Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Christmas Fiction Entry by Metaphysic


Thank you Metaphysic for your Christmas Fiction entry. Here is their story...

 Over the bleak, cold arctic north a large BADGE landing craft buzzed through the gray skies. Gliding next to it was the stone hero Gargoyle, keenly watching the white land below.

Nova sat in the command seat of this large craft while his trusty robots managed the controls. He touched a comm device attached to his ear, “Anything yet, Gar?”

Gar answered, “Just snow. I...WATCH OUT!”

The proximity alarm went off and the whole craft lurched to the side as something slammed into them. The whole craft spun out of control, the three robots on the bridge rolled about like toys in a storm while Nova kept his firm grip on the command chair.

Nova looked out the front windows as they fell out of the sky and slammed into the ground. Waves of white powder spewed from either side of the ship as they plowed across the frozen north. After the sliding came to a stop, Nova shoved the emergency exit open and jumped out.
Gar landed next to him, "Sir, look!"

A demon approached, “Ah, Director Nova. It’s been a while.”

“What is it this time, Krampus? You and I both know you’re unable to get into Santa’s palace.”

Krampus resembled a man with shaggy hair all over his body, long demonic horns on his head, a long tail, and goat-like legs. He smiled at Nova with those fangs of his, “True, I could never get into that place. But, things have changed.”

“What are you talking about?”

Krampus answers, “These morphons are spectacular little blessings, now aren’t they? Some humans have been turned almost into gods with them, and some into demons...depends on what they do with them I suppose. I, already being nearly a god myself, found them to be most delightful.”

Nova growled, “What have you done?” “What I was always meant to do, punish the nasty little brats of this world. And with Santa out of my way, I think I can do my job unhindered. I think I will go eat at least ten thousand children, for starters. I believe that should make up for the lost years with Santa holding me back. Then, who knows? Maybe I’ll eat a few thousand more, all before Christmas.”

“No, you can’t,” Nova exclaimed.

Krampus laughed, “Who will stop me? Without Santa’s cheer, and morphons surging through my body, I am invulnerable. Now, I think I’ll start with a nice aged appetizer.” He jumped at Nova but was blindsided by a full-body slam from Gar. Without a second thought, Gar punched the demon hard enough to send him sprawling ten feet backward across the snow.

“Stay away, monster,” Gar commanded.

Krampus sat there, wiping a trickle of blood from his nose. “You’re an interesting foe. I’ll enjoy playing with you when I’m done. But, alas, I have other plans.” He vanished in a black puff of smoke, leaving only a cackle in its wake.

Nova let out a furious scoff, “This is serious.”

"What was that thing?" Gar asked.

"A demon who dines on little children. Since you can fly, head back to BADGE HQ and alert the leagues that Krampus must be defeated. I’ll stay here and call on any heroes who can help me find Santa and set this all straight. GO!”

Gar took to the skies while Nova headed back into his wrecked BADGE craft. He activated his comm, “Nova to all heroes, I need anyone who can help me find Santa, this is a matter of planetary emergency.”
Just a few hundred miles away from southeast of the icy tundra where the wrecked ship lays dormant, the alarming comm message sends chills down the spine of an extraordinary being who was already occupied rescuing a clan of endangered polar bears from poachers.
Meta, one of Director Nova’s most trusted mega powerful super hero allies and planetary guardians rises to the occasion.
Responding to the distress call, “DIRECTOR, META HERE! According to your GPS coordinates, my comm readings indicate you’re in the vicinity, but sir, your signal is very vague.” Meta trying to better assess Nova’s whereabouts.
Attempting to overcome the white noise of static infiltrating the comms, Meta continues to reply, “Director, there seems to be a broad circumference of electro-magnetic activity near you. Seconds before you made your announcement sir, my sensors registered a significant source of morphon activity consistent with and explosive concentration of radioactive energy bursts.”
With a sense of urgency in his voice, Nova exclaims, “Yes, I’m guessing that’s when Krampus used morphons to vanish to his set destination. No time to fully explain the situation to you right now. I’ll brief you as soon as you find me. Just follow that morphon signature and get here before we lose our signal!”, volume rapidly fading. “HURRY META!”
“HOLD ON DIRECTOR… ON THE WAY!” Meta immediately bolts skyward like the boom of a cannon toward the direction of last known received transmission.
Possessing keen vision and unbelievable speed, it’s not long before Meta spots the landing craft below and arrives within a matter of seconds, landing with a quake.
Expediently approaching Nova as Meta enters the BADGE craft, Meta informs Nova, “Director, because of the polarized area we’re currently in, I could barely pick up on your comm sir, let alone get a good reading on your exact location, so there’s a very high probability that I was the only one who got your radio transmission.”
“Where’s Gar, sir?” questions Meta.
Without further hesitation, Nova updates Meta on all the recent events leading up to the moment, as Director’s three robots frantically work on making immediate repairs to the sparking control panel from the vessel’s helm.
(silently)… WHIRL SWOOSH… LED lights automatically shut off, as brighter lights illuminate. A computer voice announces, “Back-up power initiated. Craft operating at 34% efficiency.”
“Sir, what happened to the craft?”
“I’ve been giving that a lot of thought Meta,” answers Nova.
“Gar was flying slightly above the craft when he tried to warn me of something before the craft collided.”
“THAT’S IT,” Nova exclaims. “I’m willing to bet Gar saw something magically appear, but was too late to prevent a collision. I keep forgetting Gar’s a magical being that can see magical things humans can’t see.”
“Santa’s workshop literally sits atop of a winter wonderland, an enormous city sized iceberg.” Nova continues, clinching his fist in an epiphany, “THAT’S what hit the craft!”
“Stay here with the robots as they make necessary repairs sir. I’ll scout the perimeter to locate Santa,” instructs Meta.
Meta follows the direction of trail from where the BADGE craft crash landed, leading him to a strange wall of northern lights. The closer Meta approached the phenomenon, the clearer the colorful waves of light became more blinding until Meta walked through a camouflage barrier, to reveal the icy citadel of Santa’s beautiful secluded palace. Magic hid the whole fortress and muted sound from escaping.
Upon arrival to the gate, Meta notices the peculiar silence surrounding the place. “Hmm, where’s everybody? To be the busiest season of the year, it’s too quiet, and why aren’t there elves guarding the gate?”, he thought to himself.
In the distance, Meta hear a slight muffled groan over a snowbank, barely audible, “Ghmm hmmmph.”
Checking, Meta discovers a nearly frozen stout older fellow half buried in snow, gagged, and tied up, left there to die.
“SANTA, are you alright?”, carefully freeing him from his ties, Meta is relieved to finally find Santa.
“Oh bless you young man,” shivering as Santa spoke.
“Normally I’m not affected by the cold at all; however, the ancient snow globe that gives me my magical powers is morphon based, stolen by Krampus. During a sleigh test run, I believe Krampus somehow stuck into the back of my sleigh and easily hid in my bag of holding that I carry the world’s toys in for children. Krampus waited while my back was completely turn before ambushing me to steal my snow globe. With it, Krampus overpowered me and tied me up. With the surge of morphons coursing through his petrified veins, Krampus was able to unleash an evil spell, reducing all the elves inside my palace to a catatonic state.”
“FOR THE SAKE OF CHRISTMAS AND THE WORLD’S CHILDREN, YOU MUST STOP KRAMPUS AND GET MY GLOBE BACK YOUNG MAN. THE VERY FATE OF THE WORLD MIGHT REST WITH YOU,” as Santa pushes Meta, urging him to go.
“Here Jamal, take my time traveling sleigh,” Meta being a bit shocked that Santa knew his real identity. “It just might be the only way to find Krampus and catch him.”
Given quick instruction to pilot the sleigh, Meta presses a control button to the morphon fueled caboose, and vanishes within the blink of an eye…

Continue the Story

Monday, December 30, 2019

Incoming Message: Director Nova

Attention, Heroes, Nova here. We had one heck of a holiday season. From Krampus to saving Santa, time for something new..

Duels have arrived. How do they work? Glad you asked. For duels, your 'team size' is limited to one. Just you, just your own here. Do you understand me? Normally, I, Director Nova, works with you during the time you are under level three. Then, you get to add other allies or henchmen as you level up. Not this time. You are on your own. One hero, no allies. Got it? You get your gear and five of each Attack, Defense, and Maneuvering powers. If you are already up for this daunting task, go HERE Prizes are available for those who succeed in these duels. Glory for the individual. Grab it while it's here!

Be ready, heroes. This is going to be an exciting time. Nova ou....what is it Gar? Oh, let me see that. Good grief. It looks like the holiday party went a little outside of the rules I set. I understand that at least one hero spiked....everything he could put liquor in, including several toilets. That led to someone pretending to be me and send out alerts in gibberish. Thank goodness robot 10915 caught them before they got out. We have a small collection of underwear found all over HQ. Finally, just because I said no outside strippers did not mean that those invited could also do some stripping.

Alright, enough of this. Get ready for duels and prove your worth as heroes.

Nova Out!

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

That's right players, Duels are almost here. As Nova said, you are on your own for these. No allies, not even Director Nova, will join you in these combats. You go in with your gear and 5 of each attack, defense, and maneuver powers. That's all.

Check them out here: https://www.heroesrisinggame.com/game/combat_events.game?fbclid=IwAR3TCVw5AcU-RFKJRTWyvt__elOpov-LLbkkzPGIPeXQv_X4Qrnhkv4ENoU
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Art Post: Grinchy Cat


I suppose you stupid heroes want some sort of funny story here. Well, you ain't getting one. That's right. Get back to your dumb game. Maybe one day you will get off your butt and find the real world. Like I care. Go away.


Yup, he's a mean one. When I was approaching the idea of creating three new power cards for Christmas, I had to think outside the norm. We already had so many cheery cards for the season, I felt we needed to pay tribute to one of Christmas's most notorious villains....the Grinch. Now, I didn't want to just draw The Grinch, that would be lazy....and we might infringe on some small copyrights....so I decided to blend two infamous grinchy characters. Grumpy Cat became Grinchy Cat. And, mixing the two was not a good idea. Whereas the Grinch grows a bigger heart at just the right moment, Grumpy Cats grumpiness canceled that out. Not only does he throw away the toys, he steps all over several of the Holiday's most favorite fluffy stories. Why is this a defensive card? You know how grouchy people keep others away, well the same principle. His supreme grinchiness makes even the most dastardly villains keep their distance.

About the art. I've already touched on the inspirations. I took Grumpy Cat and turned him into The Grinch. It was rather easy. The grump of the cat gave me all the facial expression I needed. Coloration was the hardest part. For this piece I went with a cartoony look to pay homage to the cartoon background of The Grinch. That pretty much sums it up.

Now, I hope you enjoy the card, if you didn't....he doesn't care.
Continue the Story

Friday, December 27, 2019

Christmas Story: All I wanted was a bath by Crimson Guardian



Thank you Crimson Guardian for entering the Christmas fiction contest. Here is their story...




(By Dan Peyton)
Over the bleak, cold arctic north a large BADGE landing craft buzzed through the gray skies. Gliding next to it was the stone hero Gargoyle, keenly watching the white land below.

Nova sat in the command seat of this large craft while his trusty robots managed the controls. He touched a comm device attached to his ear, “Anything yet, Gar?”
Gar answered, “Just snow. I...WATCH OUT!”
The proximity alarm went off and the whole craft lurched to the side as something slammed into them. The whole craft spun out of control, the three robots on the bridge rolled about like toys in a storm while Nova kept his firm grip on the command chair.
Nova looked out the front windows as they fell out of the sky and slammed into the ground. Waves of white powder spewed from either side of the ship as they plowed across the frozen north. After the sliding came to a stop, Nova shoved the emergency exit open and jumped out.
Gar landed next to him, "Sir, look!"
A demon approached,“Ah, Director Nova. It’s been a while.”
“What is it this time, Krampus? You and I both know you’re unable to get into Santa’s palace.”
Krampus resembled a man with shaggy hair all over his body, long demonic horns on his head, a long tail, and goat-like legs. He smiled at Nova with those fangs of his, “True, I could never get into that place. But, things have changed.”
“What are you talking about?”
Krampus answers, “These Morphons are spectacular little blessings, now aren’t they? Some humans have been turned almost into gods with them, and some into demons...depends on what they do with them I suppose. I, already being nearly a god myself, found them to be most delightful.”
Nova growled, “What have you done?”
“What I was always meant to do, punish the nasty little brats of this world. And with Santa out of my way, I think I can do my job unhindered. I think I will go eat at least ten thousand children, for starters. I believe that should make up for the lost years with Santa holding me back. Then, who knows? Maybe I’ll eat a few thousand more, all before Christmas.”
“No, you can’t,” Nova exclaimed.
Krampus laughed, “Who will stop me? Without Santa’s cheer, and morphons surging through my body, I am invulnerable. Now, I think I’ll start with a nice aged appetizer.” He jumped at Nova but was blindsided by a full-body slam from Gar. Without a second thought, Gar punched the demon hard enough to send him sprawling ten feet backward across the snow.
“Stay away, monster,” Gar commanded.
Krampus sat there, wiping a trickle of blood from his nose. “You’re an interesting foe. I’ll enjoy playing with you when I’m done. But, alas, I have other plans.” He vanished in a black puff of smoke, leaving only a cackle in its wake.
Nova let out a furious scoff, “This is serious.”
"What was that thing?" Gar asked.
"A demon who dines on little children. Since you can fly, head back to BADGE HQ and alert the leagues that Krampus must be defeated. I’ll stay here and call on any heroes who can help me find Santa and set this all straight. GO!”
Gar took to the skies while Nova headed back into his wrecked ship. He activated his comm, “Nova to all heroes, I need anyone who can help me find Santa, this is a matter of planetary emergency.”




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


(By Crimson Guardian)
wow it has been a crazy few weeks since the party. man i still have nightmares about all the food i ate and my credit card just stopped smoking from all that next day shopping i did. then there is the symbiote slime thing i have fought like 79 times or the crooked man who bet me more times then i like to think about.but that is all over now its time to soak my sore muscles in a nice hot lava pool down on sub level 19.all tho i am lost down here again now was it two lefts then a right or two rights then man this always happens. well i will find my way soon i just need to look as a door slides open to a large cavern i see a man sitting next to one of the magma springs he looks back and said hello with a smile on his face and a child like sense of wonder in his eyes he asks "do you play fort nite"and just like that i shot that fat old dude in the ugly sweater right in the back of the head then kicked his body and big dumb boots into the lava stepping the mess to the side as i get in to take a bath and burn away this slime and sad i have been feeling.its just then another guy comes walking in hey any food in here i see he looks like a meaner version of joe pesci so i pull a more-fun bar from my bag. here eat this as he takes a bit he is transformed into a lovely woman with long red hair and snow white skin well i guess you do turn into a mobster when your hungry so what are you doing down here her answer is fast and sharp looking for santa have you seen him my mind races as sweat starts to pool on my forehead and neck "santa agg santa who" well he is not your santa but a santa and my scanner said he was here but anyway you think you can help.do what i ask and buy the way how did you get in here well nevermind what.my screen indicates a reading of 7.643 at 134.67-243.54 we should check it out.wait a red what at whos phone number her eyes cut to glance at me just fallow me and lets go.soon as we enter the next cave opening a blast of energy hits the wall behind us trapping us in here with it i say it because i have no idea what that thing is but as fast as i see it the monster is on us its claws are like giant knives and so many teeth but just as fast the thing splits down the middle like a twin pop and the sticks where the legs now covered in whatever juice was in that thing a portal open and i see a old guy in a lab coat and a kid in a yellow tee.the man in the lab coat tells the kid to grab some chrystals sticking out of the things brain or what i think is its brain as i hear him say "we will need these to fix jessica when we get back"now lets go as he pulls a device from his coat he looks at us "hi anna"whos anna the kid asks oh thats anna claus she is the santa from N437 hey grandpa did you see that guys suit it looked cool as a portal opens the old guy yells "get over here we are leaving and dont talk to that guy he look about as smart as your dad"ouch hey that hurts in my reality you are just a cartoon anna looks the lab coat up and down so you going to help or what old man fine fine you got me i was watching everything happen and it was funny but i will help he opens a portal for us too and leaves through his. i look at anna where to next miss claus in a flash we are transported to krampuses secret hideout and it is full of these little goblin like things with sharp parts and they are mad.well what do we do with these anna "you keep them bizzy well i free my husband and the other santas loved ones"she hands me a ring telling me it will heal me over time and shoves he at the hoard these things are nasty biting clawing and pinching one of there hands just phased through my armor and it gave me a nurple hey do these things have powers. well i guess yes said anna they were human kids before krampus ate them and stole all there joy and this is whats left HOLD up i have been punching kids in the face for the last hour ok ok ok no one tells director nova about this part ok cool do you have him anna "yes" then lets get out of here by the way what is your name kris kris claus. Oh like the song kriss kross will make you jump jump no not like the song and the 80s wants its joke back with a sharp glance they where a popular band at the time and ouch under this super hardened chest plate is a man with a soul and feelings.so whats next anna now to the palace to take down krampus and burn his sack that should break the curse and free the children then we can return them to there own times a spaces

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Thursday, December 26, 2019

Boxing Day Bonus

Happy Boxing Day Heroes!

Everyone who logs in today gets:

• 60 MP for one card from Xmas shuffle. (Or use it however you want.)

• And a free Ice Shield.

Thanks for a great first year!!

Invite your friends to login today, so they can get free stuff too.

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Art Post: Reindeer Magic

 Once in a lifetime, each hero gets the opportunity to work for Santa Clause himself. This was your year. It is a long, grueling night. Your job is to make sure that nothing bad happens to the figure of Christmas Cheer. You spent the magically elongated night fending off dangerous beasts, keeping an eye out for super villains, and helping the old man keep up with his magical list. Why go through all this? No one gives gifts like Santa. Upon the conclusion of the night, Santa comes to you and asks what you want the most. You ask him to do your job even better. He gives you a smile and touches his nose. Suddenly you feel a new energy filling you. Santa didn't just give you a new power, he enhanced the powers you already have. You could fly before, now you can fly near the speed of light. You have uncanny agility. And, strangely enough, you can light up your nose to help you see even on the foggiest night. Perhaps next year, if the weather is bad, Santa will call upon you again....to lead the sleigh.

Reindeer Magic was a second thought. I was asked to create some new art and cards for the Christmas events. I set out to do three images, one for attack, one for defense, and one for movement. I completed the attack and defense first. When it came time to do the movement art and card I had to think hard about what I wanted to do. Creating new powers that are unique, and in this case seasonal, isn't always the easiest task. After some time my first thoughts went to Santa. I did a picture of Santa running across rooftops. I liked it and it was going to be the card. However, as I gave it some thought, I decided I wanted to have a female hero on one of the cards. I began a sketch of a flying woman and that turned into Reindeer Magic. I loved it and really wanted to feature it more prominently, so I made it the third of the trio. (You might note that Running Santa made it into the game as well, in the card called Santa's Agility. But, that's another post.)

About the art. As I said, this started out as a simple sketch. The original pencil sketch was rather generic. I didn't know if I was going to make it a Christmas themed card, or just work it up for a future card. After a little work on the sketch I liked how it was coming and I was inspired to make it a Christmas theme. This gave me the obvious color scheme. Her outfit is supposed to look heavy for a hero, not entirely skin tight. She is flying in cold conditions, so her outfit should look warm. However, her outfit should also still lend itself to speed. Next came the thematic elements. The antlers were harder than they appear. Putting reindeer antlers on a person needs to look natural while still appearing right. I had to do a bit of research to make sure that female reindeer have antlers just like males, so it would be appropriate for her to have them. Next, her glowing nose. That was a last thought on her. I didn't want it to be too comical in appearance, the rest of the art was rather dramatic, something silly could ruin the whole piece. I painted a bright glow on her nose and felt that it doesn't come across as silly. I liked it. Not only does it look good, it really ties the image into the narrative of the art itself. Finally, the background was the easiest part. I wanted her flying where it looked cold, dramatic, and beautiful. I couldn't put her flying over homes, that would require adding other reindeer and perhaps even the sleigh. I wanted it to be natural. Aurora Borealis seemed a good compliment to the image. The soft blue of the northern lights gave me a great, gentle light source for her. The contrasting darker colors of the sky and water help set her off.

I hope you enjoy the art and the card. Be careful around that sexy reindeer, Santa is watching.
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Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Merry Christmas from Heroes Rising (and a surprise awaits you)!

Thanks for an amazing year!

Everyone who logs in today gets 35 FREE MPs.

And a free Santa's Presents.

Invite your friends to login today, so they can get free stuff too.


Continue the Story

Christmas Story: S.W.A.T. To The Rescue by Bartman


Thank you Bartman for entering the Christmas Fiction Contest. Here is their story...

(Opening by Dan Peyton)
Over the bleak, cold arctic north a large BADGE landing craft buzzed through the gray skies. Gliding next to it was the stone hero Gargoyle, keenly watching the white land below.

Nova sat in the command seat of this large craft while his trusty robots managed the controls. He touched a comm device attached to his ear, “Anything yet, Gar?”
Gar answered, “Just snow. I...WATCH OUT!”
The proximity alarm went off and the whole craft lurched to the side as something slammed into them. The whole craft spun out of control, the three robots on the bridge rolled about like toys in a storm while Nova kept his firm grip on the command chair.
Nova looked out the front windows as they fell out of the sky and slammed into the ground. Waves of white powder spewed from either side of the ship as they plowed across the frozen north. After the sliding came to a stop, Nova shoved the emergency exit open and jumped out.
Gar landed next to him, "Sir, look!"
A demon approached,“Ah, Director Nova. It’s been a while.”
“What is it this time, Krampus? You and I both know you’re unable to get into Santa’s palace.”
Krampus resembled a man with shaggy hair all over his body, long demonic horns on his head, a long tail, and goat-like legs. He smiled at Nova with those fangs of his, “True, I could never get into that place. But, things have changed.”
“What are you talking about?”
Krampus answers, “These Morphons are spectacular little blessings, now aren’t they? Some humans have been turned almost into gods with them, and some into demons...depends on what they do with them I suppose. I, already being nearly a god myself, found them to be most delightful.”
Nova growled, “What have you done?”
“What I was always meant to do, punish the nasty little brats of this world. And with Santa out of my way, I think I can do my job unhindered. I think I will go eat at least ten thousand children, for starters. I believe that should make up for the lost years with Santa holding me back. Then, who knows? Maybe I’ll eat a few thousand more, all before Christmas.”
“No, you can’t,” Nova exclaimed.
Krampus laughed, “Who will stop me? Without Santa’s cheer, and morphons surging through my body, I am invulnerable. Now, I think I’ll start with a nice aged appetizer.” He jumped at Nova but was blindsided by a full-body slam from Gar. Without a second thought, Gar punched the demon hard enough to send him sprawling ten feet backward across the snow.
“Stay away, monster,” Gar commanded.
Krampus sat there, wiping a trickle of blood from his nose. “You’re an interesting foe. I’ll enjoy playing with you when I’m done. But, alas, I have other plans.” He vanished in a black puff of smoke, leaving only a cackle in its wake.
Nova let out a furious scoff, “This is serious.”
"What was that thing?" Gar asked.
"A demon who dines on little children. Since you can fly, head back to BADGE HQ and alert the leagues that Krampus must be defeated. I’ll stay here and call on any heroes who can help me find Santa and set this all straight. GO!”
Gar took to the skies while Nova headed back into his wrecked ship. He activated his comm, “Nova to all heroes, I need anyone who can help me find Santa, this is a matter of planetary emergency.”



__________________________

(Continuation by Bartman)

“Santa captured…? Christmas massacre…?” The Closer’s words weighed heavy on Bartman’s heart.

"I’ve never been one of Santa’s favorites; in fact, I’ve landed on the naughty list more than a few times. But even I realize how devastating this will be for the world, if Santa isn’t found quickly. And my fear is that the rest of the 5th Precinct is looking in all the wrong places."

"Where would I hide Santa if I was his arch nemisis – Krampus? Where would I hide the cheeriest person the world has ever known? Where he couldn’t be affected by random showers of morphons? Cheeriest person…? Cheeriest… I’ve got it! I would hide him in the SADDEST place on earth. That’s it!"

“Alexa print me a list of the saddest places on earth?”

“Printing a list of the 10 saddest places on earth.”

1. Depression Pond, Dover, US
2. Misery Bay, Michigan
3. Gloomy Lake, ON Canada
4. Mistake Island, Jonesport, U.S
5. Little Hope, Texas
6. Cape Disappointment Lighthouse, Washington U.S
7. Despair Island, Rhode Island
8. Misery, France
9. Sorrow Islands, British Columbia, Canada
10. Disappointment Island, New Zealand

Bartman examined the list closely as he sipped a tall glass of iced milk. The frequent flyer miles are really going to add up if I have to travel to all of these locations. There’s no way The Closer is going to sign off on that. He’s tighter than a Baptist minister's wife's girdle at an all you can eat pancake breakfast. He quickly glanced over the list again and then froze. It’s not there! It’s not on the list!

"What was it that my friend Buddy the Elf said after getting smacked around by that short little guy Miles Finch? 'He must be a South Pole elf.' If Krampus were to have a horde of minions to do his dastardly bidding, it would be nasty, mean South Pole elves."

“Alexa? Mobilize S.W.A.T. and tell them to dress warmly. We’re storming the South Pole!”

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

It’s a ragtag crew, but they’re as loyal and skilled a group of soldiers anyone could have to go into battle. Blood brothers… friends: Timebender, Captain Aim Eric Ah, Necromaniac, Master Ron, Major Jimjim, and Dr. Faust.
(Several hours later) “Take us in low Captain E. We don’t want to give away the element of surprise."

“Right-O Bartman! Closing in on coordinates 90°S 0°…. Whoa! Would ya look at that1?!”

They couldn’t believe their eyes. Before them, right smack dab in the center of the southern hemisphere stood a monolith of ominous darkness, black and evil. It made the hair stand on Major Ron’s neck.

“On your guard S.W.A.T. It could get uglyyyyyy…” All of a sudden. the airship jolted and went dead.

“We’ve lost power. We’re goin’ down. Brace for impact!”

Captain E. managed to skid the airship to a stop without rolling her over. The crew and ship took minimal damage, but there was no time to even shake the cobwebs - for out of the darkness streamed a devilish horde of South Pole elves, screaming and angrily gnashing their teeth.
Necromaniac: “Forgive me for stating the obvious, but these critters are not happy to see us and we are woefully outnumbered.”

Not wasting a precious nanosecond, Bartman forged a plan of attack. “Quick Timbender can you use your Mental Assault power to link the squad together?”

“Sure Bart – activating.” Timebender’s head enlarged until it looked like it would burst, but in an instant S.W.A.T. was ONE. And in the pristine moment of unified mental clarity Bartman’s order rang out, “S.W.A.T. employ Laughing Gas!”
A misty fog began to appear in the frosty air which soon formed into a thick cloud protectively surrounding the heroes and then becoming an all-consuming force spreading out in all directions. Soon it engulfed the charging wretches who began coughing, gagging and choking and then soon giggling, chuckling and laughing uncontrollably. They were in agony, but appeared to be enjoying every second of it. Many passed out from laughter, the rest retreated in embarrassment.

“It worked! They’re tucking their little elf tails between their legs and skittering away,” exclaimed a jubilant Major Jimjim. “Way to go Team!”

“But what are we going to do with that?” staring at the mountain of blackness before them.

“Good question, Ron, but look it appears to have diminished a tad in the joyful revelry,” astutely observed Dr. Faust.

“You’re right Doc! Do you think Santa could be in there?” Timebender queried.

“I do, mate. And if my Christmas Hero and mentor Buddy taught me anything, it’s that ‘The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.’ Alexa…? S.W.A.T…? Christmas Carol Protocol!” commanded Bartman.

Boom! It was as if a “heavenly host” on steroids suddenly appeared as the airship morphed into the biggest 80's boom box you’ve ever seen and filled the air with a rockin’ beat the likes of an AC/DC resurrection and S.W.A.T., channeling Bruce Springsteen, in unison began to sing.

You better watch out
You better not cry
You better not pout
I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is coming to town

(The air began to warm)

He's making a list
He's checking it twice
He's gonna find out who's naughty or nice
Santa Claus is coming to town

(The ground began to quake)

He sees you when you're sleeping
And he knows when you're awake
He knows if you've been bad or good
So be good for goodness…

The oxygen seemed to get swallowed up… everything went silent… and next… an explosion - that knocked the heroes right on their keisters! When the smoke cleared, the darkness was gone. All that was left was a little pile of red, some white fur. a black leather belt and a pair of boots.

Out of the silence though, came a low almost imperceptible “Ho…ho…ohhhhh”

“Doc, He’s still alive. Quick, get him one of those morphon booster cookies you baked in your lab. Capt. fire up the airship. We’ve got to get Santa back to headquarters. There’s still hope for the world.”

Continue the Story

Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Christmas Story: Now if I was Krampus,Where would I Hide Santa? By AcidBurn


Thank You AcidBurn for entering the Christmas Fiction Contest. Here is their story...




(By Dan Peyton)
Over the bleak, cold arctic north a large BADGE landing craft buzzed through the gray skies. Gliding next to it was the stone hero Gargoyle, keenly watching the white land below.

Nova sat in the command seat of this large craft while his trusty robots managed the controls. He touched a comm device attached to his ear, “Anything yet, Gar?”
Gar answered, “Just snow. I...WATCH OUT!”
The proximity alarm went off and the whole craft lurched to the side as something slammed into them. The whole craft spun out of control, the three robots on the bridge rolled about like toys in a storm while Nova kept his firm grip on the command chair.
Nova looked out the front windows as they fell out of the sky and slammed into the ground. Waves of white powder spewed from either side of the ship as they plowed across the frozen north. After the sliding came to a stop, Nova shoved the emergency exit open and jumped out.
Gar landed next to him, "Sir, look!"
A demon approached,“Ah, Director Nova. It’s been a while.”
“What is it this time, Krampus? You and I both know you’re unable to get into Santa’s palace.”
Krampus resembled a man with shaggy hair all over his body, long demonic horns on his head, a long tail, and goat-like legs. He smiled at Nova with those fangs of his, “True, I could never get into that place. But, things have changed.”
“What are you talking about?”
Krampus answers, “These Morphons are spectacular little blessings, now aren’t they? Some humans have been turned almost into gods with them, and some into demons...depends on what they do with them I suppose. I, already being nearly a god myself, found them to be most delightful.”
Nova growled, “What have you done?”
“What I was always meant to do, punish the nasty little brats of this world. And with Santa out of my way, I think I can do my job unhindered. I think I will go eat at least ten thousand children, for starters. I believe that should make up for the lost years with Santa holding me back. Then, who knows? Maybe I’ll eat a few thousand more, all before Christmas.”
“No, you can’t,” Nova exclaimed.
Krampus laughed, “Who will stop me? Without Santa’s cheer, and morphons surging through my body, I am invulnerable. Now, I think I’ll start with a nice aged appetizer.” He jumped at Nova but was blindsided by a full-body slam from Gar. Without a second thought, Gar punched the demon hard enough to send him sprawling ten feet backward across the snow.
“Stay away, monster,” Gar commanded.
Krampus sat there, wiping a trickle of blood from his nose. “You’re an interesting foe. I’ll enjoy playing with you when I’m done. But, alas, I have other plans.” He vanished in a black puff of smoke, leaving only a cackle in its wake.
Nova let out a furious scoff, “This is serious.”
"What was that thing?" Gar asked.
"A demon who dines on little children. Since you can fly, head back to BADGE HQ and alert the leagues that Krampus must be defeated. I’ll stay here and call on any heroes who can help me find Santa and set this all straight. GO!”
Gar took to the skies while Nova headed back into his wrecked ship. He activated his comm, “Nova to all heroes, I need anyone who can help me find Santa, this is a matter of planetary emergency.”

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(By Acidburn)
Krystal had been alerted by Nova's transmission, along with the majority of the heroes current in the Sol system... and given the psychological makeup of the majority of known heroes, she is certain that the Krampus and any allies he may or may not have would be physically engaged in battle.

Krystal had therefore decided to study the recorded video of the confrontation between the Krampus and Nova, which had been captured by several cameras on the crippled heli-carrier, for any clues as to the plan which the Krampus had hatched.

While those were downloading, she accessed the onboard library files for all historical and mythological references to the Krampus himself.

According to those references, Santa himself was more powerful than the Krampus, so it was unlikely that he had simply been physically restrained... it was much more likely some form of magical restraint, combined with, some form of psychological or illusionary activity which might or might not include some form of physical restraint or imprisonment... but where?

After careful analysis of the confrontation's video recordings, Krystal began searching for computer records.

Krystal began with John Doe patients in Hospital Wards taken in around the known time of Santa's disappearance, but none approaching his physical characteristics were found.

She next concentrated on Psychological Hospitals but had similar findings there as well.

Krystal was sure she was forgetting something... hmmm, ahh-ha, Morphons... like the Krampus himself,
Santa would be increasing in power due to Morphon absorption... unless...

Krystal thought she knew where she'd find the jolly old elf... she only hoped that she was both right and in time...

She arrived shortly at Purgatory Prison... one of only a few spots on Earth shielded from Morphons...

She next headed to the Hospital Wing there, there were many patients, as was typical of any prison hospital ward, and began to use her abilities to pierce illusions and to sense Magic.

She quickly located several patients who were Mana sources and concentrated her fae abilities on piercing illusions. Only two of those patients were physically concealed by illusion, and only one of them was being drugged into unconsciousness.

Concentrating her full power on that one, she was able to overwhelm the power of the amulet which Krampus had used to hide Santa's physical form and dampen his power enough that the drugs were able to affect him.

Krystal disposed of the amulet, had the medical team counteract the drugs in his system, and helped Santa to his feet.

"Get Nova... please.", Santa said weakly.

Krystal accessed her communicator... "Director Nova, come in please...", she said.

Continue the Story

INCOMING MESSAGE: Director Nova

Nova here. Well, this has been an interesting Christmas season for us. Krampus trapped Santa and then vowed to consume thousands of Earth's children in a demonic rampage. I'm proud to say that the heroes of Earth thwarted Krampus at every turn. After several months of unusual activity on the radars and dangerous encounters with villains, everything has settled back to normal. Of course normal for us still includes super powered villains, potential alien invasions, and the occasional space/time anomaly that threatens to end existence.

Santa sends his thanks. He is getting ready for his mission tonight, bringing the world that cheer we so desperately need. Those heroes who have volunteered their time to help Santa, get yourselves ready...it is a long night. To everyone else, have a good holiday, whichever you celebrate at this time of the year.

Have a happy holid...what? Oh, Gar is reminding me that we have the annual Holiday Party at HQ. He has a few notes from the Halloween party we held. Yes.....okay. No spiking the punch, you know the rules about alcohol at BADGE, super powers and inebriation don't mix well. To all animal and half-animal heroes, we have bathrooms, don't use the potted plants. And a reminder, no surprise strippers, all guests have to be vetted by our system, I don't care how well you blindfold them....or hide them in a cake. And, finally, clothing is not optional.

Now, have a great holiday
Nova out....
_________________________________________________________
Continue the Story

Monday, December 23, 2019

Christmas Story: And Eight Tiny Reindeer by CdnDraxis


Thank you CdnDraxis for enter the Christmas Fiction Contest. Here is their story...



(By Dan Peyton)
Over the bleak, cold arctic north a large BADGE landing craft buzzed through the gray skies. Gliding next to it was the stone hero Gargoyle, keenly watching the white land below.

Nova sat in the command seat of this large craft while his trusty robots managed the controls. He touched a comm device attached to his ear, “Anything yet, Gar?”
Gar answered, “Just snow. I...WATCH OUT!”
The proximity alarm went off and the whole craft lurched to the side as something slammed into them. The whole craft spun out of control, the three robots on the bridge rolled about like toys in a storm while Nova kept his firm grip on the command chair.
Nova looked out the front windows as they fell out of the sky and slammed into the ground. Waves of white powder spewed from either side of the ship as they plowed across the frozen north. After the sliding came to a stop, Nova shoved the emergency exit open and jumped out.
Gar landed next to him, "Sir, look!"
A demon approached,“Ah, Director Nova. It’s been a while.”
“What is it this time, Krampus? You and I both know you’re unable to get into Santa’s palace.”
Krampus resembled a man with shaggy hair all over his body, long demonic horns on his head, a long tail, and goat-like legs. He smiled at Nova with those fangs of his, “True, I could never get into that place. But, things have changed.”
“What are you talking about?”
Krampus answers, “These Morphons are spectacular little blessings, now aren’t they? Some humans have been turned almost into gods with them, and some into demons...depends on what they do with them I suppose. I, already being nearly a god myself, found them to be most delightful.”
Nova growled, “What have you done?”
“What I was always meant to do, punish the nasty little brats of this world. And with Santa out of my way, I think I can do my job unhindered. I think I will go eat at least ten thousand children, for starters. I believe that should make up for the lost years with Santa holding me back. Then, who knows? Maybe I’ll eat a few thousand more, all before Christmas.”
“No, you can’t,” Nova exclaimed.
Krampus laughed, “Who will stop me? Without Santa’s cheer, and morphons surging through my body, I am invulnerable. Now, I think I’ll start with a nice aged appetizer.” He jumped at Nova but was blindsided by a full-body slam from Gar. Without a second thought, Gar punched the demon hard enough to send him sprawling ten feet backward across the snow.
“Stay away, monster,” Gar commanded.
Krampus sat there, wiping a trickle of blood from his nose. “You’re an interesting foe. I’ll enjoy playing with you when I’m done. But, alas, I have other plans.” He vanished in a black puff of smoke, leaving only a cackle in its wake.
Nova let out a furious scoff, “This is serious.”
"What was that thing?" Gar asked.
"A demon who dines on little children. Since you can fly, head back to BADGE HQ and alert the leagues that Krampus must be defeated. I’ll stay here and call on any heroes who can help me find Santa and set this all straight. GO!”
Gar took to the skies while Nova headed back into his wrecked ship. He activated his comm, “Nova to all heroes, I need anyone who can help me find Santa, this is a matter of planetary emergency.”


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(By CdnDraxis)
CdnDraxis was patrolling the northern wastes when the alert from Director Nova came in. He listened in disbelief at the details of Santa’s capture by Krampus, and the morphon empowering of the demon. The horror of the situation stunned him into inactivity, and he could only stare at the horizon as the snow swirled around his ankles and began to accumulate.
But the cold and snow were old friends. As the dim light of day further faded into night, the first glimmers of the aurora borealis drew him out of his reverie and back to the situation at hand. With a shudder and a shake, like the ruffling of a bird’s feathers, he settled his furs about himself and began to ponder the problem.
Santa could not be destroyed. Despite the boasting of the Krampus, Santa was an elemental force of nature, a supernatural being with ties to this world stronger than those of the Krampus. Even with a boost of power by the morphons, there are just some things that cannot be unmade. That being said, it might be possible to incapacitate and imprison Santa, to block him from interfering with the Krampus’s mad plans.
So, trapped...but where? CdnDraxis thought it unlikely that Krampus could have removed Santa forcefully from his workshop fortress, but Santa could have been lured out and ambushed. From there, he could have been taken to a secret location and imprisoned. The Krampus was a northern demon, so it would hold that his choice of prison would be within his bulwark of power. So the best place to start would be the workshop fortress, and expand the search from there.
CdnDraxis spread wide his arms, and began to draw in the essences of the North; the biting cold of the zephyrs borealis, which drew warmth from flesh; the permanence of the ice, which preserved all things in suspension beyond time; and the energy of the auroras, power drawn to this place by the planet itself. He opened himself to the Gintarra, the elemental dragon of the North: the creature he had been destined to serve since birth, but who now instead assisted him since the morphons had altered who he had become. “Guide me, Cold One, that I may do what must be done” he called out over the frozen tundra.
He felt the peace settle over him as his senses expanded and he became one with the environment, a true Avatar of the North. With a gesture, he summoned the zephyrs and began to slide over the frozen landscape, gaining speed as he headed to the North Pole. Sight clarified as the auroras showed him obstacles to avoid and the easier paths to steer and glide. As he approached the frozen sea, the pack ice groaned and creaked as it bent to his will and smoothed out to ease his journey.
After several hours, CdnDraxis began to near Santa’s workshop fortress. He slowed his progress as he was hailed by the elven guards, pop-guns at the ready. “Director Nova sent me; can you tell me what happened?” CdnDraxis called out, arms held out harmlessly to the sides.
“Several hours ago, there was a call that the reindeer herds to the west were under attack, so Santa and a squad went to investigate. We have heard nothing since from any of them” replied a female elf.
“It is best if you all remain here, and shore up the defenses, in case Krampus tries for the fortress. The reindeer and I will find the Man for you” said CdnDraxis, as he began to slide to the west. He heard a horn blow, and the fortress began to light up as the defenses sprang into place. He traveled for a short distance and came upon the reindeer herd stomping around in a panic.
He slowed and calmly approached the herd as they gathered in a defensive pack. With an intuitive feeling, CdnDraxis stopped and stomped on the ground with his right foot, throwing his head up and down. The herd calmed, and a large bull stepped forward and bowed his antlered head to a startled CdnDraxis. He bowed back, saying “I know of the attack. Do you know which way they went?” As one, the herd turned and faced west. “Thank you” said CdnDraxis, as he continued west. The herd followed silently behind him on his quest.
CdnDraxis found tracks in the snow which he followed for a while, but they faded out after a mile, wind and snow erasing traces of Krampus’s passing. He stopped, and starred ahead for a moment, then knelt and thrust his hands into the snow. He thrust his power down and out into the frozen landscape, searching for something. He reached up for more power, and drew down the aurora borealis and whispered a word out into the swirling winds: “Wrong”.
Power quested outward, recognizing that which belonged and continuing the search. After several minutes, the energy bounced off something foreign, something not natural to the tundra. CdnDraxis opened his eyes, and spied in the distance a mound in the ice above which the aurora danced. He and the herd approached the mound, and found a dome of black ice, sitting like a blister on the tundra. It pushed the eye away from itself, but also seemed to suck the hope and life out of CdnDraxis as he tried to stare at it.
CdnDraxis began to draw in the powers of the North, concentrating and focusing them until he felt he could not contain any more. Just then, he felt a nose on his back and, with a glance, saw the herd had formed a wedge behind the bull now touching him. His capacity surged open and he drew down further energies, until he wielded more power than he ever had before. With a cry of triumph, he thrust the power into the dome, and it shattered, crumbled and vanished into the howling winds.
Lying on the ground was the Man himself, dressed in that red suit children knew everywhere. As CdnDraxis approached, he drew in a deep breath, opened his eyes and smiled as he said “Merry Christmas, young one”.

Continue the Story

Sunday, December 22, 2019

Christmas Story by Stonefist


Thank you Stonefist for entering the Christmas Fiction Contest. Here is their story...



(By Dan Peyton)
Over the bleak, cold arctic north a large BADGE landing craft buzzed through the gray skies. Gliding next to it was the stone hero Gargoyle, keenly watching the white land below.

Nova sat in the command seat of this large craft while his trusty robots managed the controls. He touched a comm device attached to his ear, “Anything yet, Gar?”
Gar answered, “Just snow. I...WATCH OUT!”
The proximity alarm went off and the whole craft lurched to the side as something slammed into them. The whole craft spun out of control, the three robots on the bridge rolled about like toys in a storm while Nova kept his firm grip on the command chair.
Nova looked out the front windows as they fell out of the sky and slammed into the ground. Waves of white powder spewed from either side of the ship as they plowed across the frozen north. After the sliding came to a stop, Nova shoved the emergency exit open and jumped out.
Gar landed next to him, "Sir, look!"
A demon approached,“Ah, Director Nova. It’s been a while.”
“What is it this time, Krampus? You and I both know you’re unable to get into Santa’s palace.”
Krampus resembled a man with shaggy hair all over his body, long demonic horns on his head, a long tail, and goat-like legs. He smiled at Nova with those fangs of his, “True, I could never get into that place. But, things have changed.”
“What are you talking about?”
Krampus answers, “These Morphons are spectacular little blessings, now aren’t they? Some humans have been turned almost into gods with them, and some into demons...depends on what they do with them I suppose. I, already being nearly a god myself, found them to be most delightful.”
Nova growled, “What have you done?”
“What I was always meant to do, punish the nasty little brats of this world. And with Santa out of my way, I think I can do my job unhindered. I think I will go eat at least ten thousand children, for starters. I believe that should make up for the lost years with Santa holding me back. Then, who knows? Maybe I’ll eat a few thousand more, all before Christmas.”
“No, you can’t,” Nova exclaimed.
Krampus laughed, “Who will stop me? Without Santa’s cheer, and morphons surging through my body, I am invulnerable. Now, I think I’ll start with a nice aged appetizer.” He jumped at Nova but was blindsided by a full-body slam from Gar. Without a second thought, Gar punched the demon hard enough to send him sprawling ten feet backward across the snow.
“Stay away, monster,” Gar commanded.
Krampus sat there, wiping a trickle of blood from his nose. “You’re an interesting foe. I’ll enjoy playing with you when I’m done. But, alas, I have other plans.” He vanished in a black puff of smoke, leaving only a cackle in its wake.
Nova let out a furious scoff, “This is serious.”
"What was that thing?" Gar asked.
"A demon who dines on little children. Since you can fly, head back to BADGE HQ and alert the leagues that Krampus must be defeated. I’ll stay here and call on any heroes who can help me find Santa and set this all straight. GO!”
Gar took to the skies while Nova headed back into his wrecked ship. He activated his comm, “Nova to all heroes, I need anyone who can help me find Santa, this is a matter of planetary emergency.”

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


(By Stonefist)
With B.A.D.G.E.’s enormous resources, heroes all over the globe were activated for the inevitable confrontation. They did not have long to wait as the demon appeared in North America to the terror of children and adults alike. Director Nova struggled to coordinate the response from his crashed landing craft.

This morphon-boosted Krampus was like no opponent B.A.D.G.E. had ever faced. To onlookers, it seemed to fight with glee, enjoying the rush of new power. Wave after wave of defenders entered the fray, only to be tossed aside, some seriously injured. The Krampus clearly had the upper hand. Yet the heroic champions fought on: the cost of losing too great to imagine. Already the demon’s villainous allies had made the fight a global one.

Director Nova, watching live feed from Chicago, exclaimed, “It isn’t even tiring. How can this be? Some of our most powerful heroes are in that fight. It’s laughing. Who laughs in a fight?”

SS: I am here to help, Director Nova. Please let me assist you.
DN: You are the new guy, Stonefist Samurai, or something like that, right?
SS: Yes.
DN: Unless we figure out something quickly, we are going to lose. I will not accept that.
SS: I believe there is a solution to be found here, Director. If you indulge me for a few moments, I think we can find it.
DN: I can handle things here, why aren’t you on your way to the fight?
SS: Not every problem can be solved with a sword or a fist, Director. I believe this is one of them. You have many champions, far more powerful than I, already engaged with the Krampus. When the time comes, I will gladly give my life fighting the Krampus. However, I believe there is another way, an answer which has eluded us. We must take the time to think.
DN: Yes, yes, but shouldn’t we be doing something? Who has time to think in a time like this?
SS: That is the point, Director. I believe this to be part of the Krampus’s strategy. It is forcing us to react to its aggression without planning. We are fighting all over the world, but we aren’t winning. We are engaging, but not getting anywhere. We are losing. We will lose.
The Director let out an audible sigh. “What are you thinking?”
SS: The Krampus and Santa Claus are two beings of immense power. Santa represents generosity, mercy and light. The Krampus representing greed, punishment and darkness. They have been in conflict for years upon years.
DN: And…
SS: Why are they still fighting after all this time? We all know that in every conflict, luck plays a role, as does preparation. Surely, Santa could have found a way to defeat the Krampus by now? We know the Krampus hasn’t killed Santa, he has merely incapacitated him in some way, I suspect the reason is that despite their power, they can’t truly defeat each other.
The director looked aghast. He hadn’t considered this.
SS: They are opposites true, but perhaps one can’t exist without the other. The Krampus seeks to punish evil children. Santa shows mercy and generosity, but is unable to extend this to all children despite his desire to do so. The Krampus is thwarted in trying to gather all the naughty children. They are two halves of a whole. What this means is that Santa must be alive, weakened perhaps, but alive, because the Krampus is still active.
DN: That’s very interesting, but we already know Santa is alive. The Krampus told us.
SS: Let me continue. We’ve watched the news footage. Every one of our agents is involved in a fight somewhere. We have almost no one actually looking for Santa, the one being powerful enough to defeat the Krampus. Moreover, why did the Krampus go to Chicago, or any other big city for that matter? The Krampus has been thwarted for centuries, maybe longer. Now that Santa is out of the way, why not go on a kid-eating binge?
DN: There are lots of kids in Chicago. Probably lots of naughty ones.
SS: True, but with Santa out of the way, he can eat any naughty child he likes. And sure, there may be more kids, but there are also lots of heroes. Chicago is a B.A.D.G.E. regional headquarters. It is also the home of three powerful leagues. So why go somewhere defended to pick a fight? Why not attack somewhere remote where the Krampus could dine at its leisure? The Krampus may be many things, but I do not believe it is foolish or stupid.
DN: So, what are you thinking?
SS: You said it yourself. Who has time to think? That is what the Krampus is counting on. He wants us to react, to jump in, and not consider what is going on. He needs us occupied.
DN: He does seem to be enjoying this fight.
SS: Why does an immortal being, thwarted for centuries, maybe longer, in his life’s goals, take the time to not just pick a fight, but enjoy it? He is playing the long game. He thinks he has all the time he needs. He is confident that he will win. He is planning to wear us down, and dine at his leisure right in front of us.
DN: But how is this possible?
SS: Here is where I need your help, Director. Do you think Santa can be trapped physically in any possible way? From what I understand, he can go anywhere he likes with ease.
DN: Maybe the Krampus found a way to drain his energy, trap him that way.
SS: If what I suspect is true, Santa is trapped, but does not know he is trapped.
DN: What??
SS: Imagine what would happen if Santa missed just one Christmas? It would be chaos. The Krampus would win even if Santa came back. So perhaps, all the Krampus needs is to keep Santa out of the way for a few days. What if Santa is not trapped in a location so much, but in a time?
DN: Holy Holly! Reliving an event over and over? Say, Christmas eve?
SS: That was my thought too. Is this possible? All the Krampus needs is to keep Santa out of the picture for one Christmas. Any longer is a bonus.
DN: Time bubbles are possible, not simple, but possible.
SS: Director, I believe that if Santa were anywhere on Earth, B.A.D.G.E. would find him quickly. Even the Krampus can’t mask that much power and I bet it knows this. So where else? I would choose somewhere out of the way, perhaps the dark side of the moon?
DN: Of course, It makes perfect sense. When can you leave?
SS: Wait? What? I can’t fly, you have many, much more powerful heroes that can take that task. Let me join the fight.
DN: Those champions are currently battling the Krampus or his allies. You’ve said you are no match for him in a fight, but if what you say is true, you’ve still bested him. We have ships that can make it to the moon in less than 4 hours. Pick a team and be ready to leave as soon as you get to the launch site. If you are right, we can still save Christmas.
SS: But what if I am wrong?
DN: Then you can join the fight when you return.

And so, the Samurai called Stonefist and few others, travelled away from the fight to the dark side of the moon. It should surprise no one that Santa was indeed trapped in a particularly well-crafted time-illusion, living out his Christmas eve deliveries, over and over again, completely unaware of his situation.
The trap was deactivated and Santa soon recovered. His cheeks were flushed red with anger as he bid the heroes goodbye. “I must undo this damage quickly,” he said. With his index finger to his nose, he vanished.

Continue the Story