became clear that the Princess was only revealing what she wished.
A chill went down Tempest’s spine as she wondered if the Princess was playing her, using their conversation to learn about the fellowship?
Power Boy was being driven mad by the sound of scratching all around them. Little ticks, like the scratches of insects ... at first they were soft and he assumed it was his enhanced hearing picking up ants or small beetles. Now he was not so sure, the noises were louder as if made by larger bugs … No, he knew now … it was several large insects … getting closer. He couldn’t tell how many closed in on them because the bugs all had varying amounts of legs. The scratching could be made from a few insect creatures or from a dozen.
The others would be able to hear them soon.
100 meters ahead the chasm opened to a wider clearing. ’That would have to do.’ He thought. ‘For a battle and for an ambush.’ However, he had the very bad feeling it was an ambush for the fellowship.
The Princess led the fellowship into the clearing, the android Ameratsu was the last to enter, falling behind for some reason. Power Boy remembered Lard Lad telling him that the android could predict probabilities; it gave him a danger sense and a fairly accurate precognition.
Tempest started as dark shadows flew down into the chasm all around them!
The world whirled around her as the rest of the fellowship moved into defensive positions.
It took a moment but Tempest realized the shadows didn’t fly down but were insect creatures that hung all around them like spiders from web. She nearly averted her gaze as she saw large half-human half-spider creatures surrounding the fellowship hanging just above the ground like spiders.
Disaster Boy was really too hungry for this. He was wondering if he could eat these spider people’s flesh after he used his fire powers to roast them … when a figure came into view as it walked into the clearing. It was an enormous half-man half-spider. It’s human torso and muscular arms had wet pale skin but its lower half was the body of a spider with eight lower legs covered in platinum white fur.
DB thought it was like some wicked mirror reflection of the centaurs of ancient Earth myths.
Long dark hair covered it’s face, and … multi faceted bug eyes.
“Ew gross!” DB whispered, not as quietly as he thought since Lard Lad gave him an admonishing look.
Lard Lad drew his sword, these creatures gave off a smell that enraged him, he wanted to fight, his blood boiled. He saw Power Boy move to intercept the large warrior spider that walked towards them. The spiders obviously gave off a pheromone that caused a battle lust, in theory, such a thing could inspire allies and make enemies fool hardy.
As Power Boy intercepted the creature, Lard Lad thought how much worse it must be for the boy’s enhanced senses.
The huge white man spider looked down on Power Boy from its height advantage. It had a human head but the eyes and mouth pincers of an insect.
In a blindingly fast motion the spider drew two warped blades from its back and slashed at Power Boy. Peebz parried with his baton, face filled with hate for this creature.
They circled each other, the creature hissed loudly, clearly frustrated that it was unable to land it’s slashes on Power Boy’s incredibly fast form. Power Boy sped in striking the spider across the face hard.
It looked like a normal human hitting a brick wall.
The giant man spider backed away from Power Boy ... who was trying very hard to pretend his fist didn’t hurt. He stared down the spider as it backed away reluctantly.
Cobalt Kid turned his head as the Princess spoke, apologizing for her guards. She explained that this was where she planned to rendezvous with her elite and most loyal guards. CK assumed the large one must be a praetor of sorts, a champion or leader of the Princess’ faction. These spiders would have been bred for murder, speed, and strength. ’Were their humanoid and insect combined forms a mark of these guards high birth?’ It was a question for another day.
Right now Cobalt Kid couldn’t help but think that they were now outnumbered by their surprise ‘escort’ and that the Princess had failed to tell him about this rendezvous.
… And she let Power Boy and the Praetorian insect’s fight go on … just a bit too long.
[ December 10, 2011, 10:42 PM: Message edited by: Power Boy ]
From: Ninja Land | Registered: Nov 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
Invisible Brainiac crept up to Power Boy as the latter recovered from his fight.
"Here, Peebz, let me see your fist." IB brandished a little towel in his hand.
Power Boy drew back. "It's fine, kid. Really. I'll be good."
"If you could just hold still...!"
"You don't need to fawn on me."
"I'm not. Besides, my lover back home would kill me if I went all nurse on you."
Before Power Boy could react, IB grabbed his fist. "I just need that guard's DNA. I know your fist hurts, but I also know you'll probably heal it off in minutes. Spiders don't secrete venom through their faces, and you took care to miss anything resembling fangs."
IB walked off, tinkering with his Omnicom, while Power Boy looked on, bewildered.
************************************************
An invisible IB walked up to Lard Lad and Cobalt Kid. He held up his omnicom with a message typed into it.
"Don't make a sound. My illusions are visual, so the Princess can't see us talking, but I can't block out audio.
DNA analysis of the man-spider guard shows a mix of DNA. On the spider side, there's a mix of seven different species. Four are venomous. One is known for its leaping ability. One is a water spider. The last is the single largest spider in the known galaxy.
On the human side, it's definitely humanoid, though I don't know what particular race yet - or if there's even one. It's all twisted and warped.
There is a distinct possibility that there are traces of various races - including Khundian and Daxamite.
I can't tell you more with the equipment I have now. Sorry to say, I've also been neglecting my scientific studies.
I'd ask Ameratsu for help... but do you think we can trust it?
Lardy and Cobie looked at each other, then shook their heads. Cobie mouthed "No, not yet." Lardy inputted his own message - "Warn everyone except Ameratsu. Keep an eye out on him until we're sure."
IB nodded and vanished. He tried not to dwell on the pounding in his chest that told him to get ready to run.
In an office in the new Loser Cave just outside Old Gotham, Lolita stood over the blueprints to the device that Gear had designed. Gear was waiting only for the power source Kalla Hrykos had promised to move forward with the construction.
Even after all they'd been through as part of the Fellowship, Lolita still didn't trust Kalla. But if Kalla didn't come through, Lolita's plan was dead in the water. This Earth's Faraway Lad and the device together would not be enough without something that could generate an amount of energy equivalent to a small star.
And time was quickly running out. The Losers were only an hour away from deploying their assault on the Emperor Pyngwyn. It would all be for naught if they couldn't activate the device that would--
Suddenly, Lolita's ponderings were interrupted as the door to the office opened. In walked Kalla herself sporting a big, self-satisfied grin.
"Bring it in, Fuzzy," she said as Timber Wolf lugged in a globe about four feet in diameter. As strong as Lon was, it was apparent that the bulk and mass of the object were considerable enough to be uncomfortable for him to handle. He placed it gently on a reinforced podium that the pair had had Gear prepare for the device.
"Well, I'm as good as my word, Lolita! It wasn't easy extracting this from where it was, but it's here. Now, we need to get Gear and Darden, so we can keep on schedule."
Lolita barely heard what Kalla was saying. She circled around the device, noting its Tromium casing, the size and the peculiarities of the wiring. To her horror, she knew exactly what this was.
"A nega bomb, Kalla?!? How in the hell did you just happen to know where to find one of these?" Lolita said with an edge she didn't bother to hide. She knew very well that this was the core to the single deadliest device known to all sentients, one capable of taking a planet out all by itself.
Kalla's grin turned to a frown. She looked over to Lon who seemed really uncomfortable. Though highly protective of the woman he was in love with, Lon was always very fond of Lolita as they'd worked together for many years.
"Lon," Kalla said simply, "why don't you go find Gear and bring him here. I need a word with Little Miss here."
Lon hesitated for a moment until Kalla rolled her eyes and gave him a look that assured him that she wasn't going to kill Lolita while he was out. He gave Kalla a wink and headed out of the office.
"Well?" Lolita prodded, arms crossed.
Matter-of-factly, Kalla answered, "I knew where to find one...because I had it put here almost two years ago. It was my failsafe plan to take the Emperor out of the picture."
Angered at this, Lolita lashed out. "What?!? At the expense of this entire world?!?"
"If it became necessary, yes."
"You bitch!" Lolita yelled and walked right up to Kalla. Kalla was about five inches taller than her, but Lolita pulled her down to her level by her collar. "You call yourself a freedom fighter, a believer in sentient rights?!? You would sacrifice an entire world to eliminate one of your rivals?!? UNBELIEVABLE!"
Kalla shook her head and pulled Lolita's hands away. "Hands off me, 'Jailbait Lass'!" she barked. Then, she calmed herself down some and continued. "Look, you've barely seen a taste of the atrocities committed by these men in the Oval Elite. From the moment I earned a place within their ranks, I've secretly worked to bring them down through any means necessary, so that they one day couldn't continue slaughtering, enslaving and subjugating all who fell beneath their bootheels. So feeling that the sacrifices of the few would spare the many, I justified potentially using the device here. I couldn't find any way to get to the Emperor more directly, so this was my final solution."
Lolita simply shook her head.
"Until very recently," Kalla continued. "Being among our Fellowship and among the Losers has changed me, Lolita. I've seen that there can be another way as I work with allies who constantly seek the best solution as they work together. That...that's something I've never really had in my life. I've always had to fight alone or with a very small number of like minds...or with people who were using me. I genuinely want to save Earth-4 and what's left of her people, now, above all else. My bringing this bomb here should demonstrate my sincerity."
Lolita shook her head again and muttered, "I am so fucking SICK of people and their Macchiavellian points of view..."
Kalla smiled a little. "Ah. Like your beloved Cobaltus."
Lolita deflected this somewhat. "Exactly! And like his pal Lard Lad and Ambassador Mirenna Helene and too many others lately!"
"Hm," Kalla noted, "and none of them seem to care what you think, right?"
Kalla hit a nerve with Lolita. "I..." Lolita didn't finish, but her silence confirmed she felt that way.
"Well," Kalla affirmed, "I've been there and done that--having been thought of as no more than a pawn by the Oval Elite. Well, you're proving yourself here with your part in this plan. If it works, you certainly will have shown him something!"
"There's got to be a better way than what he did to the Dominion," Lolita said distantly.
"Don't judge us too harshly, dear," Kalla said as she turned Lolita's head back to her and looked directly into her eyes. "Sometimes, people like us have to make ugly, hard decisions for the greater good. Time will tell if we were right or wrong, but until you've been put in that spot yourself, you can never truly sit in judgement."
"I would make a decision I could live with," Lolita affirmed.
"I hope you would, Lolita." Kalla paused as she sized up the short, petite woman whose spirit defied her modest size. "You have much potential. I've always assumed you'd end up crawling back to him when this is all over. Maybe I was wrong."
"If this succeeds," Lolita said, "and assuming I ever see him again....I won't tell him about where we got the bomb."
Kalla smiled. "Though I do not fear him, that would keep things...less complicated."
"The last thing I want to see is Cobie waging war on Hrykosia after all this. But I'll have my eye on you, Kalla Hrykos. It's easy to say you've changed...much more tricky to actually change."
"Indeed. And I'll keep my eye on you as well, Little Miss!" Kalla winked at her.
Lolita allowed Kalla a small, genuine smile.
That same moment, Lon returned with Gear in tow. Gear got straight to work on finishing the device while Kalla and Lon prepared to join in on the coming battle.
"Don't let us down!" Kalla said back to Lolita and Gear as she and Lon headed out.
You either, Lolita thought as she pondered her mixed feelings for the complicated woman and her actions. Then, she went right back to helping Gear with his preparations.
[ December 11, 2011, 11:42 PM: Message edited by: Kalla Hrykos ]
Registered: Oct 2003
| IP: Logged |
Deep within “the New Loser Cave”, the Loser known as Gear worked diligently. He checked, rechecked and then checked once more all the various facets of the machinery in front of him. Lolita had explained her plan and some of the science and logic that went with it, but it was up to Gear to make that science a reality. Luckily, she had secured the power source though how she did that remained a mystery.
Gear said nothing at first, ignoring Lolita hovering over his shoulder. He had hoped she would go away but soon he found her presence comforting—she was actually quite intelligent. Just like him, she was always under-estimated. Not far from them was Earth-4’s Faraway Lad, who poured himself a glass of port to steady his nerves. Lately Faraway Lad had seemed to be revitalized; he worked hard and expected everyone else to do the same. He was giving orders, helping plan and coordinate attacks and finding every little job possible to occupy his time. It was good to see after the noble SMBer had been a ghost of his former self for so long.
“While I do appreciate your keeping an eye on us,” he said to the other two companions, “I think its largely unnecessary. We should be able to take care of ourselves and I’m sure there is much better use to be made for you in the field.”
“Nope,” said Polka Dot Kid matter of factly. He was wearing full military regale with a huge vest full of knives and pouches, a belt of grenades wrapped around torso and a giant-sized gun in his hands. The fact that they were all now polka-dotted was weirdly humorous. “Orders are to stay by your side.”
Zhiya nodded in their direction, her extra senses picking up their every movement despite her blindness. “What you are doing is vitally important. We cannot afford to let anything disrupt it.” Lolita had found out from Faraway Lad that Zhiya had insisted she stay behind to protect them; Faraway Lad suspected it was really to protect Lolita. That had made Lolita smile—they were becoming fast friends, ironically.
Faraway Lad made a face but then moved on. He knew they were right. Unfortunately, he told himself two more Losers will not make much a difference out there. We’re vastly outmanned in every way. We will only be successful through a combination of precision, fearlessness and more than a little luck.
********************
Though some distance away from the Evil Emperor Penguin’s Castle in New Wystuv’ryy, Hugh Taylor spent another moment delighting in the fact that they were far closer to the EEP than the tyrant could ever imagine. The Losers always suspected they could get this far undetected but were not yet ready to take the risk until they had a reason absolute worth risking it. “So now we wait,” he said out loud to his companions. “I sure wish there was a signal or something,” he added with some regret in his voice.
“No signals,” said Rockhopper Lad. “Everyone else will be where they need to be,” he said reassuringly. Hugh had been overruled about the use of a signal to alert the others that the plan would be ready. Instead it would be a specific hour of the day and every one of them was required to be in place by that time. It was a risky move but so was everything else they’d be doing.
“I’m sure no one will forget the time either,” smiled Rockhopper Lass. Her smile was infectious to the others and they couldn’t help but follow suit. The time to begin was 12:34, as chosen by Shark Lad, and when they agreed on it Timbewolf laughed so hard that no one dared disagree with it.
“Once it hits, we’ll do our thing,” said Shark Lad of Earth-1, “and you all can get off and do yours. Right, partner?” he added with a smile.
“Right,” said the Shark Lad of Earth-4. He had rejoined the Losers just in time for the big assault on the Evil Emperor Penguin, and the two Shark Lads had been inseparable since. It was difficult to distinguish the two from one another at first, but their personality quirks became more apparent over time.
“17 minutes to go,” said Time Teller Lad with a smile. He was glad his powers were contributing so importantly.
Assembled together were Rockhopper Lad, Rockhopper Lass, Time Teller Lad and Hyvvie the Wonder Beagle, both Shark Lads, Hugh Taylor, Beagz, Portfolio Girl and Hummingbird. Theirs would be the first assault no New Wystuv’ryy with duel intent: The Rockhoppers would sneak off in hopes to confront the Evil Emperor Penguin at long last while the others initiated the ‘shock and awe’ element of the assault. With the Shark Lad’s able to grow in size, Beagz’ super-speed, Portfolio Girl’s “monsters”, Hummingbird’s sound powers and Hugh Taylor’s ability to bounce around the city, they would be the ultimate distraction. Their goal would be to cause confusion, weaken the Emperor’s forces wherever possible and keep the enemy so busy they would not know where the real attack was coming from. Soon after that, additional groups of Losers would begin their own assault so it would come in waves, causing panic and confusion among them.
“Are you up for this?” said Portfolio Girl to Hummingbird. The former was a grizzled SMB veteran who had a wicked streak about her that was sometimes endearing and sometimes annoying. Likely it came from being the zookeeper to an army of monsters within her ‘porfolio attaché case’.
“I am,” replied Hummingbird firmly. She was a former member of the SMB Academy and therefore younger than the SMBers. But she’d been a Loser openly in rebellion for quite awhile now—the term ‘battle hardened’ was an understatement.
“We all are,” said Hugh Taylor equally as firmly. Since their rescue, the SMBers had fallen right in with the Losers and helped fill out their ranks. Despite some of the difference in age and experience, there was no doubt the Losers had the respect of the Society of Message Board Posters. Still, it was something Hugh always kept an eye on.
“Good,” said Portfolio Girl with a smile. “Because this one is for all the marbles.”
****************
In the center of New Wystuv’ryy, in Old Gotham, a giant statue stood of a great man from a thousand years earlier. His name had been lost to time but all that was known was he fought for truth and justice in the form of a caped crusader dressed as a bat. The statue had grown old and degenerate, and no one paid it much attention. Which is precisely what the Losers had counted on, as they pushed open the right foot of the statue from within, letting freezing cold air enter the tunnel. “One of these days,” said Lightning Lass with a smile, “you’ll have to tell me how in the world you learned about this old tunnel.” Ayla was a sassy one and knowing the big battle was coming had her in high spirits. Learning about a secret way into the city from an abandoned ravine outside its limits only furthered that feeling.
“Maybe,” said Bat-Fem. “But probably not.”
“You’re not even from our Earth,” said the ever grim Satan Claws Cramer. “I guess you never know when you might need to sneak in here and do some killing.” Lightning Lass laughed; Satan Claws was a gritty as she was grim. She looked forward to the day when the SMB could restore the old ‘no killing rule’, but during war time, such things could not be a concern.
“Something like that,” said Bat-Fem, though she did not smile. She felt it unnecessary to tell them her predecessor, the first Bat-Fem who had been from Earth-4 had told her about this secret tunnel once in passing.
“15 minutes until shock and awe time,” said Cuddly Beaver, also emerging.
“We need to move another few blocks to get into full position,” said Bat-Fem. “Tell them to hurry up,” she added.
Cuddly Beaver turned to do a she asked. Following them were Karate Kid, Grev Mallor and Super Dense Kid. “We’re coming,” said Super Dense Kid in complaint but Bat-Fem and the others ignored it.
“It’s been many months since you broke me out of my own prison,” said Karate Kid, emerging from the tunnel. “It will be a pleasure to give someone else that favor.”
The goal of this group was to free all the remaining prisoners in the Evil Emperor Penguin’s prison. This included a vast array of people from all over Earth-4, including many wealthy businessmen, world leaders and other dignitaries. Most important to the Losers were those that could assist in the battle, particularly the remaining SMBers: the SMB Leader Seahorse, her paramour Ratmage, Twilightcrawler, Stupendous Mountain Lion, Kid Heavyfeathers, Salad Tosser Lad, Eryk Davis Ester and others. Even Earthgov President, Numf-El, himself a former SMBer, would be useful.
The group of Losers moved quietly through the streets with Karate Kid and Bat-Fem at their lead.
“Up there,” said Satan Claws Cramer, nodding in the direction ahead of them. She sniffed deeply and her look indicated her heightened senses told her that was the right way. “I can smell blood.”
*****************
“There are so many of them I do not know,” said Helena Handbasket, taking a moment to look at the large crowd of Losers behind her. She was referring to the fact that many of their number were not former SMBers or SMB Academy members, or even super-powered for that matter. Just resistance fighters who would not stand by and let their home be consumed by tyranny.
“Same here, and I’ve served with them far longer than you,” said Seth. “I only know they’re heroes. Each and every one.”
She nodded at that. Helena had been a Commander of non-powered soldiers for many years prior to her time on Legion World and she was a natural choice to lead this segment of the rebellion. Once the ‘shock and awe’ began, they would wait until their designated time, and then send out another wave.
Both of them turned as they saw some of their fellow Losers approaching. “We’re going to split off now,” said Danny Blaine. He let out a big sigh. “I guess we’ll see you out there.”
“Indeed,” said Helena, then adding. “Good luck. All of you.”
They nodded, as Danny Blaine, Monkey-Eater Lad, Infra-Red Lass, Atypical Lass, Outdoor Miner and Ghost Girl went off on their own. They were another wave in the ongoing assault and had their own position to get into.
Helena turned to Seth and put her hand in his. Both were ready for the battle to begin. Now was the hardest part—the waiting. The two walked over to the others. They were still some distance away from the city but they had more time than the others as they were coming in different waves. The second assault had just departed, and now the third assault was gathering. Helena and her group were the fourth and final assault.
“Looking a little sparse,” said Seth Gaterra to Saturn Guy, who they moved next to.
“I told you they would never come,” said Saffron Kid. He did not look happy about being right; in fact, he looked pretty disappointed.
Saturn Guy ignored the comment, so Helena asked him her own question. “Any readings on the EEP himself? Or any of the other Captains?” she asked. Saturn Guy was the SMB’s resident telepath so she had wondered why he did not try to make contact with the EEP previously
“I don’t want to risk it,” he said. “I’m convinced they have a telepath among their numbers,” he said. “And a powerful one at that if they’ve been able to hide themselves from me so well for so long. Any move I make might alert the telepath to our presence.”
“As long as they don’t have another emissary on Dev Em’s level…” said Saffron Kid bitterly. He was in pretty bleak spirits, Helena noticed. And then suddenly, as a series of gasps were let out by the soldiers among them, she knew that something might have arrived to change all that.
Saffron Kid turned to see what they were all looking at and his eyes went wide. Silence fell among the crowd of Losers.
Before them were the most famous super-villains of Earth-4: The Primary Colors Gang. Gay Green Giant, a giant green butch lesbian; Big Blue Mean Mutha, Blue Cheese Lad and Bluetooth Kid, all three of the various ‘blue’ incarnations; Red Menace, the scourge of Mars; the infamous Kid Blackout, perhaps the most terrifying and most truly evil of the PCG; and of course, their leader, Yellow Kid.
Yellow Kid had a bemused look on his face at the gathering. “I got your message,” he said with a smile, noting the surprise on all their faces.
“Uncle?” said Saffron Kid. “You’ve come! But…but why…?” he asked. On Earth-1 where the LMB were from, Yellow Kid reformed in the LMB’s third year and joined the superhero team. Here on Earth-4, that had never occurred and the PCG remained arch enemies of the SMB to the present day.
“The Primary Color Gang bows to no one,” he said. “Especially a foreign tyrant,” he added. The others nodded in agreement, except Kid Blackout, who showed no emotion at all.
“The enemy of my enemy is my friend,” said Saturn Guy, extending his hand out to Yellow Kid. “We’re glad for your assistance Art,” he added. After all these years, despite being enemies, there was some familiarity between the SMB and the PCG, Helena could see.
Helena Handbasket had gotten to know Yellow Kid during her early days on Legion World. The Earth-1 Gay Green Giant as well. There was a lot to like. Seeing him suddenly—and so similar—was a shock to her. She stepped forward, to Seth and many other’s surprise. “Yellow Kid,” she said. “It’s an honor to have you at our side. I knew your Earth-1 counterpart.”
Yellow Kid smiled but something in his eyes revealed a hint of sadness. The ‘blues’ and Gay Green Giant shifted uncomfortably. “Alas,” said Yellow Kid, “I did not. But I have heard of his heroic exploits.” He paused for a moment, unsure if he could continue. It became clear he could not hold back what he meant to say. “I regret not meeting the man. Learning of his life on Earth-1…let’s just say it’s made me reevaluate things.”
Helena did not press any further, respecting the notorious villain’s privacy. Perhaps he was looking for redemption—that was something she knew very well.
It was then that Kid Blackout spoke, and his cruel, monstrous voice actually spoke for them all. “We’re ready to begin,” he said. “Let’s crush the Emperor Penguin once and for all.”
*************************
In the New Loser Cave, Gear stood back from the machinery and seemed to be content in being done with it. “I believe we’re ready for the powersource,” he said.
Lolita nodded. “It’s right over here,” she said, walking it over to him. Doing so made her think about Kalla Hrykos and Timberwolf. Since Kalla had handed over the powersource, something had changed in Lolita’s feelings about her, and even about Lon. She felt closer to them—bonded by battle. For the first time, she felt clearly that she had made the right choice in coming to Earth-4 with this half of the Fellowship. I wonder where they are now? she thought. Knowing them, while the others have their plans of attack coordinated, the two of them have something special planned. She realized her thoughts were not without some admiration.
“Who is the second glass for?” asked Polka Dot Kid suddenly. It was killing him—he had to know. Faraway Lad had poured two glasses of port some time ago but had just let them sit there. Since he hadn’t poured five of them, Polka Dot knew it was not for them.
Faraway Lad grinned. “A very handsome man, actually.” Nearby, Lolita couldn’t help but smile. “He should be here any moment.”
“I’m here now, Darden,” said a still, rough voice several feet away as they all turned. Very slowly emerging from the shadows, they could see a familiar boot, and then a familiar costume.
“Another Faraway Lad?” asked Zhiya. Her senses picked up on his scent immediately.
“From Earth-1,” said Polka Dot Kid, figuring out who he was exactly.
“Welcome Darden…” said Faraway Lad of Earth-4, but he stopped short. Being a master of diplomacy he knew better than to stare but the Polka Dot Kid, Gear and Lolita let their surprise show for a moment.
Faraway Lad of Earth-1, fresh from the atrocities of Daroon, looked gaunt, sick, hurt and exhausted as he moved forward. His skin was pale and there were deep purple bags under his eyes. “Is that port, old friend?” he said with a forced smile, though even he could not hide his pain. “I would love a glass.”
“Here, Darden,” said his counterpart, giving it to him. “Is it rough then in the United Planets?”
“Yes,” said Faraway Lad. “But we were victorious on Daroon. Not without great cost. But here I am, glad to be here. Imagine my surprise when this young lady and yourself showed up at the most unexpected time to request my presence.”
“You said you had some unfinished business to attend to,” said Lolita walking over to him, “I didn’t know it was so serious.” She gave him a tight hug. Lolita considered Faraway Lad as something of a father figure in a way. “I’m sorry.”
“No worries, Lolita. I’m here now. And my powers remain as strong as ever,” he added.
The Earth-4 Faraway Lad nodded. “Then let’s have a glass, old friend, and get started.”
The two clinked their glasses together and drank. Lolita smiled at that, pushing her concern for Faraway Lad out of her mind. Once the Earth-4 Faraway Lad had his powers restored, the first thing she had him do was recruit the Earth-1 Faraway Lad, who would also be needed. Then they made another even more critical stop before returning to put the mechanical and engineering aspect of their plan in place. It just may work… she thought, but her attention turned to Zhiya who suddenly tensed up. “What is it, Zhiya?” she said.
“I can hear them,” replied the blind ninja. “The battle has started. The fight for Earth-4 has begun at last.”
From: Right by Cobie's Side | Registered: Jul 2003
| IP: Logged |
Dev Em flew through space at a calculated speed. He had triple checked his calculations and knew when he had to be at a good spot to join some friends on a trip into the Oval.
As he flew, his mind went back to everything that had happened since he had barely begun his stint as Security Chief of Legion World. He had been drawn into an intergalactic war, and was just now finally being proactive…instead of the reactive spot he had found himself in lately.
He had contacted Legion World, only to find that his request for a replacement in light of the situation he had found himself in on Daroon had never made it in to the appropriate authorities, or that they had ignored them and had him dismissed for some reason he couldn’t figure out based on what he was reading. Lightning Lad had never gotten his communications of what was happening, and that he was trapped on Daroon. He also could not grasp where they had thought he had appointed Question Lad as Chief…but that was something he would have to deal with when he got back. He had resent the communications to the appropriate people, in anticipation of questions that would arise. He had followed what protocol he could, and was a little annoyed that things had gotten this messed up.
He grinned a little when he saw his goal in sight. Grife…how does Lon know this stuff? When a ship is going to be where in deep space…to almost an exact location.
He activated his communications mouthpiece that allowed him to communicate with others in space. “This is Dev Em of the LMB requesting permission to come aboard.”
He waited for a moment, and the channel opened in his earpiece, “Permission granted Dev Em of the LMB…we’re glad to see you.”
Dev smiled as he recognized Kent Shakespeare’s voice. He arced toward the Battle Cruiser in front of him, the legendary “Dragon’s Teeth.”
-----------------------
Hrun the Barbarian greeted Dev Em as he entered the ship.
“Welcome aboard!” he all but shouted and gave Dev a huge hug. “I remember the last time I saw thee very well, it was a night for the ages!”
Dev smiled as he remembered then night on Legion World. “That it was.”
Kent walked up to him and Dev was surprised to see CJ Taylor with them as well.
He looked at Kent with a quizzical look on his face, and Kent just smiled.
“Thanks for the lift guys. Not sure how I would have made it in if not for you.”
“You would have found a way,” Kent said as he turned to lead Dev and CJ to another room.
[ December 14, 2011, 01:36 PM: Message edited by: Dev - Em ]
From: Turn around... | Registered: Jul 2003
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He did post landing work and exited the ship where he was met by three very official looking individuals. All had uniforms and all wore blasters. The lead one simply said, “…please come with us.”
They walked for a while and then into a building that seemed very small. Two of the men stayed with Angdar while the third went to meet with another person in the shop.
Seconds later they were moving again. They went through the back room, into a stairwell and then down a long hallway. Angdar felt a bit uncomfortable, as he disliked being underground.
The finally entered a small room and the three motioned for him to get into an elevator.
“When this door opens, you will meet the people that have brought you here.”
The doors closed, and he felt the sensation of moving upwards.
Registered: Sep 2011
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Lardy walked behind the rest of the group as he took in their surroundings.
squish-squish-squish
They were all dead silent as they followed the Princess, so all he could hear was the wetness of their footsteps. He couldn't help but feel that something just wasn't right about this place. Besides the fact that they were inside the home of untold millions of killer insects, that is.
The whole place just seems so...so...organic! he thought.
He thought that the moistness of the ground and their surroundings might be caused by insectoid secretions and all that, but he wasn't so sure.
Then there was the awful, putrid stench of the place. Even being sealed off within his exo-armor, the smell got in and just made him constantly feel like he was going to vomit!
It just seems like it's worse than any insect droppings or secretions could ever smell! It smells...like death.
Lardy looked up and around him at the hoards of insects seemingly going about their normal business. Everywhere he looked, they were covering the walls and apparently feeding on them. He wondered if this place could actually be alive...or if it had once been.
He shuddered. Never had Lardy thought of himself as being claustrophobic, but the combination of being sealed up in his armor and the sense of being constantly surrounded and enclosed were causing him to sweat profusely.
But even beyond that, there was something--familiar?--about this place that he couldn't define. Perhaps it was some kind of attunement with Wyandotte's brainwaves, he thought. Wyandotte had formidable powers of mental domination, and he was also essentially a twisted alternate universe version of himself.
But, no, Lardy didn't think that was it. It was something about the very nature of this place that he couldn't put his finger on.
"Lardy!" came a familiar voice suddenly, interrupting him from his thoughts. Lardy thought he'd jump out of his armor until he quickly realized it was just Cobalt. "You're falling behind, buddy--and what's with the glowing?"
"Glowing?" Lardy repeated his friend's words absently. For a moment he panicked, thinking the red glow of the corrupted Lard Force had returned, until he noticed the glow was of a yellowish hue.
Remembering something, Lardy pulled out a sealed flask from his pouch. He held it up and saw the faint flicker of light within was as dim as it was when he'd received it.
"What's that?" Cobie asked.
"This? I'd nearly forgotten about it. Kalla Hrykos gave it to me right before the Fellowship broke. She said it contained a small expression of her power that, when opened, would light the way if we ever needed it in total darkness."
"Kalla did that? But you guys hate each other!"
"I dunno, man. I think that all we went through as a Fellowship has changed her."
"You're sure it's not booby-trapped, then?"
Lard grinned. "Not entirely! I've no intention of using it if I don't have to...just in case!"
"Yeah, well, the glow doesn't seem to be coming from that."
"Yeah, it's not. I wonder..."
Lardy thought of something. The necklace Lucifer lass had given him, the locket on which contained the eye of XXXauron they would need to destroy in order to insure that same Dark Lord's defeat.
From another pouch he pulled the necklace out and confirmed to his friend that it was indeed the source of the glow.
"Has it ever done that before?" Cobie said, half amazed and half concerned.
"No, it hasn't." Lardy looked around and something suddenly clicked. "I think I know what this is, Des," he said motioning around their surroundings. "The eye in this locket belonged to Pornis's father. I think this Hive planet that we're inside right now...I think it's what's left of Pornis!"
Cobie looked at his friend for a long moment after those words left his mouth. Finally he said, "shit. I...think you're right."
-------------------- "Suck it, depressos!"--M. Lash
From: The Underbelly of Society | Registered: Jul 2003
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“Step forward,” said a rude, rough voice that was muffled a blue helmet. The United Planets Soldier speaking was essentially indistinguishable from the other five soldiers with him except that he was the one talking.
“Excuse me?” said Kid Vudoo incredulously. He still could not believe this was happening. “Are you really insisting on taking us prisoner? We’re members of the freaking LMB! We’re all on the same side here! We don’t have time for this.”
“The General will be the judge of that, Legionnaire,” replied the voice with a sarcastic emphasis on the word ‘Legionnaire’.
Knightress, the famous female Space-Knight put her hand on the sword by her side. She looked at Tomar-Tu, her commander to see what his orders might be. “We can end this quickly, Tomar,” she said, as if the soldiers did not exist in the room.
Tomar ignored the implication. “The General has no authority over the Space Knights Templar either,” he said to the solider calmly.
“The General will be the judge of that!” repeated the soldier.
“Let’s just go,” said Dedman, finally. “We might as well see the General and be done with it.”
The four companions were an odd sight to the UP soldiers: two famous members of the legendary Legion of Message Board Posters and two well-known members of the Space Knights Templar. They were traveling back through the Dominion—now occupied by the United Planets Navy under the command of General Belisarius—on their way back to the United Plants. They had expected no complications and figured they would arrive back at Weber’s World quickly. They news they bore with them was frighteningly important. The first shock came when the soldiers responded to them as if they were enemy combatants. Though Knightress was ready to fight them, the other three kept their heads. The second shock followed: when they were placed under arrest.
“You have to admit this is odd,” said Kid Vudoo to a soldier. The soldier shrugged but Kid Vudoo could see underneath his helmet with his super-vision powers. The soldier had a look of distaste and skepticism on his face. He obviously did not like arresting LMBers either. “Can you at least tell us why we are arrested?”
“General Belisarius has issued an order that all members of the LMB and Space Knights Templar are to be arrested on sight,” said another soldier. “For charges of insubordination.”
------------------------
The four were brought to a holding cell though no one dared place shackles on them. “If we need to, we can just break out,” said Dedman.
Tomar Tu nodded. “It should be easy enough. Still, this entire debacle is alarming. Has General Belisarius really turned on us? Why? What charges of insubordination?”
“I’ve heard the General was a hard man,” said Knightress. “But not this hard.”
Kid Vudoo looked out beyond the cell to see his surroundings. His eyes could pick up on the behaviors of the soldiers, especially when they believed they were going unnoticed. “There seems to be a general sense of anxiety around them,” he said. “As if they know something is wrong. While I enjoy thinking we’re all famous and enough to cause that, I wonder if perhaps something else is wrong?”
Suddenly their attention turned as the door opened. Three people entered: the first without a helmet but dressed in more decorative attire; the other two were common soldiers. “Leave us,” said the first and the two soldiers did. He was older, in his late 50’s, with graying hair that was once red, and thick mutton chop sideburns. He had a weathered look about him and his demeanor suggested he was not one for formalities and luxury. “I’m General Kilrain,” he said. “I answer directly to General Belisarius.
“Then perhaps you can tell us what’s going on?” said Dedman immediately. “Not only is this unusual, its downright illegal.”
“I’m afraid out here in occupied territory, the term “legal” means whatever the General wants it to mean,” replied Kilrain with a bit of dark humor in his voice that indicated he did not find it funny. “That is not good for either of your groups.”
“What do you mean?” said Knightress. “The soldiers indicate some sort of grudge Belisarius has against the LMB and the Space Knights.”
“I’m afraid that is accurate, though for you Space Knights its only because your order was founded by two Legionnaires—one being Cobalt Kid, who Belisarius hates most of all.” Kilrain sighed deeply. He realized his next actions would make him cross a line he never imagined he would. “The General is intent on destroying the Dominators once and for all and turning their Empire into UP space. He’s become obsessed with making the victory total. And at some point, he’s become convinced there was some slight done by the LMB against him, trying to undermine him.”
“Ridiculous,” said Kid Vudoo.
“Aye,” said Kilrain, “I know.” Those words said enough and they understood the man was not their enemy. “This war has done something to the man…I’ve known him since he was just a lad…but he’s become someone other than himself.”
“Surely these grudges can be set aside,” said Tomar Tu. “We’re all allies with the same goals.”
“I’m not so sure of that,” said Kilrain. “The General’s goals are known to only him at this point. I can tell you this, though. The General means to hang you.”
The words hit them like a bucket of water. Immediately, rage filled the hearts of Knightress and Dedman; Kid Vudoo was too flabbergasted to speak; only Tomar Tu took the words in stride. “The General goes too far,” he said.
“You have no idea. That is the start of it. Hang you all and all of your brethren. And Rao knows what he intends to do with the Dominion. Listen to me, and listen to me well now,” he added, cutting them off before anything happened. “The General has learned of an army on the march, making its way towards the UP. A huge, massive army. I’ve told him we need to engage. But it remains far away, and we would have to leave our current position. Belisarius has made it clear we will not engage.”
“What are you saying?” said Knightress, her eyes wide and her mouth twisted in anger.
“Belisarius is not going to fight?” said Kid Vudoo. “He’s going to let the Dark Oval army march right into the UP?”
“He doesn’t care where it goes,” said Kilrain. “He only cares about crushing the Dominion and then knowing Rao knows what with it. Including ridding it of the likes of you.”
“This is outrageous!” said Dedman.
“Of all the times,” said Tomar Tu, “we can’t afford for this in-fighting. We have to stay united. If an army marches into the UP. If—“ he stopped, realizing suddenly where an attacking army might go. “Weber’s World?”
“Where I’d bet money if I was a betting man,” said Kilrain.
The seriousness of what they learned overtook them now and all of them fell into silence. “We won’t let ourselves be hanged,” said Knightress at last.
“You won’t have to,” said Kilrain. “I’m freeing you. You need to get to the UP and tell them what’s happening. They think the General is just being difficult. But its far worse than that. He’s digging in here in the Dominion and he means to stay here. Something needs to be done.”
------------------
Hours later, the four companions were on their way, traveling in secret and silence. Soon, they left the Dominion to enter the Contested Territories, and would make a sharp turn towards Weber’s World.
None of them said anything but knew they shared the same thoughts. If we lose the UP army in the Dominion, thought Kid Vudoo, our offensive forces are a joke and we leave the UP open to attack. The war will be lost.
-----------------------
“I have been betrayed many times in my life, Buster,” said General Belisarius, “but none hurt more than this.” He stood right in front of Kilrain, who could still see him through beaten and battered eyes.
“Aye,” said Kilrain, “and the same goes for me. I’ve known you for thirty years, Sir. I’ve seen you grow up. First into a great man, worthy of your parents. And now into this. You speak of betrayal, but its you that’s done the betraying. To me and every soldier in this army.”
General Belisarius laughed. “Every soldier in this army is loyal. Only you have gone against my orders and allowed our enemies to escape.”
Kilrain spat, a combination of blood and phlegm. “Every one of us believes in what we are doing. Protecting the UP. You took that from us. And you’ve turned into something else. Something I want no part of, and I know the lads wouldn’t either. You can lie to them all you want, but they’ll see it. And you can lie to yourself too. But you know its wrong. You have a duty Sir,” he finished.
General Belisarius smiled. “Don’t speak to me of duty, traitor,” he said. He looked at Kilrain, who he had known all his life. The man was like an uncle to him—always some roughspun wisdom; always a kind word. With him by his side, he felt invincible in his decisions. Yet Buster Kilrain could not see they had been undermined every step of the way in this war. They had been robbed of their glory so the shiny Legionnaires could take it once again. They had conquered the great Dominion and could not afford to give it up. He promised to follow Belisarius to the ends of the Earth—and then he reneged.
The two men stared at one another, silence speaking volumes.
“Hang this traitor,” said Belisarius at last, turning around to walk away. “And give me an update on Elia.”
Buster Kilrain tried to remember what Belisarius was like when he was just a lad. But as they tied the rope around his neck, he somehow could not. All he could think about was those two Legionnaires and two knights. If they could get word to Weber’s World, they could save the UP. They could make sure he had done some good.
The choking was painful but did not last long.
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
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posted
Weber's World was abuzz with activity, more so than it had been in a while. Bureaucrats, ambassadors, soldiers, guards and servants all scurried about to keep things running.
The young man stared at the headlines. Several LMBers had been sighted all around the United Planets, keeping order and defending innocents as best they could. Speculation was rampant as to which LMBers WEREN'T being seen, though... and why.
Some LMBers' absences were more notable than others. Rockhopper Lad, the current leader. Cobalt Kid and Lard Lard, because of their famous exploits. The powerful Tempest, who had been seen on Weber's World. Dev-em and Power Boy, who were among the most powerful.
And Invisible Brainiac.
The young man looked at the message IB had sent him. It told him precious little; just that he was safe and very far away.
It also told him so much. That he had taken the time to send an update meant a lot.
So was the message itself. A characteristically cheeky message - "I knew you'd miss me if I didn't write Just wanted to let you know I'm still alive. Don't worry, I haven't made any new playmates!"
And a more serious little verse after:
I'm shivering in the cold of space If only I could see your face The thought of you keeps me nice and warm And makes me feel like I'll come to no harm
Soon we'll see each other again Hold me tight, I won't complain We'll go into space to see the view So I can tell you, that I love you[/i].
The message floated on the table in his room, a beautiful light scuplture frozen in time. Teardrops stained the tabletop. He usually hated poetry, but IB's poems had that effect on him.
A corona of fire enveloped him. With a start, he snuffed it out. IB had helped him learn to control it, but he was still working on it. He did enjoy how warm it felt - but he enjoyed the warmth of IB's arms even more.
He made up his mind. He'd master his powers, and then he'd join the fight for the United Planets. He'd make sure there was a home for when his heart came home.
posted
Earth-4, The Dark Oval The Emperor's Palace
The Emperor stood on the balcony of his palace, flanked by Blaine Fey and Tempus.
“They are on their way, my lord,” Tempus reported. “They will be here in nine minutes and forty-seven seconds.”
“Let them come, Tempus! They will meet with the same end as all who have opposed us!”
“Of course, my love,” Blaine nodded. “We will be victorious, as we ever have been.”
The Emperor smiled in agreement, but inside, hidden even from the two beings he allowed to be closer to him than any others, he thought about the battle to come. He knew who was leading the charge. He had faced his double before with bravado. He never showed anything but contempt for him, dismissing his idealistic notions and devotion to tradition. He never showed his true feelings.
He was frightened. He was more frightened than he had ever been in his life.
-------------------- The only character in all of literature who has been described as "badnass" while using the phrase "vile miscreant."
From: The Pyngwyn Colonies of Planet Hyustyn | Registered: Aug 2005
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Cobalt Kid continued to move with the rest of the Legionnaires as the slushing sound of their footsteps became a repetitive, never-ending pattern of noise. He focused on it entirely, forcing himself to ignore the putrid stench of the cavern they were in. More than that, he ignored the total disgust he now felt after the realization of where they were. Once Lard Lad said it, confirming an inkling he had, it became increasingly obvious that the Hive “Planet” was actually the rotting corpse of a giant, cosmic entity that was being continually fed on by the Hive. All around him was the decaying organs and tissue of the being that may have been Pornis, slowly disintegrating over a process that took years and years. The sheer scope of it—a giant cosmic entity rotting in open space—was too difficult to comprehend in terms of how it was happening; the why was awful enough for now.
All around them the bugs continued to weave in and out of their path, generally ignoring them because of the Princess’ pheromones. Yet he could hear them crunching away and feeding on the carcass, growing ever stronger.
None of them said anything and continued on.
Up ahead, Goon Boy appeared to be in good spirits, happy to see the Princess of the Hive and that made Cobalt all the more alarmed. It all felt like they were walking into a classic trap, though the always present practical side told him that if it was a trap, why not simply alert the Hive to their presence as they would undoubtedly be obliterated in seconds. Despite their powers, they were so out of their league it caused an anxiety that was close to breaking them.
All of it was getting to them. The exhaustion of the journey thus far. The nausea of their surroundings. The claustrophobia of their further decent into the grandiose corpse. The alarming knowledge that they were deep into an alien territory unexplored for a millennia, surrounding by enemies and with one ally whose very nature made her dangerous.
As he moved forward to the squish squish squish he began to feel a buzzing sound in his mind, but it was too low level for him to notice it at first. Always one to feel an obligation to his duty as an LMBer above all else, to a fault even, he pushed on and ignored all the pain and disgust.
The buzzing continued to grow stronger as they grew ever closer.
And soon new feelings began to hit him. I’ve placed all this trust in Goon Boy—how could be seduced? Has he doomed us all?
Invisible Brainiac is much like I was…only without having his spirit crushed and his trust in others vanquished. He’s pure and I’m nothing but used goods, a tool for the betterment of the United Planets until one day I’ll be discarded when its clear my ways no longer have a place in civilized society. It’s always been a great relief to me to see him maintain that innocence…yet it is so unfair…
Tempest deceived me all those years ago! My second wife, Viviane, was nothing but a mockery. I loved her and she’s gone as if she never existed. Tempest did it. SHE KILLED HER!
Power Boy carries on as if this is fun for him. How delightful it must be to not know suffering. There’s an easy remedy for THAT!
They would imprison Lard Lad if they had a chance! I would kill them all before it came to that! But perhaps…Lardy is the one whose existence threatens us all…. The final thought suddenly made him physically cringe as if he was at war with himself. NO! They’ve brainwashed me to think that…! He immediately felt guilty for the thoughts, his sense of self overriding the evil thoughts, but that guilt quickly turned into blame towards the others…
He was growing angrier and angrier. Years and years of bitterness creeping up into his throat, as if it was choking him.
I swore I would raze the entire galaxy if it meant saving Legion World and the LMB. I would mutilate thieves, geld rapists and hang traitors. Am I surrounded by traitors now?
Cobalt’s pace began to slow down. He was unaware the others were feeling similar things. The awful effect of Harold Ryan Wyandotte’s mental domination took over. He only knew that he had to strike first and eliminate these traitorous enemies.
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
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The call went out as a rallying cry throughout the city of New Wystuv’ryy, and indeed, planet-wide. Two giant-sized Shark Lads hulked through the city and destroyed everything in their paths as the full defenses of the Evil Emperor Penguin rained down upon them. Spurred on by one another, they grew increasingly more full of rage.
“This is incredible,” said Hugh Taylor, playing his part in directing this aspect of the assault. Nearby, the Loser known as Hummingbird was using her sound powers to full effect, while down below in the streets the super-speedster Beagz was disarming every soldier in sight and dismantling their guns before they could be reclaimed.
“Isn’t it, though?” smiled Portfolio Girl, who watched his side. Her briefcase hung open as the full fury of her monsters had been unleashed upon the city. Horrific, slithering ones next to silly ones and so many more nearby.
Hugh ran down a series of stairs to get into the action himself. “We’re really doing it,” he said to himself with a smile.
*********************
The city’s west side had a natural border as the suburban area grew into a series of hills, small at first and then turning into a large mountain. It provided beautiful scenery, especially when covered with ice and snow as it was now. But it also provided for an excellent launch point for a cadre of rebels. On skis.
They came flying down the mountain and then hills on skis covered in white camouflage feeling the adrenaline of the assault. Yellow Kid, of the Primary Colors Gang, laughed a deep, hearty laugh and the other PCG members followed suit. Soon, even the other Losers were doing it. The ski assault of New Wystuv’ryy had begun.
Helena Handbasket and Seth Gaterra led the charge as the sheer bravado of the assault took the enemy forces completely by surprise.
********************
The cold, barren iron of his cell prevented most noise from ever making its way inside. Being purposely built in a ‘magic dead zone’, even his spells could not extend any awareness of what was happening outside. For many long years, Ratmage has suffered in silence. Any lesser man would be totally broken, but the Ratmage known as Stu was no lesser man. He knew the love of his life, Seahorse, was nearby, and she would be equally as strong.
And so it went, day after day, week after week, month after month.
And it all came to a crashing end with a mighty kick that folded up steel like it was paper, as Karate Kid and Bat-Fem stood before him when the dust began to clear. “Ratmage,” said Bat-Fem firmly, “the War for Earth has begun…and your planet needs you.” She extended a hand to pick him up. He was dazed and confused for a few moments but soon took it, and got to his feet.
Farther down the corridor, the longtime leader of the Society of Message Board Posters herself felt similar emotions. Seahorse’s super-hearing alerted her to new voices in the prison and a subsequent melee. Though at first taken by surprise, she backed away from the door to her cell, hoping beyond hope, that it was what she thought it was.
It was. Lightning ripped apart the door and caused it to explode, revealing Lightning Lass and others.
Far off, Seahorse could hear the familiar, rough voice of Satan Claws Cramer as she took on new guards running forward to stop them. “Come on mother fuckers! Make my fucking day!”
********************
“I’m just about finished,” said Gear as he checked every detail another time. There was no doubt he had it right from the onset, but Gear was meticulous. He had to be—everything relied on it. “If you two need to begin powering up, I would suggest doing so now,” he added.
Both Faraway Lads nodded. The ragged, gaunt Faraway Lad of Earth-1 put his glass down with some port left in it, while the Faraway Lad of Earth-4 drained his. “Normally we don’t,” said the latter, “but given all we’ve been through recently, it is probably a good idea…”
“Indeed,” said Faraway Lad of Earth-4.
Lolita said nothing, though the concern was apparent on not only her face but her body movement. Her new friend Zhiya was near her side. “We have all suffered because of the Dark Oval,” she said softly to Lolita. “But there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Focus on that.”
Lolita knew she was right, and she reached out her hand to Zhiya’s and squeezed it. She had found strength in many odd places throughout this journey.
Suddenly Zhiya’s body language tensed up, and as Lolita held her hand, she sensed it. Zhiya steadied herself and Lolita could see her listening with her enhanced sense of hearing and also her sense of smell. “The Emperor has sent another emissary. They are quickly approaching.”
“Dammit,” said Polka Dot Kid, who unslung his laser rifle from his shoulder into his arms. “Gear, keep doing what you’re doing and then protect the Faraway Lads,” he said. He turned to Lolita and Zhiya.
“It’s up to us, then,” said Lolita. She felt the familiar fear of pre-battle jitters but knew she had to shrug them off.
In the distance they could hear banging and explosions. The emissary was ripping apart the new Loser Cave. Suddenly Lolita felt a sharp pain in her head and she leaned forward, putting her hand to her face. A telepath. They knew the Evil Emperor Penguin kept one. Lolita suddenly felt as if she was going to fall to the ground as it dawned on her what was happening.
If the Evil Emperor Penguin’s telepath is here, it must mean that it read the mind of one of the Losers and knows about our plan. He or she rushed over to the Loser Cave to stop us. All of our hard work will go down the drain if we’re not successful! “W-we can’t let them get to Gear and the Dardens,” she said. That was obvious, she realized. She couldn’t find the words to tell the other two that this telepath knew exactly what they were doing.
And suddenly the entrance to the cave ripped open as well. Telekinesis.
And once more realization dawned on Lolita as a familiar looking figure stepped forward. The figure was incredibly beautiful—an image of feminine perfection enhanced by a raw strength. She was covered in purple with white fringe white as if she were a great snow Princess. She had an air of authority about her but it was more than that; she looked as if she was truly a Queen. She was clearly royalty.
Her beautiful blue eyes were clear even from thirty feet away. She had flowing blonde-hair coming down her shoulders, highlighting her strong shoulders and full bosom. Her long legs had her standing almost a full foot taller than even Polka-Dot Kid.
Telepathy. Telekinesis. Blonde-Hair. Royalty.
“Oh no,” said Polka-Dot Kid.
“Cru-Crujectra…?” said Lolita.
And the Earth-4 Princess of the House of Jectra smiled an evil grin as she yanked them all forward with her telekinesis.
From: Right by Cobie's Side | Registered: Jul 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
The Innards of the Hive planet The Dark Oval
The group trekked on in silence, slowly walking further apart from each other as time went on. The Insect Princess’ elite guard walked at the front and the rear of the fellowship, hedging them in and pushing them on.
They followed the path as it widened and begin to have insect made branches off of the main path. They were approaching some larger space, they could tell as the chasm became broader and broader.
Power Boy felt an oppression as they continued. Like a pressure on his head. 'This must be what the terrans call a headache.' He thought. His vision was dimming.
At first he thought it was the … ‘atmosphere’ … climbing through the planet sized corpse of a cosmic being was troubling in many ways. Now he suspected an external cause of the pressure.
Power Boy reflected on his many adventures, and whatever could lay low a being of this size and power was very deadly. Cosmic level entities did not just die like mortals … and they certainly did not leave their corpses to lay about for the eternity required for a race of insectoid beings to root their civilization into their rotting husk. Cosmic beings carried an enormous amount of the power of the universe within them, they balanced the cosmos between them. If a being this large and powerful was dead, then it’s power had shifted elsewhere or elsewhom in the cosmos.
That being would be very powerful indeed.
Power Boy was broken from his thoughts as three of the smaller insectoid guards closed behind him, chittering at him. He didn’t know what they said but they seemed to be getting more and more irritable. They apparently thought it was there job to keep the fellowship from falling behind.
Power Boy gave them a direct look, and they all backed away on their sharp legs.
Way up at the front of the procession, near the Insect Princess, the enormous white man from the waist up, and spider from the waist down looked back at the minor confrontation.
The spider guards regained their composure. Curiously, the guards near the front, near the lead warrior and the Princess remained orderly as they walked, showing little of the stress the rest of them did. Power Boy looked around, every member of the fellowship walked with heavy feet and hunched shoulders. Disaster Boy was withdrawn, his face barely visible from within the hood of his parka. Lard Lad walked with his sword out.
Something was pushing on them, on their minds, and it was more than the labor of walking in this miserable place.
‘The android?’ He thought and looked around. ‘Where had the android gone? He must have taken one of the turns that we passed and left? How did I not notice, this blasted headache is making me dim.’
Tempest stumbled back into him. “We must away from here” She whispered. Her face was pale as if she were sick.
“I’ll get the others.” Power Boy replied as he held her up.
“No, we must get away from here, it’s too late.” She gripped Power Boy’s bicep as she nearly collapsed, her hand went to her temple.
Whatever had been the cause of Power Boy’s throbbing headache, had been at Tempest as well.
“That’s it.” Power Boy touched his shoulder and his Mother Box teleport device appeared on his arm. “I’m getting us out of here.”
At that moment, Invisible Brainiac, Juj, Lard Lad, and Cobalt Kid turned around to stare at Power Boy and Tempest. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“ARRGH!” A magnetic wave of energy surged through Power Boy. His Mother Box device was disrupted and faded away, as did his power baton on his thigh.
Power Boy stood perfectly still and cocked his head at Cobalt Kid, “I didn’t know you could do that.”
“There’s a lot I can do that you don’t know about!! You think you’re so superior, just because you live longer, and your feet don’t have to touch the ground … Well I have powers too ... ”
“I bet he even uses his telekinesis to keep his clothes clean. Such a pretty boy.” Came from Disaster Boy who had moved behind them.
The rear spider guards had pulled back, intending to stay well clear of the deadly air that had just come over the strange humans. The Princess, Goon Boy, and the guards at the front hadn’t noticed yet, they kept walking up the enormous cavern.
Tempest had weakly regained her feet. She said again “Get yourself out. Get help. You’re faster without me.”
SLASH!
“Gah!” A sword slashed across Power Boy’ back, leaving a trail of light leaking out of his body like a human bleeds blood.
Tempest and Power Boy exchanged startled looks.
“Your boyfriend’s going nowhere! I knew you wanted him Tempest! Well, now you two can be together … forever!!” Lard Lad stood with his sword pointed at Power Boy and Tempest as the fellowship closed in on them.
[ December 27, 2011, 09:14 PM: Message edited by: Power Boy ]
From: Ninja Land | Registered: Nov 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
The LMB had often looked fierce before, but there was a nobility to them that clearly separated them from the bad guys.
But what Power Boy and Tempest saw now on their comrades' faces was pure, malevolent hatred.
Fast as thought, a telepathic exchange occurred.
"I can't leave you to that." Power Boy said.
"If you don't leave at all, we're dead."
"I can't get far anyway - IB's too fast and help is too far. We have to stand together." With that, Power Boy picked Tempest up and flew, just dodging a sword thrust from Lard Lad.
Waves of magnetic energy and geysers of rock followed them as Cobalt Kid and Disaster Boy tried to bring their allies down. Power Boy dodged them as best he could. "Don't you have enough strength left to shield us?"
"Not yet. I could barely stand, remember?"
"Do something about Juj or Invisible Brainiac, at least. They can follow us."
Tempest craned her neck to look. "They probably already are, I can't see them down be-"
She was cut off abruptly as something twisted the air. Juj the Durlan appeared, as if out of nowhere, shifting his form into a giant roc. He slammed into Power Boy's side and sent him crashing into a rock wall.
"No!" Power Boy wasn't seriously hurt, but Tempest wasn't invulnerable. Even if she survived the fall, she'd be easy prey for the others. But Juj had shifted into a skitterer; his fangs were stabbing at Power Boy's face.
Bad move - Juj should have attacked from a distance. This form was small. Power Boy wrenched Juj from his face and tossed him to the side. Now where was...
A flash of light blinded him. Damn. Invisible Brainiac.
"Still think I'm just some useless kid who can't take care of himself?" The normally cheery voice was dripping with anger and sarcasm. Power Boy noted that it sounded deeper and fuller, too.
Before he could answer, a laser shot into his side. "Argh!" He usually didn't scream, but the heat! It felt like a hole had been punched through his side. Then another laser shot through his leg. And another through his arm. He hadn't felt this much pain in a long time.
He braced himself against the wall and launched himself at IB in a tackle. But he went right through.
"Bet you think you were letting me off easy during our workouts, huh? But it looks like I was the one going easy on you!" As PB regained his footing, IB let loose with a cascading wave of color. It was like an aurora had gone off in his mind.
PB crouched in pain. IB could finish him off easily now. Only one chance, if he could reach his mind...
Just as his own mind reached out, another wave of color washed over him. Even with his eyes closed, he could see it. "IB, no... I always respected you as a great warrior. Especially after our battle with Titus! Please, a true warrior isn't just about strength, but honor. Control yourself!"
"Too late, Peebz. You should have respected me sooner." IB's eyes began to glow, and a second later his whole body followed. "I'm going to enjoy cooking you to a crisp."
posted
Power Boy closed his eyes. If this was his day to die, so be it. He braced himself for the pain.
It never came, though.
"Bad idea, bro! This is one of the dumbest things we've ever thought of doing!"
Peebz opened his eyes to see... another IB absorbing the light from his attacker?
"You okay, Peebz?" Another IB, this one casting a gentle blue glow, came to support him.
"Just my luck. I finally get my hands on you, and we're in the middle of a firefight!" joked another one, as he gave off a yellow light while cradling Tempest in his arms. She spared him a glare. "We still have to leave quickly. Three of you are free, but the other four are mind-controlled."
"And down for the count. Well, almost!" said the IB shielding Power Boy. He noted that this one was green, and thus the "main" IB.
"Allow me." The blue one zipped off and downed their attacker - who had begun glowing red - with a karate chop. He laid him down gently on the cavern floor and made a face. "We're going to stink when we wake up and recombine."
Then, as if in answer to Power Boy's unasked question, he explained. "We split as soon as we reached the homeworld. When Wyandotte started playing with our minds, three of us were unaffected - Green, Yellow and I. Dunno why, but maybe because we're the three nearest the center on the emotional spectrum."
"We'd try to forcibly recombine them, but with four of us affected, we don't wanna risk a restored IB being controlled. So..."
He was cut off as a blast of lightning struck between them.
"As I've been saying since earlier," Tempest repeated, "we should run. I don't want to die at my allies' hands."
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Just wanted to let you know I'm still alive. Don't worry, I haven't made any new playmates!"
