FAUCET CITY
All was calm in the city. The populous, ever dormant, scurried through the streets conducting their business. Suddenly, from the sky, a tremendous burst of energy hurdled towards the city. However, when it reached the city skyline, it dispersed against what appeared to be a huge dome comprised of some azure power. The city populous viewed this event for a few minutes with fear and trepidation, then, after the dome subsided, slowly resumed their business.
High above the skyline, just below the dome, a figure garbed in a scarlet uniform with a black cape observed this event. As the dome resumed its transparency, he grinned. "It Held." He thought, and flew back to WIZZ tower. "Nice try Ultraman!" said the figure out loud.
The being , known as Captain Terror, approached the top stories of WIZZ tower, the largest, most ominous structure in the city. A cross between M.C. Esher, Dante, and art deco. Once inside, he entered the central monitor room, the heart of his precious security system. Here, monitored by the Tawny, a group of tiger like beings of his own creation, he controlled the energy dome, and monitored events and occurrences in the city.
"Report!" he ordered to a Tawny, near a group of security devices.
"Units 4 and 6 report an energy disturbance on the south sector of the dome right after Ultraman's latest attack. The primary generator however has compensated the energy flow.
Captain Terror was concerned. "I want a full investigation into those sectors immediately! Send unit 4 to investigate the area!" It was probably nothing, he thought, but it wouldn't hurt to cover his tracks. Ultraman would stop at nothing to get this city under the control of his Crime Syndicate. Faucet, being under the direct and exclusive control of Captain Terror and his 'family'. Speaking of which...
"Where's my brother, and that Bitch Mary?"
"In the lower levels sir." Replied a Tawny.
"Figures" he thought. He adjusted a nearby monitor to locate them. He found them in a sub basement, where they were locked in a passionate embrace. He gazed at the screen icily. His brother, he didn't worry about. But Mary... well she was always up to something, planning, or scheming against him. If only he didn't have to share his powers...
At that moment, a Tawny approached him. "Sir, It is almost time for the town council meeting."
"They can wait!" he replied.
At that moment, the flame emblem on his chest turned a dark red, and Captain Terror felt a sharp pain in his chest.
"Damn him!" he thought. "All right wizard! MAZAHS!" he said out loud. At that, a halo of flame surrounded him. However, rather than consume him, in its place appeared a young boy.
"Prepare the limo" Said William Batson.
In the lower levels, Major Terror and Bloody Mary were locked in a passionate embrace. After a few minutes, Major Terror stood up and slowly walked away.
"Watsa matter Freddy?" asked Mary.
"Mazahs" he mumbled. After the flames transformed him, he continued walking to a nearby ledge. "It just isn't working Mary." He said.
"It's your brother, isn't it?" she said as she flung his arms around him.
"That, and, I dunno,... I'm just not up to all this. I mean, here I am, with these powers, and I just don't seem to fit in. I just hate being the watered down version of the city's chief crimelord."
"But that's why you have me..." she said as she stroked his goatee. "With me by your side we can keep that jerk in line." she said smiling.
"There's still the wizard." He said. "He's no pushover."
"But once your brother is eventually taken care of, he shouldn't be a problem." She said. "He doesn't have the guts to stand up to him, but I do." She said smiling. "Now come on..."
He smiled, "Mazahs" he said, as he transformed back, and continued their embrace.
As the limo drove towards city hall, Will looked out the window. "Idiots" he thought. All trying to eke out their miserable existence. To think, not long ago, he was one of them. Hiding in the streets, on the run from the law after he murdered his uncle. "Bastard" he thought, reflecting on the old fool. He remembered how his uncle held the strings to his parent's fortune which was RIGHTFULLY his. He remembered how, after planning the "perfect" crime, he was on the run from the law, which was surprisingly effective in those days. He remembered hiding in abandoned subway station, when HE approached him. HE knew Willy better than he knew himself. HE made him the deal of a lifetime. HE assured him power beyond his wildest dreams. HE created Captain Terror.
And Willy never had to run again.
"We have arrived master." Said the Tawny driving the limo.
"Wait here, I won't be long". He ordered.
Willy entered city hall, flanked by a pair of his Tawny. Before he arrived at the meeting hall, he made a final check. "Yep," he thought, he remembered the vial.
When he entered the hall, the council members present rose. "What they must think" he thought to himself, "having to wait for someone over half their age."
"Very well gentlemen, lets get started." He then pulled out the vial and cracked it open on the meeting table. "For starters, I just released a highly toxic airborne virus, capable of killing everyone in this room within three days. I plan to distribute the antidote at our next meeting, shortly before then, providing..." he said smiling, "I'm still alive!"
He let this sink in a few moments before continuing. "Now for the first order of business. Following this morning's attack by Ultraman, Captain Terror has found it necessary to increase the monthly rate on the shield by, oh, say, TEN PERCENT.
At that, a council member slowly raised his hand, and interrupted him. "Um, Mr. Batson, we can barely afford the current rate, can't you, I mean Captain Terror, at least..."
Willy then slammed his hand on the table, which got everyone's attention. "Perhaps I didn't make myself clear. Captain Terror asked ME, his chief spokesman, to get it through your thick skulls, that, in order to protect your worthless hides and pathetic operations from the Crime Syndicate," he fumed "he needs to maintain the shield. AND!!!" he continued " in order to maintain this shield, he needs to increase the rate at ten percent!"
"But, but surely he must understand, we've been going through a financial crisis..." the council member continued.
"Then maybe you would like to discuss these misgivings with him IN PERSON..." he threatened. At this, the council member seemed to shrink back. "Or better yet, maybe, since you're so concerned about lining your own pockets, maybe he'll consider turning the shield off all together." He said smiling. "Yes, maybe with the shield gone, maybe the Crime Syndicate can come up with something more to your liking!" He continued, "Yes, I wonder how Ultraman's reasoning is?" he asked in mock curiosity.
"I'm sorry, It won't happen again..." said the councilman meekly.
"Then I'll let you discuss this. I, or Captain Terror will await your word later." He said as he left.
As he arrived back home in the limo, he thought to himself. "That went well". They would agree to his terms. They ALWAYS do.
As he shot up a syninge containing the antidote, he pondered. Good old Captain Terror. As his "official spokesperson", adults would treat him with a certain amount of respect and attention accorded by one another. And as Captain Terror, well, being protected by, and acting like an older brother had its advantages. Willy relaxed and pondered. This was the life.
At that, he felt a sudden pain in his chest, and heard a voice in his head.
"William, to me."
"Damn", he thought. It was HIM.
It was the wizard.
It was MAZAHS.
Deep within WIZZ tower, Major Terror and Mary also heard the call.
"What does he want now?" asked Freddy.
The old fart probably wants to torture Willy some more." Said Mary, straightening herself out.
"But what if it's important?"
"It's ALWAYS important. It's just a question of letting him have his way from time to time."
"We have to, after all, he gave us our powers."
"Correction, Mazahs gave you and Willy YOUR powers..." she said gently hugging him. "I got mine from you." She said kissing him. "And Willy hasn't forgiven you since."
"I had to Mary, otherwise..."
He was caught in mid sentence as she placed her finger on his lips.
"Shhh.... That was the past, this is the present." She said kissing him again.
At that moment, the flame emblems on their clothes turned a dark red.
"To me my children." mentally commanded the wizard.
"Damn him," thought Mary. "This had better be good."
In the lower levels of WIZZ tower the trio met. Captain Terror gazed icily at Bloody Mary, who returned his stare with a girlish smile. The three figures entered the sanctum of MAZAHS.
The sanctum, which was shaped like an arcane temple, had an altar at the end. Captain Terror took a torch from the wall and lit a brazier on the alter. As the flames rose, the three gave their deepest bows. From the flames, the figure of an ancient hooded being appeared before them.
"You were attacked this morning Captain Terror."
"The shield held master. Ultraman's was up to his old tricks, but I know that..."
"SILENCE!!" Mazahs bellowed. "Never underestimate him! He is getting bolder with every attack. You cannot afford to be careless..."
"But the shield HELD!!!" Captain Terror yelled rising "can't you get it through your thick skull..."
At that, the ancient wizard raised a gnarly finger towards him. The Captain doubled over in extreme pain.
"Impudent fool!!" he yelled. "You DARE interrupt me!?!"
From her position, Mary smiled. "Captain Terror indeed!" she thought. It was times like this, she wish she had a camcorder. She'd make a mint from the videos of this moment!
The wizard continued. "Have you forgotten that it was I who found you, hiding, on the run from the authorities, after you murdered your Uncle?"
"No..." said the Captain meekly.
"Have you also forgotten that it was I who gave you power beyond mere mortals, the powers of the gods themselves?"
"No..."
"And have you also that they can easily be taken away..."
"No please, not that... master..."
"Very well." He said lowering his finger. "You will closely monitor this situation and act accordingly. AND you will report to me on your findings. That is all." The flames died down, and Mazahs's vanished.
As Captain Terror left the room, he fumed.
"Cocksuckcker!" he panted. One of these days he was going to tear that old motherfucker apart...
"Wassa matter Willy?" Mary teased. "The big mean wizard make you cry?"
"SHUT THE FUCK UP!!!" he yelled.
"Hey, leave her alone!" Said Major Terror, standing in front of her.
"Just try it!" Mary threatened.
"Get out of my way you wuss!" Cap fumed. "Why do I have to deal with these morons?" he thought. It just didn't seem worth it. Ever since he got these powers, his life had been a living hell. Between the wizard's rants and Mary's scheming, it was just unbearable.
At that moment, a pair of Tawny approached him.
"What do you want?" he yelled.
"Forgive us master," one of the replied. "we just received word from the city council. They have unanimously agreed to your terms. Furthermore, in hopes of improving relationships, they have offered sincere apologies to you and your spokesperson in the form of an extra five percent revenue in gratitude for protecting the councils interest...
As the Tawny droned on, the Captain smiled. "Of course, it wasn't ALL that bad!" he thought. So he had to put up with the wizard. So there was Mary's shenanigans. In the end, it worked out.
"And most important..." he thought " No Ultraman! He's probably fuming over this latest failure to get rid of me!" He smiled.
ULTRAMAN'S FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE
Ultraman was happy.
He stood next to a beam cannon he had confiscated from the Thangarians a few years ago.
It was a weapon, given a certain time to recharge, capable of destroying a city within seconds.
He used it against Faucet City this morning.
It had failed him miserably.
But he wasn't upset.
He grinned to himself. Captain Terror was probably gloating that his mighty shield "put one over" on him.
But he wasn't upset.
At that moment, three Braniac units approached him,
"Master," one of them said "We have received confirmation from our other units. They are in place."
"And Captain Terror suspects nothing?"
"He had sent some units to investigate, but they have reported nothing unusual."
Ultraman smiled. "Excellent."
He walked up to a monitor and spoke into a nearby microphone.
"Matter projector recording tape 100856. Subject: Captain Marvel. Play."
The screen flickered, and played the image he recorded over the past few weeks on earth two. There he was. This world's Captain Terror. Either saving lives, or doing something equally ridiculous.
After watching the viewscreen for a few minutes, he turned towards his Braniac units. "In a way, I have you to thank for this latest endeavor. If it wasn't for you, I would have never learned about the positive universe." He looked at the screen. "And I never would have learned about him. I'm almost inclined to forgive you."
One of the Braniac units responded "Thank you master!"
At that , Ultraman focused his heat vision on the unit, causing it to explode.
"I said ALMOST!!!"
A few minutes later, after the remaining units cleaned up the mess, he turned off the monitor, and pressed a button on his uniform. He had kept the rest in the dark long enough. He was calling a meeting of the Crime Syndicate. He expected Superwoman and Owlman to be late. The Bitch was probably with him in Gotham. But even that had no hope of upsetting him today.
Why should it? He thought.
Everything was going EXACTLY as he had planned.
All was calm in the city. The populous, ever dormant, scurried through the streets conducting their business. Suddenly, from the sky, a tremendous burst of energy hurdled towards the city. However, when it reached the city skyline, it dispersed against what appeared to be a huge dome comprised of some azure power. The city populous viewed this event for a few minutes with fear and trepidation, then, after the dome subsided, slowly resumed their business.
High above the skyline, just below the dome, a figure garbed in a scarlet uniform with a black cape observed this event. As the dome resumed its transparency, he grinned. "It Held." He thought, and flew back to WIZZ tower. "Nice try Ultraman!" said the figure out loud.
The being , known as Captain Terror, approached the top stories of WIZZ tower, the largest, most ominous structure in the city. A cross between M.C. Esher, Dante, and art deco. Once inside, he entered the central monitor room, the heart of his precious security system. Here, monitored by the Tawny, a group of tiger like beings of his own creation, he controlled the energy dome, and monitored events and occurrences in the city.
"Report!" he ordered to a Tawny, near a group of security devices.
"Units 4 and 6 report an energy disturbance on the south sector of the dome right after Ultraman's latest attack. The primary generator however has compensated the energy flow.
Captain Terror was concerned. "I want a full investigation into those sectors immediately! Send unit 4 to investigate the area!" It was probably nothing, he thought, but it wouldn't hurt to cover his tracks. Ultraman would stop at nothing to get this city under the control of his Crime Syndicate. Faucet, being under the direct and exclusive control of Captain Terror and his 'family'. Speaking of which...
"Where's my brother, and that Bitch Mary?"
"In the lower levels sir." Replied a Tawny.
"Figures" he thought. He adjusted a nearby monitor to locate them. He found them in a sub basement, where they were locked in a passionate embrace. He gazed at the screen icily. His brother, he didn't worry about. But Mary... well she was always up to something, planning, or scheming against him. If only he didn't have to share his powers...
At that moment, a Tawny approached him. "Sir, It is almost time for the town council meeting."
"They can wait!" he replied.
At that moment, the flame emblem on his chest turned a dark red, and Captain Terror felt a sharp pain in his chest.
"Damn him!" he thought. "All right wizard! MAZAHS!" he said out loud. At that, a halo of flame surrounded him. However, rather than consume him, in its place appeared a young boy.
"Prepare the limo" Said William Batson.
In the lower levels, Major Terror and Bloody Mary were locked in a passionate embrace. After a few minutes, Major Terror stood up and slowly walked away.
"Watsa matter Freddy?" asked Mary.
"Mazahs" he mumbled. After the flames transformed him, he continued walking to a nearby ledge. "It just isn't working Mary." He said.
"It's your brother, isn't it?" she said as she flung his arms around him.
"That, and, I dunno,... I'm just not up to all this. I mean, here I am, with these powers, and I just don't seem to fit in. I just hate being the watered down version of the city's chief crimelord."
"But that's why you have me..." she said as she stroked his goatee. "With me by your side we can keep that jerk in line." she said smiling.
"There's still the wizard." He said. "He's no pushover."
"But once your brother is eventually taken care of, he shouldn't be a problem." She said. "He doesn't have the guts to stand up to him, but I do." She said smiling. "Now come on..."
He smiled, "Mazahs" he said, as he transformed back, and continued their embrace.
As the limo drove towards city hall, Will looked out the window. "Idiots" he thought. All trying to eke out their miserable existence. To think, not long ago, he was one of them. Hiding in the streets, on the run from the law after he murdered his uncle. "Bastard" he thought, reflecting on the old fool. He remembered how his uncle held the strings to his parent's fortune which was RIGHTFULLY his. He remembered how, after planning the "perfect" crime, he was on the run from the law, which was surprisingly effective in those days. He remembered hiding in abandoned subway station, when HE approached him. HE knew Willy better than he knew himself. HE made him the deal of a lifetime. HE assured him power beyond his wildest dreams. HE created Captain Terror.
And Willy never had to run again.
"We have arrived master." Said the Tawny driving the limo.
"Wait here, I won't be long". He ordered.
Willy entered city hall, flanked by a pair of his Tawny. Before he arrived at the meeting hall, he made a final check. "Yep," he thought, he remembered the vial.
When he entered the hall, the council members present rose. "What they must think" he thought to himself, "having to wait for someone over half their age."
"Very well gentlemen, lets get started." He then pulled out the vial and cracked it open on the meeting table. "For starters, I just released a highly toxic airborne virus, capable of killing everyone in this room within three days. I plan to distribute the antidote at our next meeting, shortly before then, providing..." he said smiling, "I'm still alive!"
He let this sink in a few moments before continuing. "Now for the first order of business. Following this morning's attack by Ultraman, Captain Terror has found it necessary to increase the monthly rate on the shield by, oh, say, TEN PERCENT.
At that, a council member slowly raised his hand, and interrupted him. "Um, Mr. Batson, we can barely afford the current rate, can't you, I mean Captain Terror, at least..."
Willy then slammed his hand on the table, which got everyone's attention. "Perhaps I didn't make myself clear. Captain Terror asked ME, his chief spokesman, to get it through your thick skulls, that, in order to protect your worthless hides and pathetic operations from the Crime Syndicate," he fumed "he needs to maintain the shield. AND!!!" he continued " in order to maintain this shield, he needs to increase the rate at ten percent!"
"But, but surely he must understand, we've been going through a financial crisis..." the council member continued.
"Then maybe you would like to discuss these misgivings with him IN PERSON..." he threatened. At this, the council member seemed to shrink back. "Or better yet, maybe, since you're so concerned about lining your own pockets, maybe he'll consider turning the shield off all together." He said smiling. "Yes, maybe with the shield gone, maybe the Crime Syndicate can come up with something more to your liking!" He continued, "Yes, I wonder how Ultraman's reasoning is?" he asked in mock curiosity.
"I'm sorry, It won't happen again..." said the councilman meekly.
"Then I'll let you discuss this. I, or Captain Terror will await your word later." He said as he left.
As he arrived back home in the limo, he thought to himself. "That went well". They would agree to his terms. They ALWAYS do.
As he shot up a syninge containing the antidote, he pondered. Good old Captain Terror. As his "official spokesperson", adults would treat him with a certain amount of respect and attention accorded by one another. And as Captain Terror, well, being protected by, and acting like an older brother had its advantages. Willy relaxed and pondered. This was the life.
At that, he felt a sudden pain in his chest, and heard a voice in his head.
"William, to me."
"Damn", he thought. It was HIM.
It was the wizard.
It was MAZAHS.
Deep within WIZZ tower, Major Terror and Mary also heard the call.
"What does he want now?" asked Freddy.
The old fart probably wants to torture Willy some more." Said Mary, straightening herself out.
"But what if it's important?"
"It's ALWAYS important. It's just a question of letting him have his way from time to time."
"We have to, after all, he gave us our powers."
"Correction, Mazahs gave you and Willy YOUR powers..." she said gently hugging him. "I got mine from you." She said kissing him. "And Willy hasn't forgiven you since."
"I had to Mary, otherwise..."
He was caught in mid sentence as she placed her finger on his lips.
"Shhh.... That was the past, this is the present." She said kissing him again.
At that moment, the flame emblems on their clothes turned a dark red.
"To me my children." mentally commanded the wizard.
"Damn him," thought Mary. "This had better be good."
In the lower levels of WIZZ tower the trio met. Captain Terror gazed icily at Bloody Mary, who returned his stare with a girlish smile. The three figures entered the sanctum of MAZAHS.
The sanctum, which was shaped like an arcane temple, had an altar at the end. Captain Terror took a torch from the wall and lit a brazier on the alter. As the flames rose, the three gave their deepest bows. From the flames, the figure of an ancient hooded being appeared before them.
"You were attacked this morning Captain Terror."
"The shield held master. Ultraman's was up to his old tricks, but I know that..."
"SILENCE!!" Mazahs bellowed. "Never underestimate him! He is getting bolder with every attack. You cannot afford to be careless..."
"But the shield HELD!!!" Captain Terror yelled rising "can't you get it through your thick skull..."
At that, the ancient wizard raised a gnarly finger towards him. The Captain doubled over in extreme pain.
"Impudent fool!!" he yelled. "You DARE interrupt me!?!"
From her position, Mary smiled. "Captain Terror indeed!" she thought. It was times like this, she wish she had a camcorder. She'd make a mint from the videos of this moment!
The wizard continued. "Have you forgotten that it was I who found you, hiding, on the run from the authorities, after you murdered your Uncle?"
"No..." said the Captain meekly.
"Have you also forgotten that it was I who gave you power beyond mere mortals, the powers of the gods themselves?"
"No..."
"And have you also that they can easily be taken away..."
"No please, not that... master..."
"Very well." He said lowering his finger. "You will closely monitor this situation and act accordingly. AND you will report to me on your findings. That is all." The flames died down, and Mazahs's vanished.
As Captain Terror left the room, he fumed.
"Cocksuckcker!" he panted. One of these days he was going to tear that old motherfucker apart...
"Wassa matter Willy?" Mary teased. "The big mean wizard make you cry?"
"SHUT THE FUCK UP!!!" he yelled.
"Hey, leave her alone!" Said Major Terror, standing in front of her.
"Just try it!" Mary threatened.
"Get out of my way you wuss!" Cap fumed. "Why do I have to deal with these morons?" he thought. It just didn't seem worth it. Ever since he got these powers, his life had been a living hell. Between the wizard's rants and Mary's scheming, it was just unbearable.
At that moment, a pair of Tawny approached him.
"What do you want?" he yelled.
"Forgive us master," one of the replied. "we just received word from the city council. They have unanimously agreed to your terms. Furthermore, in hopes of improving relationships, they have offered sincere apologies to you and your spokesperson in the form of an extra five percent revenue in gratitude for protecting the councils interest...
As the Tawny droned on, the Captain smiled. "Of course, it wasn't ALL that bad!" he thought. So he had to put up with the wizard. So there was Mary's shenanigans. In the end, it worked out.
"And most important..." he thought " No Ultraman! He's probably fuming over this latest failure to get rid of me!" He smiled.
ULTRAMAN'S FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE
Ultraman was happy.
He stood next to a beam cannon he had confiscated from the Thangarians a few years ago.
It was a weapon, given a certain time to recharge, capable of destroying a city within seconds.
He used it against Faucet City this morning.
It had failed him miserably.
But he wasn't upset.
He grinned to himself. Captain Terror was probably gloating that his mighty shield "put one over" on him.
But he wasn't upset.
At that moment, three Braniac units approached him,
"Master," one of them said "We have received confirmation from our other units. They are in place."
"And Captain Terror suspects nothing?"
"He had sent some units to investigate, but they have reported nothing unusual."
Ultraman smiled. "Excellent."
He walked up to a monitor and spoke into a nearby microphone.
"Matter projector recording tape 100856. Subject: Captain Marvel. Play."
The screen flickered, and played the image he recorded over the past few weeks on earth two. There he was. This world's Captain Terror. Either saving lives, or doing something equally ridiculous.
After watching the viewscreen for a few minutes, he turned towards his Braniac units. "In a way, I have you to thank for this latest endeavor. If it wasn't for you, I would have never learned about the positive universe." He looked at the screen. "And I never would have learned about him. I'm almost inclined to forgive you."
One of the Braniac units responded "Thank you master!"
At that , Ultraman focused his heat vision on the unit, causing it to explode.
"I said ALMOST!!!"
A few minutes later, after the remaining units cleaned up the mess, he turned off the monitor, and pressed a button on his uniform. He had kept the rest in the dark long enough. He was calling a meeting of the Crime Syndicate. He expected Superwoman and Owlman to be late. The Bitch was probably with him in Gotham. But even that had no hope of upsetting him today.
Why should it? He thought.
Everything was going EXACTLY as he had planned.
