[09.05: The Forge]
[An invite to dinner by, and with, a very...nice...lady]
"Well, we're into Nevada. Progress I guess" I said as we sat a diner as we sat at two tables, back-to-back, a newspaper in my hand as Quinn sat beside me, Debbie across from us, Eric and the two girls at the table behind us. I had the paper folded on the table as I ate. Food was pretty good actually, and it looked like there was an investigation into 'ghost town' we'd avoided. Two calls into the police, and SHIELD, had gotten attention when we were well clear, and had the new vehicle to travel in. I handed the paper back to Lisa as she tapped my shoulder again for it "No, there's no news"
"That's for me to decide" she replied back, the potion in effect, albeit a weak one, and after several days on the road she, like a few of us, were getting antsy. Not that I blamed them, I was too, after the weirdness, but it was sure-fire reminder why it was best not to go around displaying powers in the lands the fascists kept popping up in apparently. We even had decent cover for heading to the ruins of Las Vegas….because, ya'know fascists somehow took over the country directly for once months ago…in there was a commemoration going on, and the roads were busy in that direction. Maybe that was the reason for the dimensional flux in that general location perhaps?
'Sneak in with the crowds, see what the barriers like, and then decide after. Sounds good to me' I mused taking a nice sip from the coffee, enjoying the pancakes. Americans tended to do pancakes I'd found between 'modern' earth like dimensions. It was a change from sitting inside the RV on backroads and all the other nonsense that went with it, Base Camp still hidden, and everything just…being frustrating. Travel had been swift on Planet Furry Fuckers, but here, with all the advanced technology, the superhero teams, and mad governments we were moving slowly unfortunately.
"This place depresses me somehow"
I glanced at Debbie "The diner? I find it rather nice actual, foods good, nice staff. Winner in my book"
She nodded "No, I mean…the world"
"Oh, well, yeah" I agreed, Quinn nodding beside me "It's a pretty, colourful, shithole, pardon my language"
Quinn nodded again; voice low "Have you noticed that nobody talks about it…the whole nazis taking over America? Blowing up a city or two? Heroes and all that?"
"Something in the water?" I replied with a shrug "Magic field? Slight variation in human genetic development? Stupid virus? One doesn't really want to know. I'm leaving it with my God to know and me not to bother finding out hopefully"
Debbie frowned, looking at the news channels playing, talking blandly about stuff…not the fact the actual news was creepy as all feck. Hydra people still in a few state governments….somehow…but also Lunnie Lefties with Superpowers attacking and nearly killing right-wing protestors….yet that was also fine. This dimension honestly confused me as I ate. The Justice League didn't have this level of shite lurking around in the background, and the sheer hatefulness of the local population, mixed with mad gullibility, just got on my nerves to be honest. I'd be glad to be gone from here, as would the others I expected.
"I doubt it is the water, as we are drinking it and our efforts purifies such" she said to me, doing well with her disguise of a tourist from Chicago. She groaned softly "Now you make us sound like conspiracy theorists of the worst sort. What next, the tinfoil hats?"
"Those actually work in some dimensions" Quinn offered helpfully, and I shrugged, giving a nod as Debbie looked at both of us, then groaning softly to herself "It's why I've chips in my head. Keep out the mind readers, magicians, and the psychics"
"Hey, we do finger wiggling and words to do the same" I pointed out as the waitress came over to give a refill and saying things like 'magic' and the like didn't help much with staying disguised, minor veil in place over us or not "Thank you very, I'll have another, and a slice of the apple pie"
She gave a cheery response as the others did the same, ordering some form of dessert to go with the breakfasts we'd ordered. It was good to get a feed in before…
"Ehh" Taylor interrupted awkwardly, sounding mildly confused, voice low as she lowed back over the headrests at us "Do…I can see someone, but my bugs don't…I think we have a stranger"
"Where?" Eric asked seriously, and I activated my True Seeing, as Debbie did her own variation of the spell, though the view involved us turning a bit, Eric still talking "Don't see anything"
"Nadda here" Lisa offered, as Debbie made a hissing noise as I turned my head and…
"Oh….Oh…that's…Not Good" I muttered as the robed figured stood there, just outside the diner, between us and the RV, hands folded in robes.
"What's not good?" Quinn asked, and Debbie stifled a curse as I just…paled as the figure raised a boney hand out from the sleeves where hands were together at the belly, gesturing at us…
'Actually me' I noted clinically, spells clicking into place as the finger made a curling gesture now it had gotten our attention.
"Is that?"
I let out a breath at Debbie's question "Yes. Yes, it is. I think I have to go outside. Please don't upset the anthropomorphic personification of a universal concept. I have….fallbacks, contingencies. Maybe. Don't interfere. No matter what don't interfere"
I got up taking a breath, taking out cash from my wallet…just in case…and gestured for everyone to stay the fuck down as I forced myself to take steps towards the door, every defensive spell I'd prepared snapping into existence. Unfortunately, on this plane…that wasn't a huge help against such this. Something I couldn't even feel despite our wards and senses out there…
With a reach into my pocket, I downed a potion as I exited the door of the diner as if to get some fresh air, or to get something from the RV the robed female figure stood in front of. So, it was easy to force a smile after the strong stuff, noticing the sudden overlay of a 'woman' over the figure for anyone watching. Just there one moment, unnoticed, unspoken of, just…there…
I smiled, giving a polite bow, showing the proper respect and deference to one of her station "Greetings Milady, it is a pleasure to make your acquittance on this fine day"
The skeleton lady studied me, head cocking to the side "You have…drugged yourself"
"Yes. Your presence required some…tweaking…of one's mortal mind to ensure proper deference and awareness was shown for the situation" I replied respectfully, friendly and polite "I do hope it does not offend your sensibilities"
"No"
"That is good" I replied politely, hands on my walking cane as it rested on the ground. I could feel the eyes of the others on me. Thank heavens I was drugged to the eyeballs!
The skull in the hood nodded "You have met my counterpart"
I nodded "Indeed, we have…discussed things before. Yes"
"You owe her a boon"
"I have…made a deal yes, that she is intent on calling in upon our return to her domains" I replied carefully without appearing to be so "My opinions on it are…complex"
"You owe her a day. And will yet give her a day of festivities in her honour again" Death told me, the Not-Perky-Goth-Girl one unfortunately "Before thine ask. We talk"
"Okay" I replied politely if stupidly "Fairs fair. Yes, due a…occurrence my existence I was split in two, and apparently just because one of us paid it already doesn't mean it fails to carry over to me. Apparently"
Death nodded again "Yes. Then you will honour me in my domains as you attempt to placate her"
I paused "Are we…going to play a game of Civilization about this as well?"
"No" she told me simply "We will make a deal"
"We will?"
She nodded "You will"
"Because…"
"You will do so, and I will not tell Thanos and Wade of you" I got told politely "It is a fair deal"
I nodded "A very good deal, most generous, yes"
After a moment, I paused, and gestured at the diner behind us "I…ugh…could buy you a meal here if you want to start…I guess?"
"No" I was told rather bluntly "She was treated as befits her status. You will do so for mine glory"
"Ugh…I'm pretty sure Lucy doesn't have a nightclub here I could book?" I said awkwardly "And I don't really have the connections in this realm, because, ya'know, Outsider and all that…"
The hooded figure nodded "That is no concern. An adequate establishment will be in place in your destination upon your arrival, under an adequate, if grating at times, host. You will attend in your finest and offer tribute of your company for the day to my glory"
I…just "Okay"
"Good that you understand. Do not be late"
….and then she was gone.
I paused, shivering. Then took out my pocket-watch…yes I was still alive. Paused as I thought 'Isn't Las Vegas a smoking ruin?'
--
[09.06: The Forge]
[Viva Las Vegas! I said Viva! Viva! Las Vegas!]
Deborah 'Debbie' Delphi was….concerned, obviously because the andromorphic representation and avatar of the local multiversal representation of Death had taken an interest in them. But also, because Callum had made a 'Deal' with it/her and was clearly intent performing Callum-ness upon the world. Something Deborah always found somewhat concerning, but especially now after several days of listening to his insane ideas, and 'narrowing it down' to potential outcomes they could expect over the comms. Any time that the captain started consulting his 'lawyers', the necromancy books, and the modron L33T was not a good time in opinion of the half-human daughter of an Outsider demon-lord.
Now her captain and friend was back into full-blown Callum-mode as Deborah saw it, and that was concerning as they got out of the RV and 'mixed in with' the crowds for a memorial. For a dead city. That was very likely not to be dead soon. And filled with demons led by a demon lord. Also not forgetting the all-powerful Death Goddess of the local multiverse cluster turning to get a 'date' or something similar with captain lunatic and his ludicrous plans. Supergirl, Kara, was not here to rein in her maddening lover, and instead Debbie had fought a losing battle as Quinn Mallory was here to help him…and that was never a good thing. No, it certainly was not when those two talked and plan things.
'Oh, and consulting local laws in depth with an AI through two portals. Don't forget that. Or mentally traumatised Lisa and her suggestions' Debbie sighed to herself as she trudged forward to do her part 'I'm the only sane one at times, aren't I, oh heavens…I might be?'
Oh, why couldn't Burt have come along….
She glanced at the captain, at Callum, as he idly read a book, or seemed to be so, with illusion layered upon illusion, just like all of them, though his were more extensive. That was 'Greater False Life' mixed with some sort of undead Polymorph beneath the top illusion after all, her own Shadow magic adding to it, along with other things she didn't speculate at. Beyond the crowd had gathered and people were saying such things as she expected at such things….the local heroes, and it seemed the 'resurrection' outcome was looking increasingly likely. Not…exactly what Deborah would call a wise decision as she felt that sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach, along with the tug on the planes and the faintest whiff of sulphur on those winds.
'So….madness it is then' Deborah thought watch, feeling, understanding the sheer level of power of this local sorcerer. And it was a sorcerer here, that sheer power and yet unlearned strength as reality was bent to this Strange's will, and dimensions began to tear. Callum's teaching of her and Weryl had shown such, and seeing it now was…stressful. She watched as the local sorcerer tore open the barriers beyond death, into the hells, and drew back the souls and the city from its bowels. Ripping, tearing, demanding, in a truly mighty and terrifying expression of mortal magics…
Helped along by Hellfire perhaps?
There were mere moments then of what was joy as the dead were raised, but not by the will of the Gods, or by any magic of that sort. No, the dimensions had been opened, doors torn asunder, and there was joy as they failed to grasp what the sorcerer had just done. Yes, it was a miracle, but such miracles of mortal hands had to come from somewhere, with some price tag attached, even be it from the sheer…cost of the magic used. This, this…this was no resurrection from death of a single soul, which itself would a desperate task upon her Earth, but of a whole city and its populace…
'Ahhh….and here comes a Demon Lord. I do dislike when certain others are right in their predictions of horror and villainy' she thought, feeling, then seeing, the nightmarish edifce of demonic energy erupt from the ground to the screams of the crowds…
"That is fascinating, isn't it? Look at this energy readings…."
….and the madness of the mad scientist's interest rather than concern a demonic hotel/casino/thing had just exploded forth from the bowels of hell into, what had been mere moments ago, a dead city that had been raised from the grave. Deborah's nun half was horrified by the revelation, by the demonic energies she could feel flooding the world, and the nexuses beyond open. And, of course, that terrible fear as the robed woman appeared, walking without care, without notice, save from those of them like Deborah who knew to look for such things. Who had, unfortunately, known that this moment was to come when this Being of Power would walk amongst the lands of mortals.
The dark hell clouds that had formed when the hotel/casino erupted from the earth now rumbled, lightning flashing in the skies, darkness over the tower, sunshine without. Words began to play, magic, divine, lawful, began to rise up as Deborah's captain strode forward, a living skeleton as flesh seemed to melt away with each step as he moved, his walking stick twirling as sickly green energies surrounded him, clad in black suit and a bowler hat as the almost monotonus chanting filled the air. The crowds panic had grown, but they were now frozen in place, as were the local sorcerer and the demon lord who had begun to mock him. Now they turned, looking to this new arrival as Deborah went down to one knee, her own powers of Shadow and Hell erupting from her and over her allies, hand on the ground.
"What….ugh, is that English?"
"It's not a spell.." she said to young Taylor, the insect master, eyes closed, hearing that magic backed idioticy going on "..it is legal…"
"FORCES OF HELL AND SORCERORS OF EARTH!" not-Callum's voice boomed out as the skies danced with spectral green flames and necromantic energy "THE POWER OF THE GAMBLING AND HOSPITALITY LEGISLATION OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, PERTAINING TO THE CITY OF LAS VEGAS, COMPELS THEE!"
"Yes" Deborah muttered blankly to the girl as not-Callum boomed out more random gibberish "You have joined a crew of lunatics, captained by an even bigger lunatic"
"….AND WITH THESE POWERS WE BIND THEE! THY THEFT FROM THE FAIREST BEING OF ALL HAS BEEN NOTICED! RECOMPENSE MUST BE GIVEN!"
Skeleton Callum was waking forward, spectral ghosts rising and bowing to the feminine figure that was walking towards him as he'd walked up the demon and sorcerer. As Deborah watched him take of his hat, bow in an overly dramatic fashion….
'Are those….dead skeleton doves on fire?'
Apparently so…
"FOR BEHOLD THE FAIREST AND MOST GLORIOUS LADY! BEHOLD THE WONDER AND BEAUTY THAT IS DEATH HERSELF COME AMONGST THEE! BOW IN AWE AS SHE GRACES YOU WITH HER RADIANCE!"
Not-fireworks exploded in the skies as the terror filling Deborah strolled along the streets, the raised undead and ghosts Callum had summoned bowing and kneeling to her as she looked up at the not-fireworks display. People seemed too shocked, and terrified, by the aura flowing out, even the local heroes, as the 'LADY' strolled forward as not-Callum rose like a carnival huckster, half-throwing his walking cane up so he could catch it, pointing it around as he waved his hat about dramatically.
The demon was….panicking. Not due to Not-Callum, but the eye bulging as he *saw* the woman, the skull-faced beauty, was clearly having a reaction as the two 'bouncers' at the door turned and ran back inside, silently screaming and waving arms about. Callum as Not-Callum ignored it all, magic of death and undeath singing around him as….was that ghost Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack?...the undead spirits he'd raised up with the barriers so weak, began to sing. This was like some freakish Day of the Dead all in all…
"YES INDEED! THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE RETURNED FROM THE REALMS OF HELL, MORTAL AND DEMON, OFFER UP YOUR PRAISE AND GIVE FORTH ALL HONOURS TO OUR MOST GLORIOUSLY HARDWORKING DARK BEAUTY! THIS DAY WE HONOUR HER! VIVA LAS VEGAS! VIVA LA MUERTE!"
Then a giant [Applause Audience] flashed up in giant neon letters on the hell black clouds. Some people began to clap their hands very vigorously as Not-Callum went down to one knee, bowing deeply to Death, hat over his suited chest, head bowed….
--