Part 37: Timefire
It was pretty early in the morning in Jump City. The sun had barely begun to rise and a familiar necroplasmic Teen Titan was already out for a walk on the town. Mort left his bike back at the Tower. He felt like taking things slow after all that's been happening recently. Mortuary's most hated enemy, Brother Occultus, had returned. This made Mortuary feel really worried and he wanted to just leave Jump City and deal with all of this on his own to keep the others safe. Shadow insisted that Mortuary stay in Jump City with the Titans because of the fact that he could be taken out on his own if he wasn't careful. With all of that aside, Mortuary had a couple of appointments to attend to today.
One of Mortuary's appointments was with Vincent Harker, his adopted father, at an abandoned factory in town where he would be given a "tool" to use if he was ever in danger. Vince knew that his son was crime fighter of sorts. When Mortuary had finally reached the factory he saw one of his father's bodyguards waiting outside.
"Good to see you again, Mr. Smith," the bodyguard said with a nod. "If you'll please enter, Mr. Harker is waiting." Mortuary decided not to say anything and just walk in.
When Mortuary entered, it was dark and he heard a deep voice call out to him. "It's been a while, Craig." Suddenly, the lights turned on to reveal a man in his late thirties with slicked back black hair and brown eyes. He was dressed in a black business suit. Vincent Harker was not just a very good businessman, but also a very good monster hunter to boot.
Mortuary nodded, "Yeah it has. How've you been holding up, Dad?"
"I've been keeping busy, running the company, hunting some monsters, parties all that stuff."
"So, I believe you called me here to give me something," Mortuary said.
"Oh yes, that's right." Vincent then snapped his fingers and another bodyguard approached with a metal suitcase with the Harker Tech symbol on it. The bodyguard opened up the suitcase to reveal a strange type of wrist device, the device itself was red and black.
Mortuary approached and took the device out. "What is this?" Mort asked as he inspected it. It looked a bit like a hi-tech watch on closer inspection.
"I'm sure you're familiar with Smart Brain's Clock Up system," Vincent paused. "Now, before you say anything, I'm not trying to sabotage Smart Brain in any way. I know that some of your friends are linked to Smart Brain; one of them is even a CEO. I just made this for you, son, only you."
"How did you get that kind info?" Mortuary asked his adopted father. His father meant well, he knew that, but some of his methods were very questionable to say the least.
Vincent just smirked and replied, "Let's just say that some of my employees also work at Smart Brain." Well, sometimes even good businessmen need spies to look into their competition and Harker Tech and Smart Brain have been rivals for quite some time now. So, a little espionage was not uncommon. Fortunately, it never came down to any sort of sabotage and Harker only made this for his son.
"Thanks a lot, Dad," Mort looked at his watch. "I've gotta go. It seems that I have another appointment"
Vincent nodded. "Then you better get going and take care of yourself."
Mortuary smiled, "I will, Dad. I might even come back home sometime and see you."
Vincent smiled back, "That'd be great. See you around."
After Mortuary left he took one last look at the device "So it's like the Clock Up system, eh? I should be able to mow down Orphenochs faster with this little toy." His T-Com suddenly began beeping and he took it out. On the face was Pluto.
"Mort! Get your butt over here, NOW!" Pluto shouted. It sounded like there was a battle going on.
"On it!" Mortuary shouted, getting his game face on.
The Titans that remained in JC were Shadow, Pluto, Draco, Jinx, Blackfire and Terra. Don't forget, they also have an extra member in Mortuary, who had still not arrived.
Shadowcobra, or Shadow, the only known living Vampangel, is leader of the team while the founding members, the original 5, were out on a mission fighting the Brotherhood of Evil. Shadow possesses shadow manipulation powers, healing powers, regenerative abilities and the ability to turn invisible. The latter power bestowed upon him by the Zodiac Snake. His other Zodiac Powers are Astral Projection and an enhanced 6th Sense. Aside from his supernatural abilities, Shadow was trained in the martial arts, most prominently the snake style. His girlfriend is Raven, one of the original 5, who had to go and fight the Brotherhood of Evil with the others. He doesn't show it, but he misses her. His uniform comprises of a black jumpsuit with matching purple gloves and boots with a purple cloak. In appearance, Shadow has black shoulder length hair with silver bangs, pale skin and blue eyes. His most distinctive features are the markings under his eyes and an inverted red triangle mark on his forehead dubbed the Mark of Sin. He uses the hood of his cloak as a collar and pulls it up to cover the lower half of his face. His real name is Ichijyo Desmond Amakusa-Akuma.
Pluto is the mad scientist of the group. He is a certified genius. Unfortunately, he earned his mad scientist moniker because he wasn't always careful and most of his inventions tend to either blow up or backfire. However, despite all the failures (and the grief he causes his fellow teammates) he is undeterred and keeps on building newer and better inventions. His girlfriend, Blackfire (who we will get to know soon) always encourages him and helps him out. (When I mean helps him out, I mean she sometimes likes to help him relax by making out with him in the back of his car the Blue Hound II). Pluto possesses the ability to generate and manipulate electricity as well as possessing nanobots in his body that allow him to change his body parts into tools or weapons. He also possesses invulnerability and immortality, powers bestowed upon him by the Zodiac Dog. He also possesses levitating abilities. Aside from his powers, he is trained as a swordsman. His uniform is a black jumpsuit, like Shadow's, with matching blue gloves and boots and a blue sleeveless lab coat. He wears a blue visor over his eyes to hide his identity. In terms of appearance, he is a good looking and fairly normal looking Japanese youth in his late teens with dark brown hair, spiked up, and blue eyes. His real name is Yoshiyuki Takada.
Draco is the ONLY Orphenoch on the team, but he was never always like that. He possesses psychic abilities like teleportation and telekinesis as well as cat-like senses, reflexes and agility. The power bestowed upon him by the Zodiac Dragon is pyrokinesis, or what he likes to call 'Firebending'. He can generate and control flames. Not only that he can also manipulate the earth (Earthbend) generate and manipulate ice, turn his body to sand, possess super strength and see glimpses into the future or past through touch. After becoming an Orphenoch through unforeseen circumstances, he gains the ability to transform into an Orphenoch form, regenerative abilities, further enhanced senses and shoot energy blasts. He dislikes using his Orphenoch abilities because he fears of losing his humanity. His uniform is a black jumpsuit with matching red gloves and boots, a red scarf around his neck and red goggles on his eyes. In terms of appearance, he is a Japanese youth, not older than 18, with long red hair and emerald green eyes. His real name is Ryuki Leonard Hasuma. His girlfriend is Jinx.
Now, the girls:
Jinx, also known as Jennifer Wilcox, possesses the ability to shoot hexes that can manipulate probability the worse way possible. A former student of the HIVE Academy, Jinx had been trained as a villain and mercenary. The reason was that she only saw her powers as a curse and wanted a way to vent. She was once an enemy of the Titans, mostly the original 5, but she gave up villainy when she fell in love with Draco and after he risked his life to save her. She has a troubled past, but a better future now with the Titans. The uniform she is currently wearing is a black tube top with matching black fingerless gloves that go up to her elbows, tight black shorts and blue combat boots. She also has on her trademark striped black and blue stockings. Armor plating has been added onto the top, gloves and boots. In terms of appearance, Jinx has pink hair tied up into her trademark horn-like pigtails (Draco thinks they are cute), grayish pale skin and pink cat-like eyes (Draco thinks her eyes are beautiful). Draco always compliments on her looks. Living as a hero now, she is glad to have found a better life and love.
Blackfire, also known as Komand'r or as Karmen Anders on Earth, is an alien from the planet Tamaran. She is the princess of the planet but she is banished. Before she became a Titan, she was an enemy and tried to frame her sister, Starfire (one of the original 5), for her crimes and also took over Tamaran. The latter crime had her banished. After months of contemplation, she returned to Earth to make amends. When she first met Pluto (in his armored form) she fell for him. She didn't have the nerve to face her sister at first but helped all the Titans during the Gamemaster Saga. She later became an official member of the team and began dating Pluto. Blackfire possesses super strength, the ability to fly and can shoot energy blasts from her hands and eyes. In terms of appearance, she is an attractive female specimen with supermodel looks, tan skin, stunning violet eyes and black hair. Her uniform is a black top, mini-skirt, thigh high boots, metal armguard and neck guard and some sort of body armor underneath. Aside from Starfire, she has her fair share of fans as well.
Terra, also known as Tara Markov, has the power to manipulate Earth. She too had a painful past that involved her inability to control her powers, a problem she no longer has. At first, she was a friend to the Titans, but because of misunderstandings she ran away only to resurface again to betray them…to Slade. Regretting her actions in the end, Terra nobly sacrificed herself to save her friends and dating. She was freed from her stone prison by mysterious benefactors and is back on the team. In love with Beast Boy, and missing him terribly because he is fighting the Brotherhood of Evil, she, like Shadow, takes her frustration out on her opponents. Her uniform is a black crop top with a yellow T in the centre, tight yellow spandex shorts, a brown belt and hiking boots with matching brown gloves. She also wears goggles, like Draco, except hers are blue. Over her shirt she also wears a leather jacket that has a large red wolf face on the back and blue stripes going down the arms. In terms of appearance, Terra has long blonde hair, bright blue eyes and very thin. One extra tidbit is that she was once on a team called the Red Wolves that was led by their currently absent member. She wears the jacket to honor them.
The remaining Titans had dubbed themselves the Z-Titans to differentiate themselves from the original 5 and worked together protect the city from crime, evil and villainy.
The Titans current adversaries, the HIVE Five, were once students of the HIVE Academy. After the school, or schools, were destroyed because of the Titans, the students scattered around on their own doing crime. The HIVE Five is a team comprised of 5 former students. Originally Jinx was a member of this group, including Mammoth and Gizmo, but they all left for better lives.
The HIVE Five members are…
Angel, the new leader, is a girl with yellow eyes, wears a silver helmet, red shirt and blue skirt with blue boots and gloves. She also has a pair of small wings that can enlarge themselves for flight. Not much is known about her except that she is involved with Kyd Wykkyd.
Kyd Wykkyd is REALLY mysterious. He looks almost like Batman, including the bat-like cowl and cape. The only exception is his bluish skin and red eyes. He is rumored to be a demon, or at least a half demon, and can teleport using shadow magic that is performed by using his cape. He NEVER talks, ever, unlike the next member…
Billy Numerous. He wears a red spandex unitard that covers everything except his face. His eyes are always covered by a black visor. There is a division symbol on his chesty. He NEVER stops talking and always has someone to talk to, even himself, since he can duplicate himself, hence the name. Ironically, he and Kyd Wykkyd are best friends.
Private HIVE. He acts like a soldier and carries the HIVE symbol as a shield to show his loyalty and respect to his former school. Dressed in a full black bodysuit with a yellow cowl, yellow boots and gloves including a pair of yellow shorts, the tight suit showed off his muscular build. Of course, despite his strength, he had been conditioned to only follow orders.
Finally See-More. He is an African American teen in a white uniform with green boots and green gloves. He wears an eye symbol on his chest. His green helmet covers his entire head, except for the lower part of his face. The helmet has an adjustable cycloptic eye. The eye can be adjusted to fire beams or create a force field to protect himself or to imprison his enemies. He also had a crush on Jinx, still does in fact, and this is why he hates Draco who he thinks stole Jinx from him.
So far, the fight had been going on WAY too long.
Shadow was going up against Kyd Wykkyd. They had similar powers so this was an interesting match as they both vanished only to reappear to trade blows before disappearing again.
"Don't talk much, do you?" Shadow questioned as he blocked a punch from Kyd before retaliating with a roundhouse kick that the villain blocked with his cape. "Good, I prefer quiet opponents." Shadow jabbed and punched at his opponent only to be blocked by Kyd's cape. Shadow then did a flip kick that nailed Kyd in the chin and was about to follow up with a flying kick until the demonic looking teen wrapped his cape around himself and disappeared. Shadow scanned the area, his eyes turning black for a bit, before Kyd lunged from the ground. Shadow did a split and then summoned his staff to jab it into Kyd's stomach. Kyd dropped to his knees, clutching his stomach. Shadow raised up his hand and sent a blast of shadow energy. Kyd used his powers to sink into the ground. To Shadow, this was like fighting Danny again. "Where are you…?" Kyd appeared behind him to hit him but Shadow used his power of invisibility to disappear before reappearing to counter attack. They began fighting and their actions did all the talking for them.
Draco was going up against See-More. After making fun of See-More's one eye by calling him 'One-eyes' or 'Cyclops rip-off', they started to fight for real. See-More adjusted his eye to fire a laser beam at Draco's feet. Draco saw it coming thanks to his Powers of Pisces that gave him Clairvoyance and short glimpses into the future. Draco grinned and then landed before dashing towards See-More.
"You're gonna pay for taking Jinx away from me!" See-More yelled as he kept firing, only for Draco to easily jump out of the way and dodging. "She was mine and you took her!"
"Incase you've forgotten, you were just a friend to her! She cared for you, yes, but she loves me now." Draco aimed a punch but See-More created a force field. "And I NEVER STOLE HER!" he jumped back and flung fireballs at the barrier, but the blasts only dissipated against the surface.
"You can't beat me! This barrier's solid energy!" See-More laughed.
"Solid energy, huh?" Draco grinned. He then looked under See-More's feet. "What about under your feet?"
"Huh?" See-More's single eye blinked as Draco stomped his foot and made the street underneath See-More explode and sending him into the air. He created a sort of 'eye-balloon' and landed back on the ground. He breathed, relieved, "That was close."
"So is my fist!" Draco yelled as he aimed a punch into See-More's eye, sending him reeling.
Blackfire was fighting against Angel. Since Angel was a flier, it was only logic for another flier to fight her. Both girls were having an aerial dogfight, trading blows as they flew towards each other. Blackfire used her blackbolts, but Angel blocked them by using her wings like shields before she fired her feathers like arrows. Blackfire got graved in the face but her body was protected by her armored suit. With a battlecry and eyes glowing, she flew straight at Angel. Angel smirked, her yellow eyes narrowed, as her wings enlarged and engulfed Blackfire like prison. Blackfire tried punching her way out but Angel's wings were like Adamantium. However, Angel's celebration was short-lived as a direct blast to her body forced her to let go of Blackfire.
"I said let me go," Blackfire said angrily as she cracked her neck. She fired her eyebeams and they hit Angel in the chest. The elder princess was pissed. "And I don't like to repeat myself." She cracked her knuckles and went to fight her again.
Terra and Jinx were going up against Private HIVE. The HIVE soldier looked at Jinx hatefully. "The punishment for betrayal is death!" Private HIVE announced as he aimed a fist at Jinx, but she somersaulted away.
"You okay, Jinx?" Terra asked as she flung rocks at the soldier who blocked with his shield.
"Yeah," Jinx nodded. "He's strong, but he's not too bright. All he knows is following orders." She flexed her fingers. "Ready to use that move we practiced?"
Terra grinned. "You bet!"
Both girls ran at Private HIVE and jumped up to aim flying kicks at him. As predicted, he raised his shielded arm to block and then threw them away. He laughed, "Leave fighting to the big boys, girlies!"
"Terra!" Jinx yelled. Terra got the signal and summoned up a large rock that she hurled towards Private HIVE.
"Jinx!" Terra yelled as Jinx covered the rock with her hex energy. The hexed rock smashed into Private HIVE's shield and shattered. The small particles of rock were like sand and invaded his eyes.
"I can't see!" Private HIVE hollered, hands on his eyes.
The girls then kicked him again, sending him falling.
Pluto was fighting against Billy and was getting REALLY annoyed. If he was in his armor he could be fighting Billy at his own game. Of course, Shadow wanted them to get used to fighting crime WITHOUT their armors and only resort to using their armors against Mirror Dimenson Monsters, Orphenochs, or any other threat that would require the protection and power of their suits. Pluto was getting annoyed NOT because of Billy's clones…He was getting annoyed by Billy's constant talking. He could zap one, but a lot more kept showing up. He was fighting 11 Billies now and none of them was shutting up.
"Hey, Billy!" yelled one Billy.
"Yeah, Billy?" replied another.
"Do you reckon this dog here needs to be put down?"
"I reckon he does, Billy! Let's go catch us a hound, Billies!"
"OKAY, BILLY!" all the Billies said in unison.
Takada was fighting them hand-to-hand, occasionally using his electrical powers to zap them or throwing them around with his telekinesis. Unfortunately, true to his name, Billy was too numerous.
"I wish I could use my Trick Vent now," Pluto muttered as he fired some more lightning bolts. "Or at least Mortuary should come."
"DOG-PILE THE DOGGIE!" the Billies crooned as they multiplied into 50 and dropped on top of Pluto.
Pluto, thinking, 'Well this is irony; the Dog Knight being dog-piled. This would be so funny if I wasn't stuck at the bottom.' He tried to struggle and use his powers, but the Billies just punched and kicked him within the pile. It didn't hurt him much, unlike his pride. At least his powers would make sure he wouldn't suffocate, but hearing Billy's annoying voice multiplied and magnified was enough to drive the mad genius bonkers…
Mad genius bonkers….Isn't that redundant?
Mortuary cursed himself for not taking his bike. He had to run to the other side of town to help his friends out. It was then that it hit him like a ton of bricks; he had something that had the same effect as the Clock Up system. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the device his dad had just given him and all of a sudden the device lit up.
"Password and voice confirmation required," spoke a computerized voice that came out of the device. The voice was female.
"What am I supposed to call you anyway?" Mort asked.
"I am called Timefire, an AI to help you in battles by assessing strategies and equipping you with the Timefire Suit as well as upgrading the Death Buster," Timefire explained.
"Explain how your system works," Mort ordered
Timefire did as told, "The Timefire system gives the user extremely quick speed boosts called 'jolts'. Only ten jolts can be used until the Timefire system must recharge. This system must be put on the left wrist."
Mortuary followed Timefire's instructions and strapped Timefire to his left wrist.
"Password and voice confirmation required," Timefire repeated.
"Alright then, let's see what this is about." Mortuary paused for a moment he then brought Timefire closer to his face. "Timefire!" Mort yelled into the device. His body was starting to glow with a red light. "Hold on guys, I'm coming!"
Back to the battle, the Z-Titans and the Hive FIVE were actually coming to a draw. This battle had taken longer than it should have. This got Shadow REALLY frustrated. If they were in their armors, they would have no problem against these 4 clowns. However, they were heroes and having an unfair advantage over their opponents would make them no better than villains.
Although, the though of using Genosnaker was tempting and it crossed Shadow's mind several times.
"Where the hell is Mortuary? Didn't you contact him, Pluto?" Shadow asked.
"Yeah, I did, but I don't know where he is," Pluto responded.
"They probably had a sale at the gun shop or something," Blackfire joked
"Don't worry guys," Terra started. "He'll be here."
"So the rookie decided to hide, eh?" Private HIVE spoke up. "I don't blame him. He has every right to be scared, as you all should be."
"This is just boring, I reckon we just finish them off right now," Billy said.
"Bring it on if you think you can," Draco challenged.
The Z-Titans and the HIVE 5 were standing at odds, waiting to advance on each other. It was then that Angel gave the HIVE 5 the signal to attack. But, before they could, an energy blast shot between both groups. The blast came from an alley and everyone turned their attention there. Slowly, a figure emerged from the alley. The figure was clad in a red bodysuit which was black at the shoulders and upper back. The suit also had red gloves and boots. The boots had a black trim and there were also black bracers over the gloves and forearms. Around his waist he wore a black belt with a gun holstered at the side. The head was covered by a red helmet with a black face plate which had a red visor over the eyes; there was also a silver mouth plate.
The Z-Titans didn't know who this new stranger was, but Shadow had a suspicion on the figure's identity. The aura and gun were familiar.
The figure pointed at each one of the HIVE 5 and beckoned them towards him.
"Looks like the new guy wants to fight us all on his own," See-More said with a chuckle.
"Step aside, guys. I'll take him by myself," Private HIVE said while cracking his knuckles and running towards his opponent.
The red warrior just shook his head and pressed a button on his wrist device and in an instant he was behind Private HIVE. He tapped Private HIVE on the shoulder only to have him turn around to a fist in the face. Private HIVE was knocked unconscious and missing a few teeth.
"Woah," Jinx blinked.
"Did you guys see that?" Terra asked.
"He's fast!" Draco said.
"Yes, he is," Shadow said calmly.
"Who is he?" Blackfire questioned. "Where did he come from?"
"Wait, that almost looked like…" Pluto's eyes widened with realization. "Clock Up!"
See-More started his attack by shooting out energy eyes from his helmet. However, before they could connect, the red warrior (who I'll just refer to as Red for the rest of the fight) pulled his gun out of the holster and shot out energy blasts at each one of the eyes. He then took a shot at See-More which was a direct hit. Everyone gasped when they saw the shot connect until Red pointed at a screen on the gun that said 'Stun'. Everyone gave out a sigh of relief after that.
"I though he killed him," Draco said with relief. However, Ifrit was thinking, 'Wouldn't be much of a loss anyway.'
Both Angel and Kid Wykkyd decided to attack Red at the same time. Angel shot out feather arrows at Red. As the arrows were approaching him, Red pushed a button on his gun which instantly turned it into a sword. He then used it to deflect the arrows. After the first wave of arrows, he didn't notice Kid sneaking up behind him and holding him in place. Before the next wave of arrows was shot, Red managed to push a button on his wrist device. As Angel shot the arrows, Red was suddenly behind Kid Wykkyd. Luckily, he was also able to dodge the arrows. Red looked at the screen on his device which said 7 on it. For his next attack, Red jolted six times between Angel and Kid Wykkyd, giving each of them a couple of hits each time. The device now had 1 on the screen
And last, but certainly not least, was Billy Numerous. The duplicitous Southerner said, "You might be able to take down two of my pardners at a time, but I reckon you can't beat 20!" Billy gave a confidant smirk as he was multiplying. Red just gave a smirk as he also multiplied himself 20 times too, which left Billy in awe. But Billy was ready to fight anyway. Both groups of Billies and Reds were trading blows until all of the Reds pushed a button on their wrist devices and boosted their attack speed. The Billies couldn't keep up with the amount of hits and were soon beaten. After being beaten, the dupes disappeared and both Red and Billy were just one again. All of the members of the HIVE 5 were lying around unconscious around Red.
"All jolts used. Timefire going into recharge mode. Timefire powering down," spoke a female computerized voice coming from Red's device. There was a bright red flash on Red's suit which soon removed the suit to reveal….
"MORT!?" Draco shouted in awe.
Mortuary is the outsider of the team of sorts, meaning he never likes to follow the team's plans to the letter. Mortuary likes to administer his own brand of justice which, for the most part, causes him to get scolded by Shadow. Mortuary wasn't always as ruthless as he is now; he lost some really good friends to become this way. Mortuary has the power of Necromancy due to the Necroplasm running through his veins. His Necromancy allows him to borrow energy from souls to increase his physical attributes. It also allows him to fire off energy blasts called Necrobolts. When he became a Zodiac Knight, he gained the power of Aries to create an entire army of himself at any given moment. Aside from his powers, he is also trained in kickboxing and marksmanship, using his powerful Death Buster gun to hit almost any target. His uniform is a bulletproof vest (which can also protect him from other things) with skulls and crossbones on it that is worn over a black t-shirt, black cargo pants, a utility belt, black fingerless gloves and combat boots. As homage to his old team the Red Wolves, like Terra, he too wears the jacket. In terms of appearance he is a normal looking teenager except for the multiple scars on his upper body. He also has long black hair and shining blue eyes. His face right now is covered in paint to make it look like a skull. His real name is Craig Smith. He's the only single member of the team.
"Hey guys, how's it going?" Mortuary asked, like nothing happened. "Oh Draco, could you freeze those guys cause they might get back up and escape or something."
Draco nodded and said, "Time to put these guys on ice." With a blast from his hands, the HIVE 5 were all incased in ice, frozen solid.
"Mortuary, could you please tell me how you were able to use the Clock Up system and where that suit came from?" Shadow asked
"Oh, you mean the Timefire system? It's just a little gift from my dad," Mortuary replied.
Shadow knew who Mort was talking about. Vincent Harker. Harker Tech and Smart Brain were rivals in the technologies business and it wasn't rare to have spies in either company. The young CEO of Smart Brain Tokyo was going to keep a watchful eye on their little Knight of Aries…
"Now that's some interesting tech!" Pluto said in amazement as he admired Mort's Timefire watch. "I'd love to take it apart and see what makes it tick!"
Mort moved his arm away from the drooling dog. "Sorry Plutes. No can do."
"Maybe we should test this out further to see what more it can do," Draco suggested.
"I think the obstacle course is a good place to test it out," Terra suggested.
"Can't," Shadow shook his head, "You and Jinx tore it up yesterday practicing that new move you've been working on. It'll take days to fix it."
Jinx and Terra blushed, sheepishly, remembering how most of the obstacle course was just a bunch of large holes and the machinery was damaged. T.I.T.A.N. and Pluto were still doing repairs.
"How about the Mirror Dimension?" Draco suggested, "Mortuary, aren't your Gazelles due for a feed?"
Mortuary shrugged, "They have been a bit restless and been nagging me for some monster energy, but I haven't found even one."
"We can go look now," Draco said as he took out his Dragon Deck. "Ready?"
"Okay," Mortuary nodded as he too took out his Aries Deck.
"Don't be too long in there, boys," Terra reminded. "It's both your turns to make lunch."
"Okay, Terra," both Draco and Mortuary said as they stood in front of a nearby window and pointed their decks at it. Their belts materialized.
"EMPOWERMENT OF THE ZODIAC DRAGON!"
"EMPOWERMENT OF ARIES!"
"HENSHIN!"
Now both clad in their respective armors, Draco and Mortuary jumped in. The girls had left as Shadow and Pluto remained.
"Pluto, I want you to go in as well and record everything, alright?" Shadow commanded. He wanted Pluto to follow them. Shadow would watch from the real world.
"You got it, Shadow," Pluto saluted as he too took out his deck and summoned his belt. "EMPOWERMENT OF THE ZODIAC DOG! HENSHIN!" Clad in his Dog armor, he jumped into the window as well.
When Pluto's Knightrider rolled into his destination, he saw that Draco and Mortuary were already fighting. They were fighting a pair of Flash Cheetahs. The Flash Cheetahs were known to be a very quick species of Mirror Dimension monster, able to exceed the speed of sound or even light. Well, the Clock Up system could easily match such speeds, but what of Mortuary's Timefire?
"BRIGHT FLAME FORM!" Draco announced as he transformed into red and silver armored form. His green eyepieces flashed. The Flash Cheetah slashed at him, but he defended with his Draguntlet before countering with a kick.
Mortuary was using some Muay Thai moves and getting some good kicks here and there. The Flash Cheetah was then kneeled in the face by a knee strike and then a tornado kick. Both Flash Cheetahs were on the ground.
Pluto watched as the Flash Cheetahs demonstrated their uncanny speed. They rushed at Draco and Mortuary and knocked them off their feet before delivering some very swift attacks, all this while moving faster than the eye could see and appearing as blurs.
Draco got up and drew out a card before sliding it into his Dragauntlet. "XL Vent!" His black and red Excel Suit was activated. The suit had been built with special features, including one known as…
"Clock Up!" Draco announced and the watch on his right wrist responded, "CLOCK UP!" he began moving and fighting the Flash Cheetahs at their own speed.
Mort spoke, "Let's see if the hype about the Timefire is true." He said to Timefire, "Do you work with the armor?"
Timefire spoke, "Timefire is compatible with Aries Zodiac Armor. Please enter activation password."
"Good," he said. "TIMEFIRE!" he shouted and his armor began to glow, much to Pluto's surprise. The brown parts of the armor turned red. With a single jolt he rushed into battle.
Pluto could only see blurs as Draco and Mort moved around and fought the Flash Cheetahs.
In Draco and Mortuary's POV the world had stopped moving and the only moving objects were them and their adversaries.
All that was about to change.
Draco and Mortuary simultaneously activated their Final Vents.
"FINAL VENT!"
"DRAGON COMBUSTION KICK!"
"CALL OF THE HERD!"
Their Zodiac Beasts, Dragonzer and the Gazelles, were also affected by Clock Up and Timefire due to their connection with their respected Knights. Aiding their Knights, they helped finished off their targets.
Draco's flaming flying kick slammed into one Flash Cheetah as Mortuary's flying knee strike struck another one into submission after if had gotten a few quick hits from the Gazelles. The Flash Cheetah exploded and released orbs of energy. The Zodiac Beasts eagerly swallowed their bounty.
"CLOCK OVER!" Time and speed went back to normal for Draco and Mortuary.
Draco looked Mortuary's Timefire upgrade and whistled. "Sugoi."
"Thanks," Mortuary nodded.
Pluto nodded, having recorded the battle. He would then send this info to Shadow to review.
Timefire and Clock Up appeared to be just the same.
Was this a good thing, or a bad thing?
Shadow smirked at what he saw. "Timefire, huh? Well, it seems very helpful. I hope Mortuary can keep up with that little toy."
To Be Continued…
Credits to Zombi 138 for helping me with this chap. He helped write it. Timefire, Vincent Harker and Mortuary were his ideas.