Powered Marines Year 2 (Rated R)

[NekoLLX]

Inspired by Naruto, PR, and a bits here and there of other shows i recently finished Powered Marines Year one.

I thought you all may enjoy this preview of the unedited Year 2 Script.

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<===>Zot’s Return Part 1<===>

Slicing through the void of space the crimson shark closes in on the moon. It’s varied alien crew shiver under the piercing gaze of the figure on the command throne. A long silver staff cluched in one hand in the imposing shape of a lighting bolt. Raw, red muscles twitch under the semi transparent skin of the warlord while a complex machine suit covers a good quarter of his body. Dead white eyes peer out from behind a crimson visor as the silver rock, Luna, and the third rock from Sol come into view.

The imposing ship circles the two planets as data feeds to the trio of monitors that form the forward wall. The Moon Palace comes to view on the screen and a smile spreads across the Warlord’s visage. The shark comes in for a landing outside the grandious doors of the Palace as Warlord Zot emerges from his ship.

The silence of space rocks the very foundation of the moon as onyx and pearl lighting lances from the staff and the doors are blown off their hinges. Warlord Zot storms the palace alone.

“Who dares invade my…” Reeva roars as she appears in a flash of lightning, all color draining from her face as she spies him. “Z-Zot?”

He raises the staff, the twin lances of energy raising Reeva into the air, “I give you one chance to leave, refuse me and die.” And then Reeva is launched back through the smashed doors like so much garbage. Zot does not pause as he accends the stairs, stopping at Coffet’s workshop only a moment. “I offer you one choice, pledge alligence to me or die.”

Coffet, the monster maker, shivers. “You, always my lord.”

“Good,” his face keeps the Devil’s Grin as he moves to the main chamber. His gaze falls to the former astronaughts and his smile softens a touch. “What a interesting metamorphisis.” And then his face hardens, “If you deformed mutants wish to live you will be my jesters, when I call, you will perform for me, otherwise stay out of my way.”

The duo shiver as Zot narrows his eyes behind the visor, “Now go.”

Like twin bolts of lighting they are gone. Finnally Zot comes to the observation deck where Ra and Selket stand looking out to Earth, their backs to the warlord.

“Ah Ra, and Seleket I see, news of your ventures has reached even me, considering your new master you have done exceptionally well.”

Seasoned warriors the pair turn to Zot, their bodies expertly hiding their terror. Ra is the first to speak, “Thank you Lord Zot. We were watching Reeva’s flight from this area. You can count on us to serve you in what I presume is your conquest of the apes below?”

Zot nods, his Devil’s Grin even broader now. “But first…”

Energy lances from his staff at the duo, the pain forcing them to a single knee only as they grit their teath. Ra’s back splits as once more flesh, bone, and feather emerge and take shape into his missing wings. While Selket’s transformation is far more dramatic. Her fair human form bulking up to match Ra’s as her nails curl, sharp black claws digging into the flooring as a rush of black hair, no fur, rushes up from the nails. Her ears grow wide and round, shifting and riding up as her teeth lengthen and her face pulls outs. As the pain subsides Selket rises, nearly equal to Ra’s height and every bit as feline as him. One male, one female. The only differences between them in their armor, Selket’s curves, as well as her lack of wings. Parting to each side they give room for Zot to approach the observation balcony. His gaze looking out to Earth.

“Now tell me of Zardoz’s agents and their allies.”

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Meanwhile on Earth in the guest bedroom of Kenny Olsen, the blue marine, the cobalt kitty that was once Kelly Virgil lies curled up on the twin sized bed that barly contains her eight feet of feline power. The frog-like Hydro Hag, entering with a small envelop in her webbed hands, waits for the feline to notice her entrance. It doesn’t take long for Kelly to sit up and force a smile across her muzzle.

“Hydro, what is it?”

“You have a letter…” she pauses unsure how to continue. “From your parents.”

Kelly shivers, looking ready to break down again, “You open it.”

The Hydro Hag shrugs, opening the flap carefully. Peering in she looks quizzically at the contents. “No letter just this.” She said as she flips a red plastic card to Kelly.

The feline fumbles with the card turning it over until she conforms its identity, “A gift card?”

“See, told you they still care.” A third voice, one of a yong boy, the bespeckled Kenny Olsen. “They might still be to shocked to talk with you but they know you need a new wardrobe so they provided you wit hthe means. It shows they care.”

Kelly stifles her tears as she looks to Kenny with a puppy’s eyes. “You really think so?”

Kenny nods, “I’ll call up Claire and you two can go mall hopping.”

She whimpers, looking every bit the innocent kitten, “Wont you come too?”

Kenny laughs, “I can’t even dress myself without looking like a fassion disaster, besides…” his voice droped off as he looked distant a moment. “The Silver Knight’s damage to the command center was pretty bad, I’m going to be pulling extra hours with Ta…Maat, Rotoscope, and Lt. Mitchel to get it back n action.”

Kelly turned her gaze then to the Hydro Hag, “You’ll join us right?”

“Sure,” She said with a smile.

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The gold armored marine, who the world at large now knew was Maat stood shaking before the blue painted door. After a moment a older African American woman answers and immediately started shaking.

“You, what are you doing here?” she said almost fearing the answer.

“M-mom,” she replied with a quaking voice, “It’s me Tara. L-Look I have a lot to say, and it was hard enough to get this far, may I come in?”

Her mother nodded, stepping aside as the marine steped inside, instantly powering down to what appeared to be little more then a black panther in a little girl’s blouse and skirt.

“T-Tara,” Her mother said in shock.

The creature nodded, “It’s a long and invoved story, I hope you’ll hear me out.”

The older woman hesitated a moment before she knelt down, wraping her arms around the small creature. She held it for a moment longer before releasing, tears steaming her face. “Oh Tara it is you.”

“How are you so positive, half the time I don’t belive I’m me.” Tara says surprised at her mother’s quick acceptance.

“Oh Tara, a mother can allway recognize her daughter, no matter what. I didn’t cary you in my belly for nine months and suffer through twenty eight hours of labor to not recoize my own.”

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In a flash of lighting Lord Zot, Selket, and Ra arrive on Earth, as they stride purposely through downtown Zot lances the buildings with energy from his staff, causing massive chunks to break away and people to fall hundreds of feet to certain death. Flashes of green, red, and black zip around the battle fields plucking the falling civilians from mid air until they are all safly on the ground, a moment later the marines of Sacrifice, Determination, and Defense appear before Ra, Selket, and Zot.

“Zardoz’s agents,” Zot laughes coldly. “I am…”

“Warlord Zot, we know,” Micheal interrupts.

“Zardoz never stop talking about you.” Malcolm adds.

Placing his hand to his ear Jason talks into his helmet. “Kenny gather the team, Big Red just hit Earth.”

“On it,” Kenny’s muffeled voice shot back.

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Claire expected quite a number of outcomes after revealing her identity as the pink clad marine of love. This was not one of them. Hushed whispers and crowds followed her no matter where she went and the shops treated her like royalty. The Hydro Hag was reciving just as much attention, as well as a few fearful looks. Kelly received more terrified looks than plaire but their was no denally a bit of hero worship in the air. She was after all part of the team that drove off Ra and gang, and the forst to aid the dead in returned to their final resting place. The second act alone garnered a great deal of respect to mingle with the fear.

The trios arms were bogged down with their wares when Claire’s communicator went off and Kenny’s voice came in imidiatly.

“Big Red just hit town, Sacrifice, Determination, and Defense are already enganged. Micheal has called us all in, you ready for transport?”

Claire looked around quickly and dashed to a security guard, “Duty call, I’m parked in E-8, can you pack it up for us.” She said quickly as she put her bags down and handed the guard her keys. “K-Thanks-Bye.”

Before the guard could react Kelly and Hydro Hag had also unloaded their bag at his feet.

“Love, Blue, and Frogger ready for beam up.” Claire barked into her communicator, a flash of light later the trio were gone.

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Tara had missed this greatly, she sat as best should could with her new legs on the wide seat, her tail theaded through hthe back with ther forpaws acting as knives for the meatloaf on the table. She looked to her mother and father and smiled, for them her odd apperared was immaterial and it was apparent that to their eyes she was still the same Tara.

Her communicator beeped and Kenny’s voice broke the silence. Quickly he explained the situation and Tara looked to her parent longing. “Duty calls, sorry to eat and run.”

“Just be careful, you may be a big time super hero but you’re still my little Tara,” her mother said warmly.

“You take care of yourself,” her father added as she responded into the communicator. “Beam me up Welshy.”

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The monitor at the small military base where the armored marines were station came to life, the two women on duty turned to it quickly as Kenny’s face came on the screen.

“Blue Eagle is already in flight, Big Red just touched down and Sacrifice is calling us all in, Suit up Red Lion and White Wolf.”

The women responded with a unified ‘Right’ and ran for the armory cabinet quickly, grabing the enormous gauntlets.

Red Lion steped forward quickly powering her gauntlet first. “Ready for transport at your command.”

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As Kenny and Blue Eagle transpoerted in the fight was already in full effect. Zot had wasted no time in iniating combat and Ra, Selket, a contingent of the claymen and Zot himself were mopping the floor with, when all was accouted for, our eleven heroes. The trio who were first on the scene were also in the worse shape and the beatings weren’t show any signs or letting up as Kenny and the Blue Eagle joined the fight.

“Enough of this,” Zot demanded, “you honestly though your little milita stood a chance against me.”

Miceal got to one knee forcing himself to stand, his sword at the ready. “We kept Reeva at bay, we’ll stop you.”

“Reeva!” Zot snorted, “She was playing with you, she didn’t consider you worth her full attention. But I know better. I won’t be holding back.”

Energy lances from Zot’s staff send all present sailing, before any can recover Ra and Selket are on the attack. Micheal and Kenny barlying able to blow their opponents swords before they hit home.

“Get your heads in the game people.” Micheal growls

“And just what are you going to do, your barly holding off my generals,” Zot laughs, “how will you handle this!”

The ground begins to shake and rumble, Kenny and Micheal are thrown on their asses as Ra, Selket and Zot grow to mammoth size. The War mechs are combined and ready on the scene in no time flat. And the trio of villains are quick to move, sparks flying as energy blasts and blades scrape the hides of the twin war machines. With little time to counter let alone force their opponents out of the city the twin mechs topples, crashing through the super structure of two tall buildings. On the ground level Kelly, Hydro Hag, and the armored Marines do their best to evaculate the areara and pull survivors from the wreckage as Ra lifts the combination mech by the neck and proceeds to choak slame him against another building. The Dragon Kaisier is up on its feet, missles and lasers flaring cause Selket to back away as its ally is sent sprawling. A moment later a jolt for Zot sends the Dragon’s system into overload, panels spark and explode as the combination mech gets back to its feet.

Suddenly a series of panels light up on the control console and Jason feels a strange series of wind jets escape the ocirena. With only moments to decide he begins to miic the jets beginning a trumpeting new tune. The Dragon Kaisier begins to open up like the Mastadon is apt to do and in a few moments a new combination is formed.

‘What the hell just happened,” Jason manages to shout into his com.

“That last jolt must have brought something new online,” Kenny suemises.

Zot laughs as the trio hammer the new mech, their weapons scraping against the new drill lance as they back off.

“Nice move ape,” Ra chuckles, “But this fight is far from over.”

A round housekick from Selket followed by a jolt from Zot sends the system ablaze and the combination mech suddenly brakes apart into all six component pieces. Rising back to their feet the mech prepare to battle, The dark trio charge the feline mech and with a combined effort of force, it explodes. Tara lands rought on the ground below as her former mech rains around her. For our heroes the fightinging stops for just a moment as thye watch in abject horror as a thousand generations of soul forged heroes rain down on the city around them.

The second costs them dearly as the trio of evil shatter Claire’s mech next forcing her to eject. As our heroes recover the third attack hits home on Kenny’s Triceratops, rppign through it like discarded tolet paper. Only the Mastodon, Tyranasaurus, and Dragon Kaiser remain. They charge but Ra, Selket, and Zot hold their position. Lightning courses though the Dragon Kizer as Zot laughs, a cold dead laugh.

“You I’ll save so I may command these beast when all your power is burned away.”

The waves of energy pulse though the dragon and Jason and in a moment the dragon begins to fade away as Jason crashes back to human form. The Mastadon charges Zot, Selket spins quickly, her blade slicing throughthe neck and a moment later the Maatadon of Defense goes up in a ball of flame.

Micheal growls behnd his controls, the world washed in red, a palpable wave of energy rolling of the T-Rex as it roars. He charges, All thoughts of holding back wash away as the beast back the trio against a row of buildings and crages onwards sensind the trio through a handful of them before it spins around and hammers Ra with its massive tail, taking his legs out from under him.

“Murderer,” Micheals voice rings though the beast, sound more lie kthe roar of a monster than any human. Selket comes in from the side as she recovers, her blade moving fast. The T-Rex spins to intercept.

CRUNCH!

Selkets blade shatters undr the powerful jaws of the T-Rex. He turns back to Ra and Zot, and then freezes, Ra laughes pullign his blade from the chest of the beast. Forcfully ejecting Micheal watches in horror as the T-Rex clamps down its jaws on Zot’s arm and then goes up like a inferno sending the trio sailing from the force of the explosion. They never impact as their bodies rapidly shrink and they vanish before they come in contact with any more buildings. The marines look around as the five beasts wreckage lies around them in a mllion fragments.

“They were our best friends,” Tara comments.

“Greatest allies,” Malcom continues.

“A thousand pluss souls extinguished in a instant.” Claire whispers, the full gravity of the situation hitting her.

“The jedi are going to feel this in the morning,” Kenny coments in mute shock.

[NekoLLX]

<===>Zot’s Return Part 2<===>

Zardoz’s command center.

“You can save them right?” Claire’s voice screeched as she shook Rotoscope, “The souls, yheir alright? Right? RIGHT?”

Rotoscope was silent, his egg shaped head laced a face and the shock was to great for him to expresse himself verbally. The command chamber feld cold, hollow, something was missing, and everyone knew what it was. overhead Red, Green, Violet, Pink, Gold, and Blue blur alien faces were down cast, still counting into the hundreds the room felt uneasily empty, accoustomed as our heroes were to thousands of alien faces looming over head. Not one of the alien faces showed any sign of hope, all experiencing their own lose in their large somber expressions. At the back of the heads one white face, a teenage girl with African features came to the focus point Zardoz the first Warrior of Sacrifice usually held. Malcolms eyes lite up as he white lady’s face became clear.

“T-Trinity?” he choked.

The head nodded…

“H-How?” Micheal stammers, beating Malcolm out by only a half second.

“When I prepared for that last battle I knew, deep inside, that it would be my last. Rotoscope was right. I could not live as a spirit raped in a soulless automaton so I peered into the Core and it welcomed my spirit. But that doesn’t matter What matters now is that you get ready for round too.”

“Our Goliths, our War Beasts…their…” Tara/Maat began to protested, her voice low, almost a growl.

“There is another way…” A second silver face pushed its way beside Trinity.

It was indistinct, possessing eyes, a nose, and a mouth, but no distict features or defining characterics of the three. But Micheal knew the face. It was the face of the being who took his own soul and sent it across the universe to power a new team of marines in their own battle while his body, tethered by a fine silver line to that soul, returned to Earth with the power to bests Reeva’s invincibile minions.

“How,” Micheal said firmly, his arms spread wide as if preparing to beare the holy cross. “Take my life if it means our Goliths will be spared, take anything you need.”

The face smiled, indistinct as it was, a feeling of wampth radiating from it, “Not this time my brother. No all you need do is travel across the stars. I am feeding Rotoscope the coordinates now. Just as my land was protected by the Great Brachiosaur Sa’ar, who will now answer your calls in this time of need, the Great Dragon Zhoh Long, the Majestic Unicorn Starbolt, Mighty Griphon Scar, Royal Sphinx Nefritetti, and Eternal Pheniox Rom can be tamed if you have the heart and conviction to reach their souls. Our six beasts together will free the Dragon Kaiser and united as one remove the threat of Lord Zot, once and for all.”

Fire lit the eyes of Jason, Micheal, Kenny, Maat, Claire, and Malcom as their gaze shifted to Rotoscope.

“You have the coordinates,” Micheal asksed firmly.

“Rotoscope too ka moment to check his computers and nodded.

“Good, lets go.” Micheal says sternly, his gaze never faltering as he looks to his half-brother Jason. “Bro, you stay here, if things get hot and heavy take Sa’ar until we can rescue the Dragon Kaiser.”

Jason nodded his gaze falling to Kelly, the Hydro Hag, and the 3 armored marines. “It will be up to us to protect this city.”

“Right the five said in unison.

As his bothers and his four friends gathered by Rotoscope behind him Jason’s Features grew sterner still, “We have always played roles of support, assisting and aiding our friend here in these great battles. Now the city, the world rests on our shoulders, there will be no backup. We are it.”

“We are ready,” Kelly says firmly.

“Good,” Jason comments, “We have a war to wag.”

And the other five dematerialize.

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The Moon Palace, Main Throne Room.

The palance was a buze of activity, numerous aliens scurried about the chamber under the glare of the battered and battle worn Warlord Zot. New equipment was set up, and down the hall a kitchen was being set all. All the amemities and equipment the Warlord would need to enjoy himself wage a extended campign was being put in place. Beside him the battered and bloodied Ra and Selket stood guard, their great swords helping hold them erect. Behind the visor Warlord Zot’s dread white eyes examined his crew with contempt and distrust.

[Die Tyrant!] A voice shouted from behind him, one of his alien slaves leaping at his neck with a shard of steel.

Ra and Selket moved to intercept but their injuries were two great to move fast enough. Pearl lightning arcs across Zot’s visor as the blade came inches from his throat. The assassin stoped cold, his body pulled I na field of energy as he was levitated before Zot. Now all the slaves transfixed on the scene.

“Let me make I clear,” Zot’s voice roared even at a whisper. “Even injered as I am none of you will betry me. There is only one punishment for betrayal…oblivion.”

The alien let out a horrible screech like the wail of a thousand toured souls before he exploded ina shower of green slime and chitton like bone. Zardoz’s gaze then fell to Ra and Selket as his slaves ilently cleaned the mess. The duo lowered their heads in shame but Zot remained neutral in his expression.

“You serve me well even in your states. Fetch the monster maker, I will need new lutenenents as you recover. And a monster powerful enough to finish the job on earth.”

“Yes my Lord.” The duo said in union as they turn and walk out.

Zot’s gaze turned to the far wall, peering beyond the wall and out toward Earth, “The third rock will be my new domain, or my new Example agains those who dare Rebel my rule, this I swear.”

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Location Unknown

Michael appears alone in a desolate wasteland, the scorching heat bearing down on him as he looks around, his friends nowhere in sight.

“I guess,” he muses to himself, “We each do this alone.”

Trudging across the blinding wastes and scourcing sands for what feels like hours Michael’s mind wanders. Of the fate of Kenny, Tara, Claire, and Malcolm, of the state back home, of the warriors his soul empowers deep in the reaches of space and of the pheniox Rom and just how he will convice the great creature to aid him. Sands shifting under him as the heat bears down, growing greater wt the passage of time Micheals mind begins to wonder finnaly on his own mortality. The deasert so vast perhaps he would not survive long enough to find water, let alone Rom. Time seemed to elude him, his stomance rumbling, his muscles aching as he trudged on, until finally a massive candle in the distance drew his attention. Quickly invoking the power of the black box he picked up his pace, even enhaced by the suit he was still battered and worn beyond his limit, but he made it to his destination and stared up at the massive bird of fire, a thing of beauty and fear, and all its great power and range seem directed at a single man, cowed before the beast, three large black eyes pleading for mercy. Micheal did not think in that instant as he charged between the alien and Rom and brandished his sword, Adreniline alone keeping his posture in fighting form.

“What has this man done to deserve your wrath?” Micheal asked definetly of Rom’s wrath.

Rom’s eyes narrowed, boring into Micheal, its shrill yet majestic voice boring into his head. “He has defined the order of life and death, brought forth a abomination into this world. A creature with no soul who pretends to be righteous…like you.” Rom transmited to Micheal’s mind with boiling wrath.

Micheal turned to the man, “What did you do.” His tone calm and focused.

“I only wanted to protect my people, the Golem was designed to protect, I did not mean for it to gain sentience, but once it did I could not end its life because of it.”

Micheal nodded turning back to Rom, “My soul is still tied to my body, transported across space to aid a falling civilization defend itself from a warlord. You may not sense it but I do have a soul. So I speak from experience as a Golem, of sorts, myself. Is not all life, all souls, born from our actions not devine creation? The Hydro Hag has no soul, but has defended our city wit has much heart as any hero I know, has she not earned a soul? Has not this Golem earned his?”

Rom’s eyes burned with rage, “You come to my land seeking my aid and you defy my edicts? If ou wish my aid you will slay this monster maker.”

Michael narrowed his eyes, his voice firm, “No.”

“No?” Rom demanded, “You would doom your world by refusing me over this alien.”

Michael looked back to the cowering alien, then back to Rom, “If I have to give up my life to repair he T-Rex instead it is a small price to pay. They can find another Blood of Sacrifice, but I will not just let you betray all I belive. What is the point in gaining your aid if I betray all that I am?”

Rom continued his glare, “You do not even know this alien, only his story and still your risk everything for him. So be it!”

Flames erupted around Micheal and yet he stood firlm, they licked his suit and burned his skin under it and he stood firm. As the inferno ceased Rom was gone. “By my power you are reborn, Call my name in times of need and I will heed the call.”

The delolate wastes begian to fade as luck green grass began to growl up, a stream beginning to bubble up at their feet. Micheal powered down and knelt down, quickly cupping the cool water into his parched throat. After a moment though he paused, the clear water in his hands he held it under the aliens chin, a trip of tubules hissed like serpents from his mouth as the tubules began to draw the water up into his own mouth.

“Thank you,” he managed after his drink, “For everything.”

Micheal smiled, “No problem.”

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Mysterious Glade

Claire had been walking for a good hour now, taking in the splendor of the glade. But her eyes held focused on her goal. While she could not see the her goal she knew her direction, by some uncanny gift, was just ahead. She stopped several times at a apple tree, grape vine, or other natural splendor to sate her gnawing hunger but always kept her means lite so as to not impede the gardener’s bounty to harshy.

Her goal started to come into sight not much longer after she enjoyed a single pear and planted the core’s dseens in the dirt under the bounty. The guardian of the Glade was a great white stallion, a golden horn spiraling from it’s forehead, smoke billowed from its flared nostrils as it regarded Claire with contempt.

“S-Starbolt?” She asked cautiously?

“You taste of my guarden without permission, what gives you that right?” The unicorn spoke in her mind with a rapier’s sting.

“I’ve, like, been walking for hours, I was, like, starving. I tried my best to, like, replant the seeds and only take, like, a light share.”

Starbolt’s nose flared again, “I noticed,” she spoke Claire’s mind. “But now I am short of my harvest, how do you intend to rectify that? How did you even enter my glade?”

“I…” She stammered, looking to her feet.

“You seek my aid, I know, and this is how you go about it, traipsing my glade as if it was your own.”

“Now just wait…” she began to protest the lowered her head. It was true she hadn’t done much and a few signs would have aliviated this perdiciment but she had landed deep in Starbolt’s realm, she really did not have any right to complain, she had trespassed. “I am sorry, if there is, like, anything I can do to make it, like, up to you just, like, say it?”

“Anything?” Starbolt reiterated.

Claire swallowed, she didn’t like the way Starbolt was smiling. “Y-yes…” she manged weakly.

The scene seemed to shift and shimmer around her, changing from the glade to a wooden stable, the stink of manure in the air forced Claire to hold her nose. “My children’s stable is filthy, you will clean it. When it is pristine then you will have repaid your debt.”

Claire nodded as Starbolt trotted off, a determined look on her face she sliped off her blouse, tieing it around her face like mask and looked around for the shovel. Her manicured and pained nails took a firm grip of the spintered and rusted spade caked in dried manure and got to work.

It had probably only been twenty minutes before her arms started to ache and a trio of ponnies, one brown, one white as snow, one black as night, pranced into the stabbles, each sported a spiraled golden horn. They nipped and poked at Claire as she worked, and she did her best to pet each one while continuing her work. After a hour or two of their nipping and poking at her clothes her fine skirt and her under shirt were falling apart. Her body ached as they retired to their stabled, their eyes on her as she stopped for a moment by th stables to catch her breath. Her naines were blackened and cracked, her hands stiff. And the only food around was some hay offered to her by the black unicorn. Pulling down her makeshift mask she smiled, gnawing on the corse hay. It was supprisingly refreshing. But she had a deal to keep with Starbolt as as soon as her strength had returned she returned to her work. The acks in her hands didn’t make things any easier nore the pain in her back. Her thighs strined her panties and her feet were cramping up but she continued.

Wary and worn Claire was ill prepared from the gentle nudge one of the ponies gave her back side, Claire tried to yell but all that did was open her moth for the pile of manure she landed face first into. Pushing herself onto her hands, her ass high into the air Claire let out a annoyed whinny.

Her eyes bulged as she spat the manure from her mout hand tried to bursh the encrusted hair from her soiled face. But what brusted her features was hard like a rock and as her eyes focused she caught sigh of not her normal hand but a deformed stump with three thick digits that ended in a thick, golden, crust.

“Hooves!” her mind screamed but all her lips released was another terrified whinny.

About there her painties vinnaly gave way as she turned back just in time to se a long golden tail swish out over her skirt and watch thick gold hooves burst through her favorite pumps. She tried to stand but her swollen hips wouldn’t oblige. She could already feel the man of hair spreading down her back and her bra brust from her shounders as they broandened and her back bulked up. She looked to the ponnies who all seemed to be laughing, and she knew what to expect. Her vision was blurnn,g shifting as her muzzle grew out and her eyes grew apart. Still she had mad a promise to Starbolt, and it was the one chance she had to save her friends back home.

With a esaperated whinny she cupped the shivel in her jaws, but instantly let go as she flet a horrible pain in her forheard, a long spiral hor boring, bloodlessly out from her temples forced another pained whinny from her lips.

It was over in moments, her skirt being the last to fall from her widening waist and hips, the black ponny trotred over, a playful glint in his eyes as he nuzzled her. She returned the affection gently but bent down none the less to get a firm grip on the shovel. It was night fall before Claire’ task was finished, her new body aching from the experience. The brown pony took a firm grip of her mane and lead her toward a empy stall, the name White Rose on the gilded plate above.

Claire whinned in confusion as the brown ponnie nudged her in, Claire let ou a equine sigh and entered the stable. She had failed her task and now her punishment was clear. She was not going to return home, or rather this was her home now, this was White Rose’s home.

Not much longer Starbolt returned, she looked around the tidy stables before she find Claire, no White Rose. The new blond pony was sharing hay with the other three and as Starbolt aporched the four of them looked up wit ha mix of expressions. White Rose was disappointed, the black one happy, the white pony seemed supprised, and brown one was expectant.

Starbolt nuzzled each one in turn before her gaze settled on White Rose. “You have done well, despite my children’s pranks.”

White Rose was surprised, a sudden gust of cold air burshing her skin as Starbolt touched her horn to Claire’s. Faster then the first transformation Clair found herself kneeling naked in the chill air, human again.

“I can not go with you, there are too few of my kind and to much for me to do, but in times of need, my White Rose, call out your own name and your frail human form will expode with your true form so that you may figh on equal terms.”

Claire shivered but smiled, “Thank you, I thought I had, like, failed and was being punished!”

Starbolt let out a jovile whinny, “Failed? Child you held out our deal despite loosing your body in the process. You showed my children compassion when they arrived and never once retaliated against them. You are truly a fount of compassion. Now go White Rose, Go Claire of Earth, and save your friends!”

Claire flushed a moment, “Uh…could I bother you for a pair of pants and a shirt?”

Starbolt laughed, “Go on White Rose, and hurry.”

After a moment’s confusion Claire let out a triumphant neigh, the change washing over her in a instant as she galloped off into the distance.

[NekoLLX]

<===>Zot’s Return Part 3<===>

Maat had lost track of how long she had been crossing the desert, one dune blending into the next, the soft sobbing of a woman’s voice was the first thing to break the howling winds and silence for what must have been hours. Maat was starving, her skin blisted by whipping winds, and her thrat parched as she turned toward the sound, moving at a faster pace for when seemed like a eterninty before the sway of a palm tree and the scent of fresh water rose into view.

Cautiously she approached, her steps light on the grass of the oasis, the pressing heat draw of her back as she entered the shade. Gently she lapped at the water as her eyes came back into focus, her ears twisting and swiveling to locat the crying sounds around her. Her eyes were drawn to the wather she was drinking and there I nthe reflection she saw a majestic sphinx stare back. The Sphinx’s eyes stoped crying as she slowly opened, the reflection setting its gaze on Maat.

“Cleopatra? Daughter? Is it really you?” the reflection said, but it was Tara’s own lips that moved.

“I’m sorry your mistaken my name is Maat, sometimes Tara, but never Cleopatra.” Maat responded though the reflections lips did not move with hers.

“You look so much like her,” the reflection saidm Tara’s lips once more moving, “Before that witch Selket had her way and stole what remained of her humanity and set her into the wild as a beast. I had hoped you had returned.”

“Selket? As in the goddess or some anthromorphic black cat with wing and scorpion armor?”

“The latter,” the relefection, and Maat, said.

“I have dealt with her, her master did this to me. I was one human. I came here seeking aid in destroying her new master Zot. How long have you waited?”

“I have forgotten the time, it seems like eternity.”

Tara rached her paw into the water, the reflection rippling under it. “How would you like to help me, and avenge Cleo?”

The Sphinxes all to human features lithe up beyond the ripple, first with joy then with sadness. “I would love to but my Cleopatra may one day return, and I must wait for her.”

Tara removed her paw, gently licking the water off it as she thought, “I wish I could help.”

The Sphinx nodded, rusting her head on her forpaws in thought, “I think I know a way, give me your paw again.”

Maat sliped her paw once more into the water, a strange tingle ran through her body moment later, her hips seems to shift and what little remained of her humanity sliped from her face until she was indistingusable from any other panther cub, save for the addition of two large black wings. Beside her the Sphinx Nefrititt nizled her while in the reflection of the water she saw Tara staring back.

Nefrititti looked to Maat and then Tara in the reflection with a mothers smile, “While we fight young Tara can remain her waiting. And when we are done we shall return and relive you of your post, sound fair?”

The relefection looked thoughtful, “I’ll be gland to stand watch.”

“Me-rowl?” Maat mewed, then hissed.

“What happened to my voice!” the reflection demandeded.

Nefritit lowered her head, “I am sorry, but I can be Maat’s voice for the time.”

“That’s not fair, I just got back to…” Maat started, now her voice that of Nefritetti, confused Maat looked to the Sphinx.

“Mrowl?” she mewled.

The reflection and Maat sighed, the panther girl turning from the pool as she tugged on Neffretitti’s tail. “Come on now.”

Nefrettitit purred.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kenny’s Quest

The lush jungle’s weather had mattered Kenny’s hair and provided many obstacles, his only clue was the strange tracks in the dirt that he had been following since arrival. But a trail of blood had started to join the trail of prints as he pushed deeper. And Hunger was getting the best of him. Rumaging in his pocket Kenny drew out a power bar and smiled. Takeing solace from the energy boost it was giving him.

The trail rolled down a mountain and as Kenny worked his way down his fotting becames less and less stable until finnaly it gave out under him and he toubled like a bag of potatoes. Crashing at the foot of the hill and comng face to face with twell feet of lion and eagle majesty. Picking his glases from the ground he took a few breaths to regain his focus and took in the creature which seemd to be sleeping. His eyes settled on its chest where a massive wound was pouring it’s life blood from the injery. Before Kenny could move the creature spoke in his mind, its voive strong and regal and yet faint.

“Come to take your prize?” it growled to him.

“No,” Kenny said, focusing his thoughts, “I cam seeking aid.” he thought rising, looking around for something to fasion a makeshift bandage from, “Hold on let me see if I can treat those wounds.”

“No time, my tenure on this Earth is up.” The Griphion thought in defeat.

“Don’t say that,” Kenny retorted, pulling down some vines.”

“Come here…” the Gryphon asks, giving Kenny pause.

Cautiously he approaches, the Gryphon reaching out his forepaw to Kenny, who after a moment takes a firm grip on it.

“You have a calm mind, and pure heart Kenneth Brice Olsen, and the path before you is frought with danger. May my energy ease the pain of the battles to come.”

And just like that the Grypon slumped over, closing his eyes and passed away. Kenny did not have time o contemplate the words spoken as the great beast broke apart into a thousand motes of blue light that swirled around him, passing into his flesh and never exiting. Kenny sluped forward, landing onto his hands and knees as his musxcls swelled, his body grew, and his close begain to tear. He threw back his head to scream but all that escape was something half roar and half screech of a bird.

His lips peed back as a cobalt beak pieraced past his gums, black and white feathes and fur erupting from his expanding body. In a moment a massive lions tail burs from behind him, riping away his pats and underwhere in one swift motion as his forming talons dig into the ground by hs head and his shaping paws tore the ground behind him.

The ace in his back as his chest berraled and his hips shifted soon washed aways in one one moment f pain and pleasure as black and gold wings burst from his back and stretched out wide to each side. His glasses slid from the bridge of his nose as his beak pushed out and pulled his face with it.

The entire process a mix of pain and pleasure until the newborn, bur fully grown, gryphon let out a trumphan screah/roar. It’s head turned to the sky and with a powerful kick of his legs Kenny was airborn.

----------------------------------------------------------------
Back on Earth

“We could really use the others help right now!” Kelly growled as Zot’s latest monster, something resembling a turtle, pressed his foot to her skull, pinning her to the tarmac.

“I know,” the marine of Determination said as he jumped back for a group of the claymen to draw the creatures attention with a slash from his blade blaster.

A slick sheet of ice formed under the monsters feet causing ti to loose its footing and land on it’s hard shell. The Armored Marines attention remained on the claymen letting the three higher powered allies focus on the monster.

“At least this is only one of Coffret’s creations, Zot must still be recovering if he sent this.” Hydro Hag offered as a postitive notion.

“That’s the only good thing,” Kenny commented as her claws dug into the turtle and a stiff kick from Jason sent it flying against a stone wall, a hard crack was heard a moment as the creature slumped to the ground.

“We won!” Kelly jumped excitedly.

“Not if Zot is anything like Reeva…” Hydro Hag intoned grimly.

“Lets hope our luck holds then.” Determnation commented.

It did not, clouds gathered from the heavens above as onyx and peard lighting crashed down around the beast, in moments it had reached full height. Determinations gaze turned to Kelly and Hydro Hag. “clear out only one thing in our arsenal can handle this.” He said waving his had to the girls before planning a slow war like tun on his ocarina. “Sa’ar come to our aid!”

The air was filled wit the smell of burned ozone as the armored Brachiosaur seemd to materialize from think air, Jason leaping to its head in a moment. While on the ground Red Lion taped her helmet
“Requestion backup in sector B-1-1-4.”

“Roger came back the response as the rumble od tread and the roar of a mountain lion rolled onto the scene. EMbrlazoned with the same styplized armor a refit M1-Abram tank rolled on the field. Quickly opengn and enering the cockpit Red Lion launched a bombardment of shells into the turles knee caps. A moment later Blue Eagle straffed the monsted I na custom F-14 Tomcat, while the White Wolf took tomand of a specially armed and aroed Armored Personal Carrier. The Massive cannons of Sa’ar lowered into plac, a half dosen blasts of various intensity beams hammerering the turtle. Under the assault its kneesp buckled and he beast quickly fell. On the moon Zot was less than amused but from her secret camp ground Reeva found the entire affair quite comical.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Back to Malcolm

“Fuuuuuuu…” Malcom screamed as the ground under him slid and he landed face first in the mud and inch deep water of the rice patty.

Growing his distaste he pushed himself back up to his knees, after a short reintriductio nwith the mug aftr his halds slipedo ut under him. Eventually standing he traced the skyline and before he even had a chance to get his barrings a shark steel blade cut across his back, drawing blood. In the literal blink of a eye hanf a dosen armoed ninjas in black gis had him surrounded. He fell into a coporal stance on instinct as his body ternsed, a anchent but powerful vice booming in his head.

“If you seek my power, prove your own, FIGHT!”

The ninjas chanrged, Malcolm narrowed his eyes and leapt, sailing over them to land in a patch of mud, his feel slipping out for underhim as his ass met the mud. The ninjas closed in and he quickly spun from his prone postion, knocking the three who reached him off their feet.

“No,” Malcolm growled as he got to his feet, deftly dodging a dagger as it tried to pierce his skull. “I do not fight to amuse…” once more he leapt, his hands finding purchase on one of the ninjas shoulders and he spread his legs and sailed over it, using his momentup to give the nnja a quick tace of mud. “Or to prove myself to others for their amusement.” He finished.

“Frail woman,” the voice insulted him, “Perhaps your form should match your feminite ways.”

Another ninja charged, Malcoms pants riding up as he spun out of the way and cartwheeled out of the attack of two more ninja. By the time he had stoped his black leans had changed into a pleated skirt. Malcom growled. “You think this will get me to fight? Ive fought along sid half a dosen women who could each kick your ninjas’ asses three times over, while wearing a evening dress.”

“I see,” the voice taunted, “They have made you weak, that is why you don’t fight like a man but dance like a girl!”

“It’s called Coporia,” Malcom protested, once more his feet slipped out from under him, landing him on his ass while his voice cut to a higher, softer pitch and he felt his Adam’s Apple bob twice and vanish.

As he got back to his feet he noticed something else, his legs now a smooth and silky choloate with his dainty violet tipped toes were clad in black open toed 3 inch platform heels. As he ducked under another attack he felt his crotch, and confirmed his fear, the surface was smooth, from the hips down he was a woman. The sudden shift of his hips as they broadened and his ass became firmer and shapelier cost him as one of the ninja managd to cut a gasp across his chest and draw a tricle of blood.

“Prove your mettle and this fight will be over, prove you are a man or fall as a woman!” the voice taunted.

“Not for your amusement, and if this is what must endure to call on your aid it is not worth the trouble.” Malcom growled.

“Then prove you deserve my aid and are not just some female looking for a powerful man to hold and protect you.”

There was a sudden heat in Malcolm’s loins as something took his breath away, his featutes were softening and his hald swayed about his shoulders as one of the ninjas seized the advantage and pinned Malcom to the ground. He cause the scent of something in his nostrisle, a musky aroma from the ninja that made his heart beat.

“See how easy you succumb, how easy your body burn for my minions strength, you are not worthy of my aid.”

The Ninja’s hand slid past the mounds rising on Malcolm’s chest and the thinning waiste to slide her skirt lower. Malcom took one more deep inhale of the scen and closed her eyes, her thoughts were getting foggy but there was one image that short to the front of her mind, the desistation Zot would wreak on her home. She growled. “Enough of your games.”

He had moved faster the nthe ninja could imagine as she kicked him off and rose to one knee, breathing still heavy, her panties moist. Thunder Cracked the heavens six times as Malcolm rose. The six ninja fell back, Malcolm’s gun still smokeing as they melted into the mud and rice patties.

“I fight for only one thing, The people I care for. You can take away my man hood, rape me for your sick pleasure but you will not do all that and let the people I care for die. You want me to fight? Bring it on!” Malcolm’s clothes shifted again as She rose, his body once more the way it should be but this time he was clad in the armor of a samurai, his gun replaced by a sword already mead sheating.

“Call on my scales when in times of need and you will weild the power of the Dragon.”

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Earth

Ra’s blade scrapped against the berrals of Sa’ar’s cannons causing sparks and fire to rain down on the city. The Armored Marines war machines peppered the flower like monster with suppressing fire while Kelly and the Hydro Hag ran among the rubble evacuating what people they could amid the chaos. Sa’Ar bellowed as the blade cleaved one of his cannons in twain and Jason had to jump to avoid the falling cannon.

Ra wasted no time in pressing his advantage, slashing a deep grove into the braciosaur’s armor. Lighting filled the sky as the very air seemed to be torn apart and from a rip in the very fabric of space Sacrifice, Mind, Willpower, Love, and Defense emerged onto the scene. The quintent took only a moment to look at each other before their eyes were draw to the battle of titans above.

“Hope everyone found who they were looking for, looks like its time to call them out.” Micheal commanded.

“Right!” the other four said in unison.

Fire seemed to envelope Micheal as he sailed into the sky, his voice booming. “I call out in his name, Rom come to my aid!” A sled of fire formed under micheals feet before expoding into a massive bird of fire under him, his feet set firmly atop its head as he drew his sword and swept it down in a attacting swing. “Rom...too battle!”

Kenny lerched forward, his hands digging into the tar under him as his back arched and the power crashed, his breathing became labored as the massive Griphion tore from his flesh and quickly took o a size appopitete for battle, while Kenny lie prone on the ground, breathing hard.

“It has been a long time Scar,” Rom mused as the Gryphon charged behind the pheniox.

“Far too long Rom,” The gryphon responded.

“It’s time to gallop, run free White Rose!” Claire cheered as she dropped to her hands and knees her armor stretching and melting as the mammoth white Unicorn took form.

“Claire is that you?” Micheal called from atop his perch.

“Yes and no,” White Rose whinnined, lowering her head to charge the plant monster with her golden horn.

“Nefretitti I need you!” Willpower announced as the Sphinx seemed to shimmer into existence beside her and then grow to matching height.

“Abandoned your wait for Cleopatra?” Scar mused.

“Not the girl volunteered to leave a piece of her behind in my place while I finish that witch Selket for good.”

“Selket isn’t here,” Rom commented, “But look, Ra has showed his hand.”

“He will do,” Nefretitti growled, narrowing her eyes.

“I call upon the scales of Zhoh Long,” Defense shouted, his armor shiting and changing until the all conceling, form fitting, armor took on a form reliniscent of a samurai’s splint armor, but a more futuristic version. In a pillar of ice Malcom vanished, the pillar taking on the long shape of a serpent before taking from into a black eastern dragon.

“Good to see you in this fight Zhoh Long,” Rom commented.

“It has been some time since the six of us…” the dragon paused looking to White Rose, “Well five, have been united.”

Deep under the command center the remains od the shattered warbeasts begain to dissolve, as they did motes of red, blue, gold, pink, and indigo energi seemed to swirl around the great beasts and after a moment the five beasts Rom, Scar, White Rose, Nefretiti, and Zhoh Long were encased in armor that seemed to turn these creatures of flesh to creatures of steel.

“Alright gang, not what I expected,” Micheal commented, “But lets get to work.”

“Right,” Rom, Scar, Kenny (on the ground), Tara (also on the ground but powered up), Nefretiti, White Rose, Sa’ar, Zhoh Long and Jason said in union as the war beasts shapsed, and impapled, charged, and kicked Ra and the flower monster, under the assault the Flower wilted and Ra quickly fled.

“Next time Jelly Bean Scouts, next time!” Ra growled as he disappeared.

“We make a good team,” Mcheal said kneeling down to pat Rom’s head, “That we do human, that we do,”

However White Rose’s gaze was drawn to the battle worn street below, “But at what cost, how many lives.”

The beasts looked around, another city block reduced to rubble in their war, and haw many dead.
“This is not right,” Rom growled, “These battles must end, but on this night while I sail the skies, the Grim Reaper will not welcome new players to his poker table.

A carona of fire exploded from Rom, engulfing the entire area in the cleansing flames. And want the inferno has passed the dead who lie crushed or impaled by the debrise rose fro mthe ground, confusion and wonder across their faces.

“Thank you,” White Rose says, tears in her eyes.

“I can not do it often, but this day, this is a day to live, not die.”

Micheal nodded as the beasts shrank down to human proportions, “We need to prepare for the next battle…”

“That we do, human,” Scar commented, “That we do.”

[NekoLLX]

<===>Fangirl<===>

“I thought I was dreaming…
More of a nightmare…
I looked up at the face of the devil as the world exploded around me…
A river of ash and smoke rushed toward me…
When the towers fell…

A angel in black swooped in…
Saved me.
As the towers fell…

He asked me if I was all right.
I stood transfixed,
The devil raising his sword to continue his assault.
As the angel flew into heaven.

The ground shook
From the edge of the world the monsters arrived…
Fives terrible lizards from the past…

They growled at the devil,
pushing him back…
Out of the city…

They saved us…
As the towers fell…”

The mousy brown haired boy looked up from his paper as he handed it to the teacher and returned to his seat. The classroom sitting in mute shock, among its patrons was Micheal, Kenny, Malcolm, Claire, Maat, Kelly, and the human form Hydro Hag. Our heroes more then most looked the most moved.

“Thank you Mr. Scott.” The teacher offered professionally as she sifted the peper among others on her desk and settled her eyes on Micheal as Mr. Scott took his seat. Her eyes shifting a moment to the clock on the wall.

“Before we continue with the readings I have a special guest for the class.” The teacher said with a smile as a younge girl, no older then our heroes at around 16-17 entered the class, her hair was dyed a hot pink as were her clothes and she wore a infectious smile.

“Hi! I’m Pink! And I’ve been going class to class to talk about the new Club I’ve founded.” Her eyes settled on the Marines as she continued, “For the last year a handful of our own have face unimaginable danger and sacrificed only they know how much to do it. How many of you have been save or had someone you loved saved by our own rainbow hewed armored heroes, show of hands please!” she bubbled.

Slowly half the class began to raise their hands, the girl giggled, “And what do they have to show for it? A nice memorial when they die? They deserve more than that so it’s time we stood up and did something for them. That’s whayt my club is about, showing apriciation for our not-so-anonomous heroes and doing what we can to help out. I’m not talking abou takignthe fight into your own hands but it’s about time we stood up as a city and made preparations for..”

Almost as if on cue our heroes beepers went off. Slowly they rose in unison, Miceal clearing his throat. “Sorry Ms. Grant but duty calls.”

The teacher nodded, “we’ll have your homework and lesson notes prepared when you get back.”

“Thank you,” Kenny smiles.

“Good luck!” The pink girl says waving as the team lifted their watches and taped the button that activated the transporter. Save for of course Maat who was assisted by Kelly in activating hers, in a flash of lights the team were gone.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Command Center

Micheal stood ready, the head of his team, a determined look on his face as he looks up toward Zardoz, but he is not there! Immediately his eyes draw to Rotoscope, “Were’s the giant head?”

“Indisposed,” Rotoscope says cryptically, “there is a Solar Storm going down, it’s shut down the cores Ancestor Communication Grid. And severly limited your abilites to transform and stay transformed for the next twenty four hours.”

“In English,” Jason comments irritably.

“Basicly,” Kenny says polishing his glasses, “Zardoz and all the old heads are muted and we can’t transform.” He explains, looking to Rotoscope for confermation.

Rotoscope nods, “More precisely only three of you can transform and even then the transformation cout crash at any moment.”

“We’ll need to be on guard, if Zot attacks,” Hydro Hag begins…

“Y-yeah,” Micheal says with a bow of his head, “y-yeah, I get the idea.”

“We all do,” Malcolm adds. “So we stay on guard.”

“I’ll, like, get some food and our homework.”

“Good idea Claire, if we’re going be on guard we should use the down time productively.” Micheal adds as she teleports out.

-----------------------------------
Back at school

In a flash of pink light Claire appears in the hallway, several students supprised by her entrance as she makes a quick jog down the hall. A Cocophany of voice calling out her name behind her. When a hand lands on her shoulder she reacts on instinct, pioetting away and almost flipping her assialiant in the process. Her hards wraped around the arms firmly before she recognized the face and quickly lets go. “J-John! What the…”

John laughs, “Haven’t had much chance to talk since you lost the ‘mask’ I was hopeing to reconnect with the gang now that your not undercover.”

Claire chuckles, “Love to but I’m, like, kinda on duty, it’s, like, a long story but basicly we’re, like, in a bit of a communication black out at the base so I’m, like, getting our homework then poping home to, like, prepare snacks so we can keep our energy up while we watch for, like, trouble, Cha?”

John smiles, “Cha! Hey look let me get a hold of Charity, I’ll pick up the gangs homework, and she can help with snacks. You don’t mind if we tang along right? We’ll stay out of trouble.”

Claire chuckles, “Cha really?”

John smiles, “Would I lie to you?”

“Do I really need to, like, remind you of…” she says playfully.

John chuckles, “Ok, ok, let’s not go there.”

“Thanks John,” Claire says, planting a kiss right across his forehead as she teleports away.

“Don’t mention it Claire,” John smiles as she vanishes.

-----------------------------------------------
The command center

Claire appears one more in a flash of pink light, hanging on her arms are John and Clarity, her waist long full bodied orange and red mane of hair settling as they land. In Johns hand in a totbage full of notbooks while Claire and Charity carry a cooler and basket between them.

“J-John?” Micheal jumps, “What are you and Charity doing here.”

“Helping!” Charity bubbles.

“Hope you don’t, like, mind,” Claire fidgets, “But they promised to stay out of trouble.”

“Hey look nice to have you around,” Malcom inject, “But remember were kinda occupied watching for trouble. So don’t Touch anything, and mind Rotoscope’s orders, ok?”

“Who or what is a Rotoscope?” John wonders aloud.

“That would be me,” Rotoscope says raising his hand.

“A robot, now that is cool!” John comments.

“So where do you want this?” Charity say, aready moving out of the way of the others and toward the wall, the cooler hed up in her hands.

“Man I miss you Charity, you have such a cool head on your shoulders,” Kenny comments, absently he waves to a back wall, “Set up the food over there. John just put the books down agaist that wall behind you and the both of you try not to ask to many questions. We’re sorta waiting for the giant monster shoe to drop and only have half our resources on call when it does.”

“K!” Charity bubbles, bouncing off, grabbing the somewhate shaocked and awed John by the arm. “Your getting in the big time super heroe’s way John-boy.” She says with a playful wag of her finger.

“R-Right,” John says as hes pulled along.

It only takes the duo a few minutes to set up, Leaving them plenty of time to look round the command center in awe. Maat, Kelly, Malcolm, and Jason much on sandwhiches as they sit around the light globe, each one monitoring a different area of the city from one of the four holographic monitors projected by the orb. Kenny and Micheal engrossed in some work with the command centers equipment, While Claire splits her time between school books and helping Kenny. Rotoscope seeing his command center in good hands makes his way to John and Charity with Hydro Hag beside him.

“Must be quite a system shock,” Rotoscope observes, “This whole operation.”

“And its not even fully functional,” the Hydro Hag comments “normally their a giant floating alien head right over my shoulder.”

“No kidding,” John says a bit muted, “I still can’t belive the gang’s all so casual about all of this.”

“They have had a year to get use to it, when Zardoz…”

“The Giant Floating Head,” Hydro Hag interrupts.

“When Zardoz picked them out they were not to happy about things.”

“How could anyone NOT be happy about being super heroes?” Charity wondered.

“That what we wondered, but I suppose there are better ways then sniatching people out of nowhere, giving them a suit of power armor, and telling them to go save the world or let a space witch destroy it all in the span of a few minutes.”

John chuckled, “Yeah that would do it allright, I bet Micheal bit your heads off.”

“Figertivly speaking of course,” Charity adds.

Rotoscope nods, “Theve’ mention you to a couple times, but be a bit busy wit hsaving the world and all.”

“Na it’s cool, we get it,” John comments. “We’re just glad to help out now.”

“So what up with Maat? Did Tara pick her out or something when she left?” Clarity wondered.

“Maat is Tara,” Hydro Hag says bluntly, watching as John and Charity’s jaws hit the floor. “Reeva…”

“The space witch,” Rotoscope interrupted.

“She do that to her, it’s a long story.”

After a good minute John finnaly spoke, “Wow, that’s rough.”

---------------------------------------------
Zot’s Throne Room

Looking fit to command once more, and with Selket and Ra at his sides, Zot sis in quiet thought before turning his head to Ra.

“I cripple their powerbase by taking the Dragon and destroying the Thunder Lizards and they come back with six of the most powerful beasts in creation to aid them. These humans are a resourceful lot. And I notice two of them wield Reeva’s Armor. They are far more resourceful then the preverious generations.”

“Yes,” Ra starts, “Reeva once explained her master plan was to force them to expend their connections. Realizing that a thousand plus generations of heroics had earned the marines a large stash of allies to look to in times of need. She may have only toyed with them but she did want to win each confrontation, however in the end each defeat only furthered her plans of depleting their resources.”

“Yes I felt the first one, a wave of Sacrifice and Silver that laced the universe, far to fast for me to stop and as a result crating far to many annoyances for me to deal with down the line. But in the end each of those are only speed bumps in my conquest and with that power expended the marines lost one more trump card. When I destroy these new allies they will need to find another, and another, until all are exausted.”

“And then we strike and end things for good,” Selket observes. “This will be a long campaign.”

“Long, but rewarding,” Zot says with a Devil’s Grin. “And now is the perfect time to strike. This cosmic waveform must have effected them to some degree, all I need is a powerful creature to take advantage of it…”

“I will fetch Coffret,” Ra muses, walks away.

“Be quick about it.” Zot orders firmly.

“Yes Master.”

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zardoz’s Command Center

“Here,” John said calmly as he handed Claire a bottle of water as she kept her eyes on her monitor.

“Thanks,” she responded without looking up once from her station. “There! The business district!” She said suddenly jumping to her feet as all eyes turned to her monitor. Sure enough several of the claymen and a humanoid ink splotch were starting to cause trouble.

Imediantly John moved out of the way as the Marines gathered into a circle around the hologram.

“Lets not push things, So me, Malcom and Maat will take the fight, that way we have the most power with the least people.” Micheal ordered confidently.

“Then doesn’t it make sense for me to go.” Jason wondered, “I have the same armor after all.”

“Yes,” Kenny interrupted, “But we need to save your power, we could very will wind up needing the full team in the next fight and we don’t want to bunt up what you have left just to break even here.

Jason nodded, “Right,” As Micheal, Malcolm, and Maat vanished.

-----------------------------------------------------
Business District

Sacrifice, Defense, and Willpower appeared in a flash, ready for battle, weapons already drawn. The ink splotch just laughed, “This is all you send down, I’m insulted!”

“This is all we’ll need,” Defense retorted.

A moment later there was a second flash and Kelly and the Hydro Hag appeared. “John figired you should have at least five.” Kelly comments. “I’ll deal with the Pottery.” She added wit ha growl as she bore her fangs and changed the claymen.

“Ice the road,” Micheal commanded as he lead the charge.

The Hydro Hag firing a quick freezing puddle under the ink splotch monster that sent his ass crashing to the ground. Before the creature was up Micheal struck, his sword causing the creather to split for a moment like a cracked CD before he reformed. As Malcom came in the monster seemed to shimmer and Malcolm slid on the ice in a desperate plea to avoid hitting Sacrifice. It took him only a moment to realze there was 2 Michaels, he growled. “Cheap trick.”

“You won’t fool me with your mind games!” Nefretiti’s voice rolled from Willpower. As she took a firm grip of her twin daggers and changed, slashing deep into Kelly!?

“Who ever said anything about mind games,” Kelly said before shimmering into he shape of Malcolm. Folding back his halberd the faux Black Marine of Defense hammered Willpower with his cannon. As Kelly finished the last of the clays the others gathered together to stare down the shape shifting monster.

“Enough games!” Sacrifice thundered.

“I couldn’t agree more!” Faux Defense mocked in Malcolm’s voice.

“Everybody this way,” a new voice broke onto the scene as at once every single eye turned toward the sound, at the edge of the battle was the pink haired girl from school, leading a parade of civilians out of one of the offices at the edge of the confrontation area. Preemptivly clearing the area in case the battle escalated to sky scrapper levels.

Faux Defense leveled his cannon, the weapon shifting into the form of the combined weapon of the marines, energy building ath the point as the world slowed to a crawl.

“Not in this lifetime,” Micheal growls, breaking into a charge.

“Not against civilians.” Malcolm howled.

Their suits melting into their bodies as they charged, Red scales spreading out across Micheal’s body while black hair sprung from Malcolm’s. The Cannon fired as Malcolm, the human Mastadon, Exelplar of Defese smash his mammoth fist into his doppleganger while Micheal the human Tyranasaurus, Exemplar of Sacrifice rose from the impact point fo the weapon, and bellowed. He turned toward Faux Defense, massive legs pumping to cary him to the imposter as his wide jaws took a bite out of the duplicate. Th others wasted no time in watching as Tara sped in with her daggers, the Hydro hand blasted the duplicate wit ha pressure busrt and Kenny slashed wit her claws. As the five gathered back up for a second pass the duplicate rose to one knee, breath labored.

“This isn’t over,” he growled, “This is only the beginning.” Before he vanished in a storm of electricity.

“It was good enough,” Willpower cheers as Micheal and Malcolm crash back to human form, and pass out.

“Good thing too,” Kelly comments, “Our aces in the hole just passed out.”

“Lets return to base and rest up,” Hydro adds.

“Sounds like a plan.” Willpower complements.

[NekoLLX]

<===>Clay Vision<===>

Command Center

“I don’t get it, this is the second time I’ve gone exemplar, Michael’s first and Tara never even came close. Why is that?” Malcolm wonder as he looked up to the holographic image of Zardoz’s head.

“Sacrifice, Defense, and Love, these three elements have the easiest time going beyond themselves and becoming Examples.” Zardoz explains cryptically.

“I don’t get it,” John comments, “What is this Exemplar?”

“Exemplar mode,” Rotoscope began, “Is when a marine digs deep and becomes one with their totem, becoming a force of nature for a short while. But the process is incredibly draining. Becoming a exemplar requires the marine to be in a situation where they feel helpless and their aspect is calling out for action. For Sacrifice this means a direct danger to somoen they could protect at the expense of their own life but are to far away to do it in time. For The Wall of Defense this mean those they protect in danger and they are unable to reach them in time to raise their shield. For Love this means those important to them are in a lethal threat and they are not swift enough to act. These three aspects are rather easy to encounter when you think about it but the conditions to trigger the Will to Resist All Domination, The Power of Determination, and the Calm Mind are more esoteric.”

“I think I get it,” Charity chimes in. “For Malcom, Micheal, and Claire people in danger is easy enough to trigger Saccrifice, Defense or Love but it’s more complex for concepts such as Clairty, Willpower, and Determnation. Being Determined wont save someone with a gun to their head, A Calm Mind wont absorb that bullet, and having unbreakable will wont save them. Bu Protecting another, sacrificing for another, or offering yourself in exhncage for love can.”

“So what would make the three of us go Exemplar,” Jason wonders?

“For the Mind,” Rotoscope begins, “A situation must be present where others are in danger and only a calm and reasoned thought can find a solution and yet you are undr a duress that makes clear thinking imposible. To Exemplfy Will you or somen you care fore must be enduring the kinds of tortue that would breaks ones willpower and you are unable to bolster your own defenses to ward off the attack. For Determinination the task is hardest of all. Determination’s nature is to keep going despite all odds for Determination to Exemplar they must be in a situation where blind determination will not prevail, where simply charging forward like a bull will only endanger more lives. For Determination to exemplar you must be in a situation in which your determination needs to be focused to acchive its goal.”

“I had hoped,” Michael mulbled, “That it was something we could learn to summon out. But…”

Rotoscope and Zardoz shook their heads. “Exemplars can not be summoned, only called when the time is right,” the robot said. “However Rage Mode can be invoked with practice, as can other specialized skills,” Zardoz offered.

The light that filled Michael, and shortly the others, face was something that becom all to rare these days.

“Rage mode is triggered by digging deep, past the pain of combat and seilzinf for a moment your aspect. Staining your visor with your soul’s color. Some of our greatest marines praticed and focused on their aspects to reach a point where they could envoke their true emotion in the heat of battle and unlease their Rage. Others have looked to drawing on their elemental fire to call forth their connection to the pulse of the world, while others have looked to focusing their energies to summon up new equipment not normal available to them. But none have done all three.”

Micheal nodded, “Thanks, With Zot back we’re going to need to step up our training and get more out of these suits. We need every edge we can get.”

“Come on gang, Claire’s got a game in twenty minutes, let’s get going.”

“Like, thanks…I appriacte the support guys.” Claire flusters as our Marines, Kelly, the Hydro Hag, John, and Charity teleport out, leaving the command chamber cold and empty save for one mechanical man and one ageless soul.

“These marines have a lot of potential,” Rotoscope muses.

“So it seems,” Zardoz comments.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Interstate, just outside the mountain ranges of Angel’s Basin

Cruising along the mid day sun of the desert climate that surrouds Angel’s Basin a cherry red convertible cruises along, top down, its passengers of the most unusual sort. For behind the wheel of the hot ride was something out of Reeva’s own playbook, or so it seemed. The loving couple exchanged a moments affection but this couple was more like Kelly in form than any human couple. The sun-touched furred male feline looked as generic a feline as Kelly while his mate in the passenger side was decidiedly more recognizable in breed, the calico coated bobcat female seemed ill at ease as the turned into the mountain pass, however the male driver semed confident enough for both of them. Both of them were clad in simple black one piece spandex body suits that cut of at the shounders and just past the thighs.

“I don’t know if this is such a good idea mate, they get attacked almost on a biweekly basis and some of those…creatures…look a aweful lot like us…they may not trust us.”

“Relax mate,” the male said with confidence. “That may have been turn in the first half of the year but they have that Kelly girl fighting beside the heroes now. As for your concerns about our safety at least you can see and thus avid the sixty foot tall giant robots. The last time I was crusing though down down one of those super men was flying over head frying energy blasts at some other super freak. At least we know where the giant robots are gonna be instead of walking into a fight between a pair of blasters on the street.”

“I guess your right.” The female says reseverdly. “But I’m just worried were walking into the den if the poacher, so to speak.”

“Relax mate, we’ll be fine.”

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lord Zot’s Observation Deck

“Exemplar mode, I always did hate that power up. I had hoped these humans lacked the spiritual fortitude o access it based on my experiences with their holding forces while the others gained those new war beasts.” Zot growls, his fingers boring into the stone of the railing.

Turning Zot looked deep into his generals’, Ra and Selket, eyes, his Devil’s Grin returning. “Ra, fetch your claymen and hit the Earth, I will need you to distract the Marines while I sould our shapeshifting fiend back down for round two.”

Ra nodded quickly as he spread his wings and leaped toward the blue marble in the distance, “At once my lord,” he said with determination before vanishing in a flash of gold light.

------------------------------------------------------
The High School

Panic was in the air, a general sense of dread filling the halls as the felines began to back track toward their car slowly.

“What do you want?”
“Somebody find the marines!”
“Help! Monster!”

the students screamed.

“N-now, wait a minute!” the male said, standing defensivly in front of his mate as the back away, a slight curl to his lips. “We’re not monsters we’re…”

A nother growl rose from the back of the panicked mob, the students parting as Kelly moved to the front, her fangs bared, her body postured for a fight. “What the hell is your master up to.”

The male puffed out his chest and bore his own fangs, hell would he let a female bully him around. “Now you listen female, my mate and I are just here to register, were not monsters, we’re anthros just like you.”

Kelly stepped closer, her fangs flashing in the florescent light, the mob to her back, “I am a monster, if your like me your no natural anthros.”

“Y-your not?” the female stuttered timidly, “But we thought you were like us, natural born.”

Kelly growled louder, the male matched her. “I was born Kelly Virgil, human.” But after a moment realization hit her, “Wait your normal anthros?” and her posture relaxed.

The male held his posture, “Yes, we were born this way.”

Kelly lowered her head in shame, “S-sorry, it’s hard to tell these days. Town’s a bit jumpy.” The nshe looked up, curiosity in her eyes. “Why are you here?”

“We came to get away from prejudice,” the female responded timidly.

Kelly couldn’t help but laugh, “Hoo boy did you pick the wrong town. Now I’m not saying we’re a anti-anthro city but when your stapler could turn into a man eating fiend you tend to distrust anything not human.” Flustring she extended her hand to the smaller anthros, since her transformation into a cobalt kitty Kelly towered overed most people, and apparently even the generally taller anthro speciens was a head or so smaller then her near eight feet of height. Come with me, I’ll help you get registered here.”

The couple nodded in unison after a moment as they each took her paw-like hand between their own, sandwhiching it between theirs.

--------------------------------------------------------------
The park lands at the foot of the mountain ranges

Kenny and Malcolm, or should I say Mind and Defense stood, weapons drawn, as Ra and his Clays prepared to strike. Spinning away at the last minute Mind avoided Ra’s blade while his tri liked stall cracked out and decimated a pair of the claymen, sending them sprawling. Malcolm took the moment’s advantage and pressed it, his Halberd reducing the clays to ash with a solid swing of its axe head. Ra pressed his own advantage as his sword scraped the protective field that surrounded Mind and drew sparks. Lighting struck suddenly, lancingthrouhg the two marines as Ra vanished, in his place the ink splotch fiend reappeared. A moment later Malcolm and Kenny saw a trio of claws appear.

“I thought I got the last of you!” Malcolm growled as he charged.

“What the hell?” Sacrifice had little time to react before Malcolm’s halberd cut across his armor and drew sparks.

“What the hell is going on?” Kenny said in confusion, in all his time he had never see a clayman attack one of their own. But he had little time to ponder as their was still to more ready to fight. His chain staff whipped out in a moment as caught them off guard, sending them tumbling onto their behinds.

Willpower and Love only just arrived with Sacrifice when n that short instanct Kenny has whipped out his staff and knocked their feet out from under them. As the monster shimmered and assumed the from of Sacrifice the trio watched in stunned horror as Mind and Defense back up to stand beside the fiend. Glancing toward each other she could almost see the shocked expressions on their faces as they then turned on each other. The fiend took no time in drawing his faux sword and swinging wide for both of their heads.

“Not on my watch!” Sacrifice roard, launcing into a flying kick that sent his double flying. The two Marines of Sacrifice clashing blades as they go to their feet, as Mind and Defense charged the girls.

“Theirs under mind control!” Willpower realized almost immediately and she and Love ducked out of the strikes of their friends.

“Damn these clay freaks are agile,” Malcom remarked, “But your going down.”

“Kenny listen to me,” Willpower pleaded, but it was useless, all Kenny head was some garbled barble from the ‘clay’ as he charged again.

Dagger drawn in a cross infront of her chest the chain staff smacked harmlessly against her arm as he swang the lower segment down and smashed her knees. Kenny stole a glance back toward the Sacrifice and the clayman he was facing. The red clad marine pressing his advantage for the moment but the lay manged to keep up.

“This isn’t right, these claymen are too tough, their almost monster level. Did Zot upgrade them like Reeva did?” His thoughts were interrupted however as one of the three other clays leaped at him and he had to role quick to avoid the blow.

“Why are those two just watching?” Malcom wonder, tossing his glance to the side where two of the claymen seemed almost frozen, and why was that thinrd one attacking them and so tough to boot. Something wasn’t adding up but he had to do something. Kicking into a leap he raised his halberd over his head, he would at least take out the aggressive one until it’s confusion wore off.

“Give it up,” Sacrifice taunted his twin, “You don’t stand a chance.”

“Agaisnt one of you?” the double laughed, “I think I can hold out.”

“Come on!” Love said quickly as she took Willpower by the arm. “The boys might not be be I ntheir right minds by Micheal is still in a jam.”

“Right!” Willpower said as she got her head in the game, the girls charging toward the twin rangers of Sacrifice.

Kenny took a deep breath as the idle clay charged, moving right past him and toward Micheal, something was definitely wrong here. As theye engaged the battle Micheal seemed to be on the defensive, the clays keeping him off his feet and barly able to counter. Clays were not that coordinated. And yet every so often they hit their own ally, and not in a crossfire, the made a direct attack. Often right after the lead clay and Micheal had done some complicate spin around each other. Once more he had to roll to avoid the aggressive clay’s attack, as he got up from his knee he saw it, only for a instant, but the clay changed, for a momenr it was clad in black and silver armor, Malcolm’s armor. Then he looked to Michael’s battle and saw it again, for just a moment Love, Sacrifice, and Willpower super imposed over the clays.

“It’s a trick!” Kenny roared as his armor grew tight and melted into his skin. His mass increasing as his form mutated.

This was not possible, Malcolm knew that for sure, the claws were mindless atomotons and yet he saw it before his very eyes, the one who had bee ndodging him so skillfully had just transformed into a massively musckled blue triceratops-man…

“Wait a blue triceratops?” Malcolms eyes narrored as if trying to peer into the monsters soul “Kenny?” The beast dropped to its hands as it contine to shift and mutate, its legs shirkning, its armos bulking out until what could only be described as a baby triceratops charged toward the other three clays and the Sacrifice.

“No wait…that’s…” Malcom rored as he illusion shattered. “Ive been attacking my friends this entire time?” The rage and betrayal was palpable as Malcolm dropped to his knees, his own body mutating, black fure racing out of the suit. In a moment the miniature Triceratops waas joined by a miniature mastodon with black fur. Both of them barreled into faux Sacrifice and sent him flying as the real Sacrifice, Love, and Willpower gathered up between them.

“M-Malcolm, K-Kenny?” Sacrifice asked bewildered.

The beasts just snorted, ready to charge again. Claire raised her javelin “Time to bring this fight to a close.”

“Agreed,” Micheal added as he and Willpower charged with their blades, he dug his sword in with a deep slash and vaultedover the monster as Willpower gave a quick dagger double slash. A trio of arrow heads launced from Love’s jalaline smashing into the fields chest as Willpower rolled away. As the monster staggered the twin beasts charged, their massive power shattering the field into a black rain of oil. The Beasts turned slowly back to the others as they crashed back to their humans formes, their eyes reflecting a world of hurt.

“S-sorry…” Kenny mananged before he and Malcolm passed out.

[NekoLLX]

<===>Catfight<===>

“Maybe you guys should sign up for one of these clubs,” John chuckled as he sat down with his friends, and unmasked super powered space marine hero friends, offering them each a cut of punch.

Micheal chuckled and he fininished signing his name on the phote of the marine of Sacrfice and the student moved off so the next could step up, “Yeah it’s not like we have anything better to do with out time.”

“Hey, like, look!” Claire bubbled as she nearly knocked off Malcolm’s nose pointing past him to the pink haired, and clothed, girl behind one of the club booths. “It’s, like, that pink girl with the marine support group thing. I’m, like, going to go say hi!”

Kelly chuckled, “Well she does wear your colors so it wouln’t exactly be nice to ignore her.” She hissed a moment as her pen broke and ink exploded all over her hands. “Damn paw-things.”

Kenny silently pushed a small pox of wet naps Kelly’s way as Claire got up and moved around behind him. “S-so what do the donations go for?” a mousy brown girl asked as she presented her photo of the group, Kelly and Hydro Hag included, on the table and dropped a five in the small jar while Kelly cleaned the ink for her padded paw-like hands.

“After the cost of the pictures and what not,” Maat explained in her borrowed voice. “We use it to buy food and take it down to the displacement center. All these battles ruin a lot of houses or places of employ despite, our best efforts to take the battle out of the city limits and the homeless population has sky rocketed.”

“You guys are great!” one of the patrons in the line exclaimed.

Malcolm’s voice dropped o almost a whisper. “Tell that to the people buried in the Angels’ Glade Cemetary.”

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zot’s Chambers

“The last plan was almost perfect,” Zot mused as he looked down to the third rock in the distance.

“Posibly a bit to direct,” Selket comments. “If I may be so bold.”

Zot turned to his general but said nothing.

“all these humans have deep seated fears and distrusts, making making them seeing a enemy where their was one and hoping they woulnd break the glamour was a bit of a streach. What if we instead just amplified those negative feelings.”

Zot smiled his Devil’s Grin, “I like the way you think Selket.”

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Back at the school, the girls restroom

Claire finishes washing off her hands as she looks back toward one of the stalls. “How you,like, holding up in there Tara?”

“Considering I’ve lost my hands, my hips aren’t even close to human, and I’m borrowing someone else’s voice, I’m managing…”

for a moment a red light flash through Claire’s eyes as she rolls them, “Oh boo hoo, the little kitty is having trouble with the litter box.”

Maat growls, “That wasn’t very funny Claire.”

The door swings suddenly open as Claire leands in, a scowl on her face, “Maybe I just sick of your whinning.”

Supprised by the sudden interruption Maat’s foot slids off the room, splashing into the bowl, her own feces spreading between her toes. A red laight flashing behid her eyes as she looks ups and growls. “Damn it Claire look what you…rowl!”

Claire snickers, “Aww poor kitty.”

Puling her foot from the bowel Tara hopes down, shaking her fecoes covered footover the bowel as she tries to shake some of the shit off. “Mer, mer, rowl. Rowl, mao, mao, meyow!”

“Speak English you little freak, I don’t speak dumb animal.”

Maat narrowed her eyes growling, as Claire shoved her with enough force for Maats feet to loose trackion on the tiles and slip out forum under her, the feline droping hard on her chin as Claire stormed out.

A low growl built in Maat’s throat for a moment as she got her paws under her and pulled back her lips bounding after Claire.
“Hey Claire,” John said causually as she stormed past him.

“Buzz off you poser, I’m not in the mood for your stupid leaching off my popularity.”

John takes a step back in shock as Claire swings around the conner into the main hall. “That was uncharasteristcly brutal…” he muses.

A moment later Maat bounds out, growling and sniffing the air, Before John can get a word in edge wise she takes a swipe at him with her claws and bounds past him in the direction of Claire.

John picks himself up off the ground, blood raceing from his chest fro mthe rather deep wound as he quickly taps the teleportation button on his digital watch.

-----------------------------------------------------
The Command Center

Kelly and Rotoscope look up from the table where he is examining her as John ports in. “Something’s up with Claire and Tara.” He comments as the duo rush to his side in a mad dash to wrap his wounds.

“Who did this to you?” Kelly demands. As Rotoscope expertly begins to clean the wounds and bandage it.

“Tara, she just flipped out and attacked me, Claire wasn’t to kind either.”

“What do you do?” Rotoscope asks curiously.

“Nothing!” John protests, “I caught Claire on her way out of the restroom and she bit my head of, called me a poser. Then Tara came out growling and too ka swipe at me before I said anything.”

--------------------------------------------------------
School Courtyard

Javalin out Love sent a trio of energy spear heads toward Willpower who made a quick leap to avoid them as she closed the distance, daggers in hand. Backfliping out of the strike Love banished her javelin as she planted herself on her hands, cartwheeled and droped to one knee spinning around to re summon her javelin and launce another attack at Willpower.

“Your not even human anymore, your some alien fream animal like that helmet you wear!” Love taunted.

Willpower growled, fangs bared under the Rakeesh helment as she block the armor heads with her daggers.

Love laughed maliciously, “What’s wrong, cat got your tounge?”

Ropping to her hands and knees Loves suit began to balloon out, the helmet streaching and contorting as white fure and pirk armor began to spread. In a moment White Rose ramed her golden horn into Willpowers gut causing a relase of sparks as the forcefield threated to give out.

“Claire, Tara, stop!” Sacrifice’s voice announced as he, Defense, Kelly, and Mind arrive on the scene. Defense and Mind taking a firm grip of White Rose while Kelly and Sacrifice restrain Willpower. Pulling the two girls apart.

“Calm down you two, there no reason to fight.” Kenny tries to offer.

With a powerful kick of her hind legs before rising up on them Claire throws her two retrainers from her body while Maat growls, struging to break their hold. Before Defense and Mind can react Whit Rose charges again.

“Surpprise!” the sudden voice of some horrible plant like monster chimes in, appearing right in the path of White Rose.

A clay urn about the size of its chest held low and open toward White Rose. It’s insde a black void. With her momentum carrying her as well as her rage White Rose is unable to slow her pace. But instead of a collision she shrink, smaller and smaller until she vanishes into the Urn. Slapping the top back on the monster turns to our heroes.

Finally breaking free of their hold Willpower growls, dropping low to the ground as she charges Defense.

“Snap out of it!” The voice of the Hydro Hag echoes as Willpower takes a face full of her hoses as Willpower turns toward the sound.

Kelly, Sacrifice, Mind, and Defense are already engaging the monster as Hydro apporahces Willpower, her webbed hand outstreached.

“You good now?”

“Mer…row…mao…so,” Maat hisses holding her helmet as if dizzy.

“…Merinks so…” she tries again as the Hydro Hag helps support her, Willpower Arm across her shoulders.

“I think so.” She says once more getting her feet secure under her.

“The urn!” She says with urgency as she looks to the battle only a dozen feet from her.

“Someone get that urn out of this thing’s hands,” Sacrifice orders.

As the Hydro Hag and Willpower charge toward the fight a collective gasp run through out heroes as the plant throws back it’s arms and sends Sacrifice, Mind, Defense, and Kelly flying, the urn falling from his arms as Hydro Hag and Willpower charge toward the fight, the clay object shattering on the ground in a instant.

“No!”
“Shit!”
“My god!”
“Claire!”

The pant chortles a dark laugh as clouds gather over head. “Without my urn your equine friend is lost in my pocket dimension forever.” Zot’s energy bolts cascade through its body a moment later as the clouds clash and the monster grows in size.

“Jason, John, Charity, Rotoscope, it’s up to you four to find Claire,” Sacrifice says into his helmet firmly.

“Wait…what? We can’t just abandon Claire,” Defense protests.

Micheal swallows hard as the monster’s full height stabilizes. “We have to, or Miricle Grow here will destroy part of the city and kill hundred of people.”

There is a silent pause as the Marines steel their will.

“Kelly and I have evac.” Hydro Hag offers.

Fire envelopes Micheal as he sails into the sky, his voice booming. “I call out in his name, Rom come to my aid!” A sled of fire forming under his feet before exploding into a massive bird of fire under him, his feet set firmly atop its armored head as he drew his sword and swept it down in an attacking swing. “Rom...too battle!”

“Nefretitti I need you!” Willpower announced as the armored Sphinx seemed to shimmer into existence beside her and then grow to matching height of Rom.

“I call upon the scales of Zhoh Long,” Defense shouted, his armor shifting and changing until the all concealing, form fitting, armor took on a form reminiscent of a samurai’s splint armor, but a more futuristic version. In a pillar of ice Malcolm vanished, the pillar taking on the long shape of a serpent before taking from into an armored black eastern dragon.

Willpower looked over to Mind espectently but he seemed hesitant, shivering even, to summon the gryphon. “Where’s Scar?”

“I’d…rather not.” Mind said after a pause, his voice shaking.

The monster took a swing at Nefretiti who bore the blow and growled in response. “We’re already down one,” Willpower comments. “We need you.”

“Easy for you to say!” Mind shouted, “Micheal rides Rom, Malcolm is safe inside the dragon’s body, you sommon yours to fight independently. When I summon Scar its like someone is reaching into my back and riping my spelling out with my spine.”

Willpower flinched, then growled, “And Claire becomes White Rose, every singe hit is her taking it full on. Micheal has no extra armor and yet is up there in the thick of the battle. I get it’s painful to summon Scar but at least you down on the ground here safe.”

As if to underscore the point the pant swung at Rom, Micheal stayed firmly atop but flailed his arms to try and stay upright. His feel kicing out under him as he launded on his ass.

“Alright, Alright!” Kenny howled as he lurched forward, his hands digging into the tar under him as his back arched and the power crashed, his breathing became labored as the massive Gryphon tore from his flesh and quickly took to a size appopitete for battle, while Kenny lie prone on the ground, breathing hard.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Mysterious Dimension

White Rose snorted as she packed back and forth in the dark void, long having exausted her rage in blind charges of the darkness. Her nostrils flared as hr ears twitched, turning around to lock eyes with marine of Determination.

“You, this is all you’re fault, if you never came back to town to find your real ‘family’ Reeva would have never made you into her puppet and killed all those people. Tara would still be human, and Micheal would still have a soul!”

Lowering her horn she charged, Jason growled on reflex and he braced for impact. The golden hord ground against his armor and protective field as Determination slowly lost ground, his hand wrapped around her neck as he tried to counter her momentum.

“This is some kind of spell,” he offered, “Fight it, is this really what the Love of all Life feels.”

White Rose snorted as eh broke the hold, spinning around as she came back for another pass. Determination rolled out of the way as she snorted again. “I never wanted this responsibility, I never wanted to be responsible for people dieing!”

“None of us did,” he offers as he rolls past another charge, grabbing her mane as she charges past. “You think I like knowing their a wild animal, a savage wolf, just under the skin and the only thing hiding it is some device. But this is bigger than any of us.” As White Rose charged he leaped, using the mane as a support as he slipped up onto her back.

White Rose began to shrink under him, returning to human form, naked and sobbing she collapsed into Determinations arms as he returned to just Jason, holding her conftingly. “I’m so angry it hurts,” she mumbles, looking up into his eyes with all that same rage as before but now mixed with sadness. “Why won’t the anger go away?”

“It’s a spell, come on, Rotoscope, John, and Charity got me inside so I could get you home.”

---------------------------------------------
The Battle

White Rose galaoped onto the battlefield, quickly growing to size, as she joined into formation with the others. “Sorry everyone, that spell threw me for a loop.”

“good to have to back,” Rom said warmly.

“Here, here!” Scar and Nefretitit added.

“Alright gang, let’s finish this!” Micheal calls out as he leads the charge.

[NekoLLX]

if you wish to comment use this thread http://www.henshintalk.com/showthread.php?t=461

[NekoLLX]

<===>The Green Dream<===>

“This fight is over,” Zot gloated, his lightning staff-head pointed direnctly at the downed Jason. His fingers fumbleing for the black box.

“The Dragon Kaiser!” he said in defiance.

“The Dragon serves me now!” Zot gloated as Jason looked at the dull cystal and black plate of the transformer box. A box that normal black lit the crystal disc with a jade glow.

With a snap of his fingers the Marine of Determination strolled up behind the warlord, his golden armor glistening in the dusk. “What is your order, my lord.”

“Kill the human.” Zot said coldy as the cresent sword appeared in Determination’s hand and the blade swung down toward Jason’s neck…

Jason awoke in a cold sweat, his breathing quick and tense as he sat bolt upright. His eyes sparkled gold for a moment as he looked out to the moon. “Only a dream.” He manged as he flet his nex for a invisible cut and found none. “Just a bad dream.”

The call of wolves caught Jason’s ears as he moved to the window and opened it slowly, taking a deel breath. His throat trembeling as he gazed out at the city he had sworn to protect. The creak of the door went unnoticed as his adopted half brother Micheal entered the room.

“What’s with all the howling bro?” Micheal asked curiously as he watched his brother turn from the window and look toward him. Th hounting melody still thick in the air.

“I…” Jasonstumbled for the words, his fingers tracing his lips that he could now feel relaxinging along wit his throat.

“You, were howling bro, so what got the wolf riled up?” Micheal asked with gunine concern as he wraped his arm around his brother and held him back to bed.

“Just a really bad dream…” he mutters before looking to his brow with his golden eyes, “Was I really howling…I didn’t…”

Micheal smiled, “It’s ok bro, we all have our moments of weakness. But hey as Kenny and Tara say, we’re not alone. The Kingdom of Determination can also call for aid fro Defense, Sacrifice, Love, Willpower, and Mind, n oto mention the armies of Kelly, Hydro, and the Project HERO guys.”

“And a big giant ghost head and robot.” Jason adds with a chuckle.

“Yeah, them too.” Micheal chuckles along.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Command Center

“So what’s the verdict,” Kelly asked with baited breath. Ever since she regained control of her mind she has been haunteted by the fate of the jock she molested and seemingly absorbed into her body.

“I’ve run the tests 6 times, and triple checked the data, there is no margin for error. Your friend, he’s inside you, reduced to a fetus but inside you.”

“So wait? Kelly’s pregnant with Rick?” John tried to wrape his mind around such a concept, “So she like un-birthed him?”

“In a sense yes, but weather this new life will have Richard’s memories or even resemble him, or even be a HIM is too early to tell, all I know is that his soul, and I have eons of experience with souls is inside a fertilized egg inside Kelly’s womb.”

“So, like, why hasn’t Kelly, like, gotten big, cha?”

“It seems her body belives its still in the fertilizing stage, there are 5 other unfertilized eggs waiting, if my guess is right we can’t move forward unless…”

Kelly hung her head, nausua bubbling in her stomach, “God in order for Rick to live again I need to absorb five more guys.”

“Presumably females would work as well as I belive the enchantment simple requires the right stimulation to begin the procedure. But yes, 5 more must be consumed to save all six.”

“She was probably hoping Kelly would rape the six of us,” Jason growled, “Take us all out of the picture, and since Kelly would have still been in monster mode Reeva could have worked her magic to croupt all of us in the womb. We’d be born marines who were her servants and ‘children’”

Rotoscope nodded, “That would be my guess.”

“So, would animals work? I mean could Kelly…you know…with a lion or something.” Kenny suggested.

Maat’s face showed easily her discomfort with that idea.

Kenny flusteres, “I mean non sentient animals Tara.”

Rotoscpe shook his head, “I doubt it, Reeva’s technology is very advanced, the enchantment would most likely have a fail saf that only receptive species would be absorbed.”

“We can try Kenny’s idea right though?” Kelly mumbled, chewing on the ends of her cobalt hair. “I don’t want to kill five more people.”

“I wouldn’t, knowing Reeva as we do such a ‘side step’ would probably do more harm that good, to both you and Richard.”

“This sucks,” Micheal huffs, crossing his arms over his chest. “What are we suppose to do hold a audition to find people who want to be un-birthed?”

“Irreguardless,” Kelly mumbled, “I should tell Rick’s parents the truth, they should know what happened to him.

Micheal and Kenny nod almost at the same time, “Agreed.”

“I’ll, like, give you a lift.”

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Plains, Location unknown

Determination split kicked Jason with enough force to undoubetly crack a few ribs and send him sailing through the air. In a instant Determination was behind him, countering the momentum with a elbow shot to Jason’s back that forced him to spit blood before a high swung heel drop kick knocked Jason into the dirt. Dertermination grinding him underfoot as familiar golden boots steped in front of Jason and a all to familiar voice began to purr incredulously.

“Poor little wolf boy,” Ra chortled as Determination removed his boot and Ra lifted the bloddied and battered Jason to eye level by his chin. “Ja’son, I can make all this pain go away, give you back your armor, if you only do one thing for me.”

Jason spit, blood mixing into the spittle, “I’m Determination, you should already know my answer, Ra.”

Ra smiled an impossibly wide grin, ‘Suicide and Determination are two different things. Besides won’t you be more use to your friends with your lovely armor?”

Jason growled and looked away, “What do you want?”

“All I need is a sword, one very special sword…”

-----------------------------------

Jason awoke with a start, a golden spiraled horn growing from Claire’s forhead, no not Claire, some thing halfway between White Rose and a human.

“I got so worried when you started tossing in your sleep,” the creature said, it’s voice carriying a whinning noice in the background.

“Claire?” Jason said with a start as he sat bolt upright.

“Yes and no, I got so worried I sorta turned into White Rose, but not really, to try and heal you.”

“Hey bro, you feeling ok?” Micheal says, turning around from the passenger seat in front to geet him.

Jason’s brain slowly woke up as he saw the corvette come to a stop outside a green house in the suburbs. “We were driving…to Rick’s place.” As the cobwebs cleared he focused on his brother. “Y-yeah, just another bad dream.”

Kelly swallowed hard as she got out of the driver’s side, “Wish me luck, this wont be easy for them…or me.”

“Good luck!” the others, including Jason chimmed encouragingly.

---------------------------------------------
Inside Rick’s home

“Use me,” Rick’s father said after a moment.

“And me,” his mother added.

“I don’t think you underderstand the consequences here,” Kelly said a bit startled. “You may not even come out as you, you could be compelty different people, babies, kittens, anything.”

The parents looked at each others and then at Kelly with long, serious, expressions. “We understand the consequences,” the father said.

“You said his soul is intact, that’s what matters, and if we have to be reborn to bring him back we will. He’s our son, it’s our right to do this. You can’t refuse us.”

“But,” Kelly pleaded, “Even with you two…inside me…we still need three more to finish to procedure, I can’t just ask three people to give up their lives.”

“What about those marine friends of yours, this is their fault right, make three of them do it.” The father said sternly.

“Andrew!” the mother said in shock, “We can’t blame them, their he ones keeping this city safe.” She scolded.

Andrew hung his head, letting out a exausted sigh, “I…I know…but I feel so…”

“Helpless?” Kelly offered.

Andrew nodded.

“I know how you feel, I was manipulated, transformed, used as a weapon against this city, and if not for the intervention of the Hydro Hag, one of Reeva’s own monsters gone rogue, I’d be out there now, doing god knows what.”

The three hung their heads a moment.

“Rick was a innocent in this,” Kelly finnaly said, “And look at what has to be done to save him. I am the monster my folks feared I was.”

“N…No,” the mother said, looking into Kelly’s blue eyes. “You the most victimized out of everyone.”

---------------------------------------------------------------------
The Quarry, outside town.

“Ra! Ra! You bastard show yourself,” Jason yelled to the heavens, “I have the sword you bastard.”

“It truly is amazing what a little Determination can do,” Ra’s voice gloated as he appeared from around a pile of uncarved stone, a dark grin on his face as he clapped.

In his left hand Jason Jason held a blade that married a scimitars steel to the handle of a broad sword or Katanna. Ra’s eyes went wide at the sigh, quickening his pace.

“Might’s Right Hand!” he gasped, closingthe distance at alarming speed. His palm held out in anticilation as he loomed over Jason. “Hand it over.”

Jason smirked, transforming in a flash to determination, a high kick knocking Ra back several paces. “I said would get it, but I never said you could have it!” Determination taunted and he launce dint oa kick that sent Ra tumbeling, As the both got to their feet Determination raised the sword hurling it into a rock formation with enough force to burry it up to the hilt.

“You fool, you’ve only sealed your fate,” Ra roared as he drew his own blade and swung high.

“You can take my power, torture my dreams, all in a attempt to control me, but as long as my heart beats I will walk my own path, and you, and no one will sway me from it.” Determination howls as he ducks under the swing to sweep out Ra’s legs but the feline warrior leapt, maintaining his control.

Ra snorts, “Where have I heard that before, ah yes the great speech of your orgin. I seem to recal when Determination fist came to be a entire town was whipped out in the process. That is you fate boy. You fight, and you die. What is noble in that.”

Ra’s wings spread out behind him as he kicked into the air, “It has been far to long since I used these, now let us see how Determination fair against a warrior who commands the sky!” With a mighty kick Ra launched himself into the air, his black wings beating as he hovered fifty feet up.

Determination growled, “Come down and fight like a man.”

“I am not a man, I am Obelisk, and this is how a Obelisk fights!” Folding his wings back Ra power dived toward Determination, wings spreading out as h was a foot from the ground the momentum shifting in a instant to propel him like a missile toward Determination, his blade cutting deep against the armor and Frocfield that protected Determination before Ra rocketed back into the sky.

Determination clutched his chest, breathing hard, “Damn you, damn you to hell. Fight fair, show some honor.” He shouted as Ra cam into for another pass to fast to counter.

“What do you know of my people’s honor, you whose people have not even walked among the stars. Do not try and impose your honor on me!” Ra roard as Determination droped to one knee.

Landing softly Ra chuckled as he reached out for the blade imbedded in the stone, a triumphant grin on his face as his fingers inched closer. Determination rose. And Ra’s arms stoped, another holding his wrist with great strength mere inches for the blade. As the growl rose in his throat his eyes tracked toward his hand.

“Who’s dares interfere…”

“The Kingdom of Determination,” Jason said as he got to his feet, “Does not work alone.”

“Wolves are pack animals you know, their very existence is tied to their pack and they do not abandon their own to predators.”

Ra knew that voice. And as heis eyes tracked the golden glove that head his to the helmet and armor of the Rakeesh his growl deepened. “Maat.”

“The Kingdome of Determination fights with the help of the Kingdom of Willpower, Offering his focus to her effors and in return she offers her shield in his name.” Maat with Nefretititi’s voice boomed as she knocked away Ra’s hand.

“And Willpower can always call on the Spearmen of Sacrifice.” Micheal said, entered fro mthe other side of the rock in his full armor.

“And the console of the Clear Mind aids all three for the exchange of their protection.”

“Love stands ready to calm disputes and unify the whole.”

“While the Walls of Defense stand ready against any siege.”

“And still they are not alone, While not as powerful a kingdom the lands of Duchess Kelly and Lady Hydro Hag are but one simple call away.” Kelly said as she stood with the others and the Hydro Hag.

“And should still more aid be needed, the Peoples Military of the Red Lion, Blue Eagle, and White Wolf will stand with them, for as long as we are needed.”

Ra growled spinning around to turn from the assembled forces, his gring growing malicious, “You win this battle, but the ash’s of the dynasty of Determnation are shifting, and in time so to with the other kings fall to my masters reign.” His grin deepened as he vanished “They all have.”
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zot’s Throne room

Kneeling before his master Ra awaits his punishment. “Lord Zot, I had the blade in my grasps and I left it to them. I will accept any punishment with silence and diligence.”

The Devil’s Grin spread across Zot’s features, “Who said iever wanted the sword.”

Ra gasps for the words “but master…why?”

“The sword would have been nice I grant you but the real purpose of this test was to plant the seed of corruption in Determination’s heart and force him to use more of that power of his to hasten the ash. With that in mind Ra you did exceptionally well.”

Ra slowly raises his head, “Thank you, master.”

“Now…it is time to plan for then ext phase…”

“As you command, my master.”

[NekoLLX]

<===>Thief<===>
“Uuuuuugh!” Malcolm groans as he drops the slab of concrete into the back of a pickup, wiping the sweat from his brow after.

Turning around his eyes wash over all the debris from the recent devestation, a great sadness weighing on his heart. But his heart lifts as he watches Claire, Jason, Micheal, Kenny, Kelly, the Hydro Hag, the trio for Project H, John, Charity and even Maat helping out in the clean up effort. Turning to a pile of concrete at the foundation of a what was once a office building he bends down and lifts another slab.

“Mr. Marine?” a voice asks as he drops the slab in the back of the pickup wit ha groan before looking toward the voice.

A middle aged man, a construction worker by the look of him, is owner of the voice, “We appricate the help, so don’t get us wrong but wouldn’t things go faster in your armor? I’ve seen the punishment you can dish out those things have to enhace your strength.”

Malcolm nods, “They do but we don’t want to draw undue attention, a dozen armored marines is just asking for the warlord up there on the moon to do something..”

The man nods, “Guess that rules out using your giant monsters.”

Malcolm nods, “Also their very much sentient, and made a pledge to us to fight not work, they each have their own realms to protect so asking them to help clean up is a bit presumptuous.”

The man pats Malcolm on the back, “Well we thank you for giving this your all.”

Malcolm smiles as they each return to their work. Meanwhile on the moon in Zot’s observation balcony.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Look at them,” Zot muses. “We decimate their home and they keep on trying to rebuild. These humans are as bothersome as Zordoz, but where as he was the exception amongh his race those traits are the rule.”

“They are a pramative race, but a harty one,” Selket comments.

Zot’s gaze turns to his general, a light forming in his dark mind, “That’s right you spent a term with them, your insight into their ways would be quite useful.”

Selket sighs and shakes her head, “I was improzoned in stone while centuries passed, any of their culture I knew has long since expired.”

“Perhaps, my lord,” Ra offered, “To know our enemy we must walk among them. Though we will need someone with a harder heart than that amphibious traitor.”

Zot’s Devil’s Grin widened, “I know just the creature, but first something must be done about their disgusting perseverance. Come Ra, Selket, we must see Coffret.”

“Yes master,” the duo say in unison as they fall into step behind Zot.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Hazard Zone clean up

Claire slumped down Michael slumped down on a bench next to Malcolm , but boys letting out a exausted breath.

“Muscle Relaxer?” the Hydro Hag’s voice offered, handing a cup of a translucent green apple smelling liquid to each. Michael hesitanted only a moment before taking a swig, Malcolm on the other hand had no suck delay. As the luquid worked its magic the sore and worn muscles of the boys loosened up and their slumped further, the pain fading away into a numb state. Looking around Micheal noticed several other men and women seated around the area in similar states.

“I know I don’t say this often enough Hydro, by this town would fall apart without you.” He smiled genuinely at her.
Hydro Hag smiled back, “Thanks, that means a lot.”

“No, I mean it, I know I’m a bit hesitant to use your potions. I don’t know why. I trust you, it’s just their this voice in the back of my mind that says your just a monster. And try as I mite I just can’t complety ignore it. But you have done grate things for this city. And because you’re a monster your strength has be a major assent in these clean up efforts. Claire may be the heart of the team but you’re the soul of the city.”

The Hydro Hag lowered her head, “You know I have no soul, I’m just a machine. A Construct.” She says solumly.

“Bullshit,” Malcolm interjects. “You may not have been born with a soul but you earned one, and it’s a righteous one.”

The Hag smiles just as the world explodes around her. Out of the dust a figure storms, long tentacles cascading down a feminine form give the octopus-girl monster a almost Madusa like flare to her ‘hair.’

“Let’s get the dance started,” she canckles as her tentacles whip out stabbing into a couple nearby relaxing workers and lifts them off the ground, they strunggle a moment before going limp and droping harshly to the ground. Michael an Malcolm try to jump to their feet but their bodies fail to respond.

“Damn it, sorry!” the Hag admonishes herself, “You wont be able to move for another five minutes. I’ll cook up a counter potion though.” She rattled off as she drew her hoses and strode toward the octopus-girl “Until then it’s you and me Calamari-Bait!”

“Frog versus Octopus?” she cackled “This will be fun!”

“Fun?” Hydro scrunched up her in disgust, “How can you call terrorizing people and destroying their city ‘fun?’’

Kicking off into a change the octopus-girls mane of tentacles whipped up, striking out at the Hydro Hag like a bag of irritated vipers. “Because, unlike you, I take pride in my God’s intentions for giving me life.”

The Hydro Hag threw up her hoses as the octopus-girl closed in twin jets of high pressure water launching from the nozzles.

“Water? I live in the water! You think a little water is going to stop me.” She gloated just before the jets hit, tossing the octopus-girl back like a rag doll. She growled as she got back to her feet, her face a mask of rage. “How the hell do you push m back with a water gun.”

“You might do well in the currents of the ocean, but unlike me you don’t have any bones, my hoses release a blast I high preasure water jet, that pressure could easily move a boneless jellyfish wanna be like you.” The Hydro Hag taunted.

“Thanks for the hold off,” Kenny’s voice chimed in as the marines of Mind, Willpower, and Love appeared behind the octopus.

Hydro Hag smiled, turning immediately around to hammer Micheal and Malcolm with her water jets. Their bodies defelss to withstand the blast until it ended. In a instant they were on their feet.

“A little rough there,” Malcom commented as they transformed.

“Seemed the fastest way to get you guys back on your feet.” Hydro commented.

“How rude, we were have a duel here,” The octopus cackles as she ducks under a swing from Minds tri-linked staff.

Her tentacles coming to life, a colored light on the tip of each of the tendrils matching the color of each of the marines armor as they whipped out, streaching and bending, with supernatural speed to strike each of the marine, in a flash of their respective colors they all vanished. The octo-gir strighted her knees as she smiled darkly at the Hydro Hag. “And now we return to our bout.”

Hydro Hag’s eyes went wide as saucers, “What the hell did you do the them.”

“Sent them away, and theirs only one way to get them back, do you have the guts to destroy me.”

The Hydro Hag growled, “Lady, I’ve destroy a dosen of god’s mad minions. Your no different.”

“Ah so righteous about saving lives but your own kin are disposable.”

“I always give my ‘kin’ a chance to surrender. But at the end of the day I have to decide which is more imposrant, protecting my ‘kin’ and letting this beautiful city burn, or taking you down to protect innocents. I’ve never regretted my decisions, I wont start now!” Hydro Hag roared as she unleashed a torrent of her water blasts at the octo-girl.

-------------------------------------------------------------
Unknown dimension

Love, Mind, Defense, and Willpower writhed on the ground, steam wafting off their armor in the hues of the armor itself. Michael seemd unaffected, trying to get his freidns to their feet but it was like their legs could no longer support their own weight.

“Get up,” he ordered as he mangged to help Willpower to her knee, “We can’t just let this dimension beat us without a fight.”

“Easy for you to say,” Love commented, “I feel like I’ve just been run through the rinse cycle.”

“Same here,” Defense and Mind commented.

“Merowl mer-merrow mao!” hissed Maat. As she struggled to get to her feet.

“In this world,” Ra’s voice boomed around them, “The souls that power your armor are slowly siphoned away. I do not know why the siphon seemed slowed for The Will to Resist and has no effect on you Blood of Sacrifice but your three friends are far to easy to siphon.”

Sacrifice growled, drawing his sword as he looked around the dark realm for some clue. “Coward!” he shouted to Ra’s voice.

Willpower finnaly struggled to her hands and knees, her head raising slow as if sniffing the air. “Row,” she mewled as she crawled toward one of the walls.

Michael followed right behind, ready for anything and trusting that Maat knew what she was doing. She struggled to raise her hand, pawing at the wall. Michael too kthe hit and examined the wall himself, a moment later it shifted inward and slid aside, the duo entering another chamber.

“I’ll be back gang, I think Tara is onto something.”

“Good luck,” Defense offered.

“And hurry,” Mind urged.

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Calimari vs. Frog Legs

A trio if tendrils spike the ground moments after the Hag launches into the air, leapfrogging over the octo-girl to land behind her, a twin jet stream slamming into it’s back.

“Need a hand?” Kelly’s all to familiar voice rang out as she lead the Project HERO marines onto the scene, standing beside Hydro Hag.

“I hope we’re not interupting a duel between monsters.” Red Lion comments.

“Don’t be silly, why would I care about trying to solo something often reserved for a team effort?” Hydro Hag said causally as she fell into formation.

“Well normally it’s a matter of pride, proving that your just as good as your evil counterpart.” Kelly muses.

Hydro Hag shrugs as the quartet take fighting stances, “Must be a human thing, watch the tentacles they zape you away or drain your energy.”

“Got ya,” Red Lion comments. “Serving up Sashimi-Girl.”

“I prefer Octopussy,” Kelly comments.

“You would Kitty Litter,” Blue Eagle jokes as the four charge, Hydro Hag leaping into the air to create a ice slick under the octopus-girl.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Willpower growled as she lie on her side, her daggers flying across the room to spark and scrape Ra’s armor as he spun out of their path and into the blow of Sacrifice’s blade. On the follow up swing he managed to get his own blade up to defend, the steel clashing and letting off a flurry of sparks as they groung against each other.

“You will not get to the crystals,” Ra growled.

“Who ever said I have to, all I have to do is defeat you!”

“You could never defeat me,” Ra taunted.

“When you put my friends in danger their nothing I can’t do to save them!”

Sacrifice’s blade slices deep across Ra’s armor, scoring a deep cut as he spins around and hammers her elbow guard into Ra’s nose before dropping and swwping out Ra’s legs from under him. Gold blood trickled from Ra’s nose and he rolled and got to his knee. Willpower struggled on her hands and knees to reach the far wall where five crystals sat in a comumn of light, each one keyed to the quintet’s individual colors but where as Love, Defense, and Mind’s were scattering the light pilar cast down on them like a kolidascope her own seemed to be only partially scattering and the comoum of light seemd too have no reaction to Michael.
Ra charged Willpower as she got closer until a red light caught his nitice from behind him, turning around he saw Micheal’s visor stained red, violent flames licking his blade as he charged. “You will not touch her.”

His blade cut deep, drawing golden blood from Ra’s chest as he rose his own sword to block. “She is your daughter, your heartless monster!” Sacrifice continued.

“She only wears the skin of my people, she is not one of them!” Ra roared back.

“Mer-merowl!” Maat exclaimed triumphantly as the crystals were pulled from their perch.

----------------------------------------------------------------

The city shook at the massive octopus-girl reeled from the cannon and gun fire of the Project H trio’s assault crafts. The larger than noemal custom Lion Tank, Eagle Jet, and Wolf APC were hardly a match for the mammoth beasts the marines commanded and lacked the same fire power but they were keeping the monster swatting at flies as it were while Kelly and the Hydro Hag were evacuating people from the hot zone. When a rainbow of light harentded the arrival of our kidnapped quintet and they proceeded to summon or trandform into their own beasts the octopus-girl soon fell and our battered and battle worn heroes returned to the command center to recap events.

“What I still don’t understand was why Tara and I weren’t as disabled as the rest of the team,” Micheal presents after his tale.

“Your souls are devided,” offered Rotoscope. “It is the only abnormaity you two share. In the case of Maat half her soul, and her voice, are guarding Nefretititi’s oaisis, the fact she has half a soul and was half effect and didn’t have nefrtiti’s voice mathes up with you who has his entire soul displaced.”

Micheal nods, “So in this case my lack of a soul actually save the team.” He takes a deep breath. “Guess some good di come out of that bargin.”

“You mean beside giving us the power to take out the new gen claymen and monsters,” Malcolm comments.

“And giving a alien race the power to fight back,” Kelly adds.

“Not to mention the giant energy wave that rippled out across the universe doing God knows what else for other people who needed help.” Charity adds. This last coment drawing everyone eyes to her.

“Wait? What?” Micheal says flabbergasted.

“I did some examination of that energy wave that hit the team using the base’s computers here. It was a omni directional sphere. In short Micheal’s soul wave siht out in every direction. While the main portions hit those 2 target point I wouldn’t be surprised is some resudue enegy hit a dosen other worlds to some slight but signifigant in the long term effect. Basicly Micheal may have save the entire universe with that stunt.”

“You have to be kidding me.”

The rotating holographic display came to life with a button press, in the center was a red stick figure and a white one. As the two figures touched a red ring spread out from them. “Not according to the calculations.”

“Jesus,” Malcolm said watching the animation. “Michael…that’s…wow.”

“I…but…how…I…”

“The powr of Sacrifice is a potent one indeed,” was all Zardoz would offer.

[NekoLLX]

<===>Venus<===>

“Thanks for the help Haley.” Kenny waved as he strolled out of the green trimmed house, in the frame the raven haired girl named Haley waved back.

“Don’t be a stranger Kenny,” she laughed cherrily as she waved back.

Kenny chuckled, “I won’t just a little busy.”

“Yeah, yeah, gotta protect the world from the evil aliens, I got ya, no worries.” She laughed.

Turning onto the sidewalk Kenny picked up his pace, a light note in his heart as he pratically skipped. “Despite everything,” he mused, “It’s nice not having to hide our identities any more, it’s nice to not have to find a excuse to get out of school or leave friends hanging.”

---------------------------------------------------
The Mall

“Does everyone act like this?” the calico furred female anthro asked nervously as her eyes darted around the patrons of the mall, their eyes on her like scared mice watching a cat, their scents tinged with fear.

“Yeah well considering we’re pratically attacked every week by some anthromorphic-something you just have to get use to it. They don’t mean anything by it, their just scared.”

The female shrugs, “I guess I can understand, half the city is in ruins but its still better here then our old town. They pretty much Blacklisted you there for barking,” she flusters moment “Or hissing in our case.”

“Blacklist?” Kelly asks curiously.

The female blinked several time, trying to catch Kelly joke but her face and scent totld total bewilderment, “You don’t know…but even feral mutants get black listed, its been on public record since the late fourties, every anthro or feral-type know about the Blacklist.”

Kelly shrugs.

“Ok basicly you know how anthros and feral types have been part of socirty almost as long as humans have?”

Kelly shrugs again, “Kinda, they all just sort of up and left after the first couple weeks of monsters, haven’t sen another girl wit hfur outside of Maat for over a year.”

“Wow,” the girl managed as they slipped into a pet store

Kelly paused, looking around a bit curiously. “Uh…a pet store?”

“Seeing as their no specility shops in town for out kind, another oddity, this is the best pace to get food that wont tear up you digestive tract if you have a less defined intenstial coils, like me.”

Kelly half nodded, “So what is this blacklist,” she wondered as her friend shopped about.

“Well once we got upgraded from ‘pet’ status to ‘sentient beings’ in the fourties the government felt even if we were sentient our instancts and natural weapons, fangs, claws, etc. Made us a danger to baseline humans. So if we bite someone, even if it didn’t break the skin, or slashed at them, even to protect ourselves from a attack, we were black listed. Basicly anything that somoen could declare as ‘aggressive animal behavior’ gout us ‘listed. Some cities, like our old one would blacklist you for even just growling.”

“Harsh,” Kelly comments.

“Oh it gets worse, once listed any freedoms you thought you had, any property you thought you owned was up in the air cause you could now be ‘adopted’ by a ‘guardian’ who would make sure you were ‘trained’ how to be able to live in ‘civilized’ society. To that end all your rights were given over to your new master, as was anyproperty or weath you had. And if they felt you coulnt ‘domesticate’ they had every right to put you down like a wild animal.”

Kelly shivered, “I hope that doesn’t happen to me.”

“I doubt it will, despite appearances it seems the mayor slipped a bill into action that exempted any Champion from the list, for the time table it was roughy around the time the Hydro Hag became a member of the team. My guess is it was the only way they could exempt a alien construct, on the plus side it left a opening for you and Maat. Bu short of me putting on a cape I’m still listed.”

“Well id normally just say buy a cape, but considering the amount of danger our hero population already faces putting on a cape to keep your freedom and getting killed in the process deoesnt seem much better.”

“I werestle with the same question, freedom or longevity, not a easy choice.”

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Zot’s Observation Deck

“They mock me each and every day,” the warlord seethes. “Instead of planning for my next attack they play, and enjoy time with their friends.”

“And yet despite this they manage to pull something out, drawon some reserve of power, to pull them through each test you throw their way,” Ra observes.

“What we need to do is get your ‘Trojen Horse’ not just into their city but into their inner circle. A sleeper agent just waiting for the key to destroy them from the inside.” Selket offers.

“He will be ready soon, but for now I think the Calm of the Mind needs a little lesson in peer preasure.”

“What do you have in mind master?” Ra wonders.

“In war, sometimes you must take prisoners.”

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Haley’s House

Ding, dong, chimed the door as Haley hastily ran out of the kitchen shouting “I’ll get it!” before her parents entered the scene.

As the door opened a igure in a green long coat, that almst looked like large leaves greeted her. “Are you Hail-lee?”

Haley tilted her head curiously, “Y-yeah? Who are you?”

“Your coming with me,” the stanger ordered as he took her hand forcefully and dragged her away.

Before she could scream or struggle the stranger had vanished as if by magic into thin air.

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Unknown Location

Vines creeped and twisted around Haley’s arms and legs, holding her firmly in pace as insects began to crawl laong her limbs as if sh was just another part of the forest.

Haley shivered as the creature’s coat unfurled revealing a twisted abomination of man and plant. Her jaw quivered as the creature seemed to examine her like a piece of meat…or fruit. “W…who are you?” she quivered.

“You humans and your names, do you really need a name for everything?”

Haley shivered. “What are you doing to me?”

“Good gardens don’t question the guardener. All will become clear in time my luscious fruit.”

Haley swallowed her fear and looked the monster stright in whaever counted as eyes, “The marines will find me, and destroy you. You’ll never get away with this.”

“Oh,” the plant smilled, “I’m counting on it, I could use a few roses for my garden, and some blue bells here and there. And you can never have enough green, oh belive me my little fruit, I plant to give the marines quite a welcome, IF they can even find my garden.”

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Zardoz’s HQ

As the last of the marines made their appearance Rotoscope turned his attention toward the holographic display. On it’s monitors rotated the image of a lush jungle island, of its floral keeper and of…

“Haley!” Kenny shouted in supprise.

“Zot is getting more imagantive, we didn’t even detect the abduction and this footage is a hour time lapsed live feed.”

“Where are they,” Kenny demanded.

“I’ve been triangulating as fast as I can,” Rotoscope offered, “But I’m not getting a…there!”

The monitors spring to life with grinning visage of the plant. “Greeting lapdogs of Zardoz,” it began. “I have taken this young fruit,” it contined as it steped aside to reveal Haley, her shoes split open as brown roots reached out from the confines, inchingtoward the earth. “But I will grow my garden again in a short twenty minutes, that is unless you dare enter my garden.”

The sceens whent silent and Micheal’s imendiadly turned to Rotoscope, “Please tell me we have a location now.”

Rotoscope nodded, “But I must warn you…” he began.

“It’s a trap, that’s obvious,” Kenny says, “But we have to go.”

“And not, like, just because that’s Kenny’s gal pal either.” Claire added.

Malcolm nodded. “This is what we do.”

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The Moon Palace

“They have taken the bait,” Ra gloated as he tossed a handful of clay marbles along the ground, quickly the grew and took form into the deformed half made monsters that formed the clay footsoldiers of Ra’s command. “and my claymen sould keep them from acomplishigntheir goal in the time allotted.”

Zot watched from his throne, his Devil’s Grin spreading across his face. “Ahh but why give them that chance. These past tests have been informative but I think it’s time we upped the stakes.”

Slowly Zot rose, his staff in hands as pearl and onyx energy lanced from its head. The footsoldiers began to bunch up as their bodies began to murge together. A moment later the malita of claymen was halved in in their place even more abominable monstrosities stood, their chests scared by a rather large wound that almost looked like the lightning bolt of Zot’s staff.

“Now, they may go.” Zot chuckled.

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The Island of the Beast

Sacrifice, Willpower, Mind, Love, Defense, and Kelly had arrived at the island with little trouble and were currently combing their way through in search of Haley and the monster. So far they had remained unaccounted but they all knew it was only a matter of time.

“Welcome to my garden,” a voice out of nowhere taunted. “You will make a beautiful arrangement.”

Going on the defense the marines, and Kelly, prepare for the attack. The attack doesn’t take long to happen as a half dozen fused claymen appear. Immediately the creatures charge our six heroes. Deftly dodging under high kicks and landing blows powerful enough to cause their defensive shields to spark, or in the case of Kelly pull out some fur or cut her clothes.

“When did these guys take vitamins?” Malcolm quips as a particularly fierce blow sends him sprawing on his back.

Ducking under one of their swings Kelly’s hand shoots out, burying itself into the wound of the footsiedlier chest. “I’m stuck,” she cried as she ducks another swing and tries to pull her hand free.

“Got ya covered,” Kenny says professionally, “Heads up!”

With little time to react Kelly twists her body around enough to see a segment of the Calm of the Mind’s tri-linked staff head her way, with a quick motion with her free hand she catches it, “Thanks,” she shouts quickly before wedging it into the hole using it to pry her hand free with a quick ‘pop’ the force of the action sending her tumbeling.

“Woah!” Kenny shouts and he lands roughly on his but. The action pausing a moment for the duo as they look to whre their attacks were, only to find in their place two regular claymen instead of one super clayman.

“How did?” Kelly muses as she gets back to her feet, charging a pair of her assailants.

“That wound,” Kenny announces, promping Micheal, Maat, and Malcolm, who all had their own weapons jamped in the would to pause, “It must break them apart into normal claymen when you widen it.”

Sure enough as the other three rip out their weapons a wave of force knocks them back as the three super clays become six normal clays.

“You have to be kidding me,” Michel protests as he cuts his blade deep into chest of one of the clays.

“This is wasting to much time,” Malcolm adds, “We can’t afford to fight these losers any longer.”

“Easier said than done.” Kelly comments as she tosses her segment back to Kenny.

Spinning around to catch the segmnt and reassemble his weapon Kenny taps his helmet a moment, “Rotoscope send it the others, we’re tied up with the rejects.”

There is a flash of light off in the distance as the Project-H marines, Hydro Hag and marine of Determination appear, Determination leading the charge. “Tag partner.” He jokes as he slaps Sacrifices glove. “We’ll handle the good squad, you take on Mr. Green Jeans.”

“Got it bro, thanks,” Micheal comments quickly as the new team slip into the battle as the original team makes a break for the voice from earlier…and Haley.

Vines lash out to ensnare Micheal’s team but prove little more then a distraction against their weapons as the close in on their target. Entering a clearing the sextet stop cold in their tracks. Shoes burst open like a cardboard box, pants split along the seams the figure of Haley is easily recognizable even in her current state. Her rought legs more the texture of banrk then flesh ans the dig intothe ground wile her long arms brance off into smaller leaved brances but despite that hr torso seems mostly untouched. As they approache she raises her head, a mix of fear and hope in her eyes, a pleading look toward the marines.

“Help me,” she whispers.

Maat growls, “This is a sick game.”

“Oh but she will make a wonderful arbor, such strong brances will over excellent shade once she is finished growing.” The creatre cackles as he emerges from behind Haley. “And I will expecially enjoy the flaire your colors will add to my garden.”

“I’ll turn you into a scratching post!” Kelly roars, leaping toward the creature.

As if to underscore the point Haley convulsed, her nech screeching up as her hair began to mutant into think branches.

Kenny took a deep breath, they needed a plan, and quick, every scond wasted would potentially cost Haley her life.

Micheal narrowed his eyes, their had to be something at the root of the problem. Haley wouldn’t survive another convulsion like that last one, he needed to find a way to stop it or at the very least take her place.

Malcolm was not about to let Haley suffer without his intervention on her behalf, that was for sure. It was time to act.

Claire swallowed hard, her heart breaking in two, she had to free Haley, she would not let this travesty pass.

Maat closed her eyes, focusoning on Haley despite not looking directly at her. “Hold on girl, fight it!” she murmered, “we’ll save you.”

Kelly bore her fags, her mind a red haze, the taste of plant matter on her lips. This freak was going to learn what a REAL monster was. And like that a surge of energy rushed through the marines around her. And in mere moment a anthromorphic T-Rex, Mastadon, Pteradactyle, Triceratops, and Rakeesh were growling beside her. Kenny’s all too human voice carring through his Exemplar form like a general. “Get ready, we only have on shot at this.”

[NekoLLX]

<===>The Hydra<===>
Kenny’s all too human voice carring through his Exemplar form like a general. “Get ready, we only have one shot at this.”

They moved like poetry, acting and reacting faster then Kelly could even follow. She could only imagine what it was like on the other end of the sprectrum, what it was loke for the other monster, to be the one being attacked. It seemed like Kenny…no the Calm of the Mind was only speaking for her benefit, the other five acting on a almost instinctual level.

As ordered she droped into step beside The Wall of Defense in a charge of the monster, keeping it off it’s feet uder a barrage of powerful strikes, sweeps, and kicks. The nethromorphic Mastadon supprisingly agile for such a bulky creature was able to time his movies to come in the opeining the quick motions of Kelly’s own attacks for auninterupted barrage.

Haley screamed once as the razor shaprk wings of the Love of All Life sliced into her roots and took her into the air while the Blood of sacrifice fended off the creeping vines trying to dig into his flesh with powerful kicks and savage bites, his arms atrophied to near uslessness in this form. As Calm closed in on Blood his powerful libs dug into the groud pulling out the roots with great force and little effort. But even as he had them in his grip the lashed out, sticking to his scaled and lightly feathered body. Only to be consumed in fire a moment later as a torrent of flame erupted from Bloods mouth reducing the roots to ask before the flame thrower was turned on the forest around them and Calm of The Mind charged the plant creature.

Kelly was already counting the second until this horrible fight was over and Haley could begin her healing back at the HQ when a pit dropped into her stomach and she felt the heat wave of something appearing right before Ra appeared in the sky and with one slice of his golden blade sent The Love and Haley crashing to Earth. But even this did not escape the Calm of The Mind’s calculations as Kelly found her ordered to intercept even before the blade made contact. Her speed coupled with her monsterous strength able to easily catch the Love and Haley before they hit the ground.

“Get us out of here you over grown calculator!” Kelly hissed into the device that sat in her right ear as The Love got back to her talons and Kelly took a firm grip on Haley.

In a flash of light they had vanished but the Exemplars still had Ra to Contend with, and the plant creature.

“Ra, so you finally show yourself,” Blood roared. “You won’t win this time.”

Ra pressed his fingers to his temples as he continued to hover over the clearing, “Oh but I have already one,” his face contorting into a grimace as he thrus out his hand, goldien lighting raning down from his finger tips on the battle below, striking both Exemplar and Monster alike. “Right now Selket, Lord Zot, and The Hydro Hag are finishing up your friends, and when their done, your next.”

“Heartless monster,” The love roared as she launched into the sky, “We had a promise, a sacred voe that you would leave the Hydro Hag alone.”

Again Ra grimaced as he unleashed another torented on the fight below, his wings beating as he dived toward Th Love, sword at the ready. “Your deal was with Reeva, in case you haden’t noticed she is not in change any more.”

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As the last of the claymen were reduced to a sludge at their feet Determination, Hydro, Red Lion, Blue Eagle, and White Wolf took a deep breath. The super claymen were nough to keep the core marine group ontheir toes and only Jason and the Hydro Hag were in that level of power.

They were certainly in no shape a second round when Warlord Zot, Selket, and another half dozen super claymen appeared out of nowhere. Still they put on a brave face and got ready to fight.

“The game is over, ‘heroes’” Zot gloated.

“I think we may disagree with that point.” Red Eagle said confidently.

Zot attacked quickly, pearl and onyx lightling lanceing into the Hydro Hag as Selket and and the clays charged. But the Power of Determination would not just be bowled over and Jason endure the punishing combat, placing himself in harms way when Selket’s spear seemed certin to skewel the Project-H E R O trio.

The Hydro Hag remained immobile after attack, like a toy without any betteries while Zot just watched on with a cold indifference. “Rise, my minion…” he finnaly spoke after far to long in silence.

The Hydro Hag’s back straightened, as she looked ready to fight, her eyes glowing with a fire unseen by many, her voice cold, and monotone, “Yes my master.”

“Kill your former friends.” Zot laughed, as the Hydro Hag turned toward Red Lion and raised her Hydro Blasters.

“You bastard,” Jason growled, lready moving to intercept.

“Not so fast,” Zot cackled, lighting lanxing from his staff to send the Power Of Determination sailing as Selket charged with the claymn at her back and to deliver a follow up blow hot on the tail of the Hydro Hag’s attack.

“Disable her!” Red Lion commanded.

“Easier said than done with Zappy and Slashy in the mix.” Jason comented

“I have the claymation rejects,” White wolf said quickly before firing the jumps jets in the White Wolf’s boots and charging into the footsoldiers.

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Blades clahed above as The Love, wielding the Blood’s sword, dueled with Ra. Breaking away just long enough to deliver a roundhouse kick that did little more that throw off the aim of Ra’s follow up swing.

With a wide arc of the javelin The Blood unleased a trio of arrowheads at the plant monster as The Mind and The Wall cam in fast and low with sweeps of their tri-linked staff and halberd to take the creatures legs out from under it.

“You honestly think you can beat me in my domain?” the creature bellowed as th forest around them lashed out out or heroes with razor sharp vines that scaped their transformed hides but never broke the skin.

“Claire, summon the power of White Rose,” The Calm commanded athortivly. “Tara find that power deep inside you. And relase it at Claire.”

Banking away from Ra The Love took a moment to cal on her other aspect, a golden horn breaching her saurian temple as a golden mane and tail erupted down her back and out the end of her tailbone.

“That’s enough Claire,” The Calm of the Mind said quickly as The Will rolled out of her intendednd attack, coming up in a patch of trees and closed her eyes.

Vines launced out toward her as snow began to gently fall, The Calm’s eyes locking on the vines like a sniper lining up his shot. Iceicles creaped over the vines quickly, until they were consumed in blocks of frost that shattered and broke away as the could above grew dark, the heavens roared and golden light crached down from heaven.

Drawn to The Love’s horn like a magnet they struck her, the energy crackling along thelength of the horn as Claire rose the sword of Sacrifice, the lighting leaping from her horn to the blade before launching itself at Ra like a angry serpent.

Vainly Ra rose his sword to block, already know the outcome before it hit as the blade absorbed the bolt and transferred its energy across his body. Muscles went tunt as Ra’s body was paralyzed by the energy. The Love seized the opertunity and dove at him, braches shattering aroudnthem as the duo impacted the ground. The Blood was aware something was wrong when the javelin began to dematerialize from his grip, before he could turn to oinvestigate Claire’s fate The Calm’s voice echoed athrotivily.

“She’s fine, just unconscious, focus your fire breath on the plant bitch.”

The Blood swallowed hard as he closed his eyes, flames licking his muzzle as he opened his mouth to attack. As the flames enveloped the monster The Calm and the Wall attacked in tangent, cutting deep as the Will summoned down along spear fron heaven to smite the creature as the duo pulled away.

The monster stodd immobile a moment before it’s body begain to break away, it’s limbs dissolving to green sludge as The Calm turned his attentions back toward the first fight as the island began to shake. “Her domain is colaping with her gone, lets go help the others quick.”

The Blood took a quick moment to look to Claire, unconscious, naked, and human beside a unconscious Ra and gathered his nerve. “Rotoscope grab Claire.”

“Roger,” Rotoscope’s voice buzzed back into their heads as Claire vanished in a flash of pink behind them.

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A quick pull of the trigger unleased a torent of near frozen water right into the chest of Blue Eagle from the point blank nossle of the Hydro Hag. The force cracking the armor while launcingthe armored marine several feet back. Charging in on Determination’s his blind side was Selket, a quick slick of her blade drawing sparks from the super powered marines armor as Zot unleases a torent of energy at Red Lion and White Wolf. A handful of the claymen closed in as the island shook around them.

Without warning a blade cleaved into the scare of one of the claymen, twisted and split him. With a mighty swing the Halberd of Defense removed bot their heads, redicing them claymen to grey sludge. The Calm of the Mind, Wall of Defense, Blood of Sacrifice, and The Will to Resist All Domination moved with super human speed granted by the power of Exemplar, quickly dispatching each of the claymen and joining around their allies as Hydro Hag, Selket, and Zot gathered together.

“Let’s get out of here, the place is collapsing,” The calm ordered.

Raising his staff high a storm of electricity rolled over head. “You wont be getting out that easy.” Zot gloated.

The Will smirked and chargeded, electricity looping about her arm as she too ka firm grip if Zot. “Then I’ll just have to produce a counter charge!”

The Hydro Hag and Selket charged the remaining forces, murder on the face of them both.

“Snape out of it Hydro,” Determination pleaded as The Wall of Defense pushed out in front, meeting the Hydro Hag with his Halbard.

“It’s no use,” his voice cold and focused, “She’s not the Hydro Hag we know and loved, just a monster wearing her face.” Team began to roll down the mastadon’s face. “A mockery of the truth, like Trinity.” A quick slash cut deep into the Hag forcing her to step back. “We have to destroy her.”

“W-we can’t do that.” The Will protest, gancling back.
Siezing the opertunity Zot hammered her in the chest wit ha string knee but the Will holds her ground.

With a growl The Blood tightens his grip on his sword. “If there is no other way.” Wit ha quick glance he looked too the Project H trio. “You three, with me.”

Without word the Trio fall in step, charging the hag to slash and smash her in tangent with The Wall. Leaving the Calm of the Mind, to parry and counter Selket’s attacks. Golden lighting rancing up The Will’s arms, throung the body of Zot and thorgh his staff, reaching up to the storm in the sky. Only and Pearl energy fighting for dominance with golden lighting.

“Stop!” Determination demands as the halveranrd of Deflense swings toward the Hag.

In a instant he is between the combatants, for a moment his body radiantes with energy, for a second his armor seemed to melt, taking on the shape and texture of scales. “You will not destroy her!” he roars.

Unable to halt his swing the axe head of the halberad slashes into the Exemplar of Determination just as scales fade and Jason stands defiant, cupping his shoulder from a phandom wound, the Hyro Hag’s nozzles pressed to his bare back.

“Foolish human,” she gloats as Jason turns to face her, his eyes peering deep into the fire ignighted iin her own.

“You better than this Hydro.”

“It’s no use, destroy him, my pet.” Zot commands as the golden lighting over takes his own energies in the sky.

The Hydro Hag tightens her grip and hisses. The skies cleared overhead as The Willpower’s power overtook Zot’s energy.

“It’s down, lets get out of here.” She barked.

“Destroy them,” Zot ordered as he and the Will broke contact.

The Hydro Hag hesitated.

“Wake up Hydro,” Jason demanded.

The Hydro Hag hesitated.

“Not this time,” Zot laughed as he snaped his fingers.

Like a light switched off the fire in the Hydro Hag’s eyes went out as she collapsed forward into Jason’s arms, dissipating into energy even as the heroes vanished and the iland came apaert at the seems.

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The command center

Jason sat on the medical table while his friend lie naked and sleeping around him, covered in simple blankets as Kelly, John and Charity watch over them.

“My body tingles,” Jason whisperes, his eyes focused on his hands. “And I have this gut feeling I’ve lost it…the Power of Determination.”

“It is not lost,” Zardoz booms, “by summoning the power of Exemplar you have burned down your power to a sliver. There is only a touch of the power left in our hands. And even now I sense that power waning. You will never done your armor again, and if we do not act fact that will be lost to Zot.”

Slowly Jason rose his head, turning the crystal discs over in his hands. “What can we do, can we do anything to even stop it?”

“We can preserve the spirits, the essence if you pass on what you still hold to…another. Zot may claim the power he stole but the soul of that power will remain…intact.”

Jason’s eyes scanned his five friends as he unstedily droped to the cold floor, John and Charity helping him stand as they held the blanket around him.

“My bother, the power of Sacrifice,” he says, kneeling by the resting Micheal. “It would seem right for my power to become yours but you are already so strong…you don’t…need…it.”

Scanning the others he setteled on Malcolm, “You were ready to kill to kill our oldest friend, I understand your reason but…”

Finnaly his eyes settled on Claire, “The Love of All Life, you put yourself in harms way, and yet your power is not the strongest. If the Power of Determination can protct your Love…”

He kneeled, taking a moment to look to Charity and John, “Thanks,” setting the crystal disc in Claires hand it glowed a moment in green and then pink before John and Charity returned him to the medical bed.

“Now…why is my body still tingeling.”

“The Hydro Hag,” Rotoscope began, looking up from his hand scanner, “Her energy is…part of you.”

“What does that mean?” Charity wonders alound.

“Only time will tell,” Zardoz booms. “Only time will tell.”