Chapter 1: Arrival
"Our main story tonight, the Dark Scorpion Burglars have yet to be caught and some crime experts predict that they may be visiting our fair city soon. More at si-."
The large television screen went black cutting off the time stamp for the news report. Bartholomew Watergate sat in a dark-brown leather chair, across from the television, massaging the bridge of his nose, irritated that nothing been done about the now infamous group of burglars. "So much for protecting everyone under the White Dragon Banner," thought Bart to himself.
Some light knocking from the twin doors that made up the entrance caught Bart's attention. "Master Bart, you have company," came the voice of an older gentleman as he allowed himself into Bartholomew's luxurious lounge through one half of the double-doored entrance. The man was bulky despite his older age and had a handsome ruggedness in his face. This man with pepper and salt colored hair had a faint smirk on his face as he entered. "A beautiful woman by the name of Claire Burns has arrived for your interview."
Bart smiled at his butler, Edward's, words. Edward wasn't wrong to act this way as it was Bart, not Claire, who called off their relationship over a year ago despite Edward's opposition. "Let her in, Edward."
"He already did," came another, more feminine, voice. The second door was pushed open to reveal a serious faced, blue-eyed woman with cherry blonde hair. She was in black slacks with a matching black button-up shirt, her "press" pass dangling off her neck. She also wore a dark red blazer along with similarly colored stiletto heels. Claire turned to look and smile at the butler. "It was nice seeing you again, Edward."
"And you, Miss Burns," replied Edward. "We could really use a woman around the house every now and then," he grumbled under his breath. Just as Bart opened his mouth to argue, Edward interrupted. "Now, if you'll both excuse me, I'm sure there is a lot to do around this house and I am not one to dilly dally." Edward gave a small bow to both Bart and then Claire before exiting the lounge and walking down the long, wide hallway to his other duties.
"Thank you, Mr. Noir," called Bart to his butler whose brisk pace had already carried him too far away to hear his employer's words of gratitude. Turning his attention to the attractive woman he was left with, Bart tried to find the right thing to say. "I hope it was easy enough to find the place," offered Bart with a grin.
"We spent more nights here than at my little apartment so yes, it was very easy to find the place," replied Claire, a little heat in her words.
Bart looked down and off to the side, his typical smile gone from his face as he realized he had started off on the most wrong of wrong foots. It was to be expected however. Claire had been wonderful to be with but the timing was wrong and Bart had other, more important matters to attend to. He hoped that everything would make sense after their interview concluded.
"Listen, Claire," he began only to be stopped by the cherry blonde's upraised palm.
"You don't have to, Bart," she said, her serious face growing soft if only for a moment, "I'm here for an interview and honestly, I'm excited as most anybody to see what it is you want to reveal. By the way, thanks for giving me the scoop. You really didn't have to."
"I wanted to," responded the strongly built man. "Anyways, yeah, let's get this thing going," said Bart as he motioned Claire to follow him to the elevator. "I hope you brought the camera like I told you to," he said as his own excitement slowly became obvious on his face.
"No, I forgot the camera and the voice recorder," said the blue-eyed woman with a wink. "Of course I did," confirmed Claire with a small smile of her own prompting a small laugh from the newly relaxed Bart. Funny, in great shape, and good looking on top of being rich; Bart was an incredible man with a heart of gold and seeing his inner kid come out like this made Claire realize she still missed the dark haired billionaire. "Maybe in another life," she whispered to herself. "Alright, Mr. Watergate, I'm going to start recording so try to keep your inner dork in check," teased Claire.
"Why of course, Miss Burns," returned Bart.
"3, 2, 1," counted down Claire as she ended it with a click of a button on the recorder at her hip. A small orb popped off the square box and began to float a few feet behind the pair. A small red light turned on and began blinking before it turned green giving, Claire her cue. "Claire Burns here with Fortune City's own, Bartholomew Watergate," she greeted the levitating camera. "Mr. Watergate, as we make our way down to your lab, is there anything you want to tell the viewers at home in preparation of what you plan to unveil to us in the next few minutes?"
"First of all, please, I prefer Bart," said the dark haired man as he turned around in the elevator to flash a big smile for the camera. Claire and her camera followed and luckily, the size of the metal box was more than spacious enough for all three. It began to descend as Bart spoke. "Second of all, yes there is. I want to tell the Fortunate Children of our city that there is no need to be afraid. Our world is full of archaic magic, technology beyond our understanding, and evil greater than we could have ever imagined possible. I want everyone to know, that I care and what I'm going to show you all today is the start of something truly great."
A small ping sounded in the elevator to announce that they had arrived at there destination. The double doors split open to allow the duo to walk out into Bart's lab. The white walled laboratory was full of computers, monitors, maps, and large glass cases. There was also a replica of Fortune City in the center of the room atop a sturdy looking wooden table.
"More than the advances I've helped make in the scientific community, this is my real life's work," declared Bart as he spread his arms and did a spin. "Don't worry, I don't have anything out that shouldn't be so feel free to videotape all of this."
"You couldn't stop me if you tried," said Claire softly as she tried to take everything in.
There was a massive map of the Duel Terminal taking up almost an entire wall. Interestingly, Fortune City, Full Moon City, Glory City, and Luck City, all of which are under the White Dragon Banner, were circled and connected by straight lines forming an X.
Claire scanned the room and let her eyes rest on a large dart like weapon. Towards the front tip it had a small metal guard that had an opening for what Claire assumed to be aiming. Most interesting though was that the blue and red weapon had a clear liquid in a connected container on top. The label on the case read "Bubble Blaster" which didn't seem very intimidating.
"Miss Burns, you can look at all your footage more closely later," came Bart's voice, snapping Claire back to reality. "It's time for the main event so if you could please follow me," he said with a large smile.
Claire followed along after Bart, sneaking long glances at weapons or maps or items inside cases whenever she could. Finally, the two arrived at six large, cylindrical cases. From left to right, the symbols of Water, Fire, Earth, Wind, Light and Dark were emblazoned in the center of glass cases. Naked metal skeletons meant to hold up clothes or armor were present in all the cases except for Light, the inside of which was completely blacked out, and Water. The Water case however was not blacked out. Instead it was home to a suit of armor. Dark blue material was stretched over the metal prongs to give the suit a human look. Light blue boots, gloves, pauldrons, and chest armor were on display over the appropriate part of the armor. Most interesting however was the silver wrist gun and all the silver piping along with the two large silver tanks full of an unknown substance.
"Bart, what is this?" asked Claire, the reporter both confused and intrigued.
"This is Bubbleman, the Elemental Hero of Water," answered Bart, clearly very proud of his announcement.
"This . . . this is crazy, Bart," said Claire, her eyes full of hurt as she realized that Bart had left her to pursue the creation of the armor in front of her. "We are protected by the White Dragon Army, we don't need dreamy billionaires going out and playing superhero," she said, disgust audible in her tone.
"The White Dragon Army has done nothing about the Dark Scorpions, or Mataza the Zapper, or the Lady Assailant of Flames. This armor will let me do something about it. I can be hero this city needs."
"What, so you can stroke your ego?" she asked, anger clear in her voice.
"So I can protect people who need protecting," he answered.
The room grew quiet if only for a moment as a loud alarm began blaring over the speakers. The large monitor connected to what Claire knew would be a supercomputer turned on to reveal a news report.
"Kelvin Chambers of Fortune 5 News reporting to you live from outside Fortune City's Fine Fortune Building," announced the man, his light brown hair looking red due to his bright blazer. Moments ago, the silent alarm was tripped and we've just found out that the cause of this was Don Zaloog, leader of the Dark Scorpions, is holding everyone inside captive. We already know of at least three casualties as three bodies were tossed out of the building from some of the higher levels and taken away in body bags. We've yet to hear demands but the police gathered are already trying to get in contact with the infamous burglar." Kelvin walked over to a man in a black uniform, White Dragon insignia on the back of his shirt, who was speaking to a group of officers. "Excuse me, Captain Cloud, is there anything you can tell us about this incident?"
"Nothing that wouldn't jeopardize the lives of the people inside," replied the captain as he turned around. He had bright green eyes and an intense as he looked into the camera. His head was shaved and it was clear he wanted to get the situation under control. "Get this thing out of my way, we have lives to save." Alexander Cloud walked around the camera and went back to giving out orders.
Back in his lab, Bart was already underway changing into the Bubbleman suit. The dark blue material was tight on his muscles which Claire would have found appealing if not for her anger and worry in that moment. Taking a quick look at her, Bart noticed that his ex-girlfriend's face had gone pale with fear.
"Bart, I hadn't told you yet but I'm dating Kelvin," she said worriedly. "If you could -"
"Claire, stop," said Bart. "You don't have to say anything, just know that I'll do my best to keep everyone out there safe," he promised her as he slid the blue chest armor into position and locked on the shoulder guards.
"Including yourself?" asked Claire, old feelings igniting in this uncertain time.
Bart looked up at her, his boots and gloves on, he was in the middle of attaching the many silver pipes to different parts of his suit. "I'll do my best," he said unconvincingly.
Claire heard multiple clicks as everything seemed to fit together perfectly. "I know the police can't handle the Dark Scorpions. We call them burglars when they're really mercenaries. I just wish we were better prepared. I mean, look at you, all that armor and nothing for your face?"
"Don't be so sure," he answered as he finished double checking the two tanks on his back. He walked over to a table that was covered with a black cloth. "I didn't think I'd get to initiate step one of my plan so soon," said Bart with a smile. "This is the new face of justice."
Bart turned to face the camera as he brought the helmet down around his head. The helmet was light blue like the sturdier parts of his armor and had two horns jutting straight up above his head. They were covering his ears though a silver piece over each ear seemed to be what would help his auditory ability. Where his hair would be there was a dark blue half dome that seemed to be an especially strong material even when compared to the rest of the armor. The mask's sharp nose was framed by two lines that went diagonally towards the bridge of the nose before shooting out towards the ears and finally going up the length of tall, flat horns.
"Bubbleman is ready for action," announced the water warrior as the helmet closed with a click under his chin.
"Good luck, Bart," whispered Claire, regret obvious on her face. She could only hope that Bart's genius could give the city a chance to fight back against the infamous group.
Bubbleman nodded his head and turned, a long, white cape flowing out of the armor as he did. As her former lover walked away, Claire realized that he did look rather heroic.
"Don't try anything stupid and I promise that no one else will have to die," said the powerful looking man with the eyepatch, his rough voice doing more damage than good as no one was calmed by his words. "You over there," he said pointing to a pretty, young brunette in a burgundy colored skirt.
"W-what d-d-do you n-need?" she asked weakly.
"I need to publicly kill one person for the news and I want you to point that person out."
"What?" The young woman's eyes grew wide with shock. "P-please, I c-can't choose."
"That's right, leave Eaname alone," shouted one man.
Without turning to face the new voice, Don Zaloog grabbed the gun at his waste, cocked it and shot the man in the head. "The camera's didn't see that so you still have to choose," he said as he returned his gun to its holster, almost teasing the receptionist.
Eaname began to scan the room until she made eye contact with the person she'd been looking for. The heavyset man was covered in sweat and was furiously shaking his head.
"No, Eaname, please, not me. I'm sorry for everything last night."
"I-if you're g-going to k-k-kill someone, kill that p-pig," she stuttered angrily.
"That's a good girl," said the armored man. "You heard her, get up, fatty," said Don Zaloog as he walked over and forced the man to his feet.
"You bitch, Eaname," screamed the husky man. "You and the rest of the cows in the office would be lucky to be with a man like me. I'm the boss around this p-"
The loud man was cut off by Don Zaloog's gun finding its way into his mouth. "Shut up," ordered the irritated man. His one visible eye contorted in anger. "Remember this, McCollum, I'm the boss today. Now get your perverted ass moving," he commanded as he gave the squat man a hard shove forward.
Don Zaloog and Mr. McCollum, the man who ran the Fortune Building, made their way to the already shattered window so that everyone below could see them. Zaloog grabbed a walkie-talkie off his belt to speak over the loudspeakers around the building.
"To all those wondering why I'm doing this, the answer is simple," began Zaloog. "I got paid to do it by someone who really dislikes your city. As I speak, my fellow Dark Scorpions are running all the accounts connected to Fortune City Bank dry. Guess what, that's everyone who has a bank account in this city." Mr. McCollum was quietly balling on his knees in front of Zaloog. "Now, as for this man right here, he was selected as sacrifice, smile for the cameras fatso," mocked Zaloog. "This is what happens next. First, this bag of shit dies. Second, the Dark Scorpions and myself walk out of this building and kill anyone who gets in our way. Third, we leave this city a shell of its former self and go onto our next payday. Let's begin." Zaloog raised his boot and used it to push Mr. McCollum out of the window clearing.
"Pleeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaassssseeeeee!" he screamed as he fell, "someone save me!"
"Sounds like you need a hero," came a mysterious voice. "Safety Bubble!" Bubbleman aimed his wrist gun at the space below Mr. McCollum and allowed a large bubble the size of a small car to form. Once ready, the bubble was sent flying, hit the outer wall of the Fortune Building causing it to flop to the ground and land perfectly below the falling man. Mr. McCollum landed safely on the bubble to the surprise of everyone. "Bubbleman saves the day."
"Oh no he doesn't," said Zaloog with a smile. The leader of the Dark Scorpions grabbed a knife from the back of his belt and threw it with all his might down at the husky man below.
"Bubble Gun," shouted Bubbleman as a single bubble exploded out of his wrist gun. The bubble connected with the thrown knife, the pop of the bubble redirecting the knife and launching it at the wall where the sharp edge easily cut into the concrete of the building.
"You're better than I thought, Bubblebitch," yelled Zaloog. "Let's make sure no one interrupts our fun." Zaloog reached into one of his pockets and brought out a small cylinder. He popped the lid off to reveal a red button.
Bubbleman and Captain Cloud of the FCPD immediately understood the implications and both men shouted out in vain, "everybody run!"
Don Zaloog pressed the button just as everyone turned to run. Bubbleman ran at Captain Cloud and tackled him to the floor. "Bubble Fortress!" He yelled as they fell, a large bubble beginning to incase both men as they landed.
The many bombs scattered all over the city released a small string of beeps before exploding. Cars on the street were launched into the air as bombs in the sewer system violently raised the road in mushroom clouds of blacktop and fire. Dark red flames engulfed many of the buildings within the work center as windows exploded outward due to the arid air forced out of the buildings. In the midst of all the heat, people could be heard screaming, whether it be in pain or calling out for help.
"No, no," mumbled Captain Cloud as if he were having a bad dream. "This can't be. Get off me!" he screamed as he shoved Bubbleman off of him.
The explosions done, flames now blanketed the city as if hell had been unleashed. Don Zaloog turned back to look at the crying woman. "Drop the act Meanae, kill everyone," he ordered.
"That's a shame, I was really getting into it, boss," replied the young woman as she wiped the ruined makeup of her face. "Consider everyone in here dead," she said with sadistic glee as she pulled a whip from a purse that was a few feet away.
"Eaname, what's going on?" Someone asked only to be cut down by the fierce lashing the female member of the Dark Scorpions gave him. "Go have fun, boss," she encouraged, receiving a nod from her leader.
Zaloog jumped out of the building as screams begun to sound from inside and landed comfortably on his feet despite the thirty story drop. He motioned for Captain Cloud to go fight him.
"You'll face justice today, Zaloog," said Captain Cloud.
"Not likely, Captain," challenged Zaloog.
The two men met in the middle of the flames, both throwing punches. Zaloog missed his punch while Cloud connected with the burglar's jaw. "Weakass punch, Captain," taunted Zaloog before dropping to his side and rolling forward, sweeping Cloud off his feet.
Cloud landed on his chest hard, some air knocked out of him. Zaloog rolled through to get behind Cloud and was already up and bringing a large boot down to stomp Cloud into the ground. Cloud was saved by a bubble that popped against the burglar's side and pushed Zaloog a few feet away.
"You're getting annoying," warned Zaloog as he turned to see the blue clad warrior, spitting a little blood that had been drawn from Captain Cloud's earlier punch.
"You're going to pay, Zaloog."
"Nah, boy, I'm going to get paid."
"Not on my watch!" thought Cloud as he jumped into the air and retrieved Zaloog's knife from the side of the building. "I am Captain Alexander Cloud of the Fortune City Police Department, and you, Don Zaloog are under arrest!" screamed the officer as he rushed the criminal's back.
"Thanks, mate, that's my favorite knife." Zaloog stuck his right arm back and caught Cloud's hand. The burglar spun on his heel and used Cloud's momentum to his advantage.
Not having enough time to register what was going on, Captain Cloud was brought down to one knee, lost the knife and had Zaloog's thick forearm against his neck choking the air out of him.
Bubbleman stood with the Bubblegun attached to his wrist raised and aimed at Zaloog. "Let him go," he ordered.
The gruff looking man grinned and began to speak, his voice sounding more rough than normal. "I'll let his spirit go into the great beyond." With that, Don Zaloog brought his knife down and into Captain Cloud's abdomen, dragging it upward diagonally. The deep gash bled immediately and Cloud was losing blood fast.
"You son of a bitch!" screamed Bubbleman as he launched a stream of bubbles at Zaloog.
The red and brown clad warrior threw his thick knife at the oncoming projectiles as he let the officer drop to the floor. With both hands free, he drew the two pistols at his hips and began to unload on the bubble bullets.
Bubbleman used Zaloog's time on defense to charge the man. The blue superhero shot a bubble at the floor and yelled, "Bubble Road." The bubble popped and created a carpet of slick liquid that allowed Bubbleman to slide at a fast pace toward Don Zaloog's legs.
Realizing Bubbleman's strategy, Zaloog jumped as the caped hero was inches away. The Dark Scorpion leader shifted his legs in midair and caught Bubbleman with a small kick to the back of the head as he slid underneath him. "Not good enough."
"Not smart enough. Bubble Ward," said Bubbleman as he fired a bubble at Captain Cloud. The bubble hit the downed officer in the wound and immediately closed it with a somewhat clear liquid. A second bubble expanded outward and formed a small defense for the officer after that.
Still on his Bubble Road, Bubbleman allowed the liquid to take him ten feet away from Zaloog before he placed his glove on the ground, the tips sticking firmly to the wet concrete and allowing him get his footing and start standing.
"Mate, I gotta ask, what made you go, 'Bubbles are going to be my gimmick'?" Zaloog was closing the distance between himself and the hero as he asked the question. He ran and tried to knee Bubbleman in the temple.
Bart was well trained however and despite the Bubbleman suit, was able to move around without limitation. He avoided the knee and circled around Zaloog so they stood back to back. Zaloog threw a blind backfist as he turned in place but Bubbleman jumped high into the air and did a backflip over Zaloog, releasing his long, white cape as he did in order to blind the criminal.
"Mock me if you must but just know that that's part of your downfall," replied Bubbleman. "To answer that question seriously, one thing," he said raising his right hand and sticking his index finger up. "Everyone underestimates bubbles." Bubbleman lifted his arm further to point upwards even though Zaloog was still struggling with the cape and couldn't see his antics.. "Bubble Blaster."
A large, floating bubble far above the ash clouds of the burning city popped and dropped the blue and red dart like weapon that was previously in Bubbleman's lab. Bubbleman effortlessly caught the dart inspired weapon and used the momentum to spin himself into position a mere five feet away from Zaloog. Bartholomew Watergate was smiling despite the tired muscles underneath his Bubbleman suit.
"I win, Don Zaloog," he announced.
"That's a joke, boy," fired back the burglar as he finally freed himself of the cumbersome cape.
On one knee, Bubble Blaster positioned on his shoulder and eyes looking through the opening in the guard, Bubbleman was ready. "Bubble Blaster, Burst!" He pressed the button and the liquid held in the container atop the bazooka like weapon was depleted in an instant.
The propeller behind the tip of the gun began to spin at an incredibly fast rate before unleashing a torrent of bubbles. The projectiles roared like thunder as they exploded outward. Zaloog was caught off guard by the sheer viciousness of the weapon's attack and had no time to react as he felt the heavy orbs hit his body and pop to cause a second wave of pain. The infamous burglar was lifted off his feet and forced into the wall of the building behind him, a crater forming from the impact. The onslaught of bubbles continued for a few seconds knocking the Don Zaloog unconscious long before the stream ended. As the propeller slowed to a stop, Zaloog's body fell limp and landed hard on the floor.
"Bubbleman saves the day," announced Bart tiredly, happy with his success. He dropped the weapon on his shoulder and used his hands to keep his balance. His weary muscles were just beginning to kick in when Bart heard someone.
"Aren't the good guys supposed to be a bit more humble?" asked an unknown, high pitched voice.
"Yeah, that's what I thought," came another voice, this second one more of a seductive purr than anything else.
"It don't matter, just get the boss out of there," came a third.
Bubbleman turned but could see no one.
"Up here little man," came voice that was much deeper than the rest.
Bubbleman looked up and rolled out of the way as a mountain of a man jumped out of the window that Don Zaloog had used earlier. The man was bald and had stiches running diagonally down over his right eye. His massive arms covered in bulging veins and a mace in his large hands gave the brown skinned man an intimidating look. The brown body armor and red pants that Zaloog wore seemed to inspire the big man's attire as well.
"Gorg the Strong, nice to meet you," boomed the man's voice as he effortlessly swung the large morningstar.
Bubbleman once again rolled out of the way only to have his legs taken out from underneath him as a sharp rope tightened around his ankles and pulled him upsidedown into th air.
"I got him," came the seductive voice from earlier.
"Good job, Meanae, you too Gorg," said a slimy looking blonde teenager as he walked into view. "Names Chick. That fine piece of ass over there is Meanae and Gorg you're familiar with. The brooding guy in the glasses behind you is Cliff," explained the young man.
"Shut up, Chick. Dead men don't need to know all that," said Cliff, annoyed. "Let's slit this guys neck and get the boss out of here."
"Don't you dare!" spat Don Zaloog, his voice sounding even more dry than before. "I'll kill the bastard myself, but not today."
"Boss, take it easy," said Cliff as he ran over to his leader. "We won't kill him, promise. Meanae, leave the bastard up there and let's just get our asses out of here."
"Alright, I'm not one to question the boss," agreed Meanae though not very convincingly. "Thorn Twin," she said as she pulled on her thorn covered whip. The long weapon glowed a dark purple before retracting into her hand, Bubbleman left trapped by some type of magic that had created a vine that now held him. "Until next time, Blue," she said with a wink before Bart was knocked out via mallet to the face.
Bart woke up to countless pains all over his body.
"Good morning, Master Bart," came the familiar voice of Edward Noir, Bart's butler.
"Edward, nice to see you," said Bart as he closed his eyes after making sure it really was his friend. "So, how much trouble am I in."
"None though you most definitely should be," answered Edward. "Captain Alexander Cloud is alive, if incredibly beat up, thanks to you. Him combined with Mr. McCollum of the Fortune Building and all the charity work and everyday work you do made you somewhat untouchable despite everything that happened. Not a single lawsuit has come your way."
"That's great."
"Not as great as the hope people have thanks to you," came a second familiar voice.
Bart opened his eyes again and was treated to pretty face of his former girlfriend. "Hey, Claire, sorry for cutting our interview so short," apologized Bart.
"I understand. The city needed Bubbleman and he did a lot even if he ended up upsidedown and trapped," she teased lightly.
Bart laughed a bit at the truth. "Yeah, not my finest moment."
"No, no it wasn't. But if these last four days have proven anything, it's that the people love you. I'm sorry for being so closed minded when I first saw the suit."
"Forget about it," said Bart as he had forgiven her reaction immediately. "Wait, four days?" asked a confused Bart. "Do you mean I've been out for four days?"
"Yes, Master Bart," confirmed Edward.
"What about the Dark Scorpions?"
"Gone . . . for now," replied Claire. "Anyways, I have to get going. I'm sure Edward can fill you in on everything else that you need to know."
Bart couldn't place it but he felt something was wrong with her. "Claire, are you okay?"
"Yeah, Bart, just happy you're alright," she said with sad smile. "I'll see you later. Get better." She made her way to door and closed it behind her as she left,
"Remind me to double check on her later, Edward. For now, tell me everything."
I know where my suit is and I want it back. I'm not stupid, I know why Bart took it from me. It is powerful, definitely more so than his Bubbleman suit. Still, I can be trusted with that power. Bart, we could have been a team but instead you tried to deny me my ultimate achievement, In that case, I'll just have to succeed without you. Suit against suit, blaster against blaster, man against man, I'll always come out on top because the hero always wins.
(From the Journal of Roy Lightman)