Heroes Rising Fiction: Seething Shadows Part 6

 

“The scene here is absolutely indescribable. Two monsters the size of fifty story buildings are fighting each other in the streets of New Amsterdam.” A News Reporter bellowed from inside the belly of a helicopter while it deftly zoomed around the scene of action. “Amazingly, the monster known to the world as Midgardsomr has managed to keep the fight from doing considerable property damage. One might think that he is actually trying to protect the city, which is amazing considering his known history. But...oooh, and that was a low blow by the shadow monster...and Midgardsomr swings...and he nails the shadow monster in the head. It’s going down, but...no, it just turned to a puff of smoke and reformed standing again.”

Nova cut his hand across his neck and that signaled for the news to be muted. “Did they hire a sportscaster for this?” He muttered.

Arx stood there in awe of the battle. “Well, it worked.”

A small screen opened with The Wizard and Macaia’s Daughter. “Sir, we are on our way.”

“Do not join this battle. That Krampus is still too strong, it’s going toe to toe with an enhanced Midgard.”

The Wizard chuckled, “Don’t tell me the big snake took Viagra.”

Macaia’s Daughter laughed, “Don’t ever say that in front of him, or your pet dragon will be his next meal.”

“What are you doing?” Nova interrupted their joking.

“We are going to help protect the city and keep an eye on this.”

“Good. Just don’t get yourselves killed.” Nova commanded.

Macaia’s Daughter landed on a rooftop two blocks from the monster battle. Both Krampus and Midgard were head and shoulders above their surrounding buildings, throwing punches and breathing flames.

“Midard is really pulling out all the stops. I’ve never seen him show any respect for property when he is in the middle of a good fight.” The Wizard said.

“He’s doing okay. But, it won’t last long. Look, they’re heading for the Brownstone district near the bridge.” Macaia’s Daughter pointed out. “Ah, rats. There’s a wreck and three buses are stopped.

The Wizard jumped up, “I got em, just make sure those apartments aren’t leveled.”

The two heroes parted at top speed.

Macaia’s Daughter zoomed so close to the battle that she had to duck a backswing and then dodged a flailing tail. Midgard had Krampus by his shadowy neck and was just about to plow him into an old brownstone apartment building.

“Not today!” Macaia’s Daughter hit the building with his hands and a shimmering shield of psycho-kinetic energy spread out. Krampus bounced off the barrier, leaving the building intact.

Krampus dislodged the hands around his neck and then kicked Midgard in the gut, throwing him toward a large public parking garage filled with cars.

“WOAH!” Macaia’s Daughter focused all her powers and caught Midgard mid-fall and forced him back up. Midgard used the newfound rebound and slammed Krampus in the face.

Krampus twisted around and just about plowed into three buildings. Macaia’s Daughter thrust both hands up and a wave of energy hit Krampus and threw him over, landing him in the street, which only crushed half a dozen cars.

Spending a moment catching her breath, Macaia’s Daughter said, “This is insane. It’s like refereeing a Godzilla boxing match.”

Just then she saw Midgard go to pummel Krampus with a double fist pound while the shadow enemy was down. Macaia’s Daughter dropped and put her hands on the pavement, sending out her strongest psycho-kinetic barrier. The slam hit, Krampus wheezed under the pressure and Macaia’s Daughter nearly blacked out, keeping the road system from being wrecked beyond repair.

Macaia’s Daughter groaned as she looked at her aching hands. “This is crazy.”

Krampus exploded into a cloud of dark mist and reformed, standing upright. He swung to punch Midgard. Macaia’s Daughter prepared herself for the next object she would protect. However, Midgard strategically dodged the first swing, then the second, and then caught the arm of the third. He twisted his body around. Macaia’s Daughter created a barrier to protect the building across the street. Midgard’s considerable tail crashed into her barrier and didn’t smash the buildings. While she did this, Midgard swung Krampus around like a giant shot-put and released him with an enormous roar. Krampus sailed over New Amsterdam Bay and just before he crashed into the water, a blast of energy from Midgard’s mouth obliterated the villain in a violent explosion of the black smoke. This time, it didn’t congeal, but fell apart, evaporating on the wind as a slight echo of a scream rolled across the city.

Macaia’s Daughter sat there, stunned. “He...he did it.”

The Dark Lady sat on her throne as her minions danced in glee in their finest fashion. She was celebrating her conquest of this land with an elegant party and all the champagne they could find. This party was no mere rave or simple booze bash. It was a high fashion event where everyone dressed in their finest apparel and each had the essence of importance written on their face. Though each looked upon the Dark Lady as a goddess worthy of adoration.

“My lady, the military is coming to attack.” Her most loyal from the former World Corps Goons knelt down to one knee next to her.

She brushed her hand over his face. “Now that won’t do. It would spoil all this fun. I shall deal with it.”

“Do you want protection?” He asked.

She laughed, “not for this. These are just normal people, the mundane. I can deal with them. Go on, enjoy yourselves. Remember, this party is celebrating moi.” Standing, she patted his cheek and then strut out of the throne room while the party continued.

Stepping out of the capitol building of this little country, she found the street lined with men dressed in green and yellow uniforms, each carrying a firearm. Two men, decorated with many medals, walked up the steps to her.

“We demand you surrender, woman.” The one with the most decoration ordered.

She smiled, “Woman...how crass...how mundane. Now, I’m having the most luxurious party inside, but I’m afraid there’s a dress code. That drab, horribly clashing outfit ensemble everyone is wearing simply won’t do.”

This drew confusion from everyone. The commander again ordered her to leave and submit to their justice.

She laughed in his face and lowered her dark glasses to gaze at them. “I have no intention of stepping down. In fact, this little country is a mere stepping stone. Soon, it will be the sight of a terrible battle. But, for now, I need obedience. I must have your complete capitulation. Worship me.”

As she said these words, the commanders lost their zeal, and the soldiers lowered their weapons. Some tried to approach and even fought one another for the luxury of getting to her. The others simply went into a trance-like state.

“Ah, good. So many new worshipers. How lovely. If you adore me, kill those who aren’t moving.”

The commander who had been talking to her slowly pulled out his pistol and shot his companion, who was in a trance. Behind them, half of the soldiers were gunning down the other half.

She strode back toward her glamorous party, only to stop and look up in shock. “So...my pet has been defeated. What a...” a vicious smile crept over her face, “wonderful turn of events. This is going to be so much fun. Come on, gentlemen, the party awaits.”