Reticence Saga
Severed Web
Chapter 30: Simeria
"Hey there, true believers. I'm still traveling through the multiverse, but this time I'm doing it in style. No helpless tumbling through wormholes. Now I'm doing it in a spaceship designed to- Ack, stop...need...air..."
Matt looked over, snapping, "NegaMorph, stop choking the timeline specific who won't stop narrating. That's why we have the duct tape."
"I can't take it anymore! Every single day! Does he think he's running his own sit-com?!" snapped NegaMorph.
Chloe nodded. "It is sorta annoying, Parker," she said a little sympathetically.
"But it's part of my charm," said Spider-Man.
"Who's it charming for?" snapped NegaMorph, "The audience who watches your life?"
Matt paused. "Oh Lord, I hope the answer to that isn't yes," he muttered weakly.
"It would be tolerable if he did it properly," said NegaMorph.
"What's wrong with the way I narrate?" asked Spider-Man,
"You have to needlessly remind the 'audience' of who people are and events that have happened before. Do you have to treat everyone like they've never seen your 'show' before?" griped NegaMorph, "If I was doing the narrating, I'd be doing it the right way. It'd be proper storytelling, not reiterating summaries."
"NegaMorph...you do realize what comments like that do, right?" said Matt.
NegaMorph gulped, wincing in apprehension before he said hopefully, "Ok...maybe they didn't hear?" before the ship began to shake slightly.
"Was that turbulence?" asked Spider-Man.
"How could turbulence work in a vacuum?" asked Chloe.
"I was hoping someone could answer that because anything else is probably worse," said Spider-Man.
The shaking, meanwhile, was getting worse, now easily felt before an emergency klaxon began to sound. "Alert...subspace wave incoming...brace for impact," said the computer, Matt, Chloe, and everyone looking out the viewer to see that the wormhole wall ahead of curving up, the space above rapidly flattening.
"What am I seeing and should I be covering my eyes?" asked Spider-Man.
"Destabilization, hold on!" yelled Matt over the siren, curving the ship up towards the hole. The ship barely squeezed through, the top tail catching the wormhole wall and the group being shook.
"Temporal destabilization...analyzing." said the computer.
"That sounds bad," said Spider-Man.
"Depends on if it's degrading or accelerating," said Chloe.
"Error of +184 days on next destination. No other dimensions compromised," said the computer.
"Over 6 months?" asked Spider-Man.
"Not as bad as we've had before," said Chloe grimly.
"Alert...bulkhead breach, deck 2, section D," said the computer.
"Is that bad? Like suck all the air out or turn the ship inside out?" asked Spider-Man.
"If it were that bad, you wouldn't be able to ask that question," said NegaMorph, "I'll take a look."
"Be careful. Weird things live in wormholes. If you see a veridian eel, leave it alone," warned Matt, NegaMorph making 'blah blah' motions with his hand mouth.
Deck 2, Section D it seems was waste storage...and a few pipes were leaking their...ahem...contents. "I'll kill him..." muttered NegaMorph, his teckpack shining a light around.
NegaMorph's sense of smell wasn't as sharp as some of his friends'. Though considering the placement of his nose, he tends to get closer to the source of a smell than he'd like.
"Nega...how is it down there?" said Matt over the intercom.
"It's shit...and that's a description!" snapped NegaMorph, turning the corner to see the hole, the edges glowing, the odd discharge coming through every now and then. Looking out the hole, NegaMorph thought he saw some eels following in the wake of the ship. But then his eyes started to smart.
The eels scattered at that, just before a discharge shot through the hole and into him. NegaMorph yelled as he was thrown back against the wall, strange energies dancing in his eyes.
"NegaMorph? NegaMorph! You ok?" called Matt's voice over the intercom.
NegaMorph said...something. It was hard to tell what it was. It was most likely gibberish considering the way his voice changed every few words. What he did hear was the intruder alert alarm begin to sound.
"Oh no, I'm not letting those eels in here," snapped Matt's voice on the intercom.
NegaMorph groaned before passing out...
...and waking up in the sickbay, a couple of hovering, ball-shaped medibots looking at him before arguing. "I told you he was alive," said the left, blue one in a male voice.
The red one, in a female voice saying, "Oh please...given the captain's logs, movement isn't proof of life."
"Ok, clear out, you two," said Chloe's voice, "Your job's done."
"But, Ma'am. We still haven't worked out what the energy did," said the blue bot, before Chloe, in werewolf form, shooed them out.
"Hey, NegaMorph, you feeling ok?" asked Chloe tenderly. NegaMorph gave Chloe a somewhat blank look.
"While it is reassuring to our protagonist that his good friend is so concerned about him, he can't help but wonder why she is currently in werewolf form."
Chloe blinked before looking at the medibots before back at NegaMorph. "Nega...you ok?" she asked carefully.
"A light buzz still fills his head. Though considering his healing power allows him to regenerate from any physical injury, our protagonist is not concerned about any lasting effects."
Chloe glared. "Look, I know it's annoying when the kid does that but you don't need to taunt him," she snapped.
"Hey, is NegaMorph ok?" asked Matt, walking into the medbay.
"And here enters the captain of this ship. Though personally, our protagonist is rather skeptical of his capability of flying such a derelict."
Matt's smile froze at that, Chloe taking a step away from NegaMorph as Matt, his smile not gone, slowly turned to bring NegaMorph into focus. "Pardon?" he said in a strained voice.
"Our protagonist remembers with a shudder the waste storage section of the ship. He wonders when the last time it had been cleaned out. Thankfully, its odor has not extended to the rest of the ship."
Matt's eyes narrowed. "Ok...you've been dazed...you must have...so I'll give you ten seconds to apologize to my ship before I get annoyed," said Matt, his voice shaking, his smile now more of a grimace.
"The captain of the ship seems to be of a peculiar mind. He seems to think that the ship that he commands somehow has a mind, or even feelings, of its own. If that were true, he ought to consider what the ship's opinion would be of the lack of maintenance and upkeep on his behalf."
Matt's smile cracked "DIE!" he screamed, lunging at NegaMorph.
"Ok...what the hell is wrong with NegaMorph? Even when Matt was blasting him he didn't stop narrating," said Chloe.
"This isn't an attempt to show me up, is it?" asked Spider-Man, "I know he was annoyed, but he doesn't have to go through with it to prove a point."
Chloe opened her mouth to complain before saying, "Ok, I see your point." before the ship shook again.
"Approaching wormhole aperture...stand by," said the computer.
"Ok, hopefully nothing rougher this time," said Chloe.
"Dimension unknown. Mana content of level 8. Caution advised," said the computer.
"Is that like Skyrim?" asked Chloe with interest.
"Information on the Nirn correctional planetoid is restricted," said the computer.
"Right, this is an older ship," muttered Chloe.
"Probably be restricted back at the Bladestorm," said Matt darkly before the computer said "Vessel detected...mana levels prevent lock...technological contamination detected."
"Oh don't tell me she's giving guns to barbarians," said Matt in annoyance.
"Unknown..." said the computer, before saying, "Technological level of local population is level 1."
"Dear Lord, it's even lower than Nirn," muttered Matt.
"Non-human populations detected at moderate levels...localized level 2 and 3 settlements. I have pinpointed a secure landing zone. Recommend armament restrictions lifted for away team," said the computer.
"Translation?" asked Spider-Man.
"This place is so dangerous we're allowed to take blasters," said Matt.
"Well, this will be interesting," said Chloe.
The gang however were not the only one on the hunt...
The village didn't really have a name. It was mostly just a waystation for people passing through...a literal one-horse town. Though like any inn, the inn of this village was a place for rumors to be gathered.
One such figure, a red-headed woman in armor that seemed to subscribe to the Skyrim version of female armor, has sat at a table, her eyes focused on several hooded figures, furred snouts visible, chatting amicably among themselves at another table, their leader looking at a map. The other guests were giving them a wide berth. More than a few were giving them leery looks.
The woman had managed to put off most leering once she'd laid her sword on the table and there was no doubt the wolfmen and women would no doubt respond nastily to advances. Just her luck...the one inn within a hundred leagues and the Cult of the Moon had its claws in it. Least they seemed to be treating it civilly. She'd seen what happened when they didn't.
It was hard to eavesdrop on them in this inn. Especially since they were talking in their private bestial language.
She glared as one took down his hood and relaxed a tad...a white-furred lycan. Least that explained why they weren't trouble...but this was a long way from home. The wolf also noticed her, saying something to his companions who suddenly seemed more tense.
The woman took a long sip from her tankard. She had learned it was sometimes best to let others make the first move.
The leader got up and walked over calmly. "The great Red Sonja...quite far from home..." he said amicably, sitting down opposite her.
"I have no true home, so I'm never far from it," said Sonja conversationally.
"Your reputation precedes you. My people have done nothing wrong here. Several local farms had trouble with a necromancer and my pack was closest," the wolf leader said calmly.
"And your reputation is...self-contradictory," said Sonja, "I can never be sure if one of your packs is coming to help or hunt."
"Those aren't mutually exclusive terms," said the wolf.
"It is if you're hunting innocents," said Sonja.
"Necromancers are rarely innocent and I can only speak for the sect I follow. Our wayward brothers and sisters follow their own path," said the leader sagely.
"You ought to do something to keep them in line," said Sonja in annoyance.
"To do so would lower ourselves to their level. Plus I hear one of your traditional traveling companions destroyed their presence here. Conan, I believe his name was," said the leader calmly.
"Oh, is he around?" asked Sonja lightly.
"Oh, this was many months ago. I believe he left," said the leader calmly, before saying with a smirk, "I assume you aren't here for your health."
"I go where I am needed. Sometimes where I have no idea I'm needed," said Sonja.
"Such a lonely existence," sighed the leader, before standing up. "A word of warning. This new necromancer is said to be able to kill with a loud gesture. Armor is no defense. Use caution," he said, bowing before barking, literally, something at his companions, who stood up, one leaving a a bag of gold coins at the bar.
"Of course they never pay in silver," muttered Sonja.
The Sect of the White Lady were at least amicable. "Finally...freaks are gone," sneered a man at another table, wearing a mix of leather and some metal, a horned helmet on his head. His fellows were also dressed similarly and were laughing
Sonja ignored them. There was always a group of jerks who've had too much to drink at every inn.
"Barkeep! More ale!" yelled their leader
The barkeep, probably an ex-soldier himself, judging from the axe hanging behind the bar and his build, said "You had enough."
The leader frowned before pulling out a boxy device from his belt and aiming, a red bolt shooting out and blowing a hole in the wall. "I said more ale!" the leader yelled. The barkeep, who had ducked, scrambled to refill the tankard.
Most of the other patrons started heading for the door at that. Some were at least mindful enough to leave the money they owed the innkeeper.
Sonja glared as his fellows cheered, the leader waving the weapon. "Boss, didn't our Lady want us to take this town peacefully?" asked one of them.
"She said 'peacefully unless it's no longer possible'. Well, we tried, but I guess we have to be un-peaceful," said the leader, "Besides, we're due for some fun."
The group cheered, Sonja glared before reaching for her sword. The innkeeper took one look at the rising swordswoman and quickly ran to protect his precious bottles.
"Boss?" said one of the goons, pointing over at Sonja, the group recognizing her.
"The She-Devil," hissed one.
"Our Lady has been looking to claim that title," muttered another.
"This place belongs to our Lady, She-Devil. You have no business here," snapped the leader, some of his men running out.
"I don't see your lady's brand on it," said Sonja.
"Kill her!" snapped the leader, walking off, the remaining three soldiers drawing blades, though nervously.
"Come now, I expect to fight warriors, not overgrown boys who don't know their swords," said Sonja.
The soldiers looked at one another, before one of them said, "We can take one woman." before they charged.
"Only if it were any other woman," said Sonja smugly before swinging her sword.
Matt peered through some binocs zooming in on the small town. "Well, if Megan's here, she'll be in hell. Not even a sign of plumbing," he muttered. NegaMorph made muffled noises, mostly as all his mouths had been duct taped before he held up a thumb's up.
"I suppose you're out of your element here," said Chloe to Spider-Man.
"Well, I've been to ancient worlds before," said Spider-Man, "I've been to the Savage Land. I've been to Old York. But this...this is something different from both of them."
"Yeah...uh oh," muttered Matt, zooming in to see armed figures running back and forth. A hooded figure tackled one, apparently slapping at it, his binocs picking out the slashes of red from each strike before one of the armed humans took the hooded figure's head off. "Trouble," he muttered.
"Patience," said Chloe, "Save your fury for the fight itself."
"Screw that! No restrictions, baby!" called Matt, already running down the dirt path towards the town. "I'll give him this, he can run fast when he really wants to," said Chloe irritably.
"So...uh..." said Spider-Man.
"Take them down without killing if you want to," said Chloe, "They will certainly not hold back." Her eyes took on a more bestial look as she added, "And neither will we."
A soldier was kicked out of the inn, extremely dead judging from the chest wound. Red Sonja walked out to see that this...raider had clearly been smart, his men positioned throughout the town before he'd struck. Several dead town guards could be seen, as well as several of the lycan cultists too, though judging from the blood on their claws they'd given as good as they'd gotten.
"I suppose they have no respect for religious men," said Sonja lightly, "I mean, I care little for them myself. I'm even hard-pressed to call them 'men'. But these seemed to do more good than harm. I ought to do a little something to avenge them."
A house ahead was already burning, several soldiers waiting with those boxy devices before firing as a family fled the flames. Then the cultist leader dropped from another roof across the street into their midst. Two daggers flashed and dropped the trio before he fell to his knees clutching his shoulder.
Sonja scowled. She was not unaccustomed to slaughter, but the marauders were fighting with weapons that were leagues too powerful for anyone to contend with. Even barbarians would consider it unsporting.
She ran over to the cult leader who waved her away. "I'll be fine in a minute, Lady willing," he said panting, before he said, "They...slaughtered my pack...we tried to help..."
"If you're not with them, you're against them. That's all they care about," said Sonja.
The lycan nodded, ripping a piece of cloth off one of the dead soldiers. "The necromancer sent them..." he said darkly, showing the patch on it showing a black dragon.
"I've heard stories, but I'm not sure I've heard the truth in their cores," said Sonja, "Stories tend to pick up exaggerations and alterations along the way."
"We must save as many as we can. We cannot fight this," snapped the leader, holding up one of the devices.
Sonja frowned and said, "No, not if we don't know how to use them."
More of the necromancer's men ran into view at that, one of them yelling something and pointing at them.
"Heal quickly, wolf," said Sonja, "I don't want to have to protect your pelt longer than necessary."
"Your concern is touching, human," muttered the cult wolf, standing up, before saying "They have those weapons..." He jumped aside, a small ball rolling past them from behind with a whirring noise and heading for the soldiers.
The soldiers themselves paused to watch its progress before it came to a stop in front of them. "You send Atlantean toys at us no-?" began the leader with a laugh before the ball beeped once and exploded.
Sonja and the cult wolf covered their eyes against the brilliant flash. The soldiers could have used this distraction to rush them and hack them to pieces. But when the two of them could see again, there were no soldiers at all, only a smoking crater.
The wolf leader sniffed before turning to see a figure strolling up the road behind them, his cloak open to reveal metal armor, several small lights on it. "Oh good...a mage," he snarled to himself.
"Don't hog him all to yourself," said Sonja.
Several more necromancer troops ran into view, the mage calling "Could you two just move to the side a little?" as he aimed a staff.
"I don't trust-" started Sonja.
"MOVE!" yelled the wolf, grabbing her and pulling her to one side.
The staff spat a hail of what looked like needle-thin darts rapidly with a deafening rapid 'booming' noise, the soldiers dropping as the rounds hit them, their armor sparking sometimes before the mage finally stopped. "Thank you, machine gun beats sword, you raider assholes!" he yelled, apparently at the dead.
"I think he is our ally," said the wolf.
"That I am, Mr..." said the mage.
"I am Walun, Alpha Priest of the Sect of the White Lady," said the wolf.
"What's left of it," muttered Sonja.
"I lead just a small group from our homes in the north," said Walun calmly.
The mage shrugged. "Captain Lynch, at your servi..." he said, pausing and looking down to see one of the dead soldiers' devices, lifting it up. "Oh, Megan...giving morons T-12 pulse lasers," he muttered.
"What do you know of these weapons, wizard?" asked Sonja, striding up to Lynch.
Lynch turned and said, "I'd hardly call me a w-whoa..." Sonja didn't break her stride. Men were often taken by surprise by her signature armor. It loosened their guard and kept them distracted while she striked.
The mage seemed to recover better than most, saying "These things...I've seen these before, used em before. They're museum pieces, doesn't mean they can't ruin someone's day," he said carefully.
"What is a museum?" asked Sonja.
The mage paused before saying, "I suppose there isn't much history to preserve and study here. These things are old. My people don't use them anymore...and whoever gave these out definitely shouldn't." There was a surprising amount of vitriol in his words.
Walun sniffed before saying, "And your traveling companions? They should be here in a few minutes. One of them smells very angry."
"That would be my sister," said the mage, "I'd be careful. She's got a quick temper."
"Sounds like my kind of girl," said Sonja.
Walun sighed. "The Dark Lady's followers have much to answer for...but she must be strong willed to still be sane," he said .
"Megan has a lot of will, but her sanity's not doing well if she's arming marauders with guns," said Lynch.
"I was speaking about your sister," said Walun.
"Pardon?" said Lynch.
Walun, confused, said, "I refer to her lycanthropy of course..."
"Who said anything about-" started Lynch.
"Don't insult me," said Walun, "I can smell her on the wind."
"She's spoken for," said Lynch icily.
"Well, considering how our numbers have been sorely depleted-" started Walun.
"Tell me...has gelding been invented?" said Lynch to Sonja in an annoyed tone.
"Wouldn't do any good," said Sonja, "I hear they can grow back anything that isn't chopped off with silver as long as they're still alive. Though I would be eager to test that."
Walun rolled his eyes, "Fine...fine." as several more figures came out of the mist.
"Matt, you damn idiot!" snapped a female voice, belonging to the transformed Chloe.
"They were the one using laser guns, not me," said Matt.
"These things? The T series are called flashlights for a reason." snapped Chloe, before noticing Walun looking at her. "What are you looking at?" she snapped.
"Uh, is she usually this cranky after a bloodbath?" asked Spider-Man.
"It's the blood..." said Chloe in an annoyed voice.
Walun nodded, "We lycans are predators, masked one."
"This barbaric world is a strange one for the young werewolf, and yet at the same time familiar. For she had spend many moons on a similar one without knowing her true name."
"Is he still in narrator mode?" asked Matt in annoyance, "Why isn't he taped up?"
"His hand ate the tape." said Spider-Man.
Sonja merely raised one eyebrow and asked, "You've come from a strange world, haven't you?"
"Real strange," muttered Matt, his head in his hand, shaking.
"Then I'm guessing you've come to deal with this necromancer," said Sonja.
"Necromancer?" said Chloe.
Walun nodded, "Lady NegaMorph has been a thorn in this lands side since she appeared in the spring."
"And it's fall now?" asked Spider-Man.
"Indeed. She must have led you quite the hunt. Sadly, many of the passes are cut off with snow and even magical flight is too dangerous through the mountains," said Walun.
"We have ways of getting through obstacles," said Matt.
Sonja glared, before snapping, "And by the time you have found this way, she will have burnt another town or city."
"That may not be so," said Walun, "There is said to be a cave system that goes under the mountain. But it is treacherous. Many have said to have wandered in without ever finding their way out."
"We can't leave Lady Nega running around any longer then needed." said Chloe
And what of our villain? Is she sitting on a throne of skulls? Plotting world domination? Not exactly...
"Ok, you know how water runs downwards?" asked Lady Nega.
"Aye," said the smith.
"And how water will flow along cracks?" asked Lady Nega.
"Aye," said the smith.
"So essentially, we're making a set of cracks where we can control where the water flows," said Lady Nega.
"Ok...but what does this have to do with metal?" asked the smith.
Lady NegaMorph twitched at that before holding up a sample tube. "That's why you're going to make these according to the plans I sent you," she said in an annoyed tone.
"What good is something like that for?" asked the smith.
Lady NegaMorph twitched before saying, "You know what, you don't have to set it up. You just supply the parts."
"But why would ye-" began the smith before Lady Nega yelled "GARY! THROW HIM OUT!"
Gary gently picked up the smith before carrying him out of the room. "I'm starting to think we should just make the plumbing ourselves," said Gary.
"No, this is a matter of honor now. I'm not going to let them win. I'm gonna civilize this crater if it kills me," said Lady Nega, twitching.
"This...is not the glamorous kingdom I thought you would establish," said Gary.
"Give me a break. This is the Iron Age. I'm surprised we don't have trouble with woolly mammoths," snapped Lady Nega.
"We could use magic..." suggested Gary.
Lady Nega snapped, "NO! No cheating!"
"Ma'cherie, perhaps you need a vacation," said Gary.
"Oh, good idea," said Lady Nega sarcastically, "Let's go to the spa. Oh wait, I need to invent that too."
"Honey, there's one on the ship," said Gary.
"Oh, I suppose you've learned how to decloak the ship," snapped Lady Nega.
"Hey, I'm not the one who forgot where we parked," snapped Gary.
"You're the guy. That's supposed to be your job!" snapped Lady Nega.
"But you insist on keeping the remote," snapped Gary.
Lady Nega snapped, "Yes, I planned to have someone steal it."
Then someone cleared their throat, both turning to snap "WHAT?" causing the lizardman to jump.
"Uh, I'm here to speak on behalf of my-" started the lizardman.
"Oh, yes, the ambassador of that wizard...whatever his name is," said Lady Nega offhandedly.
"I serve Lord Wra-" started the lizardman.
"Yes, yes, Lord Hoogly Boogly. This is not a good time," snapped Lady NegaMorph.
"You will address my master-" started the lizardman.
"When he's here, but he's not. Go away," said Lady NegaMorph.
"But-" began the shocked lizardman before Lady Nega glared, opening a shadow portal under him, a 'splat' heard outside as he landed in the midden. On the plus AND minus sides, it was a soft landing.
"Now then, I want to have a proper shower. I don't care how long it takes. I don't care if I have to build a waterfall to have one!" snapped Lady Nega, "And I want a toilet that actually flushes!"
"The nearest entrance into the caves was through a small forest at the base of the mountain. Though this forest had a dark reputation that discouraged many travelers. For once, this forest was home to a fearsome beast that ate many who attempted to pass through."
Walun slapped the back of NegaMorph's head, as recommended, before he asked "Why is he saying what we are doing?"
"He is...afflicted with a form of madness," said Chloe, "He believes that he is in a story and he is the storyteller."
"It's like...I can see them...all watching..." said NegaMorph distantly.
"So what kind of world are you from?" asked Red Sonja.
"Space," said Matt conversationally, looking at the forest.
"Beyond the stars?" asked Red Sonja.
"You don't sound surprised at all," said Spider-Man. The young hero had been given a set of leather armor to wear over his costume. Bright red and blue stood out as an easy target here.
"I have encountered such creatures such as that. At least you have a skull." said Red Sonja calmly.
"And you are a mighty warrior yourself," said Walun.
Chloe said in an icy voice, "I'm not that easily flattered, buster."
"And likewise, our male heroes are drawn to the lovely visage of Red Sonja. For she reminds them much of their own lovers at home. But which does she resemble more: the spirited and unstoppable Mary Jane or Kala of fiery temper and passion?"
Matt sighed, clicking his fingers repeatedly, a few sparks flying up and NegaMorph twitching with each one. "Almost there," Matt snarled.
"So, you have girlfriends who are like me?" asked Sonja lightly.
"Well...it's mostly a physical resemblance," said Spider-Man.
"If she is anything like me in spirit, you would do well to treat her right," said Sonja.
"She's everything...and she can set someone on fire," said Matt happily.
"A very useful skill," said Sonja, "But how is she with a sword?"
"She can turn into a dragon and eat the poor bastard trying to attack her," said Matt gleefully.
"That didn't answer my question," said Sonja.
"She's ok with one..." said Matt conversationally.
"She should be better," said Sonja, "Those who rely on magic become weak in body."
"She's also strong enough naturally to punch a hole in a br...stone wall," said Matt.
"So she's more than just a fiery flower," said Sonja.
"Yup," said Matt, before saying, "So...any idea what causes people to vanish here?"
"As I told you, a great beast once roamed this forest," said Walun, "Though it has not been seen in many moons. I have reason to think it is dead."
Chloe, meanwhile, was feeling like someone was watching. This forest was giving her a serious case of the creeps. "'Dead' doesn't necessarily mean 'gone'," she said grimly.
"No undead! I'll flatten this forest to stop it!" snapped Matt manically, his eyes turning draconic for a second.
"Do ghosts count as undead?" asked Spider-Man.
"UNDEAD!" screamed Matt at that.
Chloe covered Spider-Man's mouth. "Remember...not the U word," she hissed.
"Bah, ghosts without bodies have no power over the living," said Sonja, "Only a fool fears them."
"The sorta ghosts I've met like to bodysnatch," said Matt.
Chloe paused a moment, tilting her head. It was almost as if...someone was calling to her. "Hey...hey, sis...you ok?" asked Matt, walking over.
"I think we should try looking this way," said Chloe, pointing. The group exchanged looks before Chloe snapped, "I'm serious. I think it's a way past the mountains up ahead."
"She's not wrong," said Walun, "I hear the whistling of wind across a cave mouth."
"Good as anything," said Matt, words he would regret later.
The cave mouth was big enough for them all to get through. Though it was not a pleasant cave. Not long after they needed light, they felt something crunching under their feet.
Spider-Man gulped...he'd seen this sort of movie. "If I look down, I'll see bones, won't I?" he asked.
"Nah, it's just grav-" Matt began looking down before whipping his head up. "Yup, definitely gravel, no need to look," he gulped.
"The heroes' trepidation is understandable, but there is not too much to fear. Clearly, these bones have been lying here for a long time. It is only if fresh ones were present should they truly be worried."
"NegaMorph...I SWEAR TO GOD!" screamed Matt, the cave rumbling.
"Shhh!" hushed everyone.
"NegaMorph, I'm ordering you to shut it," hissed Matt as Chloe paused at a side tunnel, slipping into it. She could swear she had heard something.
It didn't take her long before her nose picked up a foul odor, something that has been dead for a very long time. She could hear the others calling her name, but she needed to investigate this, turning a corner and seeing a huge skeleton. It was clearly canine, but the body the bones belonged to must have been a huge beast. And yet, those weren't the only bones. There was something underneath of it. Something to do with the sword sticking through the beast's rib cage no doubt.
Chloe peered closer to see a human skeleton, rags hanging off the bones, its hand still clutching the blade. "Man, this musta been a hell of a fight," she muttered, the sword's glint catching her eye. "Well, it's done its work here," said Chloe, "I'm sure they wouldn't mind if I take it."
She reached out for the sword, gripping it. It almost felt like it had jumped into her hand. Her warrior's eye saw that it was a well-honed sword, even if it's been in this cave for who knows how long. Of particular interest was the sword's crossguard, which was shaped like a pair of wolf heads.
"Very nice..." she said, her eyes glinting for a second, before she said, "Reminds me of my first Skyforge blade." before she shook her head.
Looking at the skeleton beneath the beast's, she wondered who it was. From the slight frame, it could have been a woman's, but it was almost impossible to tell. "Poor girl, guess she bit off more than she could chew," muttered Chloe.
Matt came into the cavern with Walun. "Chloe, this is not the time for-that's one hell of a skeleton," he said, surprised by the skeleton's size.
"A dire wolf," said Walun, "No doubt the beast that roamed the forest. Now we know why no one has heard of it for so long."
"Well, it's dead now. Dire wolves can't rise from the dead, can they?" asked Matt.
Walun said innocently, "Rarely but-GOOD GRIEF!" yelping as Matt, at those words, pulled out a blaster and shot the skeleton to bits.
"Problem gone," he said happily, adding, "I'm not taking chances."
Sonja came in and asked, "What's all the noise about?"
"Dire wolf...blew it up before it could resurrect and start the zombie apocalypse," said Matt cheerfully, adding, "I'm not taking chances. Dog boy said they sometimes get back up."
Walun snapped, "Not when they're just bones, you moron!" before he calmed down.
Sonja noticed the skeleton that had been underneath the dire wolf's. "It seemed it had one last victim," she said.
"But she took it with her," said Chloe, holding up the sword.
The sword seemed familiar to her...some story...a warning… Sonja's cart of thought went off a cliff as Matt said, "Oh, forgot the other one." aiming at the other skeleton and firing.
"Oh, you're definitely going to be haunted now," said Spider-Man.
"Me?" asked Matt.
"Yeah, you ever heard of desecrating the dead?" asked Spider-Man.
"I'm not being attacked by skeletal warriors. Got enough of that last time I was somewhere like this," said Matt stubbornly.
Sonja nodded, "It is true. Skeletons sometimes can be reanimated by dark magic."
"Uh-huh, but graverobbing is still bad mojo," said Spider-Man.
"I've had worse. I refuse to be attacked by a giant wolf skeleton and that's that," sulked Matt.
Walun said to Chloe, "You do know your brother's insane, right?"
"Oh, really? I hadn't noticed," said Chloe, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
"We should move on. The fool mage's weapon will draw creatures," said Sonja calmly.
"And don't call him a mage either. He can't even pull off a simple coin trick," said Chloe.
"Now that's hurtful," said Matt.
"Throwing a coin at a bounty hunter's face to buy time to run is not a magic trick," snapped Chloe.
"Truly, Matt's standing in the group is diminishing. Beyond his advanced weapons, he served no real purpose except for comedy relief. And even that seems to be waning."
The resulting blast blew NegaMorph into a puddle. "NegaMorph, as he exploded, considered he deserved that," he rasped.
"Don't mind him. He'll pull himself back together," said Matt, "Now Chloe, doesn't that sword seem a little 'evil'?"
"Not all of us have ion blades. I need something for close combat other than my claws," snapped Chloe.
"We could have gotten you-" started Matt.
"But you didn't," said Chloe, "So I have to make due here."
"Ok...ok...don't bite my head off," said Matt angrily.
"We should keep going," said Sonja, "We still have to pass under the mountain."
They were indeed being followed. The caves weren't completely deserted, a goblin clan calling it home. They would have ambushed the group earlier but then the silly mage had fired those fireballs at the old skeletons. Now they were waiting for their moment.
Goblins were not picky eaters. They didn't care what someone looked like on the outside. All that mattered was how the meat was cooked. Though one of the travelers didn't look like he was made of meat.
Then there were the two wolf-people. They could be trouble, not to mention the cursed sword. Goblins may be thicker than cement soup but they were still creatures of magic and that blade was bad mojo. A blade that's lingered so long in death will definitely pick up something and it was involved in two deaths.
Unfortunately, usually only one soul would inhabit a death artifact, usually because there was room for just one. This time, however, two had jostled for space...and all those years, decades...even centuries fighting for space. Now there was just one spirit.
The clan's shaman had attempted to contact the spirits in the sword once. All he found was one spirit, a semi-coherent mesh of the two spirits that quickly lashed out. The shaman had been lucky to escape with his soul unscathed. And now the wolf woman was holding it. They'd definitely not eat her meat when they pounced.
The others were up for grabs though. The redheaded warrior looked especially tasty.
Matt altered his stroll so he was walking alongside Red Sonja. "Noticed the audience following us?" he whispered.
"Quite some time ago," said Sonja, "I just hoped your loudmouthed bard wouldn't tip them off first."
"I counted...9...maybe 10," muttered Matt, checking his deactivated ion blade. The rumbles after blasting the skeletons had him decide to stick to blades for the moment.
"They've got better vision down here than we do," said Sonja, "And they can get within your reach easier than you think."
"I bet...last time I fought in a cave was with trolls and their stone spit," muttered Matt, listening, "If I was them, I'd ambush us at the next turn...less space to move."
"Right. There may be another group ahead of us," said Sonja.
"I'll go tell Chloe and the kid to get ready. You tell wolf boy," muttered Matt, upping his pace till he was next to Chloe. "Ambush at the next corner, sis...head on a swivel," he muttered.
"About time. I was starting to get bored," muttered Chloe.
"Sonja said to watch em. They're quick," muttered Matt before heading towards Spider-Man. "How's that spider sense?" he whispered, his eyes catching a brief sign of movement near the roof.
"A general throb," said Spider-Man, "I've been keeping on my toes. And thankfully there are no bats in this cave."
"Good...we got trouble incoming," muttered Matt, readying his ion blade. A second later, there was a screech and a balding grey skinned humanoid the size of a child dropped on his shoulders, swinging a stone axe, more popping out of hiding.
"Oh no you don't!" snapped Matt, reaching up and grabbing the goblin before throwing him at his fellows.
"Get ze meat!" screeched one, charging Chloe, who swung her blade out, taking its head off in a spray of black blood.
"Ok, not as tough as the Goblins I've known," said Spider-Man before webbing some of them to the wall.
"That is why they attack in great numbers," snapped Red Sonja, kicking one flying before stabbing another.
Matt, meanwhile, was using his ion blade in stun mode, several unconscious goblins twitching from residual static shock from the stun. "These things don't take the hint," he snapped, whacking one on the head, electricity arcing from his ion blade and shocking the goblin unconscious.
"Watch your backs," called Walun, "They can attack from any direction."
NegaMorph, regenerating his head, said, "It was clear that these primitive creatures were getting the upper hand. Despite their primitive technology they knew the cave well, several using the fight to kidnap our enigmatic narrator...wait, they're doing wh-?" before several goblins grabbed him and dragged him into the darkness.
"You've lost your bard," commented Sonja.
"Oh, they'll throw him back when they find out he doesn't taste good," said Chloe offhandedly as she sliced open some goblins with an offhand swing.
"We can pick him up later. It's nice to not be narrated for once," snapped Matt, grabbing a goblin before drop-kicking him into more.
"Run aways!" called one of the goblins at that, the group scattering, one on a ledge above said, "You want bardz back...you pays us gold." before it blew a raspberry and vanished into the shadows.
"Wonder if he'll break Morph's record," commented Matt.
"Record for what?" asked Spider-Man.
"Either how short a time it'll take to drive them nuts or how big a bribe they'll send back with him," said Matt.
"Goblins are too stupid to be annoyed," said Walun.
Matt peered round the corner to see light from the tunnel entrance. "Finally," he said.
The group walked towards the tunnel's entrance, though when they got there, it didn't lead to the other side of the mountain. It opened into an alcove in a part of the mountain where they could see the sky. "It appears we're heading in the right direction," said Walun, looking at the position of the sun, "It shouldn't take much further, if that tunnel bends in the right direction." On the other side of the alcove was another tunnel entrance.
"We should have risked flying," muttered Matt, before pausing. He could hear NegaMorph's voice getting louder behind them. Matt checked his watch. NegaMorph was making good time, but Morph had a really hard record to beat.
"The goblins are a primitive but resourceful race. They've made the mountain roots their home and do a fair job in keeping travelers out. Of course, considering goblins' lack of hygiene, it's small wonder travelers avoid them even if they were vicious, little- mmph," said NegaMorph's voice, steadily getting closer before being cut off.
A second later, NegaMorph, tied up and with a burlap bag stuffed in his mouth, was thrown out. "Keep the bardzie," snapped a goblin's voice. NegaMorph spat the bag out, which split, letting several coins roll out.
"Perhaps he does have some use after all," said Red Sonja, scooping up some coins.
"You can have 'em. We're-" said Matt before NegaMorph covered his mouth, saying "I decided to act quickly before Matt revealed something that might cause problems later."
"Hmm...this will be plenty enough for a new horse," said Red Sonja, counting the gold.
"Go through horses quickly?" asked Spider-Man.
"A few," said Red Sonja calmly.
The rest of the trip was mostly uneventful. The few goblins they saw took one look at NegaMorph and gave them a wide berth, especially when Matt threatened to take the gag off. However, Chloe seemed to be disappointed whenever the goblins backed off.
"Some adventure this is," she grumbled, "This is too easy."
"Easy is good. Easy means Lady NegaMorph won't see us coming," said Matt, looking over before saying, "Can you at least put the sword away? And turn human. Walun has his cloak...and I'd prefer to not fight the city guard or werewolf hunters," he said.
"Let them come," said Chloe, "I haven't had my share of combat yet."
Matt raised an eyebrow. "Erm...NegaMorph? Have we dropped into a mirror verse? I'm usually the one looking to beat up jerks," he said, looking at NegaMorph who seemed thoughtful before shrugging.
"Maybe it's because this place reminds her of Skyrim," said NegaMorph, "She was a great warrior there."
"I thought we got rid of Mist," muttered Matt darkly.
Red Sonja and Walun seemed interested. "Who was Mist?" Walun asked.
Matt paused, wondering how to explain best. "A chaos spirit kidnapped Chloe to replace her and scrambled her memories up to boot so she wouldn't try to escape," he finally said.
"And so his sister was stranded on a distant world with no memory of who she was. She took up the name of 'Mist' and became a member of a group of strong warriors for three years. During this time, she received the power to become a werewolf. It was also during this time that she and her mate first-"
Matt glared, before snapping "That's enough information..." before he hissed at NegaMorph, "Don't make me shove the gold back in your mouth again."
"So does she still not remember herself?" asked Sonja.
"Oh, she remembers herself, alright," said Matt, "In fact, she seems to be remembering more than she should."
"I'm fine!" snapped Chloe angrily, before reluctantly sheathing her blade through her belt, though she didn't take her hand off it...were the eyes on the wolf heads glowing? Matt peered closer only for the glow to vanish. Musta been a trick of the light.
"Just how long ago was the last time the beast was known to roam?" asked Matt to Walun.
"A hundred years. It was the terror of the realm. Hunters and warriors would go to face it only to meet their grisly end. The daughter of one such warrior swore revenge. She trained for years till she went to the forest to face her foe. She went for honor and revenge...and it seems she found at least one...and it cost her life," said Walun sadly.
"That must have been some wolf," said Spider-Man.
"Indeed," said Walun, "A dire wolf who dwells alone is more savage and relentless than those in a pack."
"I can bet. Sounds like it had to be put down, no offense." said Matt
"Such is the way of things," said Walun.
"I've had to put down more than a few troublesome beasts," said Sonja, "When something becomes a threat to all, it has to be dealt with."
"Ok...Chloe was stuck in that land for a couple of years by her time. Maybe she's homesick?" wondered Matt.
"Could be," said NegaMorph, "Living in Skyrim is a lot simpler than what you mercenaries do."
"I dunno..." muttered Matt, remembering the brief time there, adding "You guys weren't kidnapped by a wolf demigoddess who had a crush on you."
"Believe me, I've been kidnapped by plenty who think themselves demigods," said Sonja dryly.
"This was a real one. She's back home. Her dad sent her to us as punishment...which I now realize might be a form of insult," said Matt, pausing gloomily.
"Truly, our hero's life has become twisted and convoluted by the whims of gods and fate."
"Tell me something I don't know," said Matt dryly.
"As if answer to that, the passage to the other side of the mountain comes into view. Our heroes' quest has reached the end of one part."
Matt turned to glare, picking up a boulder and walking towards NegaMorph, holding it over his head. "I realized I was about to experience much pain," muttered NegaMorph gloomily before Matt dropped it on his head, NegaMorph's hand-mouth rasping, "My prediction was correct...ow."
"Ok, we're through the mountain," said Spider-Man, "Where to next?"
Matt pulled out his binocs, peering before pointing, a walled city seen in the distance. "She's there," he said, lowering the binocs.
"How do you know? It looks like any other citadel to me." asked Walun.
Matt peered again before he asked, "Do most citadels have goons armed with rifles on the battlements?"
"It could be one of her outposts," said Sonja.
"Has she really spread that far?" asked Chloe.
"She's been working to extend her reach," said Sonja.
"Not for long," said Matt.
"We'll need to find her ship first," said Chloe sternly.
Matt rolled his eyes. "Yeah...I'll just walk forward and walk into-Ooof!" he snapped, bumping into the air, which rippled. "Not...one...word…" he snarled, feeling around the invisible ship before finding something, a click heard and the air ripping again, an invisible shape gaining color and substance to reveal a shuttle.
"Is this your ship?" asked Sonja.
"Certainly not," said Matt.
He opened it up and stuck his head inside before saying, "It's Lady Nega's alright. We found her ride at least."
"Wouldn't there be defenses?" pointed out Spider-Man.
"I doubt it. This is just an orbit-to-surface shuttle. The cloak's it's only defense," said Matt, taking out a disc and slipping it under the command seat. "And if she escapes, this old girl'll lead us right to her," he muttered.
"So are we going to storm the castle now?" asked Chloe impatiently.
"Yes...great way to get shot. But she's not expecting us...and I doubt her men back at the inn got a message off. We can walk in the front door," said Matt with a grin, before frowning as NegaMorph narrated "It was then, with a shudder, that I realized that Matt's stealth plan actually made sense. My world had gone topsy turvy."
"It will be stealthier still to wait for nightfall," said Chloe. She rubbed the hilt of her sword and added, "We need to make preparations."
"Agreed," nodded Sonja.
Matt looked at the others, "Really? Those guards looked like they'd only get 50% in a quiz where the question was 'what is your name?'"
"If we want to make sure that snake doesn't escape, we need an airtight plan," said Chloe.
"Hey, we're here to get her back home so we can get that creep out of her head, not remove her head," snapped Matt.
"It grows back, doesn't it?" asked Chloe lightly.
"The extent of the sorceress's healing ability has not been fully tested. And she would be too squeamish to see if she can regenerate a lost toe, let alone a lost head. As terrible as she is, she is also tender. As such, the compassionate should be more charitable and restrain their-"
Matt snapped, "Finish that and I get a bigger boulder."
"Yeah, let's not chop off any body parts we don't have to," said Spider-Man.
"I'm with Spider-Man. We do this with the minimal of bloodshed...at least till we have Lady NegaMorph cuffed," snapped Matt, glaring at Chloe, "I dunno what's got into you but no...killing."
"I thought you had more spine than that," said Chloe, "If you'll excuse me, I must make myself ready."
Matt blinked before looking over at Walun. "Yeah, there's something up. Even Mist wasn't this big a jerk," he said.
"I sense something is amiss too," said Walun, "Fortunately, there is a full moon tonight. I may consult with the White Lady."
"White Lady?" said Matt.
"She who watches from the heavens, who guides and protects the packs who follow her light," said Walun.
Sonja rolled her eyes and muttered, "My goddess is tougher than yours any day or night."
"I am sure she is," said Walun diplomatically, but with a slight edge to it before walking off.
Matt turned to Sonja and said, "You don't believe in gods, do you?"
"Of course I do," said Sonja, "It was the goddess Scathach who gave me the fighting skill that has helped me survive this cruel world. It's to her that I owe my favor and my vow."
"Let me guess, you can't date anyone?" asked Spider-Man.
"Oh, I can have any man I want, though only if he can best me first in combat," said Sonja, "Be either of you man enough to take me?"
Matt thought about it. "Let's see...if I lose, I assume you kill me. If I win, Kala kills me. I'll pass," he said.
Sonja looked at Spider-Man expectantly. "Uh, sorry, but Mary Jane's the only girl for me," he said.
"Someone should watch the lycan priest. His cult has a darker side," said Sonja darkly, everyone looking at him.
"Why not NegaMorph? He's indestructible," suggested Matt.
"Because he can't stop himself from talking," said Spider-Man.
"Fine...but if I get eaten..." said Matt in an annoyed tone, walking off after Walun.
It didn't take long to find Walun, the wolf having set up in a clearing, the sky above clear to allow the full moon to shine down. Matt rolled his eyes and settled down to watch from the bushes, after making sure he wasn't downwind.
The wolf had drawn a circle on the ground, engraved with various runes and symbols. "Oh White Lady of the heavens," intoned Walun, "Your humble servant wishes to speak with you for insight and wisdom."
Matt managed to mute his wrist-comp in time and almost yelped as his armor's helmet deployed, the HUD flashing what he assumed was Wakandan for a magic reading. He really needed to send a note to Wakanda asking how to change the language settings on the HUD.
A bright moonbeam shone down upon the circle. Silver sparks floated up from it as a shape started to form in the moonlight. The light shaped itself into a rather sleek wolf, the size of a draft horse easily, stepping down from the air before sitting, before it spoke in a soft voice. "Rise, my child. Why do you call to me?" it asked, its tone kind and motherly.
"I seek your counsel, White Lady," said Walun, "One of my companions has been turning more savage and bloodthirsty. My instincts tell me it is the sword she wields, one that has laid long in death. But I must know if I am right."
"You speak of the blade that took the life of one of my dark sister's followers. The Dire Wolf, Red-Paw..." said the wolf softly, a hint of sadly.
"So it was no ordinary beast that once plagued that forest," said Walun.
"No...and that blade will not be normal either. You must get it away from her and destroy it...or destroy her before it has a hold on her," said the white wolf calmly, Matt glaring from the undergrowth, his traditional urge to cause explosions starting to rise.
"But there is more than one spirit bound to that sword, isn't there?" asked Walun, "The beast it slayed and the warrior who slew it."
"Even more reason..." said the wolf sadly before she paused, looking over at where Matt was hiding who ducked down, "There is another who travels among, touched by the spirit of the wolf," said the white wolf.
"Uh oh," muttered Matt, turning to run and skidding to a halt. He'd seen Alfred Hitchcock's 'The Birds' once and never thought he'd get the same vibes from a pack of timber wolves sitting there watching him. He hadn't even heard them coming up...then again their eyes usually didn't glow yellow either.
"It is very rude to eavesdrop," said the white wolf.
"So is planning to kill my sister," said Matt in a childish tone before sticking his tongue out.
"Your sister need not die. Not if the sword is broken," said the white wolf.
"I sense a but somewhere," said Matt icily, slipping a hand towards a flash grenade only to feel a damp pressure and looking down to see one of the timber wolves gently gripping his wrist in its mouth till he stopped reaching for the grenade.
"The spirit in the sword grows stronger with her. It resonates with her darker urges," said the white wolf, "You may not have long before the spirit leaves the sword and dwells in her. At that point, she can no longer be saved."
Matt glared. "Ok...why should I trust you two? Walun there's been ogling her lycan form like a teenager and stalked off to plan sister murder with you," he said darkly.
"A figure of fertility has many followers," said the white wolf.
"Yeah, sure, that's all their excuses," said Matt dryly.
There was a shimmer before the white wolf took on the form of a beautiful white-haired woman. She was perfectly formed in body, which was completely bare with only wisps of cloud obscuring small but important parts. She radiated a powerful aura of enticement and desire. Needless to say, both of Matt's nostrils gushed red at the sight.
"Ok...I see your point," he managed, adding, "Is it suddenly really warm?"
"Your task is not an easy one," said the White Lady, "The sword has been tempered in magic. It will only break in battle."
Matt pulled out his blaster, spinning it on his finger. "Easy enough," he said calmly.
The woman shifted back to her wolf form. "She will kill you. Simply using your technology on the blade will not work," she sighed.
"What? Do I have to fight her sword-to-sword?" asked Matt.
"Yes, my child," said the wolf sadly.
"Hey, I'm not in Walun's gang. Not even a werewolf. That got fixed," Matt snapped.
"Do you think that would be for long?" asked the wolf, "I see you in a cycle of death and rebirth. You are not finished with the wolf yet."
"I am done being fuzzy...and there's a long list of dead people who have tried to kill me," said Matt.
"So you say, though fate may have other plans. Now go. Walun will aid you as much as he can. Red-Paw, or whatever she is now, cannot live again," said the White Lady before seeming to fade away.
"Consider yourself privileged," said Walun, "Very few men of other faiths have had the honor of seeing the White Lady in her full glory."
"How many get a death prophecy?" asked Matt.
"Death and rebirth are often more symbolic than literal," said Walun.
"I'm a professional mercenary who's shot at, blown up or mauled on a weekly basis," snapped Matt.
"Being near death is often close enough to actual death," said Walun.
"Doesn't really account for the rebirth part, does it?" asked Matt.
"And would rebirth be so bad?" asked Walun.
"Rebirth traditionally happens after the rebirthing person dies," said Matt in his 'explaining to Morph' voice.
"If you were a man who feared death, you wouldn't be the warrior you are now," said Walun sagely.
"That doesn't mean I want to die...you really are a priest, aren't you?" said Matt in annoyance.
"Why do you say that?" asked Walun.
"Because you don't give a spiritual question a straight answer," said Matt flatly.
Chloe meanwhile was feeling a little...edgy. She hadn't wanted this much of a fight since the experiments had stolen her personal supply of chocolate. And it wasn't just a fight she wanted. She wanted... Chloe shuddered a bit. She swore she would never let herself feed like that again. She still remembered...flashes of what she'd done when she'd taken the blood oath. Her stomach roiled against the thought of letting loose again. No, she won't go back to doing that. She was not an animal.
She paused as the sword glowed for a second. No...no, who said she had to eat them? Who cares what happened to the bodies afterwards? All that mattered was the savage fun in hacking and tearing them apart.
As she thought, her height grew an inch with a crack, her claws growing a little and her eyes turning a blood red color.
The thought of battle was starting to make her drool a little. It would be better to strike out now. Those fools would only slow her down. Come to think of it, her armor would also get in the way. Perhaps she shall attack the way a wolf is meant to, with nothing but her thick fur protecting her from-
She paused, an adamantium core of Chloe pointing out that was stupid, the presence giving what in the physical world might have been a 'whatever' shrug.
Perhaps a compromise. Perhaps not full-frontal assault, but she could stand to leave behind her heavier armor. She reached and pressed the release catch on her armor, which fell off with a clunk. Chloe sighed. That felt much better. Her armor had been pinching her for a while anyways.
Hell, she already felt stronger before she looked out at the distant city. Yeah, she could definitely reach that city long before those fools could get there. It'll be quick and easy. Well, maybe not quick. She wanted to savor the battle.
Yes...yes, those humans were too complacent anyway. They didn't own the night after all. With that she slunk away from the camp, blade glowing in her hand.
"Our hero returns, feeling a little wiser from his spiritual revelation. Perhaps he should start questioning the flow of his life and-"
A thrown branch buried itself in NegaMorph's head. "I do not need spiritual advise from him," said Matt in annoyance.
"NegaMorph did not worry. The chances of the branch hitting his brain were glarieusaferwgtr," NegaMorph said, twitching violently and gibbering before finishing without missing a beat "-with his ion blade."
"Has anyone seen Chloe?" asked Matt
"You weren't following her?" asked Spider-Man.
"No...Sonja told me to follow wol...Walun. That sword's bad news," said Matt.
"How bad?" asked Spider-Man, "Like it'll take control of Chloe's soul unless it's destroyed?"
"Oh, one of those sort of items," said Red Sonja off-handedly.
Matt went stiff, before slowly turning his head to look, his eyes shining. "You suspected...that my sister...my one blood relative in my living hell of a life...is in possession of a sword of evil...and didn't say anything?" he said darkly, his nails lengthening into claws.
"Wasn't it obvious?" asked Sonja.
"Maybe...but that's not the point. You knew...you didn't say anything," snarled Matt.
"Just yanking that sword away from your sister would only have ended messily," said Sonja, "These curses have conditions that have to be followed or you'll lose the only chance you have of breaking them."
"It has to be taken by force. A battle to be clear," said Matt darkly.
"Red Sonja had best be wary. Matt is standing on the knife's edge of true fury. For nothing sets him off more than important information being kept from him. Not even his friends are safe when he learns they've been keeping secrets from him."
Matt's head whipped round, NegaMorph muttered, "Oh...this is gonna sting." before Matt held up a glowing hand, NegaMorph wincing before opening his eyes. "NegaMorph breathed a sigh of relief. Clearly the dragon hybrid's plasma control wasn't-no, wait, there it goes." before he swelled up like a balloon and popped.
"Matt, perhaps we should focus on more important matters," said Spider-Man diplomatically. Just then, a howl was heard from the city's direction. "Such as that," he said promptly.
Matt twitched, turning to look in the direction of the city. "The city full of raiders and assholes with weapons they shouldn't have?" he said in a distant voice.
Walun said quietly, "Back away, slowly. I can smell his rage..."
"SMEG THE STEALTH! WE STORM THE CITY NOW!" snapped Matt before charging off with a battle cry.
Walun paused before saying, "I take it back, they're related. He just has better self contr-what was funny?" he said, as NegaMorph and Spider-Man suppressed some sniggers.
Sonya just groaned and said, "I suppose we may as well attack now while they're confused."
Said warcry had managed to carry on the wind to a castle window where Lady NegaMorph was trying to sleep, her eyes snapping open and her groaning. "Great...just great. Nightclaw, the Lynches finally caught up!" she snapped, sitting up and peering out the window to see what, in the dark, looked like an extra long glow stick bobbing towards the gate across the plains, pausing as its owner paused for breath; Matt's ion blade ignited and ready.
"And I was getting the plumbing set up," she grumbled.
"No you weren't," said an annoying voice in her head.
"YES I WAS! NIGHTCLAW! GET OUT THERE AND-" screamed Lady nega before there was another scream from down in the town that was cut off. "AND WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?" she added manically.
"Not just Matt," said the voice in her head.
"Shut it!" snapped Lady Nega before noticing her hand was shaking till she grabbed it. "I put too much work in this to be scared off," snapped Lady Nega, "This time, I'm defending my turf."
Nightclaw ran in at that, looking pale. "What the hell was that scream?" he said weakly, before a bloodthirsty howl echoed out.
"Is that Chloe?" asked Lady Nega.
"That doesn't sound like her usual howl," said Nightclaw, "Something's wrong."
Another scream was heard, Lady Nega snapped, "What was your first clue? I'm going down there and I'm defending my little slice of this world! No more running!" With that, she flew out the window.
Nightclaw sighed and said, "Why is there a feeling in the base of my spine that says that's exactly what we should do?"
Chloe smirked, pushing aside a guard she'd torn to shreds. "Huh...pathetic," she muttered.
Typical of Megan, she armed her soldiers with advanced weapons, but hadn't thought to give them meaningful armor. Chloe's claws and swords tore them apart like paper.
"I need a challenge. Something to get the blood flowing," she sneered, her eyes now bloodshot. She sniffed the air. The sorceress was nowhere near here. But she caught another scent, earthy and feathery. Her underling would make a more interesting challenge.
On cue, Nightwing landed with a crash, glaring before pausing in horror. Not many of the bodies were in one piece. Chloe was rather alarming herself. Her height and muscles have grown to a similar size to when she's in her gamma form, but her fur remained jet black. She was also wearing considerably less armor than normal.
"So...the sorceress sends her underling," she sneered, upping the creep factor when she showed blood-stained teeth.
"Chloe? What happened to you?" asked Gary. He didn't like the red look of her eyes.
"I realized that I don't need to be weak anymore," snarled Chloe.
"This isn't like you," said Gary, backing up a bit.
"But this is completely like you," snarled Chloe, "Too spineless and submissive to stand up to your own mate. It's a wonder she can tolerate your toadying."
"I don't have a choice. I've managed to talk her out of disastrous courses of action. She wanted to drop photon bombs from orbit before her takeover. Not to mention the things she could have done in New York," snapped Gary, fully dropping the Nightclaw persona.
"And how much progress have you made making her see reason?" sneered Chloe, "You've yet to see even a glimpse of the real Megan, haven't you?"
"Now I know that this is not you..." snarled Gary
"This is me now," snarled Chloe, her sword giving off a red light, "And I am going to find breaking your stone hide very satisfying."
Gary glared, cracking his neck before getting into a fighting stance. "You will find I have had a long time to perfect my fighting skills while we waited for you to catch up to us in New York," he warned.
"I'll believe it when I see it," snarled Chloe.
Gary glared, before Chloe charged, her current nanosecond patience ending as she ran forward. Gary spun around and delivered a roundhouse kick to her.
Chloe was sent sliding back, before grinning maliciously. "Oh...you do have some fight then," she sneered, the blade glowing brighter.
"I took a few lessons from Batroc the Leaper," said Gary, "I learned a lot more than I paid for. He's quite the chatterbox."
"Nice..." sneered Chloe, before lunging, the blade flashing out in a glowing red blur, Gary ducking before looking back to see a glowing line in a stone wall around a house, the top sliding neatly off.
"That's not your ion blade. How is it so sharp?" asked Gary.
"You know what? I don't care. I just want to see if it works on gargoyle stone," laughed Chloe, swinging again, only for some shadows to leap up, grabbing her wrist.
"I don't know what's with the sword, or why you're attacking us in your underwear," said Lady Nega as she emerged from the shadows, "But I've sunk too much into this place to be chased off by a mad dog."
Chloe looked over at Lady Nega, grinning madly and letting Lady Nega realize the blood on her teeth, and the bits of guards before to everyone's amazement, Chloe pulled on the 'shadow', almost pulling Lady Nega off her feet in Chloe's direction.
"You can't do that!" snapped Lady Nega.
"Yet the evidence says otherwise, sorceress," sneered Chloe, her tone of voice off.
"Oh, Chloe. Lost your mind again?" asked Lady Nega, "So much for that so-called iron will."
"Are you taunting my host?" sneered 'Chloe', her eyes starting to glow.
"Perhaps we got started off on the wrong foot," said Lady Nega, "What exactly do you have to gain from assaulting my city? A brief satiation of your blood lust? You realize your host's brother is going to force you out. Now, if you worked for me, I can stop him from doing that. And you'll be able to kill your fill among the people I conquer. That sounds mutually beneficial, don't you think?"
Chloe seemed to think, smirking before pulling again, grabbing Lady Nega by the throat. "Or I could just kill you and kill as many people as I want wherever I go," she sneered, preparing a blow before Gary tackled her.
"You can't bargain with a beast!" snapped Gary.
"Smartly said," growled 'Chloe'.
Lady Nega, meanwhile, was backing up. Her survival instincts, that had kept her a step ahead of rival villains and heroes, was screaming at her that this...thing that Chloe was, was too much to chew. It also pointed out something her eyes had noticed earlier but her brain had not; when she had looked out over the plains...her shuttlepod, sitting near the mountains.
"How? We looked everywhere, but we couldn't... Lynch," she grumbled.
The little voice also pointed out that this new Chloe had not just killed some of her guards but physically ripped the guards to bits like wet paper and probably planned to do the same to her and Gary. Her brother was on the way, better to let her tear him apart. But first, she'd need to extract Gary from her claws.
Gary, meanwhile, was knocked back from a punch that he felt even through his stone skin before Chloe slashed at him, the tip of his claws falling away neatly. "I was expecting better sport," growled Chloe.
"Then hows this?" snapped Gary, dealing a blow to Chloe's snout that caused her to spin like a top before he kicked her in the chest so hard she sent flying into a wall.
"Doubt that'll stun her for long," said Lady Nega, "I think it's time we relocate."
"We cannot leave her here," snapped Gary.
Lady Nega activated the geas and snapped, "We bloody well can! Move it!"
"But...your...kingdom..." said Gary, even though he was following her.
"What's the point in getting running water if there's no soap?" asked Lady Nega.
"Where do you think you're going?" snarled Chloe behind them before her ears twitched, Gary and Lady Nega pausing too as they heard a distant voice getting louder, saying "FuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuUUUUUUUUUUUUUU-"
"Is that some sort of banshee?" asked Chloe in confusion.
Gary said, "No...it's rage...pure rage."
The dire werewolf turned in time to be hit by an unexploded Matt, the two villains taking the moment to leg it. "Get off me, you wretch!" snapped Chloe.
Matt, his eyes twitching, settled for headbutting her between the eyes...twice. The werewolf realized that she was dealing with a berserker, though why he kept screaming 'Have a face fulla heid' every time he tried to headbutt her was confusing.
Snarling, Chloe picked up Matt and threw him away from her. Her new instincts said that he should have been rendered unconscious, if not broken, so was surprised when Matt stood back up, shook his head, calmly dusted himself down, before pointing and screaming at her again before tackling her.
The little berserker seemed oblivious to pain in his excited state. Well, there was one form of pain every man responds to. After a bit of tussling, Chloe drove her knee hard between Matt's legs.
There was indeed a crunch, but it was Chloe who twitched before hopping back. "The Wakandans think of everything," said Matt manically, before hitting Chloe on the head with his ion staff, only for it to do nothing. He paused, before hitting her again, Chloe getting a dull 'really?' expression before Matt said, "It usually works." before Chloe swatted him flying.
"Is there anyone who can give me a real fight?" snapped Chloe. A webline suddenly latched to Chloe's sword and it was nearly yanked out of her hand.
She managed to hop around to face Spider-Man. "Not you too!" she snapped, grabbing the web to yank him down before blinking and looking down to see a sword through her back, turning to glare at Red Sonja and Walun. "Ok...OW!" she snapped angrily.
"That should have stopped her," said Sonja.
"Is your sword made of silver?" asked Walun meaningfully.
"Right, because I deal with werewolves all the time," said Sonja dryly.
Chloe glared, drawing the blade out, the wound visibly healing before she bent the blade and tossed it aside.
"Now you just made it personal," said Sonja before punching Chloe in the gut.
Chloe twitched from the punch before grinning darkly, reaching for Sonja, before Walun tackled her. "Get off me, you cur!" snapped Chloe before slashing at Walun. Walun cried out as his back was slashed before Chloe threw him away. Walun was sent flying and into the wall with a cracking noise, falling in a heap
"Who's next?" growled Chloe as she got up.
"Me," snapped Matt's voice, a plasma blast hitting her from the side
"I think I shall look forward to this," said Chloe.
NegaMorph, meanwhile, had walked over to Sonja's sword, lifting it up and giving it a critical examination.
"Such a mighty and well-forged sword, it truly has seen many battles. But now, it has bent before an unprecedented supernatural foe. And yet, the blade remains whole. It merely needs a quick smithing in order to make it straight and true again."
NegaMorph looked over at the fight before shrugging, managing, "Screw that...short cut time." before bending the blade back till it was straight again.
"It may need a smith's care later, but it should do the job. The dark sword must be broken. The warrior woman needs her sword."
Red Sonja took her sword, giving it an experimental swing before she said, "Thank you, demon...but if you don't stop that, I'll use my sword on you."
NegaMorph opened his mouth to narrate before his hand shot up and covered his mouth, the unaffected parts of his brain deciding not to push his luck and acting.
Matt meanwhile seemed to be doing well, blasting Chloe over and over. "Get!" boom "OUT!" boom "OF!" boom "MY" bang "SISTER!" he roared, his yelling punctuated by the explosions of his blasts.
"And leave the perfect host? There's no one in the world who would have a better body," sneered 'Chloe'.
"Not even mine?" asked Red Sonja, swinging at 'Chloe'.
"I suppose the body of a goddess's chosen would be better," sneered 'Chloe' before looking at Matt. "But far be it for me to leave the dragon without a dance partner." before a black blur tackled Matt.
"The heck?!" snapped Matt before he was pinned against the wall. Walun was back up, but he wasn't looking good. His fur had turned black and his eyes were glowing red. "Guys, here's a head's up: don't get scratched!" called Matt.
Walun just snarled, reaching to bite Matt only for some webbing to cover his eyes. "Timing's great...gimme a hand!" called Matt happily, slapping Walun's ears.
More webs snared Walun's back. "Sorry about this," said Spider-Man, "You seem like a nice guy when you're not corrupted." He yanked hard, pulling Walun away from Matt.
"I'll rip you apart!" snarled Walun in a echoing voice before yelping as Matt grabbed a water barrel and dumped it over his head, jamming the barrel over him.
"May the White Lady forgive us both," said Matt before kicking Walun. Walun fell over and was sent rolling. "You guys keep him occupied. Me and Sonja are breaking that sword," said Matt. NegaMorph nodded, opening his mouth to say something before pausing as Matt pointed a finger threateningly at him. "DO NOT!" he snapped.
There was a loud clang of metal as Sonya and Chloe's swords clashed against each other. "So...you think you can beat me?" sneered the dire werewolf, the two pushing their blades against each other, a few sparks kicking up.
"You may have the body of a barbarian, but you're still an amateur with a sword," said Sonja.
"This body was a 'barbarian' for several years," sneered Chloe, trying to slash out. One scratch and her pack would grow to three.
Sonja ducked down to avoid the swipe. "You think I don't know how to avoid attacks?" she asked, "The armor I wear is proof of that."
"That's meant to be armor?" sneered Chloe, adding "At least I have the excuse of regeneration."
"I'm pretty sure most men would wish you'd cover up," snapped Sonja.
"Oh, that's it...head comes off!" snapped Chloe.
Just then, someone tapped on Chloe's shoulder. She turned with a glower to face Matt. "Boo." he said before headbutting her (again).
"Gah...WILL YOU STOP THAT?" she snapped, clutching her head.
"Trade you," said Matt, hooking Chloe's sword with his ion blade and flicking it out of her hand. He then dropped his blade and jumped up to grab the black sword. He grabbed it out of the air with a smirk, before screaming as the blade shot back towards Chloe's hand, taking its cargo with it. It was made worse that she had her grip over his and wasn't letting go. "Erm...siblings share? Ok, just not the face, ok?" he said nervously before sighing.
"Oh, we'll share a lot of things," growled Chloe as she bared the claws of her free hand.
Suddenly, Red Sonja gave a warcry as she jumped and swung her sword down onto Chloe's blade, a red flash turning night to day briefly. When the light faded, the black sword's blade had been broken at the hilt.
Chloe stared in shock before arching her back, her mouth open as a red mist shot skyward as she screamed, Walun, struggling with Spider-Man after getting free from the barrel twitching as his fur got its white color again.
The sword hilt dropped from Chloe's hand, landing not far from where the broken pieces of the blade landed. An acidic stench filled the air as the pieces melted into slag.
Chloe finally stopped arching, her head hanging down, her hands shooting to her head. Other than that though her form had altered little. "Chloe, if that's not you in there, there will be violence," snapped Matt.
"Head...burning...stomach...turning...STAY BACK!" groaned Chloe. She staggered over to an alley, doubling up and heaving several times, before whimpering weakly.
"You ok, Chloe?" asked Matt.
"I...oh God that one has a wedding ring." groaned Chloe weakly.
Matt winced. He made a mental note to apply a little mind-wiping. There are some memories one shouldn't carry around.
Matt walked over, petting her on the back, taking a brief look at the...contents that had been thrown up before a rumble got everyone's attention, the shuttle taking off. "...she can wait," Matt muttered, helping Chloe away from the alley while examining her.
She had shrank down in height, though she was still about two inches taller than her basic height. She still had the rock-hard definition she had earlier. To Matt's discomfort, he was able to see a little too much of it. "Uh, Chloe, where's your armor?" asked Matt.
"I think I took most of it off..." said Chloe, shivering.
"Ok, you know where it would be? I think we should pick it back up before we leave," said Matt.
"Back at the camp near the shuttle." said Chloe gloomily, nodding at Walun as he put his cloak around her, the werewolf side of her seeing his own muscles and going 'woof' happily in her head.
"Ok, we gotta round up the foreign tech around here and melt it," said Matt, "Hopefully their barbarian brains won't be able to remember how to make them again." He looked at his scanner, before walking off towards the castle.
Walun walked over to Chloe. "It wasn't your fault," he said kindly.
"It was my fault for picking up that stupid sword in the first place," said Chloe, "I should have left it where it was."
"You could not have known," sighed Walun.
"I should know better," said Chloe, "I should have taken one look at that sword and realize it was cursed."
"Don't be a fool. It could have almost fooled me," snapped Red Sonja.
"But all those people that I..." said Chloe before gagging.
"Our heroine feels much self-conflict. But is she truly to blame? Another mortal could have easily taken the sword and be cursed. And it is not likely another mortal would have allies that could break the curse until it was too late. She is indeed very fortunate to be traveling with such good friends."
Chloe turned to glare at NegaMorph, Walun glaring, "Not now, demon." NegaMorphs eye twitching.
"Seriously, does that narrating ever help anyone?" asked Chloe, "It's not like we're in some epic movie."
Just then, a small lightbulb appeared over Spider-Man's head. "Hey, Chloe," said Spider-Man, "I know something that might make you feel better."
"What could possibly make me feel better?" asked Chloe.
Chloe sat upon Lady Nega's throne, a crown on her head and a contemplative look on her face as she rested her chin on her hand in deep thought.
"So, Chloe did overthrow the demon sorceress and restored peace to the land. And having no further concerns, she sought adventures in other worlds. Many wars and feuds did Chloe fight. Honor and fear were heaped upon her name and, in time, she became a queen by her own hand..."
Matt, passing with a handful of rifles, looked into the room. "What the heck?" he muttered.
"Not for nothing, but this might be the most comfortable throne I've ever sat on," said Chloe, "Megan definitely had some priorities straight."
"How many thrones have you sat on?" asked Matt.
"Off with his head," said Chloe.
"Uh oh," muttered Matt as NegaMorph pulled out his Lockblade with an evil grin.
"You know, I wonder if I could..." muttered Chloe before standing and trying to pick up the throne. There was a creak before she managed to lift it up. "Ok...some bonuses," she muttered, a loud wet pop heard from outside, Matt running past the doorway with a headless NegaMorph in pursuit.
"You're not really taking that throne, are you?" asked Spider-Man.
"I'm a barbarian. We're supposed to plunder," said Chloe.
"Nothing wrong with a souvenir. I can send a message for more of my clan to come and help get this town in some semblance of order," said Walun as Chloe put it back down.
"Probably still a few of those soldiers running around with those weapons," said Sonja, "But I'll hunt them down."
"You sure you can handle them?" asked Chloe
"Those who rely on weapons with long range are most helpless against a close foe," said Sonja.
"Ok...best of luck." said Chloe, offering a furred hand to shake. Sonja grasped it. She had quite a grip, even compared to a werewolf.
"Chloe, we're headed out," called Matt.
"Be right there," said Chloe as she went back to the throne.
"You are not keeping that in my room," snapped Matt, pointing at the throne.
"If you don't want it, you can take it back," said Chloe smugly.
Matt glared. "Or I could just vaporize it," he said, aiming.
"Hey, I wanna keep it," snapped Chloe.
"Then put it in your room," snapped Matt.
"I will," said Chloe.
"And keep it there!" snapped Matt before walking off. Chloe looked both ways before opening the door to Matt's room and throwing the throne in before walking off, whistling innocently.
"And so, with the evil Lady Nega's plans thwarted on this world, our heroes resume pursuing her to the next world. Hopefully, they'll be able to catch her and restore her true self."
Spider-Man sighed. "Ok, officially annoying. How do you fix this?" he asked.
"It's quite simple," said the onboard computer, "NegaMorph's condition is caused by an overexposure to multiversal energy. We've got a decon chamber that'll flush it out of him."
Everyone turned to glare at the computer. "You knew the answer...this whole time...and didn't TELL US?!" snapped Matt.
"That's what you get for crashing me constantly," said the computer.
"Speaking of crashing…" growled Chloe, pulling out her ion blade.
Matt turned to Spider-Man and said, "There's something to be learned here."
There was a long pause before Spider-Man said, "Yes?"
"Hey, you're the one always saying the day's lesson," said Matt.
"Uh...there are times to keep one's thoughts to yourself?" suggested Spider-Man.
"Good man," said Matt, "You gonna remember that?"
"You don't mind if I did a little-" started Spider-Man.
"No," said Matt flatly.
"Fine," grumbled Spider-Man.
There's another chapter. This takes an unusual twist but it still counts as the Marvel multiverse. Conan and Red Sonja have been published by Marvel comics before. In fact, there's a miniseries where the sorcerer Kulan Gath changes New York City into a Hyborian version of itself and Mary Jane becomes Red Sonja. (I am not making this up, look it up.) So a crossover with Red Sonja is fair game here. There may be a few consequences from this chapter, but one benefit is less Spider-Man narration, which I know can rile some people up.
The next chapter will be coming out sooner. Keep an eye out for it and please review.
