Heroes, Villains, and Renegades Fiction: Trial of Strength Part 3

 Nova passed through the security checkpoint at the Texas Advanced Computer Center without slowing. The system recognized him instantly and let him through.

Inside, he could see the Oracle of Tech’s influence spreading. Computer systems and cabling crept along the walls, ceiling, and floor like living vines. Dr. Hermes was expanding his network daily.

Nova entered the central chamber. Teams of scientists worked at stations surrounding a throne-like seat woven from technology. Dr. Hermes sat there, cables connected to his head and spine. Despite the alien machinery, he still carried the gentle demeanor of a kind professor.

“Come in, Director Nova,” Dr. Hermes said calmly. “I’ve been expecting you.”

“I see your systems continue to grow,” Nova remarked.

Dr. Hermes nodded, the cords shifting with the movement. “Computing power increases every day. I’ve established satellite systems in Tokyo, London, and Caracas. More will follow.”

“Growing a network of temples to the Oracle of Tech?” Nova asked with a hint of teasing.

“I do not seek worship,” Dr. Hermes replied. “My goal is to make information and technology freely accessible to humanity. No single nation should control it. Though I admit, several world leaders have expressed… concerns about that philosophy.”

“I’ve heard,” Nova said. “I understand the need for security, however.”

“As do I. I do not allow state secrets to flow freely.” Dr. Hermes smiled. “But I doubt you came here to debate information policy.”

“No. I have a situation that requires your insight.”

“I assumed as much. I’ve asked my fellow Oracle to join us.” Dr. Hermes glanced to the side as a plant-like structure bloomed in midair. From within stepped Dr. Fagan, the red-haired Irish woman now bearing angelic wings and a soft green aura. The Oracle of Supernatural.

“It’s good to see you again, Director Nova,” she said with her gentle lilt.

“How goes your exploration of the world?” Nova asked.

“Wonderful. Beautiful. And sometimes heartbreaking. There is still so much to see.”

Dr. Hermes added, “It is good to have company. Though she does tend to drift like dandelion fluff on the wind.”

“A fair observation,” Dr. Fagan replied with a small smile.

Nova turned back to Dr. Hermes. “Why did you ask her to be here?”

“We’ve both been considering The Malevolence,” Dr. Hermes said. “It has been silent since the incident in Ireland. I had hoped it retreated and would remain dormant for some time.”

“But?” Nova prompted.

Dr. Fagan spoke. “While traveling, I began sensing its presence again. Not fully returned… but not entirely gone either.”

Dr. Hermes continued, “We believe The Malevolence has left agents behind. Beings either similar to Avatars, or people it has overtaken. Their purpose remains unclear.”

Nova’s expression darkened. “Do you believe the mysterious wrestler is one of these agents?”

Dr. Fagan frowned. “What wrestler?”

Dr. Hermes raised a hand and projected a holographic image from the recent match — the masked fighter known as Lion Fists.

Dr. Fagan studied it. “Strange. Something about him feels familiar, though I have no memory of any wrestling event.”

Dr. Hermes said, “Every sensor we have, including BADGE’s, detected an enormous surge of morphonic energy around him. His power levels are extraordinary.”

“Do you know who he is?” Nova asked.

Dr. Fagan shook her head. “Not with certainty. But some of the memories from the Avatar that bonded with me… seem to recognize him.”

Dr. Hermes added, “I’ve searched every information network available to me. There is nothing. No records. No history. It’s as if he didn’t exist until that moment.”

Nova paced slowly. “The Oracles and Avatars cannot fully perceive or understand The Malevolence, since it is their opposite. If this man is connected to it, that would explain why you can’t sense him clearly. He could be an agent… or something worse.”

Dr. Hermes nodded. “That is possible.”

Dr. Fagan looked troubled. “I’ve sensed fragments of The Malevolence’s power during my travels — small traces, nothing like its full strength. But I’ve never been able to locate one of its agents directly. They’re like shadows. Elusive.”

Dr. Hermes suddenly stiffened. “Something is happening. Right now. At the A.W.W. arena.” He waved his hand and two shaky video feeds appeared in the air.

Dr. Fagan tilted her head. “A streamer? And perhaps a podcaster?”

A voice came through one of the feeds, excited and breathless: “You are not gonna believe who just showed up at this amateur hour at A.W.W. This is freaking awesome!”

---

Half an hour earlier

Gar stood in front of a mirror in the A.W.W. locker room, wearing a pair of colorful wrestling briefs that stood out sharply against his stone body. EB bounced in front of him, barely able to contain his excitement.

“I don’t know about this,” Gar said.

“Oh, come on! This is so cool! You’re going to fight in the Brawler Arena! Some of the most legendary matches in history happened here!”

“We were only supposed to ask about the stranger and wait for him to show up,” Gar replied.

EB waved a paw dismissively. “You know he’ll show up for this. If he wants to be a pro wrestler, this is the best time to get noticed. Besides, if we’re just going to sit around waiting, we might as well have some fun, right?”

“I don’t call this fun.” Gar sat on the bench, adjusting his wings.

EB ran over and tugged on Gar’s arm. “Don’t be such a downer! This is amazing. And you’re going to beat them all!”

“Then what?” Gar asked.

Robert Layton walked in and answered for him. “Then you’ll be offered a contract for at least one appearance, so we can see how the audience responds. You look good, by the way. Like a real wrestler.”

“Uh, thanks.” Gar stood. “We already spoke with your security team.”

“I know,” Robert said, sitting across from him. “I talked to William and Erin. No one had any idea how that guy got into the ring.”

EB chimed in. “Best guess is he’s morphonic and used his powers to slip in. Don’t be too hard on them.”

“There will be some reprimands,” Robert admitted, “but nothing serious. I never expected a morphonic person to just bully their way onto the stage. At least he didn’t hurt anyone or steal anything when he left.”

Gar asked, “Did you give them the sensors?”

Robert nodded. “Everyone on staff now has a small BADGE morphon scanner. We’ll have a better chance of spotting him before he forces his way in again.”

Gar frowned. “Then perhaps we should focus on teaching them how to use the scanners instead of worrying about this wrestling match.”

“Oh, don’t start that!” EB begged, hopping onto the bench. “This is my dream! I can’t go in the ring because I’m too small — stupid rules — but you can! And it’s only for an hour. They might not even record it unless it goes well. But they should record it. I want to see you in action! You’re going to be amazing, I just know it!”

Robert laughed. “You really are quite the talker.”

Gar gave EB a flat look. “You have no idea.”

“Hey! Was that an insult?” EB frowned.

Robert smiled. “Not from me. I like talkers. Maybe I can have you as a guest announcer sometime.”

EB’s eyes went wide and began to water. “REALLY?!”

“Sure. We love celebrity announcers. The Easter Bunny would be perfect for the Spring Bam-and-Slam match.”

A woman’s voice called from the hallway. “Amateur Hour is about to start. Get moving.”

Robert stood. “Be there in a moment, Nancy.” He looked back at Gar. “You in?”

Gar glanced at EB, who looked like he might explode from anticipation. He sighed. “Okay. I’ll do it.”

“Good. Meet me by the ring in five minutes.”

Continue the Story

Heroes, Villains, and Renegades Fiction: Trial of Strength Part 2

Robert Layton sat at his massive oak desk, the walls of his office lined with posters of legendary A.W.W. events and golden championship belts. Behind him, a full wall of windows overlooked the main arena below. This wasn’t just an office — it was the best seat in the house.

He ended a call with a huff. “It’s always a struggle dealing with some people.”

A light knock came at the door. His assistant poked her head in. “Mr. Layton, Mr. Zeus is here to see you.”

Robert’s expression darkened. “Fine. Let him in.”

Theodor Zeus strode into the room wearing a cowboy suit, spurs, and an oversized hat, an unlit cigar clenched between his teeth and a cocky grin on his face.

“Bob! Good to see you!” he bellowed.

“It’s Robert,” Layton replied coolly, remaining seated. “And you know it.”

Zeus dropped into the chair across from him. “Saw yer show the other night. Woooo! What a match! And that third feller — the lion guy. What an ending!”

“You didn’t fly up here from Austin just to compliment my show,” Robert said, cutting to the point.

Zeus laughed. “Always straight to business. I had my people look into this new boy of yours. You know what I found?”

Robert leaned forward. “That we know as little about him as you do. No name, no history, and he isn’t under contract with us.”

Zeus pointed his cigar at him. “Right on the money! I just want to know if you were holdin’ anything back. You know who he is, don’t you?”

“What do you actually want, Zeus?”

The promoter’s grin widened. “Confederate Brawlers needs new blood. The A.W.W. is eating our lunch every month. I’ve got a new agent who’s real keen on your lion guy. We can make him a star — the biggest on our roster. You’ve got plenty of celebrity wrestlers who won’t like the competition. Let me take him and make him my star.”

Robert considered this. He knew the wrestling world was more Hollywood than sport. Bringing in someone new could easily steal the spotlight from the stars they’d spent years building.

He finally spoke. “I’m not a fan of yours personally. You oversell your matches and pull some shady gimmicks. But you’ve treated your wrestlers well enough. I trust you’d do right by him.”

“HA!” Zeus stood and stuck out his hand. “Sounds like we got a deal!”

Robert didn’t move. “However, I don’t know this guy. He showed up, interrupted my match, and barely said a word when I offered him a contract. I can’t speak for what he wants. My guess is he’ll be back tomorrow for the amateur try-out event. You come with your agent. I’ll have mine ready. We’ll both make our offers and let him choose.”

Zeus slowly nodded, his grin returning. “You’re a good businessman, Bob. Real good. I like the deal. I’ll see you Friday.” He tipped his hat and walked out.

Robert muttered under his breath, “What a blowhard.”

A beep sounded on his desk. He pressed the button. “Yes?”

“Sir, we have an incoming vessel from BADGE requesting clearance to land on the roof.”

“Let them land. I’ll greet them myself.”

---

Gar sat in the back of the shuttle while EB stood on the co-pilot seat, practically vibrating with excitement as he stared out the window.

“Why are you so excited?” Gar asked.

“This is THE headquarters for A.W.W.! Some of the best wrestlers in history started here. I hope I get to meet Stone or Mad Marauder… oh, I hope Shrieka is there.”

“What’s Shrieka?” Gar asked.

EB zipped back to him, eyes sparkling. “Shrieka is only the hottest, sexiest woman wrestler alive! She can body slam with the best of them. I would love to be body slammed by her.” He was practically drooling.

Gar looked down at the tablet Chase had given him. “I still don’t understand what pro-wrestling is.”

“What’s not to understand? They fight and tell the best stories!”

“How can a sport have storylines? Are they actors on a stage?”

“Sorta,” EB said. “Listen, all you need to know is that it isn’t real fighting. It’s mostly faked. It’s a performance, but they do it with so much finesse. It’s gripping and exciting and just the best! Oh— we’re here, we’re here!” He clapped his paws and vanished in a flash.

The shuttle landed moments later. Gar stepped out to find EB already bouncing in front of Robert Layton and his two security guards.

Gar walked over and smiled. “Greetings from BADGE. I apologize — EB wasn’t supposed to teleport ahead.”

EB shook with excitement. “Sorry! I got excited. I’ve been a huge fan for years. I even sponsored some of your events back in the late 90s — Summer Smash 5 and 6!”

Robert raised an eyebrow, though he was clearly amused. “I don’t recall the Easter Bunny on our books.”

“Oh, it was my chocolate companies that sponsored them, but I own them all, so it was me. Here, have some!” EB zipped around Robert and the two guards. In seconds, all three were holding glowing chocolate eggs and wearing stunned expressions.

“EB, stop,” Gar said firmly.

EB rushed back to his side. “Sorry. Just so excited!”

Robert laughed and casually passed his egg to one of his men. “I can see that. Good to know I have a real fan. As you know, I’m Robert Layton, CEO of A.W.W.”

Gar shook his hand. “I’m Gargoyle of BADGE. We don’t want to inconvenience you. We just need to speak with anyone who met the stranger from the match and be here in case he returns.”

Robert nodded. “He hasn’t been seen since that night. But I suspect he’ll show up tomorrow for the amateur show. Hey… you look like you could hold your own in a fight. Want to join the amateur event? Great publicity for BADGE.”

“I don’t—”

EB jumped up and grabbed Gar by the ears, pulling himself up to eye level. “DO IT! We can be a team! Think of it — it would be SOOOOOO COOL!”

Robert chuckled. “Sorry, little buddy. Superpowers aren’t allowed in the matches. But your friend here? He’s got the build for it.”

EB dropped down and flexed his tiny arms. “I’m more than my magic.”

Gar gave a small smile. “Thank you. I’ll… think about it. For now, I’d like to inspect the area and speak with your staff.”

Robert motioned for them to follow. “I figured you would. I’ve already gathered security and the workers. I’m curious how that guy got all the way to the ring without anyone noticing. Trust me — heads will roll over this.”

Continue the Story

Heroes, Villains, and Renegades Fiction: Trial of Strength Part 1

Two years ago

Director Nova sat back in the theater seat, thumbing through the folder in his hands. Another assessment on what was already feeling like a very long day.

“Brenda Abernathy?” His tone was professional, though a hint of tiredness crept in.

Chase, seated beside him, tapped her wrist comm. “Gar, send in Ms. Abernathy.”

A middle-aged woman in a tracksuit stepped into the testing chamber. She squinted at the glass wall and offered a nervous smile. “Hello, my name is Brenda. I’m from Hoboken, New Jersey. I have a degree in early education…”

“We have your file,” Nova interrupted gently. “Please demonstrate your morphonic abilities.”

Brenda nodded and braced herself. “You might want to cover your ears.” She took a deep breath and let out a powerful opera note that rattled the reinforced walls. The nearly impervious glass cracked. She stopped immediately. “Oh dear, I didn’t mean to break your nice wall.”

“No harm done,” Nova said as the glass slowly repaired itself. “You’re cleared for training. Gargoyle will show you to orientation.”

Once she was gone, Chase asked, “Any more today?”

“One,” Nova replied. “A Mr. Jordan Moore.”

Jordan Moore entered a few minutes later. He was medium height, balding, and fit without being overly muscular. He looked as nervous as a kid on his first day of school.

Nova didn’t waste time. “Welcome to the exam, Mr. Moore. Demonstrate your powers. And if they’re loud, please warn us first.”

Jordan gave a small, sheepish smile. “Yeah, I heard that out in the hall.”

He shook off his nerves as best he could, let out a yell, and struck one of the reinforced walls with a powerful spinning kick. The metal chunk broke free and slammed into the glass. Jordan bounced on his toes like a victorious boxer.

Chase ran the agility test next. Swinging obstacles zipped toward him, but Jordan weaved through them with surprising grace, never getting touched.

Nova and Chase reviewed the sensor readings in silence.

Nova finally spoke. “Your power level is very low. Our system shows little room for improvement, and your strength falls below our threshold for strength-based heroes.”

Jordan’s face fell. “But I trained for two years with fight experts. The guy at the Fight Club said I had morphonic powers.”

“You do,” Chase said. “But not all morphonic powers are equal. Yours aren’t strong enough for superhero work. We won’t be accepting you into the program.”

Jordan looked down at his hands. “What happens now? Do I have to take those suppression drugs I read about?”

“Your powers aren’t dangerous enough to require them,” Nova replied. “We’ll keep an eye on you, but otherwise… go live your life.”

Chase offered a small, kind smile. “There are other ways to use limited powers. Not everyone has to be a superhero.”

Jordan nodded, looking defeated. “Thank you for your time.”

---

Today

The theater screen played a loud, flashy wrestling match filled with pyrotechnics and roaring crowds. Nova sat alone in the audience, watching with mild disinterest as he muted the volume.

Chase entered with EB bouncing excitedly beside her. “Sir, I need you to look over this vendor contract and— what are you watching?”

EB leapt into the seat next to Nova, eyes wide. “OOOOH, IT’S THE MAD MARAUDER AND DYNAMITE DEVIL! I’ve watched all their matches! Marauder’s such a big fat jerk. I hope Dynamite shoves a sparkler right up his—”

“I’m not just watching this,” Nova said, cutting him off.

Chase cocked her head at the screen. “Then what are you doing? This is hardly a study in tactics.”

“Hardly,” Nova muttered.

EB grinned. “No, this is amazing storytelling! The drama, the intrigue, the body slams… Did you know Marauder gave Dynamite his start by putting him in his group? They were tag-team partners! Then a year ago, Marauder refused to tag in and Dynamite got pummeled into putty. That started all the drama! And then there was that time—”

“It’s all fake,” Chase said flatly.

EB frowned. “I’m not stupid. I know it’s a show. But it’s still really good.”

Nova allowed a small smirk. “Don’t belittle it. It’s entertainment. Storytelling with fists. I’ve seen far worse over the centuries. Trust me, the old gladiator arenas were just as popular… though people usually left feet first.”

“Fair,” Chase admitted, sitting down. “But I still don’t think this is your usual form of entertainment. What’s the deal?”

EB suddenly perked up. “Wait, I saw this match two days ago. What gives?”

Nova casually asked, “Did you see the new member of the team?”

“Oh, right! Lion Fists. Yeah, he reminds me of someone…”

Chase looked between them. “What are you talking about?”

Nova sped up the recording and let it play at normal speed. A new fighter dropped into the ring mid-match — masked, powerfully built, with a lion-like mane, clawed hands, and a tail. He grabbed Mad Marauder and hurled him out of the ring with ease, then let out a powerful roar that staggered Dynamite Devil. The crowd went wild.

Chase leaned forward. “Who is that? Some kind of new gimmick?”

EB bounced in his seat. “Sure it is! They call him Lion Fists. He doesn’t talk, just throws people around like rag dolls. It’s great storytelling, and he’s the best new addition they’ve had in years, and—”

“He is not a gimmick,” Nova said firmly.

He punched a code into the remote. The screen switched to a video call with a large man wearing glasses.

EB exploded with excitement. “THAT’S ROBERT LAYTON! He owns All World Wrestling! He’s the chairman, the owner, and the best writer in the entire business!”

Robert smiled down at the hyperactive bunny. “Thanks, little buddy. Glad to know I have a fan on the BADGE station.”

“Biggest fan ever! I even sponsored some of your events back in the late 90s through my chocolate companies—”

Nova cleared his throat. “Robert, I watched the match. I have an idea who — or what — your new fighter might be. Can you tell me anything?”

Robert held up a morphon sensor. “These readings are off the charts. He showed up, interrupted the match, and vanished. Didn’t hurt anyone, but he’s incredibly strong. I offered him a contract backstage. He didn’t say a word, just walked away.”

Nova’s expression grew serious. “This is more complicated than it appears. I’ll send people to make contact and determine whether he’s a threat.”

“I’d appreciate that,” Robert said. “If he decides to cause real trouble, this could get ugly fast.”

"I'll be in touch, Nova out."

After the call ended, Chase walked with Nova and EB out of the room down the corridor. She asked, “Who do you think he is?”

Nova said. “I’m not completely certain yet. But I intend to find out.”

EB bounced in front of him, eyes sparkling. “Send me! Please, please, please, please—”

Nova grabbed him by the ears and held him dangling in the air. “Stop begging. I was already planning to send you.”

EB’s face lit up. “Aw, don't say no, I .... wait....You said yes! HE SAID YES!!!!”

“I’m sending you and Gargoyle,” Nova continued, setting him down. “Find this person. Talk to him. Determine if he’s a threat. If things go badly, we’ll send backup.”

EB zoomed down the hallway, loudly announcing to the entire station that he was going to meet his wrestling heroes.

Chase watched him go with a sigh. “He’s going to be too busy fanboying to focus on the mission.”

Nova started walking. “Sometimes I like to be nice. Besides, Gargoyle will keep him on task. And if things turn dangerous, EB is more capable than he lets on. He’s smarter than we give him credit for, powerful, fast, and will defend what he loves like any hero.”

Chase gave him a sideways look. “That almost sounded like a compliment.”

Nova allowed the faintest hint of a smile. “He gets on my last nerve… but he’s a good hero. Never let him know I said that.”

Continue the Story

July Events and Sentinel Bonus

Last month's birthday events sure came and went quickly, and what an eventful month it was! July looks to be very interesting too, with the multiverse portal opening again and a special Dragon Portal, plus the Hero Olympiads. Check out the Calendar of Events for what's happening:



As always, all stories shared on the Sentinel and published will also get additional prizes as per the usual Sentinel monthly rewards.

Meanwhile, a new seasonal ops has started: Operation: Avatar's Challenge

The Avatar's of the morphons have been selecting worthy Supers to become their oracles, carry their immense power and become their voice to the world. The Oracle of Strength has decided he will choose his oracle through a fighting contest. However, this risks a villain winning and gaining the near-godlike power of an oracle. How will BADGE respond? Who will be found worthy?

Reviews, role play and commentaries on the events are greatly encouraged; these types of editorials are very useful for the game, and we've had many excellent ones in the past, but as the game evolves, we need more player guides like these especially on all the new features introduced. Players guides, reviews, players PoVs, and role-play tied in to game lore, etc, are most welcome. Feel free to share your thoughts and options by submitting them to the Sentinel Facebook page.

The usual editorial bonus for reviews, commentaries, game guides, gear talk, fan-fiction, and origin stories applies to all submissions that are published.

REWARDS:

PLATINUM: 7 Strange Fiction cards (only reserved for EXCEPTIONAL submissions)

GOLD: 5 Strange Fiction cards

SILVER: 3 to 4 Strange Fiction cards

BRONZE: 1 to 2 Strange Fiction cards

These rewards go out after the end of each month and are IN ADDITION to the usual Sentinel rewards from Daniel Andrade for published entries.

Here are the categories/prompts:

Category One:
REVIEWS/COMMENTARIES of ad hoc and regular events, including fan-fiction role play, etc.

Category Two:
GAME GUIDES, GEAR TALK, and other editorials about game mechanics.

Category OPEN:
What is your origin story? How did you end up in the Heroes Rising universe?
(And any other Fan-Fiction.)

REMINDER:

Post your submissions to the Sentinel page as usual for Categories One and Two. To enter the OPEN CATEGORY post your entries to the with the following in the title: JULY CONTEST" and the title of your entry. Please also add a link to your entry in the Sentinel page so that we can monitor all entries.

Yours Quackily,
SQ

Continue the Story

HAPPY 7TH ANNIVERSARY, HVR!

Happy Birthday to Heroes, Villains, and Renegades! This month comes packed with sales as well as a variety of updates to start with and still more to come, so stay tuned! Check out the Calendar of Events for what's happening:



As always, all stories shared on the Sentinel and published will also get additional prizes as per the usual Sentinel monthly rewards.

Meanwhile, a new seasonal ops has started: Birthday Operations.

It's the Birthday season, where Cake and Parties Reign, and the Morphon Particles flow like a raging chocolate river! Surely there is nothing to lookout for during this time of Merryment? Who would dare try and ruin Birthday Festivities?

Reviews, role play and commentaries on the events are greatly encouraged; these types of editorials are very useful for the game, and we've had many excellent ones in the past, but as the game evolves, we need more player guides like these especially on all the new features introduced. Players guides, reviews, players PoVs, and role-play tied in to game lore, etc, are most welcome. Feel free to share your thoughts and options by submitting them to the Sentinel Facebook page.

The usual editorial bonus for reviews, commentaries, game guides, gear talk, fan-fiction, and origin stories applies to all submissions that are published.

REWARDS:

PLATINUM: 7 Strange Fiction cards (only reserved for EXCEPTIONAL submissions)

GOLD: 5 Strange Fiction cards

SILVER: 3 to 4 Strange Fiction cards

BRONZE: 1 to 2 Strange Fiction cards

These rewards go out after the end of each month and are IN ADDITION to the usual Sentinel rewards from Daniel Andrade for published entries.

Here are the categories/prompts:

Category One:
REVIEWS/COMMENTARIES of ad hoc and regular events, including fan-fiction role play, etc.

Category Two:
GAME GUIDES, GEAR TALK, and other editorials about game mechanics.

Category OPEN:
What is your origin story? How did you end up in the Heroes Rising universe?
(And any other Fan-Fiction.)

REMINDER:

Post your submissions to the Sentinel page as usual for Categories One and Two. To enter the OPEN CATEGORY post your entries to the with the following in the title: MAY CONTEST" and the title of your entry. Please also add a link to your entry in the Sentinel page so that we can monitor all entries.

Yours Quackily,
SQ

Continue the Story

April Fiction Contest story, First place

By Captain Marvel... aka... Dennis West

The rain slammed against the grime streaked windows of my office, like a chorus of angry hornets. I was nursing a glass of cheap scotch and a headache that felt like a freight train had derailed in my skull.

Then he hopped in.

He was 3 feet of bad news, wrapped in mangy white fur. He didn't have a pink nose; he had a snout scarred by decades of fighting back in Super Hero City days. He had a twitch in his eye that said he would kill for less than a hand full of carrots. He wore a tuxedo that had seen better decades and smelled like gunpowder and stale jellybeans.

Cape he growled. His voice was a guttural rasp. "I'm the Easter Bunny. But you can call me da Boss!"

The Boss. I mumbled. "We have met before fur ball. Back in the SHC."

"YOU!" EB's face turned to the color of fresh hot lava and steam wooshed from his ears.

"Ahh come on EB, your not still holding a grudge are you?" I asked.

"Yes I am. But your lucky I need your services."

I didn't laugh. You don't laugh at a rabbit who’s carrying a customized Thompson submachine gun.

So tell me EB. Whats got your pantys in a bunch?

The easter eggs he spat, pacing my floor. All the Easter eggs were stolen from the vault. Without them, the holiday is ruined. No Easter egg hunt for all them kiddies. Im mad and when I’m mad, people start leaking red.

"Who stole them fur ball?" I asked.

"Violent Vixen," he hissed. "She’s holed up in a fortress of black glass and neon down on 3rd. She’s got the eggs, and she’s got the muscle. I need a heavy hitter. I need a guy who can fly through a brick wall and not ruin his hair."

I stood up, I wasn't DW today. I had a different job. I reached into the air and felt the lightning humming in my veins.

"SHAZAM!"

The thunder crackled through the office, shattering the scotch glass. When the smoke cleared. The suit was red, the cape was gold, and the power of the old gods was screaming for a target.

Lead the way Fur ball I said. "I've got a date with an evil dame."

The fortress was a spire of black marble and neon, in the center of the city. I didn't knock. I went through the front door at Mach two . Leaving a Captain-Marvel-shaped hole in the reinforced steel.

The lobby was crawling with henchmen. Hired muscle in black Kevlar. They opened up with automatic fire. The bullets hit my chest and flattened like discarded bubble gum. I didn't even break stride. I waded through them, throwing lefts and rights that sent them through the walls. It wasn't a fight; it was a demolition and I was the wreaking ball.

I reached the inner sanctum. The air was thick with the scent of patchouli oil and burnt ozone.

There she was. The Violet Vixen.

She was draped across a couch of red crushed velvet. Holding one of the stolen eggs. A pulsating, violet orb that hummed with forbidden energy. She was wearing a bodysuit of black latex that left nothing to the imagination and a mask that could not hide the predatory hunger in her eyes.

"Captain," she purred, her voice a sultry velvet trap.

"The eggs, Vixen!" I said, my voice booming with the authority of Solomon. I stepped toward her, the golden lightning flickering around my fists. "Now!! Before I have to get rough."

She stood up, tall and leathal, moving with the dangerous grace of a panther. She didn't look scared. She looked like she had found a new toy.

"You're so big," she whispered, stepping into my space. She was a head shorter than me. But she leaned in until I could feel the heat of her skin. She traced a finger over the gold lightning bolt on my chest. "Soooo powerful. All that divine strength... wasted on a rabbit’s errand."

"I don't play games, sister," I growled. As my hand caught her wrist. I didn't squeeze, but she felt the weight of the power I held.

Oh, I think you do, she breathed. Her eyes locking onto mine. She pressed the glowing egg against the small of my back, the magical energy surging through us both. It was a dizzying, heady rush. Why serve a rabbit when you could rule by my side? Stay with me, Captain. Let the world freeze. Let me be the fire you desire.

She was a siren. A beautiful, lethal distraction. Her body was a weapon, and she knew exactly how to aim it. She pressed closer, her lips inches from mine. Challenging the god inside the man.

"You are a hell of a woman, Vixen," I said, my grip tightening on her waist. Pulling her flush against the indestructible red silk of my suit. I let her feel the raw, dominant force of a man who could move planets. I was not just a hero; I was the law. "But you made one mistake."

"And what’s that?" she laughed.

"You thought I was the type to be led by an evil dame."

I reached back, plucked the egg from her hand, and held it high. With my other arm, I swept her off her feet. Pinning her against me.

"The Rabbit gets his eggs," I told her, my voice like rolling thunder. "And you? You get a cell with a view of the moon."

I burst through the skylight. The cold night air hitting us as we soared above the city. She didn't fight me. She just clung with a death grip around my neck. Watching the world shrink below us, her eyes wide with a mix of fear and a strange dark adoration.

I dropped the crate of eggs at the Easter Bunnys feet. He counted them with a twitching snout, a dark smile slowly curving across his furry face.

"Good work, Captain," he rasped. "The hunt is back on the menu."

I didn't answer. I looked at the Vixen,. Who was being hauled away by the authorities. Her violet eyes still fixed on me through the window of the police car.

The lightning faded as I whispered the word. I was just a man again, standing in the rain. Smelling the quickly fading scent of her perfume over the smell of the city's decay. It was a dirty job, and the stakes were higher than a 7 foot chocolate bunny, but that’s the way it goes in this town.

You save the day, you lose the girl, and you try to forget the way she felt in your arms. But the memory of the lightning stays with you long after the storm is gone. And so ends another day in the life of Captain Marvel.

Continue the Story

Fan-Fiction Contest: Furious Squirrel Part 5 (Conclusion)

"Hold him!" Dr. Eggzecutioner ordered and his minions stopped trying to harm Furious, merely restrained him.



"You won't get away with this!" Furious declared and then realized how cliche that was.

"Valiant effort, but you are no match for what I have accomplished here. I don't mean to take over the world or rob banks, just take this holiday as my own. People will celebrate me, give me gifts, make me their mascot."

EB said, "It's not about what people give me, it is about spread.... OW!" Dr. Eggzecutioner jabbed a metal prong into EB's leg.

"Shut up. You're defeated."

"I won't shut up."

Dr. Eggzecutioner said, "You never shut up. That incessant prattling, on and on about everything. Working with you was like working with a toddler on caffeine."

Furious had to agree that EB could be annoying talkative. However, he also realized Dr. Eggzecutioner wasn't looking closely. With a hard yank, he pulled his arm free and fired his raygun into the head of a marshmallow zombie and even broke the soldier behind him. Five soldiers piled on him.

"Now, now, hero. Don't be foolish. You are alone. You can't win." Dr. Eggzecutioner said.

Furious said, "I will never give up."

"Pointless. Oh, well. Drag him away." Dr. Eggzecutioner waved a hand dismissively. EB yelled, "Think good thoughts, Furious. Think good thoughts."

"I said shut up!"

Furious, who was now being dragged across the floor, wondered why EB would say that so emphatically. Then, he realized it wasn't just a positive affirmation, but a command. Finally, he thought about the basket still on his arm. Goodness made it work, and this was a special basket. Furious Squirrel thought about the times he saved people recently. The muggings he stopped, that cat he saved from the tree, the time he gave the orphans a ride in his dirigible around town. He thought about the happiness and joy he brought to people by thinking of them first. How he could make the world a better place by never giving up.

"What... what is this?" Dr. Eggzecutioner yelled.

Furious opened his eyes and saw the eggs in the wall all rattling and shaking. One broke loose and raced toward his basket. When it got inside, it vanished away like the others would. Then another and another.

"STOP THIS! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" Dr. Eggzecutioner screamed.

Furious concentrated on the good deeds he had done and how it made people's days better. Eggs flew across the room, some coming out of boxes where they were stored. As the wall of egg holding units was vacated, the minions all began to fall over. The marshmallow zombies melted and the egg soldiers broke. With the last egg, EB's container broke and he was now free.

In an instant, EB zipped around Dr. Eggzecutioner, tying him up with a magical cord he created, made of black licorice. "HA!"

The entrance to the cave grew loud as a dozen heroes, led by Director Nova, arrived.

"Furious Squirrel, what is going on?" Nova asked.

EB dragged Dr. Eggzecutioner over by the black licorice rope. "He just saved me and all future Easters."

Nova looked at the egg themed villain, "Oh, no. Is that who I think it is?"

EB smiled, "Yes, Dr. Eggzecutioner. Toldja he existed."

"Take him away." Nova commanded the heroes.

While the belligerent scientist was taken out, EB hopped around Furious Squirrel. "You did an amazing job. This calls for something special."

Nova said, "I suppose it does. A special commendation from BADGE and..."

"No, even more special." EB clapped his paws and all three vanished away.

They found themselves in the candy shop in the middle of Easter Town. EB was already on the counter getting the special hot chocolate machine running. "This'll take just a minute."

Nova growled, "I told you NEVER to zap me here without my permission."

"Oh, poo. This is a celebration. Relax." EB went to work on the chocolate.

Nova said, "Furious, that was good work. Sorry we didn't believe you sooner. EB has warned us about this villain for years, but he never made a move so we didn't think he actually existed. Your initiative was spot on."

"Honestly, an Easter villain with Marshmallow zombie minions and eggs turned into soldiers is not something most people will think is real. I'm just glad EB had a way for me to defeat him."

"We do owe both of you for this. Now, I suppose some hot chocolate would be nice."

EB delivered three tall mugs of the best hot chocolate they'd ever tasted. They drank to a job well done as the people of Neo Utopia and the rest of the world go on blissfully unaware that Easter was almost changed forever by a madman in an egg helmet.

Continue the Story