By: Konous the Grey
Disclaimer: Any CoH/V characters are property of Cryptic studios and NC Soft, any others are of my own creation.
The story is pretty big I wanted to post the first 6000 characters before I posted any more so that way I wouldn't be some taking up someones bandwidth, Mind you I'm not all that good on how forums are moderated in terms of cost. Formatting is also kind of messed up I'm not sure hot to fix that yet, perhaps you guys can tell me so that I can edit that later.
Friendship
Creeping death looms ever closer to me, skeletal grasp wrapped around my throat, oxygen deprivation is to be its scythe tonight. Cavernous, carnivorous rock, belly of of the beast is my tomb. Though I have long known of death, known I could die, I did not care, not out of ôgranduerousö beliefs of immortality, but merely that my life and my death would be justified so long as it protected the people of my home, my family, friends, my loved ones. But to die here......alone......with HIM! HE is a person responsible for more murders more deaths than most people can dream of. Nearly one and all villains answer to him in some way, weather through favors owed to him or out of some twisted allegiance wrought by the charisma he inspires in the monsters of his home. The Horrid Beast, Leper Messiah, the Prince of the Rouge Isles, it is almost too much for me to take in, the one mind bending fact. 'I'm going to die alone in the dark of suffocation with Konous-Negative.'.
He hasn't moved at all since the rocks caved in, I spent what felt like hours trying to look for movable rocks, anything to get out of here, brief search had revealed the all too terrible truth. The rocks which had caved in around us had left no gaps for us to push out of. Us.....I should be flogged for including that....monster in the same category as myself, I know most people would. And here I sit, I have no idea how long I'm going to last in here, and I have to wonder how much energy I've wasted moving about those rocks. I looked at him and tried to drink in what I was seeing, I had often asked myself 'What does Konous-Negative' look like?' I will say this, at first glance he's nothing impressive. Almost like a mummy he's covered in cloth of varying styles, his boots, his arms, and his skull mummified behind layers of brown cloth of a sand paper texture. Despite contrast the smooth, yet worn and tattered, corporal, cape and cowl wrapped around his lower face, mirrored by a pair of goggles, only helped to intensify the effect. And upon his upper arms, the shoulders, his gloves and boots, rusted chains, but perhaps it was not rust, but blood of his enemies he'd slain kept around for terror inspiring effect. But most of all, beneath this cloth, these chains, lay metal ôunder workingsö, the all too faint sound of servos twisting and turning, he was part machine, if not part then all, mind and heart as well if not merely his body.
ôHow long do we have?ö I ask, my eyes never leaving him, ready to bring my sword at ready to end him. ôHeh.ö A grunt? A faint chuckle or perhaps a half of a 'Hmph'? Regardless he responds. ôWhat makes you think I know?ö He's smirking, I know he is. ôYou had to have killed people by suffocation at some point, I'm sure your very much familiar with it as a mode of execution.ö I clarify, venom dripping from glands I never knew I had. He looks up, calculating in his head I'm sure the time we have to live, or how he can use this situation to his advantage to break me. ôWell, given the size...I'd say we have a good few hours.ö Thoughts racing through me. 'Hours?! Not minutes? How could this be?' Waving his hand about in a professor like manner he lectured an explanation to me as though he'd read my mind. ôThis rock, formed by the volcanic activity here in Paragon City, is unique, as are most things involved with our urban metropolis. Most volcanoes here exhibit these rock formations, designed with almost tree like Phloem, allowing them to contain the molten magma by releasing it and with it nutrients in minerals in controlled bursts, hence why the fruit and vegetables and the live stock which feed off of those very things are so healthy. All the benefits of a volcano without the piercing destruction wrought by their all too deadly eruptions. In our case this same Phloem hollowing in the rock is carrying air to us, thus prolonging our time here,ö My eyes lit up. Hope? I might live? I might see my family again? All too easily struck down. ôHowever, you and I should both realize, that help is far beyond us, even by hero and villain standards we are ages from any aid, this place will be where we die, and even if some measure of help did arrive it would be for only one of us, they'd surely kill the other.ö Meegelle took that time to lie down. Perhaps preparing himself for a future position he'd hold. 'People come up with all these different ideas of which is the worst way to die, but God, being imminently aware of your own death but not quite knowing when I think is even worse. Damn it, I would have much rather died up there.'
********
Meegelle stared at the cave entrance, one of many which dotted around Paragon City, especially out here along the many minor islands dotted around Peregrine Island. Here among these tiny rafts of land that held on top of them the many Giant Monsters of the Devouring Earth each 6 stories tall. The crystalline bodies of the Lattices, the ôneanderthalicö body of the rock gollems individually known as Quarry, the interweaving mesh of vine, tree and leaf to create Thorn, and the much smaller 5 story monster Stropharia which resembled almost identically the mushroom it was named after save for the humanoid arms and legs. Pulling out his Cell phone he looked up his Contacts lists for Unai Kemen and called him up. Unai was not one to let his cell phone ring more than once, as a contact it's really bad manners to leave your Heroes hanging especially when they count on you to give them information. Unai did not disappoint as hardly before the final ring ended a voice came from the other side. ôYello, this Unai, who may I ask is speaking?ö
ôUnai, it's me Meegelle, I'm at the entrance man, just calling to confirm my arrival.ö Taking the time to rest a little among the foliage Meegelle could hear the nodding head of Unai distinctly from his brief and rapid 'mhm'es.
ôAh, good to hear Meegelle, how's the stealth unit I made for you? Is it working right, and what about the little jet pack I gave you?ö Unai asked as he he dealt with another hero who needed directions to the Peregrine Island Ferry. A pause, though brief was highly poignant as Unai had only known Meegelle to pause when someone said something either offensive or stupid. ôUnai, I couldn't be talking to you right now if either of those didn't work. I mean come on you gave me the Jet pack so I wouldn't swim my way to the island, I mean come on use some common sense.ö An embarrassed however at the same time quite surprised voice came from the other end. ôReally you actually used them? I'm almost too shocked for words. Soooo, how did they turn out?ö
Scanning the area at all the Devouring Earth roaming around that had not even paid him the time to give him a second glance Meegelle couldn't help but feel nervous as a Lattice, Quarry, Thorn, and Stropharia stood around much like loitering. However, since the Devouring Earth were all once people even these giant hulking brutes it wouldn't be too hard to believing they probably just chatting. ôIt's working great Unai, I haven't been spotted or heard, and thanks for the Jet pack, contrary to popular belief I don't want to swim the distance between Peregrine Island and 'Monster Island' just for a good work out. I'm all about self improvement but not when peoples lives are on the line.ö
Unai let loose a friendly laugh pointed at Meegelle. ôI know man, but I can't help but make a few jokes here and there, it's just in good fun though,ö his tone rotated from light and cheerful to stern and ôunreproachfulö with all the ôfrictionlessnessö and fluidity of person who'd long learned to separate his 'friendly' persona, and his 'business' persona. ôListen to me carefully though Meegelle, this isn't a run about mission. I had some friends in the geological department of S.E.R.A.P.H. look into this seismic activity, there is not tectonic plate movement going on beneath the Earths crust anywhere near Paragon. Which means that what ever is on 'Monster Island' right now in that cave is causing the seismic activity. Right now it's just a murmur of an Earthquake, not enough to cause more than a slight vibration in the ground hardly noticeable.ö And Meegelle had to agree on that part, there was a movement beneath his feet, much like when music gets played too loud and you stand next to the stereo. ôWell that's just the weakened vibrations of it, near the epicenter deeper in the cave it's going to be stronger just to give you for warning, also the seismic activity itself is increasing steadily which means it won't be long till we have a full on sea quake. Which will result in-ö ôA Tsunami!ö Meegelle interrupted loudly, nearly giving away his position to the Devouring Earth around him who began searching around trying to find the source of the disturbance of their small section of Eden. Taking a moment to wait for the danger of discovery to disappear Meegelle asked Unai to continue. ôCorrect, and if that happens the most major thoroughfare of Paragons Heroic elite will be awash with the driving force of mother nature's angry rage. Creating a situation of dire and ôunproportionedö chaos. Giving the Villains a chance to reek the benefit of such unfortunate turn of events. You have to find that seismic vibration Meegelle, at all costs.ö Nodding in affirmation to accept the quest, Meegelle girded himself for what trials lurked ahead. ôRoger that Unai, over and out.ö Turning off his cell phone and checking the life of the stealth unit and finding it in good charge Meegelle treaded into the gave taking care of his feet for every step drew him deeper and deeper into the into the heart of the quake.
It has been noted that on several occasions super villains will request the aid of lowly thugs and vandals to aid them in their deeds of malicious destruction, or their missions of dastardly mayhem. And it it also noted that on several occasions these same super villains are mocked for their use of these 'henchmen' as they called because it shows that the villain is weak and needs others to do the fighting for him. Konous-Negative on the other hand couldn't care less of the feelings of most Villains. Many were hardly evil to begin with, and more important to him was the deed, he didn't care how it got done, simply that it got done. A while ago he'd come to a brilliant idea. It was simple enough really, inspired by most common disasters. What normally happens in those situations is that the national guard of the area is called in and the situation by military force is held under control. However, Paragon City had a large population of Super Heroes, so even if someone managed to cause something that wide a scale, the Heroes would just take care of it. Well then, what if you had it occur where the strongest heroes were located? Which was the exact reason he was on 'Monster Island', far far away from civilization, so well protected by the fanatical Devouring Earth's greatest monsters and once more....the quiet comforts of home. A cave was the perfect place to get the old Villainous mojo flowing, and was often one of his prized thinking places for concocting schemes or, should he choose it, listen to music. ôHeh, I wonder what all the tabloid and media nut cases would think if they found out I listened to Peter Gabriel? Probably try to find links in his music and my attacks. Bloody conspiracy theorists.ö He snorted. Looking about himself at his surroundings, as he tried to adjusted the already working and running 'Seismic Resonator', as he called it, which hadn't been quiet set to the right frequency, but that was something easily rectified, he just had to make sure he kept the frequency away from the resonance frequency of the rocks around himself and his lackeys spread throughout the cave. If he actually set the machine to the resonance frequency of the rocks...well that would be bad as all of it would come down around them. ôThough, now that I think about it, this would more classify as Playing among the Rocks, than Digging in the Dirt.ö Satisfied with that logical conclusion he happily returned to his work. Or he would have, had he not sensed at that moment, a presence near him. He let out a sigh. He could never get any work done. ôCome on out Kalinda, I know it's you.ö No answer for a moment, then. ôHow do you know it's Kalinda?ö
He smirked, no one could see them, but everyone knew it when he did from his change in voice, and that was part of the little perks of the costume he wore, it irritated people to no end when they knew he was smirking, but would not show it to them despite their knowing it, a small but effective psychological ploy of his. ôYour perfume, even if you work for Arachnos and are our most esteemed Lord Recluse's most treasured seer, you still keep high standard in maintaining your feminine attributes,ö He said scanning the room looking for the exact source of the presence. ôBut most of all, I remember your perfume, it mirrors your very nature, enigmatic and subtle, not the over bearing scent of roses, or other fermented erotic ilk, merely something made to make being around you slightly pleasant and enjoyable, instead over bearing on the senses.ö
Once again for a moment there was no response and then slowly, as though to add dramatic effect, or perhaps not quite used to using her stealth abilities, Kalinda appeared. Dressed formally in the Fortunata attire adorned by many women in Arachnos, the skin tight red ôpleximetalö molded over every curve while at the same time providing ample protection from most super powered assaults. However outfits such as these were common amongst many Villainesses, and so desentised Konous-Negative had become that he hardly payed attention to her body and more to her face. Revealed now were the locks of raven and sharp calculating eyes often hidden by the helmet that was required of Fortunata's which more than likely protected their minds from psionic attacks. It would not due after all to have your seers' messages of impending danger halted by the control of Hero psychic, so Lord Recluse had told him. However, when you had powers like Kalinda's attacks such as those were slim to none, so more often than not you could find her without her helmet. ôWhat have you got there Konous-Negative?ö She said swaying her hips from side to side in a manner that made most men flush. Konous-Negative seemed unaffected. ôNothing nothing, you only see air my dear, but first things first....how did you find me?ö He inquired.
Looking to the side, slightly smirking, inspecting her nails casually despite their being hidden by her all encompassing suit. ôOh I have my ways Konous-Negative, I have my ways.ö Eventually her eyes took her head back to facing Konous-Negative, whom simply stared straight ahead at her without any form of speech as a response, until ô.....No seriously, how did you find me?ö Deadpan in tone as cast iron pot in a grave, Konous-Negative obviously wanted to get to the heart of the situation as fast as possible.
Giving in and shrugging her shoulders Kalinda responded back. ôSirocco told me.ö Not at all the great feat of deduction and discovery she'd made it seem with her bravado. At that Konous-Negative nodded. ôI see I see, that makes sense, and I figured as much.ö And then returned to working on the Seismic Resonator, adjusting the frequencies and testing them on minute levels. Kalinda smirked. ôWhat? Aren't you mad?ö Truly she knew what his answer would be, but it was always fun to play with Konous-Negative this way. ôWhy should I be?ö He responded, never taking his eyes off the machine, twisting turning, testing reseting over and over. The smirk grew stronger as she anticipated his response. ôWell, most Villains would grow irritated, even enraged that a partner of theirs in a secret scheme had revealed the exact location of the operation to an outsider. They might even get so enraged that they'd be intent on killing their partner.ö Ending calibrations testing for a moment Konous-Negative looked back at Kalinda. ôBut you know well Kalinda, I man not like most Villains.ö And just like that he returned to work, not a word more. Strolling about, Kalinda got a good look at the machine he was working on, it was simple enough standing on one spike perfectly balanced with an oscillating outer shell that send off the vibrations in controlled amount so long as the oscillations remained constant.
Leaning in on the opposite side from where Konous-Negative was working she asked ôSo what is the purpose behind this little scheme of yours, hm?ö No response at first. She leaned in closer till her eyes were looking up into his which were faced down at the machine. ôChaos and mayhem and by association pain, suffering, and misery in the hearts of all Good, Sirocco should have at least told you that much?ö He responded back turning his head slightly to the side so that she couldn't look him in the eye. Not with those eyes, all seeing and all telling. ôSirocco told me much Konous-Negative, both by what he said, and what he did not say. He told me you wanted this kept 'under wraps'. Most while this is standard procedure with Villainous activity of all sorts...the question is why would he keep silent on your reasons for doing it?ö She said moving her head to get back into his view. He quickly shifted again, despite knowing she would just follow him once more. ôWhat else could it possibly be Kalinda? Sirocco keeps silent because it's obvious what I want out of this, and because despite his telling you of this operation he knows you can be trusted, and to answer your previous question that is why I'm not mad. He wouldn't tell you unless he thought you could be trusted, but obviously you couldn't come to the conclusion he wanted you to. This is a ripe chance for Villains to strike a blow to Heroes everywhere, by destroying Peregrine Island, I will rid the Villains of Portal Corp, the Heroes one source of dimensional transport, think of it hundreds of Heroes stranded in dimensions not their own! Most of them apocalyptic! And then there's the Heroes in Peregrine, most will be killed in the Tsunami, leaving me and my contingent here to wreak havoc and possibly even set off even more destruction.ö Upon finishing his extended speech, Konous-Negative realized he'd gotten a bit frenzied and found himself righteously holding his fist in the air and shaking it like a gung ho political ranter. Looking about to see if anyone was looking, he found only the amused eyes of Kalinda on him.
After regaining his composure Konous coughed into his glove, trying to save all face he had, which as of now was very little. ôSo I fail to see how I could possibly have any 'ulterior motive' as you put it.ö The smirk was glued on, she was sticking to her guns and she wouldn't let go any time soon. ôTrue, all those are good show case reasons Konous-Negative, but that's all they are: show cases, something to make your deed today look pretty and pristine,ö Her smirk ended however it did not give birth to a frown but instead her mouth lost all emotion as once more her intent of question transferred to her eyes in a most discerning glare. ôYou think none of us know? We've all noticed it Konous-Negative.ö Right in his face, giving him exactly what he didn't want, to look into the eyes, to see that everything that was his, how very little there was, was laid out for her to see at her own leisure, especially the ones he didn't want her or anyone else to see. He'd turn away, get those eyes out of his sight! ôI don't know what you could possibly mean Kalinda.ö 'Try to keep calm, act like you don't know what she means, pretend even in your heart you don't know' He thought to himself. But his heart was something even he couldn't control, for Hate and Love are not partial to the wants of their holders. ôYou can lie all you want, but everyone's seen it Konous-Negative, everyone! You've changed! It's not a large one, like your intended goals, there's a tread and a spring in your step that is not felt by none!ö
She'd figured it out. He knew that much, perhaps she'd suspected for a long time and had finally come to the conclusion ages ago, perhaps not maybe she only realized what it was when Sirocco refused to tell her why he was here. Who knows? 'First things first, damage control.' ôYou say everyone's noticed the change in me....but you mention none save for yourself whom know what it is. How many others know?ö No smirk, no intense glare, she'd used her weapons, and gotten him to tell. Now it was all a matter of time allowing them the moments to speak, but there was still a slightly...sad look on her face. Which was rubbish, sadness implied loss...and Villains lose nothing for they only care of themselves.
Or do they? ôGhost Widow knows, she absolutely does, Sirocco knows I'm sure other wise he wouldn't have had trouble telling me the reason for your coming here. I've managed to keep Captain Mako and Black Scorpion from realizing it, but they've noticed the change for sure. Lord Recluse, I can't say, he is the one I am unsure of though I would say no he does not since he hardly ever see anyone. But you can rest assured everyone seen the change Konous-Negative.ö He paused, taking it all in. 'Damn really that bad? I thought myself an artesian at guarding my own emotions. It would seem I'm not as good as I thought.' There was however something else lingering in his thoughts. The unanswered question embedded in Kalinda's statements. ôI see. Now how many know who it is?ö He asked looking down at the ground. Kalinda joined him in trying to find something of value in the cave formations, trying to make a consolation to him merely by joining him in this way. ôJust me and Sirocco. How he found out I don't know, but I found out after that mission you came back from when last you went to Peregrine Island. You were shaken beyond belief. Since then I've seen the change and I concluded it had to be something that occurred there. Low and behold which Hero or rather Heroine was there stopping You that day but-ö A hand raised up in the air halting her speech. ôDon't say her name. Please.ö It was somber, it was struggled. It was weak, everything she hadn't known him to be. ôGhost Widow's opinion is that it's your life so unless it threatens Arachnos she shouldn't care,ö she stopped talking for a moment, letting that comment sink in. And then the smirk returned. ôI bet though if she did know who it was she'd care.ö A dim and weakened nod from Konous-Negative. She turned her head back to him, so despondent. ôWhy are you doing this Konous-Negative? To see her again? Is that it? She won't change and you know it.ö ôI know.ö ôShe's a Hero through and through.ö ôI know.ö ôTrying to change her would be like stopping the tide!ö ôI know.ö ôThen why?!ö She yelled slamming her fist into the wall beside her creating a small fissure in it with her psionic fist. ôWhy are you doing this to yourself?ö He took his time answering, trying at best to ease her upset feelings and at the same time, find a reasonable justification for himself as to why he was doing this. ôI'm doing this...not just to see her again....but maybe...to see if I should keep going.ö The silence after that was stark, and unbent. There aren't many things in life like a friend telling you they're tired of living.
ôSo you're going there to die?ö She asked. ôI told you....I'm just not sure, all I know is that I want to and at the very least,ö He responded placing his hands on the 'Seismic Resonator' with the same affection and reverence one does their child, their greatest life work, their coffin. ôIt should be something I do, doing what I do best, bringing pain and suffering to everything in the universe, just as I have always done.ö A hand on his shoulder, he turned to look to see her weakened smile, the smile of a friend. ôTake care of yourself Konous-Negative.ö He chose his words carefully. ôI never have before, but since that day I have found a need to do so, and yet at the same time a burning desire to let it all end. But I think for you Kalinda I shall.ö No hugs, no hand shake, no physical means of affection between these two. Merely a mutual understanding that both were there for each other. As she began to fade back, back into the faded shadows, not invisible merely unnoticed by the minds of most who saw her, Konous-Negative called out. ôKalinda, when I return, you and Sirocco will be the first to know.ö And with that promise she turned back to walking out of the tunnels and he returned to his work, to his ending, but maybe also his beginning.
Stealth, normally this kind of thing did not sit well with Meegelle, it didn't sit well with him because conflict strengthened you, made you stronger, by avoiding conflict you weakened yourself for when others would need you. However he had learned that there were times stealth was needed, he was not the strongest Hero, definitely not, and so had learned to utilize the ability to remain hidden in plain sight. So it benefited him greatly as he saw the roaming and terrible Arachnos troopers. You couldn't call them 'troops' really, because that word holds a humanoid connotation to it. The range of enemies among Arachnos goes for beyond the mere constraints of such a word.
Bane Spider Commando's and Night Widows were the most human looking of all of them. The former of which was bulky like most foot ball players due to the strength enhancing gyros emplaced underneath the black with the red pads on the shoulders and around the neck area and each was issued with a mace black as their armor covered in upward facing spikes. The Bane Spider was always the team leader of the group, issuing orders when no actual commander was present. The other side the coin, the Fortunatas were lithe and beautiful dwellers of the night trained in the art of assassination and their psionic abilities. Many male heroes had questioned what these femme fatales look like under the bloodstained metal with rivulets of black, hidden behind the spherical crystalline crimson helmets, most of those Heroes find the blade of the aforementioned women lodged in their stomach long before they are finished with their ôfantisationsö. The next three were what truly eclipsed the imagination with a blade. 'How could Lord Recluse do this to people? How could people let themselves be changed like this?'
The Crab Spider Slicers, not so much bulkier than the Bane Spiders, the Crab spiders were merely larger and much so. Standing 8 ft tall at the head 10 ft easily if you counted the metal arachnid themed cannons on their backs, intended to fire only the most potent of searing plasma. But with their bulk the Slicer was also known for the fact that these same extremities could be used in melee and often were along with the punching blades attached to the ôthumblessö side of the arm. The
Tarantula, most spider like of all, any level of pity can be spared on the Arachnos but these people. Most are often recruited from the 'Prisons' of the Rogue Isles and used in the tortuous process to produce these machinations of hardly flesh and mostly metal. It is said that in under ground lairs where they are made the screams of the people as they under go the change from normal person the tank like cyborg of green metal designed to kill any one sight who are aligned against Arachnos.
The Mu Striker, most decrepit in its own way there are no hands for tools, no legs for walking, no eyes for seeing in these people. They are mummified as soon as their powers develop in the red wrappings of Arachnos, and are taught to focus only on the magic possessed within, creating a hunched over red form floating in the air that leaves much red in its wake. Long ago it was discerned that the civilization known as Mu long contested as a myth actually existed and had done so for thousands of years in the Rouge Isles, then vanished! But it is known they did exist for the blood line still flows in the people whom live in the Rouge Isles today, those who show the latent power of this ancient species are given the choice of dying or searching for the long lost secret of as to what happened to the ancient culture.
Normal situations of Arachnos troopers were merely their based ground troops, hardly more than highly equipped organized crime groups. The fact that such elite units were here present in this cave gave way not only to the inkling of thought that this was a serious situation but the absolute certainty of it. 'I've got to be silent in my movements, I may be invisible but not undetectable, if they hear me they'll-' At that thought he yelped out like a kicked puppy as an icy chill ran down his back. Not the chill of frozen cold, but of someone touching him on a deeper level than flesh and bone. All too late he realized his error, for in giving way to sudden bursts of instinct to call out for help he had alerted the Arachnos present to his location. This was confirmed as the heads of the Mu Striker, Tarantula, Fortunata, and Crab Spider all turned to him and charged with a silently understood order of 'Kill.' from the Bane Spider Commando.
The Tarantula, Fortunata and Mu Striker were no melee combatants, hanging back firing off psionic blasts, web grenade shots, and torrents of crimson ether energy respectively at Meegelle who dodged their strikes while he used his sword to block the slices and stabs of the Crab Spider. Meegelle showed his swordsman ship well meeting every one of the Crab Spiders cuts, however as time went on his weariness showed and the Arachnos troops could see it in his eyes and sweat as he tried with all his might to match the power armor who's strength far exceeded his own. 'I can't do this much longer, I've got to change tactics. Gotta take out the leader!' Taking a moment to stand still Meegelle gave himself as open sacrifice to the short swords of the Crab Spider and watched is it charged head long toward him both blades raised forward. Ducking at the last moment he possibly could to insure victory the side and let the Crab Spiders blades get stuck in the rock behind him. Using the chance he had when he had it he stuck his sword into the power cell installed in the back of the Crab Spider and watched it shut down. As the energy levels lowered he could hear the Crab Spider's user calling out for someone to get him out of his suit.
No moment to lose, the hail fire of the ranged enemies not giving him an inch to rest, he sprinted and leapt clear over their heads to the Bane Spider behind them. Out it drew the signifying weapon of their unit, a mace not merely covered in spikes but also with two wickedly upward curved blades like a pair of devils horns. Their weapons met and despite his weariness from the Crab Spider, he found the Bane Spider much easier to deal with. While the mace had much greater length than the short swords of the Crab Spider he found it much easier to parry as the weapon was cumbersome and he exploited that by feinting to the right side with a slice and quickly turning around to come back repeatedly bashing at the opened defense of the unit leader. A few concussions to the side and at last he fell to the ground, not dead but definitely knocked out, the armor and enhancements in his suit definitely seemed to count for something.
The Mu striker was next. It's attacks were the most damaging and he would also be the easiest to take down. Running past the shots, and rolling to the side of the lightning blasts of Mu energy he cut upwards to the right of the Mu, horrified at seeing the red lummox turn to the side and letting the blade smack him in the skull and into the psionic blast of the Fortunata.
Hero etiquette required he not kill anyone but damn it it was frustrating. These were obvious criminals who'd killed people hundreds of times and yet he could not kill them once in return. Not even as the Tarantula hailed bullets at him that could end him in a moment could he once destroy this person. Because they could be victims. And even as he cut each leg of the Tarantula, running by it to make sure it's front mounted guns couldn't hit him he had to repeat that mantra over and over again. 'They could be victims, they could be victims they could be victims.' But he had no answer when in response his same voice said 'But they've made many victims themselves.' Cutting off that train of thought and the last leg of the Tarantula Meegelle sped over to the next trooper.
Never pausing, he couldn't or else he'd be dead, he moved to the next target, the Fortunata. It would not merely be a test of blade for she was equipped with daggers, as most of them were, because while he dodged and blocked to attempts to gut him she was also widdling away his will to continue. Over head blocking one dagger with his sword and catching the Fortunata's arm in the other arm a seductive voice whispered in his head. ôYou should give up, what would it matter if you died? You're hardly much of a hero anyway, you have no powers, give in, let it go, your deeds today don't matter and they never have, wouldn't it be easier then just to give up?ö Shaking cold, as the dagger in her hand went steadily closer to his head, strength although he had his will began to falter. 'It never has mattered has it?' He thought to himself, succumbing to her disgustingly pretty words. 'I'm nothing, I always have been always will be, even after I die.' ôThat's right, there's never been anything for you in life so why not death?' A Natural hero never helps nearly the same number of people that the rest do.' 'You will never be remembered, nor loved for the things you've done, why not end it now? Who have you helped in all your time?' He had been set, set on giving in, set on giving up, set on giving everything he had to them. Until the Fortunata said those words.
The Fortunata was confused, she was apt at breaking peoples spirits, was quite good at it in fact and had broken many Hero's spirits, but something was wrong. This Hero had been on the brink, the breaking point. But not any more, his eyes showed instead of sorrow and depression she had so often witnessed merely void. Like he'd unfocused on everything around him suddenly in a coma mid battle. This was not normal by any means.
But she didn't really have time to continue pondering, or to give her allies the go ahead to take the shots when she found hands wrapped around her neck and chocking the air and life of her body out. Raised up into the air unable to move and unhelped by her allies since she hadn't given them the signal to get ready. She gazed down, into his face trying to get back into his mind but all that she could see or enter were his eyes. No sadness, no void, instead cold cold fury, not mere anger but hate stared back into her an abyss of her own making.
Meegelle could barely hold it in, it was all a blur but he could hear it. In the back of his head. He could see it super imposed with the image of the cave they showed. Children, men, women, old, young, humans, Heroes all people he'd helped, who's lives he'd protected in his time as a defender of Paragon City. All of them resurfacing before him, their smiles, they're happy days after their rescue and even the saddest moments they'd have afterwards. All of it laid bare before him. 'If I give up, I let that all go to waste, I can never look at them again and call myself a good person!' Seething with purpose and intent showed in his eyes Meegelle let out a growl to the Fortunata. ôDon't tell me all my works been in vain!ö Perhaps out of lack of air, perhaps out of energy depletion from her psionic attacks, or maybe the most prominent, out of fear Fortunata fainted in his hands, going slack as her body shut down. Looking on her with disdain Meegelle couldn't help but wish he could toss her to the side regardless of injuries she'd sustain. But the self control he'd held over himself for many months, and had almost broken today regenerated itself, and allowed him to put her down without hurting her more.
'Statesmen wouldn't approve of such acts. I have to follow the moral code he's set for all Heroes.' Nodding at the moral logic of the deed he continued on through the cave reactivating his stealth field again;this time he found that there were no sudden surprising feelings attacking him from behind. Which was good, as he moved through the twisting turning halls he found the Arachnos troopers he fought to not be the only ones. Many other contingent groups were scattered throughout the cave. There was no time for these ones though, Unai had said that the seismic epicenter had been growing in strength, and even now was doing so, he couldn't waste time with petty combat with Arachnos' minions. Which was he suspected their intended purpose for being here in the first place. No matter, the device Unai had given him had allowed him to circumvent that obstacle. Following the location of the Villain by the growing strength of the vibrations Meegelle mentally prepared himself for the fight ahead. This was something he had never gotten over, something he'd always had trouble with. In the case of the fight to save Paragon City there is a mantra that is often recited. 'Never take the life of a Villain, for all in the world have the right to live, we must show them the path to righteousness.ö He thought at first but then finished with his words. He nodded. 'Never again.'
Nothing could have prepared him for what he would see in there.
Many Heroes both craved and dreaded this moment that he was now experiencing, foolishly boasting how they would save the world and destroy him in the process. Strange, Meegelle's life was not flashing before his eyes, he was seeing no light at the end of the tunnel or Old Grim standing next to him tapping his foot impatiently. These were all rumored myths surrounding the Villain before him. His back was turned, intent on the machine before him working on the machine, fiddling with the circuitry, totally cut off from the world around him. Konous-Negative, he didn't feel fear or terror merely shock, he simply could not comprehend what was going on, he was right across the room and had yet to notice his entrance into his lair.
Meegelle crept up slowly, cautiously, quietly, in spite of the vibrations, which here were quite strong, but not enough to fully mask out sounds like footsteps, it just made it slightly easier for him. He had taken every form of combat that he knew existed, particularly he had learn how to stealthily strike from behind. This required the utmost concentration, not on his swing, that would be the easy part, the movement. Every step, every tap tap sent off their own warning signals. Step first on the ball of your foot, then place the heel down, Stalking it was called was difficult to master because it went against the common movements you had learned in your life.
Eventually Meegelle was close enough to Konous-Negative, his blade raised high over head, the flat side his common knock out tool, which would arc in the swing and bring him down from a blow to the head. That would end his reign of terror over Paragon and the world. Meegelle swung!
Meegelle missed. But not so much that he didn't hit anything much as he didn't hit what he intended to. Blade to blade, Meegelle couldn't help but revel at the stark contrast between his white straight claymore blade and the single edged curved black scimitar held with one hand while Konous-Negative continued to work on the machine. ôHm, I figured the minions would be enough to stop anyone, I haven't felt any changes in Negative energy in this cave, that means you haven't killed any them. I must thank you, it really is hard to find Evil henchmen these days.ö Konous-Negative said with a voice quite unexpected. It was not the sound of chaos, or made of the voices of whom he'd killed. It was in fact quite average.
Meegelle did not have long to ponder this of course as he quickly found that the Villain he'd tried to defeat seemingly disappeared! Where had he gone?! He didn't know, it was like he'd ceased to exist, from reality and from all things natural. That is until he appeared to Meegelle left and tried to cut him down, only to be met by the Heroes' quick reflexes bringing his sword to bear. Clang! ôHm, good reaction time, very good indeed, your a practiced swordsmen it seems. But, if you are, I can not detect any powers or auras from you making you a Natural Hero I believe. You must have amazing instincts of combat to have gotten this far.ö Gone again! Meegelle cast his head about, he was no where to be found! He knew, everyone knew Konous-Negative was powerful but no one knew precisely what his powers were, accounts had varied many times never giving a direct link to each other. Evidently it included super speed. But perhaps not. That which was prominently evident was not always so. What seems to be super strength as a hero throws a car by the hand could be telekinesis bolstering the lift and distance. It was a matter therefore of finding the key differences in technique. 'Alright,' he thought, trying to draw up any dregs of knowledge he could. 'He's playing with me and that could be to my advantage, I can't go for the device...no he'd cut me down too quickly, I've got to discern where he is, while he gives me time. Isn't super speed.' He hypothesized, taking in the room around him. 'No, if it was there would be major distortions from the echoes in the cave as he moved around and spoke. There's echo, yeah but not as bad as it should be.' Covering the cave slowly, pressing his feet carefully trying to listen for footsteps while minimizing his own, scouring for any sign of the Villain. 'So it's not super speed, so he's gotta be stealthed somehow. But how find him.'
Casting about once more Meegelle's irritation grew. It did not help as the voice of the Villain came back. ôYawn, tick tock my lad, tick tock, Time waits for none, and I have appointments to keep. If you can't find me soon I'll have to end this little scuffle of ours.ö Almost to a boiling point, and he nearly began running around the room and randomly slicing at the air like a chicken with its head cut off. 'No, that's what he wants, me to lose my cool. Very well, if my eyes don't work,' taking one last glance. 'I won't use them.'
And like that he shut his eyes to the world around him, and branched out his other senses. The vibrations of the device which he'd come to destroy now built to a steady rhythm was increasing in strength. The trickle trickle of the cave water, perhaps brought in by osmosis with the ocean outside. His dry and parched mouth as the adrenaline prerogatives in his body cut off unnecessary systems. The arid stench of his own sweat, untouched by cool winds gentle caress and a useless endeavor to cool his own body down. But wait. There was something else. Something beyond the others. Beyond his other five sense. An illusive thing, in front of him, all around him. He could taste it. He could smell it He could hear it. He could feel it. Yes! He could see it, Meegelle opened his eyes!
There it was, in front of him, all around him. A strand, not of rope, or hair, or steel cutting wire, but simply a strand, writhing in the air, twisting, convulsing. Black, that was the feature that drew him in even more so. It was black, like the first and ultimate fear that mankind has, darkness which seeks to envelope him in every essence of who he is and make him something else. And he realized as he looked around, there were more, many many more, hundreds, all moving about wildly in the cave, randomly, with no coordination save for one thing. A common end source that led 2 ft in front of him....handing upside down from the ceiling. 'There!' And with the sudden knowledge of his enemies location Meegelle swung as hard as he could, bringing the blade down with tremendous force.
Only to be stopped by the scimitar of his foe, who now stood, or hung as it were, revealed before him, above him. ôVery good lad, I was beginning to lose faith in you. But it seems you can sense me after all.ö Said the smug swashbuckling monster. And with that jumping from the ceiling and rolling back switching so easily from one to the other it was extremely disorienting to look at to those without an immunity to vertigo. Meegelle could help but stare, as he got a better look at the strands and their connection to him. It was disgusting. They were going into him, worming their way spasming into his body and becoming one with him, he was connected to every one of them and they were pumping themselves into him like they were his addiction. ôWhat are you, by the might of Lord Statesman what are you?!ö A chuckle simple at first then with strength it grew till it was full blown laughter. ôI my boy,ö He paused clearly amused. ôAm the end point of all these strands,ö Grabbing one in between his hand stretching it out. ôI am me, I am nothing more, nothing less. I am Konous-Negative,ö Setting his sword forward preparing to prepare to return to combat. ôThat's who I am, and that's all that I am.ö Rushing forward, this time in truth absolutely exhibiting super speed tendencies he brought repetitive cuts downward, then at last cutting horizontally and locking blades with Meegelle on his left side. ôIt is never the What that matters, genetic structure, DNA, or how we are born matters little in the culmination of who we are.ö Breaking back from the sword lock to blast Meegelle with a charged beam of Negative Energy which sent him flying back into the cave wall dropping his sword in the middle of the room.
No longer could Meegelle, see his vision was shrouded by darkness and vile images pouring into his brain one right after another. A rapist cackling and laughing as he cut open the still living body of his victim while he raped her one more time feeding on her life essence as she died. Of a lord looking over his land watching the people in the streets below starving and crying for death to release them from the agony as disease swept the land, and he quietly smiled. And at last the two faces of the monsters merged together each in their own way into a face covered in a cowl, goggles and a bandanna. The face of Konous-Negative, his sword tipped just under my chin. ôAnd who were are my boy, are two warriors of opposing mindsets. You are a Hero, I am a Villain, it is our fate to destroy each other,ö Meegelle looked to his sword, in the middle of the room, he could reach it. Konous-Negative raised the blade in the air, almost leaving Meegelle total access to his escape, like he wanted for him to reach the sword. ôAnd therefore, I must destroy you boy, for though you have no powers, and I am powerful, what we have matters little, in comparison of what we are willing to do.ö
He didn't need to be told twice! He rolled to the side as the blade came slowly down cutting off bits and pieces of the rock easily despite it's low velocity. Diving for his sword, Meegelle rolled backward on the ground righting himself right next to the Seismic Resonator. Raised in front, Meegelle had his claymore ready prepared for any attack that the Villain might bring. All but one. With sudden fluidness the images came back, but in greater numbers, the darkness surrounded him all encompassing him as more acts of depravity and glee at the suffering of others intensified. He felt every blow, every scream, every maleficent act, not in his body, nor in his body or mind but in his soul which seemed to quake in pain as the images wrought fractures within him. Reopening his eyes to the world did nothing as the images continued to flood into him, at the beck and the call of Konous-Negative standing in front of him his fist raised in the air clenched with the same darkness surrounding it.
Meegelle screamed and howled. It was killing him! It was killing him! He would die and then.....then he would die, but in the process others would be hurt. From one death, many. His sight fell on his sword, and then on the Seismic Resonator still building up to and nearing the completion of its full power. 'What is a Heroes value if he is unwilling to go the extra length to save others? Can he be called a Hero?' Meegelle's face broke out into a twisted grin at that moment. Whether out of mocking victory to the Villain, actual strain from his spirit being broken or perhaps from the thought that his life was coming to an end. It didn't matter, Meegelle brought the sword down into the Seismic Resonator all the same.
At first he thought nothing had changed, the vibrations continued to come out, but when the vibrations from the machine began to crack the rocks around them Meegelle knew he'd succeeded. Calmly looking about, imminently aware that the rocks around them were beginning to crack Konous-Negative spoke. ôOh bother. You managed to to short circuit the machine, it's stuck on the Resonance frequency of the cave rocks. It's too far a run to get out of here,ö Looking back at the boy. ôWe're going to die here.ö The cracks got bigger, splitting apart like like a gaping maw to swallow them up. ôI don't care.ö Meegelle uttered, sweat still pouring down his face. ôYou'd commit suicide to make sure that others wouldn't get hurt.ö Still Meegelle's aching breaths came out. ôIf it meant taking you or another villain down, any time bud.ö From the ceiling they started falling, stalactites spearing into the ground or cracking upon contact. ôHm, I find that some how ironic.ö Meegelle glared at him leaving no hate unmasked. ôWhat's that supposed to mean?ö A brief shake of the head. ôYou wouldn't understand.ö
And with that the ground below them opened up swallowing them to its stomach below, as the rocks from above came down and buried them there, alone.
Disclaimer: Any CoH/V characters are property of Cryptic studios and NC Soft, any others are of my own creation.
The story is pretty big I wanted to post the first 6000 characters before I posted any more so that way I wouldn't be some taking up someones bandwidth, Mind you I'm not all that good on how forums are moderated in terms of cost. Formatting is also kind of messed up I'm not sure hot to fix that yet, perhaps you guys can tell me so that I can edit that later.
Friendship
Creeping death looms ever closer to me, skeletal grasp wrapped around my throat, oxygen deprivation is to be its scythe tonight. Cavernous, carnivorous rock, belly of of the beast is my tomb. Though I have long known of death, known I could die, I did not care, not out of ôgranduerousö beliefs of immortality, but merely that my life and my death would be justified so long as it protected the people of my home, my family, friends, my loved ones. But to die here......alone......with HIM! HE is a person responsible for more murders more deaths than most people can dream of. Nearly one and all villains answer to him in some way, weather through favors owed to him or out of some twisted allegiance wrought by the charisma he inspires in the monsters of his home. The Horrid Beast, Leper Messiah, the Prince of the Rouge Isles, it is almost too much for me to take in, the one mind bending fact. 'I'm going to die alone in the dark of suffocation with Konous-Negative.'.
He hasn't moved at all since the rocks caved in, I spent what felt like hours trying to look for movable rocks, anything to get out of here, brief search had revealed the all too terrible truth. The rocks which had caved in around us had left no gaps for us to push out of. Us.....I should be flogged for including that....monster in the same category as myself, I know most people would. And here I sit, I have no idea how long I'm going to last in here, and I have to wonder how much energy I've wasted moving about those rocks. I looked at him and tried to drink in what I was seeing, I had often asked myself 'What does Konous-Negative' look like?' I will say this, at first glance he's nothing impressive. Almost like a mummy he's covered in cloth of varying styles, his boots, his arms, and his skull mummified behind layers of brown cloth of a sand paper texture. Despite contrast the smooth, yet worn and tattered, corporal, cape and cowl wrapped around his lower face, mirrored by a pair of goggles, only helped to intensify the effect. And upon his upper arms, the shoulders, his gloves and boots, rusted chains, but perhaps it was not rust, but blood of his enemies he'd slain kept around for terror inspiring effect. But most of all, beneath this cloth, these chains, lay metal ôunder workingsö, the all too faint sound of servos twisting and turning, he was part machine, if not part then all, mind and heart as well if not merely his body.
ôHow long do we have?ö I ask, my eyes never leaving him, ready to bring my sword at ready to end him. ôHeh.ö A grunt? A faint chuckle or perhaps a half of a 'Hmph'? Regardless he responds. ôWhat makes you think I know?ö He's smirking, I know he is. ôYou had to have killed people by suffocation at some point, I'm sure your very much familiar with it as a mode of execution.ö I clarify, venom dripping from glands I never knew I had. He looks up, calculating in his head I'm sure the time we have to live, or how he can use this situation to his advantage to break me. ôWell, given the size...I'd say we have a good few hours.ö Thoughts racing through me. 'Hours?! Not minutes? How could this be?' Waving his hand about in a professor like manner he lectured an explanation to me as though he'd read my mind. ôThis rock, formed by the volcanic activity here in Paragon City, is unique, as are most things involved with our urban metropolis. Most volcanoes here exhibit these rock formations, designed with almost tree like Phloem, allowing them to contain the molten magma by releasing it and with it nutrients in minerals in controlled bursts, hence why the fruit and vegetables and the live stock which feed off of those very things are so healthy. All the benefits of a volcano without the piercing destruction wrought by their all too deadly eruptions. In our case this same Phloem hollowing in the rock is carrying air to us, thus prolonging our time here,ö My eyes lit up. Hope? I might live? I might see my family again? All too easily struck down. ôHowever, you and I should both realize, that help is far beyond us, even by hero and villain standards we are ages from any aid, this place will be where we die, and even if some measure of help did arrive it would be for only one of us, they'd surely kill the other.ö Meegelle took that time to lie down. Perhaps preparing himself for a future position he'd hold. 'People come up with all these different ideas of which is the worst way to die, but God, being imminently aware of your own death but not quite knowing when I think is even worse. Damn it, I would have much rather died up there.'
********
Meegelle stared at the cave entrance, one of many which dotted around Paragon City, especially out here along the many minor islands dotted around Peregrine Island. Here among these tiny rafts of land that held on top of them the many Giant Monsters of the Devouring Earth each 6 stories tall. The crystalline bodies of the Lattices, the ôneanderthalicö body of the rock gollems individually known as Quarry, the interweaving mesh of vine, tree and leaf to create Thorn, and the much smaller 5 story monster Stropharia which resembled almost identically the mushroom it was named after save for the humanoid arms and legs. Pulling out his Cell phone he looked up his Contacts lists for Unai Kemen and called him up. Unai was not one to let his cell phone ring more than once, as a contact it's really bad manners to leave your Heroes hanging especially when they count on you to give them information. Unai did not disappoint as hardly before the final ring ended a voice came from the other side. ôYello, this Unai, who may I ask is speaking?ö
ôUnai, it's me Meegelle, I'm at the entrance man, just calling to confirm my arrival.ö Taking the time to rest a little among the foliage Meegelle could hear the nodding head of Unai distinctly from his brief and rapid 'mhm'es.
ôAh, good to hear Meegelle, how's the stealth unit I made for you? Is it working right, and what about the little jet pack I gave you?ö Unai asked as he he dealt with another hero who needed directions to the Peregrine Island Ferry. A pause, though brief was highly poignant as Unai had only known Meegelle to pause when someone said something either offensive or stupid. ôUnai, I couldn't be talking to you right now if either of those didn't work. I mean come on you gave me the Jet pack so I wouldn't swim my way to the island, I mean come on use some common sense.ö An embarrassed however at the same time quite surprised voice came from the other end. ôReally you actually used them? I'm almost too shocked for words. Soooo, how did they turn out?ö
Scanning the area at all the Devouring Earth roaming around that had not even paid him the time to give him a second glance Meegelle couldn't help but feel nervous as a Lattice, Quarry, Thorn, and Stropharia stood around much like loitering. However, since the Devouring Earth were all once people even these giant hulking brutes it wouldn't be too hard to believing they probably just chatting. ôIt's working great Unai, I haven't been spotted or heard, and thanks for the Jet pack, contrary to popular belief I don't want to swim the distance between Peregrine Island and 'Monster Island' just for a good work out. I'm all about self improvement but not when peoples lives are on the line.ö
Unai let loose a friendly laugh pointed at Meegelle. ôI know man, but I can't help but make a few jokes here and there, it's just in good fun though,ö his tone rotated from light and cheerful to stern and ôunreproachfulö with all the ôfrictionlessnessö and fluidity of person who'd long learned to separate his 'friendly' persona, and his 'business' persona. ôListen to me carefully though Meegelle, this isn't a run about mission. I had some friends in the geological department of S.E.R.A.P.H. look into this seismic activity, there is not tectonic plate movement going on beneath the Earths crust anywhere near Paragon. Which means that what ever is on 'Monster Island' right now in that cave is causing the seismic activity. Right now it's just a murmur of an Earthquake, not enough to cause more than a slight vibration in the ground hardly noticeable.ö And Meegelle had to agree on that part, there was a movement beneath his feet, much like when music gets played too loud and you stand next to the stereo. ôWell that's just the weakened vibrations of it, near the epicenter deeper in the cave it's going to be stronger just to give you for warning, also the seismic activity itself is increasing steadily which means it won't be long till we have a full on sea quake. Which will result in-ö ôA Tsunami!ö Meegelle interrupted loudly, nearly giving away his position to the Devouring Earth around him who began searching around trying to find the source of the disturbance of their small section of Eden. Taking a moment to wait for the danger of discovery to disappear Meegelle asked Unai to continue. ôCorrect, and if that happens the most major thoroughfare of Paragons Heroic elite will be awash with the driving force of mother nature's angry rage. Creating a situation of dire and ôunproportionedö chaos. Giving the Villains a chance to reek the benefit of such unfortunate turn of events. You have to find that seismic vibration Meegelle, at all costs.ö Nodding in affirmation to accept the quest, Meegelle girded himself for what trials lurked ahead. ôRoger that Unai, over and out.ö Turning off his cell phone and checking the life of the stealth unit and finding it in good charge Meegelle treaded into the gave taking care of his feet for every step drew him deeper and deeper into the into the heart of the quake.
It has been noted that on several occasions super villains will request the aid of lowly thugs and vandals to aid them in their deeds of malicious destruction, or their missions of dastardly mayhem. And it it also noted that on several occasions these same super villains are mocked for their use of these 'henchmen' as they called because it shows that the villain is weak and needs others to do the fighting for him. Konous-Negative on the other hand couldn't care less of the feelings of most Villains. Many were hardly evil to begin with, and more important to him was the deed, he didn't care how it got done, simply that it got done. A while ago he'd come to a brilliant idea. It was simple enough really, inspired by most common disasters. What normally happens in those situations is that the national guard of the area is called in and the situation by military force is held under control. However, Paragon City had a large population of Super Heroes, so even if someone managed to cause something that wide a scale, the Heroes would just take care of it. Well then, what if you had it occur where the strongest heroes were located? Which was the exact reason he was on 'Monster Island', far far away from civilization, so well protected by the fanatical Devouring Earth's greatest monsters and once more....the quiet comforts of home. A cave was the perfect place to get the old Villainous mojo flowing, and was often one of his prized thinking places for concocting schemes or, should he choose it, listen to music. ôHeh, I wonder what all the tabloid and media nut cases would think if they found out I listened to Peter Gabriel? Probably try to find links in his music and my attacks. Bloody conspiracy theorists.ö He snorted. Looking about himself at his surroundings, as he tried to adjusted the already working and running 'Seismic Resonator', as he called it, which hadn't been quiet set to the right frequency, but that was something easily rectified, he just had to make sure he kept the frequency away from the resonance frequency of the rocks around himself and his lackeys spread throughout the cave. If he actually set the machine to the resonance frequency of the rocks...well that would be bad as all of it would come down around them. ôThough, now that I think about it, this would more classify as Playing among the Rocks, than Digging in the Dirt.ö Satisfied with that logical conclusion he happily returned to his work. Or he would have, had he not sensed at that moment, a presence near him. He let out a sigh. He could never get any work done. ôCome on out Kalinda, I know it's you.ö No answer for a moment, then. ôHow do you know it's Kalinda?ö
He smirked, no one could see them, but everyone knew it when he did from his change in voice, and that was part of the little perks of the costume he wore, it irritated people to no end when they knew he was smirking, but would not show it to them despite their knowing it, a small but effective psychological ploy of his. ôYour perfume, even if you work for Arachnos and are our most esteemed Lord Recluse's most treasured seer, you still keep high standard in maintaining your feminine attributes,ö He said scanning the room looking for the exact source of the presence. ôBut most of all, I remember your perfume, it mirrors your very nature, enigmatic and subtle, not the over bearing scent of roses, or other fermented erotic ilk, merely something made to make being around you slightly pleasant and enjoyable, instead over bearing on the senses.ö
Once again for a moment there was no response and then slowly, as though to add dramatic effect, or perhaps not quite used to using her stealth abilities, Kalinda appeared. Dressed formally in the Fortunata attire adorned by many women in Arachnos, the skin tight red ôpleximetalö molded over every curve while at the same time providing ample protection from most super powered assaults. However outfits such as these were common amongst many Villainesses, and so desentised Konous-Negative had become that he hardly payed attention to her body and more to her face. Revealed now were the locks of raven and sharp calculating eyes often hidden by the helmet that was required of Fortunata's which more than likely protected their minds from psionic attacks. It would not due after all to have your seers' messages of impending danger halted by the control of Hero psychic, so Lord Recluse had told him. However, when you had powers like Kalinda's attacks such as those were slim to none, so more often than not you could find her without her helmet. ôWhat have you got there Konous-Negative?ö She said swaying her hips from side to side in a manner that made most men flush. Konous-Negative seemed unaffected. ôNothing nothing, you only see air my dear, but first things first....how did you find me?ö He inquired.
Looking to the side, slightly smirking, inspecting her nails casually despite their being hidden by her all encompassing suit. ôOh I have my ways Konous-Negative, I have my ways.ö Eventually her eyes took her head back to facing Konous-Negative, whom simply stared straight ahead at her without any form of speech as a response, until ô.....No seriously, how did you find me?ö Deadpan in tone as cast iron pot in a grave, Konous-Negative obviously wanted to get to the heart of the situation as fast as possible.
Giving in and shrugging her shoulders Kalinda responded back. ôSirocco told me.ö Not at all the great feat of deduction and discovery she'd made it seem with her bravado. At that Konous-Negative nodded. ôI see I see, that makes sense, and I figured as much.ö And then returned to working on the Seismic Resonator, adjusting the frequencies and testing them on minute levels. Kalinda smirked. ôWhat? Aren't you mad?ö Truly she knew what his answer would be, but it was always fun to play with Konous-Negative this way. ôWhy should I be?ö He responded, never taking his eyes off the machine, twisting turning, testing reseting over and over. The smirk grew stronger as she anticipated his response. ôWell, most Villains would grow irritated, even enraged that a partner of theirs in a secret scheme had revealed the exact location of the operation to an outsider. They might even get so enraged that they'd be intent on killing their partner.ö Ending calibrations testing for a moment Konous-Negative looked back at Kalinda. ôBut you know well Kalinda, I man not like most Villains.ö And just like that he returned to work, not a word more. Strolling about, Kalinda got a good look at the machine he was working on, it was simple enough standing on one spike perfectly balanced with an oscillating outer shell that send off the vibrations in controlled amount so long as the oscillations remained constant.
Leaning in on the opposite side from where Konous-Negative was working she asked ôSo what is the purpose behind this little scheme of yours, hm?ö No response at first. She leaned in closer till her eyes were looking up into his which were faced down at the machine. ôChaos and mayhem and by association pain, suffering, and misery in the hearts of all Good, Sirocco should have at least told you that much?ö He responded back turning his head slightly to the side so that she couldn't look him in the eye. Not with those eyes, all seeing and all telling. ôSirocco told me much Konous-Negative, both by what he said, and what he did not say. He told me you wanted this kept 'under wraps'. Most while this is standard procedure with Villainous activity of all sorts...the question is why would he keep silent on your reasons for doing it?ö She said moving her head to get back into his view. He quickly shifted again, despite knowing she would just follow him once more. ôWhat else could it possibly be Kalinda? Sirocco keeps silent because it's obvious what I want out of this, and because despite his telling you of this operation he knows you can be trusted, and to answer your previous question that is why I'm not mad. He wouldn't tell you unless he thought you could be trusted, but obviously you couldn't come to the conclusion he wanted you to. This is a ripe chance for Villains to strike a blow to Heroes everywhere, by destroying Peregrine Island, I will rid the Villains of Portal Corp, the Heroes one source of dimensional transport, think of it hundreds of Heroes stranded in dimensions not their own! Most of them apocalyptic! And then there's the Heroes in Peregrine, most will be killed in the Tsunami, leaving me and my contingent here to wreak havoc and possibly even set off even more destruction.ö Upon finishing his extended speech, Konous-Negative realized he'd gotten a bit frenzied and found himself righteously holding his fist in the air and shaking it like a gung ho political ranter. Looking about to see if anyone was looking, he found only the amused eyes of Kalinda on him.
After regaining his composure Konous coughed into his glove, trying to save all face he had, which as of now was very little. ôSo I fail to see how I could possibly have any 'ulterior motive' as you put it.ö The smirk was glued on, she was sticking to her guns and she wouldn't let go any time soon. ôTrue, all those are good show case reasons Konous-Negative, but that's all they are: show cases, something to make your deed today look pretty and pristine,ö Her smirk ended however it did not give birth to a frown but instead her mouth lost all emotion as once more her intent of question transferred to her eyes in a most discerning glare. ôYou think none of us know? We've all noticed it Konous-Negative.ö Right in his face, giving him exactly what he didn't want, to look into the eyes, to see that everything that was his, how very little there was, was laid out for her to see at her own leisure, especially the ones he didn't want her or anyone else to see. He'd turn away, get those eyes out of his sight! ôI don't know what you could possibly mean Kalinda.ö 'Try to keep calm, act like you don't know what she means, pretend even in your heart you don't know' He thought to himself. But his heart was something even he couldn't control, for Hate and Love are not partial to the wants of their holders. ôYou can lie all you want, but everyone's seen it Konous-Negative, everyone! You've changed! It's not a large one, like your intended goals, there's a tread and a spring in your step that is not felt by none!ö
She'd figured it out. He knew that much, perhaps she'd suspected for a long time and had finally come to the conclusion ages ago, perhaps not maybe she only realized what it was when Sirocco refused to tell her why he was here. Who knows? 'First things first, damage control.' ôYou say everyone's noticed the change in me....but you mention none save for yourself whom know what it is. How many others know?ö No smirk, no intense glare, she'd used her weapons, and gotten him to tell. Now it was all a matter of time allowing them the moments to speak, but there was still a slightly...sad look on her face. Which was rubbish, sadness implied loss...and Villains lose nothing for they only care of themselves.
Or do they? ôGhost Widow knows, she absolutely does, Sirocco knows I'm sure other wise he wouldn't have had trouble telling me the reason for your coming here. I've managed to keep Captain Mako and Black Scorpion from realizing it, but they've noticed the change for sure. Lord Recluse, I can't say, he is the one I am unsure of though I would say no he does not since he hardly ever see anyone. But you can rest assured everyone seen the change Konous-Negative.ö He paused, taking it all in. 'Damn really that bad? I thought myself an artesian at guarding my own emotions. It would seem I'm not as good as I thought.' There was however something else lingering in his thoughts. The unanswered question embedded in Kalinda's statements. ôI see. Now how many know who it is?ö He asked looking down at the ground. Kalinda joined him in trying to find something of value in the cave formations, trying to make a consolation to him merely by joining him in this way. ôJust me and Sirocco. How he found out I don't know, but I found out after that mission you came back from when last you went to Peregrine Island. You were shaken beyond belief. Since then I've seen the change and I concluded it had to be something that occurred there. Low and behold which Hero or rather Heroine was there stopping You that day but-ö A hand raised up in the air halting her speech. ôDon't say her name. Please.ö It was somber, it was struggled. It was weak, everything she hadn't known him to be. ôGhost Widow's opinion is that it's your life so unless it threatens Arachnos she shouldn't care,ö she stopped talking for a moment, letting that comment sink in. And then the smirk returned. ôI bet though if she did know who it was she'd care.ö A dim and weakened nod from Konous-Negative. She turned her head back to him, so despondent. ôWhy are you doing this Konous-Negative? To see her again? Is that it? She won't change and you know it.ö ôI know.ö ôShe's a Hero through and through.ö ôI know.ö ôTrying to change her would be like stopping the tide!ö ôI know.ö ôThen why?!ö She yelled slamming her fist into the wall beside her creating a small fissure in it with her psionic fist. ôWhy are you doing this to yourself?ö He took his time answering, trying at best to ease her upset feelings and at the same time, find a reasonable justification for himself as to why he was doing this. ôI'm doing this...not just to see her again....but maybe...to see if I should keep going.ö The silence after that was stark, and unbent. There aren't many things in life like a friend telling you they're tired of living.
ôSo you're going there to die?ö She asked. ôI told you....I'm just not sure, all I know is that I want to and at the very least,ö He responded placing his hands on the 'Seismic Resonator' with the same affection and reverence one does their child, their greatest life work, their coffin. ôIt should be something I do, doing what I do best, bringing pain and suffering to everything in the universe, just as I have always done.ö A hand on his shoulder, he turned to look to see her weakened smile, the smile of a friend. ôTake care of yourself Konous-Negative.ö He chose his words carefully. ôI never have before, but since that day I have found a need to do so, and yet at the same time a burning desire to let it all end. But I think for you Kalinda I shall.ö No hugs, no hand shake, no physical means of affection between these two. Merely a mutual understanding that both were there for each other. As she began to fade back, back into the faded shadows, not invisible merely unnoticed by the minds of most who saw her, Konous-Negative called out. ôKalinda, when I return, you and Sirocco will be the first to know.ö And with that promise she turned back to walking out of the tunnels and he returned to his work, to his ending, but maybe also his beginning.
Stealth, normally this kind of thing did not sit well with Meegelle, it didn't sit well with him because conflict strengthened you, made you stronger, by avoiding conflict you weakened yourself for when others would need you. However he had learned that there were times stealth was needed, he was not the strongest Hero, definitely not, and so had learned to utilize the ability to remain hidden in plain sight. So it benefited him greatly as he saw the roaming and terrible Arachnos troopers. You couldn't call them 'troops' really, because that word holds a humanoid connotation to it. The range of enemies among Arachnos goes for beyond the mere constraints of such a word.
Bane Spider Commando's and Night Widows were the most human looking of all of them. The former of which was bulky like most foot ball players due to the strength enhancing gyros emplaced underneath the black with the red pads on the shoulders and around the neck area and each was issued with a mace black as their armor covered in upward facing spikes. The Bane Spider was always the team leader of the group, issuing orders when no actual commander was present. The other side the coin, the Fortunatas were lithe and beautiful dwellers of the night trained in the art of assassination and their psionic abilities. Many male heroes had questioned what these femme fatales look like under the bloodstained metal with rivulets of black, hidden behind the spherical crystalline crimson helmets, most of those Heroes find the blade of the aforementioned women lodged in their stomach long before they are finished with their ôfantisationsö. The next three were what truly eclipsed the imagination with a blade. 'How could Lord Recluse do this to people? How could people let themselves be changed like this?'
The Crab Spider Slicers, not so much bulkier than the Bane Spiders, the Crab spiders were merely larger and much so. Standing 8 ft tall at the head 10 ft easily if you counted the metal arachnid themed cannons on their backs, intended to fire only the most potent of searing plasma. But with their bulk the Slicer was also known for the fact that these same extremities could be used in melee and often were along with the punching blades attached to the ôthumblessö side of the arm. The
Tarantula, most spider like of all, any level of pity can be spared on the Arachnos but these people. Most are often recruited from the 'Prisons' of the Rogue Isles and used in the tortuous process to produce these machinations of hardly flesh and mostly metal. It is said that in under ground lairs where they are made the screams of the people as they under go the change from normal person the tank like cyborg of green metal designed to kill any one sight who are aligned against Arachnos.
The Mu Striker, most decrepit in its own way there are no hands for tools, no legs for walking, no eyes for seeing in these people. They are mummified as soon as their powers develop in the red wrappings of Arachnos, and are taught to focus only on the magic possessed within, creating a hunched over red form floating in the air that leaves much red in its wake. Long ago it was discerned that the civilization known as Mu long contested as a myth actually existed and had done so for thousands of years in the Rouge Isles, then vanished! But it is known they did exist for the blood line still flows in the people whom live in the Rouge Isles today, those who show the latent power of this ancient species are given the choice of dying or searching for the long lost secret of as to what happened to the ancient culture.
Normal situations of Arachnos troopers were merely their based ground troops, hardly more than highly equipped organized crime groups. The fact that such elite units were here present in this cave gave way not only to the inkling of thought that this was a serious situation but the absolute certainty of it. 'I've got to be silent in my movements, I may be invisible but not undetectable, if they hear me they'll-' At that thought he yelped out like a kicked puppy as an icy chill ran down his back. Not the chill of frozen cold, but of someone touching him on a deeper level than flesh and bone. All too late he realized his error, for in giving way to sudden bursts of instinct to call out for help he had alerted the Arachnos present to his location. This was confirmed as the heads of the Mu Striker, Tarantula, Fortunata, and Crab Spider all turned to him and charged with a silently understood order of 'Kill.' from the Bane Spider Commando.
The Tarantula, Fortunata and Mu Striker were no melee combatants, hanging back firing off psionic blasts, web grenade shots, and torrents of crimson ether energy respectively at Meegelle who dodged their strikes while he used his sword to block the slices and stabs of the Crab Spider. Meegelle showed his swordsman ship well meeting every one of the Crab Spiders cuts, however as time went on his weariness showed and the Arachnos troops could see it in his eyes and sweat as he tried with all his might to match the power armor who's strength far exceeded his own. 'I can't do this much longer, I've got to change tactics. Gotta take out the leader!' Taking a moment to stand still Meegelle gave himself as open sacrifice to the short swords of the Crab Spider and watched is it charged head long toward him both blades raised forward. Ducking at the last moment he possibly could to insure victory the side and let the Crab Spiders blades get stuck in the rock behind him. Using the chance he had when he had it he stuck his sword into the power cell installed in the back of the Crab Spider and watched it shut down. As the energy levels lowered he could hear the Crab Spider's user calling out for someone to get him out of his suit.
No moment to lose, the hail fire of the ranged enemies not giving him an inch to rest, he sprinted and leapt clear over their heads to the Bane Spider behind them. Out it drew the signifying weapon of their unit, a mace not merely covered in spikes but also with two wickedly upward curved blades like a pair of devils horns. Their weapons met and despite his weariness from the Crab Spider, he found the Bane Spider much easier to deal with. While the mace had much greater length than the short swords of the Crab Spider he found it much easier to parry as the weapon was cumbersome and he exploited that by feinting to the right side with a slice and quickly turning around to come back repeatedly bashing at the opened defense of the unit leader. A few concussions to the side and at last he fell to the ground, not dead but definitely knocked out, the armor and enhancements in his suit definitely seemed to count for something.
The Mu striker was next. It's attacks were the most damaging and he would also be the easiest to take down. Running past the shots, and rolling to the side of the lightning blasts of Mu energy he cut upwards to the right of the Mu, horrified at seeing the red lummox turn to the side and letting the blade smack him in the skull and into the psionic blast of the Fortunata.
Hero etiquette required he not kill anyone but damn it it was frustrating. These were obvious criminals who'd killed people hundreds of times and yet he could not kill them once in return. Not even as the Tarantula hailed bullets at him that could end him in a moment could he once destroy this person. Because they could be victims. And even as he cut each leg of the Tarantula, running by it to make sure it's front mounted guns couldn't hit him he had to repeat that mantra over and over again. 'They could be victims, they could be victims they could be victims.' But he had no answer when in response his same voice said 'But they've made many victims themselves.' Cutting off that train of thought and the last leg of the Tarantula Meegelle sped over to the next trooper.
Never pausing, he couldn't or else he'd be dead, he moved to the next target, the Fortunata. It would not merely be a test of blade for she was equipped with daggers, as most of them were, because while he dodged and blocked to attempts to gut him she was also widdling away his will to continue. Over head blocking one dagger with his sword and catching the Fortunata's arm in the other arm a seductive voice whispered in his head. ôYou should give up, what would it matter if you died? You're hardly much of a hero anyway, you have no powers, give in, let it go, your deeds today don't matter and they never have, wouldn't it be easier then just to give up?ö Shaking cold, as the dagger in her hand went steadily closer to his head, strength although he had his will began to falter. 'It never has mattered has it?' He thought to himself, succumbing to her disgustingly pretty words. 'I'm nothing, I always have been always will be, even after I die.' ôThat's right, there's never been anything for you in life so why not death?' A Natural hero never helps nearly the same number of people that the rest do.' 'You will never be remembered, nor loved for the things you've done, why not end it now? Who have you helped in all your time?' He had been set, set on giving in, set on giving up, set on giving everything he had to them. Until the Fortunata said those words.
The Fortunata was confused, she was apt at breaking peoples spirits, was quite good at it in fact and had broken many Hero's spirits, but something was wrong. This Hero had been on the brink, the breaking point. But not any more, his eyes showed instead of sorrow and depression she had so often witnessed merely void. Like he'd unfocused on everything around him suddenly in a coma mid battle. This was not normal by any means.
But she didn't really have time to continue pondering, or to give her allies the go ahead to take the shots when she found hands wrapped around her neck and chocking the air and life of her body out. Raised up into the air unable to move and unhelped by her allies since she hadn't given them the signal to get ready. She gazed down, into his face trying to get back into his mind but all that she could see or enter were his eyes. No sadness, no void, instead cold cold fury, not mere anger but hate stared back into her an abyss of her own making.
Meegelle could barely hold it in, it was all a blur but he could hear it. In the back of his head. He could see it super imposed with the image of the cave they showed. Children, men, women, old, young, humans, Heroes all people he'd helped, who's lives he'd protected in his time as a defender of Paragon City. All of them resurfacing before him, their smiles, they're happy days after their rescue and even the saddest moments they'd have afterwards. All of it laid bare before him. 'If I give up, I let that all go to waste, I can never look at them again and call myself a good person!' Seething with purpose and intent showed in his eyes Meegelle let out a growl to the Fortunata. ôDon't tell me all my works been in vain!ö Perhaps out of lack of air, perhaps out of energy depletion from her psionic attacks, or maybe the most prominent, out of fear Fortunata fainted in his hands, going slack as her body shut down. Looking on her with disdain Meegelle couldn't help but wish he could toss her to the side regardless of injuries she'd sustain. But the self control he'd held over himself for many months, and had almost broken today regenerated itself, and allowed him to put her down without hurting her more.
'Statesmen wouldn't approve of such acts. I have to follow the moral code he's set for all Heroes.' Nodding at the moral logic of the deed he continued on through the cave reactivating his stealth field again;this time he found that there were no sudden surprising feelings attacking him from behind. Which was good, as he moved through the twisting turning halls he found the Arachnos troopers he fought to not be the only ones. Many other contingent groups were scattered throughout the cave. There was no time for these ones though, Unai had said that the seismic epicenter had been growing in strength, and even now was doing so, he couldn't waste time with petty combat with Arachnos' minions. Which was he suspected their intended purpose for being here in the first place. No matter, the device Unai had given him had allowed him to circumvent that obstacle. Following the location of the Villain by the growing strength of the vibrations Meegelle mentally prepared himself for the fight ahead. This was something he had never gotten over, something he'd always had trouble with. In the case of the fight to save Paragon City there is a mantra that is often recited. 'Never take the life of a Villain, for all in the world have the right to live, we must show them the path to righteousness.ö He thought at first but then finished with his words. He nodded. 'Never again.'
Nothing could have prepared him for what he would see in there.
Many Heroes both craved and dreaded this moment that he was now experiencing, foolishly boasting how they would save the world and destroy him in the process. Strange, Meegelle's life was not flashing before his eyes, he was seeing no light at the end of the tunnel or Old Grim standing next to him tapping his foot impatiently. These were all rumored myths surrounding the Villain before him. His back was turned, intent on the machine before him working on the machine, fiddling with the circuitry, totally cut off from the world around him. Konous-Negative, he didn't feel fear or terror merely shock, he simply could not comprehend what was going on, he was right across the room and had yet to notice his entrance into his lair.
Meegelle crept up slowly, cautiously, quietly, in spite of the vibrations, which here were quite strong, but not enough to fully mask out sounds like footsteps, it just made it slightly easier for him. He had taken every form of combat that he knew existed, particularly he had learn how to stealthily strike from behind. This required the utmost concentration, not on his swing, that would be the easy part, the movement. Every step, every tap tap sent off their own warning signals. Step first on the ball of your foot, then place the heel down, Stalking it was called was difficult to master because it went against the common movements you had learned in your life.
Eventually Meegelle was close enough to Konous-Negative, his blade raised high over head, the flat side his common knock out tool, which would arc in the swing and bring him down from a blow to the head. That would end his reign of terror over Paragon and the world. Meegelle swung!
Meegelle missed. But not so much that he didn't hit anything much as he didn't hit what he intended to. Blade to blade, Meegelle couldn't help but revel at the stark contrast between his white straight claymore blade and the single edged curved black scimitar held with one hand while Konous-Negative continued to work on the machine. ôHm, I figured the minions would be enough to stop anyone, I haven't felt any changes in Negative energy in this cave, that means you haven't killed any them. I must thank you, it really is hard to find Evil henchmen these days.ö Konous-Negative said with a voice quite unexpected. It was not the sound of chaos, or made of the voices of whom he'd killed. It was in fact quite average.
Meegelle did not have long to ponder this of course as he quickly found that the Villain he'd tried to defeat seemingly disappeared! Where had he gone?! He didn't know, it was like he'd ceased to exist, from reality and from all things natural. That is until he appeared to Meegelle left and tried to cut him down, only to be met by the Heroes' quick reflexes bringing his sword to bear. Clang! ôHm, good reaction time, very good indeed, your a practiced swordsmen it seems. But, if you are, I can not detect any powers or auras from you making you a Natural Hero I believe. You must have amazing instincts of combat to have gotten this far.ö Gone again! Meegelle cast his head about, he was no where to be found! He knew, everyone knew Konous-Negative was powerful but no one knew precisely what his powers were, accounts had varied many times never giving a direct link to each other. Evidently it included super speed. But perhaps not. That which was prominently evident was not always so. What seems to be super strength as a hero throws a car by the hand could be telekinesis bolstering the lift and distance. It was a matter therefore of finding the key differences in technique. 'Alright,' he thought, trying to draw up any dregs of knowledge he could. 'He's playing with me and that could be to my advantage, I can't go for the device...no he'd cut me down too quickly, I've got to discern where he is, while he gives me time. Isn't super speed.' He hypothesized, taking in the room around him. 'No, if it was there would be major distortions from the echoes in the cave as he moved around and spoke. There's echo, yeah but not as bad as it should be.' Covering the cave slowly, pressing his feet carefully trying to listen for footsteps while minimizing his own, scouring for any sign of the Villain. 'So it's not super speed, so he's gotta be stealthed somehow. But how find him.'
Casting about once more Meegelle's irritation grew. It did not help as the voice of the Villain came back. ôYawn, tick tock my lad, tick tock, Time waits for none, and I have appointments to keep. If you can't find me soon I'll have to end this little scuffle of ours.ö Almost to a boiling point, and he nearly began running around the room and randomly slicing at the air like a chicken with its head cut off. 'No, that's what he wants, me to lose my cool. Very well, if my eyes don't work,' taking one last glance. 'I won't use them.'
And like that he shut his eyes to the world around him, and branched out his other senses. The vibrations of the device which he'd come to destroy now built to a steady rhythm was increasing in strength. The trickle trickle of the cave water, perhaps brought in by osmosis with the ocean outside. His dry and parched mouth as the adrenaline prerogatives in his body cut off unnecessary systems. The arid stench of his own sweat, untouched by cool winds gentle caress and a useless endeavor to cool his own body down. But wait. There was something else. Something beyond the others. Beyond his other five sense. An illusive thing, in front of him, all around him. He could taste it. He could smell it He could hear it. He could feel it. Yes! He could see it, Meegelle opened his eyes!
There it was, in front of him, all around him. A strand, not of rope, or hair, or steel cutting wire, but simply a strand, writhing in the air, twisting, convulsing. Black, that was the feature that drew him in even more so. It was black, like the first and ultimate fear that mankind has, darkness which seeks to envelope him in every essence of who he is and make him something else. And he realized as he looked around, there were more, many many more, hundreds, all moving about wildly in the cave, randomly, with no coordination save for one thing. A common end source that led 2 ft in front of him....handing upside down from the ceiling. 'There!' And with the sudden knowledge of his enemies location Meegelle swung as hard as he could, bringing the blade down with tremendous force.
Only to be stopped by the scimitar of his foe, who now stood, or hung as it were, revealed before him, above him. ôVery good lad, I was beginning to lose faith in you. But it seems you can sense me after all.ö Said the smug swashbuckling monster. And with that jumping from the ceiling and rolling back switching so easily from one to the other it was extremely disorienting to look at to those without an immunity to vertigo. Meegelle could help but stare, as he got a better look at the strands and their connection to him. It was disgusting. They were going into him, worming their way spasming into his body and becoming one with him, he was connected to every one of them and they were pumping themselves into him like they were his addiction. ôWhat are you, by the might of Lord Statesman what are you?!ö A chuckle simple at first then with strength it grew till it was full blown laughter. ôI my boy,ö He paused clearly amused. ôAm the end point of all these strands,ö Grabbing one in between his hand stretching it out. ôI am me, I am nothing more, nothing less. I am Konous-Negative,ö Setting his sword forward preparing to prepare to return to combat. ôThat's who I am, and that's all that I am.ö Rushing forward, this time in truth absolutely exhibiting super speed tendencies he brought repetitive cuts downward, then at last cutting horizontally and locking blades with Meegelle on his left side. ôIt is never the What that matters, genetic structure, DNA, or how we are born matters little in the culmination of who we are.ö Breaking back from the sword lock to blast Meegelle with a charged beam of Negative Energy which sent him flying back into the cave wall dropping his sword in the middle of the room.
No longer could Meegelle, see his vision was shrouded by darkness and vile images pouring into his brain one right after another. A rapist cackling and laughing as he cut open the still living body of his victim while he raped her one more time feeding on her life essence as she died. Of a lord looking over his land watching the people in the streets below starving and crying for death to release them from the agony as disease swept the land, and he quietly smiled. And at last the two faces of the monsters merged together each in their own way into a face covered in a cowl, goggles and a bandanna. The face of Konous-Negative, his sword tipped just under my chin. ôAnd who were are my boy, are two warriors of opposing mindsets. You are a Hero, I am a Villain, it is our fate to destroy each other,ö Meegelle looked to his sword, in the middle of the room, he could reach it. Konous-Negative raised the blade in the air, almost leaving Meegelle total access to his escape, like he wanted for him to reach the sword. ôAnd therefore, I must destroy you boy, for though you have no powers, and I am powerful, what we have matters little, in comparison of what we are willing to do.ö
He didn't need to be told twice! He rolled to the side as the blade came slowly down cutting off bits and pieces of the rock easily despite it's low velocity. Diving for his sword, Meegelle rolled backward on the ground righting himself right next to the Seismic Resonator. Raised in front, Meegelle had his claymore ready prepared for any attack that the Villain might bring. All but one. With sudden fluidness the images came back, but in greater numbers, the darkness surrounded him all encompassing him as more acts of depravity and glee at the suffering of others intensified. He felt every blow, every scream, every maleficent act, not in his body, nor in his body or mind but in his soul which seemed to quake in pain as the images wrought fractures within him. Reopening his eyes to the world did nothing as the images continued to flood into him, at the beck and the call of Konous-Negative standing in front of him his fist raised in the air clenched with the same darkness surrounding it.
Meegelle screamed and howled. It was killing him! It was killing him! He would die and then.....then he would die, but in the process others would be hurt. From one death, many. His sight fell on his sword, and then on the Seismic Resonator still building up to and nearing the completion of its full power. 'What is a Heroes value if he is unwilling to go the extra length to save others? Can he be called a Hero?' Meegelle's face broke out into a twisted grin at that moment. Whether out of mocking victory to the Villain, actual strain from his spirit being broken or perhaps from the thought that his life was coming to an end. It didn't matter, Meegelle brought the sword down into the Seismic Resonator all the same.
At first he thought nothing had changed, the vibrations continued to come out, but when the vibrations from the machine began to crack the rocks around them Meegelle knew he'd succeeded. Calmly looking about, imminently aware that the rocks around them were beginning to crack Konous-Negative spoke. ôOh bother. You managed to to short circuit the machine, it's stuck on the Resonance frequency of the cave rocks. It's too far a run to get out of here,ö Looking back at the boy. ôWe're going to die here.ö The cracks got bigger, splitting apart like like a gaping maw to swallow them up. ôI don't care.ö Meegelle uttered, sweat still pouring down his face. ôYou'd commit suicide to make sure that others wouldn't get hurt.ö Still Meegelle's aching breaths came out. ôIf it meant taking you or another villain down, any time bud.ö From the ceiling they started falling, stalactites spearing into the ground or cracking upon contact. ôHm, I find that some how ironic.ö Meegelle glared at him leaving no hate unmasked. ôWhat's that supposed to mean?ö A brief shake of the head. ôYou wouldn't understand.ö
And with that the ground below them opened up swallowing them to its stomach below, as the rocks from above came down and buried them there, alone.