Dropzone

The helicopter lowered slowly to the walled-in stretch of Highway. General Gordon sat back in it, eyes closed as his head pounded with the spinning of the blades. He could feel the scars on his scalp itch with each thrum, a reminder of a brain tumour at the age of thirty five. But he remained the best at jobs like this, called out of his five years of retirement; the strange and paranormal was something he wanted to be elbow deep in, ever since he was a young boy and watched the old news reels. When the door slid back he finally looked around with a grim but determined grimace. Around the whole encampment were fifty foot jigsaw walls, steel grey and stamped with a multitude of logos and locked with magnets. Along their bases were a number of emergency tents. Many of them belonged to the bustling soldiers, while others were now just vehicle holding pens; from what he knew Tanks and Jeeps were useless for this mission, so everything sat close to the gate leading in the opposite direction of SeaCove. The tents that General Gordon made his way for belonged to the offices and hummed with the most activity.

A soldier rushed up to him, holding a file. Gordon didn't take it as he listened to the man talk. Apparently, two Officers had been out of the City and on the Highway responding to a call around Midnight. When they were attempting get back in, their engine and battery died, as well as the Radio and their cellphones. However, when they walked back towards the Gas station the phones mysteriously revived. The single attempt they made at calling back to office seemed to fry the batteries in the phone. When they tried to call through the phone lines in the Station, the phone lines were dead. It got more and more puzzling until the Coastguard and Military got contacted to investigate; it was then that discovered any attempt to physically look at heat signatures or even take pictures in the general direction caused minor malfunctions. From there, minor military expeditions that did not return worried a number of the higher ups, so a blockade was formed.

It was decided around the Third Day, when the people in the smaller towns leading up to SeaCove began to notice the numerous military personnel moving through. Minor news reports were put out about a chemical spill in the City. When the situation became more and more evident, however, things couldn't be handled like that any more. The Department of Defence pushed it up to the top of their list and the President was informed. And then the Presidential department thought it was a good idea to make a call to those who had protected the public to the best of their ability. Superheroes.

The General never had a probably with the Caped Crew. In fact, some of his personal friends had retired out of that business after 'Nam. The old General sighed, running his hand up under his cap and over the thinning white fringe. “Have any of the Costumes turned up yet?” The soldier nodded his head, pointing out that when they arrived they had been taken through a check point and into the meeting area, where a podium had been set up for him. As per agreement, none of them had done anything. Villains had been slightly segregated from the Heroes by a line of soldiers holding high powered rifles. There was no overly threatening state of affairs, but there was a clear definition; no fighting.

General Gordon was shown to the back of the stage, given a small clicker for the projector that sat at the rear. Now briefed of the situation and holding a small pad computer in his hand in case he slipped up, the man climbed the stairs in front of him and walked out onto the stage, looking over the crowd of unfamiliar (and sometimes unrecognisable) faces. He coughed briefly and began...

Tinted windows darkened the back seat of the stretched out limozine where three figures whose sat in waiting as they drew closer to their destination. From inside the center console a tray opened revealing three belt buckle sized devices each glowing a different color. Red, Blue, and Purple glew dimly as the three figures reached out to take these buckles and place them upon their belts. "Your equip devices have been loaded to their maximum capacity." Connor stated, looking at his watch which back lit up blue as it presented him with the time. He was wearing a grey business suit and looked fairly formal for the occation.

"Alright, so what's the plan Connor?" Noah adjusted his tie, the suit was something new to him and never enjoyed wearing one. Connor expected them to be just as much a part of CRDI as they were with fighting crime but Noah never understood why he wanted them to mix business with Business. Connor nodded, smiling as he looked over to Nicole. "Why ask me, Nicole is the one with the plan."

Noah raised nearly choked on himself, ubruptly sitting forward and look at Nicole who had a grin on her face. "You kidding? Your putting the witch in charge of my life? Need i remind you of the time she used me as bai..." Connor cut Noah off with a sharp tone, "Nicole is ex-special forces and was a member of a top secret program known as 'Ghost'. She has more experience then the both of us put together when it comes to military operations like these."

"And don't worry, i'll only use you as bait if i feel it is the best course of action." Nicole added with a smile, patting Noah on the shoulder who shrugged it off. "I'm a dead man..." Noah snickered, turning back to looking out the window as they approached their destination. Connor looked over Nicole, who wore torn up jeans and a brown tank top. "I thought I said to bring something formal."

"Why? So they don't have to change us for our funeral?" Nicole shot back, she had been on the team the shortest amount of time and it was taking extra time for the three to warm up to each other. "No, it's like i said before..." The limozine stopped infront of the entrance and the driver opened the back window. "This is as far as I go sir. I wish you three the best of luck." Connor nodded to the driver who shut the window, "...the three of us will one day represent CRDI and today, on the day the world needs heros the most, we will reveal who we are and fight this battle along side other heroes."

Connors' door was opened by his driver and he got out, over his ear piece he heard AIVAS' voice speak. "The satelite can't get anything about what is inside the city and I can not access any terminals inside. When you go in there, I will not be with you." Connor nodded his head in confirmation as he looked at everyone being shuffled in through a metal detector. "We'll just have to gather our own intelligence the old fashioned way."

"Like i'll miss AIVAS' boring situational inputs anyway." Noah added jokingly, mocking AIVAS' monotone voice for which was programed into him by Connor. Nicole simply shook her head as she and Noah walked up behind Connor, the limozine driving away as they each passed through the check point. "So what's the point of the metal detectors if they aren't taking anything from us?"

"Maybe their not metal detectors..." Nicole muttered as she walked through and got her picture taken soon afterwards. "Doesn't matter but one thing is for sure, be on your guard...there arn't just heroes here." Connor spotted Elena, a witch who had recently tried to rob a bank in his home town. All three of them went through the check point and into a meeting area where they waited for a man to speak.

In the back seat of a black limo, Bushido rechecked the message he downloaded to his comm device. He couldn't believe that his oyobun wanted him to postpone New York's takover in favor of SeaCove City. Apparently he wanted Bushido to leak information to the yakuza about whatever technology was causing the problems. There would big money for whoever could duplicate it and sell it on the black market. Bushido's oyobun specifically needed Bushido because Bushido was smart and he was a superhuman. He wasn't told anything about what was going on, instead he received a vague email and a new limo driver that appeared outside his apartment building. There was then a long drive to SeaCove City.

Bushido looked outside his window. The wealth of nature that he had been traveling through for a while gave way to a makeshift military base. The limo stopped outside the gates. "This is as far as i can take you." the limo driver told him. "You'll have to get to the meeting on foot." Bushido thanked the driver and exited the limo. It drove off silently, leaving Bushido alone at the gates of a military base. Bushido hoped his oyobun knew what he was doing, because even he would have trouble fighting off the military if things went bad. Bushido knew that he wasn't going to be the only Superhuman here, and not even the only villain.

Bushido walked through a metal detector, his swords were easily visible on his waist, but the officials at the gate let him move on with nothing more than dirty look. Bushido gave them a smile, then moved on to get his picture taken. As he entered the base, his necklace started to burn against his chest. He stopped, his hand reaching up to grasp it. Kiyoko... Bushido thought to himself. His eyes darting around, looking for his long lost sister. He could feel her... But it must have just been his imagination. Bushido gritted his teeth continued walking, shoving passed the people he encountered more aggressively than usual.

Bushido entered the meeting area and was herded into the "villains" section. He saw around him some new faces, but he also recognized fellow yakuza member, Sean. He gave Sean a sly smile and a wink, returning his attention to the speaker. His necklace was still burning but he ignored it, refusing to let himself get worked up over nothing.

The past six months had been like a dream for the Samaritan. The penthouse was starting to feel like a real home, and the HQ was filled with every amenity one could think of. Not to even mention that he'd become as popular as the next David Hasslehoff in German culture. People stopped him on the streets of Berlin all the time and asked for autographs, pictures, and even a few marriage proposals. In fact their was very little actual crime fighting at all, the few instances he did actually get to apprehend criminals, it seemed too easy, almost set up, in order for the press to glorify him further.

It wasn't like he was getting sloppy, high-tech holographic training rooms taught him new battle tactics, like using found objects as weapons, Volkswagen's make good boxing gloves when ripped in half, and a chunk of a building makes a nice wrecking ball. The technicians showed him performance read-outs and helped him understand and utilize his already amazing abilities to their fullest potential. The Super-gym alone had him in the best shape of his life.

The political agenda was explained to him and he filed several contracts with the M.O.M organization. He was granted World Citizenship (this is a real thing, check it out it's really cool.) and made a diplomat of Germany. He made three speeches and several press conferences, the whole while hitting the power points of the
The 'Mütterchen' Party propaganda.

A delightful side effect of working so closely with the organization was that the Samaritan got to spend time with Baroness Gretchen Kirschensorte. She was quite fetching and he'd grown quite fond of the powerful woman and he only hoped she felt the same way about him. Once during an intimate dinner between the two he'd even chanced a peck upon her cheek.

But the great feelings of happiness came crashing to a halt when he heard the News from America. Sea Cove City had been invaded by aliens and the Country was calling for all Super-people to pitch in and lend a hand. The board wasn't very happy when he told them he felt obliged to return home and help out. But after the Samaritan's heart felt plea, they finally agreed. He would do so with diplomat status, as long as he kept the Party's agenda in the forefront of his mind. He agreed and set off for Sea Cove City immediately; but not before giving his heart's desire, the Baroness, an impassioned kiss right in front of the stodgy board of lawyers.


The Samaritan lands back on American soil for the first time since gaining German Citizenship, it feels good to be back home, he just wished it was under better circumstances. He stalks toward one of the military personal that appear to be in charge. He was ushered into the Hero's waiting area and eyed the Tanks sitting in their own section, 'those might come in handy' he though to himself.

"My name is the Samaritan....I am here to help!"

The envelope sat politely on the kitchen counter, prominent yet unobtrusive in its pale stationary and neat, feminine writing that simply said ''To: P, From: V'' on the front in gentle, curling letters. Inside was a small note, as well as a small electronic device, complete with earpiece, mic, and cord.

Pain,
Went to Sea Cove, will assess the situation and report back using the headset enclosed. I should reach the destination by tomorrow morning at 09:00. Expect periodic updates until your arrival.
-V.

- - -

''Are we almost there?'' she asked sheepishly, looking out the tinted windows and into the scenery that rushed past as the car sped towards its goal. ''We should be there in fifteen minutes.'' said the driver curtly, never once taking his attention off the road. The man in the passengers seat turned around and stared at her through his dark glasses before addressing her. ''I must ask you one question before we arrive.'' he said, his voice toneless and strict. Nina couldn't help but pay attention. ''Will you be able to control yourself in the presence of criminals?'' She nodded, her face a mask of a fearful respect and nervousness. ''Of course.'' she peeped, hands folded tightly in her lap. The man nodded, turning back to watch the road that splayed before them in a single, black ribbon.

Her hands busied themselves by popping a small device in her ear, letting its cord hang down over her chest to the dial it was connected to. She set the frequency, then pressed a button on the earpiece, letting the mic rest in its location on the cord. ''This is Valkyrie to Pain. Repeat, Valkyrie to Pain. En-route to Sea Cove. Current time, oh-nine hundred. E.T.A. is fifteen minutes. Valkyrie out.''

- - -

Nina made her way through the series of metal detectors, giving a friendly smile to each of the guards and military personnel that watched her stride into the checkpoint. Her usual cockiness was now being fed by an inalienable pride from her work with Pain, and as she strode further, happily waiting as they went over her arms and legs with various tools and machines used to ensure that she wasn't sneaking anything in. One guard inquired about the earpiece, but after learning about its nature, waved for her to move forward, which she reciprocated with a nod and a skip in her step. For the identification picture, she glowed with childlike joy in the way she grinned and held her head. Her hair was clean and well kept, face washed and eager, even her clothes smelled laundered and floral. The excitement she felt was untouched as government officials made note of her appearance, behavior, and the simple ways she moved. She was being watched, recorded, but that barely registered as she joined her fellow heroes in a large waiting area.

There were countless unknown faces, all swimming in an ocean of costumes, armor, and sometimes very little clothing whatsoever. She couldn't help but wince when she saw what looked like a samurai walking around without any sort of shirt. ''Wow...'' she breathed, edging closer to the throng of supers very meekly, head down and posture small. Some men out of the line of soldiers that divided the large group eyed her, watching cautiously as she looked over their shoulders and into the group beyond. It was a fairly sinister looking bunch, one she could only assume to be the villainous half of this gathering. In spite of the close proximity, there appeared to be no mingling between the good and the bad, probably due to the no-nonsense approach taken by the gunmen. She turned away, preferring to look up at the podium that lay out a decent distance from her.

''This is Valkyrie to Pain. Repeat, Valkyrie to Pain. Made it through the Sea Cove checkpoint, everything looks a-ok here sir. Villains and heroes present, but no mixing. Plenty of army dogs. No perceived threats of any kind. Come on in when you're ready. Valkyrie out. ''

Alice fidgeted nervously as the police car sped down the road. She was heading for Seacove City. The reason, she wasn't too sure yet. Well, she knew there was supposed to be an Alien Invasion, she had seen the speech. But why SHE was going there, that was the mystery. "That's what I get for letting someone else talk for me." she thought, remembering how she had remained silent just about the whole time Sean and her had been in police custody. After all, what was she going to say that Sean couldn't? Actually... probably quite a bit, but she was so nervous she simply didn't trust herself to open her mouth.

So all she knew was that: A. The government... or at least the New York police department now knows that she has powers. B. They were heading to Seacove to help with the situation there. C... Her parents know she's a meta... and... well... She wasn't too sure how they felt about. Her dad had sounded angry. Her mom sounded like she was both angry and worried. Alice mentally thanked the higher power that this was simply over the phone. Well, at least they knew she was safe with Sean now. She hadn't had much time to talk when she had called them previously.

Alice sighed, shifting in her seat. "Well, now that all the facts have been set... " She then noticed Sean looking over at her with a friendly smile. He was a bit of an enigma, that's for sure... He was also the first friend she's had in LA... Well, at least the first friend that knew her powers. It's not like she didn't make new friends, they were just... distanced somehow. If she thought about it, she really didn't know that much about him, yet she trusted him anyways. But hey, last time she checked, he didn't know too much about her either. Alice smiled back, relaxing slightly. At least he seemed to be in a semi good mood. He could be so moody sometimes... aka most of the time.

As she reflected, she unconsciously stroked the black rat in her lap. It shifted slightly before going back to sleep. She and Nofuretsu had come to an understanding to sorts. She called to him if she needed extra power, and he got a portion of her energy. She didn't like this too much, knowing his ambitions. She knew that her energy would help him in becoming human again. But she was weak, she could barely control her powers at times... She unfortunately needed him. Alice sighed once again, before perking up at the sight of a building in the distance. They were almost there! She quickly put on her new mask. No more bandannas!! This one only needed to be slipped on and reminded her greatly of the stuff ninjas covered the lower part of their faces with. The police knew her face, it didn't mean everyone has to. Besides, she heard there were villains... like crazy mirror girl and the weird man. Alice shuddered. Yeah, she didn't want to be recognized.

They were soon herded out of the car and into the building. Alice just managed to grab her knapsack filled with an extra change of clothes just in case, along with some other items. As they went in, Alice noticed Sean winking at one of the cops that drove them here... the cop that was complaining about babysitting them. That wasn't the point though. The point was that it seemed like he was... flirting? Alice stared for a moment before shaking her head, "Maybe he's gay." she thought, before being directed through a metal detector. For a moment, worry filled her as she remembered the suitcase in the back. She hoped they wouldn't be forgotten, not that anything too important was in them. She had left valuables back in the apartment. She raised her eyebrows when realized they weren't taking anything away... Alice shrugged, though questions filled her mind.

Nofuretsu was awake by now, observing everything. A few strange glances were sent their way, mostly because they were teens, the rat helped too. Alice shrank slightly, she and Sean were obviously not being taken very seriously. Alice smiled nervously and fidgeted with the cuff on her arm. She knew the smile was unnecessary since she wore a mask, but it was a habit. They snapped a quick picture of Nofuretsu as well to her surprise. Human and rat looked at each other afterwards for a second before both seemed to concede they had no idea what was going on. Alice speed walked until she caught up with Sean again.

"This... this is scary." Alice thought as she entered the throng of costumes, following Sean to the front. She attempted to avoid contact, flinching when someone brushed against her. She was nervous to say the least. The room was split in two by a row of gunman, probably to keep heroes and villains from fighting. The sheer variety of people was amazing on both sides though. Alice's head spun as she tried to isolate names and faces. A few seemed quite familiar but she soon gave up, instead focusing her attention on the stage. She'd study more later. Nofuretsu on the other hand continued to look over the crowd, memorizing faces and costumes. Several caught his eye including a red head, a half naked samurai, and a girl that seemed almost as nervous as Alice. This would certainly be interesting... Alice sighed, "I hope this starts soon..."

Dante rode through the roads to Sea Cove city on an elaborate limo, which was both flashy and unnecessary in Dante’s point of view. However, his subordinates wouldn’t hear anything of it. His newest body was both young and small, and required the best sort of protection possible, as well as something to show his status. In this latest venture Dante was to go to Sea Cove to study the anomaly that was occurring, further study on Dante’s behalf revealed the city was being surrounded with some sort of mix of Magic and Technology, the magic was powerful enough to deactivate technology and negate magic short of divine. Normally, such a calling wouldn’t even attract Dante’s attention, but in this case, the potential of finding a magic of powerful origins was more than enough to change his mind.

“What is the verdict Lady Anna?” An attendant asked Dante, who was addressing him by his alias, which is that of one named Anna Blade, an expert on arcane devices. “Is this place worth your time?”

“Indeed it is” Dante replied swiftly, activating a holographic display in the center of the limo, displaying the entirety of Sea Cove city. “This sort of magic must be at the hands of some form of magical artifact, or a very powerful mage. The barrier around the area indicates that no communication will go in or out, meaning that once I am inside, I will be in complete radio silence. In addition, it is possible that none of my magic or devices will even work, but that is up to the test when the time comes. I wish for you to remain on standby, should I manage to get out, or I require you to pick up my body”

“Yes ma’am” The attendant bowed “I am sure that you will survive this endeavor, and come out with what you need”

Dante smiled at the attendant, though he was old by mortal standards, he was nothing more than a child to Dante, which was ironic, since Dante’s body was that of a child. Dante looked at his own reflection momentarily, studying what he now looked like. This was his 575th body, and the fact that the body was female didn’t really do much to surprise him, for this situation occurred more than once. He returned his attention to address his subordinate, who wholeheartedly believed that Dante would succeed, just like he was trained to do.

“On the contrary my friend, I am only human, I am just afflicted with a curse that keeps me from dying, other than that, I am no more special than you are” Dante said with a genuine caring smile “Whether I come back or not is dependant on fate, nothing more, nothing less”

Dante felt the limo come to a stop, the door opened by the driver. Dante walked out of the limo, not paying attention to those who were staring or acting in awe of the display of monetary status. With a quick scan, Dante made notes of all those present, it was most plausible that many of them would not be returning home. Dante made a mental note that it wasn’t his problem that these mortals were risking death, for whatever reason they have for being there.

Dante walked over to a terminal, where he was escorted by a military officer to the heroes section, due to absolutely no one knowing his true identity. He managed to find a chair and sat on it, it was not in his nature to talk unless spoken to, as such he sat separated from the heroes, pulling out a cigarette to be smoked idly. To those who were watching would see a young girl in her early teens smoking, something that wouldn’t be morally acceptable, but in this setting, Dante could care less. Dante sat, the cigarette sitting idly on his lips as he waited for further instructions. Dante wished to get into the city as soon as possible, and if possible, not have to interact with any of the “superheroes” the moment he entered.

"Well" Dante said to himself, grinning slightly "I guess it is up to fate now, let us see what she has to offer"

Jack crossed his legs as he closed the book he had been reading. He sighed, still a bit tired for the plane ride. "How much longer?" He asked his driver, gazing coolly. The driver didn't even glance back at his employer as he answered.

"Only a few more minutes and the compound should be in sight sir."

Jack nodded, leaning back in his comfortable seat, watching the world speed by in his luxury sedan. He thought over the past few events that led up to this, the speech, the plea within the speech... he needed to help. He felt the call, the inspiration... or at least an opportunity. He tended not to get too involved in crime, never seeking it out. This was the first time where he would be the aggressor, seeking out trouble.... it was time for change though. He had been holed up in his penthouse for much too long now, not seeing the light of die unless necessary. Most didn't even know his face.

"There it is sir."

He looked in to the distance... there it was, their destination. "Thank you." he said smoothly before falling silent again. Jack smiled slightly as they drew nearer and nearer. Taking a bottle of water, he sipped at it slowly, realizing that he hadn't had any water this whole trip.

A few minutes later, they arrived at the compound. Jack picked up his hat and cane that lay on the seat besides him. He put the hat on, pulling it so it covered most of his face. He then adjusted his gloves and made sure he looked neat and presentable. With that, he tapped the can lightly on the floor of the car. Hearing this, the driver quickly got out and opened the door for him. He got out gracefully, looking around. There were some stares, but he had made sure the car that was chosen would be inconspicuous. While he observed his surroundings, the driver got out a heavy looking case from the back, and after a few moments of struggle, finally set it on the ground. Inside was simply an extra cane, extra clothes in case his current one got damaged somehow, his satellite phone, and other miscellaneous items.

"Thank you for your service." Jack said with a small smile, extending a hand to be shaken towards his employee. The driver looked surprised, but slowly shook his employers hand. When he pulled his hand back, he found a 100 dollar bill in it. "Good day."

The driver smiled, "Thank you and good day to you sir as well." With that, he bowed and drove off, pondering the mysterious, quiet, creepy, yet somehow kind man.

Jack watched the car drive away, as it did, another car pulled up. This one was truly extravagant, a long limo. Jack watched it curiously, wondering who was in it. Maybe it was a government official? Or maybe it was a hero or villain making a statement. When the door opened to reveal a teenager, he decided it was the latter. She seemed to commit everyone to memory before moving on into the building.

"That's interesting..." With that, he hefted the case with ease, giving those around him a peek of what his powers may be. Carrying it like one would carry their briefcase, he made his way inside the building. There, he was made to pass through a metal detector. He was a bit surprised when nothing was taken from him, he knew he had metal on him. "Maybe they're cataloging..." he thought, before once again nudging his hat down, this time with the jeweled tip of his cane. When they took the picture, all they got was his subtle smile, none of his upper face. With all of that done, he was through.

He entered the room and immediately noticed how it was split in half. Recognizing faces on both sides, he quickly guessed that it was to keep heroes and villains separate and to stop them from fighting one another. He moved to a crowd free spot on the hero side and set his case down, noticing that the girl he had seen before distanced herself as well. She was smoking, not very strange for teenagers. He went on, observing the rest of the crowd. So many superhumans... if one attacked right now and managed to succeed in their plan, it would be a great loss... He shook that thought from his head before continuing to people watch, waiting for the event to begin.

Kiyoko was in the back of a military jeep, her long and uncomfortable journey finally coming to a close. The officer who was driving her hadn't said a word the entire trip, despite kiyoko's multiple attempts to strike up a conversation. Eventually she just gave up and started looking out the window. Needless to say she was relieved when she saw the military base in the distance. "Land ho!" she called out, fidgeting exitedly in her seat. Her driver apparently didn't think that was funny, but she didn't care. He wasn't a very nice guy anyways. They approached the base, and she saw the checkpoint ahead. "You guys aren't gonna strip search me are you?" Kiyoko asked with a nervous laugh. The driver said nothing. That can't be a good sign...

When they reached the checkpoint Kiyoko was told to exit the car. She obliged, and was led to a metal detector. "Um, do I have to take off jewelry and my phone or whatever?" Kiyoko asked as she was being herded through the machine. The officers told her it wasn't necessary and led her to get her picture taken. After that, she was allowed to get back in the jeep and and she was driven through the base. She took this opportunity to check out what a military base looked like on the inside. It looked pretty legit. There were guys with guns all over the place and looked like they would be attacked by an enemy force any second. Kiyoko stuck her head out of the window and yelled out at the uniformed military officials: "You guys are the real heroes!" She had a vast respect for the people without powers who risked their lives to defend what they thought was right. She felt good about herself all the way to the meeting area.

As Kiyoko entered the meeting area and was ushered to the "hero" section, she felt something that she had only felt a couple of weeks ago. Her necklace started to burn against her chest. She was reminded of her brother, Isamu, and had the strange feeling that he was nearby. She knew, however, that this was impossible. He was dead, and their was nothing she could do about that. The people who tried to kill her and her mother killed Isamu in the same day, for a reason she probably would never know. So Kiyoko sat there, eyes watering and necklace burning, ignorant to the fact that passed a slew of military guards, her brother sat across from her, feeling the same thing.

It had been a long walk from Los Angeles but the car that he had stolen and then wrecked about a mile down the road had been pretty interesting for about ten minutes until he realized he would have to start walking again. So he flagged down another driver, without wearing his mask for obvious reasons, a woman and asked her if he could get a ride in the direction of SeaCove City, when she was not sure where that was the villain snapped her neck and removed her from the car. Again he drove in the direction he believed his destination was in until he again crashed the car into another vehicle going in the opposite direction and he followed that pattern of events until he could see the walls towering above the relatively level field. Things looked interesting to say the least, which was always a good thing to the evil man.

Once he came to the gate and looked at the guards who in turn looked at the strange man, that was now wearing his mask. “I’d like to come in now,” before he was even done with his sentence the men began to push him this way and that leading him to a tent just inside the gate, the guards were beginning to get him angry with how they were treating him and he was about to turn around and break three of the soldiers ribs until he saw that the flap to the meeting room was now in front of him. Inside the meeting room was a nice layout with what appeared to be some sort of picture area and a book to sign his name in.

“I’ll need you to sign your name and we’ll take your picture so we can put it with the file,” the soldier said with a quiver in his voice, it seemed the boy had never done many dealings with supers of any kind let alone villains. Without saying a word, since there was really nothing to say, Mister Reaper walked over to the book and quickly jotted down his name, using the penmanship of a four year old. The man was almost unequalled in fighting ability but writing had never been something that interested him. The soldier looked at the name and he looked to be putting some odd numbers together, “Gary Grinnes, that name sounds familiar.” He scratched his head in thought and for a moment his fear left him.

“Do you know of the killer known as ‘Walking Death’?” the villain asked the soldier. “That was my name some time ago,” was all he said as he walked over to the spot to get his picture taken, without removing his mask so they still would not know his face being that it was one of the few secrets he kept somewhat safe.

The soldier’s color drained from his face and he began to quiver even more violently then before as realization struck him, making a small puddle on the ground where he stood. Mister Reaper smiled a small smile, it was always nice to be known for your work, and fortunately the photographer was not nearly as scared, taking the picture with no fuss. As he walked out of the room with the two men, and the other armed guards, but the piss stained soldiers drew up the courage to ask one more question, “What are you doing here?”

Mister Reaper stopped for a short moment and gave a short answer without turning, “It sounded like you guys needed a killer or two and I’ve never been a hero before.” He paused a moment to think, his smile only getting wider, and continued, “This whole adventure sounds fun.”