Time, Love and Armageddon
Part Three
Vanishing Point, time point nowhere
It feels like it's been ages since he last tasted the sensation of movement in the stiff and sore muscles of his chronal-energy infused body, and the Waverider, the mightiest member of the self-styled protectors of the time stream who call themselves the Linear Men, doesn't feel all that mighty given his present situation.
For the last five hours measured in earth-time, the energy being who was once 21st century's most brilliant physicist, Matthew Ryder, had been contemplating on what his mortal enemy, the baneful and malicious Extant, could possibly get from destroying the world. There's always the angle of revenge against the heroes who fought him during the time stream rocking incident called Zero Hour; the same heroes who are now languishing in despair for living with the knowledge that all of their god-like powers were not enough to save Earth from total devastation.
But the time guardian immediately dismissed the idea, acknowledging that the amplitude of Extant's evil psyche way transcends the paltriness of simple revenge. Though the nefarious villain used to be a mere two-bit crimefighter known as Hawk of the brother tandem of Hawk and Dove, his mind still has the ability to think big; a penchant that he displayed when he was able to pull the entire world under the palm of his hands as the world tyrant Monarch, in a reality that was erased from existence when Matt Ryder participated in a forbidden experiment to transport himself back in time.
Then suddenly, as if his mind's eyes were opened to a chilling realization, Waverider blurted out a conclusion that would have frozen his blood if he had any.
"My God he wanted to be Monarch again!"
His grim contemplation was interrupted by a voice which, upon recognition, beckoned a sigh of immense relief from the embattled time guardian.
"You're a tad too late, Waverider. Extant is already Monarch." The voice echoed through the resonator connecting the void chamber containing his prison cube to the observation deck just beyond the airless room.
"Liri? Liri Lee? Is that you?" Waverider exclaimed.
"Well, I'm definitely not Monica Lewinsky if that would make you feel better." His fellow Linear Man retorted.
A few moments later, the two time protectors faced themselves somberly while exchanging notes about the recently transpired events. It turned out that a few months after the meteor disaster, Extant set in motion a second part of his plan, using vast resources no one thought he had in pretending to be Earth's hero as he led a massive effort together with the remaining metahumans to rebuild the planet and erase the aftermath of the cosmic cataclysm that befell it. And due to his efforts, the vile criminal who at the moment reverted to his Hawk persona was exalted by the grateful population, rendering it as child's play for the scheming knave to declare himself anew as the world's savior and, a little later on, its overseer.
"Oh man, that's the oldest trick in the self-help, conquer-the-world-while-pretending-to-be-its-savior handbook. I wonder how he got the heroes to fall for it." Waverider marveled.
"Think about it." Liri Lee began to explain. "With Superman, Wonder Woman, Martian Manhunter and all the major players and core Justice Leaguers dead, the remaining metas became easily demoralized. Hawk I mean Extant, knew this would happen. He knows that no one will be there who's got the brains to question his motives or the bizarre timeliness of his actions. He's got it made."
"And I took away the only remaining hero who has any chance of standing up against him and shutting him down." The exasperated Waverider realized, clutching his forehead hard with his hands in disgust. "We should bring Batman back."
"And then what?" Liri shot back. "Other than his teammates in the JLA, the majority of the metahuman population really don't trust him at all. They're more scared of him than anything else." The sole female Linear Man added. "Batman is a very capable individual. I know he has the ability to defeat Monarch in his game. But in this situation, Monarch will not be acting alone. The others are so bought up by his play-acting that they're ready to do anything he tells them to. Besides, if the solution to this crisis is to bring the Batman back, who's got the power to travel through time unaided other than the Linear Men?"
"The Flash, Wally West he can do it." The Waverider quipped.
"Sorry, Rider." Liri answered with a foreboding look in his face. "Monarch was prepared for that. One of the first things he did after gaining control was murder Wally West. He was unjustly tried for high treason and killed in a public execution together with Gabriel Walker and that android Hourman from the 853rd century."
"Then that settles it. I'm going!" the dumbfounded Linear Man decided. And before Liri Lee could stop her impetuous colleague, Waverider was already gone, sliding forth with impossible ease into the otherwise impregnable wall of the chronal current.
June 10, 1598
"This place is beginning to look familiar." The stalwart Korean warrior Hwang Sung-Kyung echoed. "We're nearing the Spanish pirate port of Captain Cervantes. I suggest we stop here for awhile and rest. We're going to need all our strength for tomorrow."
As the convoy composed of five of the most formidable crimefighters of the 20th century and likewise five of the greatest warriors of the medieval ages gather to a stop near the opening of a shallow cave, the still recovering lady ninja Taki stares blankly into the wilderness, unmindful of the dimming sky and dropping temperature that is beckoning the arrival of another twilight.
A stone's throw away, the Korean lass Seung Mina thoughtfully gawks at her erstwhile tormentor. Before they met each other again a few days ago when Mina's group rescued Taki's from the soul hunter army, the youthful female fighter half-expected that a duel with the Japanese maiden will be inevitable, since she swore to herself to never let the lady ninja get away again with insulting her.
But during the last few days while they traversed the majestic grandeur of the Pyreenes mountain ranges separating France from the Iberian peninsula, the Korean warrior girl was quite surprised by the totally strange demeanor displayed by the ninja. To Mina's assessment, Taki seemed too quiet and meek, a far cry from the proud and domineering Taki she knew last they encountered each other during the second quest. She easily dismissed the lady ninja's change of attitude as a side-effect of her near-fatal injury at first. But right now, Mina thought, the queerness being displayed by Taki is way too much to be considered recuperating ills.
Seung Mina was still deep in thought that she didn't notice the object of her fascination walk by her while clutching a bundle of firewood. The voice of the lady ninja then startled her out of her spell.
"Hey, Mina. How's Master Han-Myong doing?" Taki greeted the totally flabbergasted Korean.
"What's this," Mina thought, "Taki cordially asking about my father? It's almost as bizarre as Voldo distributing Vercci's treasures among the poor." The youthful warrior mulled.
A polite Taki indeed way exceeds the pessimistic expectation Mina had, and right now she just can't get over the scenario unfolding right before her very eyes. Not that she's complaining, of course. Seung Mina likes this Taki far better than the one she knew a couple of years ago. But she still wouldn't be caught dead admitting it to anybody.
Quietly going about her chore, the lady ninja is nevertheless aware of another pair of eyes fixated on her at that very moment. And she's having the hardest time in her life right now as she tries to avoid staring back at the meaningful expression written all over the face of Dick Grayson. She remembered how ecstatic she felt a few days back when, upon regaining consciousness, the tender and handsome visage of the man who calls himself Nightwing was the very first thing that took shape in her initially hazy eyesight.
But that moment of bliss is the very thing causing great dread in her heart. Now she is sure, more than ever, that she has been introduced to this odious concept of love; an emotion that she had always successfully dodged before. Who would have thought it to come at this point in her life, with a man whom she knows absolutely nothing about?
And as if to aggravate her already appalling predicament, Nightwing opted to get up from his perch and assist her in starting the camp fire. Taki again felt the most troublesome series of thuds in her chest while the crimefighter approached.
"Hey, you know you should be resting. Let me take care of this." The irresistible Dick Grayson said while gently taking the bunch of dry and brittle wood off Taki's arms.
The lady ninja wanted to curse at the crimefighter for putting her in such a compromising position. But at the same time, she's also fighting the incredible urge to just lunge at Nightwing and wrap her arms tightly around him. Every fiber in her body is shouting out at her to hold the man who has become the pure object of her immense affection.
But Taki is still possessed of the detrimental belief that giving in to this emotion would be ultimately disastrous for her. So in the end she just turned her back towards the equally distressed hero and clutched her shoulders tight, as if trying to contain the overpowering passion in her heart from becoming evident.
That moment of repressed emotions did not escape the watchful eyes of the Athenian warrior, who at that moment was sitting in conference together with Batman, Rock, Hwang Sung-Kyung, Azrael, Huntress and Robin. And Sophitia could do nothing but shake her head in disappointment.
"Taki, my friend. Don't fight it. It's high time for you to be happy." The Greek maiden quietly uttered in her mind as if sending a telepathic message to her Japanese confidant. Her trance was then interrupted by the Angel of Vengeance's inquisitive speech.
"Okay, Give me the skinny. What exactly are we dealing with here?"
"The what?" Hwang and Rock simultaneously snapped back in confusion, not being aware of the 20th century colloquial term Azrael just uttered.
"I mean, who and what is this Cervantes? And what's he capable of doing?" rephrased the former enforcer of the Order of St. Dumas.
"Simply put, Azrael. Cervantes is or was a cruel pirate who was infused with supernatural powers by the infernal sword Soul Edge, turning himself into a hellish demon-man." Sophitia explained to the questioning Azrael.
"I've little experience in dealing with the supernatural, so I would appreciate it if you people could tell us a little more on how to defeat this creature." The Batman quipped, while focusing his attention on Rock whom he thought was not paying attention, but he later realized was gesturing their other companions to join them in the meeting. They waited for Taki, Nightwing and Seung Mina to assimilate themselves within the group before continuing the discussion.
"The first time we fought him," the Hellenic girl continued. "he was already very formidable. In spite of all out skills, he still managed to kill one of us." Sophitia added, referring to the Chinese nunchaku warrior Li Long.
"So how did you beat him?" Robin asked Sophitia.
"With this." Taki interjected, pulling her Mekki-maru short sword off its sheath and brandishing it around for everybody to behold. They were all taken by awe as the powerful blade radiated with bright and potent mystic energy; except for Bruce Wayne, who just squinted his eyes at the weapon's brilliance. "One blow to destroy Soul Edge, and another stab into Cervantes' heart. Satisfaction guaranteed."
"Then this should be easy." Robin remarked. "A piece of cake. A walk in the park. A"
"I wish I can share your optimism, Robin. But I'm afraid I'd have to disagree. It won't be that easy this time." Sophitia countered, drawing a quizzical look from the Boy Wonder.
"What made you say that?" Hwang asked the Athenian warrior.
"I'm not sure." Sophitia replied. "I wish the Omega sword could shed some more light in the matter. We've all taken part in the two quests, but this is the first time I've seen my weapon react to such evil."
"Maybe it has something to do with Ivy's involvement." Seung Mina suggested. "I may not know much. But if she is Cervantes' daughter, then she must have a portion of the Evil Seed inside her."
Hwang threw a slightly astonished glance towards his youthful lady-love. This is the first time he's seen Mina participate in a very grown-up gathering like this. But that didn't surprise him any more than did the young warrior's random but intelligent guess work. Maybe there is still hope for Mina after all, thought the noble warrior. Mina noticed Hwang gawking at her, to which she responded by playfully smiling back at him. The warrior-soldier almost bellowed a solid guffaw because of the girl's childish gesture.
"At any rate," Sophitia continued. "the most important thing is for us to escort Taki. She needs to get close enough to that pirate to make sure she doesn't miss."
Batman then took this as a cue to take over the planning process. When he started talking, no one dared interrupt him, as they were all enraptured by the Dark Knight's charismatic aura and at the same time intimidated by his imposing presence. Once again, the Batman has assumed his rare yet essential role of field commander and team leader.
"We still have the soul hunters to worry about. I understand you think this Cervantes' is an arrogant oaf who relies too much on his weapon rather than an army of pawns. But it's always best to be prepared." Batman exclaimed.
"Then it looks like we'll need our best crowd fighter to spearhead the attack on his lackeys." Nightwing suggested.
"Take Seung Mina." Taki recommended, which mildly surprised everyone. "She's the best person we have for that job."
More surprises, Mina thought. Now Taki's even going to lengths of endorsing her capability. Times have changed, the Korean lass surmised.
"No, Taki, Nightwing." the Dark Knight shot down the proposal. "We're going to use the element of surprise. Taki, Ivy left you for dead, so she's not exactly expecting you to show up for another fight. And she's also unaware of the involvement of Rock and the others."
Batman then drew up a plan hinged on a diversionary strategy to confuse the enemies with a two-pronged attack. "Nightwing, Robin, and Sophitia; you will all go with me in staging a frontal assault against the soul hunters. The rest of you will protect Taki and move in, unnoticed if possible, to Cervantes' stronghold."
Just then, their conference was intermitted by an ominously hissing sound that pulled the ten heroes' attention towards another bright pillar of light coming from the north.
"There it goes again." Huntress uttered. "But this one is huge. What could be causing this?"
No one answered her anxious query. But deep inside her head, Taki's thoughts are racing. Contemplating on the grave implication of seeing the Evil Seed manifest itself twice, the determined Underground Hunter comes to an inevitable and forthcoming decision that she feels is the only way to end this nightmare once and for all.
"Ivy I cannot allow you to live any longer. Prepare to meet your creator."
June 12, 1598
The midnight air crackles with violent mystic energy radiating from the foreboding pillar of light heralding the infernal splendor of the Evil Seed. Standing right beside the foundation of the supernatural phenomenon, the principality-possessed warrior maiden Ivy beams with wicked joy while beholding the pure, fiendish power of her Ivy Blade as it functioned as the nexus in harnessing the energy of the Evil Seed. She can feel the power building up within the weapon, and she knows that any moment now, her snake sword will achieve the peak of magical energy which she needs to resurrect the sinister Captain Cervantes de Leon, whom the Englishwoman believes to be her real father.
Deep inside her spiritual psyche, the femme fatale can hear the resonating voice of the evil pirate.
"You have done well, my sweet daughter. Soon, I will regain the power of the Seed that escaped my being when that impudent meddler Taki dared to challenge my immortality." The menacing voice echoed in her mind, to which the deranged combatant replied with gusto.
"Funny you should mention her, father." The smirking Ivy mumbled. "I would like to ask you for the honor of putting an end to her insolence, and her life as well."
"NO." the vile spirit exclaimed. "Taki is mine. You may do whatever you wish with her body after I'm through rending her wretched soul to pieces. But you may not touch her for as long as life-giving air still flows through her nostrils." Further commanded the soon-to-be resurrected Cervantes.
"With all due respect, my liege." Ivy retorted. "But the warrior whose essence you so eagerly crave may not prove worthy of your grace anymore. I have broken her spirit. I don't believe she can still pose a threat to your glorious reign."
It took some time before the voice in Ivy's head returned with unnerving force.
"Do NOT underestimate the iron will of the Underground Hunter. You haven't faced Taki's wrath the way I have. Her prowess is mine to conquer. Her life is mine alone to purge."
"Why father," the Englishwoman interrupted. "You sound as if you actually dread that bitch's feeble abilities."
"Still your tongue, wench. Lest I draw it out of your brazen mouth and use it to inflict you with all new concepts of pain and torment." The voice blurted out.
The Englishwoman opted to do as she was told, fearful of venting the ire of the demonic pillager to herself. However, she was compelled anew to summon her father's spirit after being reminded of the unfamiliar knights who bolstered the ranks of the Blade Hunters.
"Father, you are aware of the interlopers who now fight alongside our foes."
Again, a long interlude preceded the vile pirate's rejoinder.
"Yes, I am. These warriors are led by a man who calls himself the Batman. Though in my wisdom I sense an appalling greatness in this individual, my faculties are still unable to comprehend his origin or purpose." Was the evil spirit's delayed replication.
"But make no mistake." The cavernous voice supplemented. "They too shall be served in the sumptuous feast of souls I will indulge myself with."
Ivy's trance was abruptly broken when she sensed something that made her stand up in attention. Closing her eyes tight, the lady warrior saw an image in her mind of a quartet of intruders currently making their way though the perimeters of the deserted Spanish seaport. Enhancing her mental perception, Ivy made out the intruders as the Batman, his partners Nightwing and Robin, and the mighty Athenian gladiator Sophitia.
"Father, they come." the alerted maiden recalled her sire's spiritual presence. "But there are only four of them. Taki is missing."
"The Underground Hunter is here as well." Cervantes' voice replied. "The others are serving to draw our attention away from her clandestine intrusion."
"But I will not be made a fool of this charade." The plunderer furthered. "My daughter, have the soul hunters intercept the intruders, while you dispatch your minions to find Taki. They may only engage her in battle as a delaying measure. But they are not to kill her."
"As you wish, father." The Englishwoman replied in full obedience.
----------
"I sense them." Sophitia suddenly exclaimed.
"As do I." The Batman remarked. "They're very near. Prepare yourselves." The Dark Knight further added in warning his team of the looming threat.
And as if in concurrence to the Caped Crusader's perception, the chilly fog partially obscuring the narrow trail of weathered soil suddenly lifted to reveal a multitude of fiendish soul hunters blocking the path leading to the Spanish port. The heroes were taken aback by the sheer number of the undead creatures, which greatly outnumber them by a factor of at least twenty to one. Clearly, Batman thought, Ivy has tasked the full force of the soul hunters to impede their progress. The four of them came to a realization that they're in for the fight of their lives.
Robin threw a glance at Batman, trying to anticipate his partner's next course of action.
"So, Batman, do we like hit em fast and hit em hard?" the Boy Wonder questioned the grim-faced Dark Knight.
"Hey, they don't look so tough." Nightwing sarcastically commented. "Why don't we just mow right through them?" the guardian of Bludhaven furthered, still trying to put levity in crucial situations with his witty albeit inappropriate repartees.
"DO IT!" the Batman ordered, which completely startled the two Boy Wonders. And before they could do anything, their mentor was already charging towards the baneful battalion.
Robin and Nightwing tensed their muscles and dashed forward as well, with the courageous Sophitia right behind them. In an instant, the four were already in the thick of it as they engaged the horde with everything they've got. Fighting in pairs, Robin and Nightwing performed their patented teamwork in immediately laying waste a good number of the soul hunters. Using each other intermittently as either makeshift horse vaults or improvised sling shots, the energetic tandem made sure that not one zombie is able to gain close access to their position. Each one who so much as draws itself three yards in proximity either gets a powerful kick in the head or a staggering clout in the face by Robin's battle rod. Either ways, heads literally rolled as the ferocious duo smashed their way into the zombies' ranks.
Meanwhile Batman and Sophitia attacked the enemies mercilessly on their side of the battlefield. They worked with less teamwork, but the two combatants are so proficient in their trade that they immediately cut down a great number of the soul hunters. Every muscle fiber as taut as steel wire, the Caped Crusader utilized everything in his arsenal to push the enemies back. Each punch thundered like a magnum revolver and each kick exploded with virtual multi-megaton force as the Batman once again displayed the reason why he is known as the deadliest martial artist who ever lived; rivaled by perhaps only one other, and definitely bettered by no one.
Likewise, Sophitia Alexandra is not one to be left behind. Employing unequaled skills in the use of the broad sword and shield, the adroit warrior from Greece detonated like a neutron bomb, pummeling dozens of soul hunters at once with fierce and reverberating blows. Neither of them held back as they relentlessly pressed their assault, both knowing that all it would take is a mere fraction of a second to spell the difference between salvation and oblivion.
At that same moment, the other half of the heroic onslaught is currently under way. With the Korean soldier-warrior Hwang Sung-Kyung leading the siege, the vindictive Huntress; the man-mountain known as Rock; the juvenile warrior girl, Seung Mina; and the self-styled Angel of Vengeance, Azrael are all putting their lives on the line to cut a swath across enemy lines to provide a path for the lady ninja Taki who's trying to make her way through the evil pirate's stronghold. Ferocious and unrelenting, the Japanese warrior complemented the gallant efforts of the five who were protecting her, as they ran roughshod over the mindless soul hunters like so much butter being sliced by a red-hot knife.
Eventually, the Underground Hunter found herself on a wide platform that serves as the docking area of the gargantuan Spanish galleon. All of the sudden, she's alone and wondering what happened to the undead creatures previously blocking her path. Realizing that this is the calm before the raging storm, Taki clutched her two swords tight and prepared herself for an even more intense battle.
"My dear Taki," a mocking voice echoed through the air. "how exquisite of you to come here for a rematch. Won't you indulge me now, adversary?"
"Ivy, you coward." Taki angrily shot back. "Show yourself!"
"As you wish, adversary." Ivy's voice echoed, which heralded the entrance of the scantily-clothed English fighter bearing a large sword which appears too heavy even for a strong woman like herself to carry.
"But I resent that coward remark, and I'm going to show you how much."
Taki's eyes opened in disbelief after recognizing the familiar weapon held by her opponent.
"That's that's the Zweihander..! What in blazes are you doing with Siegfried's weapon?" the baffled ninja questioned her grinning enemy.
"Oh nothing. I just thought I'd relieve the poor boy of his heavy sword. He just couldn't handle it if it was conceived with him in his mother's wretched womb." The vile Englishwoman replied with a snide tone.
"Anyway, enough talk." Ivy quickly added. "Why don't we just proceed with the encore to our little scrimmage?" the vile woman challenged the lady ninja as she raises the huge blade in assuming a battle stance.
"You know," Taki countered. "I really would love to oblige, but I have a much pressing business to attend to. But don't worry, Ivy. I'm not leaving you here empty-handed."
And with that, what was once one became six, as Taki was quickly joined by her companions who had just managed to crush the soul hunter detachment they were battling earlier. Ivy raised an eyebrow at the sight of the familiar Rock, Hwang and Seung Mina, joined by the unknown figures of the Huntress and Azrael.
"I'm leaving you with some friends. They'll keep you company until well maybe until you breathe your last." The Underground Hunter remarked sarcastically, taking her turn at ridiculing the Englishwoman.
Mildly surprised by the unexpected participation of the three other Blade Hunters and their two future-bound compatriots, the Englishwoman nevertheless regained her composure.
"Taki my dear, you've really disappointed me this time. This is a private party. We don't need all these gate crashers to spoil our fun."
"Oh goody! Let's have some fun!" Seung Mina mockingly blurted out. "Let's see who can cut the largest piece off this raving lunatic."
Ivy's face suddenly turned red with anger. Even during the second quest, the teenaged blade fighter from the Korean peninsula has always got the Englishwoman's number. Seung Mina perennially succeeds in doing the one thing that perhaps no other individual has ever done: make Ivy lose her temper.
And this instance is not an exception, as the crass and insulting remark uttered by the youthful combatant unleashed the vengeful indignation of the demented dame. Ivy subsequently turned a furious visage towards her opponents.
"You have insulted my being for the last time, Seung Mina. And you will pay for your insolence with your own life and of those who stand beside you, as well as everyone else you hold dear."
The formidable five didn't look even half scared at the Englishwoman's threat. However, Ivy's subsequent transformation totally mystified the quintet. Bellowing an unearthly, guttural cry, the enraged lady gladiator displayed yet another facet of her supernatural powers – as her body momentarily turned translucent before multiplying itself into five identical Ivy figures. The astonished heroes then realized the immense gravity of the threat they now face in the person of the evidently demon-possessed British warrior.
"I am Isabella Valentine, daughter and humble servant of the magnificent Captain Cervantes de Leon." Echoed the sepulchral voice of the demonized gladiator. "You have come to kill my father. Prepare to die."
At that very moment, the fearless Taki has just weathered the assault of a dozen more soul hunters, and is now preparing to board the eerie-looking galleon where the anomalous light display of the Evil Seed is emanating from. Utilizing the full strength of her strong and supple legs, the lady ninja pushed hard against the damp wooden scaffold, catapulting herself high up into the air where she executed an extremely graceful and athletic quintuple back flip that would put to shame the greatest gymnasts and acrobats who ever lived. She hardly made a sound as her spectacular aerial stunt culminated with a noiseless and stealthy landing, which barely disturbed the thick layer of dust covering the mahogany floor of the medieval vessel's upper platform.
"Impressive! Couldn't have done it better myself." A familiar voice emanated from the background. The startled Taki lifted her head up to sight of the evil Ivy standing in front of her with all the effrontery of an aspiring world conqueror.
"Ivy? How could did you get here so fast?" the bewildered Japanese warrior cried out.
"What are you talking about? I've been staying on this very spot for the last ten hours." Snapped back the platinum-crowned femme fatale, feigning the impression of someone who had just been reminded of a forgotten instance. "Oh, you must have run into my exquisite Ivy stand-ins. Don't you just love what the power of the Evil Seed can do to you?"
"No, not while it can turn a lunatic sword fighter like yourself into a powerful, lunatic sword fighter like yourself." The lady ninja taunted the Englishwoman. However, Taki's smug behavior was instantaneously replaced by perturbation when she noticed the relic held tight by her enemy's right hand.
"By the gods!" Taki muttered in consternation. "The Soul Edge!"
"You sound scared, adversary." Ivy snapped at Taki. "And you haven't seen half of the show yet."
At that point, the wicked British warrior raised the dreaded demon sword high up in the air, pointing its sharp end towards the heavens as its wielder began to exclaim a series of unintelligible chants. Ivy concluded her litany with a dreadful and booming cry that made Taki's hairs stand on ends.
"CAPTAIN CERVANTES DE LEON, RULER OF ALL CREATION, I CALL THEE FORTH! COME AND TAKE THY BOUNTY!"
"Heaven help us," the Underground Hunter mumbled in utter terror. "We're too late!"
As far as he can recall, this is perhaps the most grueling and physically exhausting campaign the enigmatic Batman has ever undertaken since the time he pushed himself to the limit of his endurance in trying to round up the Arkham escapees freed by Bane right before that incident when the Dark Knight's body and spirit was literally broken by the former Penaduro inmate. Together with his three allies, the Caped Crusader has already laid waste a great number of soul hunters who were trying to impede their efforts of laying siege on the diabolical pirate's sinister fortress. But the arduous task of battling nearly a hundred nigh-invincible and mindless zombies had taken its toll on the Batman's endurance, and that of his confederates as well. Finding themselves pinned against a cluster of boulders, the four fatigued warriors regroup for one final stand.
"I'm tired." Sophitia gasped. "I don't think we can pull this off, Batman."
"Yes, we can, Sophitia." The Dark Knight resolutely replied, his iron will simply refusing to allow his worn out body to quit.
Robin and Nightwing didn't say a word, though they too are also feeling the near depletion of their energies. This won't be the first time that the limits of their stamina were put to the test by their mentor while facing seemingly insurmountable odds. They remember only too clearly the countless times when the Batman didn't allow them to quit when the going got too tough; a stubborn exertion that in the end consistently proved to be the difference between life and death. And the two Boy Wonders do not consider this particular event an exception by any manner of consideration. Nightwing and Robin may be nearing the point of total exhaustion, but they have complete faith in the Batman's ability to lead them through this crisis.
But it seems providence has a different idea in making the heroes prevail over this adversity. From behind the ranks of the soul hunters, a ferocious battle roar pierced through the eerie groans of the atrocious creatures. The ever alert Sophitia heard the battle cry, which elicited a sigh of gratitude from the embattled Athenian.
"Hephaestus be blessed." Sophitia exclaimed in utter reprieve. "Mitsurugi changed his mind!"
The mighty samurai emerged from the woods with forceful vengeance, and wasted no time in engaging the undead creatures in battle. Sophitia was about to rejoin the melee when she noticed the warrior fighting alongside the erstwhile indifference-plagued Japanese mercenary. The Hellenic maiden was stunned to see the fierce Li Long, alive and well, and utilizing his unmatched nunchaku prowess in pummeling the enemies to the ground.
Meanwhile, despite his overwhelming fatigue, Nightwing can't help but be amused by the redundant situation.
"Man, this is starting to become a habit. How many times do you think we'll get ourselves rescued while trapped by zombies against a big rock?"
Taking advantage of their second wind, the four weary combatants struck back against the vile denizen with renewed strength and determination, fueled partly by the unexpected yet encouraging involvement of the samurai fighter Mitsurugi and the nunchaku warrior Li Long. The struggle still didn't come any easier, but the reinforced ranks of the heroes began to gradually take the upper hand in this epic battle. Pretty soon, all six of them stood victorious amidst the littered and lifeless bodies of dozens of twitching soul hunters. Sophitia smiled at Mitsurugi when their gazes met each other's.
"Sophitia, I" Mitsurugi meekly began to speak to the Greek gladiator, a humble gesture quickly recognized by the astute woman.
"No, Mitsurugi." Sophitia gently replied. "No apologies. What matters now is your here and your friend" the Athenian's speech faded as her perplexed impression drifts to the apparently resurrected Chinese gladiator. Li Long merely grinned at the puzzled Sophitia when he saw her gawking at him.
All of the sudden, a tremendous explosion drew the attention of the six heroes towards the location of the platform where the evil pirate's galleon is docked. The sight that met them reeked with pure and unadulterated mystic malevolence: a huge, glowing ball of energy emerging from the waters of the Spanish port. Crackling with intense magical powers, the terrible sphere hovered over the galleon and peppered the night air with turbulent mystic lightning which burned or blew up everything it touched.
"Get down!" Batman hollered as a barrage of mystic lightning crackled towards their location. The others barely had time to react before being nearly hit by the lethal cannonade. One lightning bolt managed to strike a tree, which crashed violently to the ground merely inches away from where Robin lay.
It didn't take long before the lightning fusillade ceased. However, the atmosphere was disturbed anew by a deafening laughter that seemed to originate from inside the malevolent globe. This was followed by a booming utterance that completely horrified the wide-eyed Blade Hunters.
"OFFER ME YOUR SOULS!" The deep, demonic voice resonated through the void.
"No!" the terrified Sophitia blurted out. "We're too late! CERVANTES HAS RISEN!"
"We're prepared for this contingency." The Batman firmly exclaimed. "And we've no time to lose. Let's move!"
The globe of mystic fire momentarily floated over the top of the upper platform before settling down right in front of the two women warriors. While it did, there is no measuring the pure joy written on the face of the baneful Ivy. On the other hand, Taki's face is almost devoid of emotions, as opposed to the sheer terror she feels in her heart while witnessing the sphere collapsing into itself to reveal the dreadful figure of the resurrected demon-man, the immortal pirate Captain Cervantes.
Eyes crackling with unearthly power, the evil Cervantes trained his menacing gaze first towards the woman who calls him father, and then slowly turns it in the direction of the embattled lady ninja. Meeting the eyes of the one soul who actually dealt him his only defeat, the pirate smiled contemptuously at his adversary.
Taki can feel the pure evil being exuded by Cervantes' glare. And all of the sudden, the brave warrior became gripped with doubt if she would actually survive this battle or not. She held on to both Mekki-maru and Rekki-maru as tight as she could, as if her life depended on them.
Cervantes lifted his immense arms toward Ivy, who released the hold she has on the evil sword. The Soul Edge then mystically lifted itself off from the ground and levitated towards its original master. Upon taking hold of the familiar weapon, the depraved demon-man cried out in revelry, invoking hundreds of lightning bolts which sliced the darkness of the night like some eerie display of Hadean celebration. It was as if all the demonic forces in the world convened to that single point to witness in jubilation the return of the most powerful and most wicked wielder of the despicable sword.
"Feel it!" Cervantes screamed. "Feel my power!!!"
Turning his attention to the lady ninja, Cervantes vengefully pointed the Soul Edge towards her as he lashed on Taki with a fury that could have conjured a thousand hurricanes.
"And YOU have the temerity to challenge my immortality?!? YOU who knew of this power?!?"
"This is it." Taki thought to herself while heaving a deep breath to calm her otherwise turbulent nerves. And as if in defiance to the rampageous pseudo-deity, the lady ninja unsheathed her shimmering blades and brandished them in front of her hellish foe.
"I defy you, Cervantes." the lady ninja confidently declared. "I am Taki, the Underground Hunter. Scourge of the vile spirits. And to me, you're just another ghost in need of purging."
"Then you DIE, impudent one." the furious Cervantes exclaimed while lifting the evil Soul Edge aloft.
"No one needs to die tonight, demon." A voice echoed from behind them. The two combatants were equally surprised to see the figure of Li Long standing alongside the rest of the heroes who had just arrived.
"Well, no one but you, I suppose." The smug Chinese quipped.
"H how could this be possible?" the confounded Cervantes muttered. "I killed you with my own hands"
"Surprised, old foe? You're not the only one who can come back from the dead, you know." The brave nunchaku fighter shot back as he pulls his deadly Twin Thunder out of its harness. "How about it, Cervantes. One resurrection man versus another resurrection man, winner takes all."
"Li Long, no!" Taki interrupted. "This is my fight. Don't get in my way."
The Chinese warrior simply smiled at the Japanese ninja. "Hey, Taki. Chie sends her regards, by the way. Do drop by for a visit someday if ever we all live through this."
Regaining his composure, the wretched pillager raised his sword anew above his head as he threatened to swing on the two warriors.
"I killed you before, Li Long. There's no reason why I can't do so again!" Cervantes cried out while lunging violently against the pair of Blade Hunters.
Taki instinctively made a quick somersault to avoid the bladed juggernaut hurtling towards them. But Li Long wasn't as fortunate. As he has not exactly regained his full fighting form, the Chinese combatant wasn't quick enough to dodge Cervantes' attack. He bellowed a tortured cry when the sharp blade sliced a gash across his shoulder.
"Oh no you don't!" Mitsurugi and Sophitia yelled in unison. Weapons gripped tight, the two Blade Hunters simultaneously attacked the pirate with nerve-staggering blows that sent Cervantes reeling back. And before he could pick himself up, the immortal plunderer was jolted anew by a series of thundering kicks in the head and body when Batman, Robin and Nightwing followed suit in the assault.
"AAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH" Cervantes screamed in enraged frustration. "YOU WILL ALL DIE FOR THIS!!!"
"Shut up!" Batman quipped before landing a staggering straight square on the pirate's face, sending him tumbling across the wide upper platform of the galleon.
"THOOM! Oh my that has got to hurt!" Robin yelled in delight even as the Blade Hunters surround the stunned Cervantes.
Suddenly, a bright flash of light burst out from the crouched demon-man. Everyone was caught unawares as the light explosion rendered them temporarily blind. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Cervantes got up and delivered a reverberating blow that sent everyone crashing against the platform railings. Batman, Robin and Li Long hit their heads hard against the wooden pillars, knocking them out. Mitsurugi tried to grope for his katana but instead met the pirate's fist on his head which likewise rendered the mercenary unconscious. Sophitia, on the other hand, struggled to get up on her feet, but a powerful kick by the pirate sent her flying off the platform, landing hard on the ship's lower deck with a loud thud. Pain enveloped the Athenian warrior's body as it convulsed uncontrollably on the dusty scaffold.
Still fuming with unparalleled hate, the vengeful Cervantes turned his ire once more to the fallen lady ninja. Taki tried to resist as Cervantes grabbed her on the neck, but she was just too dazed to put up a decent struggle. The pirate held her aloft for a few moments, after which he hurled her against the ship's mast, splintering the wooden pole when Taki's head collided against it's partially metallic trunk. It didn't exactly knock her out of consciousness, but the pitiful Japanese maiden started to throw up because of the immense pain throbbing in her cranium.
And as if enjoying the moment, the amoral Cervantes leisurely strolled towards the poor Taki. Taking hold of her lush, pitch black hair, the pirate dragged her limp body across the upper deck. And upon reaching the center of the structure, he effortlessly lifted her up once more. Taki appeared like a rag doll as Cervantes hoisted her aloft by her pony-tailed locks.
"These proceedings has grown to be quite tiresome. I know you see it the same way, too." The pirate crassly remarked. "Be grateful, for I now relieve you of your frail and useless life." Cervantes further added even as he positions the dreadful Soul Edge horizontally against Taki's neck, intent on slicing her head off her crimson silk-clad body.
Lifting his aching head off the filthy wooden surface, Nightwing caught sight of the evil pirate who was about to exact the telling blow to murder the lady ninja. In his frantic impulse to save the life of the woman he holds dear, the weakened crimefighter mustered all his remaining strength to push himself up from the floor. Feeling a sudden surge of adrenalin, Nightwing charged headlong towards Cervantes, bellowing a desperate roar as he rammed his body against the immortal foe, knocking both him and the unconscious Taki down.
Wobbling up on his feet once more, the enraged Nightwing faced the murderous demon-man even as he felt the blood trickling from his mouth.
"You will NOT HURT HER!"
"Boy, you have no idea who you're dealing with." Cervantes shot back, his eyes sizzling with infernal heat.
And before the Bludhaven guardian could do anything, a beam of crimson light exploded from Cervantes' eyes, hitting Nightwing on the abdomen. The hellfire salvo penetrated the frail body of the embattled hero and eventually emerged from his lower back together with a glob of his own blood.
"RRRRGGGGHHHHHH" Nightwing cried out from the incredible pain before collapsing down on the platform. The beam that Cervantes shot him with punched a searing hole right through Nightwing's abdominal area. And in that gruesome moment, all Dick Grayson could feel is immense torment coupled with cold-faced fear as he realized the seriousness of his condition. Nightwing knew right then that he could die any moment.
Ever vindictive, the vile pirate slowly walked towards the fallen crimefighter. Just when he was upon his helpless enemy, Cervantes heard another voice from behind him.
"Leave the boy alone." The deep and raspy voice of the Batman reverberated.
Turning to the enigmatic Dark Knight, the pirate marveled at the insolence he displayed.
"You hope to succeed where your comrades have already failed? You are so undone, Batman!" Cervantes lashed at the resolute Caped Crusader.
Flashing his patented, frightful poker face, the Batman stared at the evil plunderer with cold, piercing eyes.
"I would have just played a secondary role in helping these warriors vanquish the threat you pose." Batman uttered fearlessly. "But now it's become personal. Now, I'm going to take you down myself."
Cervantes was about to lunge on the defiant Dark Knight, but instead he felt a strong impact on his face as Batman came up with a surprising burst of speed, landing a crushing heel that the vile foe didn't even see coming. Stunned by his opponent's lightning attack, the demon-man quickly retaliated with a forceful swing, which Batman somersaulted away from.
Realizing that the enemy is too formidable with his sword, the Caped Crusader rolled away from him even as he grabs the mighty Omega sword lying on the floor. Sophitia's weapon in hand, the Batman faced Cervantes anew, muscles tensing and mind racing with unmatched alertness as he tries to anticipate the vile pirate's next move. Mystical metals clashed violently against each other as Batman deflects Cervantes' lunges at him. The loud metallic reverberations echoed through the malevolent night air while the two combatants battled fiercely. Eventually, the immense noise of combat roused the other unconscious heroes, who witnessed in awe the epic battle between the demonic pillager and the fearless Dark Knight.
Finding his katana sprawled beside him, Mitsurugi tried to join in the action. He was however prevented to engage by the Boy Wonder.
"But we must help Batman!" the samurai protested.
"No, Mitsurugi. You'll only get in his way." Robin assuaged the anxious mercenary. "Watch him work"
Cervantes ferociously followed each swing and each lunge with even more violent attacks, which the Batman skillfully fends off every time. Eventually, the Dark Knight recognized the frustration beginning to set in over his adversary.
"You're getting desperate." Batman mocked the pirate. "Don't get clumsy on me."
The pirate almost blew his head off in utter rage and hate after hearing his opponent's scornful remark.
"AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!" Cervantes cried out. "DIE, YOU HATEFUL WORM!!!"
This is the moment the clever Caped Crusader was waiting for. As the crazed pirate recklessly swung the Soul Edge at him, Batman deftly eluded the lethal blow with a quick crouching pivot. His maneuver was followed by a swift leg swipe that knocked Cervantes' feet off the mahogany surface and sent him tumbling uncontrollably into the air. And even before the demon-man hit the floor, Batman was already up on his feet and spinning like a top, landing a devastating reverse roundhouse on the air-born plunderer. The force of the Dark Knight's kick sent Cervantes crashing head first on the platform with a loud cracking sound when the tremendous impact broke the pirate's neck.
Li Long gasped upon witnessing the spectacular move executed by the crimefighter. "He knows the Spinning Top maneuver!" the Chinese warrior marveled at the Batman's adeptness in the particular fighting move. "Who is this man?"
Even though his neck bones are already shattered, the demonic Cervantes still struggled stubbornly to continue the battle. However, the Batman is intent on ending it once and for all. Gripping the nigh-invincible Omega sword tight, he poured all his strength in one final swing that struck the Soul Edge with such devastating force that it was instantly shattered into a myriad of smaller pieces. The Blade Hunters' mouths were agape upon witnessing the destruction of the evil sword, which reverted to its original Ivy blade form after it lost the demonic essence of the Evil Seed that previously transformed it into the Soul Edge.
"He he did it" Mitsurugi muttered.
Batman then let the Omega sword fall off his hands, after which he turned his attention to the awestruck mercenary.
"It's over, Mitsurugi." Batman remarked. "You wish to see the pirate dead? Do it yourself. I don't want to take part in it anymore." He sullenly added.
"He's not really alive anymore to begin with." The limping and bloodied Sophitia interrupted. "By delivering the death blow, we won't be committing murder by killing a man who's already dead."
Their solemn musing was interrupted anew by the chilling and sinister voice of the debilitated demon-man.
"You dolts. You cannot kill me!"
The heroes turned at the grotesque form of the hideous monster to which the evil pirate metamorphosed. Bellowing a monstrous groan, Cervantes twitched and convulsed while his outer skin shed itself off to reveal the smoldering flesh beneath it. The pirate's head was itself engulfed by flames, burning everything on it to leave the gruesome figure of a smirking skull covered by hellfire.
The stupefied heroes were even more startled when the unearthly screams of the Englishwoman Ivy tore through the turbulent milieu. The Blade Hunters turned to see the tormented warrior grimacing in pure agony, as if her life essence is being forcibly squeezed out from her. Sophitia then realized what's causing this new turn of events.
"He's absorbing Ivy's power!" blurted out the Athenian gladiator. "Cervantes is absorbing all traces of the Evil Seed to reenergize himself!"
At that same moment, the party composed of Rock, Huntress, Seung Mina, Hwang and Azrael were still engaged in fierce battle against the powerful Ivy dopplegangers. They were likewise startled when the magical clones suddenly doubled up in pain, and subsequently faded from existence.
"What happened here?" the perplexed Huntress echoed in search for an explanation to the baffling episode.
"I'm not sure" Hwang replied. "But I think we'll find the answer over there." The Korean defense commander followed up as he points toward the Spanish galleon Adrian, where a melange of supernatural fireworks is erupting from. The quintet wasted no time and immediately dashed toward the place which is to be the final battlefield to decide this momentous conflict between good and evil.
They were just getting ready to board the ancient vessel when they heard a fear-inspiring resonance that the Blade Hunters thought could only come from one individual.
"I don't need the damnable Soul Edge!" The transformed demon-man cried out. "I AM INFERNO! THE POWER IS NOW IN ME!!!"
Rampaging with immeasurable rage, Inferno began firing salvo after salvo of powerful magical blasts towards his hated opponents. Scattered by the relentless bombardment like cornered rats, the heroes frantically scampered to find cover for protection against the deadly hail of crimson hellfire, leaving the wretched demon-monster shooting his energy blasts randomly throughout the Adrian.
Amidst the raging fire spawned by Inferno's rampage, he caught sight of the unconscious figures of Nightwing and Taki lying beside each other, to which the baneful creature turned his ire on.
"NO!" Sophitia screamed when she saw Inferno aiming his smoldering arms on the helpless pair, ready to blast them into oblivion. In a desperate move to save her friends' lives, the furious Greek warrior frenziedly hurled her Elk shield. The mystic weapon zoomed towards the diabolical monster with deadly accuracy, connecting with a devastating impact that instantly cut off Inferno's left arm. The demon-monster howled out of the indescribable agony even as his severed appendage fell limp on the dusty platform and began to melt into nothingness.
The Batman then sustained the pressure of their attack by pouncing on the vile creature from behind. But Inferno was just too strong, as he easily shook the stubborn crimefighter off him and effortlessly flung his foe away. Only Batman's superb reflexes saved him from serious injury by instinctively correcting his awkward aerial position, enabling him to land on his two feet.
But before the Caped Crusader could stage another assault, Inferno angrily slammed his remaining arm against the hardwood platform. The immense force of the blow caused the upper platform to collapse, sending the two stalwart combatants down to the galleon's navigation room.
Rattled by the violent fall, Batman tried to shake off his dizziness, unaware of the enraged Inferno who was by that time already upon him. Before the Dark Knight could react, Inferno has already taken hold of him by the neck, and begun squeezing the life out of him. His eyes began to turn hazy, as the Batman groped for whatever gulp of air he can muster despite being lynched by the powerful demon-monster.
"Beg for mercy, Batman!" Inferno derided the gasping crimefighter. "I may reconsider. But then, I may not, since I don't have a heart to grant mercy! HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!"
The embattled Caped Crusader can barely hear Inferno's rambunctious laughter, as his hearing is already becoming impaired due to the immense pressure of the demon-monster's powerful grip, steadily tightening its squeeze around his neck. He was about to drift out of consciousness from asphyxiation when Batman suddenly heard Taki's voice in his head, echoing the words the lady ninja voiced out during that vital conference they had the day before.
"One blow to destroy Soul Edge, and another stab into Cervantes' heart." Taki's voice resonated within the Dark Knight's clouded memory.
"The M Mekki-maru" Batman struggled. Summoning the last of his energies, he folded his legs in between himself and the sinister demonic creature. Pushing hard against his tormentor, Batman was able to free himself from the deadly clutches of Inferno. Barely taking time to catch his nearly depleted breath, the desperate Caped Crusader frantically looked around in search of Taki's short sword.
"Here!" Batman heard someone exclaim. Turning towards the direction of the voice, he saw the struggling Taki looking down from the ceiling of the navigation room, clutching the Mekki-maru sword and getting set to toss it to him.
"Stab him in the heart!" the lady ninja instructed while throwing the weapon over to the crimefighter.
In one swift move, the lightning-quick Dark Knight caught the blade in mid-air while simultaneously connecting with another kick on Inferno, sending the demon-monster sprawling towards the other end of the chamber. The Batman didn't give an inch to the enemy anymore, rushing at Inferno with everything he's got to end the demon-monster's threat once and for all.
And in one decisive moment, the world seemed to have stood still, as the mystical Mekki-maru penetrated Inferno's chest, eliciting a horrid scream from the evil creature. The Batman watched intently as his demonic adversary writhed in agony, then slowly ceased moving until there was nothing left but a still body reeking with the acrid smell of sulfur and brimstone. When Inferno's form finally stopped moving, the Batman suddenly felt tired, as the aches and pains in his battered anatomy began to manifest themselves.
Thinking the danger over, the exhausted Caped Crusader turned his back to his immobile foe. But then, he felt a sharp blow jolt the base of his aching neck. Stunned by the unexpected attack, the Batman nevertheless managed to turn his head to the sight of Inferno effortlessly lifting himself off the floor. Throwing a derisive glance at the mystical blade imbedded deep in his chest, the demon-monster pulled off the relic like it was nothing, and then slowly made his way toward the cornered Caped Crusader.
"Oh no!" Batman exclaimed in his mind. "The Mekki-maru didn't kill him!"
The embattled crimefighter tried to get up even as Inferno draws closer to him. And just when the demon-monster was about to pummel Batman with a fatal blow, the lady ninja jumped on top of the hellish creature and attempted to lock her arms around his burning neck.
"Aaaahhhhhhh!!!" Taki cried out as Inferno's searing flesh burned her skin. But the contumacious Underground Hunter ignored the pain in her raging effort to pull Inferno's head off his body. However, the vile monstrosity was unfazed, grabbing the desperate ninja and pulling her away from him in one swift maneuver.
Slamming on the hold he previously had her on while he was still in the form of Cervantes, Inferno held Taki aloft by her hair again, intending to skewer her body with a sharp metal spike protruding from the upper scaffolding's support columns. Batman tried to rescue Taki from certain death, only to be met by a backhand blow that sent the crimefighter crashing against the wall. As he landed hard on the teak flooring, Batman started to throw up from the debilitating pain that was overwhelming his badly-bruised body.
Feigning a curious scrutiny of his intended victim, Inferno spoke to Taki for what he arrogantly believes as the last time.
"All you ever had before was pure luck when you managed to defeat me, Underground Hunter. But luck does not hold out forever, as you are about to find out." Inferno brazenly echoed.
All hope seemed lost, as Batman helplessly watched the evil demon-monster approach the broken support columns while dragging the weakened Taki on the floor littered with sharp wooden splinters and jagged shards of shattered glass. He wanted desperately to rush to her rescue one more time, even if it could spell his own demise. But his body just wouldn't comply with his mind's commands anymore.
Just then, the Dark Knight's detective aptitude suddenly kicked in, as he remembered the remark uttered by Inferno a couple of minutes ago.
"But then, I may not, since I don't have a heart to grant mercy"
Then it dawned on the Dark Knight Detective: what if Inferno wasn't speaking metaphorically? What if he literally meant that he doesn't have a heart? Not in his body, anyway. Recalling a case he handled a long time ago, the enigmatic Dark Knight tried to find an anomalous element that might serve as the key to defeating the atrocious demon entity.
"A-HA!" Batman blurted out in his mind. Not far away from where he lay, the huge medieval compass which served as the main navigational tool for the sea-going vessel is sprawled face-first to the floor. Feeling a surge of renewed strength, Batman quickly grabbed the device. His bloodied lips formed a sinister grin upon looking at the spontaneously spinning red pointer arrow inside the navigational gadget. And the irregular rate of the rotation coincides with the calculated fluctuations of a proverbially excited heartbeat.
"You definitely picked the wrong man to mess with, Inferno." Batman burst out in calling the attention of the demonic creature who was about to murder the lady ninja.
Turning around, the revolting demon-monster was horrified upon seeing Batman with the compass clutched in his right arm and the Mekki-maru held by his left hand. The phosphorescent sword is aimed directly at the center of the direction-giving gadget.
"NO!!!" Inferno uttered in panic. "Not that! Let go of the compass!"
"Sorry." Batman mocked Inferno. "Unfortunately for you, someone else already tried to pull this trick against me. Of course, it didn't work."
And with that, the Dark Knight pushed the cabalistic weapon hard against the compass. As the cold steel blade of Mekki-maru penetrated the device, a frightening wail emanated from it, which was quickly followed by a stream of dark-red blood that oozed freely from the center of the compass and trickled down to the floor, where it sizzled and vaporized upon contact to the hardwood.
At the same moment, Inferno suddenly froze, unmoving as a statue and silent as a solitary shrub. The flames engulfing his head was instantaneously extinguished at the same time that his rotten flesh began to melt like cheap candle wax.
"Fuma kanryo." Taki exhaustedly mumbled as she witnessed the demon-monster being reduced to a puddle of harmless fluid, which subsequently hissed and volatized until finally, there was nothing left of the evil Inferno.
----------
A few moments later, all the exhausted yet relieved Blade Hunters gather together around the badly injured Nightwing, who was being cradled like a son by his mentor and friend. The Batman's voice was inaudible to everyone except his former partner who was gasping desperately to stay conscious.
"Dick you're lucky that no vital organs were hit." Batman assuaged Nightwing. "But we have to go back to our time. There's no way this era's technology can provide the necessary medical attention for you."
"Uh I guess this is a shut-out" Nightwing laboriously replied.
Their sullen congregation was interrupted when a flash of light appeared right beside the fallen crimefighter. The light formation, which was really a manifestation of a time warp, slowly died down to reveal the form of the Waverider, who had come to transport the Batman and his allies back to the 20th century.
The Blade Hunters drew their weapons at the sight of the Linear Man. They were nevertheless quickly pacified by Azrael.
"No." the Agent of the Bat interjected. "He's a friend."
Though trusting their newfound ally enough to hold their aggression back, Mitsurugi and his cohorts nevertheless gazed at the time guardian with anxious alacrity as he quietly approached the Dark Knight.
"It's time to go back, Batman." Waverider told the Caped Crusader, who didn't say a word apart from his nod of agreement to the Linear Man's statement.
Sensing what is about to transpire, Taki quickly ran to Nightwing's side. To hell with her life, Taki exclaimed in her mind. She will no longer keep her feelings imprisoned in a cage of doubt.
"You you're leaving?" Taki earnestly asked Nightwing.
"We have to, Taki." Batman intermitted. "Nightwing will die if we stay here."
With tears already starting to well from her eyes, Taki just nodded her head to the Batman. Looking at the saddened pair, the Caped Crusader opted to give the two some degree of privacy. The others followed suit, taking a couple of steps back to go just beyond earshot.
"Taki" Nightwing whispered as he lifted his hand to caress the soft face of the lady ninja. She subsequently took his hand and pressed it tenderly against her cheek. Her tears were already flowing down her face when she began to speak with a broken voice.
"T take me with you..?" The weeping Taki pleaded to Nightwing.
He didn't answer, opting to express his silent grief by holding her hand and planting a soft and tender kiss on it. Taki easily understood Nightwing's silence. And even though she feels her heart being torn asunder by the thought of not seeing him again, the Underground Hunter decided to offer her beloved the one thing that showed him the power of her love: sacrifice.
"I understand." The lady ninja muttered while forcing a smile on her lips.
Straightening the woolen cloth wrapped around Nightwing's wound, Taki affectionately kissed him on the forehead before staring at his gentle visage for the last time.
"Just don't forget me, okay?" she softly whispered to Nightwing, after which she turned her anguished face away.
Taki was still facing away when she saw her own shadow being cast momentarily by the flash of light that signified the departure of the future-bound crimefighters. The light disappeared just as quickly as it arose, leaving the melancholic ninja behind, with nothing but regret in her heart for not having shown her feelings for Nightwing. He'd still have left, she realizes. But at least she would have some semblance of memories to hold on to.
"Will Taki be alright? I feel so sorry for her." Seung Mina expressed concern over the sorrowful ninja while conferencing with the Greek maiden.
"Don't worry about her." Sophitia retorted. "She's a fighter just like all of us. She can pull through this But let this be a lesson to you, Mina." The wise Hellenic warrior added, which elicited a pout from the wondering Korean lass.
"Me? Why me?" Seung Mina snapped back quizzically.
"Let's just say you'll never realize what you have until you lose it." The Athenian fighter remarked while throwing a glance at the gallant Hwang, who was then congregating with Rock, Li Long and Mitsurugi.
"Don't worry," the grinning Mina retorted. "His time will come."
"Well, I guess this is when we all go our separate ways again." Hwang Sung-Kyung remarked to his fellow Blade Hunters.
"Or maybe not, my friend." Li Long surmised. "Me and my good samurai buddy here still have a few jars of fine rice wine to down. Why don't you join us?"
"Whoa! I'll hold you to that, Long." The delighted Mitsurugi shot back at his Chinese cohort.
"Hmm well maybe I can take on you guys for a shot or two. But no alcohol for my young friend, okay?" Hwang cheerfully complied.
"Sorry that I have to pass, guys." The man-mountain, Rock declined. "There's still so much I need to do with Ivy. She's been through a lot of needless tribulations, and she's going to need all the help she can get. And there's also the matter of my sick ward which reminds me, I need to talk to Tak"
Rock was interrupted in mid-statement when the lady ninja walked up to him with Mekki-maru in her hands.
"Rock, I believe you need this to cure Bangoo." Taki exclaimed while giving her weapon to the American warrior. Rock threw a beholden gaze upon the Japanese warrior maiden while accepting the sword.
"Thank you, Taki. I'll never forget this." Rock expressed his gratitude for the lady ninja's generosity. "And oh, don't worry. I'll get this back to you in one piece."
"If you don't mind, Rock," Taki softly retorted. "As soon as you're done with Mekki-maru, I would like you to destroy her." was her request that slightly confused everyone.
"I I don't think I follow." The perplexed giant shot back.
But the Underground Hunter has already turned her back, opting to walk away from her fellow Blade Hunters who sympathetically fixed their eyes at her. Taki stopped a few yards away from her compatriots, and turned her attention toward the ball of light emerging from the eastern horizon, heralding in the start of another morning. The dawn of a new day brought Taki to an ultimate decision that, for some reason, felt immensely right for her.
"Time to find myself a new path in life"