Nova walked into the command level conference room. Arx, Strange Quark, and Gar were already present. From another door walked in Agent Justin with EB.
“The plan is perfect.” EB said right away.
Nova nodded. “We hashed out some good ideas down in the mess hall. Now, I have formed a complete plan from them. Right now...”
Just then, another person walked into the room. The hooded dark figure of NightShadow.
“Ah, NightShadow, good.” Nova walked him with a firm handshake.
NightShadow looked around the gathering. “Glad to be here. I hope you aren’t expecting me to have information about the Shadow Krampus. I already spoke with Investigator Barnaby about it. I don’t know much. The shadow energy it was made from was similar to the Darkness, but not quite the same. I...”
“Thank you, but that’s not why I called you.” Nova directed him to a seat. “I have a special request for you.”
“What?”
“I’ll get to that in a moment. Just listen to the situation, which will explain most of what you’ll need to understand before I ask what I need to ask.” Nova stood at the front of the room and turned on the monitor. An active video feed from the capital of Ka’an Dorado displayed the monstrous figure of Shadow Krampus looming over the city. “This is the current situation down on the planet. A Shadow Krampus bigger and more powerful than any others has appeared and is waiting.”
“Waiting?” Gar asked.
“Yes. You all know that Lady Echidna summoned this thing, but she has not set it on the war path yet. It’s merely her guard and insurance that I obey her.”
NightShadow asked, “Who is Lady Echidna?”
EB said, “Nova’s wife....or Ex-Wife, I’m not sure.”
“WIFE!” NightShadow blurted out.
Nova said, “For another time. Right now, the most dangerous person I can imagine is waiting for me to come and talk with her. She knows that there are thousands of heroes who will come to my call, so she has set this guardian to ensure that only those she desires stand before her. And if I should try to overpower her, I would be alone. But, I have another idea. I’m going to meet with her and I know what she wants. But, I’m not going alone. Strange Quark and EB will go with me, as they are strong enough to stand against her. She won’t perceive two others with me as a risk. She has a whole hoard of minions at her command. However, at the same time, Gar, Arx, Justin, you will summon the heroes of Earth and tell them to take down Shadow Krampus. He isn’t moving, but they can provoke him.”
Justin spoke up, “Sir, I know we talked about this part of the plan in the mess, and I still don’t agree. They constantly blame BADGE for collateral property damage, not to mention risk to lives. Why provoke an attack when there is no attack happening on the enemy’s part?”
“Because the true enemy is not the forty story Krampus in Ka’an Dorado. The enemy is Lady Echidna. She is ten times more dangerous than that shadow monster. I’ll distract her while the heroes battle that thing and bring it down. Once she’s deprived of her guardian, the heroes can come to my side and we will force her back out of this reality. That’s where you come in.” He looked at NightShadow.
“Me?”
“Yes. More than five hundred years ago, I, with the help of some friends, removed her from power by forcing her into the void. That tear in space created by the Darkness last year allowed her to return. I mean to fix that problem.”
Strange Quark said, “I like the idea, I really do. But she is horribly powerful.”
“Yes, she is. There are a few who can resist her power, and I’m one of them. Besides, I know she’s weaker now since she has only just returned. Her power is growing and we need to do this before she becomes a serious problem.”
NightShadow asked, “What do you need me to do?”
“I need you to watch over the tear in space from here. Also, use your special connection to the void to keep this station and BADGE from her watchful eye. She has already proven capable of spying at her leisure. That ends now.”
“I can do that.” NightShadow said.
Nova stood up and fixed his gloves. “Justin, take Gar and Arx and rally the troops. Do not engage until after I have landed and am talking to her. I don’t want her to know what we are up to. Strange Quark, EB, you’re with me.”
Quark stood up and said, “Say the word and we’ll be on her front doorstep.” He had his hand up, ready to snap his fingers.
“No. No teleportation. She’ll sense that right away. Besides, we need to give Justin time to get this message out.”
EB jumped up and ran across the table. “Nova, buddy, don’t go. I can take her. I won’t be bamboozled again...I promise. Quark can even take your form and fool her long enough for me to feed her an egg filled with...”
“You know how clever she is. You know she’ll see through any ruse that isn’t me.” Nova said.
EB pouted. “I just don’t want you to go. She is soooo mean.”
“I know exactly how cruel she can be. But I can deal with her. You and Quark get the shuttle ready. I’m going to take care of something.”
“Nova?” Santa looked up from where he had fallen asleep watching his daughter.
Nova walked over to Chase’s bedside and looked down at her. “I’m going to save her life, my old friend. I promised I would take care of her when you first sent her to me, and I mean to see that to the bitter end.”
“You’re going to confront that demon?” Santa asked.
Nova nodded, “Yes. I have to.”
“Are you sure she’ll give Chase back?”
Nova shook his head. “I don’t know. But, I have to try.”
Santa stood up and walked over to Nova. “Why? Every time this witch gains power, you take it personally. It’s like you’re repaying a debt, but I don’t see the debtor?”
“The debt I owe is far older than you, Santa. You do not know what I did. If it weren’t for me, this witch would never have gained the power she has. Every time she rises to power and begins killing people, their blood is on my hands. I will not allow Chase’s blood to stain my hands while I live. I would rather die.”
“I’m coming with you.”
Nova smiled at Santa, “I would welcome your support, but I need you to stay out of this.”
“What?”
“I need to know that you are safe here, watching her and BADGE. I know you never wanted to play hero, but I need you to be strong in case...in case I don’t make it. Besides, I’m taking EB with me.”
“But, EB is not a military leader. I was the Grand Admiral of the Vexillian armies.”
Nova laughed, “True. But EB helped me vanquish this witch once before.”
“He did? I didn’t know that.”
“It’s a long story and I don’t have time to tell it. I just needed you to know I’m going and if I succeed, Chase will wake.”
“I will do as you ask. But I still think I should go instead of EB.”
Nova looked back, “Could you grab me a cup of coffee from the waiting room? I could use a hot drink before heading out.”
“Sure.” Santa left the room.
Nova put his hand on Chase’s head, “This is for if I don’t return, but you do.” He closed his eyes and waited a moment.
“What are you doing?” Santa was now standing next to Nova.
Nova gently removed his hand. “Just wishing her well. Thanks.” He took the coffee and walked out of the infirmary.
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