Sort by: Title (   ) Date ( ) Popularity ( ) Photos currently sorted by: Date (New Photos Listed First)| Photo No. 271-300 (out of 1865 photos hit) | |
| BATYYGIRL
 halcon89  2016/12/27 9:33
 391  3
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| MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Dark Wanderer 2016/12/25 5:23
427 2
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| Night Terrors
Obsidian 2016/12/24 6:13
451 3
Always wanted to do this but until I found a client who wanted something similar I just never found the right incentive...now My client's idea and mine, while similar, are still different in many ways...and honestly....neither is that original. So without further adue...
The giant black bats of Debras 4 also known as "Night Terrors" are unique for a singular reason...they're the most massive ever recorded. With a wingspan of nearly 45 feet they are as large as some aircraft. They possess all of the normal abilities of their diminutive cousins such as excellent night vision and a remarkable sense of smell, but unlike other fruit bats they also possess echolocation which scientists believe help them navigate the colossal caverns where they dwell. What truly sets them apart is how docile they are. These bats are a variety of fruit bats although due to the nature of their diet they have similar facial characteristics (including fangs and incisors)of vampire bats. They subsist almost entirely on the giant Loardra fruits which grow on massive towering trees that reach nearly a thousand feet in height, the fruit of which must be coaxed out much as vampire bats cause blood to flow. They have also been knwon to feed upon the various giant, half meter long, insects that frequent those very trees. With literally no competitors to speak of and virtually no natural predators save fort Dragons who find them particularly delicious, this natural order prevents their numbers from skyrocketing out of control. It is possible to tame them for use as a mount but the care and feeding of these great beasts make that an expensive endeavor. In combat they are not particularly fierce having no real natural weapons of significance, but like all animals they can bite and have nasty claws but for the most part prefer to flee from combat. As mounts they can be trained to tolerate weaponry and combat conditions but are best suited for less dangerous roles such as reconnaissance especially since they can fly without making hardly a sound. They are otherwise identical to their non-marsupial cousins in every other way. |
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| HEROINES IN PERIL: ANTHOLOGIES
lordcoyote 2016/12/21 5:04
544 2
Heroines.
We love them.
Badass damsels who aren’t holding out for a hero but can undistress themselves and kick @$$ while looking good in spandex. Whether she’s a tomb raiding adventuress, fantasy warrior or a super powered crime fighter we all love a good heroine.
We also seem to love seeing them in perilous situations. Join now these lovely ladies as they face life or death danger with a high chance of a gruesome end. (or worse) Will they get out with their skin and dignity intact? Find out in this short story collection.
Available at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N5HL8WC
Excerpt from SIDEKICKED
“You want me to do…. what?” asked Ravyne, her masked face twisted incredulously. “I’m not quite sure I heard you right.”
“We both know you heard me, Ravyne.” Replied Major Flagg, Los Angeles’ premier superhero who floated in the air before her in an apparent attempt to convey authority. “I’d like you to mentor my sidekick Patriotique.”
Ravyne merely shook her head in disbelief. She then glanced over to the side at the young teenaged girl hovering at a distance. She was dressed in a flag themed outfit similar to the major’s blue and white unitard, blue gloves and boots and red cape. Only the girls costume differed in that it consisted of what looked like a one-piece flag-print swimsuit, dark tights, waist length red cape and red domino mask that couldn’t conceal the look of irritation on her face. And her long blonde hair was pulled up into a pair of pigtails.
“You can’t be serious.” Ravyne retorted.
“Yes, I’m serious.” Major Flag replied. “After putting my sidekick through training to control her powers I’ve come to the decision that she’s now at a stage where she might benefit from a, um,” he then gave an awkward cough. “A… woman’s touch.”
“Chauvinist!” Ravyne crossed her arms under her large breasts and glared tersely at the veteran hero. “So basically you’re saying you want to palm your daughter off on me.”
She watched the big hero grit his teeth. “Uh, when did I say she was my…”
“Oh, give me some credit will you, Major.” Ravyne retorted, placing her hands on her wide hips. “She’s a teenager, has the same powers as you. Come on, it doesn’t exactly take a degree in astrophysics to figure that one out.”
“She’s got’cha there, Pop.” Patriotique called out.
Major Flagg gave another awkward cough. “Yes, well,” he then straightened his shoulders to gather his composure. “I’d like you to show her the ropes. To… help her refine her skills.”
Ravyne let out a huff. “Why me?”
“Out of all L.A’s superheroines you’re the most level headed.” He praised. “And on top of that you have similar abilities as ours. You’re simply the best suited to teach her. And besides, you owe me.”
“What?” Ravyne’s eyebrows raised in surprise. “Owe you? How, exactly do I ‘owe you?’”
“You kicked me in the chest, remember?”
“You shouldn’t have gotten in the middle of a catfight, Pop.” Patriotique called. “Especially one between superheroines.” Major Flagg turned to give his daughter a terse look.
Ravyne grimaced at being reminded of the time she and Sparrowhawke had their little… misunderstanding. It wasn’t exactly what she would call the high point of her superhero career. “Hey, Sparrowhawke kicked you too. Can’t you get her to do this?”
Major Flagg gave a grunt of displeasure. “As if I’d want that hothead mentoring my daughter.”
“Hey, she’s getting better at controlling her temper, she’s taking anger management.”
“Be that as it may,” Flagg retorted. “I’d still prefer it to be you.” The big hero then crossed his arms and gave her a knowing smile. “And what do have to lose by agreeing?”
“My sanity.” Ravyne muttered under her breath.
“We have super hearing.” Patriotique called causing Ravyne to grit her teeth.
With hand still on her hips Ravyne looked about while letting out frustrated breaths and tapping one toe. Finally she threw her hands up in surrender knowing full well that by the end of the day she’d regret it. “Alright, alright, I’ll do it!”
Major Flagg smiled wolfishly. “I thought you’d see reason.” The big hero then turned and slowly started flying away. “I’ll check back with you two at the end of the day.” Then he picked up speed and streaked away leaving his daughter with her reluctant mentor.
Still supremely annoyed at the turn of events Ravyne knelt down and took a seat on the edge of the building she routinely used as a lookout perch. (something the locals were happy about as her mere presence had caused a sizable drop in the crime rate)
While Ravyne awkwardly looked out over the city Patriotique hovered in and took a seat next to her. Working her pursed lips from side to side the teen let out an exasperated breath. Ravyne could tell from a glance that she was just as annoyed at the situation as her.
“Soooo….” Patriotique started. “How do we do this?”
Ravyne turned and looked tersely at the girl. “You do as I say, that’s how we do this.”
|
|
| IRAVYNE
lordcoyote 2016/12/16 15:32
528 4
My first reasonably successful attempt at rendering in Iray.
It took two days.
TWO DAYS!
I really need a better system. |
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| HEROINES IN PERIL PROMO
lordcoyote 2016/12/15 9:38
521 2
|
| Wonder Woman Has Been Captured
Drawolf25 2016/12/13 5:20
451 1
| SO who has been pulling the strings? |
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| Like it or not
Obsidian 2016/12/12 1:53
538 3
The thief was a bust so now I need to get hold of the Black Mantis and give him the bad news. Worse yet there's an assassin with mono-molecular weaponry taking out all competitors and leads. The Sable is at full burn to the Solar system when there's shudder and every alarm in the place goes off.
I hit the intercom on the nearest hallway panel and contact the bridge.
"Bridge report! What the hell is going on?"
Shadawar responds immediately.
"We're caught in a tractor beam."
"At full warp?"
Just then Sabrina cuts in
"Yessir we're completely locked up and the engines are beginning to overload. We're gonna have to shut down!"
"Fine! Sabrina shut down engines and transfer all power to defensive systems."
The reply from the bridge has me aggravated to say the least
"All defensive systems are off line! We're sitting ducks."
Just then it hits me, and I ask a question I already know the answer to.
"Bridge, in what direction are we being puleed?"
"Um straight up 0 mark 0 degrees...straight upward."
I'm no longer feeling defensive...no , now I'm just pissed off.
"Bridge this is the Captain, stand down from alert status."
"Aye sir."
I flash on my armor and head to the bridge. Just as I step in the entire bridge crew simply vanishes. I look around quickly, in dismay and suddenly I'm face to face with...
"Black Mantis...."
"Hey there...Grab a seat."
He says cheerfully, gesturing to a comfortable looking chair. I ignore the invitation then ask curtly.
"Where's my crew?"
He sighs, and then walks to a nearby window. Looking out on a vast city he says.
"They're here on board. They're being attended to and are being treated as honored guests."
"Whether they like it or not?"
"Indeed."
"And my ship?"
"Docking bay 2."
"Are you serious?"
There are millions of docking bays aboard the massive mothership of the Black Mantis, and the first few are nearest to the Imperial palace and those few have the best technicians in the empire.
"What gives? You know you nearly tore my ship apart right?"
"A necessary risk, besides your ship wasn't in danger you're no idiot and neither is your chief engineer."
"That's beside the point."
"Ugh you act like one of those...mortals. Fine...I'm sorry, and next time I promise to use more courtesy."
"Yeaaah....ummm....who are you and what have you done with the real Black Mantis?"
"Hah, yeah I can see why you'd ask that.. I have been a complete ass to you over the years haven't I?"
"That's a loaded question."
"No I'll admit it, but now things are different, and I ....we... need your help. I know of your failure and the fact that not only has Parata been freed but he is presumably back to his full strength."
"Crap."
"Exactly and precisely."
The voice comes from behind as the doors open, it's Norjaguar and his mood is quite dour.
"The council has already convened and since you are our best chance at defeating this maniac, you're being held here for your protection."
"Fine. Not going to be too many places safer than this."
"Right now, " Mantis adds, 'That's debatable."
Suddenly I don't feel so safe.
"The Black Mantis was attacked, and severely injured a few days ago. Our island was also destroyed. To that end we are remaining at warp indefinitely until we have this matter resolved."
"I'm sorry, I thought I went crazy for a minute and heard you say someone hurt him?" Pointing at Mantis I am more than a little taken aback.
"I knew Parata was a badass but he did what now?" My question goes unanswered as we exit the elegant quarters and into the hall.
"We are going to reoutfit your ship with the usually powerhouse options and then we're going to equip some new tech as well." Norjaguar says calmly.
"I like my ship the way it is thanks, I designed it myself."
Mantis scoffs and in no uncertain circumstance adds
'Your ship is woefully under-powered for your current contract, and less will NOT be more in this situation. "
I stop mid stride and in a moment of complete indignant defiance, I let these bastards know exactly where we stand.
"YOU WILL NOT TOUCH MY SHIP!!! Because if you do I walk and and you can find someone else to take on Parata for you but I'm betting he knows everyone else you'd go to and is plenty prepared for them. So don't screw with the Sable!"
The two of them say nothing in response to my out burst instead the simply nod and say....
"Done."
"However, " Mantis replies..."You'll need something better for this."
"You mean like the Drake?"
My words sting a little bit and it was completely intentional. The last time that bastard "Gave" me a ship he was trying to recruit me via his daughter. he doesn't reply to the jab at all instead he very calmly says.
"No, you need something powerful and sleek, something closer to the Wraith. Consider it part of your payment...along with whatever else you need."
"Okay fine, how fast can you have a new design ready?'
They both laugh like I just asked the dumbest question ever. Knowing them I probably have.
"You design it." Norjaguar says..."We'll have it ready in a day."
"Really?"
They both look at me and without missing a beat simultaneously answer back.
"Really."
"I can upgrade your loaners from Harley if you like, as well as um...what's the word....Update...your harem?"
"What my what?"
'Oh let's face it they're primitives and lack skills and abilities despite all they've done with your technology at their disposal."
"No. What the hell is wrong with you? I'm not gonna let you do ANYTHING to my wives!!!"
"I simply meant education."
"Are you sure? None of that mutation chamber or anything freaky like that?"
The speed and power of Norjaguar is unearthly as he pins me by the throat to a nearby wall. I struggle as hard as I can but the servos in my armor are no match for that kind of raw physical power. So....in a panic...I run him through. Quickly, as he grasps at his wound, I cast spells to increase my strength, speed, and agility to what I hope are levels powerful enough to at least get me close. Then, in a place where I could be hilariously out numbered and outgunned I stand my ground. He chuckle for a sec and quickly winces in pain.
"Agh...You're right about one thing Mantis, he is definitely the right guy for the job. Did you really cast a Ant-regen spell?"
I'm not sure what to make of this...I just ran this guy through with what is possibly the one weapon in the universe capable of killing him and he thinks it funny? Oh man what have I gotten myself into?
"Um...I figured it was appropriate considering who you guys are."
Norjaguar removes a spray canister seemingly from nowhere, and sprays the wound which immediately begins to heal. He looks back to me and asks..
"How do you know about the mutation chamber?"
"I've been working for you guys quite literally for centuries, I have more information about you guys than just about anyone."
"That is why we hired you now. Jag, don't sweat how he knows about the chamber. I told him, and I've told him a bunch of other stuff nobody knows about too. IN the meantime...the ladies?"
"if their okay with it fine if not don't."
"Good now we have a special gist for you...something special..." |
|
| LOVE POTION NO.93245739805
lordcoyote 2016/12/10 11:33
457 2
He was expecting some hot heroine on heroine action.
But all he got were BFF's.... |
|
| Emergency Council.
Obsidian 2016/12/9 2:47
491 3
The Black Mantis has assembled his Empire's high council and all are in attendance. The mood is grim because it is believed their old adversary Parata has been freed from the prison in which they placed him. The Black Mantis touched a button on a nearby panel and in the center of the table around which they have gathered, a small hologram of their enemy appears.
"If you're wondering why we are assembled just focus your gaze to the center of the table. As we all know I was attacked by someone who could only be Parata, My indestructible ship is sitting in our docking bay in a mangled mess. I've never seen anything that can do that to Infinitium, and there are no known weapons that should be able to. I have summoned you all here to our remote island base because it is the safest place I can think of. We have taken the extra precaution of landing this mobile base on the surface of a sun. Hopefully this will conceal our presence until such time as we can formulate a plan to stop Parata once and for all."
Beast, a massive lion faced man of nearly 9 feet in height looks a round the room at the assembled pantheon. He lets out a deep sigh and says.
"We beat him once before and honestly, I don't see the problem. Surely he knows we have to power to destroy him."
Reaver peers up through hid golden mask and adds
"He MANGLED Mantis's ship, and very nearly killed him." to which Raven adds
"He somehow stopped us from using our Eternity Crystals...There's no power in the universe that should be able to do that, we've destroyed whole galaxies with them, uninhabited but galaxies nonetheless."
Norjaguar Slamming his fist in the table yells
"How do we stand up to that? He mangles Infinitium, and can stop Eternity crystals! He knows our every tactic. I mean he knew where Mantis would be and was waiting for him. So how do we combat that."
They each look to one another, but to no avail then the Black Mantis speaks, slowly and calmly.
"I have taken steps to see to his defeat. I have an unknown element that we can use. Someone who has the element of surprise, but he's gonna want to get paid, and paid dearly. I am confident he can do the job, so the only question is...where do we draw the line? What are we willing to offer?"
As they stare at one another, their lives on the line for the first time since they donned the mantle of divinity they quickly reach a consensus. Without so much as a word they all agree that no request will be off the table up to and including their fabled crystals...Obsidian Mask need ask his want of them and he shall have it. As they adjourn their meeting Raven stops Black Mantis.
"Is there something I can do for you Raven?"
Removing his cowl he smiles softly and there's s light twinkle in his eye. Raven has seen him do this before and smiles knowingly under her own cowl. She can'e help but think to herself "He doesn't think that smooth grin is going to work does he? However, Raven is no swooning mortal and while the Black Mantis is pretty to look at he will certainly have to try harder.
"How do you know Obsidian can do this? Spydra informs me that he has a hard enough time keeping his house in order."
"He defeated Dominion, a man who was a hair away from possessing the power of Infinity Man, He's intelligent , resourceful, and highly skilled. More importantly, he has one of our blades, and his stealth gear is unparalleled. If he put his mind to it no one could detect him."
"I hope you're right because we're placing a lot on one elf."
"Hey, I'm an elf."
"So you are."
With that Raven saunters out of the room her backside deliberately swaying seductively. The Black Mantis takes note and very quietly says to himself "So...game on then."
Suddenly the entire island is shaken violently. An attack? The Black Mantis thinks to himself in disbelief. There's no way anyone found us. Activating a nearby viewscreen his worst fears are realized. A massive ship measuring miles in breadth and width, one identified as belonging to Parata's empire. In seconds the whole pantheon is asembled in the Command Center. The face of their long time enemy is displayed on the master veiwer:
"Greeting, Long time no see."
"Parata, something I can do for you?" The Black Mantis asks smugly.
"Yes Mantis, you can die!"
"The last time you tried that your head ended up in a box. Care to repeat the performance?"
"You were very fortunate last time we battled, that good fortune is at an end."
With that the island shakes yet again and it is clear that the island is in great peril
"I leave you all with this: Today I take your island, soon it will be all you hold dear, until you are begging me for death."
With that the massive warship turns and jumps to warp. The island however is in complete meltdown.
"Eject the core !" Mantis shouts in a panic.
Reaver shouts back "The hull's been warped, We can't eject!"
"What?"
"He only damaged the power core hatch! That son of a...it had to be on purpose. We have to abandon the island!"
"Damn it! Send the signal, all hands abandon ship!"
In mere moments the island that gave them refuge explodes with enough fury to cause the sun it was on to go super nova. Using the power of their Eternity Crystals they bind the life pods together and await for rescue, a rescue that will take the form a a vast armada of ships whose number cannot easily be counted. |
|
| Critical Conditions
Obsidian 2016/12/6 15:29
493 1
Raven and Norjaguar make a mad dash to the medical facilities where they see their resident healer frantically working on their ally who is for all practical purposes, the most powerful of their pantheon. Viewing the monitors they can see the extent of his injuries. Injuries that should have healed in the span of a heartbeat. The healer has used every magic in known including the fabled eternity crystals and even their power is no match for whatever is happening. Raven, now a bit more emotional due to her recent transformation, is visibly upset, a fact that does not escape the attention of The sky god Thunderbird.
"Raven, are you alright man?"
"I'm fine, it's just who could've done this? I mean who could have done this to him??!! I mean it's the Black Mantis for crying out loud!"
Norjaguar notices the frantic Healer and opens the intercom
"Doctor, what seems to be the problem? Is everything okay?"
"No, no it isn't no amount of magic is working and he's not regenerating. At this rate he won't last much longer. It's like something is topping him from healing."
Suddenly Raven understands, pushing Norjaguar to the side she yells into the intercom.
"Doc, it's a spell. I know of at least three that can stop a creature from healing, but they only work against supernatural healing...Use nanites!"
"Of course, they're technology not magic and wouldn't fall under the parameters of such a spell."
The doctor reaches into a nearby cabinet and removes a single spray canister. Spraying the wound generously with surgical nanobots and a formula of stem cells and protein she is relieved to see the damage being rapidly repaired.
"It's working! His vitals are stabilizing and the wound is closing."
The friends gathered breath a sigh of relief but that is quickly replaced with the dread of pondering who could've accomplished a monumental feat such as this. Raven is visibly shaking, and tears begin to stream down her face, and now both of her companions have taken notice.
"Ray, what's wrong with you? You're crying?"
"I don't know Jag it's just ...I don't know. I was thinking about what this all means. How if someone could hurt him like this, what could they do to the rest of us?"
"She has a point Jag." Thunderbird's words are met with only silence until. There's a blinding flash of light from the surgical table and the glass that separated the three friends from that room shatters and explodes as if made by mortals. A single voice booms in a deafening roar with the words...
"SOMEBODY DIES!!!"
The Black Mantis is revived and is angered and he wants answers.
"Calm down Mantis, you're safe with friends." Ravens voice is soothing and gentle and there is not a man in the room who doesn't stop everything they're doing when they hear it. The words and the tone completely foreign coming from their source. The Goddess of war blushes at the sudden attention.
"Did I say something wrong?"
The men assembled stand stunned at her very appearance, her posture her mannerisms all have changed, and while it would seem that such a thing is unimportant, the reaction of the Black Mantis would say otherwise. Leaping across the room with his infinitium claws at full extension the immortal assassin pounces on his one time friend with savagery. As the claws sink into her shoulder Raven cannot help but scream in pain. Instantly her own metal talons are unsheathed and find their mark in similar fashion. As the Black Mantis takes note of the injury, unable to feel pain as the others do he hurls Raven bodily through the nearest wall. IN an instant he is straddled atop her with his claws once again extended one on either side of her face he reminds her.
"You know there's three, now start talking. Who are you?"
"It's me you psychopath! Did your injuries rattle your senses?"
"Raven you unfortunate pretender is a man transformed into a woman, without a single spark of femininity in his body...Next time you impersonate one of my allies do your homework. Now once again...WHO ARE YOU!!! Keep in mind I can wring the answers from your corpse as well as your living body."
"First of all, since when was I EVER a man? Secondly, you need to get the hell off of me before we have a real problem."
"Wow you really have no clue do you? Fine your corpse it is then!"
As his hand draws back the Black Mantis catches a glint of something in Ravens eyes...conviction, determination...no her eyes are different..they're the eyes of...A dragon. Retracting the deadly blades in his hand The black Mantis, takes a deep breath and helping Raven to her feet he says
"My apologies oh Mistress of Battle, my injuries left me somewhat shaken. I was not myself, please forgive my outburst."
Both Norjaguar and Thunderbird stand mouths agape with disbelief at what has just transpired before them. Their silence further enforced by the change in the Black Mantis's tone towards their female companion. He's being almost...charming...NO he wouldn't...he couldn't With a single glance towards one another the two gods realize ...he would and he most certainly could...by all that is he probably will. It is at that moment that Thunderbird interjects even as raven turn and walks away.
"Mantis, you wouldn't"
"What? Oh her? I most certainly would."
Tilting his head to the side the eyes of the Black Mantis are transfixed upon the posterior of the Goddess of war taking in every curve and every move. Again Thunderbird interjects.
"Have you taken leave of your every sense? That is a Man."
"No my friend, that USED TO BE a man, and when he was such I left him alone, but do you see that?" Mantis asks gesturing to Raven's very exquisite posterior. "That is not a man's ass. However, there are more important things to deal with right now. We need to know who attacked me and how the managed to stop the power of the Eternity crystals from healing me. Assemble the others it appears that Obsidian has failed to prevent Parata from being released from his prison. Things will only get worse from here." |
|
| The Pantheon
Obsidian 2016/12/5 10:29
420 2
Before you are the 6 deadliest and most overpowered characters I have ever created. Mostly they operate quietly from behind the scenes, manipulating events to suit their needs and making others do their bidding. Every so often one or two of them will step out from behind the shadows to reveal their existence, most notably the Black Mantis. A being who cares little for the lives and day to day activities of mortals and seeks only his own ends. depicted here are the remaining members of his pantheon. From left to right
Raven aka Spydraxis: Goddess of War, Mistress of Honor, the Spider Goddess.
Reaver: God of Death the Undead, lord of the underworld
The Black Mantis: God of Storms and Chaos and Multiverse's Greatest assassin.
Lord Beast: God of Beasts, God of the Hunt, The blood god.
Norjaguar: Lord of Shadows and Cat God of Stealth Knower of secrets and all things hidden.
Thunderbird: God of the sun and skies and all things that dwell in the sky.
They have faced foes that would make mortals tremble in fear and until recently lived in peace, but an adversary has arrived and will not be taken lightly. |
|
| The Curse
Obsidian 2016/12/5 10:15
511 1
There was a time when The being known as Raven Silverspear was mortal, yes mortal, but moreover Raven was...a man. Dragons are dangerous creatures, even in death their magics can be devastating. Raven has fought one long ago and it left a curse alright, a form of lycanthropy. Not controlled by the phases of the moon like some common werewolf, no this would be far more insidious. Passion was the trigger be it rage or love, even lust, and yes fear. In those moments Raven would lose control and transform into a massive dragon-man of incredible power. However, after a time one can learn to control such power and Raven had done just that...with a single side effect. The dragon spirit that possessed him was female and had a mind of it's own. She tried to take over as often as possible constantly pressing to be set free. But Raven was a man and a manly man at that and the few times the dragon won the transformation spread to his human form making him a very beautiful woman, albeit a very manly woman. Time and again he would best this curse and the dragon spirit would find new ways to assert itself. Today however is the last of those battles, the dragon has won. Raven's memories would be the final victim as the dragon within replaced those precious moments and transform them so that every memory would seem to be from the perspective of a female. One by one minute by minute the struggle would be futile until all that remained was of the man Named Raven was the tear he shed at the loss of who he was. With the transformation complete Raven and the dragon would be merged forevermore into one mind, and her true power would be realized. Now a god can defeat a simple dragon curse but when one is born mortal all aspects of the mortal coil become enhanced to godly levels, and had Raven been aware of that she certainly would have been rid of this curse a long time ago. Unfortunately what is done is done.
As she gazes at her reflection in the water a loud chirp of a communication badge startles her from her quiet contemplation.
"Raven, I said can you hear me? Is everything okay? You've missed your watch."
The voice belonged to Norjaguar, her long time friend and confidant she remembered she was supposed to relieve him at the watchtower and heavens, she was very late indeed.
"I-I am sorry I don't know what came over me I'll be right there."
"Is everything okay? I was getting a bit worried for a second."
""No I'm find I'll be right there."
With less effort than it takes a mortal to breath Raven is instantly teleported hundreds of miles to the Watchtower, Norjaguar's massive 7 foot felinesque frame is hunched over looking at monitors, diligently scanning for anything that might wish them harm...and woe to any such being for the would surely rue the day they were born for any such foolishness....there are things in this universe far worse than death, and they knew all of them well. Security had been tightened following the theft of a very important relic and now the once complacent beings found themselves on edge awaiting the return of an enemy that nearly destroyed them all. Clearing her throat the lithe form of the now sultry goddess walked into the room, were his eyes not glued to the monitors Norjaguar would surely have noticed the change in body language and motion. However, something had his full attention, something distressing.
"What're you looking cat?"
"I'm not sure. Sentry give me a magnified view of sector 13971.9 mark 881.2 and place it on the main viewer."
"Aye sir."
"What is that Jag?" Raven was truly puzzled by the image before her and couldn't make heads or tails of the twisted and deformed object before her but something about it seemed....familiar..
"Enhance the image!"
"Aye sir."
As the blurred image cleared it became frighteningly obvious what it was and a wave of terror raven had not felt in centuries washed over her.
"Is that-Is that the Black Mantis's ship?"
"It can't be, his ship is constructed of pure infinitium. It's indestructible. What could do THAT to infinitium?"
The twisted and mangled form of the tiny fighter floated lifelessly through the emptiness of space it's lone passenger barely clinging to life. There is no mortal weapon that could possibly harm the indestructible metal that the ship is composed of which means only one thing...There old enemy has returned.
"Thunderbird, are you there?"
Thunderbird is the lord of the skies and all the things that fly pay homage to him and pray for safe travels, but today...today he will be fulff
"Yeah I'm here. Wassup?"
"Rescue, now, urgent."
"Give me the coordinates, I'm at the airlock now."
"Transmitting."
In the blink of an eye the lord of the skies screams through the vaccuum of space to the wreckage that was once one of the most fiersome craft in the galaxy, now however, it is a twisted coffin holding his friend fast. removing him would be child's play however, the twisted metal is mangled together in such away that it cannot simply be opened and worse yet it is still very much indestructible. despite being strong enough to move mountains none of these powerful beings are strong enough to bend Infinitium leaving only one choice.
"I'm going to break the windshield!"
"You're in space, doesn't he still needs to breathe?"
"NO he has more than enough magic to sustain him for now. Here goes."
The canopy caves under the full might of the eternity crystals Thunderbird uses to enhance his power and he carefully removes the severely injured body of the most powerful of their number. A large gash in the Black Mantis's side is deep enough to expose several ribs and he is losing blood rapidly.
"He's not healing at all guys, and he should be healing faster than a troll on steroids."
"T-Bird get him back here as fast as you can."
"No I'll teleport him to the Doctor, she'll be able to do something."
IN an instant the tiny figure of the Multiverse's greatest assassin is aboard their massive starship, and the pantheon of gods remember true fear and doubt for the first time in centuries. |
|
| More Questions than Answers
Obsidian 2016/12/1 17:01
486 1
"Ahhh the spoils of a job well done" Shanara thinks to herself as the pulsing music of the live band playing at the very exclusive "Emerald Cup" pulses through her ears and the alcohol courses through her body gently numbing her cares away. The job had been worth every ounce of terror and trouble. Perched on chair she stares intently into the pleasure drone's blue eyes and it dances a swirls around the simple pole on the stage, it twists and writhes to the exotic rhythms. The mul;ti-colored lights play off the mirror almost hypnotically. Pleasure drones are expensive but she had more than enough to buy one of the really good ones...besides relationships are hard and there's nobody she trusts..."Yeah, I'll get one of those...a really hot one too. Yeah"
2 hours earlier....
I have been hunting this thief for days now and I have had informants try to kill me, Cops harass me, and even one guy who tried to run me over. Someone has been doing there damnedest to see to it I don't track this thief whoever she may be, At this moment however I'm running full steam after a Gobelian named "Neezle" who is apparently a marathon runner, and when I catch him I'm gonna break his thrice-damned legs. Down alleys we slip and slide a fresh rain making the wet streets slick with freshly loosened oils, I fall as I turn a corner I'm not hurt but I am pissed. "I don't want to hurt you Neezle, stop running!!" My words fall on deaf ears as he tears off again but I'm done with this cat and mouse crap.
"You ready for some help, Mister "I got this."? Spydra's tone is rife with sarcasm and I'm not letting this guy go for the sake of pride.
"Okay fine you're a go."
"I'm sorry what?"
"I said you're a go."
"You can do better. What's the magic word?"
"Please."
"Good boy, there's a cookie with your name on it waiting for you at home."
"Ha ha very funny just catch the little.."My words fall short as I clear a fence and round the corner to find the Gobelian in a cocoon with only his face poking out and Spydra perched upon the Street light the little bastard is suspended from. With my hands on my knees I gasp as I try to catch my breath, I'm covered in street gunk and oil and whatever the hell else was in the various puddles I fell into. As I catch my breath I remove my right glove and...Punch that bastard dead in the face, as hard as I can under my own power...the suit's servos would've killed him and we don't want that do we?
"I though you said you weren't gonna hurt me? The Gobelian complains as blood runs from his nose.
"You didn't stop did you?"
"Good point."
"Now all I want from here on, is the answer to a simple question."
"Depends on the question."
Spydra hoists him up so that they're eye to eye, to eye, to eye, to...she has a lot of eyes...it's creepy actually. Her voice is grating and the mandibles on her mask flex as she says.
"Don't be coy, you can either profit from your cooperation, or your refusal to cooperate can be the last stupid thing you ever do."
Acid drips from her mandilbes only a hair's distance from his face, and it's clear he's intimidated. Spydra knows her business boy, I usually have to shoot them in the leg...or tentacle...or whatever, before they talk. Not her though, she's got a fearsome presence and a creepy shtick. Spiders are normally creepy anyway and most folks are scared to death of them anyway. This one is man-sized and stands upright...nevermind the fact that it's a costume.
"Alright,"His voice cracks as he speaks, "What do you want to know?"
"A thief came here a few days ago."
"We get a lot of those, you'll have to be more specific."
I project a hologram of our culprit and the green little troll turns ghost white. Jackpot, he knows everything.
"Spill it."
"O-okay b-but you didn't hear this from me."
"Hear what?"
"This chick calls herself "Raptor" she flew in a couple days back with a big gold colored orb, there was a lot of bets about what was in it or that the case was worth a ton of cash by itself."
"More." Spydra adds tightening her grip.
"There was a bunch of professionals who let it get out that they wanted a piece of the action."
"...and..."
"And they all ended up dead, not just dead but cut into tiny little pieces."
"...and?..."
"The cut's were cleaner than a laser, even their weapons were cut clean through...No one has ever seen anything like it."
I have. My sword is very capable of making mono-molecular cuts, but it's very special. Could the Black Mantis have an traitor in his in midst? I hope not, the mere thought of that is horrifying.
"The thief, where is she?"
"Word is she took her payday and is living it up, in the rich side of the colony. She spends her nights hanging out at the "Emerald Cup". That's all I know, now can you let me down?"
I give Spydra the nod and she drops the little worm. I pull out my sword and with a precision slice I cut Neezle loose. He looks at the mono-molecular cut and to my amusement, loses control of his bladder. In an instant he's off like a shot having jumped to the wrong conclusion. Ah that's some good funny right there.
In moments we arrive at the "Emerald Cup". The bouncer steps up to stop us and I flash my bounty hunter license at him. He dismisses it with the words
"That ain't gonna get you in buddy."
It's the last coherent thing he says for the rest of the night as I toss a Neuralizer pack at him and he begins projectile vomiting.
As Spydra and I step through the doors all eyes are on us. Quickly and silently folks start shuffling out, leaving their food and drink where they they sit. These folks are hip to trouble, except for a couple of brave souls who want to see some action. The thief is in the members only area perched in a chair intently watching the sexy little lady droid shaking it's ass. I draw my pistol and level it to the base of her head. Just then the manager comes up to object and Spydra wrenches his arm in a "Chicken Wing' and he lets out a yelp. The thief never takes her eyes off the dancer, who is now frozen in mid movement as if frozen.
"I knew it was to damned easy. Everything was just going way too smooth."
"I have some questions and you can answer them here or..."
"Or what you'll kill me? I don't think so. I'm no good to you dead."
"That's where you're wrong, I can have you resurrected repeatedly. That means I can kill you over and over in all new exciting ways each time."
A bead of sweat trickles down the side of her face as she contemplates the darkness of that last statement.
"You want to know who hired me?"
"That's as good a place to start as any."
"Too bad, I never saw his face, and he didn't give his name."
"Where's the case?"
"I gave it to the man in black."
"And?"
"he'll kill me if I tell you."
"I thought we already established what I'd do if you didn't?"
"You don't scare me as much as he does." Without warning I grab the her by the hair and slam her face onto the stage with enough force to do some real damage. She just looks at me smugly and spits out several of her teeth.
"You'll have to do better than-"
Her sentence ends abruptly as her body slumps to the floor, her hair, still held firmly between my fingers, now pulls taut under the weight of her severed head. The droid looks terrified but remains motionless. Without a word Spydra flings the club manger to one side and we both begin looking for the assailant but to no avail. I draw my blade and attempt to resurrect her but nothing happens...nothing happens? The magic contained in my sword has no mortal equal in the galaxy, even the best mages would be hard pressed to come close to it's power, yet I get nothing. There's only one spell that can destroy a soul and it isn't known in this universe. Every clue keeps leading me to the same conclusion: This has been an inside job. I need to tell the Black Mantis, worse I need to report our failure to retrieve Parata's head. We'll take the body to our ship and see what clues we can glean from it. |
|
| drying off
vash99 2016/11/30 0:34
422 1
| girls dont do this the call can wait |
|
| Spat
Obsidian 2016/11/27 13:17
487 1
Three corporations have the capacity to possibly remove Parata's head from within it's casing. Techimo, Niles Corp,
and Ildragitech, Of the the three only one has the resources to build such a device...Ildragitech.
They're a huge company spanning three of the five galaxies, and they sell just about everything from soap to software to space gate parts.
Their main factories on the colony Draza 4 specialize in Transport technologies.
We'll arrive in only under an hour, and I'll have to figure out how to stop the thief from getting what she wants.
Of course we're all assuming that she infact wants to remove the head from the casing. I'm not taking any chances...
My thoughts are interrupted by the sound of shouting in the hall outside my quarters I step out and I'm
nearly decapitated by the business end of a very sharp sword.
"You're out of your damned mind woman!!!"
"I see how you look at him do not deny it!!"
"Four the fifth time I am not after your husband!!"
There's a brilliant flash and suddenly Gloria Bannon becomes Spydra and my wife Ai is in mortal danger.
"What sorcery is this? Do you think to frighten me like some child?"
Another flash of light and my own body is instantly armor clad. I know I have to step between them or Ai could be seriously hurt.
Why am I so worried about Ai?
First: Both women are trained warriors which would make this a fair fight but Gloria is now garbed in her mystical
spider armor which tips the odds considerably in her favor, she's as strong as I am and ten times as agile.
Both are lethal combatants meaning their fights are usually to the death. I don't want this on to escalate so
I step between the two of them.
"Okay what is this about?" I shout at the top of my lungs.
Sina inyahuan seeks a' replace amin vee' yeste' verne'" (This bitch seeks to replace me as first wife)
Even with a translator Ai still manages to spit elvish, now that's a trick. Unfortunately Spydra's enchantments
allow her to understand and speak all languages. So she knows what Ai just called her.
Spydra's silken bands envelop me and she pushes me to the side with force. My armor absorbs the impact but I'm bound
and stuck to the wall. The next thing I know she's on top of Ai with two of her deadly, sharp, spider-legs placed
firmly under Ai's chin. A single drop of her corrosive venom lands on the floor near Ai's head and hisses audibly
as it burns the floor.
"Spydra Don't"
She turns her head to me then back to Ai.
"I don't want to have this conversation again do you understand? Come at me again and I may forget your husband and
I are friends."
Ai's eyeballs are like saucers, she knows she's bit off more than she can chew and simply nods in agreement. Spydra
waves her hand and the webs holding me simply vanish. She helps Ai to her feet who then runs off in tears.
"You live in a zoo. What the hell is her malfunction?"
"I have no idea. What were you two going on about?"
"I was on my way to see if you had made any headway in our search and Ai marched up and accused me of wanting to
replace her, and having a thing for you, and then she attacked me."
"I have no idea what that is about but her people have some strange customs. I have to go see to her I'm really sorry about all this."
"yeah...whatever, it's cool. Just talk to her okay sheesh."
With that I tear off to catch up to Ai and pass Aini in the hall.
"Aini did Ai pass you inthe hall here?"
"Yes master, she seemed pretty upset did you have an argument?"
"No, it's a long story. Just did you see where she went?"
""Maintenance closet, she told me she didn't want to be disturbed."
"I got this."
I open the door and find Ai, a deadly warrior princess, curled up with her knees in her chest sobbing. I know she
couldn't have been shook up that much. She never shed a tear when we fought so why now? I close the door and
place my hand gently on her shoulder. Kneeling beside her I pull her close so she can cry on my shoulder.
"Shhh darling, what is all this about?"
I ask lovingly lifting her chin so I ca see her face I wipe the tears from her eyes.
"I am a good first wife my darling, but I fear I am jealous. I looat Spydra and her eyes follow your every
movement. She thinks I do not see but I do "
"Sweetheart there is nothing to be jealous of, there's nothing but friendship between me and her and quite frankly
I have my hands full with you and your sisters not to mention Aini."
"You do not understand, our ways which we learned from birth are not some mere superstitions, we are bound to them
by our honor. What has been done cannot be undone. I am so sorry my husband, I have failed you."
"You haven't failed me. Spydra isn't hurt and neither are you and she is willing to let the whole thing go. It's okay."
"No, it is not okay! How can I remain first wife if I cannot protect my position? First wife is not just a matter of
order. The first wife commands respect and leads the others. I do not merely give orders I take care of the others,
like a queen. How can I do that now?"
"It'll be okay, I promise."
"NO! IT WILL NOT!!!"
She pushes my hand away and storms off again presumably to her quarters. I really wish these batty ladies came with
an owner's manual. Women are hard enough to understand but their tribal customs make it nearly impossible. If
there's nothing I can do to remedy the situation I'll have to let it play out. That's a good way to handle this
right? Yeah, right...I get the feeling I'm going to regret this.
The next morning we arrive at interstellar customs, my ties with the Sathari empire grant me diplomatic immunity in
the IGFW jurisdictions. This means I do not get inspected by port authorities which saves me a royal headache. My
vessel is considered a military craft in this area and they subtly warn me not to start anything or else.
Teleporting is only allowed in certain areas and they have inhibitors to make certain it's enforced so I have to
teleport down in controlled areas. A cursory scan with magic reveals that they're stopping magical teleportation
too, I look around for the telltale signs of psionic dampeners, and sure enough they're all over the place. Whose
really in charge around here? I mean you don't see real security like this except in rare circumstances.
I think it's time to get nosey but first...a hotel room, something swanky just to keep up appearances. I never get
to wear disguises and these guys don't really know who I am except for what data records they can get, which are
woefully inaccurate by the way. So it's gonna be me, the Lunari, and the Spydra, costumes for everybody this is
gonna be fun.
|
|
| Enter the spider
Obsidian 2016/11/23 17:51
532 3
Her mistress has summoned her, and the goddess of war will need her champion during this tumultuous period. There has been a theft, someone has stolen from her goddess a relic of great importance, and her mistress bids her to join the mercenary Obsidian mask in his quest to recover it. As instructed Spydra makes her way through the city's skyline on the magical threads of silk woven from her fingertips. Diving between buildings and around the fast moving traffic high above the streets. In no time she reaches the Hall of heroes where the the Scions of Justice make their home. High above the towering building she can see Obsidian's fightercraft approach and she is exited at the opportunity to prove herself to her Goddess.
Spydra plummets from the sky and with a spring and a somersault she lands deftly at the entrance.
She takes the lift to the conference room to find obsidian waiting.
"Obsidian Mask."
"Spydra, what's up? Hey have you seen Panterra?"
""No I haven't but I was looking for you."
"Oh?"
"My goddess has instructed that I should accompany you on your quest."
"Um two things first: One: Who exactly is your goddess? Two: What do you know of my quest?"
"I worship the goddess Spydraxis, and she has bid me to hep you find and retrieve the relic that was stolen from her realm."
"Yeah, I was hoping the cat would join me but you're more than welcome. I just wish "someone" would've mentioned it."
"Do you know of the goddess?"
"That's actually a long story, but let's just say I'm informed. I didn't know you were one of her devout though. You can load your stuff aboard the Wraith, and you should prepare for a lengthy stay, we'll be traveling off world to practically the other side of the galaxy."
"I have all I need. We can leave right away or at your earliest convenience."
"Let me just leave a message for Panterra and I'll see you on the Wraith."
Spydra has seen many wonders in her life but nothing quite prepares anyone for a ship whose interior dimensions are vastly larger than it's exterior. She is understandably impressed. The technology to create such a vehicle is beyond anything in the known galaxy.
"Obsidian, your ship is...I don't have the words. How did you come by such a thing?"
"Don't be too impressed Spydra, 4d technology is rare but it's available on the open market. It is however, awfully expensive."
"So, you're a billionaire like Panterra then?"
"No but my mercenary jobs aren't always paid in money. Sometimes I trade for services or items. This fighter was one such payment."
The small fighter darts through the atmosphere with grace and speed that would make any fighter pilot jealous, and in a burst if brilliant light it make a seamless jump to hyperspace, and screams towards the Sable's current location. In no time the two ships are reunited and the Wraith slowly enters the shuttlebay of the small frigate. Once aboard Spydra is escorted to her temporary guest quarters, a room more ample and elegant than her own downtown apartment and for just a second she thinks that perhaps the mercenary work is a bit more lucrative than her own job. They crew of this ship want for nothing and there's no constant struggle to balance bills. The ship is clearly built for war but luxurious at the same time, powerful but elegant. To live here, to be part of this crew must be a truly wonderful experience, but she goes where her mistress bids, and her faith will never waiver or such amenities.
"Enjoy your quarters Spydra I'll be in my office. If you need anything just tap this panel here and someone will assist you okay?"
"Thank you, and it is my understanding that you are now married?"
Yes, I have 4 wives, and a....um...consort. I'm certain that once they find out you are aboard they will want to meet you. How about we all have dinner tonight and we can get better acquainted. Say 9ish? You'd like them, you all have a lot in common."
"That would be nice, I look forward to it."
With that, Spydra invokes the magic that alters her armor's appearance and returns to her alter ego Gloria Bannon, but somehow mild mannered archaeologist doesn't seem to fit in here, "For once," she thinks to herself, "I can just be me, with no pretense." a truly foreign concept. Joining this quest is much more than just the adventure.
"What a treat this will be." She says while peering at her her reflection, "Thank you, goddess."
Her heart almost stops when she hears a voice say "You are quite welcome chid, but remember...our lord has a purpose for this one."
Gloria bows on one knee and replies "Of course my lady." |
|
| In my chair
Obsidian 2016/11/21 8:38
484 1
it's been a great morning, breakfast was delicious, and the coffee was perfect. My wives are a real blessing. I have to remember to get them each something nice. I walk to the bridge and into my office and that's when the day goes to complete crap. He's just sitting there all 4 foot 3 inches of him, multiverse's greatest assassin . In actuality he's a cosmically powered killer, dressed in an infinitium nano mesh bodysuit. it looks like spandex but there's so much magic you'd go blind if cast a Magic detection spell on it. and technology in it you'd go blind casting coffee his feet are perched on my desk with coffee in hand and he's rifling through my star charts like he owns the place. At this point I realize I have nothing to lose so I may as well be a bit indignant.
"You're in my chair."
he doesn't even acknowledge my presence.
"I said...!"
"No need to raise your voice Obsidian, I heard you the first time."
"Is there something I can help you with?" I ask while pouring another cup of coffee. I brew mine fresh in a pot I keep in my office it's a little decadence I allow myself from the 21st century. The Black Mantis looks up from the hologram in front of him and calmly states
"I have a job that requires your skills."
"No."
"But you haven't even heard the specs."
"it's from you? No."
"It threatens the mulitverse."
"No!"
He takes a deep breath, sighs and then he scares the living hell out of me with one word.
"Parata."
"What...about...him?"
"He's gone."
"No." I chuckle mockingly "He can be gone. Because you have his head encased in infinitium, and locked in a vault on your ship. A ship I might add that is...480 MILLION MILES WIDE AND 240 MILLION LONG!!! So there is no way with the most powerful technology, magic and cosmic power that you could possibly have lost his HEAD!!!"
By now he and I are nose to nose, and I realize I may be pushing my luck at this point.
he places a finger on my helmet then slowly and deliberately pushes my head back.
"I didn't lose it. It was stolen, by someone with a lot of magic and well informed. The thief completely bypassed everything and we knew she was coming."
"Wait, She?"
"yes we determined that it was a female and we have tons of video and images."
"Really? but you just said..."
"I have mundane backups for just such an emergency. Simple video photography late 20th century tech, laughable but few people ever think backwards when planning jobs like this. They're always prepared for the advanced systems but nothing like simple camera."
"If she gets his head out of that casing.."
"You don't have to tell me I'm the one who put his head in there remember?"
"Then you already know you guys will be the ones he comes for first and he's a bloody genius not to mention powerful."
"His former resources are ours now and anyone loyal to him died centuries ago."
"Okay any leads?"
"Just one, she's on an Earth colony in the outer rim. I've been there and I can tell you there's no way to detect her by psionics or magic. So you'll have to do it the old fashioned way."
"Alright, I'll take the job, but it's gonna cost."
"Tell Tanaka and it's yours, I'll grant two requests one up front, and one on completion. I don't care what condition the thief is in but I don't need to tell you what could happen if Parata gets loose and resurrected."
"You really don't"
"Good then, do not fail."
"I never do. Now will you get out of my chair?"
With a snap of his fingers he's gone and I'm left with a ton of research. How would one get anything out of a case made of pure Infinitium? You can't hurt it or beam through it, and as far as I know the only one who has the etch to reshape it is the Black Mantis himself. Quantum resolution EMT devices are still a millennia away by current standards and that really limits the number of people or organizations that could get that head out.
Parata is singly the most fearsome opponent the Black mantis and his pantheon have ever faced. At one time he had defeated all of them and left me and my two friends Ray and Harley to stop him. he underestimated us and it allowed us to kill him. But gods don't die so easily and so the Black mantis had his head encased in indestructible Infinitium. He then had his body likewise and placed it on the surface of an unnamed star where it remains to this day.
if the two were ever rejoined the rage of this very unbelievable powerful cosmic being would be unthinkable. I have a good idea of where to start searching but I'm gonna need help on this one. I think it's time I called on some old friends.
|
|
| NO! NOT THE FERRARI!
lordcoyote 2016/11/18 20:04
433 1
| And no way insurance covers acts of supervillain.... |
|
| The thief
Obsidian 2016/11/17 7:07
477 3
I have tracked her here, but, she is crafty and she has magic to hide her presence from me. No matter, she will not evade my newest addition, assuming he takes this job. There's a lot of bad blood between us, especially after I tried to get my daughter to seduce him...heh, it was fun to watch though. He's such a sap. Always the victim, but never crying foul. As if being that way will balance out things in his favor somehow. The fates have been cruel to that one, constantly stealing what little happiness he can scrape together. You'd think he'd be easy pickings for me, I can offer him everything but for some reason he wants to earn it..It's nopt like he'd be my lave but then again maybe that's not how he sees it. Oh well, I better find out what he needs most so I can have some leverage...hmm.
I can't believe I was so stupid, how could I have ignored the signs, the spells went off just as they should and every warning was there, one lone woman comes in and steals my greatest trophy. Not just any trophy but the head of my greatest foe...Should she somehow figure out how to remove it from it's infinitium casing I and mine will have our hands full. Parata was no laughing matter when he was alive and his return will be no laughing matter should he return. Obsidian and the others defeated him before through deception, despite how much more powerful he was than them. They are the unknown element...still. I'm hoping maybe Obsidian can recover Parata's head and save everyone from a clash of cosmic proportions.
It never fails to amaze me how every great once in a while there comes a mortal who can dupe even the most powerful and wise if divine beings, and while Obsidian may be immortal, Maybe his lack of divine status, and lack of arrogance will give him the edge he needs to find this girl and save everyone I find it funny and just a bit ironic that it is what he lacks that will aid him most. I'll have to reward him well if he pulls this off. |
|
| Epilogue
Obsidian 2016/11/14 6:55
369 1
We make it back yo Kryllia Prime without incident, and I arrange to meet High Crona Hirzhak to collect our payment. I get to tell him his son is alive and well and the families of the fallen get some much needed closure. Hirzhak invites me to meet privately and considering he and I just made his goverment look bad for not even attempting what I just pulled off, I'd say it's a good idea to conclude this transaction out of eyesight.
"Obsidian," Hirzhak says with tears welling up in his eyes. "You have returned my son to me and I do not know how to repay you for that. 20 million credits doesn't seem like hardly enough to me. You and your courageous crew risked your lives bring back my only son. If you are ever need anything just ask and if I can make it happen I will."
"I was happy to do it, nobody ever wants to be given up on. I am glad I could reunite you with your son"
"Many others were not as fortunate, and we will have to make sure that those families are compensated and their loved ones recognized properly."
"Good luck to you sir. I hope never have to meet again under these circumstances. If you should ever require my services again you know how to reach me."
With that I transport up to the Sable and we head out for some much needed repairs. It looks like it's gonna be a quick trip to Space Station Nimbus and this time I hope I can get my hands on more Absorbium. I love being able to help others and getting paid for it is a real plus. However, I know that somewhere out there the self proclaimed "Multiverse's greatest assassin" has his eyes set on me, and it hangs over me like the sword of Damocles. |
|
| God Slayer
Obsidian 2016/11/11 9:50
414 2
I have teleported to the planet's surface. The divine being known as Gredienar is expecting me to kneel, bow, and scrape, to save my life and that of my crew but that's not why I'm here. No I am here as a matter of defiance, I have pushed around by the Black Mantis, and enough so called GODS to last me my immortal life, and I have had enough of this place and I want to go home!!! I summon my sword to my hand keeping the blade retracted, if this guy is an elder god he'll know what he's in for and he won't show his face. This demonstrates he is clearly not an Elder god and and appears in giant form (a favorite of gods ruling through intimidation) he stands roughly ten meters tall and looks really menacing. There are many tribes in attendance here to watch me grovel but boy are they in for a surprise. In a booming voice they "God of the people" addresses the crowd.
"Many of you know this man, and thought him a demon or a god. I have brought him low and proved him false before you. I have made him tremble for his life and instilled fear in him and his people. His lies are laid bare for all to see and none will challenge my right to rule as your GOD!!!"
The crowd is in awe and fear as they look upon me, many of them are jeering and booing me while still other look dejected at the thought of my being a false god.
"Now he will confess before you of his falseness. Speak to them false one and tell them the truth of your deception."
I take a deep breath and cast a spell increasing the volume of my voice so people on the other side of the world might hear me, okay maybe not that loud but easily enough to match this god.
"Good people, you have called me god, or demon, but I have never said I was these things. I am not in fact either of these things. I am like you save that you are mortal. I am untouched by time but fate and misfortune are my enemy as much as they are yours. I am sorry if you have been misled it was not my intention and do not want you to worship me. I cannot hear your prayers and will not be able to answer them. It was never my intention to mislead you"
It is clear from the look on many faces that my words have left them dejected and still others are smiling with a smug grin, I hate that but I don't say anything. In truth all I really want is for this god to leave me alone but then he opens his mouth one more time and says something that I make certain he regrets for the rest of his immortal life.
"he has taken from you wives for himself, and promised you eternal peace. There will be no peace with him or his people!!! I will demonstrate that I am the true god of the people and destroy them all starting with this one."
You almost have to laugh when someone says something like without taking even a second to figure out what they're up against. Now at first you might think to yourself "But Obsidian this guy is a greater god, capable of rending the continents you're totally screwed right?" and under normal circumstances you'd be right but I'm about to do something that will kind of even the odds.
"Gredienar! Would you challenge me with your weak, pathetic, and feeble avatar hiding your true self far away? Go ahead then show these people how much you truly fear me by hiding your true self away. Demonstrate the cowardice that is your true self."
Now I have basically just called this guy out and he has two choices: Eradicate me on the spot with his avatar or do the thing I just know he's gonna do. Instead he surprises even me with the thing he says next.
"I do not fear you mortal, you stand before me in my true form already. I ma a god and have nothing to fear from the likes of you."
That's music to my ears. I release the blade from within the handle and utter the words.
"Wanna bet?"
The gigantic being laughs at my audacity, apparently someone has tried this stunt before. Well not the way I'm about to do it. His hand glows and he calmly says
"Begone insect."
As a blast of white energy engulfs me and vaporizes the ground I was just standing on. it takes a second for the dust and smoke to clear, but when it does the look on this guy's face is priceless. Lo and behold, yours truly is standing defiantly before him without a scratch, although the power sinks in my armor read ten percent of full capacity, and to be honest that's pretty impressive considering a one megaton explosion wouldn't get half of a percent. Still the armor won't take but a few more of those and I honestly think he was holding back because the look of confusion on his face is replaced quickly with rage.
"You live? No matter I will destroy you once and for all."
Another blast only this time I don't stick around to absorb the energy. Again the smoke clears only this time he lets out a hearty chuckle and says to those watching.
"See now I have destroyed him. Now bow before your...GAHHHHH!!!"
He creams as I take my enchanted blade across his back cutting a gash nearly as long and I am tall. he falls to one knee and the look of rage returns as he has just realized....I can hurt him.
The crowd screams and flees in a panic trampling over each other in a desperate bid to escape the onslaught of destruction they know will surely ensue. A bolt of fire screams past me and impacts not far away leaving a massive crater large enough to fit a bus in. I toss one of my own via my sword and it hits him square in the face knocking his ornate headdress clean off. it disintegrates to nothing consumed by the magical flames. he reels from the pain and a bolt of lightning screams towards me. it hits me in the chest and the armor again absorbs the power. The sinks are now charged to thirty percent. I guess he stopped holding back. The earth beneath my feet cracks open in an attempt to cause me to plummet to my death and he is not amused to see me hovering above the newly created chasm. he pulls out two odd looking crescent blades and I laugh out loud this time. and extend my blade once more.
"Who are you?" He screams in rage. "How do you resiste my power? How can you defy me?"
"I am Obsidian Mask, I am Luminesti, an immortal elf, and this is my blade God Slayer, want to guess how it got it's name?"
For just a moment I watch his eyes as he begins to comprehend the gravity of the situation. You see there are very few ways to kill a god such as: Being and equally or more powerful god, or combining divine power to equal a more powerful god, or (as in my case) be an immortal being with a relic. What is a relic? A relic is a magical item of extreme power, so extreme that most divine beings try to conceal them, unable to destroy them by any means. My sword is such an item. It's power is insane, it can cast spells many times more powerful than mortal spells, and I can slay anyone who wields it with but a word, and most importantly the damage it does is not even close to proportional to it's appearance. What does this mean to our friend Gredienar? it means that he has just realized not only can I hurt him, but I can actually kill him. The only problem for me is that I don't want his power nor his obligations and they would all be mine just as Mooshadow's were when I gained her divine power accidentally.
The divine giant attacks again and again and my power armor absorbs each attack again and again. The power sinks filling more and more. he tries to use his swords but my relic makes short work of them cutting them to pieces. I retaliate again and again cutting him a little deeper each time burning him electrocuting and even freezing him little by little. Were it not for my armor he would've had made short work of me and he knows it. Twice he tries to teleport my weapons and armor away and twice I recall them to me. He is in full out panic mode and unleashes raw energy from his hands in a desperate attempt to destroy me. My armor takes it and I can feel it shudder as it absorbs more energy than I ever though possible. In a final bid to end this fight which has laid waste to everything for miles I take a flying leap at his head and transfer all of the stored power to my kinetic gauntlet for one finishing blow. Under normal circumstances I can lift about twenty tonnes but my gauntlets add all the power he's been thrown at me and it's just too much for him to take. With a thundering boom I connect solidly with his jaw and two of his divine teeth go flying knocking him cold. When he finally regains consciousness he is much smaller in stature, and nearly powerless. My blade is resting against his throat and he knows he's a dead man that is until...
"You know I could just kill you?"
"Then why don't you?"
"Because I don't want to."
"What is it you want?"
"What I want, is for you to do right by these people and let me and my people go home. In return you can tell them you defeated me and I was destroyed."
"And if I choose not to?"
"I have placed enough spells on you to make you go away for a long long time. I will banish you to the freaking void never to return again. Now you wasted a lot of power here today and I don't imagine you'll regain it any time soon without these people to worship you. So choose wisely."
'Fine so be it."
"My wives will leave with me, I will not turn my back on my responsibilities, and you will give them your approval. I will not have them going through some kind of inner conflict between you and me. Do this and I let bygones be bygones...refuse and God Slayer here lives up to it's name. Deal?"
"Deal."
Gods are unlike demons in one very important aspect, they are somehow compelled to keep their word, well most of them anyway. Here's hoping this one is one of the former.
In the end he lives up to his word, he repairs the damage we wrought, even resurrecting the people who died in the conflict (that's costly to a god by the way) and gives my wives his blessing and his leave. The vortex reappears once more right where it should be and we are on our way home. We have been here only a few short days but at home it has only been a few minutes...all in all I would call this a success. assuming of course that we arrive at home on the other side. I have all stations report in and once ready we make the jump. The ride back is every bit as rough as the ride in but knowing what to expect has helped us better fortify our systems and the damage is nearly so bad as the first time. The debris field remains and the vortex is somehow smaller afar less intense. We leave this place "the ghost world" behind and I hope I never return.
As we travel through the slipstream to Kryllia prime I find myself alone in my office with a moment of quiet contemplation. As I stare out into the swirling light of the stream, a voice speaks from out of nowhere, a famailiar voice I had hope to never hear again.
"You're welcome Obsidian."
I turn on a dime to see the diminutive form of none other than the Black Mantis himself. Fear and panic rise up inside me and anyone who has ever encountered this man knows both are well deserved.
"What?"
I ask trying to conceal the terror in my voice. I have known this being for centuries now and I would rather fight ten gods than be in his presence. Still, he just said you're welcome, and I need to know why. He walks over my desk sits down and props his feet on my desktop.
"You didn't really think you defeated Gredienar, so easily all by your little lonesome did you?"
"It' didn't feel like easy to me."
"Well it was, Your armor isn't what it used to be is it? No you should never have been able to absorb that much power. I mean come on he was a Greater god for crying out loud. Still I couldn't just let him destroy you. No I have plans for you, so I just thought I'd let you know I'm looking out for you....Heh heh."
With that he vanishes, and I'm shaking in my boots. He and I were finished, but it's clear now he's neer gonna give up trying to make a minion out of me, and there's no way to defeat him and no one I know of who can challenge him. What am I going to do? |
|
| Incoming Transmission
Obsidian 2016/11/11 8:05
538 1
The day off was something I really needed and I spent the majority of it getting to know my knew wives, biblicaly and intimately. Aini has settled into her place as more of a maid than my girlfriend...I'm not exactly happy with the arrangement but I can respect the ladies' position on the subject and besides Aini seems perfectly happy to accommodate them so it's a smooth transition. My first wife Ai is a bonified warrior princess and understands the art of war and her position on my ship outside of our relationship is simple...she's a combat expert and I have placed her in charge of security. I make my way to the bridge and call all the senior crew to the briefing room to discuss our situation. As the crew assembles I note that there is some concern about my new choice for chief of security.
"okay everyone, I know you're concerned about my having chose Ai for the position of chief of security, but I did not make the choice lightly. She has a great deal of experience with security with her her tribe and while she is not yet up to speed on our procedures Shadawar will be working closely with her to get her up to speed. That however, is not what I assembled everyone here to discuss. Our source of greatest concern is the closed Vortex that initially brought us here. We don't even know where here is or we could plot a our way home and it's entirely possible that we might be in a different dimension altogether, where the passage of time is not parallel to our own as we discovered when we encountered the Kryllian survivors."
"Our sensors haven't been able to locate the energy signature from the vortex but we are holding this position until we have ruled out it's reappearance." Shadawar adds.
"It is possible," Sabrina says while gesturing to a nearby computer screen, "That the vortex is being manipulated by an outside force. This energy spike just before it's disappearance would indicate that an immense amount of magical energy was expended."
Caewon replies, "There are spells that can close portal like the vortex, but not on that large of a scale. It would take divine power to force a vortex that size to close completely."
No sooner are those words spoken when the whole ship shudders.
"Wat the hell was that!?" I exclaim as I spring from my chair.
We all rush out onto the bridge to find the ships alarms going off and the image of what looks like and Aztec, (or some variation thereof) chieftain on the viewscreen.
"I am known to the people of this world as Gredienar, God of the people. You have taken my children from my world and this I cannot allow!"
The figure on the screen appears male with three eyes and an attitude. Great just great I'm not sure if this a real god or just some impostor but he's got enough power to close a vortex of cosmic proportions. let me explain how this whole "God" really works. First thee are guys like me who are immortal and to a primitive society the magic and technology I possess would make me "seem" to be a god. Then there are beings of phenomenal power and technology beyond anything ever seen and they would be like gods too. But true gods, do not exist in our dimension and instead use avatars or remote controlled bodies, to interact with mortals. These are true gods, and they are insanely powerful and come in four classes: Elder gods, who possess power over life and death and can basically kill you with a though and are nearly omniscient, Greater gods who can control the elements and weather and just make life miserable for whole continents, Lesser gods who can control aspects like luck or crops and still have magic more powerful than mortals, and finally Demigods who are most often mortals who have ascended to divine status or (more commonly) are the offspring between a mortal and a god. Elves are considered to be somewhat divine and the offspring of elves and gods are usually lesser gods. This guy looks like a Greater but only because my ship is still here and we're not all space debris.
"You will return the four you have taken and leave or I will destroy your vessel."
I'm not a fan of threats and I really don't like being accused of "Taking" anything that isn't mine. Just as I'm about to object to is accusation Ai kneels before his divineness and says
"Great one, this man did not take us, we have been mated to him in the name of peace."
"A false peace child, brought by deception and fear. This one has told your people he was a demon who would harm you if you did not make peace and give you four as his wife"
Hearing this I'm appalled, and completely insulted.
"Excuse me your worship but I did no such thing."
"You deny telling these people you were a demon-god?"
"I never said I was, they did. I only said I could destroy them and did not wish to."
"You did not clarify with my children this distinction?"
"No I didn't see the need."
"Even now below there are those that are worshiping you. You have stolen these worshipers from me and I will not permit this affront to continue. You will return these four and I will annul your mating, and you bow before me and tell my children that I am the one and true god of the people."
"Seriously? You must be out of your divine mind. I don't bow to any god and I won't make an exception now just beacuse you're butt hurt that your people have been exposed to new ideas. I'll make certain they stop worshiping me because I am no god, but kneel before you like my wife? Ha! it'll be a cold day in hell."
The ship shudders again and this time he actually damages it. Okay fine, no problem I know how to deal with this, he's not the first god to give me crap and he probably won't be the last. We'll settle this on the planet below.
"Okay your divineness, you win, I'll do as you bid, just don't hurt my ship and crew."
"A wise choice pretender."
the screen goes off and the ships remains still. I turn on a dime and head for the lift. these people who have trusted me thus far loook at me with concern...they have no idea how this is going to play out. I have had this dance before, three different times before, now there's no god of trickery, god of games, or god of festivals....and I'm about to Demonstrate how my sword got it's name. |
|
| A day off.
Obsidian 2016/11/9 9:22
480 1
I have just been told we may not be able to return home, that the vortex that led us here is no longer detectable to our sensors and I have no idea what to do next. I have competent crew working on a solution. I'm standing in my office staring out the window at the planet below...I often find myself doing that. This situation went from exasperating, to desperate. As I contemplate the situation my doorbell chimes:
"Enter."
Shadawar comes walking in, a look of concern on his face, dear heavens don't let it be more bad news.
"Captain, I'd like to speak to you about a personal matter."
"Oh thank the gods."
"What?"
"Honestly, I thought you were coming in here to tell me the power core was overloading or something."
"No heh heh, nothing even close. I just have this crewman who is working himself to death and refuses to take any breaks. I wanted your input on how I should handle it."
"Is he becoming a danger?"
"no but I'm afraid it may be interfering with his performance."
"Well have the The chief medical officer issue a medical for 24 hours R and R. I don't want anyone endangering this mission."
"I already spoke to the doctor and I have the order here."
".......it's for me isn't it?"
"Yup 24 hours R and R. As per YOUR orders sir."
"You know this isn't a military ship right, and that I don't have to follow those orders?"
"Yeah but I think you're overworking yourself. You've handled every critical aspect of this mission personally and it's been a bit much. You should seriously take a day to sort it all out. I can handle things for a day sir, get some rest...doctor's orders."
"Okay fine, maybe you're right. Just, keep the ship in one piece will ya?"
I turn the reigns over to my very astute first officer and head to my quarters where...five women are apparently waiting for me. I really hadn't been looking forward to dealing with this. The second I walk through the door I am assailed by women catering to my every need. Aini removes my helmet, and she's apparently been telling the others how to remove my armor as they disassemble it like pro's. I'm tired so I don't protest as they lead me to a hot steaming bath. I receive pampering the likes of which I have never known before. My mind becomes awash as these five ladies treat me like a king. They can cook their butts off and make a meal I won't forget any time soon. I discover the sister's names are Iote, Ninniach, and Vanim. There are many customs among her people that are strictly between husband and wife and they each take turns observing them. Aini of course is eager to help and any trepidation I felt before is washed away in a haze of delight. What's the old saying? "In for a penny, in for a pound?" I'm never gonna be good with this but maybe I can make it work. The next morning the Ai is waiting for me at the foot of my bed on her knees and I nearly lose it.
"Aini!!!!" I shout.
Aini rushes into the room, and immediately identifies the problem.
"N'uma amin arwen, lle uma il- kawa n'ala lle verno'. ro irma ten' lle a' be ho companion il- ho mool. ikotane duna, ro naa sai- lovien. lle coia yassen lye ar' sina lye men, saesa Soora lye customs."
(No my lady, you do not bow before your husband. he desires for you to be his companion not his servant. So rise, he is very loving. You live with us and this our way, please follow our customs)
Ai nods and I help her to her feet. She looks away, and all I can do is sigh. I lift her chin so that I'm staring in her ice blue eyes. I kiss her gently on the lips and she smiles. I feel warm and fuzzy and Aini is positively beaming. I can't look at this as a mistake anymore, I have to own this. I wanted peace with their people and this was part of the price for that peace. These women didn't ask for this but they accepted it. As for as Ai knows I am a demon just like Aini, or possibly worse. I have to do right by them and honor this arrangement in good faith. The ladies are a a team and a seamless one at that, they work effortlessly in the kitchen together. I call Aini over to me, she's gonna be my go to girl for managing this household, and as she approaches Ai speaks up.
"Aini, amin naa yeste' verne', whatever amin verno' quena, naa ten' amin ears. stay manke lle naa. verno', lle melar Lotesse sinta sut things moota sinome, nan' quel verno', ta naa amin yamen' san- acre en' lye eska. saesa quena a' amin."
(Aini, I am first wife, whatever my husband speaks, is for my ears. Stay where you are. Husband, your lover may know how things work here, but good husband, it is my place to take acre of our home. Please speak to me.)
I raise my hand towards Aini, and nod. With a look of concern she backs down.
"ai, lle quena sanya, Amin hiraetha. saesa nyara aini cael- ilye maa (exclamation)' lle report a' i' medical room ten' y' universal translator mauya. ta will halani lle rangw- i' dirthen lye ilye quena n'uma matter sut n'ataya ron naa."
(Ai you speak the truth. I apologize. please tell Aini to have each of you report to the medical room for a universal translator implant. it will help you to understand the languages we each speak no matter how different they are.)
Ai looks at her sisters and Aini and they leave for the Medbay. They each kiss me goodbye in turn and head out. I smile and think how I couldn't find one love and now apparently I have 5 and to my disbelief it's not a competition and nobody is accusing me of cheating. As I look around my quarters I realize that they are too small to accommodate six people and make a call to Sabrina.
"Engineering, this is the captain."
"Aye sir?" Sabrina chimes back immediately
"As soon as its convenient I am going to need to see you in my quarters."
"Only so long as you're not planning to add me to your harem sir."
Smartass,.
"Ha...ha...ha." I say wryly "You're close but not quite. I need to expand my quarters to accommodate my wives. As soon as you have time I need you up here to extend my living quarters if possible."
"okay captain, as soon as I'm able."
Maybe this won't be so bad after all.
The next thing I do is turn on my video equipment and watch and old tv show...I think I'm going to enjoy my day off...maybe even...make a sandwich and have a beer. Yeah. |
|
| Look What I Did!...
Machobubba 2016/11/6 17:03
454 0
|
| Local Natives
Obsidian 2016/11/6 10:42
574 3
According to the Kryllian officer the remaining survivors are being held in the very ruins we first investigated. I am hoping to resolve this peacefully without unnecessary bloodshed but I on't think it'll GO THAT WAY. All too frequently tribal cultures have superstitions, rituals, codes, and customs that make even the simplest interactions an overly complicated matter. You usually have to find one member of the tribe who can influence the other to at least hear you out. We have no such person, so this is gonna be difficult at best. We near the entrance to the ruins and survey the area scanning for ambushes and the like but this place is teaming with life so scanning for life signs is really super easy, differentiating one from another, now that's difficult. I'm too focused on the task at hand and I let my guard down, not paying attention to my surroundings. That's how you get blindsided like we just did. She comes seemingly out of nowhere, I turn my head in time to see her land and in an instant she swept my legs from under me, it doesn't hurt but before any of us can react Omega, and Caewon join me flat on their backs. Now don't get things twisted I'm fast so fast in fact that before my two companions hit the dirt I'm already regaining my feet with sword in hand. The woman appears elven judging by her pointy ears alone, with a dark complexion darker than any sylvan elf for sure. She's armed with only a spear and a couple of daggers really no match for me straight up, but I need someone to speak on my behalf so she's going down.
"Lle naa sai- maite, nan' ta will avail lle nothien.
(You are very skilled, But it will avail you nothing.)"
She swings her spear at my head, and with less effort than it takes to swat at air my sword's infinitium blade cleanly slices it to pieces. She's stunned by the sheer ease of which I dispatched her weapon but she is a fierce warrior. it will take something considerably more grand to shake her confidence which isn't a problem for me.
"Ai girl mani will ta sana a' convince lle?
(Little girl what will it take to convince you?)
Her twin daggers come at me with blinding speed, but as I grab her wrists and begin to squeeze her eyes open wide with shock. In my armor I can lift just over 20 tonnes, and she's barely over 60 KG. Needless to say she's stuck, and I could rind her bones to powder if I chose to. Instead I squeeze just enough to wrest the daggers from her hands. The two blades fall almost silently to the ground and I ask her:
"hin, uma lle dura amin sii'? amin can Ndengina lle yassen ease nan' amin uma il- wish um- ikotane
(Child, do you believe me now? I can kill you without effort but I do not wish to do so.)"
She lets out a groan of pain and I ease my grip but hold her fast. The relief is easy to see on her face. This whole time I have been speaking our language to her and I was beginning to doubt she was an elf...until she replies.
"lle caela glake amin vanya. yassen lle beleg lle naa ere' y' aute ri' y' rauko. amin naa ten' lle nai- heru say ta ar' ta nauva ikotane?
(You have captured me justly. With your strength you must be either a god or a demon. Iam yours to command my lord what would you have of me?)"
Now we're getting somewhere. Holding her by the wrist I reach for a neuralizer pack from my belt and place it on her necklace. I tell her from nopw on if she disobeys me I will make her ill, that she is cursed to my service until i release her. The doctor and Caewon both start to protest but they don't even need to see the expression on my face to know what kind of bad idea that is right now.
"sii' hin nyara amin lle essa.
(Now child tell me your name.)"
"amin essa naa Ai Thoron heru
(My name is little hawk lord.)"
"tanya naa y' sai- vanima essa. amin merna lle san- amin a' lle i' dol en' lle hostar.
(That is a very pretty name. I want you to take me to your the head of your tribe. )"
"vee' lle irma heru
(As you wish lord.)"
With those words we are on our way. In no time the able warrior takes us through the heavily wooded, overgrown reaches of the ruins. As we travel I can't help but to notice her shapely figure, Strong women are a weakness of mine. She's well muscled, and very agile her hips sway a little when she walks and it's a sight to behold. Her backside is quite pleasant to look at not that she'd notice me looking mind you. her breasts are firm as one might suspect and not overly ample. In fact if I were on the prowl for a woman she'd fit the bill quite nicely indeed. Her animal skin bikini leaves precious little to the imagination but I'd bet my life that the few guys who tried to take a peek never tried twice. We reach the camp and find most of the kryllian captives to be in good health. A few are in rough shape but nothing a couple days in a med bay won't take care of. Ai brings me before Chief whose name translates to "Laughing Lizard" (actually "Lizard" is whatever the name of those dumb dinosaurs that attacked us are called.). he doesn't seem to impressed with me although after Ai tells him how I defeated her without effort and nearly broke both of her arms with my bare hands, he doesn't do anything stupid. I ask them to tell me about their customs specifically greetings, peace offerings, and how to get the captives back. I hail the Wraith and according to their customs I have several sheep (or what passes for them here) transported in as a gift. The exchange of the prisoners costs us a great deal of gold though we can manufacture all we need. Next there is the matter of peace between our people the treaty for which requires my people to perform some act of loyalty. Apparently we have to perform some service that benefits the entire tribe. They ask me to slay some chieftain in a rival tribe and initially There's some disagreement about whether or not I should do it but after sleeping on it I find and eliminate the bastard because I need this to be over. Finally we all have to attend a feast to commemorate the peace treaty between our tribes. The chief's wives (he has twelve.) prepare a feast of sheep-thingies and of course I am required to remove my helmet at which time they honor name me Nim Rauko (White-Demon). The night id full of fun and frolic and throughout the whole ordeal Ai is ever at my side, at one point (accompanied by her three sisters) placing a wreath upon my head, serving me wine, and dancing for my amusement. When all is said and done the Doctor is happy, well as much as one can be considering I had to kill a native to accomplish our mission, and more than half the crew saved. I call thi one a win...especially when I am greeted by none other than Captain Drizna himself. Oh this is gonna be one helluva payday.
"Obsidian Mask, Drizna says as if we're long time friends, "You can only be Obsidian Mask yes?"
"Yessir, that's me the one and only."
'I want to personally thank you for coming to our rescue and overcoming the many trials that lead to our salvation. In truth I had all but given up any hope of rescue."
"Well my crew and I may have done the work but it was at your father's behest, he paid a hefty sum for your safe return or proof of your demise. Still I was happy to do it>"
"I see, well no matter I am indebted to you on behalf of my crew, if there's anything I can personally do to repay you, you need only ask."
"I'll keep that in mind Captain. Now lets get out of here while he getting is good."
As we make our way to the ship a quartet of female warriors, one of which is Ai, head towards us with a large sack across their shoulders. Ai probably wants me to remove my "Curse" from her and I guess they have farewell rituals as well. That is when The good, soon to be dead Doctor chimes in with:
"I was wondering when they would join us."
"Say what now?"
"Your brides dear Captain."
"yeah....WHAT!!!!????"
I spin around to look the Omega in the eye and there's not one giggle, not one snicker, not so much as one tiny chuckle, from anyone, and I'm not sure why...then I realize I have my pistol cocked and jammed firmly under the good doctor's chin. Seriously sometimes my reflexes get the better of my good sense.
"Do you intend to use that?"
He asks coldly, uncertain of my current mental state. I think better of it and ease the safety back on.
"No. At least not right now. we'll see what happens after I get an explanation. What exactly did you mean by "My Brides" and why did you say "Brides" like there's more than one."
"Remember when I told you not to harm these people?"
"Yeah, and I didn't."
"But you did. You defeated one of them in single combat. I tried to warn you against doing so. Yous see when you bested Ai, and proved your "Superiority over her and her people, you inadvertently acquired her as a possession, she as much as told you so."
My heart sinks to my stomach and I remember her words she did say I bested her and something to the effect that she was mine to command.
"Okay doc, that doesn't mean we're married."
"You really weren't paying attention to any of the rites, were you? You exchanged gifts, you accepted the wreath, drank the wine and danced with your brides."
I think I'm gonna be sick.
"This tribe has a lot in common with many cultures I have researched, and I did try to take the lead on this one but you had to be i"In charge, so I let you. This is the consequence. And before you ask, no you can't back out, it would be considered a huge insult and these four magnificent looking young maidens would have no choice but to take their own lives. Call it a ritual of rejection where they can only be accepted by their groom or the gods."
Yeah I'm gonna be real sick. I have stuck my foot in it this time...I don't want four brides, and what about Aini? I-I can't undo this without sentencing them to death...they wouldn't be able to come to terms with it...in their mind they'd only have one option left. I hang my head and wave them over...I hope Aini can forgive me. The lot of us hop on board the shuttle and depart for the Sable, I hope Sabrina has some good news from the scavenging party.
|
|
| WHERE'S THE RESPECT?
lordcoyote 2016/11/4 16:41
501 3
She can save the world a dozen times but still they'll only care about her measurements...  |
|
| Survivor camp.
Obsidian 2016/11/2 2:41
470 2
Using the data we gathered from the bridge of the Kryllian ship we manage to locate a small encampment of the surviving crew the sad fact s that there are fewer than 50 of the original crew left as far as we can tell. It's now late in the evening and we wasted a lot of time going through there ship but it appears it's time well spent. A quick flyby reveals automated defenses and at least one gun drone. We land nearby and approach with extreme caution so as not to provoke their massive sentry. A small campfire glows brightly in the center of several escape pods each serving as shelter for the surviving crew. Nearby is a generator transceiver, and water purifier. This group is well equipped to survive for some time. They have rations enough for months and all the tools necessary to carve out a life here if need be. like a mini-colony of sorts. IN a more hostile environment they would probably be screwed after a few months but in this land of abundance not so much. Of course most of the life we've encountered is incredibly hostile so life would be a challenge to be sure. A male kryllian officer steps out to greet us and as he does I note that of all the 47 crew here he is the only male and under any other circumstances I'd say he was a lucky guy but he might not think so right now. The crew looks clean, well nourished and appear to be in their right minds. I approach the male ready to draw my pistil on a moment's notice. behind me Aini, Shadawar, and Caewon spread out taking strategic positions a fact that does not go unnoticed by the Kryllian crew.
"Hello, my name is obsidian mask and I have been sent to locate Captain Drizna by High Crona Hirzhak. We are here to rescue you and your crew-mates."
"I'm commander Nabrin. It's a pity you could not have come sooner, so many of us were taken."
"Taken? By whom, or what?"
"The primitives that inhabit this planet thought us to be some kind of evil demonic creatures and acted accordingly , we had them out gunned but we're not allowed to interfere in their natural development so we could only stun them while they were outright killing us. Their wounded would revive unharmed in a matter of hours and we would be left with dead crewmen. We couldn't fight a war of attrition.' eventually they began raiding our camps, after the first couple of years it wasn't to hard to deal with but the became emboldened with each successful raid. eventually we had to seclude the women in camps like this with our best resources due to the savage nature of these primitives. A male would be killed but with a female they would do...other things."
"I see, um...did you say two years?"
"Yessir we've been here for four years altogether and we had just assumed everyone thought us lost."
"You guys have only been gone a few weeks at best."
"That's not possible sir we've kept perfect track of the days and the hours. We've been here 4 years 18 days and seven hours."
"Time must flow differently here Captain."
Shadawar adds, and I can 't escape the logic of his statement. Immediately I contact the Sable and fill them in one the apparent time difference, and have Sabrina keep track of both times so we are on calendar when we return.
For myself, Aini, and Caewon time differences mean very little but for these mortals this is a huge deal.
"Okay Nabrin, we'll need to know where the other camps are and where the rest of your crew have been taken. We'll arrange for you crew to be taken aboard our ship and return home s soon as we have every survivor on board."
I call down the Wraith and have my crew begin evacuating the survivors, as Commander Nabrin is about to board he turns to me and asks:
"What will you do about the natives here if they resist? We're rescuing your crew no matter what, I'll try not to harm any of them but I am not beholden to your non-interference policies...I'm not IGFW so I don't have to hold back, but I choose to because I'm not the bad guy. If I can spare lives I will but not at the expense of those I came here to protect."
"I don't agree with your decision but I can respect and in a way even admire it Captain. Good luck."
It'll take some time to get to each camp site and teleport each up to the wraith even so she's got limited cargo capacity so ther'll be several trips to the Sable to transfer the survivors. We'll remain in the shuttle for the time being. I send Aini, Shadawar and Fred back to the Sable with the crew and have them help with whatever repairs and departure preparations they can. Caewon, and Dr. Omega will remain on the planet with me. The Doctor claims he speak 7,00 languages which I have to admit is a lot by anyone's standards I use a translator myself it speaks over one million languages but it might help. As the Wraith departs Dr. Omega approaches me with a somewhat grim look on his face.
"What's up doc? (I always wanted to say that to a doctor.) Is there a problem?"
"As a matter of fact there is. I heard what you told that officer and you may not understand this but you cannot kill these people."
"Doc, I have no intention of going in there guns blazin" and a firin, but I have no intention of letting them kill any survivors we find."
"I understand but you have to know in their eyes we're the invaders"
"Good point Doctor but the invaders want to leave, so we need to let them know that. Hopefully they're graceful winners. If this is gonna be too much for you to handle good sir, you can wait in the shuttle. Unless of course you have a better way to handle this in which case I'm all ears."
"Actually, I had thought..."
Ever say something you were pretty sure you were gonna regret, I think I just did that.
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| sleeping witch
vash99 2016/11/2 2:23
418 5
| happy belated halloween yall |
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| Captain's log
Obsidian 2016/10/31 17:46
650 2
We finally make it to the ship's bridge without any incident and Aini perches herself at one of the stations and begins attempting to access files. She patches in her suit's auxiliary power systems into the main console and provides minimum power to the ship itself (The armor's onboard generators could power a small ship for days but this massive beast would drain them in only a few short hours). Regardless, I note that there's simply no way that she can know all the things she knows and have learned it all in the short few months she's been with me. But unless it becomes and issue I won't say anything, still a well educated demon is just about unheard of. I get why a creature created to be a subservient concubine would need domestic skills, but she navigates the ships systems like she wrote them. Just when I start settling into the notion of her and me she does something like this and changes the game completely.
'Master, I have located the logs and have translated them, they are ready for your analysis."
"Thank you. Transfer them to the captain's console."
The files come up and something just isn't kosher. According to the Captain's entries the crew abandoned ship before it crashed planet-side. I never thought to check for escape pods, but at least we have rendezvous coordinates.
As I continue reviewing the files a Shadawar's voice chirps over the ship's comms.
"Captian, this is First Officer Shadawar do you read over?"
A small button on the arm of the Captain's chair begins to blink, I press it quietly hoping it's not the self destruct or something like that and reply back.
"Obsidian here, what's your situation?"
"We were ambushed by someone or something, we didn't get a good look."
"Any casualties?"
"No, but it went after the doctor and we managed to wound it."
"Wait any blood traces?"
"Yeah, in fact we have an entire arm. Fred is a lot tougher than he looks and that's saying something he just grabbed the thing by the wrist and ripped it's arm right off."
Well Damn. mental note do NOT underestimate Fred.
"Where are you guys now?"
"We tried to gain access to the bridge but it's no use, every path is cut off. We were thinking of heading back to the entry point when the doctor noticed systems coming back on line."
"That would be Aini, it won't last long though she's using her suit's reserves to provide temporary power."
"She can do that?"
"Apparently. Head back out as quick as you can we'll meet you back there, then we have to mount a rescue. Caewon got snatched up by something, probably the same thing you ran into."
"Damn. Alright we'll meet you guys at the entry point, Shadawar out."
With that I egin looking around the bridge for a room with a window, hopefully the captain's office has and nice view, We're in luck as I pry open the door sunlight nearly blinds me and it's a gorgeous day. I take out my sword again and extend the meter long blade. The edge is mono-molecular and made from the indestructible metal Infinitium. meaning it will slice through ANYTHING and never break or bend. And that's exactly what it does to the outer hull of the ship. I pick a panel and open it up to the elements bending it down to make a small platform to stand on. I can see the others below and I ma finally getting a clear signal on my communicator. I give a wave and start to jump down when an earth shuddering explosion rocks the whole ship from within. I booming voice fills the air.
'You dare to think to make a meal of Caewon the great? Caewon of the twelve houses? Caewon slayer of the mighty Cragnar Dragon? Caewon the Immortal? then die by your own foolishness and reap the reward of a fool."
Caewon hovers just outside of a newly made hole half way up the 90 meter tall hull. His explosion created a massive gaping wound nearly 20 meters wide and just as deep. Lightning begins to dance all around his coalescing at the tip of his staff several creatures emerge, clearly still reeling from the first explosion, they don't have time to regain their senses as a blast of lightning strikes the center-most creature and spreads out to the rest, instantly frying the lot of them to a crisp. Caewon is very clearly no joke but he does have some questions to answer. Caewon floats to the ground and with a single leap Aini and I rejoin him and the others. Caewon's clothing it torn nearly to shreds and he has deep gashes on hi arms and legs as well as his back and chest. As I approach I start to make a comment s about how impressive that display was when he simply collapses in a heap, his staff clattering to the ground. The Dctor rushes over to see to his wounds and it's only now that I wonder if he's a medical doctor. I have extensive medical training myself (out of necessity you see) but I don't know anything about this Dr. Omega. Still there's no need to panic and I gain some insight into the Doctor as he seems oblivious to the fact that there's magic in my possession that could easily heal Caewon's wounds. Suggesting that the Doctor may come from a place or time where there is none. I place a hand on the Doctor's shoulder and show him my sword.
"Relax, I got this."
I place my hand over Caewon's chest, and activate the magic within the enchanted sword. My hand begins to glow with a soothing white energy and Caewon's wound simply close themselves fading away to nothing, another wave and another spell and his clothes are mended as if new. I normally don't like using my sword's spell abilities but this is an emergency. The Psi-Mage probably has some healing magic but most healing spells don't have the power the sword possesses. Caewon awakens a bit groggy but none the worse for wear.
"What happened?" Caewon asks wearily.
"You went completely apeshit on some monsters and fried em to a crisp." Aini chirps having been obviously impressed by the vulgar display of power.
"It was impressive indeed." Fred adds
"it was all well and good but do you mind telling me why my magic couldn't locate you with a simple location spell?"
My tone is a bit gruff but the small details are important. He might not have been so badly injured had this not been overlooked."
"It- it is a long story but through my adventures I have made more than a few beings agry. A ngry enough in fact to curse me quite proper actually."
"What-Kind_Of-Curses?" I ask through clenched teeth putting extra emphasis each syllable. I am not happy about this turn of events since curses can take many forms including monstrous transformations. Transformations where the cursed one ills all of their friends, allies, and loved ones. Oh I am no stranger to curses but tat's a story for another time.
"Well, at one time the curse was so bad nobody could remember me. I would literally be erased from their memory the second I was out of their sight. of course looking at me again restored their memory of me but It was an abysmal existence. I managed to barter with and elder demon to alter the curse since it was an elder god that gave it to me it was the best that could be done."
"Who eaxcly cursed you and why?"
"Um Zeus, and because I was sleeping with one of his daughters. He wanted all memory of me gone from her, but because I was very persistent..."
"He cursed you and put some stank on it."
"Stank? Well I suppose. In any event he couldn't bring himself to curse her or make her forget so he cursed me, so she would forget me the moment I was out of sight. Unfortunately she had a plan and had Aphrodite curse her as well, a special curse that for some would be unthinkable but for her would solve our dilemma. She asked Aphrodite to burn the image of me into her eyes, it is an old an ancient curse and it causes blindness save for the one image. So she can never forget me. Diminishing the effect cost me dearly, a price I will not discuss, but now one simply cannot find me. I am sorry I failed to inform you, i usually work alone and so it doesn't come up very often."
"Is that why you relic hunt?"
"Yes, I'm hoping to free us both from Zeus's influence once and for all, but I need a relic for that."
"Relics can be very dangerous and often have their own powerful curses, It's not something I recommend. Regardless we need to be able to find you at least for the time being. Is it possible to tag you or place something on you that I CAN trace?
"yes the curse doesn't really affect my belongings, but to use a location spell you should use a very unique item for greater precision."
"Don't worry, I have just the thing."
I place a neuralizer in his staff and explain what it , does, and how to use it. I don't want any slip ups. Going over the data files we finally get coordinates for the escape pods I nonly hope we find survivors.
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