Author's Notes: I present the second chapter of Rampage in NYC; I must apologize for the lateness of this update, but no reviews on a story tends to make me forget about it and lose interest in sharing, so if you're following this and like it then by all means give me a shout/review... And now; chapter two...
The rest of the ride was pretty much silent, until we pulled up into the parking lot of one of the biggest malls I'd ever seen. Letting out a low whistle of appreciation I hopped out of the car after Illyana and gazed up at the towering structure.
"Where to first?" Kitty asked eagerly seemingly unaffected by the incident in the car.
"JC Penny." Rogue stated in a matter of fact tone as she pulled up the top and proceeded to secure her vehicle.
"We're gonna get him clothes there?" Jubilee exclaimed eyeing Rogue incredulously.
"No, Ah was goin' tah look for Ororo's birthday present; it is comin' up after all." Rogue reminded, Illyana nodded and the three young women dropped into step behind Rogue as they headed for the main entrance. I on the other hand was drawn inexorably to the large entrance of the Chapters book store.
"Aren't you coming?" Kitty called when she noticed me moving away from the group.
"No offense, but hanging out clothes shopping with you four practically all day. Is most certainly not my idea of fun." I called back continuing towards my personal idea of heaven, nothing beats reading a new book. Unless you count living the past few years, Omniversal time; with some highly interesting people.
"Fine, we'll meet yah at the Wal-Mart entrance." Rogue called out.
"Why there?" Jubilee wondered, sounding a tad disappointed.
"He's never been inside before, but no one can get lost looking for Wal-Mart." Rogue stated before vanishing through the entrance, I tilted my head at that and laughed out loud. Fundamental truth, that…Of course the same could be said of any well known store, with a big enough sign.
I entered the Chapters and wasn't surprised to find it looked pretty much like all the rest. Finding the fantasy and sci-fi section was, but a matter of moments; it wasn't very different from my worlds', except of course for the absence of any Marvel or DC novels. There was one whole section close-by that was devoted to Super-Hero novels however; they had some pretty far-fetched things too, everything from The Green Goblin saves Christmas, to Spider-Babe meets Doctor Octopus. That one was far out of reach of any children's hands, and I had a pretty good idea what it was actually about, perverts need their daily doses of super-hero fantasies too I guess, I wonder what Peter would say about that?
Browsing for a good twenty-five minutes I finally settled on a few Dragonlance novels and a Ravenloft I'd long since wanted to see; say what you will about Earth Prime, but a lot of the book stores only ever kept those dumb I, Strahd books from this series, and I could never find any of the earlier titles written up for it. The prices rang up surprisingly cheaper, which is when it dawned on me that I was in the States… Well ok actually the only thing that dawned on me was I got to pay US prices instead of the far more expensive Canadian prices for things. Hmm I wonder if there are any Transformers toys in this universe. Heading out of the store with my purchases I wondered what to do, since it would probably take the girls a while. Suddenly someone approached me, a very attractive woman with red hair, a tight leather outfit that did not seem at all out of place, considering the looks men and women gave her. She was roughly five foot nine or thereabouts, but her eyes… Well let's just say I knew something was up when I saw those eyes, her smile didn't reflect there, they were cold, hostile.
"Greetings Mister Rutherford, I am here on behalf of my employer. He wishes to have a word with you." She invited in as pleasant a tone as one could imagine such a dangerous woman might be capable of.
"I'm kind of busy today." I began turning to leave; her speed was remarkable as I swiftly found my left hand in a vice like grasp.
"I do not think you comprehend, this is not a request." She whispered so as not to alert suspicion.
"Where is this employer?" I demanded sick of being so close to this woman.
"Just in the food court." She replied leading me bodily towards the location in question. I could have easily broken free of this foolish woman and her suicidal tendencies, but my curiosity was piqued, and the food court happened to be near the Wal-Mart. She led me to a far, relatively quiet corner where a plain looking gentleman in a business suit was sitting patiently waiting. Judging by his appearance he had to be in his early fifties, with close cropped black hair and very deep dark-green sinister looking eyes. His physique might be considered attractive, even for a man of his age, and something about him was ringing with a hint of familiarity, but I had never once seen this man.
"Ah, a pleasure to meet you Mister Rutherford." The man greeted deigning to shake my hand, his voice was slightly deeper then I'd expected and yet it sounded hauntingly familiar for some inexplicable reason. "It has come to my attention that you recently terminated the Red Skull." He added almost pleasantly.
"My understanding was only a select few knew this." I remarked taking the seat opposite him and trying in vein to place a name with his face.
"Yes, well I have ways of learning such things." He hinted glancing nervously around the area. "I have come at great personal risk to offer my heartiest congratulations, and a boon for your, albeit unknowing services towards myself and my organization." He explained eliciting a look of surprise from the woman; something about the way he said that made me seriously doubt I wanted to have any favors done from this, so called, organization.
"You want to offer me a favor for killing one of the worlds' evilest men." I blurted taking care to moderate my voice so that it did not rise in volume. "Did I miss something important here?" I wondered showing my clear confusion and lack of knowledge concerning who this gentleman was.
"Ah of course you do not recognize me." He realized with a chuckle. "Perhaps this will help." He added rolling up his right sleeve to reveal the image of a red hooded Cobra tattoo, so that explains it, but I didn't recognize his features. Could he be Zartan, or more probably one of the members who wore a mask, I have a feeling I'd recognize Zartan's voice even if he was in disguise. "I see you recognize me now." He observed rolling his sleeve back down and shooting me a very disturbing smile.
"Hard to forget that image, considering it was an army of your BATs that Red Skull used to attack me and my friends." I growled low in my throat.
"Come now; in town for less then three weeks and already consider them friends. A pity, our organization could have benefited greatly from an ally of your remarkable skills." He stated in a half-serious, half-mocking tone, I ground my teeth together to keep from saying anything I might regret, I was on his good side at the moment. "Still you did sever all ties of the attack on New York City from our association by exposing the Skull. And that, as much as it may pain others to think, places you squarely in our debt. Feel free to call on us anytime, quickly would be preferable however; we may honor all debts, despite what the Government says. But that does not mean, our offers tend to remain available for lengthy periods of time, especially when they are owed to our, somewhat, adversaries." He stated cautiously, malevolently as he rose from the table and the two took their leave, which left me to consider the ramifications of our meeting as well as the possibilities this little favor might be capable of developing, after all if Cobra could manage to find out who killed the Red Skull… Then perhaps they could also manage to find out the source of this Chaos, find me the target I was sent here to effectively neutralize.
"So, you recognize the guy?" Conrad asked Dashiell as the two men regarded the mysterious young man who was still slightly gritting his teeth, despite his expression of deep thought concerning his encounter.
"No Duke, but he doesn't look happy about meeting the head snake." The man known as Dashiell R. Fairborne replied pretending to be interested in the two women passing close to his table; when he caught sight of Suicide still glancing all around for possible spies.
"Who would?" Conrad Hauser codenamed Duke muttered. "Still it's rare the old snake lets anyone see his true face." He added with surprise. "Makes you wonder just how important this kid is."
"He's not much younger than us." Dashiell pointed out as an attractive looking brunette joined the two. "Besides, I hardly think our quarry would travel openly in his full uniform, especially in such a public location."
"Snake's lost Suicide and Chrome Face." She reported in a hushed tone. "Arashikage stopped him on the roof before he could tail the limo."
"I hadn't even noticed they'd left the mall." Dashiell admitted with a warm smile as he pulled the brunette tightly to his side and gave her a swift kiss on the lips.
"Damn." Duke cursed as he turned back to the young man. "Well, tell him to get fixed up. Contact Scarlett, I want this guy shadowed." He ordered rising and leaving the two professionals alone to do their job, despite the fact that they were still staring lovingly into each other's eyes.
I was in a bad mood; my emotions clouding my senses otherwise I might have realized I was being watched by prominent members of GIJoe, but like I said, turmoil. I was so rattled by my meeting with Cobra's representative that I failed to notice Rogue and the others joining me until I felt a hand on my shoulder.
"Come on." Kitty stated coming into view and smiling at the surprise she'd elicited from me. "Time to go clothes shopping."
"What? Oh sorry, I guess I was wandering." I remarked rising to my feet. "Where too?"
"That's a surprise." Jubilee replied with a sly grin.
"This is going to be fun." Illyana added with a giggle prodding me onward, oh great, I hate surprises that elicit young women to laughter; you know it can't be good for the man involved. Boy was I right, they took me to a store I'd never heard of before and wouldn't be able to pronounce the name even if I wanted to.
I spent the better part of the next two hours trying on outfit after outfit, not just generic pants and shirts, but ensembles as well. You know, the kind of stuff male models would only wear at fashion shows. Much to my surprise the girls were quite disappointed; I'd imagine that was because I was buff enough to make everything I put on look good, but not too buff as to be too conspicuous in them. I settled on twelve new shirts, seven pairs of pants that I fancied and two special outfits that would work, on the off chance I was invited to some fancy dress shindig, hey you never know what the future might bring. Oh yeah, and of course I picked up a good dozen or so new pair of boxers, two pairs does not a good wardrobe make. I guess it does help to go shopping with women, I'll admit to having little sense of style, back on my Earth I tended to go with what I knew. I.E. what I was comfortable with and could afford, but since Roma had given me a large sum of American dollars and a Credit Card… Well splurging on good fashion makes for a good investment, especially when a lot of my choices had resulted in bringing a smile to Rogues' face.
"What now?" I asked as we left the store. "The day is still young." I added.
"Why don't you get a gift for Ororo too?" Kitty suggested with a smile.
"I wouldn't know what to get her." I returned with a sigh.
"We could help." Jubilee remarked with a smile.
"I see no problem in that." I began before freezing in my tracks, my eyes having caught sight of a store that was a big surprise. "But first I just have to check in here." I added heading for the door.
"Oh no yah don't." Rogue stated grabbing my arm, which surprised me a little.
"Why not?" I wondered curiously.
"Because the Professor doesn't allow anyone staying at the mansion tah bring any of those things inside and because yah'll be too busy." She replied averting her eyes as she continued to lead me farther away.
"Doing what?" I blurted forgetting where we were at the moment.
"Getting to know us and stuff." She replied. "And maybe me too." She added in a lower tone so the other girls couldn't hear her.
"I see." I said aloud. "Does this mean you've made your decision then? Concerning our earlier conversation?" I whispered curiously, she blushed a little fortunately unobserved by the others.
"Ah'm still undecided." She replied in a shy whisper of a tone; I nodded in understanding and turned back to watch where we were going.
"Hey you two, you passed the store we were going to." Jubilee called out halting our inadvertent approach towards the mall exit.
"Oh, of course." Rogue chuckled. "Ah was carried away with the conversation."
"Sure you weren't carried away with the conversationalist." Kitty quipped crossing her arms over her chest with a knowing smile.
"Knock it off yah three or see if Ah take yah shoppin' again." Rogue growled heading towards the store, which I regarded for the first time. The name sent a chill down my spine, how could the X-Men not know the truth about this particular store?
"Arbco garden supplies, uh I'm not sure about this." I exclaimed nervously.
"Why not, they always have the best prices." Jubilee countered.
"Besides we've never had a problem with them before." Rogue added, I sighed; I supposed even heroes could be gullible.
"Let's just say; I have a gut feeling about this place." I replied turning back for the exit; the X-Men regarded each other confusedly before joining me.
"He's got to have some connection why else would he ignore the Arbco store?" The attractive looking red head spoke through her earpiece; the man on the other end nodded his eyes narrowing as he watched the man in question enter the back seat of the vehicle.
"Can you follow him?" She asked; the observer tapped his com once to indicate yes. "Contact me when they get to their destination, I'll follow as soon as I can." She stated before deactivating the link.
"Destiny revolves around fate as well as the lives of millions." The Consort recited running a hand down her lover's spine lovingly.
"You always know how to cheer me up." The Source stated kissing her hand. "Are you ready?" He demanded turning to the forms in the shadows.
"We are always ready." The first spat large white eyes glaring at his, no, their captor.
"And after this we get our fun?" The second demanded breaking partially into a psychotic laugh.
"Yes, of course." The Source stated dismissively. "Now go, destroy him." He commanded; both entities grinned darkly revealing their razor sharp teeth.
"Are yah sure we can trust that human Prahme?" Ironhide asked as the four Autobots continued to rumble along the lengthy highways that would get them back to the Ark in Portland Oregon; with Jetfire staying behind they had to rely on their wheels this time.
"Nick Fury is the leader of a highly specialized branch of this countries government, if we can not trust him then all hope is lost." Prime returned sounding a tad too melodramatic for Ironhide's liking, the tiny Trans Am switched lanes and raced up so he was perpendicular to the semi.
"Optimus knows what he's doin' Ironhide, and we should be more concerned about what that Eric Raymond fellow told us." Windcharger countered revving his engine in agitation. "If the Decepticons are gathering Energon it could be for only one reason, getting onto that Helicarrier."
"Then you believe they are aware of Wheeljack's invention?" Prowl asked changing his markings with a brief mental command so his driver and cruiser form appeared to be state police rather then local. A gift from the resident scientific genius of the Autobots; Windcharger let out a low growl from his engine.
"It's obvious Megatron knows; why else do you think he's been so damn quiet of late?" He shot back with a slightly sarcastic lilt to his tone; if he'd been in robot mode he would probably be rolling his optics. Ironhide chuckled a little and slowly pulled up behind the smaller Autobot.
"If yah think that then what's the point of hidin' it up there?" He wondered. "Relax Windcharger, Prahme knows what he's doin' we'll go after the Decepticons and stop'em from gettin' that Energon, Ah'm sure of it." He added with a light laugh; Windcharger grumbled something under his breath, he wasn't too sure that Optimus would be able to do anything; a lot of the Autobots had thought they'd use the invention against the Decepticons… And look where it was now; floating up above the city of Manhattan in a human controlled climate, Windcharger didn't think to highly of that. The Autobots continued to drive down the highway now in silence; and none of his troops knew just what was going through his head, but Prime was secretly worried, he was hoping the Matrix could give him a clue as to what course of action he should take.
To Be Continued... Wow; Cobra contacts Al, Autobots discuss something important concerning Fury and SHIELD, and to top it all off new enemies are about to be unleashed... I wonder what's going to happen next, if you'd like to know then by all means leave a handy dandy review to let me know that you want to read more of this thrilling adventure.
