The Create-A-Hero RPG Season II IC Thread

[trustyside-kick]

"You have fought well, Angel. Unfortunately for you, your 'faith' will not be enough to save you this time." He gloats before slamming Michael hard, face-first into the pavement.

My legs are killing me, and my ribs feel like they've fallen off though when I grab hold of them I know they are still there. Nothing is broken but it sure as heck feels like it. Fingers are starting to get numb and my gloves are all torn and scratched from all the punches I've dished out. Here I am before an adversary and...he's better than me.

Darnit...he's better than me. I get up from the ground, wiping the sweat from my brow and tilt my head just enough for my neck to crack. As I stare into the eyes of my short-distant enemy I now recall why this feels so familiar to me. His abilities...they are so similar to that of Madlove's. And that religious nutjob played with me like a dog with a new chew toy. So I'm pretty much fighting a decked out Madlove with more powers to add to the party. I...I cannot win this. I--I...

I have to try.

"Never question the power of Faith."

I take to the skies, and as I go up, the winds around me hurl and spin and the clouds from above us start to crack and thunder. I've never tried this before, but by manipulate the vapor molecules in the air, and speeding up the wind just right, with my power over the elements I create a lightning storm. I now chase after my enemy, riding the lightning as I guide it with all the concentration I possess.

"You stupid fool."

Next? I now understand what happened. When the lightning snaked around me and struck me rather than my foe, I felt something fighting my control. It was this alien. Stupid fool. I should've seen it coming. Just two second ago he harnessed pure light to strike at me. Guess I was hoping he wasn't as experienced with lightning. So I pretty much just fried myself with my own power and might. I hit the pavement hard. Harder than I have this whole fight. My helmet is cracked, and my tunic and garments are torn and burned.

I try to get up, but fall to my knees. The alien soldier descends from the heavens, looking down at me as though he were a God. Is this how it ends? This is my fate? Could this God be stronger than my one true God?

"Take a good look at the scenery around you, angel. This battle arena, is but the first of many to come."

"AHH...ARGGH!!"

He picks me up with his telekinetic grip, and pulls me right in front of him. My helmet splits, crashing down to the floor below me. The pain is so much. It's unbearable. And I cannot help but think about all the people I've just let down. I try to do my best. I curse under my breath that I'm not strong enough. I tried so hard. I start to cry. I'm about to die.

"Looks like your all powerful God has forsaken you."

I'm about to die. No use fighting the tears.

...I'm about to die.

"...Grace..."

Oh God...I'm about to die.

 

[NiteMare Shape]

My legs are killing me, and my ribs feel like they've fallen off though when I grab hold of them I know they are still there. Nothing is broken but it sure as heck feels like it. Fingers are starting to get numb and my gloves are all torn and scratched from all the punches I've dished out. Here I am before an adversary and...he's better than me.

Darnit...he's better than me. I get up from the ground, wiping the sweat from my brow and tilt my head just enough for my neck to crack. As I stare into the eyes of my short-distant enemy I now recall why this feels so familiar to me. His abilities...they are so similar to that of Madlove's. And that religious nutjob played with me like a dog with a new chew toy. So I'm pretty much fighting a decked out Madlove with more powers to add to the party. I...I cannot win this. I--I...

I have to try.

"Never question the power of Faith."

I take to the skies, and as I go up, the winds around me hurl and spin and the clouds from above us start to crack and thunder. I've never tried this before, but by manipulate the vapor molecules in the air, and speeding up the wind just right, with my power over the elements I create a lightning storm. I now chase after my enemy, riding the lightning as I guide it with all the concentration I possess.

"You stupid fool."

Next? I now understand what happened. When the lightning snaked around me and struck me rather than my foe, I felt something fighting my control. It was this alien. Stupid fool. I should've seen it coming. Just two second ago he harnessed pure light to strike at me. Guess I was hoping he wasn't as experienced with lightning. So I pretty much just fried myself with my own power and might. I hit the pavement hard. Harder than I have this whole fight. My helmet is cracked, and my tunic and garments are torn and burned.

I try to get up, but fall to my knees. The alien soldier descends from the heavens, looking down at me as though he were a God. Is this how it ends? This is my fate? Could this God be stronger than my one true God?

"Take a good look at the scenery around you, angel. This battle arena, is but the first of many to come."

"AHH...ARGGH!!"

He picks me up with his telekinetic grip, and pulls me right in front of him. My helmet splits, crashing down to the floor below me. The pain is so much. It's unbearable. And I cannot help but think about all the people I've just let down. I try to do my best. I curse under my breath that I'm not strong enough. I tried so hard. I start to cry. I'm about to die.

"Looks like your all powerful God has forsaken you."

I'm about to die. No use fighting the tears.

...I'm about to die.

"...Grace..."

Oh God...I'm about to die.

Keelan holds the Archangel in his grip, subtly applying more pressure to his opponent...squeezing the air from his lungs.

"You see Angel...your God has now power here. He is but a myth that your kind has created to explain the great mysteries of the universe." He mocks, before casually adding, "Something not uncommon among the lesser species."

Still squeezing, Keelan again forces the Archangel face first into the ground.

"It is something that many inferior peoples do...I never understood it myself really...the need of some to create an all powerful being who is responsible for everything...when in reality the very things that you call miracles can be easily explained by simple science."

While still holding Michael in his grip, Keelan waves his hand and a bright light emerges from his fingertips. However, as the light approaches Michael, it changes...becomes solid. And as the strange light strikes his limbs, first his right arm, followed by his left leg, he is sliced open as if he had been assaulted by some sort of blade.

"I've been doing this for a long time, friend. I've conquered wolds...entire star systems. I've traveled from star to star, taking what I needed to take, destroying those who needed to be destroyed. And to many of those people...I was a god."

Keelan reaches out with his other hand and begins to choke the life from the Archangel.

"But they are irrelevant, forgotten by the galaxy as a whole. Nothing more than dust beneath my heel. Just as you, and the rest of the pathetic inhabitants of this world will be."

Keelan smiles as he tightens his grip on the Archangel's throat.

"Do you know how many of your kind I killed today? I authorized the destruction of your cities. I am the man responsible for the deaths of so many. You must understand something Angel, those who have died during this war don't mean anything. You and your people are nothing more than pests...insects to be exterminated."

Keelan squeezes harder, truely enjoying himself as The Archangel gasps for air.

"Millions of men, women...and children. They were exterminated because they needed to be. But they don't mean anything in the grand scheme of things...each and ever single one of their deaths were as meaningless as their lives. Their loved ones grieve for the departed, however, their grief will be short lived as soon they will be joining the departed."

A cruel smile crosses his face.

"I want you to know something, Angel. While the Arlaaekan people have no real quarrel with the people of Earth, and some even find the bloodshed an unfortunate necessity...I've enjoyed every moment of it...I only wish that I could have looked into the eyes of each and every one of them and watched as their life was extinguished...just as I am about to with you.

Keelan grows silent and he applies more force to the Archangel's throat

 

[trustyside-kick]

"I've been doing this for a long time, friend. I've conquered wolds...entire star systems. I've traveled from star to star, taking what I needed to take, destroying those who needed to be destroyed. And to many of those people...I was a god."

Keelan reaches out with his other hand and begins to choke the life from the Archangel.

I find myself at the mercy of this monster...and there's not a thing I can do. He's just too powerful. Who am I kidding? I'm not up to this stuff. Toss me the regular bank robber or mugger and sure...I'll uproot the ground to keep them from running, or conjure up the very winds to blow them against the side of a building to knock them out...but that's it. This guy's way out of my league. I cannot win.

Why does it have to end like this? And he gets the pleasure of watching me cry as Death greets me.

"But they are irrelevant, forgotten by the galaxy as a whole. Nothing more than dust beneath my heel. Just as you, and the rest of the pathetic inhabitants of this world will be."

Keelan smiles as he tightens his grip on the Archangel's throat.

"Do you know how many of your kind I killed today? I authorized the destruction of your cities. I am the man responsible for the deaths of so many. You must understand something Angel, those who have died during this war don't mean anything. You and your people are nothing more than pests...insects to be exterminated."

Keelan squeezes harder, truely enjoying himself as The Archangel gasps for air.

The shock in my face is not out of all the pain I'm experiencing; although it is indeed excruciating. It's realization. This isn't just some drone of the Arlaaekan invaders. This is their military leader...their admiral. He's responsible for all of this. Heh, I really know how to pick 'em don't I? I should've known from his posture, and how he presents himself. That, or the fact that he commanded those other alien superpowered beings. Girls as crazy as Singe and Dew? They wouldn't take orders barked from his mouth unless he was important.

How stupid of me. I never stood a chance.

...

What's that light?

It's sooo bright.

So...soothing.

It's calling out to me.

Calling my name.

"Millions of men, women...and children. They were exterminated because they needed to be. But they don't mean anything in the grand scheme of things...each and ever single one of their deaths were as meaningless as their lives. Their loved ones grieve for the departed, however, their grief will be short lived as soon they will be joining the departed."

A cruel smile crosses his face.

That's when I snap back to reality, and the first thing I see is his darn smug smile. My blood begins to boil. He's responsible for everything. Anything and anyone that's perished during this attack is because he gave out the order. I'm face to face with Jake's indirect killer, and THAT I will not submit to.

"I want you to know something, Angel. While the Arlaaekan people have no real quarrel with the people of Earth, and some even find the bloodshed an unfortunate necessity...I've enjoyed every moment of it...I only wish that I could have looked into the eyes of each and every one of them and watched as their life was extinguished...just as I am about to with you."

Keelan grows silent and he applies more force to the Archangel's throat.

"No. Not like this. You don't decide my fate. No one does. Not now."

Coughing up blood, I spit it at his face, and he loses focus. As I'm let go of his telekinetic grip I drop several feet, but lucky for me my white angel-fire wings still function. He stands there, in shock and awe, and I start to flap my angel-fire wings at an intense speed, all the while increasing them in size with my ability to manipulate fire until I'm lifted off the ground. The rubble around me starts to spiral, and a mighty wind spiral along with the rubble. Next I'm entirely engulfed in my own angel-fire used from my wings, the firey construct of an angel wielding a sword. This firey white image lights up the nightsky, illuminating the surrounding area city. The construct probably stands to be nearly 20 feet tall.

In my eyes...I cannot even see my foe. Engulfed in this angel-fire beast I created around me, all I see is white, for my angel-fire burns bright. I close them, and all I see is Jake. Jake smiling and having a good time when I took him out to play basketball. Another smile when I took him fishing.

Then...death. His death. I cradled him in my arms, hoping that he wasn't dead. That it'd be like a comicbook or superhero movie, where the hero thinks he doesn't get there in time, but he actually does. But this is reality.

Lastly I think about Grace, and the pain her family is going through. The pain I've gone through. I want her back. I so badly want her back. This isn't fair. What wrong have I ever done? None. I've been the model Christian, and still I play audience to this kind of suffering.

I'm tired of it.

My voice roars and echoes from the firey white construct, striking terror into my opponent.

"YOU'RE GOING TO FEEL ALL THE PAIN YOU'VE CAUSED THIS DAY! BEFORE I'M DONE WITH YOU, YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE TO BEG FOR ME TO STOP!! YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE TO CRY OUT TO THE VERY GOD YOU DOUBT TO BE REAL TO STOP MY WRATH!"

Kill him.

...I'm going to KILL HIM!

 

[NiteMare Shape]

It's showtime. As Icon flies at the alien monstrosity, the Survivor leaps with superhumanly strong leg muscles towards the giant machine as well.

"I can't count how many broken bones and critical injuries that these sick f**ks have given me, not to mention the millions that have been massacred by their assaults. We will make them pay."

Targeting the elbow joint in the arm of the battlesuit that had the cannon mounted on it, the Survivor's eyes powered up and fired a blast of energy, forcing the entire arm out of alignment and giving Icon an opening to attack the thing with all he's got, without having to worry about being shot at.

With the Survivor clearing the way, Icon flies into the crack in the battle suit's armor at full speed, hitting it with more power than a speeding train. The alien suit rocks back on one leg, but manages to regain its balance. However, Icon hits the suit with a flurry of frenzied blows, bashing in the seemingly impervious armor.

"This has gone on long enough. You people have come to our world, destroyed our cities and massacred millions of innocent people....And for what? To stake your claim to this planet? I've had enough of you monsters...This all ends tonight." Icon says as he delivers a massive uppercut to the battle suit, the impact lifting the massive machine off the ground.

Icon flies up in an arc and comes crashing down, again battering the suit with a powerful collision. This time however, he continues the assault, ripping into the battle suit's armor, tearing it away. He continues to pound, rip, and tear until the massive battle suit's power source is exposed. Icon charges up, then hits the power source with another punch, this one reinforced with an energy blast, destroying the suits power source. All the lights in the suit blink out, then a fireball errupts from the massive suit...followed by another, and another. In seconds, the once mighty battle suit is reduced to a smoking pile of scrap metal.

Icon approaches Haze, who is still trying to comfort Synergy, who is still cradling the corpse of her lover.

"Haze...Get her out of here. She isn't in any shape to fight."

"There's no way I'm going to miss this. After what these monsters did..."

"I need you to get her to safety. If you let her stay in this, she's going to get you both killed.....and there's been more than enough bloodshed today."

Haze nods in acknowledgement just as Synergy is about to protest. However, Haze wraps her arms around Synergy and teleports them away from the battle. Icon can only hope that she did indeed take them someplace safe, but Icon is forced to ask himself...does such a place exist anymore?

The Survivor approaches Icon, who just turns to his new friend.

"The other's are on the other side of the park. From the sounds of things, they've got one hell of a fight going on."

Survivor nods, then runs off in the direction that Icon indicated...and as he does so, Icon takes to the skies in the direction of the battle.

 

[NiteMare Shape]

I find myself at the mercy of this monster...and there's not a thing I can do. He's just too powerful. Who am I kidding? I'm not up to this stuff. Toss me the regular bank robber or mugger and sure...I'll uproot the ground to keep them from running, or conjure up the very winds to blow them against the side of a building to knock them out...but that's it. This guy's way out of my league. I cannot win.

Why does it have to end like this? And he gets the pleasure of watching me cry as Death greets me.



The shock in my face is not out of all the pain I'm experiencing; although it is indeed excruciating. It's realization. This isn't just some drone of the Arlaaekan invaders. This is their military leader...their admiral. He's responsible for all of this. Heh, I really know how to pick 'em don't I? I should've known from his posture, and how he presents himself. That, or the fact that he commanded those other alien superpowered beings. Girls as crazy as Singe and Dew? They wouldn't take orders barked from his mouth unless he was important.

How stupid of me. I never stood a chance.

...

What's that light?

It's sooo bright.

So...soothing.

It's calling out to me.

Calling my name.



That's when I snap back to reality, and the first thing I see is his darn smug smile. My blood begins to boil. He's responsible for everything. Anything and anyone that's perished during this attack is because he gave out the order. I'm face to face with Jake's indirect killer, and THAT I will not submit to.



"No. Not like this. You don't decide my fate. No one does. Not now."

Coughing up blood, I spit it at his face, and he loses focus. As I'm let go of his telekinetic grip I drop several feet, but lucky for me my white angel-fire wings still function. He stands there, in shock and awe, and I start to flap my angel-fire wings at an intense speed, all the while increasing them in size with my ability to manipulate fire until I'm lifted off the ground. The rubble around me starts to spiral, and a mighty wind spiral along with the rubble. Next I'm entirely engulfed in my own angel-fire used from my wings, the firey construct of an angel wielding a sword. This firey white image lights up the nightsky, illuminating the surrounding area city. The construct probably stands to be nearly 20 feet tall.

In my eyes...I cannot even see my foe. Engulfed in this angel-fire beast I created around me, all I see is white, for my angel-fire burns bright. I close them, and all I see is Jake. Jake smiling and having a good time when I took him out to play basketball. Another smile when I took him fishing.

Then...death. His death. I cradled him in my arms, hoping that he wasn't dead. That it'd be like a comicbook or superhero movie, where the hero thinks he doesn't get there in time, but he actually does. But this is reality.

Lastly I think about Grace, and the pain her family is going through. The pain I've gone through. I want her back. I so badly want her back. This isn't fair. What wrong have I ever done? None. I've been the model Christian, and still I play audience to this kind of suffering.

I'm tired of it.

My voice roars and echoes from the firey white construct, striking terror into my opponent.

"YOU'RE GOING TO FEEL ALL THE PAIN YOU'VE CAUSED THIS DAY! BEFORE I'M DONE WITH YOU, YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE TO BEG FOR ME TO STOP!! YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE TO CRY OUT TO THE VERY GOD YOU DOUBT TO BE REAL TO STOP MY WRATH!"

Kill him.

...I'm going to KILL HIM!

Keelan attempts to regain control over his adversary, however he is unable to do so. Each of his attacks prove to be just as ineffective as the last, although he gives it his best effort, the Archangel continues to advance on him, until he realizes the futility of it all....and for the first time in his life, Admiral Keelan feels fear.

As the Archangel closes in on him, Keelan abandons using his powers, choosing to take his chances in hand to hand combat, however, in this he fares no better. The angry Archangel is relentless, giving the Admiral a beating that he did not think any being in the galaxy would be able to administer.

"This is pointless, don't you see that? Even if you do defeat me...I have designed a failsafe that will destroy this entire planet should I fall. Nobody stands against Arlaaek and survives...even if we die."

 

[Spike_x1]

Faster than any human being can run, or most commercial cars can drive, the Survivor ran, jumped, and swung through the park. The terrain of the area had been overturned and shifted around so much by the destruction wrought by the aliens, that Adam found himself bounding from one jagged formation of rubble and mud to the next. I should really learn to fly someday. This is taking forever!

Nevertheless, he's on the far edge of the scene of Archangel's fight with what appears to be the alien commander in less than a minute. Recognizing the angel's voice booming out of the flaming...thing, Adam couldn't say that he actually disagreed with Michael's judgment at all regarding the Arlaaekeans.

...but... I'm not a killer, and if I let Archangel take his life, how will a guy like that live with himself? I've looked into Michael's eyes--he's a good man. The Survivor couldn't let the Archangel kill another living person like this.

Keelan attempts to regain control over his adversary, however he is unable to do so. Each of his attacks prove to be just as ineffective as the last, although he gives it his best effort, the Archangel continues to advance on him, until he realizes the futility of it all....and for the first time in his life, Admiral Keelan feels fear.

As the Archangel closes in on him, Keelan abandons using his powers, choosing to take his chances in hand to hand combat, however, in this he fares no better. The angry Archangel is relentless, giving the Admiral a beating that he did not think any being in the galaxy would be able to administer.

"This is pointless, don't you see that? Even if you do defeat me...I have designed a failsafe that will destroy this entire planet should I fall. Nobody stands against Arlaaek and survives...even if we die."

Failsafe? NO!

 

[Mr. Majestic]

Samson "The Mighty"​

By the look on Titan’s face one could assume that he’s not use to getting hit with so much strength, heck if he would have seen my face he would have known that’s the first time I ever hit someone that hard. Having this new source of power is truly amazing and the best thing is I get to cut loose and see what I’m really made of.

I land down on the ground, I run literally a thousand scenarios in my head to come up with the best strategy to take Titan down and only one really interest me and that’s the first one. Beat him till he can’t move any longer. Yeah that’s a good plan.

As I stand just feet in front of my foe I ball my fist and with my newly found power I cover them with electricity making something like electric gloves. This should be very shocking for him. Within not even a second I close the gap between me and him. To say that I’m faster than a speeding bullet would be an insult. Just to get things started I quickly give Titan a two piece delivery, one to the stomach and one to the face. As both of the blows had made connect there were thunderous sounds to fallow. Last thing I want is for Titan to gain his composure so I stay on the attack. I grab Titan by the arm and quickly throw him to a side of a building to my left. I threw him with enough power so that he would only make impact and not go through it. As he hit the wall like I had planned I fly to his side and powered the electricity around my hands to the point it’s out of control. As I feel that I have gather enough energy I released it all on Titan’s chest.

"ARRRRRRGH!" He screams out in pain. Once I felt that he has had enough I stop and continue my assault by going to work on his midsection. First I just deliver one powerful body blow after the other but with every hit that makes contact with Titan I keep getting flashes of everything that these aliens have brought to our doorsteps, all the lives that were lost and the lives that will be lost if we don’t stop them. While hitting the alien’s powerhouse my punches began to evolve from just powerful body blows to powerful and very fast body blows. With every punch the wall that Titan’s back rest against was beginning to crumble under the pressure. I paused for one second and pulled back my left fist and look Titan in his eyes. This is my way of telling him ‘this is over’. I hit Titan with a powerful left straight that sent him through the wall. The rest of building then collapsed on top of him.

I take a couple steps back from the rubble and looking down knowing that Titan was under it all defeated. I must admit I’m a little disappointed that it ended so easily.

As I’m walking away to find my partner in taking down Titan my super hearing picks up something. It’s the sound of something beating, it kind of sounds like a heart beat and a mighty strong one at that. The direction that the sound is coming from is where I left Titan undefeated, well so I thought.

I turn and look as the rubble is moving now knowing that Titan plans on continuing this battle and something tells me he’s not going to go down easy a second time.

 

[NiteMare Shape]

Icon flies at breakneck speed toward the site of the battle on the other side of the park. As he approaches he sees the Archangel doing battle with an alien warrior that he can only assume is the man behind the invasion. The thing that strikes him is not the ferocity of the battle, or even the carnage that litters the battlefield...it's the look in the eyes of the Archangel, a look that he has seen before...the look of someone about to commit murder.

"YOU'RE GOING TO FEEL ALL THE PAIN YOU'VE CAUSED THIS DAY! BEFORE I'M DONE WITH YOU, YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE TO BEG FOR ME TO STOP!! YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE TO CRY OUT TO THE VERY GOD YOU DOUBT TO BE REAL TO STOP MY WRATH!"

Kill him.

...I'm going to KILL HIM!

I can't let him do this! I've got to stop him before he does something he regrets later. Icon thinks to himself as he lowers his head and increases his speed, making his way to stop the Archangel.

 

[trustyside-kick]

My enemy manages to evade my attacks, but I can see the exhaustion he suffers from as he becomes more and more sluggish. He lashes out at me with his attacks which are futile as he grabs what rubble and objects he can with his telekinesis.

Entire cars and fences are ripped off the streets and sidewalks and hurled at me, but the angel-fire of my large construct I have engulfed myself in burns bright. Everything he throws at me is incinerated within seconds of impact. But I do not deal any environmental damage to the surrounding area; I keep that much control on the white angel-fire I wield.

"This is pointless, don't you see that? Even if you do defeat me...I have designed a failsafe that will destroy this entire planet should I fall. Nobody stands against Arlaaek and survives...even if we die."

He yells out words at me, but I pay them no attention and do not even hear them behind all the ignited flames. All I hear is the snap and hissing of the burning fire that moves when I move, and does exactly what I tell it to. I've got him pinned down, with no where to run to. I raise my hand up, and the firey arm of my construct that wields a firey white sword raises up.

I've never felt so...righteous. I'm about to end the pain of millions. I'm about to save the world with my revenge.

I can't let him do this! I've got to stop him before he does something he regrets later. Icon thinks to himself as he lowers his head and increases his speed, making his way to stop the Archangel.

As I bring down my arm, knowing my firey angel-fire construct will move in complete sync I smile as I look down at my enemy, towering him as I remain engulfed in this nearly 20 foot fire golem.

"You came to this Earth this day, expecting to achieve a new world to add to your collection. But in the end...it is your demise that you find in this new world."

Just as my swing motion is complete, and the angel construct reacts, the flames begin to wane and die out. As the construct gives out, so do my angel-fire wings, and I start to fall from the skies. I try to concentrate, confused and concerned as my angel-fire wings will not re-sprout once more, and I look up to the heavens. When I see a flash of light, I assume it is because something just broke my fall so I died and am reaching the after-life.

I couldn't have been more wrong.

"...Bath Kol?"

After the bright light seems to dim, I see Bath Kol's image looking straight down at me as he holds me in his arms. We slowly descend to the ground, and he lays me down gently. My body aches and I can barely move much like before...before that quick rush of adrenaline that caused me to go berserk.

"What...happened? Why do I feel--"

"You tried to use your abilities with the intent of taking of life, Michael. While in the Archangel State, should you ever try to take a life you will be temporarily stripped of your blessings until your head clears itself of such negative thoughts and intentions. Call it a...fail-safe for keeping your heart pure. To commit murder is a mortal sin, Michael. And you of all people know the consequences of committing such a sin."

 

[Spike_x1]

Watching as Archangel's fire left him and Icon flies between Michael and the alien commander, Keelan is visibly shaken, but smirking. No doubt the bastard has realized that the angel will no longer kill him. Has he already activated the failsafe that he had in store? Will he simply kill Archangel and move on to conquer the planet unopposed? It doesn't matter. I'm ending this NOW!

Posed behind Keelan as the villain stands over the heroes, the Survivor is just as surprised as everyone else on the scene as his hand rips through Keelan's back and out his chest, with fingers extended and focused like a knife in the spear hand strike technique. "Damn you," whispers Adam in the alien's ear as he finally realizes that he does indeed have the capacity to kill a man.

 

[NiteMare Shape]

Watching as Archangel's fire left him and Icon flies between Michael and the alien commander, Keelan is visibly shaken, but smirking. No doubt the bastard has realized that the angel will no longer kill him. Has he already activated the failsafe that he had in store? Will he simply kill Archangel and move on to conquer the planet unopposed? It doesn't matter. I'm ending this NOW!

Posed behind Keelan as the villain stands over the heroes, the Survivor is just as surprised as everyone else on the scene as his hand rips through Keelan's back and out his chest, with fingers extended and focused like a knife in the spear hand strike technique. "Damn you," whispers Adam in the alien's ear as he finally realizes that he does indeed have the capacity to kill a man.

For a moment, Keelan stands in place as he realizes what had just happened. Out of nowhere, this human snuck up and pierced his heart with his bare hand. Keelan looks down at his chest, watching as the life drains from his body.

"This matters not. My life, your lives....none of it. Arlaaek forever." He says as he reaches to his wrist, pushing a button on the communicator on his gauntlet.

"The Autocrat lives."

With his last action, Keelan slumps to the ground, gazing at the gathered heroes who had opposed him as he slips into eternal darkness.


The Arlaaekan Mothership, Hovering in Earth's Orbit

Captain Tri'Karda stands on the bridge of the mothership monitoring the battle's progress, when an alarm begins to sound at the command post. Tri'Karda rushes to the post, where his fears are realized: Admiral Keelan has authorized the failsafe...which only means that he has failed...The Great Admiral Keelan is dead, and the invasion of this backwater world is over. Tri'Karda takes a deep breath before opening the communications line to the weapons officer.

"We have been given the signal. Innitiate the launch of the Omega Javelin."

"Of course sir." The voice of the weapons officer replies over the intercom.

There is a sudden roar as the Arlaaekan Mothership prepares to fire the Omega Javelin...A weapon so devestating that it had only been used once before. A single missile, known throughout the galaxy as "The World Killer." The entire ship shutters as the missile is deployed, on a collision course with Earth.

 

[NiteMare Shape]

​

Icon stands in shock at what has just happened. The Arlaaekan Admiral cut down in cold blood by his friend The Survivor. While he is utterly repulsed by the violent nature of Keelan's death, Icon knows deep down that it is for the best. The Admiral has shown that his only goal is the complete annihilation of the human race, and that he will not stop until he has achieved that goal. Icon understands that the Earth is safer with him dead, and in spite of his vow to protect all life, he feels a sigh of relief that Admiral Keelan is dead.

That relief is short lived.

The night sky illuminates as the Alaaekan's ultimate weapon, The Omega Javelin, enters Earth's atmosphere on a collision course with the planet. Without time to think, Icon takes to the skies to meet the giant missile head on. Icon ascends at such a speed that he shatters the sound barrier as he races toward the Omega Javelin, hoping to catch it high above the Earth in order to give himself plenty of room to work with.

Icon pushes on in a mad dash to stop the missile from destroying the Earth. He reaches the Javelin, grabs it by its nose and tries to stop its forward progress, with little success. As the missile rockets toward Earth, Icon pushes with everything he has, but it may not be enough as he has little effect on the Omega Javelin's decent.

Until finally it begins to slow.

"Yes!"

Icon forces the missile to arc back around and head back to the heavens, toward its new target...The Arlaaekan Mothership itself.

As Icon directs the missile, a thousand thoughts race through his head. The utter destruction that these monsters have brought to this world. The cities that have been destroyed, the lives that have been taken, and the dreams that have died. And Lisa. The love of his life, taken from him so soon. His hopes and dreams, his future with her stolen by these cold, calculating murderers.


He is battered and beaten, and at times barely able to stand on his own...yet he uses every ounce of strength that he has left to direct the Omega Javelin toward the Mothership. As he feels the heat from Earth's atmosphere trying to consume both the missile and himself, Icon is suddenly reminded once again of a poem that he had once read in high school.

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village, though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

"Lisa."

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

"I'm sorry."

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there's some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

"I failed you."

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,

"Forgive me."

And miles to go before I sleep.

Directing the Omega Javelin toward the Arlaaekan Mothership, Icon breaks free from Earth's atmosphere, for the first time entering the vacuum of space. And he pushes on toward the alien ship that has been responsible for so much death...so much destruction.

Years earlier, Icon vowed to protect all life. Yet he finds himself in the strange circumstance of having to take a life, in order to preserve the lives that he has sworn to protect. From the moment the Arlaaekans arrived on Earth, they have shown that they place no value on life, and will stop at nothing to extinguish it.

As he guides the Omega Javelin into the underside of the Arlaaekan Mothership, Icon takes little solace in the knowledge that this is the only way. The Arlaaekans will continue to come at the Earth until there is nothing left, unless their forces are utterly crippled.

As Icon and the Omega Javelin collides with the Mothership, the night sky is illuminated as the giant ship is destroyed.

Down on Earth, the heroes who have fought so hard to thwart the alien invaders are somber, even while the citizens of the world rejoice in the victory. They watch the skies, looking for any sign that their comrade survived the explosion, even though deep down they know that no one could have survived a blast like that.

Then they see it.

Something reentering the atmosphere. Perhaps debris from the alien ship, or even a shooting star. Their spirits are lifted when they see the object make an abrupt change of course, and head straight for Lost Haven...and within moments, they can see the distinct form of Icon flying back toward the city.

 

[Spike_x1]

Covered in blood and offal , the Survivor is surprised by how calm he is after killing another living being. The tranquility he feels disturbs him, almost as if he realizes that killing is what he was made to do.

Before he can think about the ramifications of this any further, however, the sky explodes into light, as if a massive gun aimed at Earth had just gone off. "What's--" Before he can even finish the thought, Icon has taken off to stop the weapon. "Christ, he's not doing what I think he's doing."

As the seconds crawl by at an agonizing pace, the heroes wait and pray. What's happening up there? Finally, a ball of fire and energy erupts in the sky, and the shockwave shakes Lost Haven to the core. "He did it." But at what cost?

Then they see it.

Something reentering the atmosphere. Perhaps debris from the alien ship, or even a shooting star. Their spirits are lifted when they see the object make an abrupt change of course, and head straight for Lost Haven...and within moments, they can see the distinct form of Icon flying back toward the city.

Stunned by Icon's survival, Adam almost finds himself tearing up a bit.

 

[Mr. Majestic]

Titan explodes from out of the rubble with debris flying in every which direction. The few piece of debris that came close to hitting me I easily shattered it with the knuckles of my two index fingers. He gave out a loud shriek almost as if he was symbolizing his freedom. We stood across from each other eying one another down. I could see and feel his increase in power. Truth be told I don’t mind going another round with this gargantuan. No matter what he do I want to prove to him that it’s futile for him to continue. If he and his buddies think that they are going to come here and dominate they are four shades of crazy.

“My son you need to heed my warning.” Once again my alien mother’s voice spoke to me. Already I’m beginning to get the picture, if she’s talking it must not be good.

“You can not continue this encounter at the rate you are currently going. You must end this and end it now before your power fade and you are left with nothing. This is the consequence of attaining this power prematurely.”

This is all I needed to hear, my powers are vanishing and I have to end this quickly and I’m pretty sure Titan’s not going down with one blow.

“How can I end this?” She always seems to have the answers so why not for this question.

“The answer to your question is simple. That which is given to you can stop him.”

“That which is given to me? Why must you always beat around the bush and not give me a simple answer?"

“I have done to much as is. You must learn to end your own battles. I have opened the door now you must walk through it.” Those are her final words she says as I feel her leave my mind.

Now what does she mean by that which is given to me? Think…think… the only thing that was given to me is this power and I have been beating him with every bit of it. What she said makes no sense, she tells me I can end this with what is given to me but at the rate I am going I don’t think it’s going to end in a reasonable time. Maybe I’m not thinking about this in the right way. There always are other meanings to her words I just don’t seem to be understand it.

"There is agreat power that dwells within you but to unlock you must be chosen to do so.”

“A great power?” I said out loud.

“Wait I know I these power I felt it before when my mother laid died in my arms.”

“Yes the time you speak of was never post to happened. Through your own will power youforced the power but even then it was only a sample of the true power you possess.”

“What must I do?”

“It’s simple, the last test is wisdom. You must say your true birth name out aloud.”

That vision just came to me on its own. She says she can't help me but she always seems to, Am I that pitiful? Doesn't matter I know what must be done.

Titan slowly begins to walk towards me, with each step I can see his energy radiating from the ground. This is it. We both charge at one another with the intentions to end this once and for all. Our focus is on one another and both of our eyes are burning with victory but who is going to be the victor is yet to be seen. Once we were in attacking range Titan attack with a right hook and right away I remember a fight I watch on UFC. I fallowed the fighter’s counter movement the same way I seen it on TV. Before the punch could make contact I kneel down under the swing and slid on the ground. While sliding I grab Titan by the waist as I get behind him. I then quickly deliver a back suplex slamming him head right into the ground but I don’t stop there while still holding on I roll over and pick him up and hold him up in the air.

“SINCRAFT!” A couple of seconds as the words were scream out of my mouth a lightning bolt came down from the heaven and strike Titan and I both. Once all the smoke had settle I stood over top of Titans motionless body back in my normal form with my Youngster costume back on looking brand new. As I look down a smile creeps on my face because of my accomplishment. I look around and try to find my partner and he is no where to be seen.

While I was looking for the mask vigilante something else caught my attention.

As Icon and the Omega Javelin collides with the Mothership, the night sky is illuminated as the giant ship is destroyed.

Down on Earth, the heroes who have fought so hard to thwart the alien invaders are somber, even while the citizens of the world rejoice in the victory. They watch the skies, looking for any sign that their comrade survived the explosion, even though deep down they know that no one could have survived a blast like that.

Then they see it.

Something reentering the atmosphere. Perhaps debris from the alien ship, or even a shooting star. Their spirits are lifted when they see the object make an abrupt change of course, and head straight for Lost Haven...and within moments, they can see the distinct form of Icon flying back toward the city.

I watch on as I see something coming back down to Earth. The only logical thing is that it might be a hero who was the cause of the destruction in space. There is only one hero I know who could have done something of this magnitude, Icon. I go to take off in the direction he is falling but to my surprise my speed isn’t so super. I come to a stop after taking just about 6 running steps.

“My powers, they’re gone. This must have been the consequence.”

It feels somewhat different to be standing here normal but at least the planet is safe. As I embrace what has happen to me my mother appears in front of me but this time she’s not in my mind.

“You knew that there would be a price to pay and now my son you will have to pay it.”

I knew that something was going to happen but not this. “Will I ever get my powers back?” If she tells me no at least I went out with a bang.

“That I do not know, only time will tell.” I guess mother dearest doesn’t have the answers to everything. As she stood in front of me she began to disappear but as she was fading away she began to say her last words.

“I couldn’t be more proud of you my son. What you did for these people are more than some would do. You truly are a Zarrtonian warrior, that is why what am about to tell you pains me so. You mustn’t tell anyone about what transpired here.”

“You must be kidding right? Why can’t I tell everyone about this? No harm can come from this.”

“More harm than you believe my son. Promise me you won’t speak a word of this to anyone.”

Right as I was about to respond I then remembered that there was someone who seen me transform.

“There is already another who knows.” I inform her.

“You must make sure that person doesn’t speak of this. It may not make sense to you now but in do time it will.” As she finishes her sentence she disappears and for some reason I think that this time it’s for good.

 

[NiteMare Shape]

Dedication, cont. from Page 1


It only took moments for the shock of seeing the alien motherhip's destruction to wear off. Once what had just happened became obvious to the large crowd gathered on the outskirts of Lost Haven, the crowd errupted in cheers.

With the destruction of their flagship; the majority of the Arlaaekans still on Earth abandoned their fight, leaving our planet in the remaining ships that were still functioning, vowing to never return. The small band of heroes, our self appointed gaurdians had been succesful in fending off the invading alien force. However, their victory was not without sacrifice.

Several of the heroes who took up the fight against the alien aggressors fell in battle, most notably the young hero Blacklight, who sacrificed himself to disable the doomsday weapon dubbed "The Irradicator."

Blacklight was not alone in making the ultimate sacrifice, however. From the mysterious Zen, to the previously unknown twins who were later identified as Jason and Sarah Harris, to an entire team of Australian superheroes as well as retired former superhero Captain Tomorrow, many members of our superpowered community made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the survival of our world.

This is why tomorrow's dedication of Olympus Memorial Park is so important. The Park, which will serve as both monument and resting place to those in the so called "Superhero Community," will be a place for us, the regular citizens of not only this city, but the world as a whole to come and give thanks to those who have dedicated their lives to protecting ours.

Tomorrow's dedication is expected to play host to a number of dignitaries from around the world including our very own President Blake, as well as some members of The Gaurdians, though who will make an appearance has not been confirmed as of this time. The only superhero confirmed for tomorrow's dedication is Icon, who is also scheduled to speak at today's press conference which is being held by the Lost Haven City Council.

The dedication of Olympus Memorial Park is scheduled for tomorrow at 9:00AM.

Micaela Pearl is a contributing writer to The Lost Haven Globe

 

[NiteMare Shape]

As the flash bulbs start to go off after city councilman Kluver announces him to the podium, Icon just stands there momentarily, still in a bit of a fog over the recent developments.

As Icon steps up to the podium, his thoughts are not on the press conference taking place now, but instead on what he has to do in the coming days.

First, tomorrow morning he has to be on hand for the dedication of Olympus Memorial Park, which includes the unveiling of the monuments for Blacklight and the other heroes killed in battle.

Then comes the hard part...Lisa's funeral.

As soon as he destroyed the Mothership, and it was clear that the invasion was over, Icon flew straight to the home of his family. From there he bagan making phone calls, first to Lisa's mother Alice...and then to their friends. But even then, he wasn't afforded the time he needed to grieve for his loss...the world still needed Icon.

And here he stands at the podium in Lost Haven's Central Commons Park, the media waiting with baited breath to hear what he has to say.

"As you know; over the last several days, our world...our very lives have been changed forever. Our home was attacked by a foe the likes of which we have never seen before. These attackers inflicted great wounds to our world, both litterally and figuratively."

He pauses for a moment as he searches for the words to continue.

"Our enemies had more advanced weaponry and they attacked our world with an unprecedented ferocity, and a knowledge that they would succeed. Cities fell, entire populations were destroyed...However, the Arlaaekans made one critical error...they underestimated the people of Earth, our fighting spirit, and our enduring will to survive."

Icon is interrupted by an erruption of applause from those in the crowd. When the applause dies down, he continues.

"Although we were injured and in shock over what had transpired, we rose up together as a people, unified under one nation, putting aside our own petty differences and fought back, until our attackers were beaten."

"As he struggles to get the next words out, he is forced to hold back the sudden emotion that forces itself upon him, threatening to cause him to break down, but he pushes on.

"We have all lost friends, colleagues....and loved ones. And as we take this time to honor their memories, we must continue to work together as a unified world so that their sacrifices are not in vain. Only by continuing to work together and helping one another to rebuild, can we honor the memories of those we've lost."

And with those last words, Icon steps down from the podium. Stepping away from the stage, he takes to the skies as the applause from the crowd continues until he is well out of sight.

 

[trustyside-kick]

Days pass, and I still haven't heard from Grace or her parents. There's talk about a memorial taking place in Lost Haven where the supposed 'heroes of Earth' are supposed to gather tomorrow morning, but I never RSVP'ed. The news article says that Icon is expected to make an appearance for sure. Makes sense. He's our world's Superman I guess you could say. Can't have a rally of heroes without Superman. So what does that make the rest of us? The Justice League?

"You gotta be kidding me..."

Flipping the page over the next article is about me. Honestly. You'd think that I lost my identity at the best time possible as sick as it sounds. But no. Even with the worldwide invasion at hand some snake in the media just has to write about me. If my memory serves me right it's the same news reporter that did exposed the recorded footage of me when I held Jake in my arms.

Ugh...here goes nothing.

"A victim to tragedy much like anyone else who suffered the loss of a loved one, still the now known 'Angel of Boston' identified as professional painter Michael Angelo came to our rescue at our greatest time of need. Shortly after the heroes' identity was exposed the identity of the deceased child cradled in his arms in the shockingly emotional video feed which aired a few nights ago was also discovered. Sixteen year old Jake Daniels, younger brother to Grace Daniels who seems to be the girlfriend of said superhero, died when an alien kamikaze ship crashed landed at where the young boy and several other young men and women were present. Yet still with such heartbreak, the hero made way to Lost Haven City where he rallied up with the group of heroes and--"

I crumble up the newspaper, and toss it at the other end of the couch. I bury my head in my arms as I curl up and just sit there. Taking a deep sigh I unwrap myself and look down at my hands. My mind immediately turns back to several days ago when Bath Kol came down from Heaven after I had the intent of murdering that alien monster.

 

[NiteMare Shape]

I crumble up the newspaper, and toss it at the other end of the couch. I bury my head in my arms as I curl up and just sit there. Taking a deep sigh I unwrap myself and look down at my hands. My mind immediately turns back to several days ago when Bath Kol came down from Heaven after I had the intent of murdering that alien monster.

Icon hovers just outside of Michael's apartment window, watching as the Archangel obviously struggles with the events of the past few days. Icon is familiar with what Michael has gone through, with his secret identity revealed to the world, there are probably very few people who don't know what Michael has gone through. And through their mutual losses, their shared pain, and their responsibilities to others, Michael and Icon share a bond that connects them, even if they are not fully aware of it.

Icon slowly brings himself through Michael's window, which is open probably due to the unseasonably warm night. Quietly he sets foot inside Michael's apartment and makes himself known.

"Michael, we need to talk."

 

[trustyside-kick]

Icon slowly brings himself through Michael's window, which is open probably due to the unseasonably warm night. Quietly he sets foot inside Michael's apartment and makes himself known.

"Michael, we need to talk."

I'm a bit startled when Icon randomly shows up and knows where I live. But then again, the entire world knows now so long as they can figure out how an yellowpages works. Though I'm still surprised by his visit. Reasons could be endless but I've narrowed it down to a few possibilities.

"If this is about that memorial service tomorrow, I really don't think you want someone like me cramping your style. You...you literally saved the day in the end. Me?..."

I look back down at my hands.

"...I lost control."

 

[NiteMare Shape]

I'm a bit startled when Icon randomly shows up and knows where I live. But then again, the entire world knows now so long as they can figure out how an yellowpages works. Though I'm still surprised by his visit. Reasons could be endless but I've narrowed it down to a few possibilities.

"If this is about that memorial service tomorrow, I really don't think you want someone like me cramping your style. You...you literally saved the day in the end. Me?..."

I look back down at my hands.

"...I lost control."

"Don't be crazy. We wouldn't have gotten that far in the first place if you hadn't been there. I'd...I'd be honored if you'd be there. Besides, it's for Blacklight...and the others. We should be there. We owe it to them."

Icon can see that Michael is troubled by what transpired, and he understands.

"But that's not the only reason I came."

 

[trustyside-kick]

"Don't be crazy. We wouldn't have gotten that far in the first place if you hadn't been there. I'd...I'd be honored if you'd be there. Besides, it's for Blacklight...and the others. We should be there. We owe it to them."

Icon can see that Michael is troubled by what transpired, and he understands.

"But that's not the only reason I came."

"If I show up there, as soon as the memorial story is covered I'm going to be swarmed with press. It's been DAYS since the nightmare ended and I've barely left my apartment. I've only gone out at night because of my duty to God and the fact that if I don't get out of this place for at least a little bit I'll go crazy. I mean...just look at this!"

I point to the trash of a newspaper resting on the opposite side of the couch, and he picks it up. Uncrumbling the paper he starts to glance at it, though I don't know how much he reads.

"The world nearly came crashing down and the media further exploits my personal life. Leaving a constant reminder to me that I lost everything that mattered to me. I lost Jake, lost his parents...and I even lost Grace."

I feel like my head is spinning and grab hold of it as though it is.

"She still hasn't returned my phone calls. She...she still refuses to see or even talk to me. Her father told me to stop calling her as she's been staying at their place while her mother hopes things work out for us. She's the ONLY thing that's ever mattered to me."

But like he said...it's for the others. The ones less fortunate. I sigh deeply and shake it off, getting up from the couch. I take the paper from him, turning to the front page with the article about the memorial taking place tomorrow.

"...I...I'll think about it. So what's this visit really about then?"

 

[NiteMare Shape]

"If I show up there, as soon as the memorial story is covered I'm going to be swarmed with press. It's been DAYS since the nightmare ended and I've barely left my apartment. I've only gone out at night because of my duty to God and the fact that if I don't get out of this place for at least a little bit I'll go crazy. I mean...just look at this!"

I point to the trash of a newspaper resting on the opposite side of the couch, and he picks it up. Uncrumbling the paper he starts to glance at it, though I don't know how much he reads.

"The world nearly came crashing down and the media further exploits my personal life. Leaving a constant reminder to me that I lost everything that mattered to me. I lost Jake, lost his parents...and I even lost Grace."

I feel like my head is spinning and grab hold of it as though it is.

"She still hasn't returned my phone calls. She...she still refuses to see or even talk to me. Her father told me to stop calling her as she's been staying at their place while her mother hopes things work out for us. She's the ONLY thing that's ever mattered to me."

But like he said...it's for the others. The ones less fortunate. I sigh deeply and shake it off, getting up from the couch. I take the paper from him, turning to the front page with the article about the memorial taking place tomorrow.

"...I...I'll think about it. So what's this visit really about then?"

"I understand. This whole thing's been...difficult. I know what you lost, and I'm sorry. But I want you to know that you aren't alone."

He stops for a moment as he ponders telling Michael about Lisa, and how he feels responsible for her death for having sent her off the way he did, but decides against it.

"And that's kind of the reason I came. You aren't alone Michael, none of us are...not anymore. If this invasion has shown us anything, it's that we can't always do this on our own. Sometimes, things come along that are just too big for any one of us. We need to do something to make sure that if anything like this ever happens again, we're ready."

He stops for a moment, looking to Michael to see if he is following him.

"They've been calling us 'The Gaurdians' in the papers, and it's kind of caught on. I think that maybe it's not such a bad idea to organize somewhat, work together so that when something comes up that maybe we can't handle alone...we can take care of it together....as a team."

He looks again to Michael, still unable to decipher what the man is thinking.

"So, what do you say?"

 

[trustyside-kick]

"I understand. This whole thing's been...difficult. I know what you lost, and I'm sorry. But I want you to know that you aren't alone."

He stops for a moment as he ponders telling Michael about Lisa, and how he feels responsible for her death for having sent her off the way he did, but decides against it.

I take a look into Icon's expressing, most notably his eyes...and I see the sincerity in them. It isn't just one of those things someone says to another when they're feeling down to help them get back on their feet. Not just a few forced up feelings or a change in the tone of your voice to try to sympathize with the person you're dealing with; it's real. He's apparently gone through more than I thought. Guess he does know where I'm coming from.

But still he presses on...why?

"And that's kind of the reason I came. You aren't alone Michael, none of us are...not anymore. If this invasion has shown us anything, it's that we can't always do this on our own. Sometimes, things come along that are just too big for any one of us. We need to do something to make sure that if anything like this ever happens again, we're ready."

He stops for a moment, looking to Michael to see if he is following him.

"They've been calling us 'The Gaurdians' in the papers, and it's kind of caught on. I think that maybe it's not such a bad idea to organize somewhat, work together so that when something comes up that maybe we can't handle alone...we can take care of it together....as a team."

He looks again to Michael, still unable to decipher what the man is thinking.

"So, what do you say?"

And that's it. The reason. The point of all of this. Pretty darn simple but it's just hard to see when you're knee deep in all kinds of crap. A superhero team. Guess I was right with my sarcastic assumption: we are the Justice League and here's our Superman. The boyscout. The one that doesn't lose hope.

I wonder...who am I then?

"Seriously? They are going with 'The Guardians'? I think we can do better than that. Tell you what...consider a name change and I'll consider membership."

 

[Hound55]

Fontaine’s legs pumped down the main streets of the Haven looking for his newest ally. Only imagining how badly the lactic acid must be affecting his muscles. His chest was heaving to take in more and more oxygen as he pushed his aerobic system well beyond its limitations. Not far now though, only two blocks. Can’t. Stop.

The ground began to shake beneath him and he pushed on further understanding fully what that would mean, the beast was on his trail. There could be no turning back now. Even if he veered off it was more than obvious what his intentions were and Admiral Keelan’s biggest Dreadnaught would instead go for Isaac’s vulnerable teammate.

It was a matter of distance, Titan’s size enabled him to run much faster than Isaac was capable of but Ice had a long head start and not that much to go. Titan’s confidence was returning as he could see the desperation in Fontaine as he sprinted. His confidence was correctly placed as well… because while Isaac was unable to feel the burn and effects of fatigue they had clearly gripped his body.

Only half a block now… but he could almost feel Titan’s breath down his spine.

Not like this…

Spoiler

I open my eye’s and see that I’m back and there’s only one thing on my mind, stopping titan.

“Did you think that would work? Your petite little tricks can not harm me. Don’t you know who I am? I…” Before Titan could finish his sentence I appear out of the blue and delivered a hard uppercut to his chin. The impact of the blow lifts him off of his feet sailing through the air.

For a second I just stood there taking in what just happen. I wasn’t expecting for that punch to have so much power behind it.

“Damn.”

A couple of moments later I could feel Titan’s body hit the ground. It had sent a shockwave throughout the area. I flew over to the location that Titan had land. I watch as he makes his way out of his own crater. As he steps all the way out I stand in front of him floating in the air with my arms cross and a smile on my face.

“Would you care to continue?” I ask. So say that I’m feeling a bit cocky would be… correct. At first he was beating me like a rag doll but now the tables have turn. Now I’m going to end this.

Fontaine over ran his own legs, throwing an arm down in front of himself. His pants had torn at the knees and his jumper at the forearm. He rolled onto his back gulping down air like a dead fish, relieved for the few seconds of recovery time that he had. The kid had come to of his own volition and turned the tables by instead saving his arse. Well, how about that… Good things do happen to folk who try to do the right thing… Sometimes… But for now he’d spend a few more selfish seconds taking in this sweet, sweet air.

Spoiler

Samson "The Mighty"​

By the look on Titan’s face one could assume that he’s not use to getting hit with so much strength, heck if he would have seen my face he would have known that’s the first time I ever hit someone that hard. Having this new source of power is truly amazing and the best thing is I get to cut loose and see what I’m really made of.

I land down on the ground, I run literally a thousand scenarios in my head to come up with the best strategy to take Titan down and only one really interest me and that’s the first one. Beat him till he can’t move any longer. Yeah that’s a good plan.

...Last thing I want is for Titan to gain his composure so I stay on the attack. I grab Titan by the arm and quickly throw him to a side of a building to my left. I threw him with enough power so that he would only make impact and not go through it. As he hit the wall like I had planned I fly to his side and powered the electricity around my hands to the point it’s out of control. As I feel that I have gather enough energy I released it all on Titan’s chest.

"ARRRRRRGH!" He screams out in pain. Once I felt that he has had enough I stop and continue my assault by going to work on his midsection. First I just deliver one powerful body blow after the other but with every hit that makes contact with Titan I keep getting flashes of everything that these aliens have brought to our doorsteps, all the lives that were lost and the lives that will be lost if we don’t stop them. While hitting the alien’s powerhouse my punches began to evolve from just powerful body blows to powerful and very fast body blows. With every punch the wall that Titan’s back rest against was beginning to crumble under the pressure. I paused for one second and pulled back my left fist and look Titan in his eyes. This is my way of telling him ‘this is over’. I hit Titan with a powerful left straight that sent him through the wall. The rest of building then collapsed on top of him.

...As I’m walking away to find my partner in taking down Titan my super hearing picks up something. It’s the sound of something beating, it kind of sounds like a heart beat and a mighty strong one at that. The direction that the sound is coming from is where I left Titan undefeated, well so I thought.

I turn and look as the rubble is moving now knowing that Titan plans on continuing this battle and something tells me he’s not going to go down easy a second time.

Fontaine crawled up onto his knees, having seen the guy in yellow and white bury the monster under the rubble of a collapsed building in the far off distance, watching his yellow and white ally walk back in his direction, then stop and turn around in disbelief.

[blackout]“Aw hell…”[/blackout] Fontaine muttered. [blackout]“’Nothing from this Earth’, I went and bet it all that this kid’s not from this Earth.”[/blackout] Fontaine said to himself, self-deluding himself just a little as if he actually intended for Samson The Mighty to kick Titan’s arse rather than just get his petrified person to cover.

[blackout]“Why the hell would you assume that you dumb bastard? The TV said Blue Blur’s from here… I doubt very much other planets are churning out samurais…”[/blackout] He cursed himself.

[blackout]“’Nothing from this world’… Well if that kid can’t take him we’d better get ourselves a Plan B…”[/blackout]

With that Fontaine got to his feet and surveyed the scenery for something to help him.

[blackout]“That’ll do it…”[/blackout] Isaac muttered as he saw a familiar Used Car vendor’s lot.

[blackout]“Way I see it Crazy Larry owes me… Not my fault his cars aren’t heavy enough to take down an Arlaaekian fighter pod… He can rent me this one...”[/blackout]

An elbow through the office window granted access to the office, a bolt through a lock gave access to the keys and a minute later Isaac Fontaine was cruising down the empty streets of Lost Haven on his way to a familiar destination. A rolled $500 left in the place of the keys.

A familiar destination for the familiar solution to a current problem. Hopefully the kid wouldn’t need him. Even more hopefully the problem would be solved before his return…

Spoiler

Titan explodes from out of the rubble with debris flying in every which direction. The few piece of debris that came close to hitting me I easily shattered it with the knuckles of my two index fingers. He gave out a loud shriek almost as if he was symbolizing his freedom. We stood across from each other eying one another down. I could see and feel his increase in power. Truth be told I don’t mind going another round with this gargantuan...

“My son you need to heed my warning.” Once again my alien mother’s voice spoke to me. Already I’m beginning to get the picture, if she’s talking it must not be good.

“You can not continue this encounter at the rate you are currently going. You must end this and end it now before your power fade and you are left with nothing. This is the consequence of attaining this power prematurely.”

This is all I needed to hear, my powers are vanishing and I have to end this quickly and I’m pretty sure Titan’s not going down with one blow.

“How can I end this?” She always seems to have the answers so why not for this question.

“The answer to your question is simple. That which is given to you can stop him.”

“That which is given to me? Why must you always beat around the bush and not give me a simple answer?"

“I have done to much as is. You must learn to end your own battles. I have opened the door now you must walk through it.” Those are her final words she says as I feel her leave my mind.

Now what does she mean by that which is given to me? Think…think… the only thing that was given to me is this power and I have been beating him with every bit of it. What she said makes no sense, she tells me I can end this with what is given to me but at the rate I am going I don’t think it’s going to end in a reasonable time. Maybe I’m not thinking about this in the right way. There always are other meanings to her words I just don’t seem to be understand it.

That vision just came to me on its own. She says she can't help me but she always seems to, Am I that pitiful? Doesn't matter I know what must be done.

Titan slowly begins to walk towards me, with each step I can see his energy radiating from the ground. This is it. We both charge at one another with the intentions to end this once and for all. Our focus is on one another and both of our eyes are burning with victory but who is going to be the victor is yet to be seen. Once we were in attacking range Titan attack with a right hook and right away I remember a fight I watch on UFC. I fallowed the fighter’s counter movement the same way I seen it on TV. Before the punch could make contact I kneel down under the swing and slid on the ground. While sliding I grab Titan by the waist as I get behind him. I then quickly deliver a back suplex slamming him head right into the ground but I don’t stop there while still holding on I roll over and pick him up and hold him up in the air.

“SINCRAFT!” A couple of seconds as the words were scream out of my mouth a lightning bolt came down from the heaven and strike Titan and I both. Once all the smoke had settle I stood over top of Titans motionless body back in my normal form with my Youngster costume back on looking brand new. As I look down a smile creeps on my face because of my accomplishment. I look around and try to find my partner and he is no where to be seen.

While I was looking for the mask vigilante something else caught my attention.

Fontaine pulled up to the familiar street corner where his blood spilled hours earlier. He popped the boot as he swung the car to a stop. Running from the driver’s seat he grabbed the massive fuel canister from the alien ship and threw it in the boot of his borrowed vehicle, trying to shut the boot he realized the canister was far too big to have that as a possibility and there was no time to argue with simple physics… his teammate would need every second and the likelihood of getting pulled over by a cop in the face of Armageddon was slim to none. He ran back to the driver’s seat and the wheels squealed beneath him as he raced back to where he last saw his yellow and white friend and Titan trading blows.

[blackout]“Nothing from this world, huh ********? Well, I’m gonna give you one inter-stellar suppository… A taste of home…”[/blackout]

Spoiler

As Icon and the Omega Javelin collides with the Mothership, the night sky is illuminated as the giant ship is destroyed.

The unexpected flash stuns Fontaine behind the wheel and he instinctively flinched spinning the wheel right, quickly regaining control of the car on the fortunately empty streets of the Haven.

Panic flowed over him but he didn’t have the luxury of yielding to it. Did this mean the Arlaaekian’s had launched another weapon? Had the combined force’s of Earth come together enough to launch an effective attack on their ship? Or was this something else? Quickly throwing this to the back of his mind he remembered he had his own important job, find that kid…

Spoiler

I watch on as I see something coming back down to Earth. The only logical thing is that it might be a hero who was the cause of the destruction in space. There is only one hero I know who could have done something of this magnitude, Icon. I go to take off in the direction he is falling but to my surprise my speed isn’t so super. I come to a stop after taking just about 6 running steps.

“My powers, they’re gone. This must have been the consequence.”

It feels somewhat different to be standing here normal but at least the planet is safe. As I embrace what has happen to me my mother appears in front of me but this time she’s not in my mind.

“You knew that there would be a price to pay and now my son you will have to pay it.”

I knew that something was going to happen but not this. “Will I ever get my powers back?” If she tells me no at least I went out with a bang.

“That I do not know, only time will tell.” I guess mother dearest doesn’t have the answers to everything. As she stood in front of me she began to disappear but as she was fading away she began to say her last words.

“I couldn’t be more proud of you my son. What you did for these people are more than some would do. You truly are a Zarrtonianwarrior, that is why what am about to tell you pains me so. You mustn’t tell anyone about what transpired here.”

“You must be kidding right? Why can’t I tell everyone about this? No harm can come from this.”

“More harm than you believe my son. Promise me you won’t speak a word of this to anyone.”

Right as I was about to respond I then remembered that there was someone who seen me transform.

“There is already another who knows.” I inform her.

“You must make sure that person doesn’t speak of this. It may not make sense to you now but in do time it will.” As she finishes her sentence she disappears and for some reason I think that this time it’s for good.

He’s there! Pulling up alongside the kid in his newly rented car Fontaine yells out the side. He was walking in a somewhat dazed fashion, the beast must be dead… he wouldn’t be walking out in the open like this with that beast still up and around:

[blackout]“Where’s the big guy? He dead? *Claps his hands* Ahh… so you’re an alien too, right? That what this is? Another Icon? Bear with me a little kid, I’m still getting used to all this ‘Superheroes walking amongst us’ stuff. Get in.”[/blackout] With that Fontaine reached across the passenger side and opened the door.

 

[NiteMare Shape]

I take a look into Icon's expressing, most notably his eyes...and I see the sincerity in them. It isn't just one of those things someone says to another when they're feeling down to help them get back on their feet. Not just a few forced up feelings or a change in the tone of your voice to try to sympathize with the person you're dealing with; it's real. He's apparently gone through more than I thought. Guess he does know where I'm coming from.

But still he presses on...why?



And that's it. The reason. The point of all of this. Pretty darn simple but it's just hard to see when you're knee deep in all kinds of crap. A superhero team. Guess I was right with my sarcastic assumption: we are the Justice League and here's our Superman. The boyscout. The one that doesn't lose hope.

I wonder...who am I then?

"Seriously? They are going with 'The Guardians'? I think we can do better than that. Tell you what...consider a name change and I'll consider membership."

"You've got a deal." Icon says.

"But I've got to get back to Lost Haven. I hope to see you tomorrow at the dedication."