posted
A sense of urgency undertook Cobalt Kid as he and Lard Lad followed Chionne through the corridors of Priapus' Castle. Things were moving very quickly now, and the stakes were too high to be making mistakes. After so long, things were finally coming to a head.
As they moved, Cobalt couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. Lardy had sensed something too before--a hole in the plan that they were walking right into. Priapis--or Pornis rather--was perhaps the greatest strategist they had ever battled. After so much planning and sacrificing, Cobalt felt tremendous fear that he'd be outmaneuvered here in the final phase of the quest.
What am I missing...? he thought. But suddenly, his thoughts were interrupted as Chionne turned back to them.
"Look out!" she yelled.
On cue, giant rock hands crashes through the walls at them from all sides. Lard Lad and Cobalt Kid scattered in different directions, as Cobalt saw a cadre of rock golems pouring in from all sides. They were large but small enough to maneuver in a tight space; they're color matched the stone walls around them which made it more difficult to discern where they began and ended.
All three of them separated, Lard Lad instantly began working his way back toward his grandmother to protect her, forgetting for a moment she likely did not need it. Cobalt, recalling the literal hundred times he had trained for scenarios such as this with Lardy, instantly went the other way, to get around the flank of the attack.
Feeling confident in using his powers again for the first time in ages, he rose horizontally in the sky and dived forward, using his proficiency in flying to make them hammer each other with the blows. He concentrated on the walls--sensing and then pulling at the metal bolts, nails and other odd bits that kept it all in places; timing it to the exact second, he pulled the walls loose so they collapsed inwards as the golems rushed after him, burying them.
"Chew on some brick and mortar fellas," he said with a wide smile, as he flew around in an arc to get back to Lardy.
This feels good, he thought. Priapus had made his move at last, and he felt could stretching his legs a bit. So much had happened in the last few weeks, though he had not realized yet what it meant to him. As he flew in the air and used his magnetism to destroy the golems, he felt himself doing something he hadn't done in a long time--he was having fun. He had stopped being a spy or a warrior in this moment and regained a role he truly hadn't assumed in a long time. That of a superhero.
"Cobie, here comes another round!" yelled Lardy several yards away as more golems poured into the now destroyed--and continuing to collapse tunnel.
Cobalt flew at the, picking up a wave of debris and wreckage as he did by using the metal within to hold it together, and hurled it at them. A thought occurred to him and he knew it was true so he voiced it:
"They're trying to separate me from you!" he yelled.
Lardy knew he was right. "Well, it's gonna take a bit more than these dumb fucks!" he replied, smashing them with his sword.
Cobalt prepared another tactic--just one of dozens he could use at any moment. The adrenaline was pumping and he felt good. Perhaps better than he'd felt in 12 years. With that elation, the fear he felt before began to slip away. And it was with that change that, having stopped thinking about it with such anxiety, that he began to realize something else. Where is Mor--?
He was smashed from behind again by a giant golem, and the pressure from the below caused the floor to collapse as both Cobalt and the golem fell down to the level below...and then again to the one below that.
There, in this lower level, Cobalt saw a vast armory of weapons, armor and shields. Smiling, he used his magnetism to pull them together into a giant phalanx and hurled it forward at the giant golem, instantly destroying it.
And then as quickly as it started the battle was done. "Lardy!" he yelled up to his friend. As he went to fly up, he suddenly doubled over in pain, as he realized he had taken a brutal blow on the head and was bleeding profusely from his scalp.
He wiped away the blood and tried to concentrate.
His thoughts were jumbled.
"Lardy needs me," he said aloud. And be flew up to find his friend, hoping he was right there still, and okay.
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
| IP: Logged |
"I just thought of something," said Lucien Lad. "The Allies defeated a Dream-Eater before. What if there is another one here in the Dark Lord's realm?"
"There will not be," replied Mearl Dox. "It takes him time to create a new one. He did not have enough."
"All well and good, then," said the Phantom Stranger. "I fear our combined strength would not be enough to aid them if there were one."
"Of course, he doesn't need one to turn them to his will here..." Mearl Dox replied. "His influence is strong, and lesser mortals could easily be overwhelmed if they lost heart."
There was a momentary silence as Lucien Lad and the Phantom Stranger digested this. Then at last, the Phantom Stranger spoke. "Well, if there is any group that can keep their hopes up, it would be the LMB."
"And that's why I love these silly mortals," Lucien Lad smiled.
************************************************* The Dark Realm
"Gee whiz, Candlelight. You sure you're okay?" Eryk asked concernedly as his friend sat, eyes closed.
"Ssssh, Eryk, don't spoil her concentration," Saturn Girl chided gently. "She needs to keep her morale powers on at full blast so we can reach all our allies."
Beside them, Saturn Guy's forehead began to sweat. "And so do we, my lovely counterpart. Even with all our telepathic volunteers boosting our efforts, this is not easy. We're barely covering everyone; in fact, we're focusing on the volunteers, UP soldiers and Dark Oval defectors."
"They are the ones who need it most," Lucifer Lass said quietly as she surveyed the battles outside.
"Yeah, I mean look at our friends go!" Eryk chimed in. "Jeepers, I've never seen them so enthusiastic before!"
*************************************************
"39!" grinned Abin Quank as his ring's beam lasered through another wyvern. "Beat that, Sonnie."
"Hmph," Sonnie grunted as he took out his thirteenth ghoul.
"Your power ring does give you an advantage, Abin," Poverty Lad replied. "But a little creativity can go a long way. Watch. Now, boys!"
At his signal, nearby rocks began to glow with a purple aura and clump together. They formed two rocks on both sides of the battlefield. Before the dark army could react, two large disks made of rocks slammed into them from both sides.
"Whoa, that was some heavy duty lifting," Sonnie said in approval.
"Not over yet," Poverty Lad smiled. A giant struggled to get up from between the rocks. Like most of the enemies they had been battling, it was clearly not alive anymore. As it pulled itself out of the rubble, the ground around it began to ice up. It scrambled to get out, but in seconds it was encased entirely in ice.
"Cowabungaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!" came a loud yell as an iron-gray figure plummeted from above to land on the block of ice, sending tiny shards scattering in all directions.
Abin Quank stared as Mattropolis, Star Boy, Polar Boy and Ferroboy gathered before him with big grins on their faces. "Okay, fine, that was effective. But I've still taken out more enemies!"
Poverty Lad and Sonnie Bloke frowned, though. "You know, Pov," Sonnie said, hand on chin. "I've been in pitched battles before and something doesn't quite seem right."
"You're right," Pov replied. "It shouldn't have taken this many of us to take out this batch of enemies. They're much tougher than we expected..."
posted
Everywhere on the barren, tainted land, the battle for the universe raged on. In the midst of this fought Dom Deluise XXVII, the 'Guru of Lard' of the now-depowered Lard Knights.
Dom was an elderly, overweight man, but he fought with the passion and vigor of a man half his age and weight. He took down many fell demons and assorted abominations with his superior swordsmanship. The younger Lard Knights fighting near him were inspired, seeing their aged mentor fighting by their side and doing much more than holding his own.
Dom knew in his heart of hearts that his time was running out. He would not live to see another sunrise. He would not get to enjoy another of his homemade pasta dishes. He would no longer mentor another young squire and shape his body and mind into something to be proud of. Indeed, the Lard Monastery may no longer exist even if the Knights live to see another day with no Lard Force to give them purpose. All of this, he would be content with should his life end today.
But his heart still ached over the one regret he would still have in his life, one so powerful he knew it would follow him to his grave. If he fell today, he would surely never see his grandaughter Nakia again.
Dom had hurt Nakia profoundly by witholding the truth from her of the great lengths he'd gone through to save her life from a destiny foretold when she was a child. He had spared her from dying along with her nation of Wakanda on another Earth by setting up an elaborate ruse of a quest for her to gone on while Wakanda perished during a brutal alien invasion.
Nakia would have rather died with them than be spared. He knew this, and when he told her what he'd done, she'd fled. And he'd never seen even a trace of her ever since.
Dom would give anything to see her again. And if he did, he would beg her forgiveness and never let go of her. Nakia was all that was left of his beloved wife and daughter....
Suddenly, the fear of never seeing her again washed over him. He fought with even more vigor than before. He had to survive all of this, somehow! He had to live, so that he might see sweet Nakia again! He had to...
Just then, a great shadow fell over Dom and the young Knights who fought near him. He looked up and saw a dark winged creature, and on its back was a dark cloaked ghoul who had an air of great power about him. This ghoul wore a crown.
Dom suddenly knew that this was once a great king who fell before the Dark Lord and sold his soul for a chance to serve rather than be crushed under heel. Dom felt only disgust for this king.
The ghoul king dismounted and tore some of the young Lard Knights in half with his eldritch might. The winged abomination breathed fire and burnt some of the others to a crisp.
Dom avoided these attacks, surveyed the situation and saw a wounded Knight about to be devoured by the creature. Dom bounded over by the Knight's side and got between the boy and the creature, only to be impaled on one of the creature's horns. The creature shook Dom loose from its horn and loomed over him and the wounded boy.
Bleeding profusely, Dom nonetheless gritted his teeth, shielded the boy with his own body and shakily held his sword up toward the creature.
The ghoul king laughed and hissed, more than spoke, "feassst on their flesssh, creature!"
The creature drooled and prepared to lunge, when suddely, a strange object flew threw the air and imbedded itself right between its eyes. The creature looked puzzled for a moment until the item made a beeping sound---then exploded---making the creature's head disappear in a red haze. The headless body rolled over to the side, lifelessly.
The ghoul king was enraged. "What trickery isss thisss?!?
In response a black-clad woman leapt in front of him. She wore a mask with pointed ears that stood straight up, and she had a distinctive large yellow symbol on her chest.
"I've got one for you, too, you son of a bitch!" she yelled. She held up another object just like the one she'd thrown at the creature, the shape of which matched the symbol on her chest. She hurled the object at the ghoul king, and it sank into his chest before he could dodge or parry it.
"Who in the hellsss are you, witch?" the ghoul king hissed.
"I'm Bat-Fem, you abomination!"
The batarang beeped, then exploded, and the ghoul king was no more.
Dom lay there gasping for breath, barely comprehending what had just happened. His life was fading, he knew.
Not now, he thought. Not before I find her...
Just then, he noticed a figure walking toward him in the haze. At first, he thought the creature was about to make another go at him. But as it approached, he realized it was a woman wearing a cowl of some sort. As she drew near, she removed the cowl and knelt beside him.
The milky white skin and the jet-black hair, he didn't recognize. But those eyes...
"I-I know those eyes..." he said weakly. "Can it be...?"
"Yes, grandfather...it is I, Nakia...your grandaughter," she replied as she rubbed his cheek with her bare right hand, having just removed her gauntlet.
Tears poured from his eyes. "I-I must be hallucinating...."
"No grandfather...it is me. When I...when I ran away from you, I tossed away who I was and became other people to hide from my past."
"I am so sorry, my sweet child for all the pain I caused you. Please...forgive a foolish old man."
Her eyes began to well up with tears. "Th-there is nothing to forgive, grandfather. I know now that I would have done the same if I were you. I..." The tears flowed freely as she looked at his fatal wound. "...only wish I'd found you sooner. I could have saved you."
Dom reached his hand up shakily and touched her cheek. "But you have saved me, my sweet Nakia...more than I can ever tell you..."
Nakia held him tightly in his arms, and moments later, Dom Deluise XXVII, Guru of Lard, passed on.
The Knight whose life Dom had saved would never forget this moment.
-------------------- "Suck it, depressos!"--M. Lash
From: The Underbelly of Society | Registered: Jul 2003
| IP: Logged |
Massive explosions rocked the landscape as ghouls flew left and right. Petty Officer Marvin shook his head as he surveyed the site. "We're doing pretty good here, but I wish we could let loose like this over where the majority of the troops are."
Kairos turned to look at where he was pointing. Ghouls and monsters were swarming all around. "We seem to be doing well so far," she said as she reduced a squadron of skeletons to dust.
"So far," said Special Officer Ralph. "That's the key word. We'll get tired after a while, but our opponents seem to be endless... AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
Marvin and Kairos turned around in shock their friend seemed to disappear. Something which could only be described as hideous was towering over him. It looked like a gigantic praying mantis with wicked fangs.
"No! Get away from him, you - oooooooomph!" Kairos flew backwards as the thing slapped at her.
Marvin cussed as he pulled out his blaster. He didn't dare use a bomb. He began firing, but the creature's hide seemed impervious. He looked desperately for an ally he could signal. Damn. Was Officer Ralph still moving?
Marvin quickly fished out his smallest grenade and lobbed it at the monster. It was little more than a firework and wouldn't do much damage, but it would get its attention.
It exploded, and the monster turned its hand. Ugly fangs snapping, it thrust forward. Marvin leaped away; he could fly away but he needed to keep it occupied until Kairos recovered.
The bug suddenly spit out a black, foul-smelling fluid. It hit the ground behind Marvin, causing it to fizz as if hit by acid.
"Oh. This makes me very angry," Marvin said.
"I'll handle it!" An angry Kairos came zooming up to them. "I owe this thing!" She encased it in a stasis bubble, freezing it in place. Marvin watched in fascination as it began to slowly rot.
Kairos quickly turned to Officer Ralph. "Are you okay? Here, let me slow the bleeding down."
"Alive, anyway," Officer Ralph said weakly. He was very pale.
"We cannot hope to continue like this for long," Marvin said grimly. "These things are upping the ante."
*************************************************
"These ghouls aren't so tough," sneered Super Lad Kid as he downed another skeleton.
"Take it from me, pal," Catalyst King said as he caused's armor to rust off. "They're tougher than they look."
"And what they lack in strength, they make up for in numbers," added Magnetic Kid. "I've clobbered a dozen of them, and they still keep coming up. I'm getting tired."
"How long have we been fighting? Time seems wonky in this dimension," Super Lad Kid said.
"I can't tell, but..... YEOW!" Magnetic Kid said as a large boulder crashed into the ground in front of him. All three turned to see that the very cliff seemed to be moving.
"What is THAT?" yelled Catalyst King as he used his powers on it. "I'm trying to erode it but nothing's working!"
"I don't know, but we'd better get out of here fast!" Super Lad Kid gulped as rock and stone flew up into the air all around them.
The three youths flew up and outwards, trying to avoid the rock barrage. It was difficult as they were constantly being pelted; Magnetic Kid could stop some of them, but there wasn't enough iron ore for him to stop them all.
Before they could advance further, a wall of stone rose up in front of them. Then another on their right, then again on their left. Then a roof over their heads. They were trapped!
Sharp spikes suddenly formed out of the rock all around them, and the walls moved slowly inward. Super Lad Kid tried to break them off, but as he did they regrew and multiplied. After a few minutes he knelt down, panting. "I'm sorry, guys. I can't..."
Magnetic Kid and Catalyst King held each other. Condo whispered, "I guess this is it... We won't get to see Ventura anymore..."
Pol rested his cheek on his lover's as a tear fell. "Are... are we dead already? I can see a white light..."
"It is just me, my friends." The white light shimmered and molded itself into the shape of a hooded girl. She threw back her head to reveal the face of White Raven. "The very ground is possessed by an evil demon. Please, assist me while I use my soulself to exorcise it. You must protect my body while my soul is fighting!"
The three LMBers nodded as White Raven's soulself merged itself with the very ground. As it did, the very rock seemed to scream. Stone erupted everywhere, but the three fought on, shielding themselves and White Raven with their powers.
After what seemed like an eternity, it finally stopped.
"Is... Is it over? Is she alive?" Super Lad Kid said as he peered over here.
"Oooooooohhh...." White Raven began to stir. "Stronger... stronger than I thought..."
Magnetic Kid gently lifted her. "I think we're in over our heads here, boys. Let's go find the others before the ground erupts again."
posted
The carnage continued, and what was once a pitched battle had devolved into pure chaos. No one could tell where the enemy began or ended, and indeed, once you were in the chaos, there was no escaping it. Lolita had found herself separated from her allies on two occasions already; she had no idea where Shark Lad could be, which was alarming since he was the largest being in the entire war. She ran and ducked hellfire and melee blows, tumbling out of the way and firing off her blaster everywhere she could. Her computer mind triedso desperately she triedto make sense of the chaos by finding a pattern anything but there was nothing. Only hell.
Behind you, Lolita! said a familiar voice as a sai came flying through the air, over her shoulder, and cut through one of the devils behind her. Zhiya instantly appeared and Lolita felt tremendous relief at the sight of her friend.
Zhiya! Thank Hypatia! she said, feeling glad to see a familiar face. Its so overwhelming do you have any idea how its going?
Zhiyas face was grim. She was blind but her super-senses were overwhelmed by the carnage around her. Not well, I believe, she replied.
Cmon then, said Lolita, grabbing her friend as the two moved on to another smaller battle ahead with several soliders in dire straits. Well do what we can
*****************************
This is our chance lads! yelled the Red Pirate. Full clemency weve been granted! Now we just have to live through Armageddon! he laughed. His entire pirate crew laughed back right along with him.
The Red Pirate and his crew aboard the spaceship known as Venus in Chains understood the situation was dire. But after a decade of being spoken of in the same breath as Mordru, the Red Bee and Middlefinger as the galaxies greatest villains, there was something invigorating about being given the chance to play hero. They had little choice in the matterif they failed now, they would be slaughtered by the Dark Lord along with the rest of the United Planets. Being given a full pardon for all of their crimes was icing on the cake.
Blackteeth, his longtime first mate, tied his hair up in a pontytail as they prepared to join the fray. If we survive this, Capn, and thats a big if, whatll ya do after? Settle down to a nice quiet life? You, the great plague of UP trade n commerce?
The Red Pirate simply smiled. Aye, maybe he said. But chances are were all dead men. So shall we ? he asked.
Yo ho lets go! yelled the pirates as they charged into the fray.
*****************************
Fall back! yelled Knightress, as a new wave of monsters pushed forth into the fray. Around her was a mix of Allies: soldiers, knights templar, Hyrkosians, even a few Legionnaires. Those who didnt hear her tried to hold their ground but buckled, as this new wave of vile creaturelarge, tentacled beasts with a single yellowy eyebrought a new type of horror.
Dammit she yelled, seeing a cadre of soldiers now caught in the lead beasts grip. She ran forward, sword slung over his shoulders for maximum impact, and then leapt into the air all the while swinging downwards. Immediately upon impact, the tentacles were sliced off the creature and the allies fell to the ground. I said fall back! she yelled in her most bossy voice yet.
Look out yourself! yelled a voice suddenly as her friend and fellow knight, Sir John dove forward and knocked her out of the way. Another Beholder, this one smaller and more slimey than the rest, had hidden underneath the bigger one and was preparing to strike. It was Sir John Red, who grabbed her and rolled forward. He looked gaunt and worse for wear, but he was fully vested in winning this battle somehow.
Behind them, Knightress saw Sir John Purple fighting the smaller Beholder as the two got out of harms way. And then she saw something that made her heart sink. Yet another Beholder, amidst the rubble, was waiting. Noooo! she yelled, and as she did, Red immediately knew what was about to happen to his brother.
A tentacle came out with full force and instantly impaled Sir John Purplealways laughing, always smiling Johnand killed him. Like his brother on Daroon, Sir John Purple fell to the ground and died in battle.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH! screamed Sir John Red, the final brother of the Carrgitte triplicates, crying out in both pain and despair. He screamed uncontrollably and would not stop.
No, no, no, no Knightress kept repeating, and she knew Purple was done for. She thought for a moment and made a decision. She sheathed her sword and grabbed John Red, slinging him up over her shoulders. She didnt know if a lone Carrggitte could survive without its two triplicate siblings but she wasnt going to take this chance. She would get him out of harms way and save him, if it was the last thing she did.
As she ran, tears ran down her face though she hardly noticed. Another fallen comrade for this damn war.
*****************************
Up above them, Engine Joe soared by, with Space Ranger and Blacula behind him, sweeping down with their might to shatter cohorts of enemy combatants. Lolita was thankful, but it did not lift her spirits. She could feel the tide had changed; they were losing.
By now, large piles of the dead had become strategic blockages and hiding places. They were covered with debris and ashfrom fires that were always somehow burning in war, though one could hardly ever figure out why. Lolita ducked behind one of these with Zhiya, as the two tried to lure their pursuera large ogreinto a makeshift trap. Hes six paces behind us, said Zhiya using her sense of smell, since the noise all around her effectively dismantled her super-hearing.
Six paces, five meters per stride said Lolita, figuring out exactly when hed be turning the corner and suddenly he was there. But they were ready for him, and well placed blasts to his knees and elbows eliminated the ogres ability to pose any threat at all.
Whats next? said Zhiya with a grim smile, as the two of them considered their next opponent.
Pick anyone, said a voice as suddenly the Earth-4 Outdoor Miner came into view. He used his teleporting powers to open a gate and appeared before them. Id be glad to dump you ladies somewhere where you take out some of these fascists
And suddenly he was cut off.
A dagger, hurled by a charging barbarian undead warrior pierced Outdoor Miners throat, and he fell forward, his blood spraying all over the two women. He tried to speak, as Lolita tried to hold up his bug self, but all that came out was a terrifying gurgling sound. M-Miner said Lolita, forgetting for a moment this was the Outdoor Miner from Earth-4, and thinking it was her own. N-No no, dont she said.
Zhiya stood up, knowing the danger. Lolita, you must focus. The attacker is coming, she said, getting herself into prime defense position.
But Lolita stared at Outdoor Miner, who was dying in front of her. He had mere moments left. Its hopeless, Zhiya she said. All were doing is buying time were all going to die here
From: Right by Cobie's Side | Registered: Jul 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
Timberwolf hit the ground hard. He hit hard enough to knock the wind out of him. He didnt stop moving though; he would get his wind back soon. He always remembered what his father had told him when he was just a cub. The trick is to not panic. To trust that your body will adjust and to keep moving. Itll eventually catch up to the rest of you.
He grabbed the ghoul that had taken him down and twisted the arm right off. This gave him the chance to flip the now unbalanced creature off of him. He rolled and put his fist through the side of the ghouls head. The thing convulsed twice and then stopped moving.
Another ghoul coming up behind him exploded in a flash of light. He grinned, that would be the love of his life Kalla Hykros. He had met her by chance several months ago during a fiasco that almost tore the LMB in two. So much had changed for him since then.
After they had landed on this forsaken planet, Kalla and he led close to a thousand Hyrkosians intot he thick of the monsters that awaited them. Lon was impressed by the determination that the Hyrkosians were showing in this battle. They didnt move one step cbackwards unless they were thrown by an enemy, and then that just made them try to advance that much harder. Anything for Kalla, their leader.
Lon bounced onto his feet and ran towards a group of ghouls that had a dozen Hyrkosians trapped by the landscape and some giant creature that had been knocked out of the sky. When he got close enough, he jumped into the air and forced a change in himself. He morphed himself into Furball. A form that could withstand damage better than his human form, but oit also left him a little lacking in the strategy department.
Furball grabbed two of the ghouls as he hit the ground. He pivoted and threw the one in his right hand back towards the other ghouls and twisted the neck of the one in his left hand. He changed back to his human form and tossed a few weapons to the five Hyrkosian soldiers that were still alive.
They cried a war cry and charged the remaining ghouls fighting with every ounce of strength they had left. Lon helped them dispatch the remaining ghouls. The five thanked him, said a word for their fallen brethren and ran off towards another group of monsters headed their way.
Lon looked around and climbed up the rocky terrain so he could get a better vantage of the battle. Kalla landed next to him as he reached the top. She blasted ghoul after hellish creature as they looked around. Lon had pulled a gun from his holster and was shooting creatures when he had a clear shot. Between them, no creature got close enough to do either any harm.
Not that I mind, but this is going from bad to worse every second, Kalla said as she blasted a flying creature over Lons left shoulder.
Lon fired three shots to his right and chuckled. If they dont do something soon, were not going to make out of here. Im good, youre good, but were not even that good.
They glanced around and saw another group of Hyrkosians get overwhelmed by the sheer number of creatures coming from seemingly everywhere. Lon knew this was tearing at Kalla, these were her people and they were dying in massive numbers.
Lon. Your arm, she said as she illuminated his right shoulder. He had been bitten by something. Something big that had taken a good tear out of his upped arm.
Itll heal soon enough, he said.
She flew up a few feet above his head and twirled around, cutting down everything within 50 yards of where they were. Several groups of her soldiers fell back into the clearing and started forming a circle of protection around them.
She landed and could see that Lon was sweating. That wouldnt have bothered her , except his right arm was hanging just a little too much. He was hurting worse than he would show.
This is going to hurt Fuzzy, she said as she lifted her hand to his right arm.
He looked at her and nodded. Cant hurt much worse than it already does
She touched his arm and her power came to life in her hand, burning flesh and infection out.
gggnnnnnn thats good.
She looked at him, and he saw why he loved her so much in that moment. She was concerned for him, concerned for her people, acceptance that they would probably die here unless a miracle happened, and through it all, her love for him overwhelmed every other emotion that tried to work its way to her consciousness.
Thanks darling, Lon said and gave her a quick kiss on the forehead. I feel better already. Now that the infection is gone, my body is healing itself much easier.
We have a lot more of these things to destroy before we can take our final rest, she said.
He smiled at her and then looked around. Lets try heading for that group over there, he said motioning to their right. There was a large group of their alliance fighting, and they had been cut off for a while now. They needed to get to a larger group if any of them were going to survive.
Kalla nodded. Hyrkosians! To your right is where we are heading.
They all looked up at her and cheered. They started a push towards the direction Kalla had flown to try and blast some kind of path for them. Lon took point and led them screaming into the hordes that stood before them and their allies.
From: Doing the things that need to be done | Registered: Sep 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
The plan had sounded so good - establish a home base, then fan out and advance towards the castle. They just hadn't been able to anticipate not only the sheer strength and numebrs of the enemy, but the fact that ghouls were coming from everywhere - they sky, under the ground, and some were even teleporting in!
All around the battlefield, the Allies' leaders were realizing the same thing. They had the enemy's attention; now they needed to survive.
Invisible Brainiac and Blaze had lost track of their friends, and IB was cursing himself for that. If anything happened to any of them...
"Power Boy!" IB called, rushing to the shining form of his comrade. "We need to fall back! I'm heading to the ships!"
"I agree," Power Boy said as he effortlessly cleaved a ghoul in two. "I'll follow. I trust your judgment. Here, take him," he said. He held up the feebly stirring form of Salad-Tosser Lad. "Hey guys..." STL whispered, as Power Boy rushed off to blast through another set of ghouls.
"Hey, hang on, pal. All the gay Allies will kill us if we let anything happen to you," IB whispered encouragingly.
"Wait, what's that?" Blaze said. A few meters away, a bright light had erupted.
"Looks like Reflekto, and possibly Kinetix too," IB said. "Let's go grab them and hurry."
They took off, Blaze blasting a path through the ghouls in the way.
*************************************************
"Brother, we're barely holding our own! We have to do something!" Rockhopper Lass cried as she impaled a dragon on an ice spear.
"You are right, Adelie. We must fall back," Rockhopper Lad said calmly. Inside, he was reeling. So many had already fallen, though he would not blame himself now. He had to remain strong. "Quickly, everyone. Back to the ships!"
The Rockhopper siblings formed an ice wall to halt the oncoming horde as Abin Quank and Harbinger quickly gathered the injured.
A bruised Kid Marvel turned to his leader. "Rocky, I'm amazed. Your feathers are singed, and things have been trying to kill and eat you for hours. Yet you still haven't cussed!"
*************************************************
Invisible Brainiac and Kinetix floated over the battlefield. Around them, Angdar Fel and Blaze were protecting their lovers, clobbering ghouls who tried to attack.
"Okay, so we have to wall off our beachhead. Trouble is, where do we start?" Kinetix asked.
"Yeah, the enemy's swarming everywhere... But I have an idea." He telepathically reached out to Saturn Girl and asked her to send over DrakeB3004, Rouge, Abin Quank, Harbinger, Infra-Red Lass, Space Ranger and other energy casters available. Several other LMBers including Reflekto, Kairos, Polar Boy, Tromium and Blockade Boy were asked to stand by.
The group quickly agreed on a plan. "Ready?" IB asked. "NOW!"
The energy casters fired all at once at a spot IB had picked. Their multi-colored beams incinerated a group of ghouls who were advancing on the ships, then dug a trench in the ground. As the trench was dug, Polar Boy sprang forward to ice up the trench's edge, forming a protective wall around the "camp".
As the energy beams traced the trench around, another LMBer would step forward to seal the area; Tromium created a crystal wall; Reflekto stretched her forcefield to fill another gap; Mattropolis compressed some boulders into a dense diamond shield; Blockade Boy formed a solid wall; Kinetix telekinetically lifted some debris.
"Finally," Blaze said as he admired their handiwork. "Looks like we can get some rest," he added, pointing to the cheering soldiers below.
"Don't rest on your laurels yet. Look!" Angdar yelled, pointing at the ground. Rocky arms were reaching out, grabbing Allies left and right.
At the same time, a horde of flying ghouls began to descend, led by the biggest roc IB had ever seen.
IB cussed as he blew the bird's head off. "Fan out! Fan out, we can't let them get to the ships!"
posted
Gear moved forward again, trying to get to the Science Police Officer that had just been cut off from them. He blasted things he couldnt identify, and kept the forward momentum going. He needed another few seconds.
He reached the Officer a second too late. He was hit with a spray of blood as he finally got to him. Grife! He said as he fell back against the horde that now had him next in their sights.
He blasted creature after creature until he found his way back to the group he had allied himself with. At least at this point anyway. He had started out with an entirely different group that had been scattered after being hit by a large group of flying creatures. They had all scattered when the things attacked, and he had not seen most of them since. For all he knew, they were dead; of course they probably thought the same about him and the few that moved with him as well.
Science Police Officer Gig Cusimano greeted him when he backed into the group. You did the best you could Gear.
Jon my name is Jon, but I think I need to change it, as I already exist here in this universe.
She smiled a little. Youre worried about that at a time like this?
He glanced over at her. Not worried about it, just thinking ahead.
Youre thinking were getting out of this alive?
Trying to stay positive, he said as he blasted into a group of four legged beasts that had probably been extinct for centuries.
She turned to say something as another wave of ghouls crashed into them from their left. Gear turned and started blasting the creatures off of anyone he could as fast as he could.
Gigi flipped the ghoul off of herself and blasted it in the head.
Nice shooting, Gear said.
Thank she started to sat as she was hit by something that sent her flying.
Gear turned and grabbed the horned creature. It twisted and threw him to the ground. He threw his left arm up to block the beast as it lunged at him. Its jaws clamped down on his metallic arm, and he could see that it was starting to buckle in places.
He looked around frantically for a weapon he could use. As he did, he saw Gigi laying unmoving some 30 feet away.
No, he said softly, not again not her again.
He finally grabbed a blaster from a fallen Science Police Officer that had landed next to him.
The beast finally had bitten through his left arm and tore it off at the elbow. It tossed the remnant away and turned back to his prey to begin the feast.
It roared as it opened its mouth to attack and Gear shoved the blaster into its mouth and fired repeatedly until the thing collapsed. As it did he pushed with everything he had to not let it fall on top of him.
He scrambled to get up and blasted another creature as he gained his footing. He saw several Officers fighting and headed the other way, towards where Gigi was laying.
As he got closer, he was tackled from the left and hit the ground again. He grabbed the thing by the throat, but was at a loss without his left arm. He had also used up or given away the rest of his weapons anyway. All he could do was hold the beasts jaws at bay and hope that someone saw him before the thing ripped through his body armor.
The jaws inched closer and closer. He could feel the breath that emitted from the beasts maw.
The thing was dripping saliva onto his face and he shut his eyes, preparing for the inevitable.
He heard a blaster go off and felt the beast collapse to his left.
He looked over to his right and saw Gigi straining to hold her blaster up. He moved to her as fast as he could and took the weapon from her.
He swiveled around and shot the three ghouls charging them and then the gun was out of energy.
His left arm was gone, and his left leg was broken. It was also robotic and could be fixed, but not here right now.
Gigi collapsed again and he gently rolled her over. Her right side was a mess, but it was not a fatal wound. Her face was bloodied as well from a gash going down the left side of her face, starting above the eye and going around it down to almost her upper lip. He worked as best he could to stop the blood loss and wrap her midsection with the fabric from a downed officer lying nearby.
She opened her eyes again. She realized her side was wrapped and that he had moved them to a small crevice in the landscape. There was only one way in, and he had moved a dead creature so it was blocking the majority of the opening.
Lost you fight? she said weakly, but with a smile.
Not really, just the ability to. Besides, someone has to watch over you.
She laughed once and grimaced in pain.
I know, he said, dont make you laugh.
That would be a good thing.
There was a small light coming from a lantern he had set up. It was dim, as to not attract attention, but bright enough that they were not completely in the dark.
Did any of the others
He shook his head. I saw the last one go down after you saved my life. There was nobody else near enough to see, so I got us in here and sealed it the best I could. I just hope the carcass out there is enough to mask our scents.
You did good Jon.
He looked down at her and tried to speak, but nothing would come out. He realized a small tear was rolling down his right cheek.
She reached her hand up and wiped it away. Whats the matter?
He looked at her and sighed. I guess you would have found out eventually anyway. Just didnt think it would be
Find out what? Whats wrong?
Gear shut his one good eye for a minute and took a breath and began, Ill start here, a little while ago. When you were down and I couldnt tell what had happened if you were alive or dead, it brought back a flood of memories.
I know you said you lost a lot of friends over the years where you were.
Yes, but this was about one specific person.
Gigi looked at him, and a realization was setting in.
I met her when I was around 19 or 20, I cant really remember. She had been fighting for years at that point and had the scars to prove it. She was around 20 years my senior, but we hit it off immediately. It was the first and only time I had ever felt that way about anyone. I didnt come by friends easy, let alone someone I was actually interested in.
Gigi pushed herself up against the wall opposite him, which was not very far away, and leaned back so she could look him in the face as he told his story.
Anyway, we fell in love. It was something that I dont think any of my friends understood, but it was real. We had a little over 8 months together before
You dont have to
Yes. I do, I owe it to her.
They heard a commotion outside the crevice and were quiet until the beast wandered off.
There was a mission that I was supposed to go on with her. She was piloting the chip, and there was a strike team assembled. I was supposed to lead the team, but other duties arose and my expertise was needed in the lab. I never saw her again. The ship was shot down a few minutes after takeoff after they left the safe zone we had established.
Im so sorry Jon.
Jon was fiddling with his leg while he talked and seemed to have it almost repaired.
I swore I would never love again and all that. Truth be told I havd never found anyone that compared to her. She had been in the military, and had gone through a tough time of it. She had taken the blame for something that wasnt her fault, but a Commanding Officer pinned her for a disaster that killed 5 of her fellow Officers. Her career had never fully recovered of course all hell broke loose soon after, so she never had the chance. She joined the underground almost immediately.
Gigis eyes were getting wider. Jon
She was a good Officer. One that had been fast tracked because of her performance.
Jon. What was her name?
I never thought that I would run into her here
Jon.
Im sorry Gigi, he said and he pulled his Omnicom out of his belt pouch. He handed it to her. Im so sorry. I should have been more upfront with
She hit the application for pictures. And hit a name. A holo of the woman Jon Em, Gear, had loved appeared. Aside from the scar going down the left side of the womans face, and the subtle wrinkles that came with living a life in wartime, it was as if she was looking in the mirror.
You seemed like you had no idea who I was when you met me, she said looking at him through her other selfs face.
Part of it was shock of seeing you again for the first time. Part of it was I had not known her until she was a bit older than you are now. You look just like her, but I had to be sure. Then you started talking about your universes Dev Em, and that you had known him and I just needed to hear that. Needed to know something about him.
You could have told me.
I was going to. Then we were marching off to war. Then I thought you were taken away from me again.
But we I mean I
I dont mean I mean that I had just found you here completely by accident, and I was thrilled to know that part of her lived on somehow. Its the same as finding out that Dev Em had died before I could meet him. I mean, I wouldnt think that you would be the exact same as her. I was just content to know that you were here. Alive. Thats all.
She continued to look at him as she shut off the Omnicom. Did you think that when you et me that I would
He shut his eye. Actually no. Like I said, It was a different time and place. A different you. An older you that had been through different things. I
He was stopped in mid sentence by the feel of her pulling him into her for a kiss.
Gigi, I
You think way too much old man, she said with a laugh.
Im not that much older, he said smiling, and I also have my leg working again. We can get out of here and head back to the ships.
Im not sure I can make it that far.
I need you to man the guns. he said and handed her two blasters. He had also cobbled together enough of a functional left arm to be able to carry her. wont be able to fight much getting you back. You up for this?
I think I am, she said with a smile, and you owe me a really nice dinner when we get back to reality.
He moved the beast from the front of their cover and picked her up.
They looked over the battlefield and were amazed at how horrific a sight it was. They had expected it to be bad, but this was something from a nightmare.
He scanned the area real quick and they found a few more cartridges for the weapons.
All right then lets see if we can make it back to the ships, Gear said as they began moving.
[ September 26, 2012, 09:23 PM: Message edited by: Dev - Em ]
From: Turn around... | Registered: Jul 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
HEY BABE! bellowed SharkLad as he leapt from the cavern below. I LEARNED A NEW TRICK!
SharkLads joy was brief, however, as the ground gave way beneath his feet, sending him reeling once again into the cavern below. He landed with a mighty crash that caused the cavern to be filled in from above.
I GUESS BEING 100 FEET TALL ISNT ALL ITS CRACKED UP TO BE.
SharkLad struggled to move more than a few feet.
INYUK CHUK! he cried, shrinking back to his normal height. The rocks above him held their place, creating a smaller cavern than before but one that was still connected to the smaller caverns he had blasted the ghouls into.
SharkLad got himself to his feet. He staggered a bit. It still reeked of ghoul-fueled vomit.
Phew! Man, that stinks. Maybe I should just stick to shooting teeth. Now, where do these other caverns lead?
SharkLad squinted in the darkness. The caverns seemed to stretch out in all directions, including that of the castle. SharkLad grinned.
Doesnt matter if its victory from above or below, I guess.
SharkLad pulled out his communicator.
Lolita, its Bruce, over.
But, there was no response.
Lolita! Come in. Lolita.
Still, no response.
Sprock, this thing must have gotten fried when I fell. I guess Im on my own down here.
SharkLad entered a cavern that led in the direction of the castle. He passed several ghouls, impaled into the sides of the cavern.
Death by vomit. What a way to go.
After about five minutes, he heard a familiar, comforting sound the rustling of water.
Alright!
SharkLad hurried towards the sound of water, eventually entering a larger cavern with a raging, underground river.
Now were talking.
SharkLad dove into the river. It had been too long since he had felt the sensation of being submerged underwater. He took a moment to relish the feeling before finally kicking his powerful legs in the direction of the castle.
Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water...
-------------------- Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water...
From: The waters off eastern Long Island | Registered: Jul 2003
| IP: Logged |
It must be this Dark Realm. Power Boy had never bled before.
He lay on the ground as his life ebbed away. In the grey dust of the Dark Realm he had a dim perspective of his surroundings. His heart beat louder than the chaos around him.
A handful of New Gods remained with Power Boy after Webers World. He had sent most home, most were scholars unused to battle or the physics of this dimension. Many he did not trust, he believed them to be infested with spies and allies of the Dark Lord.
GAAAAHHH! Another New God fell, swarmed by ghouls, they punctured him with swords and spears simultaneously.
Only two New Gods remained alive, they attempted to shield Power Boys fallen body but it was chaos.
One was a tall man with a look similar to Asians of Earth. His long straight black hair swung as he barely held off the scores of enemies around them. Black Lightning spun from his hands in rapid succession. Xin was his name.
The other remaining New God, Helio, blurred as he parried the thrusts of a large inky giant. He was shorter than the other but blonde, and used a combination of teleportation, speed, and intangibility to deadly effect. Neither of the New Gods would be fast enough to hold off the mob of enemies surrounding them.
Moments ago, as the retreat was sounded, the New Gods and Power Boy covered the rear. They were overwhelmed as they ran. The pursuing army overran them, separating and scattering them.
A small group of Lard knights fought fiercely nearby. Power Boy laid there, he heard the sounds of Science Police blasters.
Lolita was knocked to the ground as she ran. Her blaster fell out of her hand, she reached for it in the melee. She stood, winded, and looked at the disaster before her.
She saw 9 giants of night. 3 storeys tall, they all wore sickly yellow crowns. Their forms wavered and resisted her vision. She saw them close almost instantly on Power Boy who defended the LMBs retreat. One shadow giant gored Power Boy with a large Trident.
It was an efficient and matter of fact gesture.
Power Boy fell, first to his knees, clutching his belly, then over on his side and he rolled onto his back. His virgin blood adding bright colour to the grey dirt.
Lolita's heart broke.
Xin and Helio fought furiously around him. Three Giants of Night and a mob of ghouls harried them, the rest moved to kill the retreating LMB.
Rockhopper Lad and his sister were on their winged horses, leading the UP forces to the ships. Some of their allies were terrified. The scattered members of the LMBP were professional and stoic even in this midnight hour.
The hills of this wasteland obscured their vision as they moved towards the fleet of ships. Rockhoppers horse rounded a corner into a clearing. He could see the ships in the distance on the vast plain.
Then, the ghouls were upon them pulling him off his horse. The horse fell roughly pinning Rockhoppers leg underneath.
His sister moved in quickly, her horse kicking the ghouls away.
Invisible Brainiac saw Rockhopper Lad go down. He fired energy bolts but he paused and gasped as he came into the clearing.
They were cut off from the ships. In between the fleet and the LMB forces, was an army of ghouls, monsters, and beasts.
I.B. took a moment to stare, they were trapped, the dark army behind them and in front of them. There was no way to get everyone to the ships.
Reflecto fought hard. The dark army swarmed them. Why werent the LMB forces moving forward? The LMB was getting scattered, fragmented. Only NamLor stayed close to her, like a protective big brother.
She had to assume the worst. We are trapped. Weve lost already.
Then something changed in her and she glowed brightly. She was angry.
RAHHHHRRRR!!!!
She fought with vigour, instinctively, and time stopped, she thought of nothing, nothing at all. Her will to live filled her.
Hruns warship fell from the sky, it crashed with a great shuddering boom. It thrashed as it fell and bounced across the dusty surface of this wasted planet in this grey dimension.
To Power Boy, it seemed like a whisper very far away.
He lay there as the world moved on around him. He would die. He asked himself an immortal could die? The thought amused him. He did everything he needed to do, saved Webers World, brought the New Gods to heel, rescued his friends, bought time for Cobalt Kid and Lard Lad .
He licked his lips at that last thought. Delirious, his mind focused, No, Im not yet finished. They need more time. They have not won yet.
He groaned rolling over on his side. Out of his blurred vision he saw a glimmer, a bright light in the distance. A woman not much more than a girl, one of the new members, a Reflecto? She was glowing with light. He saw the look in her eyes. She fought. She fought not to buy time, not to win, she fought to live.
She fought to live.
Xin and Helio, the New Gods in their bright armour fought furiously against the giants of night. They were shocked when one was split from head to crotch from behind by an energy beam. The giant body parted and fell apart. Behind, stood Power Boy, eyes glowing with energy.
He picked up the fallen giant's trident, faced the other two giants with this enormous weapon, and swung it in a vicious wide arc. The thunderous force knocked them and many of the surrounding ghouls away. Enemies flew and scattered, ghoul forces flying all around them like dominoes.
Power Boy stood, proud, triumphant, and calm.
They need more time Power Boy said quietly to his loyal New Gods.
He turned and faced the huge castle of evil in the distance, the bastion of the Dark Lord, blood soaking his side.
He spat. Rally.
His voice boomed with a gutterall passion like the cry of a wild animal.
RALLY!!!!!
Hrun chopped his way through the Dark Army. He heard Power Boys voice in the distance. His surviving barbarians swirled around him. They hacked as they moved, rotating so they always had their backs to each other.
Finally, they reached Power Boy. They were covered with gore and looked like a pack of death itself.
Hruns face was dark with blood except for his wide grin, which showed his bright white teeth. HAHAHAHAHA! He laughed as his bare chest expanded as he swung his arms wide to smash away two burly trolls.
Did you have a nice nap? He teased Power Boy. Not all of us have been sitting in a comfy chair, your highness. Power Boy retorted with a sly grin. Power Boy had matured very much over the course of the war against the Dark Oval, becoming serious, but with Hrun, the old adventure seeker in him came back.
Hrun spoke softly as the Dark Oval forces around them pulled back at the fierceness of the incoming barbarians. We are in it now, arent we my friend. It was clear Hrun expected this to be his last glorious battle.
Hrun held out his fist, and Power Boy gripped the fist in his hand and nodded toward the Dark Lords castle. We take THAT now. Hrun looked at Power Boy, and trusted him.
RALLY AROUND POWER BOY!!! Hrun bellowed with his powerful voice.
It could be heard all over the battlefield.
NamLor grabbed Reflecto in his huge hands. We go now. They flew to Power Boys growing group of warriors. They fought back to back, in a circle, surrounded on all sides by enemies: ghouls, giants, snakes, trolls, ogres, lizard men, and insect women. The huge dark mass around them writhed like ants on an anthill. But, the growing circle of Hruns barbarians, LMB members, UP military, and other allies gave and gave at their enemies. They repelled wave after wave of the Dark Oval and their fierceness grew with each new heroic arrival.
NamLors huge physique deposited Reflecto right next to Power Boy as the young god swung the giant trident, slicing through several Dark Oval creatures.
What the hell was NamLor doing here? Power Boy thought in the din of the battle.
And where the BLOODY hell IS Shark Lad.
Invisible Brainiac was nothing short of amazing. He hurled light blast after light blast in quick succession and continuously. Many members of the LMB, and the UP owed their lives to him. He covered a large group as they joined Power Boys circle.
Lolita hopped over a Dark Oval soldier. She had blasters in both her hands, firing in every direction. Power Boy was up. He was up.
The fellowship survives.
Kalla Hykros and Lon burned and slaughtered their way to Power Boys group. Kalla was on fire! They were a force of nature. Kalla waved her hands and her opponents tumbled and burned. Lon crippled opponents with mechanical efficiency.
Rockhopper Lad brewed a blizzard. It swept the enemy forces away like a tide. It would be a brief respite but, he flew to Power Boy on his winged horse, followed by the majority of the surviving UP and LMB forces.
His horse stepped up to the fierce Power Boy, who stood messily with his enormous trident in hand.
Ameratsu the golden robot stood at his side with scimitars in each hand. Juj the Durlan stood at his right.
Boy Power Rockhopper Lad said formally, and then nodded as only a penguin can. Its your show.
Power Boy turned to face the castle. He hoisted the trident and hurled it with incredible strength and force.
It flew at the speed of sound, breaking the sky with BOOM after BOOM until It burst into the main gate of the castle, SHATTERING and splintering the gate with a KRAKAKOOM!!!!.
Power Boy spoke to the close-knit crowd.
The Dark Lord may kill us. Power Boy said. But it has to hurt. He said forcefully.
IT HAS TO HURT! LET HIM SUFFER, AND FOREVER RUE THE DAY HE THOUGHT TO CONQUER FREE PEOPLE!!!!
. . .
Hrun was first to savagely raise his axe towards the castle and roar. Massive arms and weapon raised high. Soon the assembled remaining forces of the LMB and UP roared as one like savage beasts.
Then they sprinted for the castle. Many died before they reached it. Many took wounds and did not feel them.
Soon the small rabid force was at the gates of the Dark Lord.
It has to hurt. Power Boy snarled. Let our death be a wound he can never heal.
[ September 29, 2012, 06:42 PM: Message edited by: Power Boy ]
From: Ninja Land | Registered: Nov 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
"Foolish, foolish boys!" Chione scolded as Cobalt flew back up topside to find Lardy and her perfectly safe and sound. "I told you that my son couldn't harm me. If you'd simply stayed by my side, you'd have been fine!"
Cobalt felt a burst of shame as he touched down for a landing. He glanced at Lardy, who was nursing a black eye one of the golems had given him with a lucky shot, and saw that he looked embarrassed as well.
Then, Lardy got a good look at his friend. "Shit, Des--your head!"
Cobie wiped some blood off his scalp and lied, "it was just a scratch." He smiled and added more truthfully, "my healing factor's got this one." He walked up to Lardy and laid a hand on his swollen eye. "Quite a shiner, there, Lardy." Then, his hand glowed. "I'm pretty sure you could use both eyes open against Pornis."
A moment later, Lardy's eye looked as good as new.
Chione smiled. "I love how you boys look out for each other. Such a pair of fine young men!"
Both couldn't help but smile and blush a little. Neither was used to being doted on and fussed over. It was a feeling they would both like to have more often.
Lardy shook his head after a moment, and his face grew serious. "Grandma," he began, "neither of us is a paragon of virtue."
His eyes met Cobie's, and Cobie added, "we've both done some really terrible things, Chione."
Chione smiled gently. "I know you have, dear boys." She laid both her hands on their chests where their hearts were. "But in there, you've both always had a purity that you just had to find your way to. If you survive all of this, you will have reached a tipping point. You will find your path in life and not be plagued by doubt and fear and darkness as you have been up 'til now."
"Are...are you a seer?" Cobie asked, voice trembling slightly.
With that gentle smile never waivering, Chione replied, "no, sweet boy. I am a mother...and a grandmother--never underestimate our power!"
All three shared a chuckle filled with warmth. If it should have seemed strange to share such a moment under such dire consequences, it didn't occur to them.
Suddenly, Lardy pointed out, "why is it so quiet? A coupla minutes ago, it's golems everywhere...and now...nothing?"
Chione grew quiet and reached out with her senses. "My son is weakened...for the moment."
"Why?" Cobalt pressed her.
She looked at them and smiled widely. "It's your friends!"
"Our friends?" Lardy repeated. "Which ones? Are they in here?"
"No, not in here," she replied and pointed to either side. "Out there. Outside, in this realm my son poisoned from me. Your Legion and most every ally you ever made. And some you may never have dreamed would ever come to your aid. They fight for you...hundreds of thousands of them! They fight for you and for the future of the universe. They fight with such purity of spirit, many of them giving their very lives."
"Such selflessness and bravery on such a large scale and in the face of such such dire odds hurts Priapus. More specifically, it scares him! And that is something he has never felt before! He is distracted by it, boys."
Lardy and Cobie's flashed with wonderment and then hardened with resolve.
Vocalizing their unspoken sentiment, Chione said, "let's honor them by taking my son out to the woodshed, shall we boys?"
Sticking close to her, they walked briskly down the winding passageway. Their momentum was quickened by the obvious downward trajectory of the path. It felt as if they were literally going down to the heart of hell.
Finally, they reached the edge of an ethereal white force shield that matched the one that had earlier held Chione herself in stasis. This one, however, was much thicker, and the trio could not see beyond it.
"My son is on the other side," Chione said with an air of sadness. "By all rights, he should have broken through by now. But the bravery of your friends has stalled him. This is a very good thing. So confined, he should be easier to...deal with."
"Grandma," Lardy said with great empathy, "are you sure you can do this?"
Her jaw stiffened as she answered, "yes, my sweet boy. For you, and all that is, I must."
"Now," she barked, "the two of you must place your hands on the field. Your combined powers should be able to dissipate it. Once it's down...well, get out of my way."
"Understood," Cobalt agreed, and the two stepped into position and began mingling their energies into the force shield.
Chione stood behind them several feet and held her hands in front of her, monitoring their progress and preparing to release her energies when the moment came.
Cobalt was concentrating on his task when a stray thought entered his mind. What am I forgetting? This is going TOO damned smoothly, isn't it? It was right on the tip of my brain when we got attacked back there. Then, I got hit on the head and-- Suddenly, it hit him like a ton of bricks. Mordra! Where the hell has she been? I'll bet--
thump
The sudden dull noise from behind them startled both men, and they both turned their heads from their work. For his part, Cobalt had a sick feeling he knew what he'd see.
What they saw was Chione slumped to the grown on her back with a pearly white sharp object protruding from her chest. A a widening circle of blood stained her white gown.
Above her stood Mordra, her hands drenched in Chione's blood.
posted
Invisible Brainiac felt chills running down his spine as Power Boy rallied the troops. "We have to go, as soon as we get the wounded secure."
"I'll handle that," Jerry said, stepping up and placing a hand on IB's shoulder. "They need your power. Yours and Blaze's and the rest. Just help me gather the wounded, then leave us."
IB nodded, then led the charge. The few remaining LMBers near the ships joined him. IB, Blaze, Spellbinder, Kinetix and Space Ranger covered their allies as Crusader, Angdar Fel, Omni and Kidflash2fan quickly gathered the wounded in the immediate area into a circle. They moved quickly, both to save lives and also so the enormity of the ravaged battlefield wouldn't hit them.
Although many of them were hardened by years of battle, they still felt a deep sadness at seeing many allies injured or dead. Such was life during war, though. Sometimes who lived and who died was all a matter of luck.
Once gathered, Faraway Lad teleported them to safety within the shields the group had prepared.
Kent Shakespeare, Dr. Gym'll, Nurse Tina and Healex quickly took over with those injured worst, while Gigglebot Girl did her best to comfort the rest. Kairos likewise volunteered to stay behind, her time powers helping many hang on to life.
IB led the others in reinforcing the shields over their gathered ships.
"We'll be okay here," Jerry said. "Everyone else, GO! Go now!"
The remaining dozen or so LMBers flew off to join Power Boy. They formed a blazing squadron in the sky, and any living foes would surely have been intimidated by the sight.
IB and Blaze were the last to leave. Blaze shuddered as he stared at the sight. He gripped IB's shoulder. "I can't believe this. We drank silverale with that girl... and didn't you tell me that guy's the new youngest LMBer? And even Salad-Tosser Lad looks so pale! How could this happen? We're the good guys, right? We always win!"
IB looked Blaze right in the eyes. "Baby... I'm sorry. I hoped to shield you from the worst of it, but things were pretty bad on Weber's World too. It's sad, but this is the reality we face as LMBers. I promise you though... we'll be okay. We won't let anything happen to one another."
Blaze took IB's hand and pulled him close. "Yes, we must make sure of that."
The two shared a kiss and held each other tight. No words passed between them, but no words were needed. The depth of their love had let them survive together this long, after all.
Then they flew to join their comrades. Join them as they stared into the pit of hell. As they descended to the ground, IB yelled, "You did your best, Dark Lord, but we're coming to spit in your face!"
posted
Jerry watched the LMB fight their way towards the ancient dark castle in the distance. He hated seeing them go but, he had a job to do. He stood on the bridge of a United Planets war bird. He felt the vibration as the war bird lifted off. It would be the first of many.
The fleet was pulling out, taking advantage of the LMB and ground forces distraction. Skeleton crews were taking the injured away, there was nothing else to be done here.
Small raptor ships would blast a way clear for the larger war birds and few supply ships to get away. However, the enormous Dark Oval fleet was actually in confusion, they floundered, moving to support the defense of their lords castle.
Kent Shakespere walked up behind Jerry. Well that is that, the fleet is waiting for the coordinates.
Where should we go? Jerry asked Kent as the Dark Oval planet got smaller and smaller as they fled. Where can we take these people that they will be safe? We cant go back to the United Planets. If the LMBP fails, nowhere will be safe. Earth, Durla, Webers World theyll all be consumed. I wish we could save even just a few somehow. What if we lose, what if the LMBP fails??? The Dark Lord will burn every known planet! We will be wiped from existence.
Kent Shaksepere thought for a moment I dont know. He said sadly
He took off his glasses and began to wipe them, there were small spots of blood on them, from countless battlefield surgeries.
He continued, thinking out loud: The only ones who ever evaded the Dark Lord for a sustained amount of time were the New Gods, and they are either dead or have fled away already, beyond the edge of the universe. We have no way to track or follow them.
It was at that moment, Jerry wished for his long lost lover, his shoulder to lean on.
THATS IT and I know just how to get us there!!!
Jerry spun around and teleported away through the time stream, leaving Kent Shakespere behind, shocked and confused. He nearly dropped his glasses.
..
Ancient History
Jerry walked into a large domed room. It had a sacred atmosphere, like a temple or a hospital. There were a few people milling about peacefully.
Jerry walked around searching for someone, until he spied a large figure out on the grass. The sun was hot, it felt nice compared to the artificial cold of the ship he just teleported from. The strange man had his back turned, was wearing loose white clothes, but even from the distance an impressive athletic physique was noticeable beneath the thin material.
My love. Jerry said in a deep voice as he approached.
The man turned around, a smile on his lips for Jerry, His face was hidden by the glare of the sun. His smile broke when he noticed the serious expression on Jerrys face.
The man frowned and Jerry began its bad. We need you. We need you to lead us to safety to the edge of the universe. I would never ask, you know that, if there were any other way.
Recognition dawned on the mans face and he looked scared for a moment and then the giant man said meekly ok.
..
Now The Edge of the Dark Realm
The fleet fled the Dark Realm. They wouldnt go home. They would go beyond the edge of the universe, in hopes of safety, in case the LMB failed, in case the Dark Lord decimated the entire universe. One small seed of humanity would survive.
The war weary ships followed a man who flew through space unaided. He was dressed in red and white. He had a cape that trailed behind him in the ether. His face was covered by a white mask.
He sensed the path to the edge of the universe.
From: Ninja Land | Registered: Nov 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
Lard Lad and Cobalt Kid disengaged from the force shield. Their work was unfinished, so the shield remained intact.
Lardy headed straight for Mordra, barking to Cobie as he went, "SAVE HER!"
Cobie didn't need to be told that and headed straight for Chione, laying his healing hands on her.
Mordra simply stood there cackling as Lardy knocked her to the ground in a bum rush.
Lardy climbed on top of Mordra, put his hands around her neck and screamed, "WHY?!?!" He loosened his grip momentarily on her, so she could answer.
Mordra gasped for air and the sick smile returned. "Idiot! I have always belonged to the Dark Lord! Everything I've ever done has been for Him! I served Him as High Priestess of the Church of the Eternal Void! I served Him in His efforts against you! I served Him as a shade in His unholy realm! I served Him by using a dagger carved from a tooth He kept as a souvenir of His father after dispatching XXXauron in glorious battle! I have slain His mother...the only one who could have prevented His Ascendance!"
Lard Lad was incredulous. "And just what, you inhuman trash, did you think your reward would be from the greatest evil existence has ever seen?"
Mordra smirked, "I don't care! I could be His lover...He could remove me from existence...He could tear me to pieces...it doesn't matter! He is my Dark Lord, and I am his servant!"
Lardy's face turned bright red. "But you were a ghost! How--?"
"When you entered this 'prison', I was able to follow. Once here, the Dark Lord was able to restore me."
"I'll...I'll--!" Lardy's grip began to tighten.
"Go ahead, lover!" Mordra managed, gasping. "Kill me again!"
For a moment it's all he wanted to do. But how far had he come in the last several years? Would he throw all of that away for revenge...again? And he could almost feel his father egging him on from behind the veil.
"NO!" Lardy screamed. "Not again!"
Lardy released his grip and instead pulled out some rope from a pouch and binded her hands and ankles together behind her back. Then, he tied a gag around her mouth, so he wouldn't have to hear her taunts any more.
Mordra looked severely disappointed in her silence.
His knees shaking and hands trembling, Lardy walked over where Cobie was working on Chione and knelt beside them.
Cobie was sweating profusely, but Chione's wound remained open.
Lardy put his hand on his friend's shoulder. Cobie could barely look him in the eyes. "It's not working," he whispered hoarsely and tears started pouring from his eyes.
Lardy squeezed his shoulder, as if to say, it's okay.
Chione's eyes fluttered and she spoke weakly, "didn't...see that coming. My...son is very...resourceful."
"Save your strength, grandma," Lardy said. "You're a goddess. You...you can pull through..."
"No," she said managing a smile, "I can't. Ironic...that a part of the man I loved would...be the death of me."
"Grandma...we can't do this without you."
"Yes, you can...sweet boy. I don't know how.....but I have faith in you...and your brother." She glanced weakly at Cobalt and smiled. "You have...love...on your side....."
Both men embraced Chione as she passed away.
Cobie was shaken. "I should've seen this coming, damnit! Now, how are we--?"
THOOOM!
They were startled out of their grief and self-recriminations by the sound. It came from the other side of the force shield.
The Dark Lord was ready to break free.
Lardy and Cobie looked at each other. Their eyes showed fear that strengthened into resolve. They would fight with everything they had...even if it might not be enough.
THOOOM!
Lardy raised his sword in front of him. Cobalt raised his hands as his energies pulsed through them.
THOOOM!
The whole structure around them shuddered and threaten to buckle with the force.
THOOO--
Lardy and Cobie were startled to see time frozen around them. The deafening sound stopped...rocks were frozen in mid-tumble...Mordra's face was frozen in a glare.
Before either could speculate aloud as to what was happening, an ethereal image appeared. It was of two familiar ladies: Nura Nal and Tempest. Lardy and Cobie reached their hands toward them and realized that the two ladies weren't really there. They were basically live magical holograms of the ladies broadcast between the dimensions.
Lardy looked lovingly at Temp. She held her intangible hand out to him, but her eyes looked full of sorrow.
The ghostly ravishing form of Nura Nal finally stepped forward and spoke. "This, as they say, is the moment of truth," she said.
Nura paused, took a deep breath and looked as if she were an executioner who was loathe to do her duty. "If you have any hope of defeating what's about to break through...a sacrifice will have to be made."
-------------------- "Suck it, depressos!"--M. Lash
From: The Underbelly of Society | Registered: Jul 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
Just when you thought it was safety to go back in the water
SharkLad hurtled through the underground river, a vicious grin forming on his face. In every way, he was in his element, and he could almost taste the blood of the Dark Lord. But, as bloodthirsty as he was, SharkLads thoughts went to Lolita. He hoped she was safe, but, more importantly, he hoped that when the assault on the Dark Lord was finally over that they would have a chance to truly put their love to the test. But, what of Cobalt Kid? Dead or alive, would the legendary hero continue to cast a shadow over their relationship?
SharkLad shook these thoughts from his mind as the river began to quicken, finally reaching a drain. He clutched the bars. This must be a way into the castle. SharkLad pulled at the bars. They wouldnt budge at least not at his current size. SharkLad had hoped for the element of surprise growing to 100 feet would certainly alert the Dark Lords forces. But, what was war without risk?
Inyuk Chuk!
As he grew, SharkLad tore through the drain and surrounding walls metal and brick ripping apart like tissue paper. Once the dust settled, he found himself crouching in the bowels of the castle, unsure just how far below the battlefield he was.
Only one way to find out, SharkLad thought. He reared back, unsheathed his talons, and began to claw his way up, tearing his way though the castle to the battle, to Lolita, and, he hoped, to bloody victory.
-------------------- Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water...
From: The waters off eastern Long Island | Registered: Jul 2003
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