A barrier made up of metal poles with energy fields protected the dig site around Leprechauns former home. BADGE robots patrolled endlessly. The local police had also created their own barrier, but this one was further away and only made to denote to tourists and locals where not to go. Since the reappearance of the strange woman, half the county was now on high alert. Fortunately, the locals had the wisdom to pack up and take vacations during this time.
A great green streak of light flew in a great arc and crashed into a hill overlooking the dig site. All the robots went on alert and moved toward the crash. Sirens woke up and screamed for anyone else to either get ready or leave the area.
“Sensors indicate a lifeform present.” A robot announced.
The silhouette of a man with demonic wings walked as a shaft of early morning light broke through the heavy clouds. His heard bore sharp antlers and his fingers were those of claws. His eyes beamed a green light, piercing through the darkness that followed him.
“Cease movement! This area is secure. Do not approach.” A robot stepped up and called out the command.
The shadowed man lifted a clawed hand, and roots shot up from the ground and pulled the robots down. The robots broke through the roots only to find more wrapping around them. Tighter they were bound until the roots broke the robots apart like toys under the tender care of a wild child.
Flying, the light of the barrier illuminated the man. It was Drachenflügel, only his body had changed into this monster. He tore his arm through the air and vines spun up around the metal poles, pulling them over. Drachenflügel quickly dismantled the barrier. He flew in and then hovered directly over the hole in the ground where Leprechauns home had been. The crystals within flashed and beamed brightly. He lifted his claws up and smiled as the energy crackled out of the ground and into his body.
Around him appeared dozens of the same two figures that had been attacking heroes. Duplicates of both appeared like ghosts, quietly watching. From them, energy flowed, all focused on his body.
Heroes around the world waited with bated breath for what was to happen next. The battles against these strange creatures had come to an abrupt stop. Many heroes sustained injuries or had their energy stolen. Then, all comms when active with a word from Nova.
“Heroes, we have an emergency in Carlingford, Ireland. This is a global alert. Able heroes, move toward Carlingford and be ready for a fight. I have put all national military units on alert across the planet.”
“This can’t be good.” Chase looked over his shoulder at the small screen in his hands.
They flew on a BADGE shuttle toward the planet with EB, Gar, and Strange Quark.
Nova said, “Nothing that this thing does can be good. I just hope we get there before he finishes whatever he has started.”
“Why are you coming with us?” Quark asked. “Normally, you direct from the station. You are the Director.” His attempt at a little humor fell flatter than normal.
Nova said, “The Oracle of Tech made it clear, we are in danger if the current situation continues. I can’t just sit by and watch.”
Gar asked, “Why aren’t we just zapping ourselves there? Quark can do it, so can EB.”
Quark said, “This Malevolence has certain control over powers. I don’t even know how it works, which sorta bothers me like heck.”
“Yeah, it messed me up bad.” EB said, then punched his little paw into his other like a fist. “I’m gonna get some revenge.”
Nova was about to say something about EB’s threat when Chase took the tablet from him, “Wait, I know that guy.”
“Who?”
She pointed to the image of the man over Leprechauns home. “That’s Drachenflügel. Back when I worked as a thief, he and I pulled a few heists in Monaco.”
“You did what in Monaco?” Quark asked.
She flashed a devilish smile, “We fleeced the fabulously rich. He was a male stripper and I the sexy vixen. He got the old ladies, and I took the slimy old men. They got some eye candy and then found all their valuables missing the next morning.”
Nova said, “I hate to interrupt this journey into your lurid past, but we have a mission to focus on.” Taking the tablet back, he said, “I believe we can confirm that this is our target, the Dark Oracle of Supernatural.”
“He must have absorbed the essence of the real Avatar. Even found a guy with wings like the avatars.” Quark said.
Chase asked, “What should we do?”
Nova spent a moment watching the view as he saw those green eyes look up, as though it was seeing them. “We have one goal.... kill him.”
The BADGE shuttle swooped out of the sky, and five figures came flying out of the side. Gar carried Nova on his back. Nova held his divine blade ready to strike. Strange Quark flew with EB and Chase floating beside him, being carried by his blue energy.
“Hold back, let me strike first!” Nova called out.
“Why?” EB asked.
“Just do what I say!” Nova yelled and then jumped from Gar’s back.
Nova’s body turned into a bright light with his sword growing slightly and cutting through all shadows. He darted straight down with a massive swing over the head of their enemy.
A great, powerful crash followed as he plunged his sword into the ground. The enemy, hit by the power of the strike, careened hard backward and slammed through the sod and rock of a nearby hill.
Gar landed near him, Nova now standing with his blade ready for the next strike. A great gash of soil stretched before him, leading all the way to where he had sent their enemy. Far behind them, and nearly surrounded by the strange creatures, the others landed.
“Is it dead?” Gar asked.
“It’s never that easy.” Nova said just as the ground sprouted vines under his feet. He quickly dodged them and sliced through with his blade. Gar, on the other hand, was trapped.
Drachenflügel rose from the ground where he had been thrown and casually flew toward them. He spoke with a voice that sounded as if two or more were there. “Ah, the Nova. We knew we would face you. The inexplicable one.”
“The undefeated one,” Nova said.
“You will bow, like all of creation. Our time has come.”
Nova snorted, “I’ve heard that before from far more menacing enemies than you.”
A hint of anger crossed its face. “There are none like us. We are the darkness, we are the Malevolence.”
“You’re nothing but another petty tyrannical force trying to conquer. And, just like all the others, you will fail.” Nova smiled as he heard the distinct sound of the heroes coming. “This world is defended.”
An unsettling, wicked gleam crossed the man’s eyes. “Good.” He flicked his hands out, and his still minions suddenly launched themselves at Nova and his team.
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