August 08, 2004 - 10:54 a.m.
Heph waded through the crowded ninjas, sweeping his giant saber through their ranks. He tried to remember the last time he was in this kind of shit. In the Valley, of course. Probably with the Versailles bugs. He had been with Actionhero under heavy fire, battling an endless stream of insect warriors. Reinforced exoskeletons, bioweaponry, inhuman strength, not to mention the unnerving realization that the coordinated attacks were the product of a distant hive mind. They had fought like warrior poets that day, staring Death in the eye and laughing with testosterone-fueled glee. What a rush.
Heph watched the glinting blades as the surrounding enemy began to close in. He lifted the saber high for a strike and watched a hail of shuriken fly at him. He dropped to the ground, whipping his saber in a tight circle to catch the nearest ninjas. When he appeared again above the horde, the twin baroque pistols were in his hands once more.
"You probably figured I was empty, right? A little present from my good friend Actionhero."
The enchanted pistols fired an endless stream of bullets that ripped through his adversaries despite their advanced armor. The ninja fell back in waves, and were intercepted by the cruel duo of Mariposa and Flamenca, who swept through the crowded enemy with expertly wielded blades. It was a massacre until a gigantic cybercotta warrior appeared from a side alley, wielding a huge club. Heph’s bullets bounced off it as it waded through the crowd towards the two blade wielders.
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The two creatures locked gaze. Neither moved. Neither blinked. They sized each other up slowly, cautiously. They could both recognize the presence of mystical forces surrounding the other. Two black beasts of considerable power.
The huge black dog finally lost the staring contest, although later he would point out that the raven had an unfair advantage of a membranous eyelid. Plus the fact that it wasn’t really a bird at all. Strindberg cocked his head to one side, regarding the great raven perched above him in a twisting, gnarled tree branch. He had never seen such a bird, and reminded himself strange beasts were not uncommon along the Second Road. He had already seen his fair share.
“Got a name, winged one?” There was no response.
“Oh. The silent type. Figures. Can you make with the scarecrow and point toward the Crossroads? We got business.”
Doctor Curare stopped in his tracks. He sensed it again. That same presence he had felt at Dutrey’s. Ever since he had begun delving into the mystical realm, Curare had been able to discern the auras of others working with similar powers. Auras were always distinct; one could identify the presence of a mage from a considerable distance if that individual had strong powers. The unmistakable aura of Doctor Oblivion had been present during the battle that night, although Curare had not seen him. No doubt a strong shield spell that he couldn’t penetrate during the combat. But something else had appeared suddenly on his mystical radar, a presence of potency just about equal to that of Oblivion. Waiting with Oblivion to destroy the Invisibles as a single force? Or a counterbalance, an ace in the hole for the beleaguered Invisibles? Curare hadn’t waited around to find out.
Hermes stood still as a statue in a gnarled branch around a bend in the path. Below, about twenty feet away, crouched a black dog of no small stature, regarding the raven with great intent. Doctor Curare stepped behind a tree to watch, and the dog glanced in his direction. A few sniffs of the air, then back to Hermes. They kept staring at one another for a few more moments, then Doctor Curare heard a loud, shrill voice coming up the path behind the giant dog.
“Boss?! What’s the deal? Are we givin’ up just like that? Throwin’ in the towel? Hoistin’ the white flag? Sounds like somebody’s got a case of the pansies!”
“Sounds like somebody should watch their mouth before their birdbrain gets them in trouble. You haven’t shut up since we left.”
“I’m just sayin’, boss. You could’ve taken him. Cake! There’s nothin’ like stabbin’ a backstabber in the back to start your day off right. Finish him quick, then it’s off for some crawdads. Who the hell is THAT?!!
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Flamenca was sent hurtling through the window of a warehouse, rolling to her feet and staring back at the empty windowframe. Darkness and silence. For a few precious moments she caught her breath, ready for the silhouette of the cybercotta warrior to bust through the wall at any moment. How could she battle it? A presence behind her made Flamenca whirl with a precise sweep of her Hanzo blade. She halted her blow at the last instant.
"Do I get a last request?" Kiyagi spoke softly and kept absolutely still as the blade rested against his neck. Behind him, eight towering figures stood bare-chested, bodies covered in intricate patterns of plant extract dyes. Flamenca blinked once.
"You fellas sure take your damn time, don't you? Are these brutes ready?"
"They are. We've come with the Junglefreak to collect you and the Doctor."
"I figure the Doc's just fine. Took off a little while ago. We've just hit a tiny snag here with this army of creeps and that Oblivion bastard. Plus I think Ocelot's in trouble. Fuckin' Hero. Mighta figured he'd get us in deep shit with some witch. So where's the Freak? We could use him."
"The Junglefreak's gone to find the boss. He doesn't share your optimism about the Doc's current situation. I suppose he would know. But we can help you."
"Well, boys, I'm afraid we're fresh out of engraved invitations 'round here. Bailamos."
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Kai Girl walked out of the dark building into a side alley. Teacher's Pet could keep an eye on things inside and have her fun with the helpless Doctor when she wished. But Kai Girl was growing restless. Watching an unconscious prisoner is no sort of fun. Besides, she still hadn’t seen Doctor Oblivion lately. Plus she had to go check on her friends. With Wheel out of the way, she would have to give them another target so they wouldn't wander off on their own and start causing real damage. Kai Girl grinned at the thought of rampant rabid uteruses tearing their way through the French Quarter. But as long as Circe had her agenda employed, the random factor would have to be kept in check. Damn.
Kai Girl was fingering the mono-edge switchblade in her pocket when she saw it. A gargoyle perched atop one of the balcony banisters. The gargoyle turned its head, staring at her with glittering green eyes. Then it simply faded from view. Kai Girl grinned.
BAMF!
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Doctor Curare and Xanith Epicoene regarded one another for a few long moments. Like their animal counterparts, they sized each other up in silence, keeping a respectful if not cautious distance.
“I think we’ve got the advantage, boss,” Aramis whispered softly enough that everyone heard. “You and that tall guy, Strindberg and that vulture, pretty even. But you gotta admit, I tip the scales.”
“Yeah. You’re a handicap.” Strindberg growled under his breath while never taking his eyes off of the raven.
“I don’t believe we have met. My name is Dr. Xanith Epicoene.” Epicoene spoke slowly, choosing teir words carefully. “I saw you fighting alongside the Invisibles at Dutrey’s coffeehouse earlier.”
“I must have been too engaged to see you,” Doctor Curare said with a slight smirk. “How inconsiderate of me. But I must admit, you don’t strike me as one who would ally with Doctor Oblivion.”
“ALLY?!! Just pluck me now!!” Aramis exploded.
“Quiet! I am afraid you have misjudged us, stranger. We are hardly allies of Oblivion’s. But come, provide us with a name that we may converse in a more familiar manner.”
“My name is Doctor Curare. And it is my pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
“Your reputation is no secret, Doctor. I expected that we would meet at some point, but I must admit I hardly expected you here,” Xan spoke with teir characteristic politeness when addressing a fellow magicker. “I witnessed you battling with the other Invisibles. Why have you ventured upon the Second Road?”
“I had some business at the Crossroads. I get the distinct impression you are headed that way yourself. Am I correct in this assumption?”
“Naturally. We must pass it on the return home. I was hoping we might get the opportunity to speak with the Loa of Death once more. Pressing concerns and such.”
“You will find him there. We have just spoken on a matter which I believe might interest you.” Doctor Curare looked at Xan with a faint smile and glanced at teir companions. Aramis had not stopped nervously preening himself while casting furtive glances at the giant raven in the tree opposite. “Tell me, how much do you know of the fate of the Wanderers, those who cannot pass to the Underworld without Papa Legba?”
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The giant cybercotta warrior stepped forward and swung its huge club in a broad arc, slamming several ninja in its path. Heph dove to the side, rolling away from the brutal weapon. His pistols were useless, as were his blades. The ground shook as he regained his feet and ran to the side. He had seen Flamenca take a hit from that thing, but couldn’t spare any time to check on her. Mariposa had worked her way back to the slab of stone encasing her other partner. Quentin Holte was looking like he might break a sweat at any moment, spinning into a sequence of moves that appeared to be some bastard love child of capoeira and jiu-jitsu. You couldn’t help smiling, not to mention giving thanks he was on your side.
Heph reached his trusty guitar case and lifted his baby up. Turning, he watched the advancing giant heading toward him, smashing past everyone and everything en route. Suddenly he saw Flamenca climb out of the window through which she had been thrown, accompanied by a short stranger. They turned away toward Mariposa, and Flamenca pointed at the cybercotta warrior with her sword. Eight imposing figures leapt out of the warehouse window and chased down the giant, smooth black obsidian blades glinting. Six of them surrounded the giant and let fly snaking whiplashes that pinioned it to the ground. They strained mightily as the thing began to drag them along the ground. It looked like a losing battle, despite their strength. Heph strode up and held his guitar at a jaunty angle.
“See if you can name this one, you son of a bitch!” Heph slammed a chord that resonated through the alleyway corridors. The restrained giant seemed to vibrate for an instant, its structural integrity experiencing the positive feedback of the chord’s frequency. Then it simply crumbled before his eyes and the Anaconda Guards grinned at him. El Mariachi.
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They fell together, clawing and kicking. The ground rushed to meet them as Kai Girl glanced to the side at an iron fence. She snapped her fingers as the Junglefreak grabbed hold of a trailing edge of her longcoat.
BAMF!
Kai Girl and the Junglefreak stood balanced atop the fence, staring at one another intently. Junglefreak grinned his big toothy grin as he lunged forward. Kai Girl gave a wink and flew into a back handspring that brought her right foot squarely under the beast’s chin. He landed catlike on the ground and flew right back at her. She giggled and snapped her fingers as the claws reached for her arm.
BAMF!
The Junglefreak glanced about in the cloud of acrid smoke, growled softly and faded from sight.
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Doctor Curare fell to one knee. His sight began to cloud over. The world of the Second Road began to fade. He glanced up at the hazy image of Xanith Epicoene and teir animal companions.
"It seems that my time here is up, Epicoene. Keep my proposition in mind. There is always a way. We can foil Oblivion's plot if we work together." He turned slowly to the giant raven that gazed down at him intently. "Time to depart, my friend. You need the rest." Hermes flew to rest on Doctor Curare's shoulder as they both melted away from the world of the Second Path, shadows fading before the ghostly light.
"That's pretty weird, boss. You trust this guy?"
"He is an enemy of Oblivion, Aramis. But his plan is risky. Perhaps even irresponsible. I need more time to think. We can discuss this further with Papa Ghede."
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“I’ve never seen these kinda restraints before. Sorta kinky. Got any extras?” Teacher’s Pet looked approvingly at the bizarre system of shackles and wiry cords that held the unconscious Doctor Curare to the low cot. The stuffy room was otherwise vacant except for an old rolltop desk in the corner, at which sat the hunched form of a middle-aged Creole woman. She was bent over an old parchment, scribbling swiftly with a black quill pen.
“No, ma’am. I do believe those are one-of-a-kind. Special, eh? For the Doc here.”
“Right. That’s a shame, ‘cause those give me ideas.” Teacher’s Pet smirked and turned for the door. The woman stood before her in the doorway. “How…? Oh yeah. You must be Dendra.”
“Sorry if I frightened you, ma’am. I know folks take a while to get used to my sister and me. But there be plenty of twins in the world, eh? It’s not all that strange when you get to thinkin’ ‘bout it.”
Phyllis Bates turned from her seat to nod to her twin sister. Then she turned slowly back to the desk and resumed her notes.
“So, how long do we have to wait for our new pal to wake up? I’d like to have some fun with him. Pretend I have questions or something. Watch him squirm.”
“The effects of our serum stick around for a spell, hon. If he wakes up too quick, why, he’ll just flow right on outta here. He got some strong magic with him. But this here restrainin’ system will keep him guessin’.”
“Fabulous. Listen, Dendra, I’m gonna take five and see what’s keeping Kai Girl. Just give a holler if the Doc wakes up, will ya? I wouldn’t want to miss a moment.”
The green eyes followed her every move as Teacher’s Pet stalked out of the building and down the alleyway. The Junglefreak started to follow for a moment, then stared back at the doorway through which she had come. He knew where he needed to go.
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Doctor Curare felt himself falling, the universe sliding away from him in all directions. He turned slowly over and over, blind to the world. Then he saw it, a tiny dot of light in the distant that grew rapidly as he sped toward it. Or was it speeding toward him? He could not sense movement or direction. The patch of light became a white rectangle as it flew to meet him. He turned away as it caught up with him and struck him in the small of the back.
Dendra Bates watched as Doctor Curare twitched and writhed upon the white cot. She could see his eyeballs move rapidly behind his closed eyelids. He was almost back.
The haze of his vision began to clear as Curare became aware of reality. The first thing he saw was the face of a Creole woman gazing intently down into his.
“Good morning, Doctor. What news?”
“It is done.”
“And it’s good to see you too, Doc.”
“I apologize, Dendra. Brevity is my sole wit.”
“Yeah you right.” Phyllis turned in her seat and grinned broadly. “It’s been a good long while, sonny. You should stop on by more often.”
“I know, I know. Sometimes I simply… NO!
Dendra Bates glanced curiously at her sister, then back to Curare. “Is everything alright, Doc?”
“You would not allow me to be killed, so I thought that I might return the favor. I would like you two lovely ladies to meet a very close friend of mine.” The scaly form that had seemingly materialized behind Dendra stepped out of the shadows, its fierce gaze passing over both women before returning to Curare.
“I have no idea how you managed to track me down to this place, but you have your ways. What have you got for me?”
The Junglefreak approached Doctor Curare, who laid a hand gently on both sides of the beast’s face and gazed into the green eyes. He witnessed the events of the morning through a world cast in a brilliant green hue. He even witnessed himself on the Second Path, speaking with Ah Puch.
“Excellent. Things are progressing well. I propose we get the family back together.” Curare turned to the Creole twins. “What is the story?”
“There was an attack by your friend there. He destroyed our restraints and made off with the good Doctor.”
“Precisely,” Doctor Curare said and smiled. He glanced down at the broken restraining coils, glowing with an eerie light. “What did you make these from?”
“Some old fiber-optic cables. We had to improvise, eh?”
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BAMF!
Kai Girl stood upon a rooftop, watching the mayhem in the courtyard below. Circe and Actionhero were caught up in their own world. Kai Girl rolled her eyes. It seemed she would have to tip the scales for Oblivion’s side. Again. Kai Girl scanned the battle and saw him. Oblivion. His cloak sweeping outward, he held his evil blade straight and true at the heart of the gigantic battle mage facing him. Achlis stared back, unflinching as he tightly gripped the huge battle axe at his side. In his other hand, a blood-stained broadsword was held in a defensive position, shielding his broad chest. The entire world seemed to stand still, awaiting the first move. Silence.
BAMF!
