Kiss the Blood from My Hand: Return of the Exiled

As Gambler walked down the center isle of the San Luigi dei Francesi his gaze was immediately drawn to the ceiling and the infamous art work of Domenichino Zampieri's, Histories of Saint Cecilia. The National Roman Church of France located in Italy not from the Piazza Navona seemed like an unlikely destination for the self-proclaimed King of Kings, and yet to the few privileged individuals locked within his inner circle, there was no other place he'd be considering the gravity of what was to come. Taking a somber knee he focused his attention on the towering sculpture of the crucifixion and let his mind wander. Images of Cassidy, the daughter he had stolen and crafted into a killing machine drifted in and out. The psyche shattering defeat and surrender of France to the Mad Titan Darkchild haunted the deepest regions of his sub-conscious. His greatest creation, the Hellfire Club and its immediate rise to prominence was everything he lived for. His wife, his mistresses, his pawns, his weapons, his children, his life, all leading up to the war to end all wars. A war of vengeance, a war of pride, a war predicated upon the need to restore the balance of good and evil. Over the decades many teams had laid claim to the greatest, deservedly or not, but it was not until a fallen hero aligned himself with a legendary madman that the title found a true home. The Paese Di Tenebra had grown into the single most dominated force in the World. Defeating the now disbanded Omega Justice as well as pushing back the infamous Champions of Peace. Establishing a virtual kingdom of the damned birthed in fire and scorched Earth, cultivated by hate and pain. Sitting on the edge of complete control waiting for their final test, a villain who would need to be a hero in order to rescue what was lost so long ago.

Deep beneath the surface of the distinguished Club final preparations were underway. Through secure channels present and former Club members had been called forth along with any invaluable resources at their immediate disposal. Constant communications with the United States President had been lengthy and ongoing. Drafting an official article of war was paramount for appearances. The Hellfire Club's anonymity was a must, their involvement, hidden. Looking around the War Chamber Jean Luc instantly noticed the Wolf Pack member, his ace in the whole, concentrating heavily on the informational packet in front of her. Any and all details pertaining to the Tb-In members were at their disposal, limited as it may be. Further inspection of the room would see endless monitors, touch screen mapping consoles, and holographic imagery projections. State of the art equipment courtesy of some interested investors. Sitting at the head of the table the Living Legend nonchalantly navigated his recently redesigned orbs around his hand and finger tips while receiving an old English lettered tattoo on his neck. His caviler demeanor setting the tone for the rest of the room. Suddenly, Cassidy uncharacteristically stormed out of the meeting making her way back to her chambers. Raising his hand bringing pause to those seeking to attend the distraught Queen of the Black Council, Jean Luc grabbed piece of gauze before assuring the Club, "Continue, I'll see to Cassidy."

Finding his former apprentice in her room dwelling on the last photograph taking of Ethan Starks before his murder, trying valiantly to fight back the tears, he awkwardly sat next to her. The idea of putting his arm around rendered moot as she dove face first into his chest letting go of a lifetime of pain, "None of this matters, none of it will bring him back, none of it will erase what Darkchild did to me.....None of it matters!!!" A look of confusion came over Gambler has he stood up almost angered, "None of it matters?" grabbing her trademark Kukris he unsheathed the elegantly crafted blades allowing their movements to flow fluently with his own. "These matter" pointing towards her stomach he continued, "Those matter. Revenge....matters. I tell you now chere, nothing we've done before matters more, dhen what we are about to do." Grabbing the picture from her hands he briefly looked at the portrait of his one time disciple before handing it back, "Memories will always matter." Closing the door behind him the LeBeau Legacy was startled by the unexpected presence of Whisper. "If you truly cared for her you'd forbid her to go." Without turning to face her he lowered his head, "Tis because I care for her dat I must. Should we survive dis, should we come away victorious I'll need a favor. I want you to alter her memories. Erase her childhood and replace dhem with happy memories of a family dat never existed. Erase Darkchild's cruelty, and once you've done dat, erase me as well."

Back in his own chamber Jean Luc sat in front of his 14century royal white pine vanity mirror before feeling the lotion saturated hands of Emma Grace gliding over his shoulders. Peeling away the gauze on his neck she shook her head while rubbing alcohol on the newly received piece of art. "Careful, wouldnt want it getting infected now would you?" she purred. Dressed in all black Passionata Passio Cherie bra and garters she seductively sat in the assassins lap running her fingers through his winter tinted hair. "Your concern for Cassidy is uncharacteristic" grabbing her wrist Gambler's eyes narrowed, "I told you never to read my mind Emma" removing his grip she leaned in close and whispered, "Darling I didn need to." Smirking, the Diva wrapped her arms and legs around the Cajun as he carried her across the room to the bed he usually shared with his absent wife Sha. Hours later while Emma slept across his chest Jean Luc anxiously awaited the coming morning. The heroes had tried and failed, the World had seemingly turned their back on the once majestic country that was now under the control of the Tb-In. The time for preparation was over. The troops had been gathered, the cards dealt, it was time to play their hands. The game of thrones was about to begin...

He sat silently in the darkness of his obscure malevolent chamber. The Tenebraque Lust Missionary, rested on the floor dementedly, his flesh crazed katana embedded in the decrepit cobblestone flooring slanted. His right hand was clutched around his beloved sword tightly, as he thick long black hair shadowed the true image of his bestial being. The light contrast of his cadaverous white skin was overpowered by the nigritude of the deathly chamber.

The Catalyst knew nothing of morale value; He desired to please himself in whatever way possible, disregarding any circumstances that were at hand. The Villain was apathetic towards human emotion and logic, Raven lived off his own ambitions, no one else’s. This attracted the world renowned villain “Darkchild” to absorbing him into the high ranks of the infamous Tenebrasque. Lust the Catalyst’s sin, so he represented it to the maximum extent, and that what Darkchild wanted within his legion.

He rose from his maniacal state slowly, eliminating the silence with the cracks of his tense joints. Raven Snapped his fingers loudly, trailed with fading echo, the torches of the chamber lit suddenly revealing the tragedy behind the darkness. The Murderous Proem’s chest was sprinkled with blood; the pungency of severed flesh was potent within the chamber. Crimson liquids painted the walls of the hollow horrifically, morsels of minced limbs, lay across the vermillion cobblestone.

The Shun Kai Son simply grimed at the reaping he produced, as he pushed his long black hair back. Blood trickled down his forehead to his lips, he whipped his thumb slowly across his mouth and scanned his epic massacre. He chuckle grew deeper as he honed into every possible body part that lay on the floor. The Lust Soul of the Tenebrasque locked gave with his victim’s detached head, he walked towards it cockily and lifted it fro   the floor.

He observed the very last expression the young toddler made as he smiled at his art of sin” I wonder how Xavier is going to react once he finds out your gone?haHAHAHA!!” he discarded the head to the side, and proceeded towards the exit of his office, he seeked business with his brother Darkchild. 

Family Meeting

Friendly Talks

Up Above in a World so High

• Does Queen Hera have plans?
• Good News: The Zeraz family is no longer in debt
• Even Better News: Clara Mass has annhilated parts of France
• Regular News: The Hellfire Club and Tenebrasque In are now at war!
• Bad News: One redhead is now in grave danger......

Beneath the city of Aosta, in a vast and recently constructed cave complex, Winston lay over a bannister, a cigarette lazily hanging from his lips as he overlooked the masses below him. The young man breathed out a haze of smoke before sweeping his mess of hair from his eyes as he gazed over the crowd. Over two hundred soldiers stood at attention below. Several were unarmed but all wore the same black uniform Winston had designed for them, his creations. These were but a portion of his side of his bargain with Gambler, his reason for being a member of the Hellfire Club. Thanks to Gamblers generous donations, his own genius, works and ability to clone himself giving him a nigh endless supply of assistants, Winston had scoured the globe for senior super-powered vigilantes who'd passed their prime, taken their genetic material and infused them into these freshly grown constructs, living breathing killing machines bred solely for this war.  
 
Turning around, Winston perched himself up on the railing and stared at the massive blank screen behind him. Finally, we can get this over and done with. Ugh I've been down here too long, I should be more excited too see these things in action, maybe get my hands a little dirty as well. With that thought Winston noticeably cheered. The screen suddenly switched on, catching Winstons attention before he heard the yell of one of his other duplicates, "We have live with Gambler in 10 seconds!" 
 
Taking his cigarette out from his lips, Winston ashed it on the railing and dropped it over the ledge before getting to his feet and brushing some ash from his lab coat. The familiar face of his white-haired 'boss' appeared onscreen, sitting in his comfortable accommodations elsewhere in the country. "I trust you're more dhen ready by now." 
 
His stern accent caused Winston to falter slightly before a grin spread across his face, "We have Units Alpha through to Epsilon at attention and awaiting your orders in all four primary positions."   Winston's grin turned into an accomplished smirk as his orders came through. 

 Before the War 

It Has Begun

Emma sat arrogantly in the large throne styled chair, high above the other members of the room. Surrounded by the families various advisers, her face remained stone cold. The only seat in the room more grandeur than hers was the one right next to her. Emmett Holland's. They hadn't seen each other in person for months, but now the time was right. She listened intently to her father's speech picking up every detail. They were doing well, everything was according to plan. With a wave of her father's strong hand, their audience departed. Emma stood and turned to face her father, anticipation running through her body. With a small bow of respect, she proceeded to notify the head Holland of her next steps, "Father, the war has come. The HFC and Tb-In will confront soon, and I plan to be on the HFC's front lines." She looked into his eyes for any sign of compassion or fear, but all she got in return was his usual hard emotionless demeanor. With a strong, emotionless voice he gave his response, "Emma, make me proud." With his final words she thought she might have detected a ghost of a smile to paint the corner of his lips. She turned and strode confidently down the long hall, her cape dragging behind her. Her life had prepared her for this war, countless hours of training to become nothing but the human image of perfection. Her heels clacking against the cold wooden floor, a sinister smirk crept along Emma's face. It was her time now.

The sky was partially cloudy today. The wind blew on a constant cycle bringing it's cooling touch to the unbearable heat that usually rested upon the grounds of the Hellfire Club. Sitting in the beautiful rose garden, The Silver King surrounded himself with pleasant things, to ease his mind. A cup of tea waited for him on a brass trimmed glass table, steaming and aromatic. Wafts of the fragrant steam entered Slight's nostrils, filling them with robust earthy floral notes. He took in a deep breath, picked up the stylishly designed porcelain cup, and just before sipping, he exhaled, blowing away the steam that condensed on his upper lip. The taste of the hot liquid swishing around in his mouth, sort of mineraly, a sign that the chef did not use a porcelain or glass pot as he asked for, helped to ease his mind more. The old American styled garden, while serene was mightily overwhelmed with the scent of roses...All of the red and green, made it look like Christmas in July; but it did the job of easement. A sharply dressed waiter wearing a burgundy suit, with black trim, and a silver lapel broach walked up to Slight's solitary table, bringing a note with him.  
 
Nonchalantly, Slight waved him away, and fuddled with the tea cup before putting it down. Letter in hand, The Silver King, felt the heaviness instantly set in. Of course the paper was light, but the words as he read grew in weight with each passing letter. He folded the letter up and tucked it away in his breast pocket within the wrappings of his black cloak, and he stood and removed himself from tranquility. "It was time..." Avery thought as he sauntered easily through the halls of the club. Avoiding the nods and gestures of notice from the underlings spread throughout, he headed directly for Gamblers room. Not to doubt the one that formed this little cluster of sinister minds, but Avery needed serious conformation as to if what he thought was true, was really true. 
 
There was a certain royalty that oozed from just the closed door of the White King's room. Having been at this some time longer than Slight, he trusted Gamblers judgments without much question. Slight agreed with him, most of the time. Where as in this instance, there needed to be council, and Avery would offer it. Knock...Knock... With baited breath, The Silver King awaited an answer. Anxiously, his mind began to wander into thought...War...Finally Darkchild will die...War...there is no war without sacrifice. There is no war without sacrifice...There is no war without sacrifice. That line found itself presented more often than any other...But it didn't feel natural, more implanted like a seed that needed nurturing.  
 
For months now, everyone had been waiting for this moment, and now it had finally come. Flashes of his past began to explode, visuals of his mother and family, Omega Justice's defeat... All of them came at the hands of Darkchild and his followers. Everything the world had thrown at him, the ultimate menace had managed to survive, but now something different was at bat. Utter, deep, hatred for the man, the monster, was being pitched...Slight could only stop himself from drooling too much at the thought of seeing Darkchilds body brought to kneel before his executioners. The Silver King awaited the doors answer. 

Ravek stood on a platform, over looking the hanger bay of the massive fleet carrier that Keresh High Command had sent to aid in the coming fight, Glancing out the shielded ventral hanger bay door Ravek smiled a cold warriors smile beneath the jet black visor of his helmet at the sight. Nearly one hundred Keresh warships silently moved into position above the backwater world known as Earth. The warships combined power was usually spread out across a whole world, used to bombard the enemy into submission before Keresh ground forces made Landfall. For this fight they would focus on only a single country, France, the kingdom of the one called "Darkchild". Ravek stepped out of the sound proof platform onto a walkway and look down. The sound of engines being tested and marching feet was like a symphony to him. The Troopers below made their way to the drop ships that would take them directly into the southern part of France, the Armed Forces of the "United States" and the "United Kingdom" would carry the day in the Northern part of France, giving Ravek two extra waves of troopers, each wave numbering 500,000. He stood silently watching from above as flight crews loaded ordinance aboard nimble fighter and the lumbering bombers. Deeper within the massive Carrier gun crews would be inventorying their ammunition, making sure they would be able to maintain the bombardment as long as need be, supply ships waited nearby, ready to restock any ship running low. 
 
Ravek made his way to a nearby lift and descended to the hanger floor. He walked the hanger floor, inspecting his troops, needless to say he was not at all disappointed at what he saw. The Keresh military was a well oiled killing machine on any given day, today was no different, the men went about their work, occasionally a Trooper would salute and he would politely return it. Ravek walked over to a group of Vanguard Commandos gathered around a screen listening to a Command Sergeant telling them what they would be up against when they landed. The Commandos stood silently listening to the Command Sergeants briefing, this information would be crucial to the success of their mission. After inspecting the ships and soldiers that would be used in the battle Ravek made his way to another lift, pressing a button the lift ascended to the bridge. 
 
Ravek walked out and a call was given "Commander on Deck!" and everything came to a stop, the bridge crew and the marine guards all saluted him, the old Keresh couldn't help but smile beneath his helmet and return the salute. "At ease men..." noticing several women among the bridge crew "... and women..." The female Keresh sailors smiled and dropped their salutes, returning to their duties. Ravek walked over to the Captain, an old friend he'd known for decades. "How soon until we are ready Captain?" The captain looked at his old friend and with faked disgust he replied"Within the hour... Sir..." Ravek chuckled and patted the man on the back "I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times. You don't have to call me Sir" The captain smiled and shook his head "figures our best commander is also the most likely to break the rules" Ravek shakes his fist at his old friend and laughs, He directs his attention towards the large reinforced window, watching the ships outside, occasionally a fighter group would fly by. "Show offs..." The captain muttered, smiling, the Captain like Ravek was also a former member of the Vanguard and their had always been a friendly rivalry between the Commandos and the Keresh Navy's fighter pilots. "Guessing you'll be on the frontlines with the Troopers?" Ravek grinned "You know you'd be there to if you had the choice my friend..." The ships captain smirks "Of course..." Ravek looked down at the Earth. "Not much longer now..." Ravek turned and walked to the lift "Maybe your wife will loosen her grip on your leash and let you have some fun for once" Ravek called over his shoulder, The captain gave his commander a very uncomplimentary hand gesture that shocked several younger members of the bridge crew but they quickly returned to their duties as Ravek began to laugh from the lift. 
 
"Phase I is in motion... as soon as Darkchild and his bunch are out of the way we'll begin Phase II" he said ominously into a comm unit, broadcasting to Keresh high command as the lift descended towards the hanger. 
 
Once the lift came to a stop he crossed the hanger to a waiting transport and took off towards his flagship, The Oppressor. Where his personal squad of Vanguard Commandos along with a group of the elite Keresh Imperial Guardsman waited...

Within moments later her love manipulated the darkness that his very being was compared too and created his war armor. He used his telepathic gifts to ensure everyone to prepare for whats to come:war. Their empire was then attack, a fraction of France destroyed but all remained and held it's glory. "Everyone, the time has come. Prepare for War!" , Selene turned her back as her husband began to walk out, dropping her covers, she then used her magic to wash her body clean and shift into her battle attire, her black skin tight leather outfit added with a cape that at been held by the fur like upper trims near her breast. She followed right behind his footsteps, hearing a scream from the distance, she heard Darkchild's telepathic message being sent to Nerx and Lust, "Dear allow me to take care of this my way." she intercepted as she called forth Aradia. The two witches stood in front of Darkchild and used their magic as he watched, the two witches conjoined hands, palm to palm while uttering their incantations in the same speech pattern, at the same time like gemini twins, "Servo nostrum mens, servo nostrum somes , servo nostrum animus, servo nostrum mens, somes quod animus!" translated as "Protect our mind, protect our body, protect our soul, protect our mind, body and soul!". "There my love, that'll prevent any nasty mind benders from coming in on TI but I recommend not to rely on it, like all shields, when its taken an amount of damage they'll shatter and those will penetrate in." as she said that she began walking down the halls she split from her king as she went to deal with the new prisoner, right behind her was Aradia, magic extradonaire, but of course Selene stood atop of the category.

She saw the female prisoner locked in a psionic helmet, preventing her from using her powers but it also masked her face, "Thats enough boys, place her in the chains." she directed as pointed to the cuffs on the stone walls in the dungeon. "Aradia my dear, the binding spell." she spoke as she removed the helmet from the prisoner's head. Just as she done so, Aradia casted the spell, binding her foe's magic while the two began the interrogation. A surprise expression leaked out of Selene's face, "Well well look who we have here." she said as she savored the moment, "And this is my queen?" Aradia asked, "Why don't you know? It's Clarice Michelle Zeraz." she said enthusiastically as she bent over towards Clara with her hands behind her back. Clara whose face was down, her hair out of place shadowing her expression, "Looks like fate brought us together again." she smiled, a devious one as she reminisce the two's past, while Clara in return looked up and spat in Selene's face. Wiping off the disgusting wh@#re's spit from her face, Selene remained calmed. "Now now don't get your panties in a bunch. Don't you remember me? Huh?" she questioned her prisoner, but not a word came out, "Its okay if you don't dear, that was when I was wearing a different face. Thanks to me, you live, and the last words I whispered to you was a agreement spell." she continued.

Aradia continue to focus on her spell closing her eyes while extending her arms afront of her, "My queen something's wrong... I smell the horrible stench of a god on her!" Aradia panic as a magic feedback from her spell exploded in front of her sending her flying back. "Contessa! You fool, now the prisoner is able to use her gifts!" as Selene turned back to look at Clara. Who broke free from the chains and stood up like a champion, Selene however didn't move but stood still. A tingling sensation entered Selene's thought, Clara was trying to break through and use it, "Take my advice and discontinue your attempt, it'll serve you no good." her face remained still and cold like her body, she began plotting the next move before it can be play, different scenarios different choices and different moves. Clara stop her telepathic attempts but went with the alternatives, using her "magic" she constructed a katana from thin air and dive in the air while facing the blade at the Mistress of the Dark Arts. In that instant Selene froze her "Congelo." the spell froze the mercenary or so she thought, the spell then wore off. Obviously Clara had magic wards on her from such low level spells, Selene instantly moved at super human reflexes, "Miss me." she tease, Clara turned around and attempt to finish her job but no avail. As she wall Selene, her blade on the dark goddess's neck, "Any last words?" Clara asked with a mere smirk , "Just one." Selene smiled confidently, "Specialis unfold , praeparo owe debitum , subeo meus mos , insquequo is terminus, compromise vadum iam exsisto ludio ludius." just as the witch spoke, the first word came and shook Clara, who attempt to over come it but could not, Selene finished the spell, then it was done. 

Aradia awoken seconds later, "My queen are you hurt?!"" she asked while rubbing her bottom, "Better than ever, how about you Clara?" she asked as her eyes glowed pure black she then whispered the plan in her mind to Clara. "Aradia lets rejoice with the others shall we?" Aradia didn't ask to what the secret was but comply and Clara followed behind them, like a enslaved pet against it's will. No dream is worth conquering when you already have it, and Selene had it all.

(Translation for the spell used on Clara: Secrets unfold, arrange the owe debts, submit to my will, until it end, the compromise shall now be played.)

A week before the Invasion:

The big stage of the Hellfire Club faded into the darkness. But then a single spotlight flickered to light. In the middle stood a tall and extremely buff man, shirtless and with very short and tight jeans. He was leaning on a pickaxe. Oh, and obviously he was covered in oil. Quickly other spotlights lit the floor revealing similar men – 6 in total.

The final spotlight unveiled Miranda Frost. Covered with a white vintage corset, underneath a one-piece swimsuit, two leather gun holsters were tightly around her waist, long leather booths and a cowboy hat on her head, covering her eyes – Miranda stood comfortably, one hand on the hip.

Miranda slowly lifted her head, moving her fingers along the rim of the hat. The men walked behind their pickaxes, placed their hands on the shafts while swinging left and right to the music. (Baby / Baby / I'm right where I wanna be / Baby / Baby / Don't let love make a fool of me)

The White Queen flung the hat into the audience. Her hair slowly descended from beneath the hat like an avalanche; moving her head to the left and right the hair moved freely down the sides of her head and over her shoulders. (Aye, I really want it / Aye, I really need it /Oh, my body just wanna lie / Yeah, I can feel it / When you try to feel it / Oh boy it just wanna die)

Slowly the woman stepped forward, with her hands on her hips. At the same time the oiled-up men pushed away the pickaxes. (Who knew that one to the head / And then one more to the heart / Will make me feel alright)

In the same tempo the men started to move towards Miranda. (Oh won’t you come set me free / With me and my misery / And make me feel alright.)

All of a sudden all the lights came on lighting the entire stage, the men rapidly ran towards Miranda; they slid down and around her legs. (Alright, Love Gun! / Oh you shot me baby! / Love Gun! / Oh you got me baby! / Whoohoo!)

The dancer lifted Miranda and held her on their arms, while moving to show Miranda from the side. (Baby / baby / Are you ready for the showdown)Miranda lifted her left leg and moved her hand over it. (Baby / Baby / Oh tonight it's gunna go down)The men seamed to let Miranda go, but actually they caught her and were now holding her in front of them.   (Ain't no use in running / Ain't no use in hiding / I'm wanted dead or alive / If I promise to surrender / Will you love me tender / Or will you let me survive)

The men moved Miranda upright, but kept her off the floor. She was like stuck in a wall made of men. (Who knew that one to the head / And then one more to the heart / Will make me feel alright / Oh won’t you come set me free / With me and my misery / And make me feel alright)

In a flash the men dropped to the floor and formed a circle around Miranda. To the beat of the music they started to thrust their hips into the air (Alright, Love Gun! / Oh you shot me baby! / Love Gun! / Oh you got me baby! / Whoohoo!)

The lights timed and the dancer stopped their moves. At the back of the stage a man with a costume similar to the dancers only with a holster and a hat appeared. (He's a hunter, now I say / Wonder how long he's been watching me) He moved his hand over the prop gun when Miranda spun around and used her prop guns and with a bang the dancer fell down. (Doesn't miss once he takes aim / Cock back the hammer and BANG!)

The dancers got up and took hold of Miranda, moving their hands over her legs and sides. (Love Gun! / Oh you got me baby! / Love Gun! / Oh you got me baby! / Whoohoo!) Quickly the men moved behind her and formed a throne; Miranda slowly took a step back and took the seat. (Love Gun! / Oh you got me baby! / Love Gun! / Oh you got me baby! / Whoohoo!)

The sound faded and the stage disappeared into the darkness it came from.

Miranda and the dancers were backstage. While the men were distracted by each other (Not like that) Miranda quickly left. She didn’t want to spend much time there. It would always end with her having to be the judge for some stupid thing, like who has the best abs? Moving behind the scene, the areas that the normal guests never saw, Miranda reached the elevators and went up to her room.

The White Queen went to open the door but to her surprise it was unlocked. Slowly she pushed the door – opposite the door, sitting in a large white armchair, was Jean Luc LeBeau, The White King aka The King of Kings and Miranda’s friend if not her best friend. During the past couple of weeks he had been undergoing steroid therapy which had caused his body to increase in size.

The room was only lit by a fireplace, leaving a gloomy and omens feel. “Close dee door,” He sounded serious; there was still the ever-present charm, but also something else.   “OK,” Miranda closed the door and started to walk towards him.

“I don’t know if you’ve ever head on the concept of privacy, but…” Before the blond scientist could finish her sentence, the King of Kings raised his hand, silencing Miranda. “You are not going to France.” One sentence and silence took over the room. Only the wood crackling in the fire ignored the seriousness of the situation.

“What?” Miranda said, placing her hand on her hip. “Is this some kind of joke? Did you finally let Emma wrap you around finger? Cause if you did, I will come down on you like the Hammer of god.”

“Dis has nothing to do with her or anyone else. It is between you and me. You, chere, are staying here because you have a bigger purpose – to take over dhe Hellfire Club.”

“The workers can handle the place during the war. I’m the last person who should be looking over staff.”

“Dis is not what I meant. Dis war is not the game of children. People will die. Even I might die. And someone has to take the reins. Dhat is you, Miranda.” Gambler rose from his seat and walked to her, standing over her: “You are dhe White Queen of The Hellfire Club. You have always been dhe one who would take control.”

Miranda just stood there, silently – she didn’t know what to say. “What… what about Angelique and Cassidy?”

“They are not part of dhis decision. It is mine and mine alone.”  

“Even if it is the case, what makes you think I’ll stay here? This war is the endeavor that nearly every member has put their heart and souls into. Including me.”

“Should dhe situation require it, you will be made to stay here.” There was neither joke nor charm in those words. Miranda was going to stay in the club whether she wanted to or not.

Miranda lowered her head and sighed: “Yes, I’ll stay.”

“Good,” Jean walked to the door.

“Don’t trust her.” Miranda said without looking at Gambler. “Keep her away from you when you are in France. She will switch her loyalties in the drop of a hat. If you wish her around you do it somewhere where those who really care about you are close, not in the enemy’s stronghold.”

Jean left without looking back. Miranda didn’t know if he listened to her but at least she got it of her chest. Slowly Miranda stepped to the light switch and turned it on. The room was filled with light and revealed a small box on the table next to the chair where Jean had been seated. The White Queen picked it up. Shaking it beside her ear, she wondered what it could be. Finally she opened it and inside was a key – a golden key.   

Three days before the Invasion:

Miranda walked in front of a large auditorium wearing a white suit and in heels that were too high. But she didn’t care. She strutted behind the podium:

“OK, I don’t why you need to know this but apparently you do. Anyway this is The Darkness Antidote.”  Behind the White Queen a projection of a chemical formula appeared. “Elephant in the room – it’s called an Antidote because I like the word. Anyway I have to answer the stupid questions first. Like how can it destroy the darkness? Answer - it can’t. Think about darkness like UV-rays. Their always there and it can’t be helped." 

Miranda pulled the microphone from the podium and walked in front of it:  "The Antidote takes care of the mutation that the darkness causes. Again like UV-rays cause the pigment of the skin to darken, the darkness turns people into crazy freaks. The Darkness antidote makes the bodies’ own antibodies fight against the mutation. But there was a problem – the destruction of the mutation causes a substance called Caprica-6. Now if the body is not strong enough C-6 will kill them. But wait – there is a solution: when C-6 comes into contact with hCG; yes the hormone that pregnancy test detect; these two substances form adrenaline. Adrenaline helps the subject survive. Did everyone get this? Like I care. So now you know and I don’t care.”

Miranda looked at the listeners, rolled her eyes and then walked away.

It was an early morning and Julius sat awake, at his family's Kyoto estate, musing about the upcoming war. He brooded on death, the future and his destructive youth. Julius always believed he would never die at the hands of another, but himself. No matter the trouble he faced he survived stronger and more enigmatic as before. Sometimes he realized it, other times he realized it too late. He approached every experience as collecting data. The positive was nice, but collecting negative data gave him something to feed on. Something to bend the reality around him, bend the reality of others lives. Bend into something for his benefit.  Julius' acting ability was exploitation to a naive onlooker, but indispensable to Julius. It got him this far.
 
"The material of the suit will not react with the energy you emit when in the other form." Miranda said delicately,  zipping up Julius' cosmic -fiber body suit. He stretched to feel the flexibility of the suit then checked out his backside. Frowning at the suit hugging his muscular rear, "I hope I get used to that.." He narrowed his eyes at the ridiculous view. Miranda smacked his rear, grinning. "It's sexy" Julius harmlessly leered at her and rubbed his stinging bottom . "AH! Ok, suits on. You can go back to sleep now. It's early." Miranda didn't respond back she crossed her arms then her emerald eyes slowly watered. Contempt flickered across Julius' face and he walked to his dresser. He came back holding his 14" gold chain. "Here," he connected the jewelry and let it fall down his lover's chest. "It's yours now." He uttered softly, smirking. The remainder of their limited time together they silently cuddled until he finally departed for France.  
 
He said his goodbyes. To his friends. And to his family.  Now he was a green streak in the night sky pencil diving onto a small island northwest of France. Instead of his body reacting to his velocity, a small crater was made in the sand. Julius stood on both feet as the sand cloud unveiled him drifting west with the wind. "I'm on an island near two hundred miles west from, the wasteland we called France." Julius shared as a tiny transparent green camera was snugged between his ear. He walked towards the shore and pointed across the ocean, "Across the ocean a savage war is about to start. I'm fighting in that war against Darkchild and his followers.  My name is..." Julius' attention was distracted by a shooting star. The star was visible longer than a split second, but he snapped back into concentration. "I'm Mercury and this is the first installment to Project MERCURY , I decided to document my experience.  If something happens to me the footage will be saved and sent to a friend, a scientist..." The shooting star was still sailing across the sky, but it grew bigger and approached Julius. His eyes flashed green and cosmic spheres glowed around his fists, preparing to defend himself from the unexpected attack...

The branches grow ever outward, filling timelines that have lost their way or are about to perish, on their surface green, green grass and moss covered by flowers of all shapes, sizes and colors and from those branches grow more like them. A river held by an invisible force falls from a floating ocean near the top expanse and weaves its way in and out of the branches until finally joining with another ocean. An ocean that spans across the surface of the seed from which this beautiful, reality-spanning tree grows.

A Seed of Life taken from Yggdrasil, the original World Tree, herself, transformed by outside forces into a life-sustaining planet so massive that no single reality could accommodate even the tiniest portion of the Seed-World. And at the heart of the massive ocean that covers the Seed-World and helps keep the ever-growing branches alive is but a single continent covered by a single city. A Megalopolis composed of cities both large and small from timelines now long dead and forgotten. A city…of Lost Aeons and Dead Stars.

At the heart of the city, on the highest floor of the Citadel of Dreams, sits Vercingetorix the Forgotten. The only Male Wood Nymph in Creation, the Gardner of this “Multiverse Tree” and a Master Forger of Mystical Weaponry. Though he had long since evolved beyond the need for a physical body, he had decided long ago to retain the physical appearance of a twenty-five year old Caucasian male with short, pointed ears, emerald green hair with eyes to match that wears a black tuxedo with the black portions shrouded by a star field.

From atop his throne, Vercingetorix stared down lazily upon the now more human-esque form of the current, third-generation Gray Fox or 004578 as he was once known and at an immense hammer around twice their size and reminiscent of a meat tenderizer with sharper pyramid tenderizers on both heads, a thick handle with a solid cupped guard not unlike those found on a Cutlass and an infinitely extendable chain with a crescent moon symbol forged from diamond and titanium hanging from the end of the handle.

“War has consumed the Earth and an apparent plot to conquer the planet by the men and women of Keresh is being set into motion as we speak. I know you care not for Earth or the fate of its inhabitants, but…they do. Especially this one.” Vercingetorix said, motioning to the hammer as a construct of the soul of France’s former President, the one who Darkchild had slaughtered on live television when Tenebrasque In first invaded France appeared in front of it.

“Greetings and salutations, Gray Fox, I am…was…France’s President that is until I was slaughtered by Darkchild on television for all the world to see. My soul as well as the souls of everyone who perished that day and the days that followed have become one with this hammer. Our only collective desire now is to destroy those who wronged us...but we need someone powerful enough to wield this hammer. Vercingetorix suggested you for the position.” The President explained.
 
"But...why?" Fox asked.

“Because you are the only worthy one.” Vercingetorix replied.

Fox closed his eyes for a moment and delved deep into his thoughts. “Darkchild and TI’s power has grown exponentially, so much that not even The Champions of Peace can stop them. But…now that they are embroiled in a war with Gambler and his Hellfire Club…I would have a greater chance of bringing them down. After all…Earth isn’t the only world in danger of being dominated by Darkchild and his Empire of Slaves. Ninjeta could be at risk as well. I made a promise to Maya and The Prime Minister that I would do everything in my power to ensure Ninjeta’s safety. So…I really have no other choice but to take on this mission and see it through to the bitter end.”

“I...accept. I have no other choice." Fox said. "But...how am I supposed to wield it?"

“Just touch the hilt of the hammer.” Vercingetorix said. “It will make the necessary adjustments for you.”

The French President vanished from sight as Fox approached the hammer and then, as Vercingetorix had instructed, touched the hilt of the hammer. A bright, white light filled the room and absorbed Fox and the hammer. When it dispersed, Vercingetorix found himself staring at an immense, muscular being donned in black, rune-covered armor that proudly displayed a silver fox-head symbol upon his chest. Over his head the being wore a “pop-top” helmet complete with a built-in cyclopean-styled visor and a large, open mouth slot for him to speak clearly through. In his right hand he tightly grasped the mystical hammer that he, the artificial lifeform once called The Gray Fox, had pledged to wield on behalf of those who died at the hands of Darkchild and his army of slaves.

“And so Zephyrus returns to the waking world…” Vercingetorix whispered to himself.

“We’ve changed…we’re different.” ‘Zephyrus’ said aloud.

“You and The Fallen have become as one and taken on the form of Zephyrus, my greatest creation and the first being to ever wield that hammer, and are now more than powerful enough to take on those you’ll face on the surface of that planet. But…not all at once, with that said I think it would be in both our best interests if we secured you an ally, one who wields great power, of course.” Vercingetorix explained as a holographic image of the superhuman called Mercury appeared before them. “Meet Marcellus Essex or Mercury. He has just become one of the most powerful beings in the universe and will be instrumental in this war. If you can make him your ally…you’ll be literally unstoppable. So I suggest you leave now and get everything in order before its too late.”

“Hammer, take us to him. Take us to him now.” On his command, the hammer began to glow brightly and then, in the blink of an eye, whisked him away to an all-too familiar place: Planet Earth. Upon appearing above the planet’s atmosphere, Fox raised the hammer forward and dove down towards the surface at frightening speeds, a pillar of flames consumed his body whole as he slammed into one atmospheric barrier after the next until finally, to those down below he looked like a giant falling star. Faster and faster he soared until finally he descended upon the one he sought: Mercury, who looked more than ready for a fight. “He has mistaken us for a foe…let us fix that.” Fox thought as his colossal form came to a jarring halt just inches away from Mercury and then backed off a few feet to give them some breathing room.

“Greetings, Mercury. We...I...am Zephyrus. On behalf of the innocent people who perished because of one man's petty desire for total dominance over the world, I have come to baptize France and those who corrupted it in the flames of purification. But in order to accomplish this I will need help. Your help."

 The White Menace vacated his chamber despondently, but his essence radiated the comfort of the reapers scythe. He opened the circular iron door of his throne, a thunderous vibration of heavy metal echoed throughout the vicinity epically. The moonshine graced the Tenebra habitant gracefully, as his loyal soldiers acknowledged his debut. Raven stood strong on his pedestal, overlooking the evidence of his might, the proof of his lust for satisfaction. Thousands bowed before him as he stood high statured as the epitome of lust.

The Tyrant examined his land proudly as his heart filled with adrenaline, his vision had become a reality, and he stood awake but still lived a dream. Terru Du Cataylseur a Peru was his Kingdom, the core of his lust and success. The Last Catalyst massaged his chin softly in satisfaction, and then thrust his fist up into the air vehemently. Impulse roars of excitement erupted throughout the village” HAHAHA!!” Raven chortled as he pumped his fist repeatedly” TERRU DU CATAYLSEUR!! TERRU DU CATALYSEUR!! TERRU!!! BOOOOOOOOOM!!”

The Terru Du Citizens chant was interrupted startlingly with a massive explosion, I swirling vortex of flames scorched the darkness of the horizon at a distance. The unexpected assault captivated Lust, he watched as the resplendence of the inferno decimated all darkness within the zone.” Lust find Clara and dispose of her quickly” Darkchild commanded almost immediately after the attack. The Shun Kai Son focused his attention back onto the crowd that stood before him.

“We have an situation at hand my brothers, we are being under attack!! Who dare oppose the ferocious might of the Tenebrasue? Clara!! Clara Mass!!..of course she is only a thread to the whole quilt?HAHA!!, Rigor Mortis is unstable at the moment!!, we must help our sister north in Tenebra!!...and of course eliminate the b!tch Clara …. FOR TENEBRASQUE!!!”

At the terminus of his morale raising speech, Raven whistled into the air loudly. Thousands of shadow like pterodactyls dove from the sky and lifted its passengers on their back. The last Catalyst rode his creature, fronting his army of obsidian. His new lust was the blood of Clara Mass of The Hellfire Club; nothing would intercept his path in eliminating the Funez relative. He and his immense army flooded the black skies with their creatures.

“FOR TENEBRA!! FOR TENEBRA!! FOR TENEBRA!!”  The warriors chanted as they flew north towards Rigor Mortis. As The Catalyst pierced the clouds he could see his brethren below mobilizing for the upcoming war, Raven smirked at the chemistry his faction possessed, it was ll for one, one for all.  Though Shun Kai urged lusted for some action, he was entirely happy about that assault on Rigor, it only displayed the weakness within the Tenebrasque ranks, and weakness is obsolete in his eyes.

“We are reaching the Mortis borderline my brothers, I honestly cannot determine if Clara is alone , but more or less, we fight to the death. NONE Shall live…any spared? Is a sacrifice of your life!! WE ARE THE OBISIDIAN AND WE WILL ELIMANTE ALL WHO OPPOSE OUR MIGHT!!WE MUST RETAILLAITE WITH THE CONSEQUENCES FOR OPPOSOTION!!! DEATH TO ALLLLL!!ARRRRRRRRRRAAAGGGGGHHHHH”

As they crossed the Mortis border, thick smog of black smoke wafted across the faces of the Terru Du Cataylseur. Raven lead his soldiers into a plunge toward the ground surface of Rigor, they spiraled down elegantly as if they were in front of an audience. Once they reached a few yards from the ground Raven and his army lunged from there creatures, The legendary catalyst landed 3 point stance in front of his hundreds soldiers.  The flames danced wildly as Last Catalyst marched his men amongst the scorching inferno of the Rigor Morits. Raven haulted his march in front of a large statue of the Legendary crimson agent Azrael.

“ Here are your orders!, I want you to search every inch of this land for Clara Mass!!, if she is not found in the next 5 hours all of you will be executed…no ifs…no buts. Tenebrasque is my life!!i breathe is everyday….treasure it…I worship it….now if my lords orders are not successful…you will all suffer for it…. NOW GO!!!”

Within an instant, his army dispersed across the zone without hesitation.” Hmmm I wonder what happened to Azrael…she is a tough Gal, but I must ensure that everything is fine with her…”

"Light always pierces the darkness." Blair put down her bloody tools and moved infront of the man. Calmly she took a seet criss cross infront of the youthfull soldier. She looked him in the eyes ignoring the fact that they were red and dry. "Maybe but when the light goes out which it always dose it is darkness that takes its place." The demon smiled at the red faced youth. "One way or another you...you and everyone like you will die. Tyrant rulership will always be extinquished, your kind isn't permited to rule." He spat in her face in disgust a motion that simply made her laugh. She wiped the bile from her forhead before continuing.

"You call me a tyrant but have you actually taken a look at how things are done? Sure we might have taken power by means you frown upon but that doesn't change the fact are means now are unright. Over the time I have been the queen of this city I have found it on principles of equality. Nobody bows before me no-one cowers the ideal is in power by respect. We are all with purpose and cause. In your world every one seeks to one up eachother. You find yourselves on the mutilation of eachother and despite the thought of order you infact are at war with yourselves. Rigus Mortis might butcher others but we ourselves are fighting for eachother rather then against eachother." She placed a passionate kiss on the soldiers forhead in the same place he had spat on hers.

"Way I see it Azrael you are little more then a terrorist. A sucubus, a demonic wh-re who simply manipulates to get things to go in her favor." A tear ran down his brow making its way to his hairline. Blair had no idea what the man was cryinf about but it sertainly was pitiful. "Terrorist, all I do is fight for my beliefs. Just because I see the world from a diffrent eye doesn't mean I am a terrorist. I strive for a world of my own disign this is a point of view not an act of cruilty. SUre I may be rebelious in my mind set, that's not to say its wrong. Hell most countries if not all are founded and refurbised by retaliation. As for the seductive wh-re remark. Did it ever come to mind that maybe seduction is but a way of charisma and diplomacy?"This point of view almost instantaneously annoyed the man for he both had no argument to combat her. "In politics it is a deal for a deal same as in business. The matters we dwell in are exactly this. Fact is in your passifest nature you remain oblivious to the things at hand. Because of this you live a lie you are as horrific as France just living under a hollow rock." Bored of the matters at hand Az got up and started to leave the room.

Soon the man was crying, beging for his life and not to be left alone. In the blink of an eye Blair went from playfull and charismatic to hostile. "You preach of peace and jusstice but come at me with guns. You speek of liberation but by means of nuclear eradication. Fight for change through hounorable combat face to face is diffrent then putting a gun to the back of ones head. This war shatters the self defensive ideals of your nation it is waged by evil it is evil against evil and win or lose glory is dead. Not only this but you continue to boast and then you cry for mercy. A soldier fights and dies for what he believes in. A martyr gives her life for a higher cause. A fool however rants untill looking down the barrel." She turned on her heal her long crimson hair streaking through the tense room. Her eyes fell on the soldier and the twenty two corpses like him. All were on an upside down cross and butchered except for her friend. "You are week this is an adequate action" with that the man burst into flame. Burning alive he screams the pain echoes in the night. Demons insure that the sound travels through the black skies.

Dawn Of War

Red as blood the light of the rising sun shimmered off the ocean waves. The skies of Rigus Mortis were as dark a gray as any coming storm. The setting of the burning sun in the distance rising to be blocked off by the storm was a beautiful back drop to the warzone to be. The stone and steel structures of Rigus reached for the heavens and the walls stood defiantly. The world was on the brink of war. After nearly nine months of planing and building someone would invade the city of death. The crimson regeant was exstatic. She was known for the love of her city and today it would show. The demon looked to the horizon her emerald flaming eyes hungry for war, thirsty for chaos, eager to fill the streets with blood. Ash from the destruction that filled the streets was swirling in the wind. The remains were acompanied by the embers of the infernoes that burned.

By her love and ties to Kaligar Roxom the once Warsman she had her own legion of soldiers. The Wings of Death were a legion of battle sisters dedicated souly to the demoness. They were as good as any space marine the factor that made them stand out though was faith. For the Wings of Death faith rested in Azrael, the one who made them posessed and as strong as they had ever dreamed. They were more then soldiers they were half breeds that if near death just became a more lethal bloodthirsty princess of chaos. With them on her side she also was given vehicles and more important librarians. The librarians helped fortify the bond of Rigus to the Warp. With the aid of the posessed psychic warriors Az had turned Rigus into a demonic fortress. Demons in the walls made it where there was nothing to lean on. Last place a opponent wanted was to have their back to the wall. Not only this but the warship Heretics Sythe was always close for reinforcments if needed.

By means of aiding Spectrum a friend from the days in Vine Syndicate she had managed to also boost security on the outer walls. Turrets rockets and a general variety of heavy weapons made aproaching Rigus by air or see suicidal at best. ALso cursed by demons the guns were eager to kill and dangerously accurate. The safety net was further improved with the making of the bomb under the city. Rigus had many portals leting demons flood the city towers had even been built to allow the creatures of the warp to enter freely. The flood of chaos allowed for the construction of a sphere of energy. One ddesigned to bring the city to ruin if the army was halted.

Following the events with Cassidy the woman Blair viewed as her sister Blair wanted to both increase the defences of her Rigus as well as symbolize her defiance. No easy task but she successfully pulled the city that was once Lille from the rest of France. Conected by three bridges there were only those ways in or out without teleporting or making it through a fire grid ment to demolish anything that moved. The preperation of war made use of these three bridges. Granted Rigus didnt need all this ploting but it kept Az amused and it was just fun for her. The city had an army of marines at the ready but they were but a fraction of the numbers. Rigus had little moving room in the streets if every foul demon was out of the buildings. THe buildings themselves were built constantly to suit the armies of Azra. Lastly the clouds above Rigus were not actual clouds but more demons.These savage creatures provided the rain of fire and blodd Az liked when there was no actual rain. They also granted protection from the ships or fire that might have come from above.

Blair made sure she knew where the motorcycle of hers was. The hellcycle was given to her by ReEn at the day of the invasion of France. A gift for her entry along with the promise of blood. Over the time she ocasionally rode it and modified it now though it would be her steed if there was a need to get somewhere quickly though she hoped the enemy was willing to face her head on. The two side bridges were riged with melta bombs weapons the adeptus saroritas or battle sisters had used to blast holes in starships. Blair wanted the enemy to confront her face to face eye to eye. She stood on the center and main bridge behind her a quartet of squads from the Wings of Death. Her arms crossed under her breasts resting on her armor as she waited.

DC the perversion of a egotistical fool made his speech. Telepathicly speacking to every soul in TB In. Az scoffed in disgust at the action. Soon as he was done wether he or anyone heard or not she spoke her mind. "Darkchild my dear idiot you and ReEn brought me on this team for my bloodlust. My skill is in the art of carnage, the canvas of battle. For months I have made Rigus a fortress. So regretfully sence I cant send your anoying a-- voice to a machine heres a friendly tip. If you have a order for me make it a sugestion. If the sugestion is moronic just dont send it." She toned out any back lash that might of followed and went back to waiting. Sometime later there was a falling star. A colision near her city of chaos, others were off to retrive the individual. Blair Roxom though of course made a remark before awaiting the assault. "As the star falls from the heavens the skies cry for the apocalypse. No virtuous salvation parts ones lips. All hope of this worlds salvation slips. Now comes times for hands around blades to tighten their grips." Her green eyes close and her foot taps to a imaginary beet as she fires a single shot into the skies and with that Rigus Mortis comes to life. Soldiers demons and automatic weapons all ready to shed blood.

Days Ago

The silk curtains of her bedroom were billowing in the nightime summer breeze, the moonlight drifting in and illuminating her figure in bed. It was yet another restless night and the prone form of the young woman moved back and forth, tossing and turning beneath the silk sheets as they glided smoothly over her skin. It was a familiar process: fall asleep, have a nightmare, wake up, rinse wash and repeat. But tonight was different. Over a year ago, Cassidy had been cloned, a concubine created solely for the pleasuring of Darkchild. Ever since inception she and the clone, Justice had shared a telepathic link. That link enabled them not so much to communicate with each other, as they pretty much abhorred each other's existence, but they unwillfully saw into each other's lives. They were able to glean small pieces of information, occasionally live each other's experiences and once in a while, the lines between them blurred in the dream realm.

This was one of those occasions, but it felt real, it felt more than a dream. Cass swore she could feel everything in this dream, and while she normally had very vivid dreams, this was too much even for her. Something was not quite right, not at all. It took about a minute before she realized that this was not a dream. This was her actually experiencing what was happening. Looking through the eyes of Justice she saw the face of Remy Rayner, better known these days as ReEnforcer. Her heart was filled with love and her mind with determination as their eyes met through the dream state. A second later, everything went black.

A bloodcurdling scream left her lips as her back arched in pain. Quickly springing up in bed, her chest rose and fell with hyperventilated breaths. "Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god." It felt like part of her had died, part of her had died. Bringing her arm up to her forehead, she wiped away the sweat that had started gleaning there. Quickly flipping the covers off of her, her skin slid against the silk as she swung her legs over the side of the bed, quickly gaining her feet. Walking over to her vanity, she grabbed the black silk half-robe off the back of the chair and draped it over her body. The sleeves hit her right above the elbow, the hem hit the middle of her toned thighs and after belting it shut over her silk camisole and shorts, only a small column of skin showed on her chest between the two sides of it.

She quickly strode through the halls of the Hellfire Club manor, her small bare feet padding softly against the hardwood floors and the toe ring on her pinky occasionally clicking against it. Five minutes later and she stood in front of the door to Jean's private study. Two factors gave away the fact that he was in there; her mind could sense his presence and he had been keeping late nights, preparing in every possible way for the upcoming war.

He sat behind the desk, slouched over papers of some sort, no doubt going over last minute tactics. He raised his head slowly, taking stock of her. She looked as if she had seen a ghost. Her skin was pale and their were sunken hollows beneath her usually vibrant green eyes. "What is it, chere? What ails you? Is it dee babies?" He quickly stood up and walked around the side of the desk, gently placing a hand on her shoulder as he lead the shell-shocked assassin to a chair.

"She's dead." Her voice was but a mere whisper as she looked straight ahead. Her eyes unblinking, her body un-moving.

Crouching in front of her, a rare moment of compassion and worry showed on Jean's face. The normally stoic King of Kings did have a heart. "Who is dead, Cassidy?" When she didn't answer, he gently shook her shoulder, jarring her out of her reverie. "Cassidy! Focus! Who is dead?"

"Justice is dead. Darkchild killed her, she sacrificed herself for the man she loved." Her voice was low and monotonous as she turned her head, her eerily blank eyes meeting his. "The war has begun."

Hours Ago

Cassidy Lockhart Starks stood in front of a tight-knit group of about twenty women. All women were members of Le Femmes de L'Ombre, a widespread organization orchestrated and run by Cassidy with the immeasurable help of her associate Halle Romanova, and they anxiously awaited orders. Among the women were Cass's most-trusted lieutenants so to speak. Cyanide, a childhood friend who had been heinously abused and cracked slightly under the pressure. Halle Romanova, a woman enhanced with Super Soldier Serum who had been an instructor of hers and was now one of her closest friends and advisors. Elspeth, an elf from another dimension with quite handy teleportational abilities and a wicked swordsarm. There were others she cared for, others she trusted, but these three would be paramount to any plans that she had.

"We're at war." She waited for the words to sink in with the women before continuing. "We. Are. At. War. This has been a long time coming. Ever since Darkchild and his group of vagabonds decided to set their roots in France and through doing so, committed genocide. They killed a country. A country! There was no coming back from that. He's perpetrated crimes against humanity itself and crimes against me. Turmoil from within has struck the power-mad group of Tenebrasque In with Darkchild's now deceased wife, right hand man and own son and daughter all conspiring against him. We're ready to move, plans have been laid in place." Looking over to Elspeth, her eyes falling on her pink skin and ever-jubilant attitude, a small smile crossed her face. "And we have our way in. No punches are to be pulled. You kill everything you see that you know isn't on our side. You're all highly trained, you're all capable as are the women under your command. You wouldn't be here if you didn't know how to do your job, if you weren't up to this task. If I didn't have faith in you or your abilities to successfully complete this mission, I wouldn't have recruited you in the first place." She looked around the room, her eyes jumping from woman to woman, making eye contact with all of them. "I know each and every one of you on a personal basis. I had the hands in training many of you. I consider you allies, but most of all, I consider you friends. I have absolute faith in you."

Now

There were thousands of Femmes de L'Ombre stationed throughout the world. Many of these women held completely inconspicuous job positions and had very little training. But roughly 1000 of them were not only trained in combat, but combat-ready. Those women were all present and divided up into factions led by sisters whom Cass trusted implicitly to lead them. They had been teleported en masse by Elspeth into Blair's territory. Cassidy's adoptive sister in law had proved to be one of their greatest assets and the land known as Rigor Mortis would be their base point.

Spires of flame and darkness lit up the sky, a fiery light reflecting off the constant cloud of Darkness itself. The only way to access the rest of France was through teleportation as Blair had fully succeeded in removing her own chunk of territory from the rest. She truly wanted no association with Darkchild; at least not any more than necessary. This would play to their benefits, as it would be even harder to see or sense attacks coming from this direction. Blair had done a more than adequate job of shielding her city and her intents.

The women all gathered. Many with powers of their own, all with weapons of some sort. Cass stood with Halle, Elspeth and Cyanide, discussing last minute tactics. "Ellie, I want you to handle retreats and evacs. If anybody needs out, you get them the hell out. When you're not doing that, I want you porting around and causing as much mischief and mayhem as possible as well as attempting to scout out Darkchild's location. Cy, you're on covert duties. I want you going in and quietly killing as many as you possibly can. Minions, Darklings, whomever. Halle, I need you in charge when and where I can't be." Looking over her shoulder back at the amassing group of women, a chill went up her spine. "There are a thousand women here. They're not all going to make it out. We need to be prepared for that possibility. We hunt. Just like we always do. We hunt down Darkchild and anybody else who comes in our way. This is war, we need to treat it as such. We can find time to be emotional later."

Small clouds of pink shone briefly in the darkness of the sky as Elspeth sent out teleportation daggers, quickly removing the women. After three minutes, all that remained was Cass. A look of grim determination upon her face, she set off, knowing that this would be the most important night of her life. This would be the night she helped regain the country she loved and she took back closure for everything that she had been put through. Hitting a small button on the gauntlet on her wrist, she enabled the communicator that her father, Mike Lockhart, had given her in case of emergency so long ago.

 Months Ago

Operation Night

Three Weeks Before the War

The War That Time Will Never Forget

The incursion had begun with a single death defying act of unmitigated fortitude as Clara Mass took the point and unleashed hell upon those who wished to cultivate it. Alone behind enemy lines she had volunteered herself for a suicide mission in order to bring the fight to the door step of the Tb-In, buying the King of Kings some much needed time allowing for the rest of the HFC to infiltrate the Lost Country. All manner of magic, powers, and technology had been administered in accordance with the battle initiative. Allowing the HFC to maneuver into the fortified territories with greater proficiency.

While making his final preparations a series of knocks distracted the Living Legend. On the otherside of the door stood the Silver King of the Hellfire Club, Slight. "Forgive my impatience, but now is not a good time for a conversation." Strapping his duel katana's on the left and right side of his midnight colored military black ops bag before slinging it over his virbranium plated microfiber exoskeleton. A half cloak draped from his waste to the back of his knees outlined with the insignias of the OsC as well as the Les Assassins Silencieux. His protective mask and faceplate rested halfway down his forehead respecting the Silver King's standing within the HFC giving him the courtesy of seeing his eyes as they spoke. "Tis time I departed and reacquaint  myself wit dee Mad Titan. I've allowed him and his assemblage to nest in my beloved country long enough." A sudden unexpected trickle of blood began to stream down from his nose causing him to casually slide his faceplate shut. The illness of his powers still plaguing the Aristocratic Assassin, unknown to all but a selected few. Yet the prideful Cajun continued to dismiss his condition despite the severity. Dismissing Slight with placating bow he continued on his way advancing down the halls towards the Science Branch located beneath the establishment's foundation. "Are dhey ready?" he questioned referring to the Sword of Flames and Souls. Crafted into tennis ball sized orbs they were endowed with the same aw-inspiring intensity as before. "They are stable and holding Señor LeBeau. But I recom...." Cut short by the impatience of his employer the researcher simply turned back to his station before frantically typing away on his holographic keyboard opening the containment field housing the suspended orbs. With a flick of his wrist the orbs were telekenitically summoned to his hand. "Excellent." he smirked before vanishing.


A blinding flash resonated throughout the re-imagined streets of Frances new capital, La Citta Delle Tenebra. As it dissipated the Black Mamba stood defiantly in its place. Arms crossed nonchalantly in front as his hand rested on the hilt of his sheathed blade. Death, decay, and despair hung in the air like a suffocating smog. Under his mask a single tear rolled down his cheek as he gazed upon the remains of the city. Darklings scavenged around like epileptic children in Halloween costumes. Crudely erected statues of their King stood towering over the capital like unwavering sentries guarding their posts. By now know doubt Darkchild would be aware of Gambler's presence, his telepathic bride having seen all manner of branching possibilities for the future. Stylishly withdrawing his sword before twirling it around his hand, the LeBeau Legacy ran the tip along the ground in a circle before using his telekinesis to levitate his orbs. Simultaneously chunks of nearby debris and concrete began forming mounds of living granite forming an entourage of crudely constructed rock and stone. "Protect" his order triggering an instant response as they came together around their master. Still projecting an heir of regal dominance the King of Kings marched his entourage towards the illustrious chateau of Darkchild and the inevitable confrontation that would follow. 

Listening intently, Avery could hear the subtle clashes of the man inside the room, rummaging around, getting ready for the impending war. He wondered if he should be taking this time to get prepared, although there really wan't anything he needed to bring with him. The man walked with strength the read as utter confidence, Slight could read his body movements like any other, and noticed that his blood seemed to be pumping harder than anyone's normal hematological speed. Figuring that it was all nerves, worked up from anticipation, Slight wrote it off, and the door was answered. In that debonair, sultry voice of his, The White King spoke to his fellow platinum ruler in a hurried tone, checking himself all the while. In the near gibberish state Avery received the words in, all that was needed was given. It truly was the time for war, and he was ready. Emotionally, physically, mentally prepared to face the creature that had taken so much from him.  
 
Most times, Slight was a forgiving man; able to assuage wrong doing and frustration dealt by others to him, easily. He believed that grudges were for the weak of heart and soul, that a strong person, confident in themselves had no time to ruminate of feelings of hate. And while this was true in most cases for him, Darkchild presented a special case. It was the very epitome of what true hate was. No. Beyond hate, or any verbalization of emotion really. Obsession, an addiction to the dream that ultimate evil; could and he insatiably wanted to become a reality, that one day, maybe in the days to come Darkchild would be no more. Slight often asked himself why couldn't he let it go, why after saying the words of merciful forgiveness did he always lust for the decapitated head of DC. These thoughts were his own private hell, never truly getting an answer, but utter destruction. Intelligent or not, Avery wasn't able to figure out that, out of everything in the world, he wanted to be loved, like all other beings and creatures. It was petty, and selfish, but it was true. He wanted to be loved, for someone to know he existed to care about his well being, for someone to ask about his day, for someone to get angry at him for not fulfilling a promise. Darkchild had taken all of those people away in one form or another, and while his feeling festered like sores on a leper, the thing inside of him that most desired to truly experience what hate, and love, and emotion was became bloated with the noxious fumes of empathetic waste. His wisdom only lasted long enough to get him to this point, and now that truly, a war involving some of the most powerful beings on the planet was coming to pass, it was also to time to finally let go. 
  
Turning an about face from the doors, the Human Hurricane quickly made his way down the corridors to his own kingly room. Somehow, he felt happy; his subconscious was telling him that freedom was just out of reach, and there was only a little bit further to go now. The supple oak and balsam wood chest resting at the end of his grand bed was opened. Revealing the contents were pants, and shirts, most of which were black, as was the one he wore now. But this was a special occasion, calling for special threads. At the very bottom of the mountain of fabric was a beautifully crafted cloak, never worn, but always waiting. Draping it over his forearms, Slight scrutinized it. Mainly black (he like black a lot), there were red and silver patterns embroidered along the edges of the bottom. The mildly thick rope that was adjusted around the hood as a draw string was woven with golden hued thread. Now fully adorned in his most fitting battle attire, the Human Hurricane lived. The time for planning and words was done. 
 
Converging in an instant flash of ice blue brilliance, he was gone. Reappearing in a mist of the same color, Avery found himself in the southern regions of the Ten-In stronghold. As good a place as any to start the slaughter. Having already been here before, briefed on countless threats and enemies, Slight knew what to expect. His eyes glossed over in the same icy blue color, and mist began to thick in the air rising above the plains into the atmosphere creating rain clouds. The Silver King levitated in the air, surrounded by darkness and the torrential downpour that ensued. Moving closer with the speed of the wind behind him, the Darklings started to rise up to protect the rotten state, each struck down by mentally guided lightning strikes, swept away by concentrated rainstorms, blown away by gale force winds unknown to this region. By land, or by sea, Slight would bring mother natures wrath down upon the ruined France. 

 The Eve of Battle

"My dutiful people of Paese Di Tenebra, we are in the glory days of our quest for power.” 

Darkchild’s booming voice could be heard all over and Erebus couldn’t help but listen to it as he mentally prepared for war. Even though he was now his enemy, the emperor was always a charismatic man that could (usually) inspire both everlasting loyalty and heart-gripping fear. In this case it inspired the latter, as a powerful sense of doubt barricaded itself in the back of his mind and brought a deep feeling of nervousness to his stomach. He could feel himself beginning to panic as he took a few deep breaths and wondered if this was truly his best option. No one could defeat Darkchild, an avatar of evil’s power that could bring the entire world to its knees if he was left unchecked, so why even try? And even if they did succeed the HFC would bring about the TI’s destruction sooner rather than later anyway, so it was practically a no-win situation! Why not just run away now and let them kill each other?

Erebus sat down on his bed and placed a slightly shaky hand on his forehead to wipe some of the sweat away from his brow, remembering his short and yet intense time as a servant of the emperor. From the very moment they met Darkchild proved his power simply with his presence, and since that day whenever Erebus stood near him the idea of raising a sword to him was preposterous. He couldn’t remember a time when he actually stood up against the tyrant to his face. But…it was then that Erebus remembered the one time he did raise his blade against the emperor; when the tyrant was threatening to hurt the person he cared most about. After that confrontation with Darkchild, Erebus promised himself that he would fight to change the world as he saw fit…to make that person happy. Remembering his reason for fighting was enough to eventually revitalize his spirit and bring back the warrior’s resolve, and even under the threat of death he would fight for her…if not for himself.

 The Promised Day

 This was it. 

Reports were spreading fast that someone had attacked the fortress, and Erebus knew it was time that he too went into action unless he wanted to become a mere spectator to the changing of the world. First he had to prepare himself physically just as he had prepared himself mentally earlier, and for this occasion it would have to be something special. The fallen knight placed steel  chain-mail  over his black tunic before strapping on a cuirass that covered his chest, vambraces that covered his forearms, and greaves that covered the shins of his black trousers. All of the armor was silver and very ornate, but the breastplate also had a single golden and ornate fleur-de-lis, a prominently French symbol, at its center. After clipping a scarlet red cape to the cuirass, putting on his brown leather belt, and strapping on his black leather boots the war outfit was complete.  

He realized that if he was going to play the part of a knight for France, he would need a good sword, and Erebus smiled as he held his right hand out to receive it; a very ornate black-steel  long-sword  that glowed slightly with the fires of hell in which it was forged. It was his best work yet. He clipped the sword to his leather belt and moved towards the doorway of his room. Before he left though, Erebus stopped and gave it a final glance before raising a hand and engulfing it in flames. This was the beginning of a new era in his life, and nothing showed that more than the incineration of his old belongings. He spent the next few moments simply watching his small amount of keepsakes disappear one by one while gripping the hilt of his sword. Now satisfied with the small inferno he had started, Erebus turned and walked out into the hallway, striding towards the front of the fortress as his cape flowed gently behind him.

The sound of Obsidian legionnaires running about did not deter him from his next course of action, which was to begin launching fire balls in every direction until someone came to stop him. When a group of Obsidian soldiers finally noticed and simply stared at him with blank looks of confusion, that moment was all it took for him to sprint forward, swiftly cut them all down, and make his intentions quite clear to any who saw the carnage he produced. The soldiers who did arrive just in time to see him betray his comrades surged forward at him, each hoping to bring his traitorous head back to their god-emperor. It was with a sense of duty and a slight hint of glee that he began cutting them all down in his pursuit to become a major distraction. Maybe then he could be at least useful to his ally invaders since it wouldn’t be too long until Darkchild sent someone to kill the traitorous knight. All he knew was that he could not die no matter how cataclysmic the battle became. Not when he still had promises to keep.

As he marched out of the front of the fortress and continued his mayhem outside, Erebus knew that he might soon be walking in the shadow of the valley of death…

And this time he could not afford to be afraid.                                                                                                                                                       

Bring The Rain...

Landfall...

A dark wind swept over La Citta Delle Tenebre, the city no longer claimed to be the city of love or joy, for more than simply darkness had taken hold of the much beloved city of Paris, this had become his home and he had carved it out of his very own decrepit imagination no words where spoken unless he spoke them; The lost souls still wondered the empty streets, where no sun light dared to touch, their wills stripped from them by their new emperor. The once colourful world of Paris now rested in a soulless grey, monuments to the new order stood erected all around the city boundaries, safe in the knowledge that all invaders would have to come through the other territories before they had to face the powerful ruler Gen Esis. He knew war was coming as soon as he had killed the president he knew deep down that he had ignited something powerful within the world and he had always known those who would lead the charge against him…deep within his mind he had always known.

But something was about to change, something that no one had truly seen coming until this moment, for all of Gen Esis plans, there were others working and building their own for this very moment. A silver Microphone, similar to ones you see in old movies appeared in the one of the many squares around the La Citta Delle Tenebre, Gen Esis statues stood at the four sides looking down upon their subjects. Shortly after its appearance to small creatures walked in, each wearing a top hat and a black suit with a white shirt and crimson tie, each had white faces with no nose or ears, only two pin point red eyes and dangerous smiles, they stood no taller than a four year old child.

One stood off to the side as the other took his place under the mic, His two ruby eyes staring up at the towering mic, he turned to his counterpart and shrugged and was met with a similar movement.. He tried to jump and climb to get to the mic, but kept falling over much to the amusement of his double ganger who had now restored to pointing and rolling on the floor in hysteria. A shot of red energy escaped the first ones hand and struck his brother in the head, setting fire to his top hat, After several fire balls later and much destruction to the surrounding area, the two looked at each other and smiled. Now with both of them under the silver mic, they formulated a plan, turning to each other they both balled up their fists ad nodded to three and both changed their hands to scissors and then frowned at each other, this back and forth continued for several more hours until they just gave up and one stood on top of the other.

Now at the same level as the mic, he tapped it three times and three thuds echoed round the entire Citta Delle Tenebre. He held up a card which appeared out of nowhere “Testing” dropped it and held up another one “1,2,3”. They both looked pleased with each other and walked off still with one on top of the other and vanished. A darkness filled the entire square, before a voice sang out from underneath it, “Give 'em the old razzle dazzle” a white porcelain hand came into view wrapping around the head of the mic , “Razzle dazzle 'em”, the square exploded in flames as he stood, in all his glory, a large top hat sat just to the side on his head, his angelic features broad with a smile, his fine pinned stripped navy suit, all moved perfectly as he bent the mic over and continued his song,.

“Give 'em an act with lots of flash in it And the reaction will be passionate”, the fire continued up engulfing the statues and turning them into his own image,” A flare of colour entered the city where he stood as the square became his stage, bright reds and oranges spilled out into the surrounding streets. Arrow had arrived, but not alone, for where ever a piece of Arrow was within France several portals began to open with a mix of dark oranges and deep purples combining to form a vortex that could traverse the globe, his two minions had crossed to the others sides of France allowing two portals to open on either end and the worlds military began moving out of them, only to be met with strong resistance, but Arrows trickery was far from over, his show had just began and where he stood now another portal opened behind him allowing entrance to the capital the war had started. and he continued his dance and song finding himself on the street towards Gen Esis tower.

For every soul he met on the way began to join his merry dance, as the former lord of hell, had already taken these souls once, but had never given them back, like the pipe piper he moved his army growing behind him with each step and with each step came colour and scarily life for he was painting a picture, he was painting his masterpiece and there was still many more scenes to go.” Though you are stiffer than a girder;They let ya get away with a murder” the crowd behind him began to sing “Razzle dazzle 'em, Razzle dazzle 'em, Razzle dazzle 'em” Before he throw open his arms and finished “And you've got a romance”. Hellfire had arrived, With Gambler heading from the north and Arrow coming from the south, hell had arrived in Paris.

"This is Susan Rodriguez with World News, I stand here with a group of men, some of who you may recognize." The camera angle changed showing three men and a teenage boy. The man on the right wore a slick black suit a red emblem resting upon his chest, a small mask covered only his eyes. The man on the left was the largest of the group he had long blonde hair and wore rather imposing armor, he also held a hammer in his right hand. The reporter had instantly recognized both of these men, but the boy wearing the webbed suit and the man in the center were new to her. Like the God of Thunder to his left the third man wore a suit of armor, although his armor possessed many pointed angles, a menacing sword rested at his side. When Susan's gaze had fallen upon the weapon a sense of terror rain down her spine, it was like the weapon was alive. Shaking the feeling off, the reporter prepared her next question as the camera turned back to her. "The Network President took your call this morning and in the few minutes the conversation lasted you were able to convince him of the severity of a message which you needed to deliver to the entire world, so please tell us what you need to."

The man in the center cleared hus throat and then addressed the world. "My name is Remy Allen Rayner." A gasp escaped Susan at the mans declaration, she was about to interrupt when the man to his right held up a hand silencing her. "Many of you may know me as ReEnforcer. I was once an Ice Dragon, I served beside many great men and woman." Taking a breath the hero paused. "Two of those men stand behind me now. After the death of my closest friend Andy Summers, anger, hatred and the desire for vengeance festered a grew within me. These emotions left me vulnerable to attack, a man known as the Grand Master seized this opportunity. This man possessed five ancient rings of power each gave him control over a powerful spirit. The Grand Master called upon one of these five creatures which were known as the Oni of Godai. Each Oni represents one of the elements, I fought the Fire Oni. In the mist of the battle I succumb to my emotions embracing the rage within. Which is what the Grand Master had been waiting for, the rage which burned in my heart allowed him to seal the Fire demon with my body. I fought for control but over the course of a year my will was broken. The Oni took control and I committed atrocious acts. We allied our self with Darkchild and together we formed a team of villains unlike anything the world had seen. It was by my own hand that many of the French citizens were killed or worse infected with the darkness." Remy took another breath letting the audience digest his words. "Now I stand before you free of my imprisonment, asking for the chance to Redeem myself."

The camera turned to Susan, zooming in on her face. "Your story is quite the tale, could you please explain why your appearance has changed so much."

The camera jumped to the mans face. "The Fire Oni forced my soul from my body, the gods saw fit to give me another chance at life." As Remy said this he gestured to the blond hair man at his left.

"And how exactly do you plan on redeeming yourself from those sins which u committed while possessed?" Mrs. Rodriguez asked.

The fallen hero smiled, "Were forming a team, The Fire Dragons." Remy explained.

"Fire Dragons why not revive the ICE name sake?" Susan inquired.

Somber Remy replied, "ICE stood for something more, it represent everything a true blue hero should be because the man who created it exemplified that. The villains in the world today have evolved in order to combat their evil we need to be willing to cross a line and I don't wish to taint the Ice Dragon name by doing that."

"Why not join the Champions of Peace, surely you don't expect four men to do what COPs could not." The reporter asked.

"I respect the Champions, the were founded under Andferne's tag line, "The world needs heroes." That statement has never been more true but I'm a Dragon and I will remain one until I no longer walk this Earth." Remy explained.

Susan smiled and said, "Thank you for your time Mr. Rayner, but if its alright I'd like to speak to the other members of your group." After a slight nod of the head from Remy the reporter turned to the man on his left. "LstPaladin." She said her voice giddy like a school girl with a crush, "You haven't been seen in quite some time, would you mind explaining your absence?"  
 
LstPaladin stood silently by as the reporter asked her questions and listened as Remy made his case for forgiveness and the chance to redeem himself.  His words were heart felt: sincere and Paladin was proud to stand with the men in this small group, and to offer his support for the mission they would soon embark on.  He could not keep his mind from wandering, thinking of events from the past.  Of the day he stood by the side of his friend Andferne, and how the Ice Dragons would make a stand against the evil doers of this world,  He could still hear the words spoken by Andy, and even though his leader was no longer here, the words he spoke were as true today and they were years before.   
 
The God of Thunder was not aware the reporter had turned her attention toward him.  His mind snapped back to the present as he looked down at the pretty girl smiling and looking up at him.  His 6'6" frame towered over her and he could tell she was a little intimated, even a little afraid of how this God of Thunder may respond to her.  He paused before he responede, and was careful not to let her words anger him.  After all who was this mortal to ask Paladin, lord of the golden realm to explain his absence from this world.  Does she not realize Paladin is not of this world, that he has countless worlds to defend and not least of these is the earth of 1974 where his home of Asgard remains.  Where his father Preen has just awakened from the Preen sleep.  Until Preen came forth from the box Paladin was honor bound to remain in Asgard, and only with the permission of his father did he now return to this world. There were other issues which caused his absence from this world, but Paladin knew this was not the time or the format to make those things public. 
 
Tis true I have been away for some time, due to urgent family issues.  But I am here now, and will give my strength, and power to support the men you see here standing beside me.  Your hope for this world lies on the shoulders of these men, and you should support them also if goodness and justice is to prevail on earth.  He looked over at the men he considered his closest friends on this planet and noded his head toward them. 
 
"Thank you Sir." Susan replied before turning her attention to the man standing at Remy's right. "Nighthunter your absence has been missed where were you when Darkchild rose to power?"

"I was in a solitary mission. Went into exile in order to find myself again and by coincidence or maybe because of it found some of my best friends again." Nighthunter replied and then turned around to look at Lstpaladin, Spyder and Remy. With a sigh of being proud of being presented along side them he turned once again to the reporter.

"I regret that I wasn't there to fight Darkchid's rise to power but in my opinion I wouldn't have done a better job than COPS. As far as I'm concerned they are the present and the future of our world" Jake then turned to Spyder and placed his hand on his shoulder, not doubting for a second that he belonged in this gathering of legends even though he was so young.

"All hope lies in our youth. Which is why it was time for me to step back and let them shine and fail and rise on their own terms. There are lessons you don't get in a classroom or training field but only in real life. I would like to take advantage of the extension to congratulate the members of the COPS for their duty and say that I'm greatly proud of them all, including Eclipse...Especially Eclipse."

Turning to the young masked boy beside Nighthunter Susan asks "And you son would you mind telling us your involvement in all of this?"

The boys head jerked to attention as he heard the woman's voice speak to him. As if she had just pulled him out of his own little world. Stuck in his imagination. Beneath that mask his eyes then roamed up her succulent form and he felt his heart race as he smiled at her. Then rolling his own eyes at himself as he knew she couldn't see his face "Me!?" his voice squeaking. Coughing he cleared his voice and tried again. "I just believe that the world still needs heroes. Now more than ever. And I'm tired of sitting on the side lines. A wise man once told me in order for Evil to win. All it needs is for Good men to do nothing". In an attempt to seem intimidating he smacked his left fist into the center of his right hand and puffed out his chest. Flexing. It never occurring to him how silly it looked while standing beside the likes of LstPaladin. Son of Preen. God of thunder and lightning.

"And how will you be....." "BANG, CRACK, POP." Susan's words were cut short by a cacophony of sounds. Turning to the reporter Remy said, “I'm sorry you'll have to finish this interview at a later date, it seems we've arrived.” Remy nodded to the boy and Spyder approached the beautiful reporter, "S'cuse me miss." He said as he reached around her, "Arms up." he instructed and she obeyed. The young man proceed to fasten a safety harness to Mrs Rodriguez.

"Uh." She said, "Where are we exactly?" Susan asked. Remy smiled as he opened the air locked hatch aboard the jet. "France of course." Anti-aircraft fire exploded in the air all around the jet. Remy stepped up to the door, turn his head to Mrs Rodriguez who was holding onto her safety harness for dear life, then he simply dropped down. The boy followed after him at the door he said "Well someone's got to save the world." He jumped from the plane did a summer salt in mid air calling back "See ya later sweetie!” When he righter himself he spread his arms wide, Susan saw what appeared to be webbing between his torso and bicep which allowed him to glide safely to the ground. LstPaladin bid the maiden farewell and using his mythical hammer launched himself forward acceleration at an extraordinary velocity. Nighthunter watched as his companions descend through a wide array of defense to the battle scared Country below. Before departing the plane himself, he turned to the pilot and said “Thank you for the ride, expedite your departure don't delay.” Meeting Mrs Rodriguez’s eyes Jake bowed slightly then proceed to dive from the plane. Less than a thousand feet from the ground flames protruded from his boots propelling him forward.

ReEnforcer stood before a wall of mirrors his left hand raised to his cheek. The First Lord closely examined the scars which his body had received from Darkchild's fierce attack. The wound radiated silver energy, the same energy which the arrow had been made out of, the same energy that had vaporized his lover Justice. The thought of her sacrifice left ReEn's stomach in knots. Not long after that Remy had lost his concentration, Kazan seized the opportunity reentering the heroes body and assumed control plunging the soul of Remy Rayner into the abyss.

As he watched the skin on his left breast cracked, displaying the same energy. Since the attack, the 'infection' had spread in rapid succession. ReEnforcer had been able to use the power of the water Oni to heal the other wounds he'd received but the scars remained, unaffected. The Fire God knew if he did nothing the energy would continue to spread eventually consuming his body. Which is why since the fight he had been working vigorously on a solution, and now all that work finally bore fruit.

Turning his back to the mirror, he gazes upon his creation. A set of crimson and black armor hangs before him. Utilizing stolen memories the First Lord was able to duplicate and enhance the nanites which Remy Rayner had used in his suit. The nanites wouldn't stop the progression but they would slow its pace to that of a crawl, the downside ReEnforcer would need to wear it nearly all the time.

After adorning the armor, Kazan turns to a couple of other things he'd been working on. On the table before him lay two weapons a fully automatic rifle and a semi automatic pistol. The Fire God swings the rifle over his should and takes the pistol in hand. Turning it over in his palm he ejects the clip, it is unlike any other ammunition clip in the world. There are five circular slots, one by one ReEn removes the rings upon his fingers placing them within the clip. Inserting the clip into the pistol he placed the weapon into the holster at his right side.

“Legionnaire!” ReEnforcer called. “Yes, my lord.” The soldier replied, bowing. “Bring me the Glutton.” The Lord of Fire commanded. With no further acknowledgment the guard went to seek out Nerx. While he awaited the arrival of one of his commanders, ReEnforcer closed his eyes and listened. In the distance he heard explosions, “It has begun.” He thought, opening his eyes he looked to the north. “Ah, Rigor Mortis has visitors.” The demon said baring his teeth in a sharp toothed smile, knowing how much his bloodthirsty vixen would enjoy the company.

“Sire.” A soldier said from the door. “Tell me,” ReEnforcer began, “Why have you returned without Nerx?” Bowing deeply the legionnaire replies "The hungry one is on his way, Sire...I thoug" Quickly turning on the man ReEnforcer snarls "Did I tell you to think?" As he does this fire erupts from his mouth, the legionnaire releases a grueling scream of agony as he burns alive.

Three legionnaires enter, two remove the charred remains while the third awaits his lords orders. "Sire, there is something..." A fire ignites in ReEns eyes, then he sees it. A long tongue slithers into the room silently wrapping around the soldiers legs. The First Lord bares his teeth once more in a crooked smile. Before the legionnaire can even scream hes pulled into the hall never to be seen again.

A moment later Nerx snakes his head in the doorway licking his lips. "You called, Sire." The titan sized monster said a hiss in his voice. "Yes, Nerx." The Fire God replies, "I have an assignment for you. A foreign group has entered our borders, with the Second Lord absence Eternus Obscurum is left vulnerable. Goto the Ivory Capital and defend it."

After digesting the information, the Crimson Legion's incarnation of gluttony says "The Emperor has also provided me with a task." ReEnforcer takes a deep breath taming the anger within and waits for the monster to continue. "It appears a woman is running around our northern borders, leaving a path of destruction in her wake.”

ReEn's eyes turn to the window, where smoke rises to the north. Returning his attention to the monster he says "The intruder has entered Rigor Mortis, I assure you the Crimson Regant will be a gracious host and meet her. Assuming someone hasn't already done so." The First Lord explains. "Make hast, we mustn't leave that territory vulnerable, and Nerx..." ReEnforcer says has the flesh eater retreats from the room, "Devour any who are foolish enough to enter the Empire." The monster smiles, displaying row after row after row of sharp blood stained pointed teeth, then hes gone.

Had the impatient lord heeded the pleas of his subjects he would have been informed of a broadcast which had just aired, where a man claiming to be Remy Rayner had entered France.

Once more alone in his solitude, ReEnforcer proceeded to the balcony of the tallest tower in the kingdom of Abyssus. The ground trembled as millions of armored boots spread across Paese Di Tenebra marched. Like the First Lord they had all received Darkchild telepathic message. They had been preparing for this day since Jacobi had escaped Paese Di Tenebra with multitudes of information on the Country. The only question was, who the boy would ally himself with. There was no shortage of those who would like to see Darkchild fall. Governments would pledge entire armies to the cause, but armies would not bring down the Empire alone. Would TI once more face the champions of peace in battle, surely there was no other hero team better suited to the task. The answer had been obvious from the start throughout Darkchilds existence there had been one man who had challenged him time and again, Gambler.

It had been quite some time since the Cajun had returned to the country of his birth. There had been whispers in the underworld that the Hellfire Club had been reestablished, who else other than the King of Kings could accomplish that.

Looking to the skies above the First Lord noticed a small jet weaving in and out to avoid the bombardment of anti aircraft missiles. pressing a button on the pistol at his side, released the clip into ReEns hand. Removing the rifle from his back, the God of Fire place the clip in the side of the rifle and took aim. Once the jet was in his sights, ReEnforcer pulled back the hammer. A concentrated burst of flame lite the sky, striking the jets fuel tank and causing it to explode. He smiled looking at the rifle, it work just as he theorized by concentrating the power of the elements and discharging it the destructive power was increased ten fold. "HEAR ME MY LEGION!" ReEnforcer yelled. A moment later silence filled the air and all eyes were on the First Lord of Tenebrasque In. "On this day, your worth shall be tested. Those most devoted shall be rewarded, while the unworthy burn." The demon let his words sink in before continuing. "War is at our door step and we shall greet it as an old friend. Decimate those who desecrate our land with their light." The words he spoke, would sink into the heart of those infected by the darkness plague, they would attack those who were not infected. All willing to die for what ever Lord or Lady the served. "Now go welcome our guests.” As they headed out in search of any and all intruders, thousands of battle cries were loosed.

In the next few moments chaos reigned. The skies above exploded with activity, hundreds of large vessels broke the atmosphere each had to hold close to a hundred thousand battle ready space marines. A heavy barrage of fire cleared their path, an orbital bombardment executed by ships just outside of Earths atmosphere. Laser fire tore apart the Volcano enclosed kingdom as Kazan was sure it was doing to every other Kingdom within the Empire.

After switching on his comm the First Lord order, “Activate the Aion shield.” The command relayed to a series of underground bunkers spread across Paese Di Tenebra. After a moment an amethyst shield filled the sky, ceasing the bombardment for the time being. Once more Kazan issued a command to the secret underground defense which Aion Biotech Firm had built and initiated with out Darkchild's knowledge, they would be the few defenses which Jacobi and the Hellfire Club didn't have information on. “Trigger Heaven's Hammer.” A smaller crimson shield appeared around the kingdom of Abyssus. Devices attached to the surrounding walls of the volcano charged and harnessed the molten lava within the unnatural crustacean of the Earth. After several minutes the amassed energy surrounded the Kingdom of ReEnforcer. “FIRE.” The First Lord commanded. A torrent of energy filled the air the fact that it was nearly a mile in diameter which made the blast nae impossible to evade. Everything in its path would be eradicated. It was sure to draw attention, ReEnforcer would be waiting for any who dare cross his boarder.

Months Ago

Weeks Ago

Today

Just when you thought you’ve lost it all, your family, your ability to live? A savior comes and sheds light upon a darkened soul. I followed the path of darkness, Apathetic to the emotions of others; I lusted to satisfy my own vision. Human emotions were a great responsibility for me to acknowledge, found myself stressed out daily trying to please ones wants. It was then that I realized that I wanted to live free; I wanted to embrace the moments of freedom. I was happy until I found myself at the mercy of my own childish mistake, and I still suffer from it till this day. Mira the love of my life, I found you stressful to deal with at times, I hated being around you. Now that you’re gone, I feel as if I lost a fraction of my heart, I don’t know what to do…why did he take you away from me? I should’ve kissed you every opportunity that came; I should’ve caressed you and told you how much I cared. Your released from this cruel world now…im left alone, watching my tears drip on to my lap. I would give the world to see your beautiful face again baby, I wish I could’ve loved you the way you loved me. If it wasn’t for my brother Jake I would’ve taken my own life to be with you, I thank you Nighthunter. I will not depart from this world until your death is avenged Mira….i will take down the whole Hellfireclub one by one until my hand is stained with the blood of the White King…im sorry I will not avoid fate.

“Are you okay?” One of Adrian’s companions asked in concern. A forlorn expression wept across Mr. Steels face as he looked at his friend with lachrymose eyes” I miss her man….i can’t stop thinking about her..ugh…sh!t this is all my fault” he replied as he dropped his head onto his armored laps” You cant keep beating yourself up for this bro.. you're-““HOW?!   THIS IS MY FAULT!! I AM THE ONE WHO JOINED HELLFIRE!! ME ASSOCIATING MYSELF WITH JEAN DID THIS!!” Stream interrupted defensively. Silence devoured Adrian’s heart with guilt” Im sorry Sam, I didn’t mean to yell at you..its just I have to much going on with me right now…I cant even hold a stable conversation “its okay bro, I understand what your going through. Im just being a brother, I can’t just sit here and watch you kill yourself with thoughts” Samuel replied with empathy. Stream released a small smile, and nodded his head in disbelief.” Heh..you’re a real brother man…you know me well enough to say the right thing   for every situation.”  Sam displayed a hint of arrogance from Steel’s remark”   That’s why you consider me your brother idiot? Lets terminate the teddy bear talk now…im starting to feel the estrogen flow..ack” Sam said “You damn idiot haha”

As the two friends sat on the private Harrier jet waiting to reach their destination, violaceous shade of color manifested in the horizon, consuming the azure foundation of light within the skies. .” Oh hell…this doesn’t look very healthy” Adrian moaned as he gazed out the window into the abyss” I feel bad for you man, make sure you kept your helmet on tight, and have 911 on speed dial”  Sam Joked “ I might take your advice on that part” He replied seriously.” Im going to have to let you off here Stream! This black smog is getting too deep! Ready to dive from the rear!” the pilot ordered from the loud speaker. The Red Steel liberator rose from his seat stiffly, his armor glistening in the Harrier lamp. He proceed to the rear exit has asked, and waited it for to open.” Be careful bro, don’t die on me” Sam stressed as he shook his brothers hand “ I wont…trust me, Ill have Nightunter and the rest of the Fire Dragons with me” with that, Adrian placed his Helmet on and turned to the gradually opening door” GOOD LUCK!!” Sam yelled over the immense audio of air that, negated some sound. Before vaulting , the hero saluted his brother and launched himself our of the plane…it was game time.

Adrian carved through his adversaries relentlessly, he wanted vengeance for the death of his beloved, and anything who opposed is purpose died. The creatures of the dark abyss bowed to the might of Stream, he could not be stopped, his blood lust was powered by rage” MIRA I WILL AVENGE YOU!! I SWEAR TO GOD I WILL!! He yelled vehemently 

“Baby!” Mira yelled with her elegant smooth voice. She stood in the kitchen of their beautiful home preparing scrumptious breakfast for the two of them. She wore a long white Andferne shirt that ended at her thighs, her thick brown hair trailing down her back pass the shield on in the middle of the shirt. The lovely Mira picked up her own plate, with Adrian’s plate and proceeded to the bedroom.”  Babe get up your food is ready” she said as she placed their plates on the side desk by the bed. Adrian laid comatose under his thick white We Are Legend blanket that he had stolen from Mira. Ms. Maxton grew impatient waiting for Stream, and smacked his rear with fierce impact.”OOHH!!….what the hell was that for?!..jesus that sh!t hurt..” he said with an annoyed expression “ Oh hush cry baby, here’s your food enjoy J” She handed Adrian is food” oh oh oh, thanks babe..i thought you were calling me about the cat litter..dammit…I failed” he said “ don’t worry about it I changed it already lazy butt” she replied brightly. “wow whats gotten into you babe? You’re so nice I love it!!” Adrian said as he hugged her waistline passionately” I thought about something thing when I was watching you sleep yesterday”She replied” oh yeah? Things like what?” 

Mira turned towards Adrian completely and gazed into his dark brown eyes.” Adrian, I really appreciate the love that you give me, when we were in college I never imagined us sitting here sharing a home together. I was shy to talk to you, I didn’t even think you’d even have the slightest crush on me, but that day that you kissed me in the basement, was one of the happiest moments in my life babe. I love you soo much, you have done so much for me mentally. You helped me mature as a woman, and you stood by my side through the hardest moments I had in my life…nothing in this world compares to you sweetie…..I love you so much….and I will always, not even death will separate us.

 “JACOBI!!! OF HELLFIRE” Adrian roared to get his attention. The Maniacal her simply grimaced at the Cynical villains expression” TAKE THIS ONE TO THE FACE!!!!”. The hero unleashed high concentrated proton blast mercilessly at his target. The Torrential beam sacrificed foes in order to reach its prey , obliterating any incapable of withstanding its force.”HAHAHAHAHAHA!! DIE DIE DIE DIE DIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEE” Adrian cared only to eliminate all Hellfire   members, his life value at the moment didn't exist..he was completely insane.

Preparation's for War

Let It Begin 

When Naamah reaches Rigus, she hits the ground running. She has spent quite a bit of time in Az’s realm, it has a different feel to it. On this night, there are thousands of enemy soldiers here. “Az!” Naamah grunts out a shout, with a booming voice. She looks around and can see thousands of unfamiliar faces. She is not sure what has transpired.

“Is Az even still here?” Naamah wonders.   She had heard rumors that if Az should fall in battle or otherwise, a nuke under Rigus would explode and turn the city and all in it to ash. She walks calmly amongst the strange faces. “Where is my Lady… Where is AZ… I am here to help?”

Naamah searches Rigus looking for her Lady. She is not worried about the strange soldiers they are not, worried about her. Naamah is not sure what is underfoot however she intends to find out. She marches onward threw the city of Rigus, the Landscape is alive on this night tearing away at enemy’s   un fortunate enough to get within their clutches.

She finds a clearing and makes herself comfortable… The War has her a tad high strung at the moment, however as she is in Rigus, it is only a matter of time before Az makes her presence known… She finds some rubble that has some smooth bricks stacked about 3 feet high, and takes a seat. “It’s going to be a long night.” Naamah thinks to herself, as she flicks a piece of gore that had rode stowaway on her shoulder on the flight, from Abyssus to Rigus.  The gore was chunk of wet bone, and brain matter to be exact about it. “ Lovely.” Naamah says sarcastically.   She can only wait now, so she waits for her Lady to take interest in her arrival.

The Jade Dragon; slowly watched as the gates of the Xiaolong temple closed; her 10 weeks of fasting had ended, thus she was free to once roam the cold world as she had once before.  The 10 weeks inside of the cavern sharpened certain aspects of her mind; it conditioned her body for battle both physically and mentally. As the clang from the gates caused the ravens to crow in fear; the Mighty Green Dragon army stood at the base of the temple bowing as their 'god' finally reemerged. It didn't take her long to descend the temple; to once again join the ranks of those who had pledged their souls to her. "Report" Y said almost as cold and emotionless as the arctic. 
 
"Ma'am 667 Personnel Assigned 667 Personnel Present" her acting first hand replied bowing to her in the traditional dragon manner. "667?" Y slowly spoke to herself. Reaching down and pulling the Black Rose Blade from her First Hand, she held it in her arms as if she had not seen it in years. Everyone in her ranks quickly locked their eyes on her; life with Y was a harsh one, which meant discipline was heavily pushed. Pulling her blade back she jammed it through the chest of her first hand; pushing him all the way to ground. His screams pierced the dormant forest; as the blade ripped through his organs it, detached inside of him dispersing the shards through his body. "The penalty for giving a false report is death" Y said gazing around at the multitude of Warriors in her unit. A woman standing in the first row watched the whole thing, but she didn’t look scared she looked rather inspired; taking in a deep breath she stepped up and spoke with a clear voice. “Xiao, Zing we have 666 personnel assigned, 666 personnel present”.   The young women rendered the dragon salute and then stepped back into her spot. “Tell me what I must know?” Y said once again addressing her new first hand.

“War has taken over the underworld…” The first hand responded, Y didn’t really need to know specifics she saw this coming ages ago; Gambler and Darkchild were like siblings who just could never get along. Y knew her pact with him would be called upon here but she didn’t want to take on Gambler without having some sort of Strategy for Ziccarra. “Gambler isn’t a concern of mine, however the Ninjan is…” Y said pulling out a clipboard. “The Ninjan has disappeared from Gambler’s arm” the first hand said again; this time causing the Cocaine Goddess to smile. “Alright listen up” she said placing her hands on her curvy sides. “France is under attack, our alliance to Darkchild is now in effect; so this is the plan. I want a full 360 security around the city of Paris with Alpha team; Delta squad will be the assaulting team here; Anyone remotely related to the HFC is to be eliminated on site is that clear?

A few hours later

Within hours Y herself had infiltrated the city of Paris striking from the Western side; even when she was actively apart of the Tenebra she hadn’t visited the city. She hated to admit it, but it made her uncomfortable; seeing as she was the reincarnated body of the devil himself. The city had been overrun with darkness; it was almost to the point where it would never be back to its former glory. Multiple bodies lay lifeless in the streets; their souls had deemed their corpses unworthy and came to fight for themselves. The goddess stopped in the middle of the street with multiple legions of dragons standing behind her; crouching down she rubbed the earth just a bit and the street she was standing on elevated her into the sky; she went so high that she became faintly visible to those in the dark mist. As she stood on the pillar with her hands folded; very slowly she reached up and grabbed the flesh from her face, revealing a burning cranium, with that she let off a howling laugh. The Jaded Dragon had arrived in the city of Love; with a powerful new skill.

Azrael's crimson hair whipped about in the wind. All around the empire was under assault. The whistling sounds of canon fire screached through the air. The skies were a briliant orange lit up from the detonations throughout the city. Explosions had covered the landscape in the first barage then it dialed down into more calculated strikes. Rigus being the allied city of Cassidy Starks it avoided to much bombardment. None the less though in such a massive strike from the orbit the demonic swarm above the city was destined to take a hit. The rounds would cleave through some of the demons but eventully be haulted by the sheer numbers. What would then come was pockets of crimson rain as the blast tore apart the demented things.
From all sides the empire seemed to be under assault. The tempest winds of what apeared to almost be a huricane were seen in one segment. Likely the hero gone rogue Slight, she had seen his works before in the fight with Omega Justice she found him to be a man with power who clearly had no clue what he was getting invoved in. Scouts reported that Gambler was coming from one route, The passing of Dark Huntress was known, Blair still pited her against the devilish creatures of her city though. If the assassin was to prevail they had to press themselves Blair was confidant neither of them wanted this easy.

The main target of entrest however was the one who had teleported American soldiers into the city. His show was a humerous and familiar one. "Chaos is one of the elements to creation, before construction comes the colection and decomposition of matter. Nations, cities and leaders are all founded on war. With all this mayhem I wonder what will be built from this destruction." The eyes of the soldiers to her back looked at her in confusion. She turned her head towards the beautiful and deadly women of the Wings of Death, one of her emerald eyes masked by her red hair. "What nobody is coming are way i got bored. If you wanted me to shut up you should have said so." She smiled, soon her eyes spotted the two aproaching her and a group of figures droping from the sky from some plane. It was hard to make out much more then a siloet but it was enough. Her attention turned instantaneously to the two arivals.

"Look the empire is on fire and this time it isn't my fault." The demoness teased "Catalyst good to see you actually doing sh!t. Naamah these aren't ex boyfriends of yours are they?" She continued to mock as she heard the aproaching sounds of the Keresh and Samarian fleets. She gave time for banter before going to a serious tone. "Now I dont know about you but I hope Darkchild dies. He is little more then an arogant teenager with a arsenal of fetishes and a god complex. While I hope the foolish prick bleeds from losing all his limbs and being stabed in the head I still fully stand for Tenebrasque In." Again Blair possed giving a moment to comment and so forth before continuing "far as we can tell Hell Fire Club, which we know is them from DC's one good resource computer files, is here mainly for Genesis. Granted afterwords there will likely be a cat fight over land or something but over all they just want Emperor Fugly from planet DIp Sh!t. A bird just flew by though that didn't seem like are dayly tourists. So my proposal is we kill them sence they are likely a real threat. That said if you don't goy better things to do I'll meet you in that general direction." Az pointed towards where the bodies seemed to be falling towards. Her voice though laced with sarcasm had point and respect two the others behind it. Closing her eyes she vanished in a puff of flame.

She reapered near the once Paris the shadowy decaying city that was home of Darkchild. She hated it hear the city was often the central place of the Ti members and yet it was a mess. Most other places had a theme or element a sence of horific dread this place just came of as ruins to her. She sat on her rock a few minutes as she waited for the parade of people to arive. "So from one end the cheshire cat comes and from another is the mad hatter the duo out to kill the dirty white rabit who is bad at timing?" She smiled making a gesture of tiping her hat towards the man she barely recognized as Arow. "You aid in claiming this country and now you seek to demolish it. You were evil in carnate and you took role as the president?" She shook her head in puzzlement. "It explains alot really, I hope you'll help me understand it in the not to distant future. Can't say I like the puppet master routine its a cool gig though give you props. I plan to let you go little rabit needs to die red queen said off with her head, just thought I would look into the reasoning of a semi aquainted friend slash ex team mate." She promised to kick herself for the speech later. It was not her most thought out speech none the less she listend intently to anything the mad hatter might say. Once done she tilted her head as a sign of respect, bowing being a taboo in her mind. "If for some implausible reason you need back up let me know."

With that she brought the motorcylce ReEn had gaven her into her presence. The portal vanished leaving a wisp of the stench of brimstone. Mounting the hellish bike which she had also modified to be more durable, fast and lethal she reved the engine and took off. She gave a salute to her husband who was in the same vacinity as she drove towards where the unknown figures had seemed to drop from. She drove as quickly as possible bored of the idol chatter. Was time blood soiled the earth.

Steadily surveying the subtleties of the seductively sinister Son of Darkness, Darkchild, Jean Luc stood defiantly. His makeshift Golem contingency standing in wait as he patently listened to his old enemies justification of his actions. The distinctive sounds of War reverberated from all across the whole of the illustrious Tb-In landscape as puppet masters pulled their strings and tactically proficient combat veterans made their play. There would be no clear winner, defining one would prove to be a moot point as both sides were destine to suffer catastrophically. Battles scars would be painted upon a canvas of flesh, a continual reminder of the greatest war ever waged. Legends would be birthed from such a war, baptized in the depths of unholy hellfire and soul gripping agony as they were forced to dig deep into the mantel of unwavering heroic fortitude.

His speech rambled on for what seemed like an eternity, full of contradictions and an overinflated sense of self-importance. No matter how he wanted to be perceived his actions always overshadowed and outweighed his intentions. His overwhelming power was undeniable, few, if any, could rival it. But a strategic mastermind he was not. Still stuck in the era of villains betraying villains having never grasped the all important truth. That together the villains were unstoppable. It was enough to turn the Aristocratic Assassin's usually arrogant attitude into a sympathetic one as the days events mirrored the pointless civil wars of the now extinct Vine Villains. Their downfall serving as a blueprint of what not to do, a blueprint Gambler had meticulously meditated upon. Suddenly the Dark Lord sprang to life unleashing a lightning quick attack as a barrage of energy rained down upon his debris molded creations. Immediate devastation now lay in ruins around the feet of the King of Kings who had not flinched. His arms folded across his midsection masking his hand as it rested atop the hilt of his blade, the Cajun anticipating his adversaries impending assault, stylishly unsheathing his weapon bringing it across his chest and back again instantaneously deflecting the Mad Titan's hell soaked chains. However their raw unbridled evil manifested in a dark repulsing aura, shattering one of Gambler's blades while running up the other into the Cajun's arm like a virus. His perforated veins briefly glowing with its everlasting perdition.

Strangely however the assassin simply readjusted his stance before re-sheathing his remaining katana, refusing to let Darkchild see the full effect of his attack. Slowly and obnoxiously the LeBeau Legacy began to clap while flashing his trademark Cheshire Cat grin. Dismissing the respect his opponent so richly craved. "You did all dis for me, mon ami? I truly am flattered. But dhere are no wise men here dis day, no masters of manipulation, no evil geniuses. Dis is a fools war old friend, for once again we've pitted evil against evil and dee only winner in dat repeat performance are heroes." Pausing as he patiently advanced up the fire scorched steps. "Why France? I would have had your back against your enemies, against those who speak wit forked tongues resting within your court like nesting vipers. I would have had your back against dee World. You could have established Tb-In anywhere and accomplished dee same thing with greater resources." tapping his finger against his temple as his chuckled, "But you let your ego drown your sense of reason.........your pride murdered your intelligence." Wasted words falling upon deaf ears. Jean knew this before releasing them into the air, but his own sense of pride would not have allowed them to go unsaid. Now just a few feet away from the towering Titan Gambler unstrapped his sheathed blade laying it on the ground in front of the Tb-In ruler. "You say you cultivated all of dis in some misplaced attempt to have one final battle, one magnificent match against a Gambler of your creation" turning his back on Darkchild he finished, "Well I hope you're ready for some serious $#@!ing disappointment. Cause I dont battle those who have fallen so far beneath me"

Despite the misguided vendetta fueled atrocities committed by Darkchild the Living Legend had moved on. The time in which the dark one's demise consumed his every thought had passed long ago, buried deep in Africa underneath his utopian masterpiece. Now a true exile of France, he felt closer to his father and family linage then ever before. Satisfied in the knowledge that a true LeBeau's destiny was never to rule France, but to have been banished from it. Like a cruel mistress the country had once again helped perpetuate the downfall of her favorite son. A similar fate awaited all who dared love her to much.

There was still one undeniable truth about the Tb-In's uninterrupted occupation of France. ReEnforcer was the linchpin, the authenticated authority that acted as their luminary beacon. Darkchild could fall this day and the War would continue, the Tb-In would remain just as powerful, but if the former hero were brought down, if he were to fall, then the teams back would be broken, their driving force crippled. Jean knew this to be true yet hesitated to initiate a direct confrontation. His abilities were considerably underwhelming when compared to that of the Crimson King. Yet in order to end this conflict, to truly end the War, Ren would have to be stopped. As ceremoniously as he had arrived the LeBeau Legacy once again disappeared. His orbs attempting to generate enough power to transport him unharmed into the inferno encompassing Kingdom of Abyssus and the infamous bridge leading to the end game.

 Dim light from a broken lamp hovers over head, just below it's line of sight is a large stainless steel table, now on that cold table laid a man. With thinning brown hair and a small moustache, he laid there helpless.  A gentle slap on the cheek awakens him."I see the paralysis is going swimmingly" 

The voice is dark and low. A gloved hand reaches out and pulls the lamp out of the man's eyes and onto the orchaestrator of this event's face. His name is Stephen Castle, but you knew him as Drifter. 

A pair of thick set glasses pushed up into the crowne of his slicked back silver mane of hair.  Bands on his arms to hold his pushed up sleeves. 

"Now, lets get to the real fun" He smiled one last time before he lowered a small sawblade. "The perfect specimin, another darkened soul"

"John? Is that your name?"  Through labored breaths, he replied yes as sweat poured down from his upper brow.  "Criminal history, criminal history, criminal history. Ah here it is!" He exclaimed, his excitement was cut off short as he spun in his doctors stool. "Oh...you liked little boys?" Drifter said as he repositioned himself in the stool.  Laughing before clicking his tongue against the roof of his mouth as if to say "Tsk tsk tsk"

"W--wh--what?"  The man's slurred speech angered him, "No, thats just piss poor"  Drifter said. "As a criminal, you've got to do better than that as to your message to society. I make art when I kill or destroy...you sir are just a sick f#ck"

The saw blades lowers once more and begins to spin. Cutting deep into the "meat and potatoes" of the slovenly man. Tearing tendons and gore splattering against the wall. The mans screams echoe off the blackened walls of the Ivory Legions dungeons.

But within seconds the whirring of a blade begins to sputter and stop. Sighing, Drift pulled a small towel off the steel table that sat infront of him and wipes the sweat off the mans brow, before placing it in his mouth.

"MPFFH MPFFH MPFFH" 


Stephen Castle's face shined through for a moment and saw the fear in his eyes. Cocking his head to the side, Stephen stared long and hard at the bleeding criminal. "Heh..So this is what it looks like"

"MPFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFH!!" 


"Well, sh!t" 


A snap of his fingers and hellfire imeddiately cauterizes and heals the wound. Flicking his gloves off to the side, Drifter rolls his sleeves down and begins to unchain the man from his leaned back doctors chair. 

The wounds and scabs rearrange themselves atop the bulging man's stomach and across it reads the words 

LEVIATHAN

The Rogue Ronin had been crossing dimensions for seemingly centuries,training under the teachings of other-reality martial arts masters. His time spent between worlds had further forged him into a warrior built for an apocalypse,and now he would be thrown into the bloody fray of France. Anti-matter particles swirled and imploded as Clutch's dimension gate flashed into the dark death caverns under the once illuminating city. The damp subterranean graves held scores of skulls and tattered limbs made from the onslaught of his former ally Darkchild,and the smell of rotting flesh surprisingly filled the shinobi with a flame of excitement  as he made his way west to the closest high energy sigs. The muddy pools of blood and water stayed motionless under the his feet while he glided swiftly through the maze of victims until reaching his target.  
 
Various files drawn from the database of Clutch's mind ran across the HUD lenses located on his iris and once again a surge of thrill gathered inside of his soul. A battle was soon approaching for all involved in this qualm of emotions and promises,and no one was sure to stay alive when the crimson horizon rose above the new Hell capital. Bursting from the ground like the earth's energies Clutch twisted through the air with mach speeds creating a backlash of shock that made a dust cloud upon landing. Through the ash particles the Scion's HUD locked on to the figure it lead him to,the readings fluctuating as it read "Threat level: High" which made him smile with extreme joy. 
 
A few stories above ground stood an angel of death with a flaming skull of demonic origins. Apart from the figures hideous face her body was flawlessly sculpted to represent the devils love for lustful creatures. It was a shame a rare being like her would soon be decimated to nothing like the city they occupied. Drawing his blade and creating eye contact a razor sharp voice cut through the sounds of war in France. 
 
"Prepare yourself,Jade Dragon...."

“Prepare yourself, Jade Dragon” the words cut through the nightmarish French atmosphere clearly; many of her troops broke discipline and looked around for the unknown challenger. Taking a brief moment to take a deep breath Y’s skin Assimilated back on her face.   The almond eyes of the cocaine goddess focused themselves on a warrior whom had made his way, to about four paces in front of her mound. “Open Ranks! Mark” Y yelled sending her powerful voice out towards her troops, as she did so they executed her command flawlessly. Dropping down between the first and the second rank she inspected the well-being of her troops.

Upon completion of her inspection, she shifted focus from her troops to the man whom had called her by name. Her walk turned from that of a soldier to that of an armed combatant, removing her Black Rose blade from its sheath, she presented arms as a show of respect to her adversary. As she ordered arms the foul stench of blood shot from the demon blade.    Those who were lucky enough to bare the colors of the Green Dragon Army, quickly presented arms, which drew the rest of the Army to bow before the mighty flag. As she stepped forward the Band began playing an intense battle melody; this was one way they honored the Jade Dragon; before she was cast out of heaven, she was the head of the music in heaven; music like this enhanced her soul and battle prowess.

“Engage” she said gripping the hilt of her blade causing it to activate; the shards quickly detached from the hilt and slowly began revolving around Y.   Thrusting forward she sent the barb wired sharp shards forwards cutting the veil of darkness, to distract her enemy. Wasting little to no time at all the, Apex Predator hopped to the balls of her feet and followed close behind the shards; closing in quickly; she jumped into the air at the same exact time very first shard was scheduled to make contact; Charging her secondary blade in the process. Landing maybe 5 paces to the left, she jammed her Green Dragon blade into the concrete; this activated the kinetic energy she once stored; the ground quickly became unruly sending a powerful shockwave of dirt and debris towards Clutch; this battle drill if effective would progress on the last; where she first fired something to draw his attention; this movement was to throw off his guard. The ground shook violently filling the already opaque night with ash and debris; through this gritty mist the Jaded Dragon attacked.

Starting off high; she performed an almost harmonic pirouette; attempting to cut through his sternum Aiming low; Y sent an open palm strike towards his hip; opting early to eliminate his maneuverability. Finishing her assault off she finished with a leg sweep combination; trying to one again ground her opponent; being a master at submissions she knew if she grounded him for long she could suck the life out of him with a powerful submission.

This fight actually came at a great time, this gave Y’s security team a chance to rest, while the assault team quickly ran through their recon of the city; very soon they would be assaulting through this area; with orders to wipe out anyone loyal to the HFC.

Before The War

War

Ravek stood on a hilltop, the bodies of soldiers loyal to the Tb-In lay scattered about, the main body of hostile troops had moved farther north. In the few hours the Keresh forces had been engaged in combat operations they had been cutting a swath of death and destruction through what was formerly known as France. Keresh Light Cruisers, Strike Fighters and Bombers tore through the sky above, meeting little resistance, enemy soldiers lay dead in the streets. During their brutal push through the ravaged European country the Keresh had liberated thousands of civilians and slaughtered anyone who had opposed them so far. Everything was going perfectly... so far the Keresh had yet to suffer a single casualty, but there were half a dozen wounded at a field hospital in Spain. 
 
Ravek started to walk back to the column nearby when a commando ran up to him.  
 
"What's the problem Sergeant?" 
 
"Recon teams report a large satellite dish on the dome of that Xenonian, Sir" 
 
Ravek looked in the direction of Ruhi Tugu's kingdom "I wonder what Tugu has planned..." 
 
He was about to order a strike on the dish when suddenly a frantic message came through on his helmets comm unit. A satellite in orbit was charging, possibly preparing to fire. 
 
"Blow the damn thing out of the sky then!" The senior officer complied, sending a massive kinetic shell soaring towards the satellite, mere milliseconds before the massive shell impacted the orbiting satellite disintegrated, the kinetic round continuing on through the blackness of space. 
 
"Status report" 
 
"Sir the Satellite exploded before the shell rea- " The comm went dead, Ravek tapped the side of his helmet with two fingers 
 
"Do you read me Commander" Nothing... just static... "Go find out what's wrong with our comms and fix it. Quickly" 
 
The commando started to run off when electrical surges began to appear on the vehicles and ships in the area, and more than likely on the ships in orbit.... 
 
"EMP! Get to cover!" Ravek and his soldiers took off running for cover as ships began to fall from the sky, everything from Light Cruisers to the quick and nimble fighters. 
 
Across the ravaged country pilots and crew members went into action,pilots jettisoned their ordnance, over formations of Tb-In soldiers if possible before ejecting, sending their craft towards anything left standing by the bombardment, the crew members of the light cruisers caught in Earths gravity during the blast did their best to steady their vessels as they plunged towards the ground, some were able to make an emergency landing, hitting the ground and sliding for miles before stopping, others were not so lucky, being to close to the group the ships broke apart on impact, causing various degrees of damage. 
 
The whole thing lasted five minutes, the Keresh forces on the ground emerged from where they'd taken cover, looking at the pillars of smoke from the crashed ships. 
 
Ravek looks to a commando sergeant standing near him. "Gather a squadand make your way up and down the line, I want a report on how many casualties we've suffered, and when we have comms back I want the fleet to turn Tugu's land to Ash... just like his homeworld..."
 
The sergeant complied and began yelling for a squad to follow him. Ravek looked over to a nearby field where a cruiser had touched down, it was inoperable at the moment but intact, the crew were probably making repairs at that very moment. 
 
"Move the vehicles into that town" pointing to a village near the ship "half of you will cover the vehicle crews while they make repairs, the other half will come with me and protect that cruiser while it's crew gets it running again." The soldiers didn't hesitate, surging forward to the ship while the others help move the vehicles, 5 minutes later Ravek stood in the Cruisers small hanger bay, discussing how long it would take to get the vessel running again. 
 
"My men will form up around the ship while you cover us with any weapons still operable, agreed" the ships Captain nodded "The crew is working as quick as they can, we should be back up and running in maybe an hour tops" 
 
"Good, I'll buy you the time you need" Short range comms were still working so Ravek relayed orders to the Sergeant he'd sent out to tell other units to do the same. Across the vast wasteland of France similar scenes played out, Keresh infantry and armor moved in to cover downed vessels, so the crew could get the vessels running again or scuttling charges could be set to destroy the ships. Pilots made their way through hostile territory, linking up with the infantry to prepare to stand and fight. Gun crew on the downed ships calibrated their weapons checked their ammunition supplies. 
 
Ravek watched from a observation point on the ship as a large group of soldiers loyal to Ruhi Tugu made their way towards the ship, no one moved in the Keresh fighting positions, in the nearby town Artillery units loaded the devastating Nano-Rounds and prepared to fire, Ravek crouched next to a sniper who was scanning the body of soldiers for a commander. 
 
"Do you have him pinpointed?" The sniper gave him a thumbs up, Ravek raised a hand slightly above the snipers shoulder and waited two heartbeats. "Fire" lightly tapping him on the shoulder. The sniper sent the round a mile and a half down range, catching the commander in the forehead. "Great shot" nodding approvingly, the young sniper looked up and shrugged "I was aiming for his eye" Ravek chuckled "Shut up and keep shooting" 
 
"My pleasure, Sir" as he let three more round fly into the crowd, the heavy bullets cutting through body armor like paper. 
 
A booming noise was heard from behind the ship as Nano-Rounds soared over head, they burst in the air above the enemy infantrymen. For a moment it seemed like nothing was happening... then the screaming started as microscopic machines began to break down the enemy soldiers piece by piece, leaving nothing left then moving on to another. The Keresh watched from hastily dug trenches as the kill switches engaged and the Nanobots shutdown. Taking with them dozens of enemy infantry. Ravek activated his short range comm. 
 
"Drive them towards us, Major" as the sound of soldiers checking their weapons one last time before battle filled the air and high explosive artillery rounds flew over head...

“In all honesty it wasn’t the smartest thing ever done in a war.” The professor looked over the picture in the text book. “But with him, he just seems to pull it off. I don’t know whether it’s the legendary stories that people had heard about him, or the fact that they are true, that made him able to just walk right in.” They all sat listening intently. “Wait, what? He just walked in?!? No freakin’ way!” “Yeah he just..... walked in.” The room filled with laughter as they shook their heads in awe. “So let me paint the picture for you……

……He is six foot six inches and close to 300 pounds of killing machine. In those days he wore a beard that was starting to turn gray and a spiked Mohawk. His arms had long been covered in tattoos, and he tended to wear a black tactical vest with the Wolf Pack logo on the back and a image of the Angel of Death on the front. That was his call sign at the time you see….but people usually just skipped the angel part, cause really, he was Death to anyone who saw him.” A hand went up in the back of the gathering crowd. “What were some of the others call sign, Professor?” With a smile the professor listed off from memory the rest of the Death Dealers. “Lone Wolf and Lady Luck were his counter parts, but there were others that you may now know, an Elf and the one that he was after Whisper.”

“Professor?” A determined young man spoke up “Yes Michael” “Why did he go into this battle alone?” The professor thought for a moment before answering. “A few thing are well known about him. One, he studied his opponents to the inth degree, sometimes watching them for weeks on end knowing their habits and traits better than they knew themselves. Two, was simply Whisper." The students had a confused look on their faces. " But...I thought Whisper was his daughter." Michael spoke up again. "Well done Michael, Whisper was his daughter and that's exactly why he went alone." The students were even more confused. "Whisper had power unlike any other. With just a word she could end any battle. So the story goes that he left his teammates behind knowing the danger that they would be in. He thought that if his daughter decided to speak his death.....then he deserved to die." A young girl sitting cross legged in the back spoke almost to quiet to hear. " That is strangely romantic." 

" So what happened professor?

She snapped back to reality and began to tell the class a story like no other. "It was dawn on a Thursday August 4th when he walked down the long gravel road. He never carried many weapons with him as over the years and years of training he had become a living embodiment of death. The only video record we have of the event shows him walking with his hands out to his sides and it looks like he is calling out for someone. Was it for his daughter? Was it for the man who took her? We might never know"

The bell rang over head but all of the students stayed where they were. " Professor Anderson can you continue the story?" She smiled and closed the text book. "We will be studying our Presidents all week. We will continue the story of President Hawk Anderson tomorrow."

Her War is Nigh

 Edward Windsors flat London

MI6 HQ