The Dark Radiant

Antithesis · November 20, 2011

Trembling, he stared at his hands as he made his way up the stairs. He tripped several times as he tried to move on unsteady legs. His blurry vision began to clear. He did not remember walking through the door and on to the roof of the building.

He was immediately assaulted by the cold night air of Remisburg. All around him sirens blared as the building’s security system alerted everyone within a half mile radius that there had been a break in. The man clenched his hands together, unaware of the meaning of the “Enchanted Enterprises” sign blinking above him.

Suddenly the man laughed.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- Whole! I am made flesh once again! This… This is…

He then felt the arrival of a huge magical presence.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- Impossible? Is that what you were going to say?

The man turned and saw a woman adorned in strange garb. She was a vision of beauty as incredible waves of mystic power emanated from her. He began to step towards her, as suddenly the air crackled around them. He paid it no heed.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- Are you a goddess?

She laughed, and the energy subsided a little.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- Well, uh no, I guess. Never been called one before, any way.

The man’s legs buckled and he fell hard on the roof top. He continued to stare at the woman, unable to look away.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- I am… I don’t remember. I am… the darkness and…

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- And the light. Yes, somehow you have managed to adorn yourself with the mantle of the Scion of Light, something no one has managed to do for quite some time. Not even Merlin Emrys was chosen.

She kneeled beside him.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- Which makes it all the more unbelievable. Somehow you managed to slip through all the wards and spells on this building, found one of the most powerful magical artifacts on this planet and merged with it. And beyond even that, it chose you. What I can’t figure out is why, because beneath all that fiery righteousness of the mantle, there is the distinctive smell of-

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- Corruption? I remember the darkness. I was a shadeling, trapped in nothingness. I think I was once a man, but I was betrayed. Duped in to a sacrifice. I remember him and I remember it!

The man rocketed to his feet. Danielle quickly took a fighting distance from him and readied her most powerful spell. If she had to defeat him, now would be the best time, while he was still weak, and while they both stood on the Enchanted’s base.

The man raised his hands to the sky. One hand brightened, and was quickly engulfed in the flames of the Scion of Light. In the other hand swirled a malevolent disc of darkness. He screamed in rage and brought the two hands together, snuffing out both. He then regarded the woman once again.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- My apologies. I have been without form or memory for so long. You have my word that I will never harm you.

Danielle Rune was taken aback. Was this some kind of ploy, she wondered. Still the man had been chosen by the mantle, and the mantle only chose those who would fight for good. She decided she would trust in that. She lowered her guard.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- It isn’t me I am worried about you harming. In case you haven’t noticed, I am more than capable of handling myself.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- Yes, I had noticed. (Then he laughed). I admit to being quite awestruck by your beauty as well as your power. If you wish it, I have no doubts you could smite me with one blow.

Danielle rolled her eyes. (Is this guy for real, she thought). She walked over to the edge of the roof.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- Look. First of all, no one says ‘smite’ nowadays. Secondly, you are standing in the middle of Remisburg, a city I have sworn to protect. My city. If you run around here all crazy, raging at the sky and hurt any of the innocent people living here I will, uhh, ‘smite’ you for real.

His cape seemed to swirl as he bowed.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- Out of respect for your incredible power, power which is tempered only by your abundant mercy, and for your boundless beauty, which draws me ever forward, as a moth to a flame, I hereby promise that I will never harm an innocent of this city or any other.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg-Okay, right. Let me ask you, in your day, did girls really fall for that stuff?

He looked down as he shuffled his feet, then he looked up and smiled.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- Yes.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- Maybe times haven’t changed too much then. (She laughed). Okay, back to business. As you can probably tell, this city is located on top of a Hell Gate. So, for all the innocents that live here, there are all kinds of evil. You wear the mantle of the Scion of Light. You have a responsibility to uphold. Also, seems to me you have second chance. I don’t know what happened to you before, and I don’t want to know, at least, not right now. I won’t bother asking you to swear off vengeance or whatever it is you want, just do what you can to help the people who need it and you can stay in my city, for now at least.

He remembered the ritual. The pain of having his soul ripped from his body as that immense power was born to this world. He remembered its apathy as it swatted his soul away to die, denied even an afterlife. He remembered wandering the earth for centuries unable to interact, or to feel.

Vengeance! He must have vengeance! But he had waited this long, he could wait longer. He looked up at the woman/angel/goddess. His redeemer, never in his life had he met a woman such as she. He raised his hand.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- I promise to hold your city as mine own, as it now is, to defend it against all evils, and to aid you in battle whenever you need me.

She held out her hand. He took it in his own. This was the first person he had touched in- he did not know how long.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- Nice to meet you, I’m Danielle Rune. Danny to my friends. And you- oww!

She snatched her hand away. Frightened, the man quickly saw that one of his hands was once again engulfed in flames, as about the other swirled darkness. Danielle Rune looked on, a mix of anger, pain, and sympathy played across her face. He lacked the strength to meet that gaze. Instead he turned away. Alone once more.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- I am the darkness and the light. I am the Dark Radiant.

Antithesis · November 21, 2011

Volume 1, #1: A Dustbowl in your Hedgerow!

Several days later…

Our hero stood in a small, dingy room, transfixed by a small box.

- This television contraption is amazing. Tiny men and women, seemingly trapped in a box, going on about their lives, unaware that I am watching them. Incredible! Danielle truly spared no expense on my lodgings.

Danielle had paid for a room at the Motel 6. Aside from the T.V. which she told him to watch and study, to learn a more current vernacular, there was a mini fridge.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- It stays cold on the inside and warm on the outside!

A microwave.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- It cooks food with the power of light and sound!

And a vibrating bed.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- Look, it vibrates!

Danielle had given him money to purchase his own food, which is how he had discovered Twinkies and Pop Tarts. Not that he needed food, the mantle was a source of near infinite energy. Still he liked to eat, as it reminded him of being human.

In fact, he was eating a pop tart and watching something called Different Strokes on the Television when he noticed the time. He needed to leave or he would be late for his rendezvous with Danielle Rune.

He arrived to find that Danielle was not there. In her place was a supernatural being comprised of swirling mists.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/BlueWraith.jpg- Hi, I’m the Blue Wraith. I am a friend of Danny’s. She couldn’t be here, business with the Freedom Alliance. Something about an invasion by the Krugg Empire having to be repelled. Anyway she asked me to check in on you. So if you don’t mind, just hold still, okay?

Blue Wraith began to swirl around him. Dark Radiant began to mutter under his breath as the heroine gave out the occasional ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh’. He pulled his cloak tighter.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- I am not a piece of meat!

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/BlueWraith.jpg- Sorry. (Blue Wraith stopped in front of him) I just wanted to see what all the fuss was about. (She smiled) Danny seems to think you are worth it, and now I agree.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- Whatcha talking about Willis?

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/BlueWraith.jpg- Okay, right, you’ve been away for a while and now you’re watching TV. Umm, anyway, you caused a lot of drama at the Enchanted HQ the other night. A couple of people weren’t happy. Same folks who have had their eye on the mantle you are wearing. Sour grapes and all that. They’ll get over it once Danny straightens them out. That said, since she’s gone right now, it would probably be best if you didn’t hang out around there. Actually Danny and I both think it would smooth things over if you started patrolling. Most of the bad guys in Remisburg only come out at night. SO why not pick an area of the city and when night comes, just make sure you pummel any bad guys that show up. Danny intends to hold you to your promise.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- I understand. Evil shall tremble at my wrath!

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/BlueWraith.jpg- We have to work on that. Here’s a communicator. You need help you can get in touch with either Danny, when she’s in town, or myself. We’ll help however we can. Good luck out there Mister Radiant.

She saluted him. Dark Radiant cleared his throat and turned his head as the wind temporarily blew away the mist from Blue Wraith’s floating form.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/BlueWraith.jpg- Hehe, cya.

Confused, Dark Radiant began to make his way back to the Motel 6. He was unaware that he was being watched.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/Dustbowl.jpg- Confirmed: Blue Wraith has left the vicinity. New Target Acquired. Tracking mode initiated.

And so, Dark Radiant returned to his room and put that channel on something called MTV to wait for nightfall. The women of Jersey Shore were engaging in the most unladylike of displays when he noticed the smoke filtering in under his door. The smoke formed in to a cloud, and as Dark Radiant approached, a soot covered fist emerged. It knocked him through the back wall of the motel.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/Dustbowl.jpg- Target eliminated.

After having made quick work of the unknown hero, Dustbowl turned to leave.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- Just one moment, my soot covered friend. It is time we kicked this old school.

As Dustbowl’s artificial intelligence rapidly upgraded its threat assessment, Dark Radiant launched a spinning orb of pure shadow at the villain, it detonated right before it reached him.

The explosion knocked out the door and window of the room. But it was Dark Radiant’s turn to be surprised. The explosion did not harm the creature in any way. Dustbowl soon shot out a swirling mass of soot and ash which, in the form of a cyclone, lifted Dark Radiant in to the air and threw him out of the room and in to the parking lot. Dustbowl followed him out, and wasted no time in grabbing him by the throat. Dark Radiant smiled.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- You are not the only one who can become intangible.

Dark Radiant used his leftover gift from the days when he was a shadeling to simply step out of the choke hold.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- Shadow- run free!

The two figures, and most of the building around them, were soon enveloped in a coal black darkness. Agitated, Dustbowl turned about, unable to see his prey.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- Yo homey, light it up.

Suddenly an intense light shined in the darkness. It was burning… a burning sword. It sheared the dust from the villain’s body, but Dustbowl made himself intangible again before any greater damage could be done. That was his final mistake. The darkness surrounding them collapsed in to a spinning orb. An orb that floated in the middle of Dustbowl’s chest. Dustbowl solidified himself to purge it, but he was too slow. It exploded. And for a few moments afterwards, dust and ash fell from the sky.

Dark Radiant looked on and smiled. So far, keeping his promise seemed very easy. That was when the Motel’s manager ran out of his office. The man fell to his knees.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/RickRoland.jpg- You destroyed my motel, you dumb mothe-

The End

Next Issue: Danielle Rune has a bone to pick with Dark Radiant!

Antithesis · November 21, 2011

Volume 1, #2: Girl Trouble.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- You destroyed the motel!

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- I kept my promise! No one was harmed save that villainous creature. And need I remind you, I did not choose to fight him there, he ambushed me.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- Dustbowl? He’s small potatoes. With your power you could have beaten him easily, and done it in such a way that didn’t destroy so much property! I can’t go off saving the earth from real threats and worry about you tearing up my town.

He looked her in the eye.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- Perhaps then I should go.

She folded her arms across her chest.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- Perhaps you should.

He sighed and turned to leave.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- Hey! Wait you damn- knucklehead!

He heard her run up behind him. (This is it, he thought, another betrayal). He prepared himself to become intangible when he felt her grab his hand. Suddenly he was pulled aloft.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- What are you- we are flying! How?

She looked down at him and smiled.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- I am full of all kinds of surprises. Now quiet down and don’t wiggle around so much, I don’t want to drop you.

As they flew across the Remisburg skyline, Dark Radiant studied her form in the moonlight. The long blonde tresses flowing to and fro. Her kind smile that lit up the darkness around them. Her ample curves, hidden only by her skin tight suit. Her magnificent badunkadunk, as they called it on television.

I am falling in love, he thought to himself. Yes, I am falling- wait I really am falling!

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- HELP!

He landed with a thud. He jumped up, sputtering. Danielle Rune landed next to him, in a far more graceful manner.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- That’s what you get for ogling me. Now, be quiet and listen.

He wanted to argue, he wanted to say that she was far too domineering, and that she should show him proper respect. But, he had to admit to himself that he was guilty of letting his eyes linger. Instead he muttered.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- It has been so long.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- Shhh.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/Skeletons.jpgIt was then that he heard it. A curious cacophony of marching and clattering. He started to ask what this was when the first skeleton walked in to the clearing. It was soon followed by a dozen more.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- Here should be a good place. No one else is around. Feel free to cut loose.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- Very well.

He then sat on the ground and began drawing in to the earth. The skeletons quickened their approach. They were not fast enough. A dark nimbus flowed over one of his hands, small droplets of shadow fell from it as he plunged it in to what he had drawn.

Spears of shadow erupted from the ground, each one impaling a skeleton. As the skeletons struggled to free themselves, the spears pulsated, causing tremors in the ground below. All the spears then exploded, reducing the skeletons to harmless fragments of bone.

He heard Danielle behind him stirring. There was a sharp intake of breath. He closed his eyes, still seated on the ground, and waited.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- Blood magic, and shadows! I should have known! You were a shadowmancer!

He felt her fury in the magic she called forth. Fire, lightning, and thunder. White magic, and even tremendous amount of the stuff that came natural to many female magic uses… Life magic. The taste of which brought back many terrible memories from his past. In that instant he knew she had the potential to lay waste to the entire city. But he knew it mattered not. He was seated on the earth, and his hand was poised above the diagram. He could kill her if he must.

He raised his hand and turned. Unlike before, this time he did not flinch from her gaze.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- I owe you my life, for when you showed me mercy on the roof top. If you want, you can kill me. I will not resist. But what you cannot do, is judge me. I have paid for my sins, and I have kept all my promises.

He turned his back to her, and waited. There was only a muffled cry and a stir in the air. He knew she had flown off, sparing him. He put his hand back over the diagram and waited for more skeletons to appear.

The next morning:

He made his way to his new motel room. A Day’s Inn. Slightly more upscale than that Motel 6. He intended to grab his few meager possessions and leave. He had seen newscasts on television that mentioned a place called the Wastelands. It seemed like a natural home for outcasts such as himself. He hoped he could start over there.

He had filled his knapsack with the last of his Poptarts when suddenly the door burst open and the Blue Wraith flew in. She would have succeeded in slapping him but he made himself intangible just in time. She stared back and forth at him and her hand.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/BlueWraith.jpg- Hmph! Almost had you. You’ve got some nerve mister! Whatever you did to Danny, you had her up all night at the HQ crying and eating ice cream and raging about men and eating more ice cream! At this rate she’s going to ruin her figure because of you. Well, don’t just stand there all slack jawed- explain yourself!

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- I… simply showed her what I really am.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/BlueWraith.jpg-Bah, that figures. Danny always falls for you dark, brooding types. Meanwhile there’s the Swordsman, waiting around like a lovesick puppy. A man like that would never break her heart, but nooo, she’s got to fall for you complicated types. Appearing out of nowhere, wielding dangerous magic. Well, okay, this isn’t anything special. It isn’t like you sacrificed innocent people and drank the blood of virgins. I can fix this, I’ll go and talk-

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- I actually… have done some of those things. Blood magic requires blood. Either mine own, or that of another. But that was centuries ago, before my punishment. And since I was betrayed, and my body taken, my blood was paid for the power I have now. I am a different man, I would never-

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/BlueWraith.jpg- Uhh excuse me, did I just hear you right?

Blue Wraith began to back up on her tip toes.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/BlueWraith.jpg- I did you hear you right, didn’t I? Okay then, was nice knowing you, you evil monster guy. Next time I see you, be ready to fight! Oh, and one more thing.

She darted across the room, her form jumped inside his body. She spoke in his mind, and Dark Radiant realized his lips were moving along with her words.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/BlueWraith.jpg- You hurt Danny again and I will pay you back in kind. Don’t think that I can’t do it, because I can.

He felt an incredible pressure on his chest. His lungs could not exhale and his heart, it had stopped beating. She then jumped back out of his body and stepped outside of his room. And shut the door without saying another word.

Dark Radiant clutched at his chest and collapsed on to his bed. His last conscious thought before passing out was only to ask how he could have made such a mess of things.

Sleep was not long in lasting, however. Dark Radiant awoke to the sound of his door closing. He cleared his eyes and saw… something standing above him.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- Hi, I’m Dawn, a member of the Enchanted. There is a big fuss going on right now about you, and when I left, I think the Swordsman intended to come over here and cut you in to tiny pieces. He’s immune to your magic so you don’t really have any say in the matter. Anyway, I heard about you and I am here to tell you that I can sympathize. Like you, I am trapped, and unable to feel anything. I know exactly what you went through. So, I am hoping that before it gets destroyed, maybe you can use the mantle to fix me like it fixed you. In the meantime though, lets have sex.

To be continued…

In the next issue, Light Unleashed.

Antithesis · November 21, 2011

Volume 1, #3

The Light Unleashed

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- What The-

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- Shh! I was just kidding. Seriously though, we have to get you out of here. Sure, Danielle is angry, but she’s not about to squander such, uhh, assets over silly stuff. After Blue Wraith made a mess of things, she sent me.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- What are you saying?

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- You don’t get it, do you? We are all either magic users or supernatural beings living on top of a Hellgate. No one here is pure. Anyway you are needed somewhere else. I am here to make sure you get there, so lets get a move on, buster.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- And this Swordsman character, the one who was going to cut me in little pieces?

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- Pfft. He isn’t even in town. That’s why we need you. So, lets go already.

She grabbed him by the arm and led him from the room. Soon they were running down alleyways and side streets. It was nearly dusk when they reached the Remisburg’s business district.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- Wouldn’t it have been easier to have taken a car?

Somehow the Dawn’s doll body managed to blush.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- Shoot! I knew I forgot something. Still we are here in time, so no worries.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- In time for what?

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- Well, in addition to being smoking hot and undead, I am also a world class detective. I got word that Valhella and Fightin’ Titan are going to try to pull off a robbery here soon. You are going to stop them. And you are to do so with minimal property damage, Danielle’s orders!

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- Then I should ask you, since you will be fighting with me, what your powers are, so we can coordinate our attacks better.

She held her hands up in front of her.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- Oh no no no! Not me, I’m a lover, not a fighter. But I’ll give what help I can. Valehella is a vampire with a weakness for fire. Shouldn’t be too much trouble. Titan is a demon who is very good at grappling. Since your shadow powers tend to blow stuff up, though, what you are going to need to do is-

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- Say no more. I will rely on the powers of the Scion of Light. Its about to be on like a chicken bone!

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- Yep, we will have to fix that. Now shh, here they come.

As the heroes peered out from the shadows, a bare chested Vampire wearing platform shoes and a four armed monstrosity walked in to view.

Dark Radiant jumped from the alleyway. One hand engulfed in light, which extended from his arm in the form of a short sword, and in the other swirled a ball of shadow. Noticing the darkness, Dawn could not help herself:

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- Wait, Danielle ordered-

Dark Radiant looked back and winked. He then turned to his opponents, and without uttering a word, threw the shadow sphere at Titan’s face. It landed with a clunk, and there the demon stood, stunned.

Valhella hissed and launched himself at our Hero. Dark Radiant, who had up until then kept the fiery sword hidden from the Vampire’s view. Valhella only had time to register the slightest look of dismay as the fire pierced his chest and ripped out of his back.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/Valhella.jpg- Urk!

Dark Radiant then turned, only to find that Fightin’ Titan had not only recovered, but was swinging two massive fists towards his head. Dark Radiant narrowly ducked the blows and rolled forward, lashing out with the sword at the precise moment to cut Titan’s leg.

The demon screamed and began pounding the asphalt with all four arms. He then grabbed a large chunk of debris and hurled it at our hero. Dark Radiant dove to one side, but the Demon had anticipated such a move, and had already began to leap to the spot Dark Radiant would land on.

The two nearly collided, but at the last moment, Fightin Titan sailed through Dark Radiant’s intangible form. Once past, The sword transformed in to a trident, which Radiant slammed down at the back of the demon’s neck, pinning Titan’s head within the space of two blades.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- Yield, lest I lay the smackdown on your candy ass!

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/FightinTitan.jpg- Uhh, okay, I yield!

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- Woot! You did it.

Dawn ran forward, smiling. She had made it to Dark Radiant when the shot rang out. A giant hole appeared in her chest. At the same time, Fightin Titan began to laugh maniacally, and struggled to free himself.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- No you don’t!

Dark Radiant pulled the trident of fire free and raised his arm. At the top of the arc of his swing, the trident transformed in to a large hammer which he used to batter the back of the demon’s skull, knocking it unconscious.

Another shot rang out, but it passed through Radiant’s intangible form. This time he saw where the shooter was standing. He called forth the darkness, and it quickly billowed out from him like squid ink. Using it as cover, he scooped up Dawn and carried her limp body to a safer location down an alleyway.

He gently set her on the ground. She began coughing up bits of stuffing from within her doll’s body. Slowly, her hand slid across his cheek.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- Dark I am (cough cough) dying! Please (cough cough) just one kiss!

The hand then wrapped around the back of Dark Radiant’s neck and Dawn began pulling his face (with much more strength than he expected) towards hers. She closed her eyes and puckered her lips.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- Ahem.

They both looked up to see Danielle Rune floating above them. Her arms were folded and she looked slightly annoyed.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- Dawn you know very well that the middle of a fight is no time to play games.

Dawn sniffed.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- Somebody needs to do it. He’s not going to wait around forever you know.

Dark Radiant did not understand what they were talking about, but he could not miss the look that passed between the two women, a look as old as time itself. Dawn was the first to turn away. She soon busied herself by shoving stuffing back in to her chest.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- Dawn played a trick on you. She’s immortal. She and I will have a long talk when we get back to HQ. But right now it seems we have a sniper on the roof of that building over there. Would you like a hand in taking him out?

Danielle held out her hand. Dark Radiant took it within his own. The two were soon flying straight for the building the sniper was hiding on. Dark Radiant thought that they might be moving too fast. He recalled his landing the last time he flew with Rune, but this was a mission, and a dangerous opponent awaited them Certainly she would not just fling him out of the sky again?

Danielle flung him out of the sky. He landed hard on the rooftop. His opponent was still perched near the ledge with the sniper rifle. Dark Radiant quickly closed the distance and wasted little time in slicing at the figure with the blade of light. It crumpled, and turned to ash.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- It’s a decoy!

No sooner had Danielle spoke when automatic weapons fire opened up. Most of the bullets passed through Dark Radiant, but one did lodge in his shoulder. Danielle flew towards him, but the figure tossed a grenade that exploded near her and knocked her from the sky.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- No!

Inky darkness once again flooded from his body, and soon the entire rooftop was covered in it. Dark Radiant knelt and attended to Danielle, who was breathing fine, and seemed perhaps only stunned.

It was then that he heard a sound, very distinctive like a television being turned on, only at a much higher pitch.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User15.jpg- Thermal imaging. This sea of darkness crap won’t save you now.

If the assassin could see in this, then perhaps… Dark radiant decided he would try it.

He grabbed Danielle’s hand and with the other transformed the sword in to a ball of fire. As the sound of a round being chambered echoed across the roof, Dark Radiant held the ball of light up as high as he could and began to squeeze. His grip became tighter and tighter until-

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- Break

Light exploded across the roof. The sea of darkness vanished in an instant as half the city was illuminated in a light twice as bright as the sun.

Dark Radiant heard the assassin scream in anguish, but could only afford a brief smile. The flesh on the hand that held the Illuminous had burnt off, as well as flesh from his arm and torso. His clothes were smoldering, and even though he had closed his eyes, he knew he was blind. He hoped that by standing between it and Danielle, that he had shielded her enough to spare her.

As it was before, Dark Radiant sat blind on a roof top as the sounds of sirens approached. Beside him was Danielle. Suddenly her communicator began to crackle. It was the Blue Wraith.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/BlueWraith.jpg- Danielle are you alright? What happened? (Pause) Danielle report back! Danny! Danny please say something!

Next Issue: No Rest for the Wicked!

Antithesis · November 21, 2011

Volume 1, #4

No Rest for the Wicked

It was the same dream.

He was held at the center of the pentagram. Outside of the circle, his brother cackled. Shedding the blood of kin, even for Blood Magic this was forbidden. What would rise from this would be terrible indeed. Around the pentagram sat dozens of Shadowmancers, all chanting. None of them aware of the larger pentagram surrounding even them.

Korian continued to struggle and to call out to his brother, but it was all futile. Suddenly the assembled Shadowmancers all burst apart. Blood and bits of flesh hungrily swallowed up by the earth, and that was when Korian realized that it was beneath them, the Shadow itself.

The ground beneath his feet ripped open, and he saw the mouth of the beast open, as one onyx scaled arm began to reach for him.

He awoke in the darkness. He did not scream, because his centuries in limbo as a shadeling had taken the screams from him. When you cannot feel, you do not fear. That was the truth of things.

He began to move about when he noticed several tubes and wires had been attached to him. He removed them and the bandages that covered his eyes. He allowed himself a smile when he felt everything around him imbued with life magic. Her magic. She was still alive.

Slowly, cautiously, he opened his eyes. He was alone in a small room. Around him was medical equipment. He surmised that he must be in the Enchanted’s headquarters. He got dressed and tried to leave when he encountered the ward on his door.

He could overcome it with enough time, he supposed, but why fight against it. He simply returned to bed and closed his eyes. They needed to rest. It wasn’t long before the door opened.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/BlueWraith.jpg- Dressed already, huh? Boy that mantle is strong stuff. Even with the healing spells you should have been out for a few more days.

He frowned at the voice.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- Are you going to attack me again, Wraith.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/BlueWraith.jpg- Shush. I am sorry about that.

He felt her wander closer, she grabbed his hand and squeezed it.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/BlueWraith.jpg- That’s for what you did for Danny. Maybe you can find it in your heart to forgive me.

He decided it was time to open his eyes. He squeezed her hand back.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- I am hardly one to sit in judgment of another. I believe the past is where it should stay, in the past.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/BlueWraith.jpg- Thank you. Danny will be here soon. She was in the middle of an important conference when you woke up. Umm I probably should go then. I’m glad you are okay.

She gave his hand a final squeeze and left the room. Dark Radiant sighed. Did he truly mean it? The past was in the past. He thought of his brother. Perhaps not, but on the order of things a quick bodily possession ranked rather low compared to the things he himself had once done.

His mood soured, and he decided that he did not want to be here when Rune arrived. The ward was now broken, he made his way to the door.

And there it opened with Danielle Rune standing on the other side.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- Your up I see. If you feel like a walk, I’d like for you to follow me.

He cursed his neediness. Centuries alone had warped him in to some obedient puppy dog. He looked behind himself to make sure he hadn’t grown a tail. Danielle stared at him. He shrugged and followed.

They did not speak on the elevator. Whatever Danielle had to say would wait. She finally spoke after leading him to a private courtyard near the Enchanted building.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- I am going to apologize to you for several things. First, I’ve been using you. For reasons I can’t discuss, we have not been able to muster the forces we normally could. Your arrival here sent a mystical shockwave across the city. The Scion of Light once again walked the earth. The major players, I mean the real evil behind all the flunkies you’ve been fighting, I think they took a pause in their plans to assess what all you were about.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- The assassin?

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- His name is Hellion, and yes, most likely he was working for one of them. Hellion doesn’t rob jewelry stores. He traded his soul to fiends in Hell for abilities to make him a better killer, not a better thief. That said, who hired him, we don’t know yet, but Blue Wraith and Dawn are working on that. Secondly, I handicapped you when I shouldn’t have. Quite frankly your power… concerns me. Not just the mantle, but the Shadowmancers were said to have all died out hundreds of years ago, all save but one, who rarely ever shows his face.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- This Shadowmancer is his name-

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- Let me finish. So far you’ve kept your word, but I insisted you fight literally with one hand tied behind your back. So from now on, if the threat calls for it, feel free to do what you have to, so long as innocent people aren’t endangered. If you have to blow something up, we’ll pay for it.

She winced.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- And the other Shadowmancer?

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- That’s a subject I won’t discuss with you, at least not right now. Once I realized what you were, I knew that what happened to you and your order probably had something to do with this guy. Personally, I’ve never encountered the man, but Merlin has, but that information is privileged for the members of the Enchanted only.

Dark Radiant stood up.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- So, you say you are sorry you used me, you are sorry you tied my hand behind my back and I guess next you’ll apologize for playing with my affections-

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- Yes, I am sorry for that as well.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- But you won’t help me. For the first time I realize what our ‘relationship’ is truly about.

She held his gaze.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- Sit down please. Try to look at this from our perspective. You show up out of nowhere, your spirit grafted to the Mantle. You wield this extremely rare and dangerous magic on your own with the potential to cause untold destruction. Magic, might I add that is only possible from the blood of a sacrifice.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- What I use now is imbued to me from the sacrifice I myself made.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- So you say, but even if I believe you, are you going to sit there and say that you haven’t killed innocent people?

In that moment he wanted to lie, but he recalled all those frenzied vows, made over the centuries as he drifted through the mists of limbo. After having seen and been devoured by true evil, how he had beseeched god to save him.

He opened his mouth when, yet again, she spared him. She put her finger to his lips.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- Don’t answer that. You don’t have to, and I promise I will never ask you again. But what I need from you in return is time. Time for me to deal with all this. Time for the Enchanted, time for the good people of this city. Give us that, and prove to us that you are worthy of our trust, and you’ll have all the help we can give.

He shook his head. Centuries of near nothingness and still he must wait.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- Time is all I ever really had. If you need it, I give it to you freely.

She smiled, and his heart unclenched.

They made small talk for a few more minutes and she gave him another communicator, the last one having melted. Radiant hadn’t even put it on all the way when it burst into static. Blue Wraith’s voice soon followed.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/BlueWraith.jpg- Danny, Vampire Bat and Dead Lee were spotted heading this way. I know you still have to be tired if you want, I will take care of it.

Danielle gave him an inquiring look, and he nodded in the affirmative.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- No worries, Dark Radiant will handle it.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- It is time I got jiggy with it!

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- Remind me to buy you a thesaurus. Well, good luck.

With that she walked away. Dark Radiant stared at her retreating figure waiting, waiting. Finally she turned and waved, which he knew meant she was still thinking about him. That was all the send off he needed.

After that he made his way down the street. It wasn’t long before he found the two villains.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DeadLee.jpg- Oh look it’s the Scion of Light.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/VampireBat.jpg- I heard Hellion nearly killed you and that Rune witch. You really think you stand a chance against us.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- Sorry, but I don't really feel up to a prolonged fight right now. How about you two gentlemen just give up?

They laughed at him. With that, he pulled a handful of dirt from one of his pockets and scattered it on the concrete sidewalk.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/VampireBat.jpg- What is that, Pixie dust?

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DeadLee.jpg- Mystic mumbo jumbo doesn’t scare us.

Vampire Bat took to the air, and Dead Lee pulled out a butcher’s knife. Dark Radiant simply sat beside the pile of dirt and began to draw his diagram. He then placed his hand on the drawing and tentacles of shadow burst from the street. Dead Lee was quickly enveloped in them and trapped as they tightened around him like a cocoon. Vampire bat proved far more nimble, as he avoided the first tentacle only to fly straight in to one shaped like a giant fly swatter. The result was blessed unconsciousness.

Dark Radiant stayed there until the police arrived.

Next Issue: The only cure is more cowbell!

Antithesis · November 22, 2011

Volume 1, #5

Toxic Shock

Upon hurriedly exiting the apartment, the policeman vomited. Curious neighbors standing by edged closer to peek inside the open doorway. That is when several of the women screamed, and one elderly man fainted. Remisburg had seen untold horrors over the years, but it had never seen anything quite like this.

Two Days later, at The Hall of Freedom.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- I don’t have much time Blue, any updates?

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/BlueWraith.jpg- Hold on and let me send you the files. Do you have any idea how hard it is to operate a computer when you are comprised almost entirely of mist?

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- And yet you somehow manage.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/BlueWraith.jpg- I know, it must be magic right? Anyway, the cliff’s notes are that this doesn’t match anything we have on file. The two most probable matches are the Cleveland Cannibal Cult, inactive since 1985, based entirely in Cleveland Ohio. Also the M.O. was different. They ate their victims, they didn’t turn them in to quivering piles of lumpy goo. The other possible match is an obscure thief named Fever Bitch.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- Excuse me, what?

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/BlueWraith.jpg- Fever Bitch. I’m not making this stuff up. She’s a wanderer, exudes a toxic substance on to anything she touches or that touches her. Her real name is unknown and she has no record of Homicide. But check this a source claims to have spotted someone matching her description in the area three days before the body, err, remains were discovered.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- I assume Dawn is already trying to locate her?

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/BlueWraith.jpg- - Yes, and Silver Seer has attempted a scrying, but without any of her possessions she’s not having any luck.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- I see. Well, send Dark Radiant everything you have on this girl and ask that he assist Dawn in taking her down if she is the guilty party. His intangibility should negate any potential threat she poses.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/BlueWraith.jpg- Thats true and all, but I could handle that as well.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- Yes, but I want you at the base. There is no telling how long the Swordsman and I will be here. All I can say is League of Fiends.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/BlueWraith.jpg- You poor thing. Another strategy planning session, huh? Okay, I’ll get right on it.

The Immortal Swordsman cleared his throat.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/ImmortalSwordsman.jpg - Everything alright back in Remisburg? That Dark Radiant fellow hasn’t destroyed something again, has he?

Danielle Rune just shook her head.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg - You know, jealousy just doesn’t wear all that well on a man as noble as you.

She then put out her arm. He smiled. Out of all her traits, the one he admired the most was her blunt honesty. He put his arm in hers and they walked together to the Hall of Freedom’s conference room where no doubt Captain Awesome was waiting to give another long, boring lecture on the dangers of Demento.

Meanwhile, back in Remisburg, the plucky undead detective Dawn had found a clue in a motel room she had tracked to Fever Bitch. It was a crumpled receipt for a Big Wiccan value meal from Magic Burger, located on Palmetto Lane.

Palmetto Lane was on the other side of town from where the motel and the victim’s apartment was located.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- Now what would a thief be doing out there? There’s nothing there but abandoned factories and the impound yard.

She snapped her fingers. The victim worked at the impound yard. She turned on her communicator.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- Dark Radiant hun, this Dawn. I need you to meet me somewhere in forty five minutes.

An hour later.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- You’re late.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- Fashionably so, don’t you think. Here I brought you lunch.

She handed him the bag from Magic burger.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- Ohh extra large fries. I love their fries.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- Go ahead and chow down, we have time. I followed a hunch and contacted Blue Wraith. She made some calls and from what she learned, it seems likely that our girl will probably show up here. Only problem is it might be tonight, or tomorrow night, or a month from now, no way to tell.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- Then why are we standing here in this abandoned building?

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- Trust me and my hunches. Fever Bitch was staying in the seediest motel in town and eating the cheapest meals from the cheapest fast food joint in town. She’s out of funds, and if I am right, she’s going to try to get what is in that impound yard much sooner than later.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- And what, exactly, is in that impound yard?

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- I thought you’d never ask. Two million dollars worth of raw, uncut, untraceable diamonds stolen from a Jewelry Expo in Ravenholme two weeks ago. They were stolen by a masked, gun wielding female and a male accomplice who was later found dead, cause unknown. The getaway car was described 1997 Powder Blue Pontiac, the same make and model impounded a week ago here in Remisburg.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- Coincidence?

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- Possibly, but the tow truck driver who impounded the car became violently ill afterwards. He spent three days in the hospital. The doctors suspected he may have been poisoned.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- I see, whatever Fever Bitch touches-

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- Looks and brains, I was right about you, you are a keeper.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- And so the gems are stashed in the car? And the deceased, he worked at the impound yard. So, he either caught Fever Bitch trying to break in to the impound yard and somehow they ended up at his place, where she killed him, or she followed him to his home and killed him after trying to find a means of getting in the yard.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- You know with our combined abilities, our offspring could very well rule this planet. You are aware of that, right?

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- So you say. (He yawned) I know what my job is to be here. Wake me up when you spot her.

She rolled her doll eyes. Later she began to giggle as, deep in slumber, Dark Radiant began to talk in his sleep.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- Danielle… no… the paddle… oh you naughty girl. Wraith… ohh even that is blue too…

The mutterings subsided, until his sleep became more fitful. Dawn became concerned when he began to call out.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- Brother! The blood…You have damned us both!

He sat up, his face ashen. Dawn stepped towards him, when the sound of squealing tires punctured the night.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- Damnit!

Looking more grim than ever, he stepped past her and sat in the dirt outside the building they were hiding in. As the headlights barreled down on the locked chain link gate at the impound yard, Dark Radiant completed his diagram.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- Uhh this is no time to be sitting down!

Dark Radiant placed his hand in the diagram, and the car suddenly stopped on the street. The motor and trunk were both impaled by large dark spikes. The driver’s side door opened and a small figure tumbled out.

Fever Bitch clutched a large bag to her chest, and turned to run when she saw the heroes approaching. She fell, stunned, when the dark orb that had been launched at her found its mark. Scattered around her, dozens of large diamonds sparkled in the twilight.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- Fever Bitch, you are going to prison for a very long time for what you have done.

Her response was to laugh, the sound was a curious mixture of anger tinged with hysteria.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/FeverBitch.jpg- And you are going to put me there? How will you do that when you are dead?

She grabbed at his leg, but her hand swept through, touching nothing. Shocked, she could not move her hand in time when Dark Radiant stamped down on it with enough force to snap bones.

As Fever Bitch screamed in pain Dawn ran forward.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- We don’t torture!

The look he gave Dawn made her stumble.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- No, we are the tortured. Look at her, in some ways no different from you, or Blue Wraith, or myself. And knowing that misery, she’d rather steal and murder. There’s no redeeming this one!

The communicator suddenly crackled to life.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/BlueWraith.jpg- Radiant are you talking about Fever Bitch, or yourself?

He could only stare at it mutely as Blue Wraith continued.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/BlueWraith.jpg- You told me once that you were in no position to judge. Don’t do something you’ll regret later!

He tore the communicator off of his wrist and began to walk away.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- To hell with all of this.

Stunned, Dawn could only look from a screaming Fever Bitch, who was busy grasping her shattered hand, and a retreating Dark Radiant. In that moment she remembered what he said in his dream. She shouted at his back.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- Redemption is never easy.

He kept walking.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- Coward!

He stopped, turned, and nodded once before vanishing in to the night.

Dawn spoke in to the communicator.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- Blue, get a hold of Danielle. Tell her we are about to have some serious complications with Captain Emo.

Meanwhile, in a mansion along the Mediterranean, in a darkened, blood drenched room well beneath the cellar.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/AbraCadaver.jpg- He is in Remisburg. Apparently he has taken up with that sow, Danielle Rune.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/Shadowmancer.jpg- Ahh Remisburg, the city with the Hell Gate. And Danielle Rune, the so called premiere sorcerer of our age. I always wanted to be called the greatest, alas, it appears history has all but forgotten me.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/AbraCadaver.jpg- And according to the report Hellion made, it is true, he wears the mantle.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/Shadowmancer.jpg- That would explain my failure the first time. His soul was in limbo. Perfect, make preparations to move the Dark Dominion to Remisburg. This Dark Radiant and the Hell Gate together could be the answer to all our problems.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/AbraCadaver.jpg- Sir, there are other players there who might not appreciate our intrusion. Players of some… magnitude.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/Shadowmancer.jpg- No bother, if we succeed they will all bow and kiss the ring, is that not so?

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/AbraCadaver.jpg- Yes sir.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/Shadowmancer.jpg- Remisburg… don’t we have a friend hiding out in the United States not far from there? A very old and dear friend as I recall. Perhaps he could be of some use in clearing the way.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/AbraCadaver.jpg- Yes, but… uhh he’s most likely hiding from you.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/Shadowmancer.jpg- Tell him all is forgiven, and tell him it is the premier sorcerer of our age that we seek.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/AbraCadaver.jpg- And the Dark Radiant?

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/Shadowmancer.jpg- If Korian happens to get involved he’ll know what to do. Oh and yes, if he does see Korian tell him to pass on this message, that his brother says hello.

Next Issue: Ghosts From the Past! Part 1

Antithesis · November 23, 2011

Volume 1, #6

Ghosts of the Past! Part 1

Remisburg… yesterday evening.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/SilverSeer.jpg- I still don’t see why we have to get involved, I never really liked that guy anyway.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/Grrrl.jpg- We are here because Danielle ordered it. We see Dark Radiant we notify her and do not, under any circumstances, go near the guy.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/SilverSeer.jpg- And if she said to go jump off of a bridge, I imagine you’d be the first to leap. This sucks!

And so, the two young heroines argued until an older man dressed in strange garb approached them.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User16.jpg- Excuse me young ladies, but I had a question. I was wondering if either of you have ever heard of Animus Rex?

Then he smiled.

The next day:

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- How did this happen?

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/BlueWraith.jpg- We don’t know yet. We just found her unconscious and tied up outside the building.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- It is a sleeping spell.

She dismissed it with a wave of her hand.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg Grrrl wake up. What happened? Where is Silver Seer?

Grrrl grabbed her head and moaned in pain.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/Grrrl.jpg- Some guy jumped us… urk, I’m gonna be sick!

After giving her a short pause to collect herself, Danielle continued with the questioning

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/Grrrl.jpg- It all happened so fast… wait before I passed out he told me that you and Korian could find him and Silver Seer at the Pavilion. He said if anyone else showed up he’d… he would kill Seer. Is she okay Danielle?

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- We are going to save her, don’t you worry. Was there anything else you remember. Even the timiest detail could help us.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/Grrrl.jpg- Just that before he attacked us he mentioned a name, Animus Rex. That’s all I can remember. I’m so sorry Danielle. If anything happens to Seer because of me-

Grrrl began to cry. Danielle quickly cast a healing spell on her.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- Sleep child, all will be well, I promise you.

She left there and made her way to the conference room, Blue Wraith following behind her. They entered the room to find Dawn and the Immortal Swordsman waiting.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- Grrrl will be okay, her injuries are minor, she is more shaken up than anything. Dawn, redouble your efforts to find Dark Radiant. Do whatever you have to do. Blue, contact Verti- Ghost and the Bounty Hunter let them know the situation and ask for their help. Before that though, search the database, pull up everything we have on this Animus Rex character.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/ImmortalSwordsman.jpg- And me?

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- You are coming with me to the Pavilion. And everyone remember to keep your communicator links open. Until we know for certain what is going on, be sure sure to take every precaution. Now lets go save Silver Seer.

Twenty minutes later Danielle Rune was flying through the sky, struggling to keep the Immortal Swordsman aloft with her.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- Did you really need to wear the full breast plate? At this rate I’ll be exhausted before we get there!

The Immortal Swordsman gave her a hurt look.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/ImmortalSwordsman.jpg- You said take every precaution.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- Nngh! We’ll just have to walk the rest of the way.

Once they landed, Blue Wraith spoke over the communicator.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/BlueWraith.jpg- Sorry it took so long, I had to crack Merlin’s private files to get anything on Animus Rex. For future reference the password is… well maybe I shouldn’t say.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- What is it Blue?

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/BlueWraith.jpg- Merlin’s password is redrachelhasniceknockers42. Err, anyway, The file for Animus Rex was empty save one line of text which reads, “Blue Wraith stop hacking in to my files and never, ever ask me about Animus Rex!”

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- Damn him and his foolish pride. This is bad.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/ImmortalSwordsman.jpg- I don’t understand.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- Merlin is one of the longest lived mystical beings in existence, he’s fought countless people and monsters. He loves bragging about all the times he’s won. But he’ll never talk about the times he’s lost.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/ImmortalSwordsman.jpg- You mean this Animus Rex has defeated Merlin in the past?

Danielle Rune quickened her pace.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- Apparently so, and we are about to fight him ourselves. Dawn, can you hear me?

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- Loud and clear Boss lady.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- Any luck finding Radiant yet?

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- Actually I just got a tip and I am checking it out now.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- Good, when you find him, drag him to the Pavilion if you have to.

She turned to the Swordsman.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- Now lets go see what this Animus Rex guy is all about.

Inside the Pavilion.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User16.jpg- Welcome Danielle Rune and her friend hiding back in the shadows, whom I can only assume is most certainly not Korian but instead the Immortal Swordsman. Welcome to my parlor.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- Cut the crap! Where is Silver Seer.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User16.jpg- That would be telling, and since you already broke one rule by bringing your friend instead of Korian, I do not feel inclined to say, at least not right now. I will tell you that your arrival disappoints me on several levels. No Korian, instead you bring the Swordsman here. You apparently did not bother to think about why I had you come here. And your tone does not hold the proper deference for one such as I. The youth of this age leave much to be desired.

The Immortal Swordsman snorted.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/ImmortalSwordsman.jpg- I am hardly a youth!

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User16.jpg- You are compared to me. Oh how I wished you two would have walked out of the tunnel for the Home team. How appropriate that would have been for this place. The site of so many contests.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- I am asking for the last time, where is Silver Seer?!?!

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User16.jpg- That is exactly what I mean, complete disrespect. Know that you are talking to Animus Rex, I who have lived for battle for over two thousand years!

Danielle turned when she heard footsteps behind her. She gasped at the sight of two clones of Animus Rex approaching. She turned back to see a third clone standing beside him.

The clones spoke in unison.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User16.jpghttp://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User16.jpghttp://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User16.jpghttp://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User16.jpg- We are Animus Rex, for over two thousand years we have done battle, and we have never lost a fight!

To be continued….

Next Issue: Ghosts of the Past! Part 2

pantaloons · November 23, 2011

This is really good. You did a great job of giving the characters personality.

Antithesis · November 24, 2011

Thanks for the kind words. I was wondering when I'd get some feedback. I'm glad you enjoy it. <img alt="

" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Antithesis · November 24, 2011

Volume 1, #7

Ghosts of the Past! Part 2

While events were transpiring in the Pavilion, Dawn followed a lead and located the Dark Radiant. She was just about to speak with him when the communicator squawked on her wrist.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/BlueWraith.jpg- Guys, Silver Seer just walked in, safe and sound. She said the man who attacked her let her go like half an hour ago. Danny do you copy that?

The only reply was the sound of Danielle Rune casting spells and the Immortal Swordsman yelling about “Damn wolves and lions.”

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/BlueWraith.jpg- Dawn, I am starting to get worried.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- I know what you mean. Maybe if Silver Seer is unharmed you should go to the Pavilion as back up. I’ve found Dark Radiant but I need to turn this communicator off before I talk to him.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/BlueWraith.jpg- Okay, I’ll go check on Seer one last time then head on over there. Dawn please bring Radiant back to us. We need him.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- Will do, Smurfette. Over and out.

Dawn of the Undead practiced her best smile as she approached the Magic Burger. Dark Radiant was seated at a table outside, eating the last of his fries.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- Mind if I join you, handsome?

Dark Radiant sighed.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- How did you find me?

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- You said you love Magic Burger fries, so I got Danielle to pay for full time surveillance of every Magic Burger in Remisburg. They called me when you showed up.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- Well, thank you for telling me that, now I know how to avoid detection in the future. I’ll be leaving now.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- Animus Rex, do you know him?

He could not hide his surprise.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- Animus is in Remisburg? I should seek him out, he will know about my brother.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- He attacked Grrrl and Silver Seer unprovoked last night. He let Grrrl go with the message that he had kidnapped Silver Seer. Danielle Rune and Immortal Swordsman are fighting him right now.

Dark Radiant waved it off.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- Animus lives to duel, it is the only thing in life he cares about. He’s not a killer.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- It sounded serious.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg-Either he’ll beat Danielle and the Swordsman and let them go or they’ll beat him.I wouldn’t put it past Danielle, she may be powerful enough to do it.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- How come we’ve never heard of this guy?

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- You rely too much on that Merlin fellow would be my guess. It is understandable though, how many Sorcerers you know enjoy talking about their defeats?

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- Why don’t you come back to us, you know all us girls miss you.

He laughed.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- I was never officially a member of your little team, as I recall. Besides I have my own pursuits, and you girls are much too pure for the likes of an old murderer like me.

Dawn took a deep breath, despite the fact that she did not breathe.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- I killed my husband.

Dark radiant stared.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- I told you once, none of us are pure. But everyone else, if they want you to know, that is for them to tell. But none of us are so different from you.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- How? I mean, what happened?

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- I was sick with a plague. I was dying, my husband was a Sorcerer, limited in healing, but talented with darker arts. When I was delirious with fever and choking on my own blood he ripped my soul out of my body and placed it in this doll. He may have warned me, I have no idea. When I came too I was out of my mind, or maybe I wasn’t entirely, maybe I just hated what he did. Either way, I stabbed him as he tried to embrace me. He died telling me he was sorry. And now I can’t even cry for him.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- I am sorry to hear that, but I don’t see-

She slapped him. ‘I have been struck down by a feather,’ he thought.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- Stop being a child and grow up already. If whatever you did bothers you that much then start making amends. Children sit and wallow in their crap. Adults at least try to fix their problems. If you have to, do like I do, wake up every morning, stare in the mirror and tell yourself that today you will save a life.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- You have shamed me.

She brightened.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- Does that mean you’ll help us? And that you’ll cut out all the ‘woe is me’ garbage?

He nodded.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- So how can we beat Animus Rex? How strong is he?

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- Animus is fierce, but his mystical ability is limited to illusions. Aside from some minor immunity to magic, his main strength is his mastery of his own body. He’s a shape shifter who can appear as an animal, and a chameleon who can change proportion, his ability with illusions only increases that. He exudes a certain scent that makes you more fatigued over time, he can also create duplicates of himself who share the same abilities. A duel with him isn’t just physical or magical, it is also mental. But as I said, he was not evil, and I doubt Silver Seer or Danielle and the Swordsman are in any real danger.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- That’s good. They had already started fighting when I got here, but maybe she can hear me better now, or Blue Wraith. Hey, Danielle are you there?

Dawn dropped the communicator when the reply was the sound of the Immortal Swordsman screaming in agony followed by Danielle frantically yelling.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- NO! NOO!

Dark Radiant and Dawn looked at each other.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- That is no duel!

They began running to Dawn’s car when, in the distance, the first flash of mystical lightning struck the roof of the Pavilion, followed by half a dozen more. Soon, dark clouds swirled over the building and an ominous funnel appeared.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- She’s called the whirlwind! Blue, Blue Wraith are you-

The voice that spoke was bestial, almost demonic.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/BlueWraith.jpg- Help her- must help Danny!

Dawn looked up him. She began shaking.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- This is bad. Danielle… Danny must be dying-

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- What are you saying?

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- Blue is soul bound with Danny! If she is reverting back to her demonic form then that means-

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- The map you always carry, give it to me. Point out where the Pavilion is on it! Hurry!

While Dawn unfolded her map of Remisburg with unsteady fingers, Dark Radiant produced the Sword of Light and cut through the asphalt, tossing large chunks of it away until he stood on cool, moist earth. He then sliced open his other arm, and spread the black oozing blood in to a pentagram. Dawn handed him the map.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DawnOfTheDead.jpg- What are you doing?

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- What I must. Meet me at the Pavilion, bring medical supplies, and pray I get there in time!

With that he vanished.

Just a few moments prior to that, in the Pavilion:

They were fighting for their lives. Animus Rex and his three clones had all transformed and were fighting her and the Swordsman in the guise of a lion, a bear, and two wolves. So far she had managed to hold them all off, but she was quickly growing tired.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- I can’t hold out much longer.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/ImmortalSwordsman.jpg- Then rest while I press the battle.

The Swordsman stepped forward and swung his blade at the Bear, just missing it. He pivoted and swung back at a wolf, but it was far too wide, and the other wolf bit down on his now exposed arm. The bear swung a huge paw at the Swordsman’s head, but Danielle managed to strike it solidly in the chest with a massive wave of mystic power. She then targeted a wolf when she saw the lion leap at her from the corner of her eye.

She tried to turn but the Lion struck her and raked its claws down her side and across her back. As it opened its mouth above her to take the final blow she shut out the pain and summoned a fireball which she rammed down its throat. She managed to remove her arm before it was bitten off, but from the wrist to the elbow only a few scraps of flesh and muscle remained. The lion fell over, dead.

She then rolled over on to her stomach and turned to see the Swordsman screaming as the wolves tore him apart. One wolf latched on to his throat.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/DanielleRune.jpg- NO! NOO!

There was a noise from her communicator, but she blocked that out. Danielle Rune forced her shattered body to sit up, and she then lifted her arms to the sky.

The wolves turned from feeding, their hackles raised as the air around them popped. That was when the first bolt of lightning struck, followed by more. Danielle stopped when she saw the wolves had exploded in to pieces.

She began to crawl towards her dead friend but had to pause, the agony was too much. She laid her head on the broken floor and cried. She then pulled her head up and continued crawling.

She reached the Swordsman’s corpse and somehow found the strength to sit up on her hands and knees. She ran the fingers of her undamaged hand over his face and did not hold back the sobs as she saw where the wolves had ripped out his throat.

She started to tell him how sorry she was, when she felt the knife pierce her chest, just above her heart. Shock gave way to even more pain as the knife was twisted, thereby insuring her imminent death. She only had time to look down in to the smiling face of Animus Rex.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User16.jpg- I win.

She closed her eyes and fell over. Her blood quickly began to pool around her.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User16.jpg- I give you credit, young one. No one has taken me to my fifth body in a long, long time. Pity you are too trusting though. I visited the Immortal Swordsman last night as well as those two young girls. I took his guise as a precaution. Seems it was smart to do so, don’t you think.

He wiped the blood off of the knife and leaned over her, he whispered in to her ear.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User16.jpg- The other girl and the Swordsman are all fine. So no worries there. A true pity I had to kill one as strong as you, but the Shadowmancer ordered it. You can die now knowing that your friends are safe and that I had no choice.

He then turned to leave and was half way across the court when he heard it. The roaring wind. He stared at Danielle Rune.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User16.jpg- Impossible!

That was when the roof to the Pavilion was torn asunder and Animus Rex found himself in the eye of the storm.

He was flung across the floor and narrowly missed being crushed by a piece of debris from the roof, but Animus Rex lived. He always did.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User16.jpg- Close, but no draw.

He patted the dust and dirt off of his robes and noticed a cloaked figure huddled over fallen Sorceress. He saw the diagram in blood, and the figure’s one palm in Rune’s blood while the other was placed over her heart. Animus brightened.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User16.jpg- Korian, my old friend, you finally showed up. Still using that blood magic to heal people I see. Though without bare earth you’ll have to use yourself as a conduit. A price you seem willing to pay. I suppose it is true what they say, times never change.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- Times never change, but people do.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User16.jpg- Was that directed at me, or yourself? I notice how tenderly you cradle her. Do you love her then?

He replied without thinking, and realized that it was true.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- Yes, with all of my dark heart.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User16.jpg- Pity then, but you know I can not let you save her. After all, your brother bids you hello.

The Dark Radiant looked up at him for the first time, he moved his hand to cover Danielle’s face.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- Then I bid you farewell, Animus Rex.

Dark Radiant snapped his fingers and a tiny orb of light that had just flown from behind Animus and stopped near his head exploded, melting the ancient shapeshifter’s face and setting his entire upper torso on fire. While Animus Rex burned, Dark Radiant's lips grazed Danielle's ears. He whispered:

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GateControlTheory/User09.jpg- Today I will save a life.

Dark Radiant, who had looked in the other direction to spare his eyes quickly returned to his ritual when he heard the roar.

Opposite the shattered basket ball court stood Blue Wraith, only now she was red in hue. The mists had solidified in to giant leathery wings. Her hair had darkened and atop her head where two ram’s horns. Her once beautiful face was changed as well. Gone was her nose, save only for two slits that sat on either side of her protruding mouth. A mouth filled with razor sharp teeth.

Dark Radiant began to pick Danielle up, but realized that he would kill her if he moved her. Still, without access to the earth, he could only return her blood by intermingling it with his own, which left him in short supply to engage Blue Wraith from a distance to keep her away. He would have to use the Scion of Light on the demon, but he wouldn’t have time for a protracted battle to subdue her.

No, if Dark Radiant wanted to save Danielle Rune, he would have to kill Blue Wraith!

Next issue: Dark Origins!

Antithesis · December 3, 2011

Volume 1, #8

Dark Origins Part 1

( Note changing the format here going forward. I find constantly posting the portraits to be tedious, and in all likelihood a detriment to reader enjoyment.)

For the past few moments, Korian, The Dark Radiant, has been huddled over the dying Danielle Rune. He employed his dark magic to suffuse Danielle Rune’s blood with his own life force in an attempt to save her life. Due to the severity of her wounds, this ritual has left him terribly weakened. Now he must face down the demonic form of a unleashed Blue Wraith in a desperate attempt to save the woman he loves.

He rises on unsteady legs as one arm produces the Sword of Light. The Wraith demon roars as he takes a step towards it, almost as if to welcome what must come next.

“I’m sorry,” he speaks to Blue Wraith, knowing she is trapped within the beast.. Suddenly a firm hands clamps down on his shoulder. He turns expecting yet another challenge but is relieved at the sight of Grrrl, Silver Seer, Dawn, and a heavily bandaged man he can only assume is the Immortal Swordsman.

Quickly the Swordsman holds his gaze, as if measuring him, he then turns to see Danielle still lying prone and near death, only to return his gaze again and give a short nod. He then drew his blade and neatly cut the dressings from his face while he stepped past the Dark Radiant, his message clearly conveyed. Just from his bearing Korian knew the man would hold off the Demon without killing Blue Wraith at the cost of his own life if that was what it required.

“Don’t break the circle,” he yelled, as Grrrl and Silver Seer both almost walked in to the pentagram surrounding Danielle.

“Then help her already,” Silver Seer snapped back angrily. Grrrl simply wrapped her arms around her chest and sobbed. Dawn just looked grim.

“Do whatever it takes.”

He nodded and did just that. He re entered the circle and poured his life into Danielle. Even past when his own blood drained from his face, and his breathing became short. His vision darkened, but not before he saw Danielle’s wounds healed. Still the Swordsman battled a demonic Blue Wraith.

He knew then that Danielle’s soul was gone. Perhaps she was in Limbo, as he once was. There was only one choice left. With his remaining strength, he began to utter the words.

Silver Seer gasped. “Dawn! Stop him!”

“I don’t understand, is something wrong?”

“He’s binding her soul to his. While she’s in such a state he’s able to know her every thought, her every dream, see her every fantasy.” Dawn continued to look confused. Silver Seer screamed. “Its like he’s raping her!”

“ No, I don’t think-“ Silver Seer pushed Dawn aside and summoned an orb of mystic energy. As she prepared to throw it Grrrl ran forward and knocked it from her hand. The orb flew in to a row of seats near the scoreboard and exploded. Grrl grabbed Silver Seer’s wrists and held them firmly.

“No, you have it all wrong, you didn’t listen to the words in the order he said them. He isn’t binding her soul to his, he’s binding his soul to hers!” All three women then turned as The Immortal Swordsman flew across the battered basket ball court.

Grrrl looked at Silver Seer. “Help me hold off Blue Wraith while the Swordsman recovers. And no more explosive spells!” She then told Dawn, “You can go help Danielle and the Radiant in the Pentagram now, it should be safe.”

Dawn wasted little time in doing just that. She was shocked to see that all of Danielle’s wounds had healed, but both she and the Dark Radiant were unconscious and neither would wake up despite her prodding. ‘ At least you both are breathing, but where are you two,’ she thought to herself.

Where indeed?

She did not know how long she had been floating in the darkness. Time had no meaning here. Nor did space. There seemed to be no up or down, left or right, there was only the vaguest sensation of movement, like a leaf bobbing on ripples in a pond.

She decided that she was most likely dead, and that her soul was in limbo. She based this on her own extensive arcane knowledge and Korian’s descriptions of the place. She then remembered Animus Rex, and his deceit. She remembered her wounds: her back clawed open, her ruined arm, and the gaping hole in her chest. She remembered the man’s baleful smile as he twisted the knife. Her last memory was the whirlwind summoned from her very essence, her last pathetic attempt at protecting her friends.

But she failed, and then she died.

She cried, for how long she did not know. A dim memory now, a lifetime ago, but she recalled swearing to never pity herself again after something else horrible had transpired in her early years, but what it was, she could not recall. Frantically she tried to remember, but failed in even that. She realized true despair then, as she felt herself slowly succumbing to nothingness.

Nothing then, in nothingness.

Save a whisper.

What stirred then is beyond comprehension to say, perhaps, just perhaps, it was a vestige of her will, unbowed and unbroken. Whatever it was, instead of silence it continued, and grew in force until even the nothingness recoiled from it. It said:

I AM DANIELLE RUNE AND I WILL NOT FADE AWAY!

From that, and in nothingness, almost as if in reply, there appeared a black door framed in fire.

Through will and will alone she moved towards it, and as she approached the door opened and she rushed through it and found herself standing in- a castle.

Flames crackled in a stone hearth in front of her. She turned and her gaze fell on a young boy, no more than twelve, sitting on a bed reading from a compendium of magic. Lanzar’s Book of spells, she was quite familiar with it, she had read it once herself. It was a common and unimpressive tome of minor spells half of which were listed incorrectly or had the wrong incantations.

She turned her attention from the book to the boy reading it and realized that he was a young Dark Radiant. She began to call his name when there was a knock on his door and an older boy walked in to his room.

Young Korian leapt from his bed, his eyes going right past where Danielle stood.

“Brother you have returned.” Korian embraced the older boy, who could barely contain his annoyed expression. The boy pushed Korian away.

“Someday I wish you’d act your age and stop running under my feet. The sooner you’d start carrying yourself as a man the better off all of us and this land would be.”

Korian smiled. “Sorry brother. I promise I will behave better in the future.”

“Good. However, since I know that, despite your promise, your childish curiosity cannot be vanquished in one night, I shall spare you the stories of my travels instead to show you this.”

Korian’s brother placed a large knapsack on his bed and opened it. As he pulled out the book from inside Danielle reeled as she saw the binding. Instantly she knew where she was, why she was there, and the terrible secret in the Dark Radiant’s past.

Korian’s brother put his hands across the cover of the Book of the Damned. He then naively said something that Danielle knew could not possibly be more wrong.

“With this book we can close the Hell Gate and finally save everyone.”

To be Continued

Next Issue: Dark Origins Part 2.

MJStark · December 4, 2011

Nice

I'll be honest with you, I began following your diary BECAUSE of the pictures (I may have even completely ripped off the idea and elaborated on it for mine ) and I kinda miss um. The way I see it, it's a Comic Book game, and comics have pictures, but that's just one man's opinion

djthefunkchris · December 4, 2011

We are headed for a dangerous enemy, surely she wouldn't just fling me...

She flung him... Kadunkadunk.. Candy Ass!

Laughing along, and enjoying it. Even read quite a bit to my wife and she laughed as well.

Great writing, great wit, and funny. I especially like the character staying in character (Well, for the most part). He thinks and talks as if he is ancient.

Antithesis · December 11, 2011

Volume 1, #9

Dark Origins Part 2

Unable to interfere, Daniel Rune is forced to watch as events from Korian’s past unfold before her eyes.

“I can not do it.” A dejected Korian stared up at his brother.

“Move then, so that I might try.” Rodrigo, Korian’s older brother, then knelt and placed his hand within the pentagram. He read aloud from the Book of the Damned, but nothing happened.

“Bah.” Rodrigo slung the book to the ground. “We have been at this for nearly a fort night and still no results.”

Korian picked up the book and began reading through it.

“It says here:

Shadows lie long on the earth

Yours to command

First offer the blood sacrifice

Within the pentagram.”

“What, where does it say that?” Rodrigo grabbed the book and read the passage. “That was not here before.”

Korian was going to ask, but his brother’s dark look dissuaded him. Behind him, unseen and unheard, Danielle Rune continued to look on as Rodrigo pulled a knife from his boot and cut open his hand. He then scattered droplets of blood in the pentagram and knelt beside it once more.

“I doubt this will work either. After all that I did to get this damn-“ just then a small spike of shadow erupted from the ground nearby.

Young Korian began to jump up and down excitedly at the result. He turned and smiled at his brother, who’s only response he barely heard.

“We will need more blood. A lot more blood.”

The memory continued on, over days and weeks as the boys perfected their spell craft. Danielle noticed that she had yet to see Korian’s parents, but soon she would learn why.

She suddenly appeared behind Korian as he stood in front of a pair of grave markers. The boy was crying. Danielle attempted to put her hand on his shoulder, knowing the futility of such an act but attempting it none the less, and saw then the crimson gleaming of a memory locked with a memory. It was red and raw, as if it existed deep within the depths of Korian’s heart. Something terrible he had hidden there. Danielle tried to step back, to avoid invading such an incredibly private moment, but it was too late, she was sucked in to that night, two years prior.

Young Korian awoke in absolute darkness. The fire in his hearth had gone out. He padded along the cold stone floor when he heard a crash and the sounds of metal clanging in the rooms below, followed by the most awful guttural screams. He bolted towards his parents room then, but stopped when he slipped inside the doorway.

With only the light from a few flickering candles, Korian crawled forward, cold and now somehow wet. He looked down and saw that stone tiles were covered in blood. A crunching sound made him look upwards then, to the sight of two scaly demons sitting on his parents bed. One was eating the flesh from his mother’s detached arm as the other slowly lowered his father’s steaming entrails in to its gaping maw. Its long serpentine tongue slithered to and from across the intestines.

Korian screamed, and one demon slowly stood as the other launched itself on to the ceiling, where it clung upside down before crawling towards him. It fell and landed upright at his paralyzed feet. The demon grabbed his head between to clawed hands and began to squeeze as its face grew ever closer, its fangs dripping with blood. Korian’s last memory was of the sword suddenly piercing the monster through its throat and lopping of the demon’s head in one smooth motion.

Danielle was returned to Korian at the grave markers. The boy stood with his head bowed, and again she reached out to him, to no avail. Soon they were joined by Rodrigo.

“There are reports of demons near the village. Are you ready?”

In reply Korian turned, his eyes puffy. He nodded once.

“Thank you Rodrigo, for saving me that night.”

His brother stared. “Just remember what we are fighting against and promise that you will do whatever it takes to end this nightmare. That is all the thanks I need.”

Danielle followed them as they walked towards the village. The sun was beginning to set. Remisburg had its own Hell Gate, one that had never opened to her knowledge. Still she knew the legends of roaming bands of Demons that would pour out at night, taking whatever human prey they could find. She asked herself what she would do under those dire circumstances. Almost anything, she thought, short of using the Book of the Damned.

Soon, they were in the village, and the brothers wasted little time in making their preparations. Some villagers had already fled. Most of the remaining number amassed in the square trusting their young lords to protect them. A few, lead by a stern looking Priest, called what they were doing witchcraft and said they would have no part of it.

An argument soon erupted, which is how no one noticed the demons approaching until hordes of them began to swarm in. Korian and his brother called the shadows, but quickly their miniscule efforts proved futile as the sheer number of demons overwhelmed the villagers.

Frantically Korian cut at himself more and more as he tried to cast more spells. His brother, however, seemed to stand back and watch. He waited until a number of villagers had been attacked and slashed open. That is when he drew a pentagram in the blood of the dead and dying.

Hundreds of dark spears burst from the ground, many impaling demons as they grew to resemble an ominous forest. Others would stab demons and fling them in to the sky while a select few wrapped around the evil creatures and dragged them to Rodrigo’s pentagram before killing them. That was when Rodrigo used the demon blood to cause the spears to take an almost human shape.

The shadowy apparitions, seemingly immune to claws and fangs, set about butchering the demons in short order. Between the moans of the dying, the hellish screams of the demonic horde, was the sound of Rodrigo’s maniacal laughter.

“It works! Dear god the power!”

Stunned and nearly in shock from blood loss, Korian sagged to the ground. His last conscious thought was of the terrified villagers huddled behind his brother.

‘If this is true power, why did you wait so long to use it, brother? Why did you save so few people?’

And then there was darkness.

Next Issue:

Dark Origins Part 3

Antithesis · December 18, 2011

Nice

I'll be honest with you, I began following your diary BECAUSE of the pictures (I may have even completely ripped off the idea and elaborated on it for mine ) and I kinda miss um. The way I see it, it's a Comic Book game, and comics have pictures, but that's just one man's opinion

Thanks, your diary is great btw. The real reason for the change, aside from less time required for adding picture links, is that these chapters were going to require a good deal of exposition and would be light on dialogue (and the art is tied to dialogue) plus there are no renders for demonic hordes and Korian as a kid.

That said, once the origin is tied up I'll return to the original format.

We are headed for a dangerous enemy, surely she wouldn't just fling me...

She flung him... Kadunkadunk.. Candy Ass!

Laughing along, and enjoying it. Even read quite a bit to my wife and she laughed as well.

Great writing, great wit, and funny. I especially like the character staying in character (Well, for the most part). He thinks and talks as if he is ancient.

Thanks, glad you and your wifehave enjoyed it so far. I finally have the grand conclusion worked out, and so I'll say that while things have shifted to the grim and gritty side, comic relief is on its way.

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