Mr Mirage/Out of Time
From Unofficial Handbook of the Virtue Universe
Contents |
Prelude
He awoke on a bed of grass but it wasn't until the blades began to brush against his cheeks until Nathan Rivers opened his eyes. He turned his head slightly to his right to take in his surroundings. He had been lying facedown on a hill side and he did not know for how long. He had no recollection of where he was or how he got here to this beautiful place. The vibrant green against a perfect blue sky reminded him of a painting he had seen once. He lay a little longer just admiring the view until Nathan found the strength to get to his feet trying hard to remember what had happened.
He looked down at his attire and noticed he was not wearing his radiation armor. Instead he was wearing a hospital gown. He dug deep inside his memories and came up short. He wondered if there had been an accident. He needed answers and his solitude began to fill Nathan with dread. Is anyone there?!" he screamed out. He paused with hope to hear anyone reply but he only heard is own echo racing off into the distance. "Where am I?" he asked out loud. Is this a .."
"Dream?" a woman's voice continued. Nathan turned to see a beautiful woman standing on the top of the hill her dress swaying in the breeze. Her silhouette drew him to her as if he were in a trance. As he reached her side, the first memory returned to him.
"Corin?" Nathan asked not fighting the tears swelling in his eyes. "You're alive!" The rush of joy filled his heart, but it was short lived as reality brought him to his senses. She wasn't really alive. He was hallucinating. He had to have been. "Where is this place?" he asked her. Is this a dream?"
She smiled and replied, "I am not really Corin but a fabrication of her image. I am your subconscious. Your common sense if you will. You see me this way because your wife played this role well when she was alive."
"But what is this place?" Nathan asked trying to accept the facts. "Why am I wearing a hospital gown?"
"What gown?" she replied as Nathan looked down at his body. The gown he was wearing was replaced with his favorite polo and pair of chinos. Confused he looked to her for answers. "You are in a dream state, Sweetie," she began. "You are in a coma. Do you not remember what happened?"
Nathan thought on it long and hard. He remembered his wife's funeral. Then the investigations followed. The Eternals were trying to find the murderer who killed all those people. The murderer was an Eternal. Everything was becoming clearer now. He remembered quitting the Eternals and searching the city with Stryyke, In Betweener, and Heritic Muse to find the one responsible. Nathan paused as he remembered who they attacked. Silver Skull. He looked to Corin to ask but she interrupted him, "Yes, it was Silver Skull who put you in this coma. He is the one responsible for my death. Yet the Eternals have done nothing to bring him to justice."
Nathan became overwhelmed with rage. He felt his heart break slowly. The Eternals were his family. Surely they would have taken matters into their own hands. Corin placed her hand on his shoulder to comfort him. "Do not shed a tear for them, Love," she said, "for they have not shed one for you. Do you think a single Eternal has come to see you? No they have been too busy to see you."
Nathan deducted, "Too busy covering their tracks. Tying up loose ends, heh?"
Corin smiled, "Yes, dear. The Eternals are doing everything they can to cover up the mess that they made. They do not care about you. They do nothing about bringing you out of this coma. They are probably hoping to pull the plug on you as we speak."
"What are we going to do about it?" Nathan asked as if he had become an automaton to her will. He was furious at the ones who called him a friend. He wanted them to suffer the way the victims suffered. He wanted to kill every single one of them.
"In time, honey," Corin replied. Things have already been set into motion that cannot be undone."
Chapter One
Lt. Detective Reid Brogan hulked over his desk. For hours he had been mulling over files but found it very hard to concentrate. He loosened his tie out of frustration and rubbed his eyes to regain focus. He had gone to see the police commissioner earlier that morning and hours later their discussion still echoed in his mind. Coughs bellowed out from the Captain's office and broke Reid's daze.
Reid hung his head in guilt. The Captain was not well. He was diagnosed with terminal cancer with only six months to live. That was four months ago. Captain James Hagan had been a friend of Reid's father and a surrogate father to Reid when his dad passed away. It hurt Reid to see him so close to the end. He had requested James to retire and enjoy the rest of his days with his family, but the Captain insisted on doing what he loved most, his job. He was going to die soon and the Commissioner was looking for a replacement.
Although Captain Hagan was near family to Reid, he did hold resentment. After his father was murdered by a metahuman, the Captain still kept his ties close with those vigilantes. Reid did not trust them. He thought the metas did more harm to the world than good. They were the bane of this city, not the guardians. The men and women of the Paragon City Police force were the true guardians. However Reid knew the law. The Citizen Crime Fighting Act of 1937 allowed these vigilantes to masquerade around town. It was the law, and like it or not he had to abide by it.
Two deep coughs rang out from Hagan's office. It would not be long now. Hagan would soon leave this life behind, and Commissioner Frank Rafferty would appoint his new captain. Reid was surprised when he got the phone call yesterday. Rafferty wanted to see him first thing in the morning. Usually he tagged along with Hagan when they visited him, but this time Rafferty requested for Reid to come alone.
When he arrived at City Hall, Rafferty was on the phone with Vice Mayor Jack Mc Kale. Reid tried not to listen in on their conversation, but Rafferty had made it evidently clear that he wanted a specific law changed. When Rafferty ended his call, he had told Reid to close the door behind him. Reid felt awkward by Rafferty's odd and secretive behavior. Rafferty was indeed looking for Hagan's replacement, but not just anyone would fill his shoes. He needed a man who would help him shape the future of Paragon City.
"Man it sure is a scorcher out there," said his partner Detective Charlie Nolan as he brought in lunch. He noticed Reid was in a deep trance and repeated. "I said, man, every July keeps getting hotter and hotter." Disappointed with only getting a grunt from Reid, he continued with his usual perky attitude, "Hey! Is that our new case?"
Reid again grunted, but this time it came out more like a yes. It was a missing-heroes case. The Commissioner had also requested Reid take this case. Like Reid, Rafferty thought very little of the so-called superheroes infesting the city. Reid did not know exactly why Rafferty disliked them, but Reid knew his reasons were not the same as his own.
Charlie picked up the case file and quickly skimmed over each page. He was young and eager much like Reid in his earlier years in the force though Charlie did not share Reid's pessimism towards heroes. He loved them and loved to assist them. It was pathetic really. Charlie always acted like a kid in a comic book store when around one of them. It disgusted Reid greatly.
"Eternals, heh?" Charlie asked while flipped through photos trying to remember where he had heard the name. "That's right. I remember now. Hobbs and Stephens had their case back in October. Something to do with a homicide case," he paused remembering the Rikti attack. "They sure did one helluva a job defending Faultline."
Reid was still unimpressed. The Rikti attack was something the US Army or Marines could have handled themselves. "It seems several of their 'members' have gone missing, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Looks like someone has done this city a huge favor. Maybe we will get lucky and more will disappear as well."
"Why you got'ta be that way, huh?" Charlie asked disapprovingly as he dug into his pockets for change. "I'm going to get a drink outta the machine. You want anything?"
Reid only shook his head as he watched Charlie walk into the break room. Charlie probably thought he was half joking, but Reid was serious. He would be happy if the world was rid of superheroes". A smile escaped Reid's lips as he thought about what the Commissioner had said. Times were changing, and a new era was about to begin.
Chapter Two
Lt. Reid Brogan waited outside the interrogation room watching the suspect closely. He sipped his coffee while going over her case file in his head. She was dangerous even though no one else in the department seemed to think so. He studied her reactions to keeping her waiting. She was growing impatient which he assumed she would. Her files said she ran with gangs before turning to a life of heroism. Underneath the mask and cape, she was still just a punk kid who never grew out of her adolescence. She was perfect.
When the Commissioner Rafferty asked Reid to take the case, he mentioned that he wouldn’t want anything more to smear the good name of superheroes. Reid agreed. He wanted to see them fail as much as Rafferty did. He accepted his request without questioning. Reid was going to be there when the so-called heroes would fail, and it was going to start with the Eternals.
Reid continued waiting. He was pleased to see the blue-haired vigilante growing agitated. She began flicking her fingernails and huffing out of frustration. Her attention now turned to the one-sided mirror in the room. “Are we actually going to do this today, or what?” she taunted.
Charlie too was getting impatient and did not see the point of keeping her waiting. “Why are you treating her this way?” Charlie asked his partner. “She is a witness. Not a suspect. The two are not the same, you know.”
“They are today,” he replied as he finished off his coffee and tossed the cup in a nearby receptacle. His partner’s sense of valor was growing old. Charlie never once has witnessed the true horror behind metahumans hidden deep behind their cowls. Nonetheless, Reid was going to show Charlie once and for all just how malicious they can be, but he wasn’t going to stop there. He was going to show the world.
The two detectives entered the room only to be greeted with an annoyed, “Well it’s about time.”
Charlie stepped forward and took the seat in front of her, “We are sorry to keep you waiting.” He shot a disapproving look at Reid who had taken post by the door. His arms were crossed and his gaze set on her. Charlie tried to ease the tension in the room. “Is there anything I can get you, Ms. Croix? Coffee or some water?”
“I think I’d rather get this over with,” she requested.
“Very well,” Charlie replied while shuffling through his files. “You are the one they call La Belle Dame, am I correct?”
She nodded keeping a watchful eye on Reid who only remained silent. Reid knew what she was capable of. He tried to keep his thoughts clear shielding her from reading his inner most secrets. La Belle smiled wickedly at Reid trying to lower his will. Or perhaps she caught a glimpse into his mind. If that was the case, Reid needed to act now. He decided to relieve his partner from the questioning, “Ms. Croix, several of your teammates went missing on an undercover op across enemy lines just two days ago. Your entire team wiped from this Earth, except for one survivor: you. Is this true?”
“You already know it is,” she retorted. “It’s why I am here, is it not?”
Her tone pushed Reid over his breaking point, but before he could react Charlie seized control over the conversation. He pulled out several photos and spread them across the table listing each hero’s name, “Allen Patterson, Angelica Sydes, Dylan Maxwell, Grace Wilson, Eden Simons, Simon Caine, Éléonore Gauthier, Sebastian Kyle, Kelly Winters,” he paused at the last photo, “and one robotic cat?”
“Mechacatbot,” La Belle Dame added, “and, yes, I was there when it happened.”
“Quite the roster, eh?” Charlie smiled. He let out a deep sigh, “You are the only witness to their disappearances. We can put an end to this case, but first we need to know exactly what happened to the Eternals.”
“Ok, fine,” La Belle huffed. “I’ll start at the beginning….”
Chapter Three
"It was New Year's Eve," La Belle Dame began. Everyone in the city had flocked to the Paragon City Dance Club. Word on the street was that the club was closing its doors. They were celebrating their three year run with the ˜End of the World' Party, and both heroes and citizens danced away the final minutes of 2005 save a roomful of Eternals." Belle paused for an embarrassingly yet playful smile. I, however, was indisposed."
The room in the back served many purposes in its short lifespan: shady deals, employee meetings, and a makeshift guild hall for officers to discuss matters more privately. This time was no exception. Psych Ward looked around the room at the faces of his friends. They were tired, frustrated, and broken. And through their hardships, those who were in attendance were of no surprise: Sheeva, Blitz.krieg, Chaume, Mechacatbot, Chimmeca, In Betweener, and Sympathy. The other Eternals were out on the dance floor or upstairs playing a game of billiards trying to forget the battles they had faced this past year, especially the ones they had lost. From the next room, Psych Ward could hear Iron City Lite prepping the audience for another performance in the karaoke lounge. However the concerns of the officers began to bleed into his mind, drowning out all sounds in the club. He stood to his feet to divert their thoughts.
"Thank you all for coming tonight," he greeted. It has been a very rough year for all of us. "We have lost our family, our friends, and our home, but we must push onward. I have asked you all here tonight for one reason: to let loose. Have fun. Tomorrow we begin a new year full of hope and promise. Let us kick it off with a bang." Disappointed by what little reaction he received, he switched gears. "But first we have a few items to discuss."
As if cued, Sheeva announced, "The Paragon City Museum of Heroes has finished the memorial to Fleur de Lys today. They are donating all charitable proceeds to the Gauthier family."
Blitz.krieg reported, "I have all available contacts digging deep. However, they have found no leads on Rebecca Venncannes or this Dr. Bishop Methias. And I still cannot locate where Ein has hidden Millennium Girl. The further La Belle Dame and I investigate, the further we find ourselves from any clues. There are strong forces acting against us." Blitz lowered his head, "La Belle Dame has also gone missing. It has been several days since my last contact with her."
"I am sure she will turn up," Psych Ward replied. "Have you ever known Belle to miss a party?"
"She'd better show," In Betweener jested, "Before they close the doors on this place for good."
"A damn shame really," a voice came from the entrance of the room. The Eternals turned their direction to the man in the doorway. He leaned against the wall holding his glass with one hand. A sly smile swept across his face. "They have the best damned Scotch in the city."
"Mr Mirage, thank you for coming," Psych Ward nodded, which brings me to my next request. "Due to our victory at Faultline, we have turned some heads. We've had several resumes come to us in the past couple of weeks. Some of which are veterans, but many are rookies. I have already assigned sidekicks for many of you except you, Mirage. You are a hard man to come by."
Mirage laughed, "I have no need for a ward. I already have Eden."
Psych Ward reasoned, "Eden is a big girl now. She can handle herself in a fight. We have all seen what she can do. Besides it is not optional. Your new ward is new to the city and he needs your expertise," Psych tried playing to Mirage's ego. His name is Juvion. I think you two should make quite the team."
"It may have to wait," Mirage replied as he grabbed an empty seat. "M.A.G.I. has been stirring as of late. I have a feeling Azuria will be..." His words trailed off as the ring on his left hand began to emit a steady pulse of light. The red hue from the ring's jewel filled the room. Mirage smiled at Psych Ward, "Speak of the devil."
"Well that too may have to wait, Mirage," Sheeva said as she nodded to Eden Spark who was now standing in the doorway. Eden, who was normally confident and forthright, was fidgeting as if she was mustering up the courage to speak. Sheeva grinned at Mirage, "It looks like you have a visitor."
"Am I interrupting?" Eden asked. It had been weeks since she had returned from that nightmarish future, but the dream of a future with Mirage stayed with her. She made a promise to herself that tonight she would tell him how she felt once and for all.
"Not at all," Psych Ward replied. He addressed the room, "Go and enjoy the party everyone. That's an order."
The room spilled out near the dance floor except for Eden and Mirage. "What's up, kiddo?" Mirage asked shooting her a charming smile.
It was driving her crazy. All she wanted to do was reach up and kiss him. She wanted to feel his lips against hers one more time. She wanted him to hold her close and save her from her nightmares, but all she could say was, "I...umm."
Mirage's ring became a beacon once more. He placed his glass on a passing waitress' tray and placed his hand on Eden's shoulder. She became weak to his touch. "Look, Sparky, I need to see Azuria now. I promise when I return, we can have a chat. See you soon, Kiddo."
As Mirage bolted from the room, he contacted Lady Cardinal hard sending her to the ground. Embarrassed, he offered her his hand, "My apologies."
Without accepting his outreached hand, she managed to get on her feet without any help. She huffed as she straightened her party dress, "Watch where you are going next time, Mirage."
He reached for her clasp and handed it to her. He didn't notice the first time they met just how beautiful she was. Suddenly he was enthralled by her. He couldn't place it, but there was something about her. He grabbed her hand as she took the handbag, "Allow me to make it up to you by buying you dinner sometime."
"No thanks," she swiftly replied jerking her hand out of his.
Mirage's ring continued its urgent reminder. He let out a swift sigh. "Very well then," he teased as he headed up the stairwell, but you don't know what you are missing."
Eden joined Lady Cardinal missing their scene. She needed to get Mirage off her mind. She never could find the right time to tell him her feelings. It was always another mission for M.A.G.I. Azuria kept him occupied, and Eden was envious of her. "Always another woman," Eden sighed.
"Honestly," Lady Cardinal lectured, "I do not see what you find so attractive about that man. He is arrogant and obnoxious."
"Come on. Let's go sing some karaoke. Iron City Lite has hogged the mic far too long." Eden tugged at Lady Cardinal's arm as the two passed Mechacatbot who was perched atop an old crate.
Mecha watched his daughter from afar. He felt very sad for her. She never got over losing Super Fuse. He watched as Eden and Cardinal asked her to join them. Chimmeca only shook her head and continued to stare off into the distance as her thoughts returned to Fuse. Mecha did not know if Rebecca was truly Super Fuse's mother, and if she wasn't, he did not know what game she was playing at. It had been months and no sign of either of them. Worst of all, Mecha was losing his touch at being a good father to Chimmeca.
He turned his view to the party on the dance floor when something caught his eye. Rebecca Venncannes was in the crowd staring back at him. He jumped down and weaved his way through the crowd their bodies crashing into him as they danced. Determination filled Mecha.
Tonight he was going to find answers to the riddles that haunted him. Tonight he was going to end this.
Chimmeca leaned on the railing of the catwalk about the crowd. She listened to them as they started counting down to midnight.
"10.9.8.7."
She let out a deep sigh and said aloud, "Where are you, Super Fuse?"
"Right here," he said. Chimmeca whirled around to see Super Fuse standing in front of her. Her joy gave way to many questions which raced through her mind all day, but with tears in her eyes, she only asked one, "Why?"
Super Fuse's smile dissolved as he saw the heartache he had given her. He wrapped his arms around her as she hesitantly snaked her arms around his back. "There is so much I want to tell you, but there is no time. I've come back to warn you. They are going to make a move soon. You are in danger. All of the Eternals are."
".6.5.4."
Chimmeca pulled back from his embrace drying her eyes with her sleeves. "What are you talking about? And what makes you think the Eternals are going to trust you after what you did?"
".3."
"I'm going to give them Millennium Girl," he answered. "She does business with them at a place called Pocket D. Heroes don't know about that place. Heroes do not go there, but the Eternals will."
".2."
Mechacatbot jumped onto another crate on the edge of the dance floor scanning the room for Reborn Vengeance. She was sending a message, but Mecha had no clue what it was. She was once his friend, but her actions declared her an enemy of the family she once called her own. Mecha felt he was running out of time. He needed to talk with her like he did long ago. He continued searching until he found her again in the crowd staring back at him. Mecha leapt onto the crowd as the patrons carried him around the room. "Put me down," he shouted. He had already lost her again.
".1. Happy New Year," the crowd screamed in unison.
Near the room's exit, Rebecca looked down at the crowd-surfing tabby and smiled. "You will get your answers, Kitty," she said in a whisper before vanishing, "soon."
Chapter Four
(( << >> = denotes translation from Italian ))
The office of the Modern Arcane Guild of Investigation was nestled in City Hall with other departments of research and scientific development. However M.A.G.I. differed from its neighboring offices. Their main concerns dealt in magic and myth. Some scientists would have looked down upon M.A.G.I. if not for the artifacts that resided within the department’s walls. Many of which lined the back of the room almost hidden by bookshelves of tomes and relics. However, M.A.G.I. would not have such findings if not for their field agents always hunting new antiquities. The department head considered her self to be lucky to have their agents, especially one in particular.
“Well what is it this time?” Mr Mirage jested as he entered.
“I hope I didn’t pull you away from anything important,” Azuria teased noting his formal attire combined with his tendencies.
“You always find a good reason to get me down here, don’t you, Love?” he playfully conveyed crossing the room to her.
“As if I alone am not good enough a reason,” she smiled as he stopped merely inches from her body so close she could kiss him. She turned to her desk grabbing a file from her desk. She handed it to him and teased, “I am afraid this is all business and no pleasure. Maybe next time, Simon.”
Mirage opened the file and flipped through a few documents, “What does M.A.G.I. have its eyes set on now?”
“Are you familiar with the Kongo?” Azuria asked.
“Sure, it is the trident staff of the Japanese mountain god Koya-no-Myoin,” Mirage answered. “It is said to give light in darkness.”
“Yes,” Azuria was astounded by his mythological intellect. She leaned in and flipped to a photograph of the Kongo. “It is also said that it grants its wielder supreme wisdom and insight,” she paused to flip to the next photo, “which is why this man, Sirius Mongiovi, now has the Kongo in his possession.”
“Why does that name sound familiar?” Mirage asked trying to put the man’s face and name together.
“Sirius is a treasure hunter, like you. However he has been working against M.A.G.I. for several years now. He collects rare antiquities for personal use and gain. These items belong in a museum or an M.A.G.I. cell for safe keeping and not with him.”
“So I need to bring this item home. Sounds simple enough,” Mirage assumed.
“Here’s the catch,” Azuria cut to the chase. “His entire expedition has been funded by the Council. I do not know what interest they have in this staff or Sirius for that matter, but in the wrong hands the Kongo could bring forth a great unbalance. If a Council dictator wielded its power, we could very well see another World War and the fall of the free world. I do not need to tell you what would happen after that.”
“So how do you suggest I retrieve it?”
“Fortunately for us, Sirius Mongiovi is a very proud man. Every piece he has taken from beneath our noses he has displayed in private exhibitions. He will be holding such a gala tomorrow night at the Národní Museum in Prague. I have added your name to the guest list. The Kongo will remain there overnight. Your best bet will to sneak in and obtain it then,” she instructed as she pointed out more documents. “Here is the security detail. There will be a handful of Council guards outside but you should be worried about the security grid inside.”
“Heat sensors, laser grids, and pressure-sensitivity sensors?”
“The works,” she replied. She flipped to a photo in the back, “Also, we have an informant. This man: Dr. Reynold Van Horn. He wishes to speak to us, but we have yet to make contact. We know that he will be in Graz, Austria two nights after the Gala in Prague. He is a fan of opera, and will be attending Die Walküre. You will be meeting with him afterwards to see what information he has for us pertaining Sirius.
“Simon, normally I would take this hunt lightly, but with the Council involved, there is no end to the possibilities. I am sending you for a reason. You are my best,” she finished as she handed him his airline tickets. “You know? I’ve never been to Prague.”
“You’ve never been to Prague?” Mirage was shocked. M.A.G.I. has sent him on missions all over the world. He had been to Prague on several occasions.
“No,” she replied feeling embarrassed.
Mirage coerced her, “Where the moonlight on the Vltava is irresistible.”
“Maybe I should get you to take me there sometime,” she hinted but her tone quickly changed. “That is if you are not too busy swooning supermodels.”
Mirage replied before leaving, “You know I never even look at another woman.”
The Národní Museum gallery was filled with German dignitaries and world renowned historians. The item of the evening was hours from being revealed, and patrons were scattered looking at Sirius Mongiovi’s other great findings on display. Those who weren’t gawking over his collection of relics were gathered in small groups discussing politics or the rumored powers in which the Kongo possessed. Everyone was occupied except for the short-haired Italian brunette in the back of the room dressed in a shimmering white Dolce and Gabbana evening gown. The frustrated look on her face revealed that she did not want to be there.
She let out a long sigh of boredom. She glanced around the room looking for someone interesting to talk to, but a nearby exhibit caught her eye. It was a beautiful jewel of a brilliant purple hue resting on a pillow inside a glass case. The plaque lying in front of it read “Jewel of Gizeh”. She leaned in to get a closer view. She found it…
“Simply breathtaking,” a man said from behind her.
She quickly spun around to meet him face to face. The man was her height with reddish-blonde hair and wearing a tuxedo. His devilish, charming smile was almost hidden by his musketeer goatee. Although his swagger spelled trouble, she found the man very attractive. His comment had taken her by surprise and she could not tell if he were coming on to her or simply talking about the jewel. “Excuse me?” she asked.
“The Jewel of Gizeh,” the man began, “holds the power to bestow its wearer eternal life. At least, that’s what the funny papers claim. The jury is still out on that one, although it is a very nice treasure to say the least.”
“Some treasures are better left behind,” she retorted.
He chuckled and stepped closer to her offering her his hand. “The name is Simon. Simon Caine.”
“Marina Tackys,” she introduced herself as she took his hand.
Mirage turned her hand and brought the back of it to his lips. As he kissed it, he replied, “A pleasure.”
She quickly pulled back her hand. Marina had no patience for men like him. He was up to no good. Although she felt there was something about this man. Her mind told her to walk away, but she was curious about him. “Do you believe in all of this ‘magic’ nonsense? Personally I am a skeptic. I refuse to believe something I cannot prove scientifically on paper, “she paused as she caught herself rambling. “So what are you here for, Signore Caine?”
Mirage smiled, “Magic.”
“That’s a shame,” she dryly replied and returned her attention to the jewel.
“To believe in something as arcane as magic?” he asked as he slowly walked towards her. “Magic can be many things, Ms. Tackys. Magic could have brought us together for a reason,” he jested. Standing directly behind her, he continued, “Destiny could be playing a hand tonight. Maybe this jewel was destined to be here at this very moment so that we would have met.”
“That may be,” she huffed, “but I refuse to have fate control my actions. I control my own destiny.” She immediately felt a little guilty for being rude. Although she meant every word of it, she may have been too harsh on him. After all, she could use a break from her trip and didn’t see the harm in having dinner with him. She apologized, “Mi dispiace. Forgive me. Where are my manners?” She turned to him and suggested, “There is a ristorante in town. Meet me tomorrow evening at the Restaurace Pálffy Palác.”
“I will not keep you waiting,” he smiled. At that moment, a bald gentleman with burn scars on his face brushed past Mirage. The man continued towards to front near the podium. “How rude,” Mirage stated.
“I know him,” Marina exclaimed. “His name is Jonathan Mangrum. He is a renowned engineer, but what is he doing here?”
Jonathan Mangrum joined Sirius Mongiovi and another at the podium. Mirage guessed that the third was Council by her militant attire. Mirage and Marina watched as Sirius began to address the crowd. “Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you all for coming,” Sirius greeted. He motioned to the man and woman at his side, “I would also like to take the time to thank my backers on this archaeological find, Professor Jonathan Mangrum and Ms. Maddalena von Engel. Without their funding, we may never have found one of this decade’s greatest treasures. Now without further ado, I give you the legendary Kongo!”
En cue, Sirius’ assistant pulled the velvet cover from the glass case revealing the Kongo. At that second, the lights cut off and an immense blue light emitted from the staff. Thunderous applause followed. Mirage looked at Marina and leaned towards her, “Do you believe in magic now?”
Once the applause diminished, Sirius continued his speech, “Behold! The staff of Koya-no-Myoin lights its way in darkness. But it is not limited to only this. Tomorrow, friends, during our demonstration, we shall see its true power!” The applause returned but this time it was deafening.
Mirage turned to Marina again, but this time she was gone. "Here today, gone tomorrow", he said under his breath. Mirage looked around the room, but there was no sign of her. Mirage grew relieved actually. He did not need to get distracted. He had a mission to accomplish, and he intended on doing so without any snags.
Later that evening when all of the guests had left the event, Mr Mirage made his move. He only came into contact with two Council gunmen outside. The two were taking a quick cigarette break. Not expecting anyone to break into the museum, their guard was down. Mirage quickly dropped in between them and rendered them unconscious with one of his spells. “Sleep tight, boys,” Mirage taunted knowing they would be out for some time. He hovered up to the second floor to a window which he had noticed earlier was not latched on the inside. He quickly and quietly pulled the window open towards just open enough to slip through. Although Mirage had made an easy entry into the museum, he was however detected. He was too busy with the guards to have noticed a black unmarked van sitting across the street.
The outside of the van disguised an entire network of surveillance equipment and two technicians: Gian Scavone and Piero Buzzelli inside. Both men sat at monitors at each side of the van wearing headsets. The equipment surrounding them varied in size and purpose, but they all had one thing in common: a label that read T.A.W.S. (Tackys Advanced Weapons Systems). Two feeds came into the van, one from the organization known as C.O.R.E. and the other to their ‘man’ on the inside. Gian made the call first, “ << Murena, you have company. >>”
“Stronso!” Murena replied. She had made her way just inside the main gallery bypassing the museum’s entire security system. She could see the Kongo at a distance. Everything was going smoothly until now. This new party could pose as a threat. She asked, “<< Did you make a positive ID? >>”
“ << Negative, >>” Gian replied. “ << By the looks of it, he is not Council. Looks like another thief. >>”
Murena pressed a button on her com-link on her power suit and alerted, “’Bull’s-Eye’ to ‘Base Camp’, we have a problem.”
“’Bull’s-Eye’, this is ‘Base Camp’, over,” the voice on the other end belonged to C.O.R.E.’s acting leader Bayou Rose, and she did not sound happy. “Describe ‘problem’.”
“Seems we have some competition,” Murena reported.
“Let me know as soon as you have visual on our ‘friend’,” Bayou Rose requested as Murena began to assemble her assault rifle.
Mr Mirage found it almost too easy getting to the main gallery. It seemed the security system was down, but he did not take any chances. He hovered over the pressure grid and landed near the Kongo display. He turned to the open room to check for guards. He scanned every inch and found no one. It was almost too easy. Suddenly an overwhelming feeling swept over him as if he had just walked into a trap. He told himself to hurry as he began to disable the alarms on the glass case.
Above his position, Murena had set up a sniper position. As she set her sight on the intruder, she caught a glimpse of his face. She could recognize that musketeer goatee from a mile away. She radioed in, “’Base Camp’, I have visual. I actually know this man. I met him tonight at the Gala. His name is Simon Caine.”
Murena’s men in the van began to search their databases for Simon Caine as soon as she dropped the name. The monitors scrolled through hundreds of names per second. It only took a minute for his name to appear on the screen, but it was almost a minute too late as Mirage had freed the staff from its display.
Murena waited patiently for her orders as she watched Simon through her scope while he wrapped the staff with cloth. Her finger rested firmly on the trigger. Murena was very talented in every aspect of her life but none made her as proud as the ability to hit her target each and every time. She never missed.
It wasn’t until Mirage was on his feet until Piero reported, “Here he is. Simon Caine. M.A.G.I. also goes by the name Mr Mirage. He is also a member of the Eternals.”
Bayou Rose became infuriated by the name Eternals. It had been almost six months since the murder of Daniel Logan (( see Close to Home )), and Bayou Rose had not gotten over it. The Eternals murdered the man she loved. Bayou Rose wanted revenge and now was the perfect moment. She commanded, “Murena, listen to me. He is an enemy of C.O.R.E. You take your shot! And bring home our prize!”
Murena focused in on her target. She took in a breath and squeezed the trigger.
Chapter Five
Mirage staggered a few steps forward as he felt something sharp against his shoulder blade. It only took him a few seconds to realize what was causing the pain. He slowly raised his hands and as his captor pressed the muzzle of an AK-47 harder into his back. “Drehen Sie sich herum! Langsam!” the Council guard instructed.
Mirage did as he was told and turned to face the gunman. The guard raised his rifle to Mirage’s chest and smiled. Mirage closed his eyes in defeat. He had gotten out of numerous situations before but this time there would be no escape. At that moment, a high caliber bullet soared past his ear. He ducked out of the way as the bullet impacted the guard’s chest. The German went down firing a few rounds into the air alerting the others.
Mirage did not have time to react. He wanted to seek out the sniper, but he could hear the heavy footsteps in the next room getting closer. He chanted a spell under his breath summoning an army of phantasms. The guards entered the room only to be met by the decoys. The Council may not have shown mercy, but neither did the phantasms. They tossed guards left and right giving Mirage time to sling the staff around his back and find an exit.
High above on her perch, Murena watched the commotion in contempt. She felt no need in killing Mirage, under orders or not. There were other means to obtaining the Kongo besides violence. She radioed in to base, “‘Bull’s-Eye’ to ‘Base Camp’, I have been compromised. There is Council everywhere. I am aborting the mission.”
Bayou Rose demanded not sounding very pleased at all, “And the target? Did you take care of Mr Mirage?”
Murena paused as she packed away her rifle, “Negative. And he has the Kongo.”
“This is unacceptable, ‘Bull’s-Eye’!” Bayou Rose screamed over the comm. “I want that man dead, and I want the artifact in my hands at any cost. I need the Kongo.”
“I will retrieve the staff. ‘Bull’s Eye’ out,” she replied as she switched off her comm. Murena did not know what interests Simon Caine had in the Kongo, but more importantly she did not know why Rose needed it so badly. She watched as Mirage slipped through an open window. “My sights are set on you, Signore Caine,” she said aloud, “and I never miss.”
Sirius Mongiovi marched towards the office of his benefactor. He was furious over losing his most prized possession, but even more upset at the man who guaranteed him there would be no surprises. After he kicked the door open, Sirius saw Jonathan Mangrum and Maddalena von Engel standing behind the desk at each side of the Benefactor. All three did not look at all surprised to see him. Nonetheless, Sirius slammed his fists on the desk with anger, “The staff has been stolen. You assured me there would be no set-backs!”
The shadows from the low lighting hid the face of the Benefactor, but Sirius knew somehow he was smiling. “Relax my dear Sirius,” he calmly requested. “Things are going quite according to plan.”
Sirius could not relax. He did not search his life for the Kongo only to have it snatched away. He did not share the Benefactor’s faith. “What do you mean ‘according to plan’? I do not see how this will turn out for the best!” Sirius fretted.
The Benefactor leaned into the light revealing three scars across his face. Sirius cringed at the sight of them. The Benefactor only continued to smile. “You will have your precious Kongo, Signore Mongiovi. The two who stole it will return it to you soon.”
“How do you know this?” Sirius questioned. The Benefactor tossed something in the air at Sirius. He caught it and turned over his hand to see he was holding a black pawn. He looked at the Benefactor with great confusion.
“Because,” the Benefactor’s smile disappeared behind a cold and deadly stare, “it is our move.”
Simon Caine sat at a table on the terrace of the Restaurace Pálffy Palác nursing a glass of chardonnay. His brush with death the night before still had him shaken. Nonetheless, he had the Kongo in his possession. All that remained was his rendezvous with Dr. Van Horn tomorrow night in Graz. His mission was almost complete. “Now for a little relaxation,” he muttered taking another sip from his glass. Somewhere in the distance a string quartet began to play. Mirage closed his eyes and focused in on the music. The aroma of fine Czechoslovakian cuisine filled the air. Mirage loved Prague, its elegance, its history, but above all its beauty.
A new fragrance cut through the aromas. The smell of fresh flowers with a hint of citrus reminded him of late spring and brought a smile to Mirage’s face. He opened his eyes to another beautiful sight. “Hello, Marina,” Mirage said standing from his chair.
Her beauty stunned Simon once more as she was draped in a red silk and satin Valentino gown. She wore a diamond necklace with matching earrings that sparkled like her eyes. He quickly pulled out her chair for her. As she sat down, her perfume lingered in the air almost in a trail from Marina. The scent was enough to drive Simon mad.
“I took the liberty of ordering us some wine,” Simon replied as he poured her a glass. “I wasn’t sure you would be here. You left the exhibit without saying goodbye.”
Marina hid a devious smile with her wine glass and said before taking a sip, “I had a business matter to attend to.”
“I hope it did not put a damper on your evening,” Simon teased.
“Not really,” Marina smiled. “I had an acquisition that needed securing with my company, but some figlio di puttana came along and snatched it away before I could make the steal. But I do not want to bore you with business.”
“Not at all. Tell me more about you,” Simon requested. “I am intrigued.”
Marina lowered her guard a little. She was feeling totally relaxed around him. For once, she felt like a woman free from her burdens from running a multi-billion international arms company and the burdens of the demands of her C.O.R.E. commanding officer. She was just Marina Tackys, a woman in a beautiful city enjoying a few drinks with an international man of mystery. She laughed aloud at her last thought without realizing it.
“Did I miss something?” Simon asked without skipping a beat.
“No,” she replied. She quickly recovered, “I am afraid there is nothing exciting about my life. I am just a girl with an inheritance.” She returned her glass to the table wiping away her lipstick from the rim with her thumb. “What about you? Who are you, Simon Caine?” she asked not needing an answer. However there was something beneath the surface of this man that captivated her.
“I am merely a connoisseur of antiquities,” he answered. She knew he was not lying. He was only offering partial truth just as she did, but she did not mind it. She was still enjoying the moment. However she was overcome by why this Kongo was so important. She pried a bit, “So, Simon, is that why you were at the exhibit last night? What was your business there exactly?”
Simon did not expect her to be so inquisitive about his intentions at the Národní. His mind raced looking for a distraction. Luckily for him, the string quartet began another set, and he offered her his hand, “Care to dance?”
She took it and joined him on the floor of the terrace. He was hiding the truth, but again she did not mind. She knew he had the Kongo. She knew he worked for an enemy of her organization, but she was miles away. He held her close as the two swayed slowly back and forth: her hand in his and his body pressed against hers. Every man she had met in the past was only after her company or money except for Simon Caine. He made her feel like no other has done before: herself. He was sweeping her off her feet, and she did not care.
Simon turned his head closer to hers. She could feel his skin press against her face. He whispered into her ear, “How about you, Marina? What business did you have there?”
She pulled away enough to look him in his eyes. She could barely keep contact. The way his eyes smiled at her was driving her crazy. She tried to think of every plausible excuse but came up with nothing except, “Care to go somewhere a little more private?”
Half-burned candles emitted a soft haze against the darkness of Simon’s flat. The shadows on the wall danced as the flames flickered. The floor was decorated with several pieces of clothing, and two empty wine glasses stood neglected on the night stand. Nothing stirred in the warm glow except for two bodies underneath silk sheets.
Their lips refused to leave each other as Simon cupped his hand against her face. She snaked her arm around his body as her fingers gripped his back. She ran other hand through his hair, grasping passionately and bringing his lips to her neck. Her perfume consumed him as he kissed down her shoulder.
She fell to the bed on her stomach. Simon reveled at how perfect every curve of her body was. He ran two fingers down her back and then with two hands upward on her sides. He leaned down and kissed her back gently. She moaned in ecstasy as he kissed the nape of her neck. He yearned to feel her lips pressed against his once more. He flipped her over on her back and then froze in confusion. “What is the matter, Mr Mirage?”
The woman in his bed was not Marina Tackys, but instead it was Lady Cardinal.
Simon woke sitting up in his bed. He pressed his hand against his temple to fight off the hangover from the night before. He didn’t understand why he dreamed of that icy brunette scrapper. She didn’t even give him the time of day. Then his thoughts returned to Marina. He smiled remembering the night the two had together. He wondered if she if that too had been a dream. He sat at the edge of his bed with only the sheets for clothing. He scanned the room for proof. His clothes were tossed everywhere and the candles had burned to their bases. He noticed the glasses on the table next to his bed. One glass had lipstick near the rim. “Marina?” he called out. No one responded. He began to call out for her again until he noticed a message written in lipstick on the dresser’s mirror. It read, “I am sorry.”
Simon stared at the message for a few minutes trying to understand its meaning. However, when he thought about meeting her at the museum and what she had said about securing an acquisition at dinner, Simon began to kick himself. He searched under his bed and pulled out a large thin case. He entered the key code freeing the locking mechanisms but when he opened the case, the Kongo was gone. Simon shook his head and playfully huffed, “Donnaccia!”
Chapter Six
“Wehalt! Wehalt!” echoed out into the auditorium and into the mezzanine where Simon Caine tentatively observed through his opera glasses. Although he was enjoying the opera, his mind was miles away. He could not get Marina Tackys out of his head. Kicking himself for being so careless with the Kongo, he decided to use his train ride to Graz to find information on Marina by linking his laptop to the ASTRA satellite.
Simon quickly learned there was more to Marina Tackys beneath her absolute beauty. She was born the daughter of industrial tycoon Gregorio Tackys, and much like any young heiress, Marina grew up bored with life and took to fast cars and wild parties. She was quite the paparazzi dream. However with her father’s untimely death she inherited his company TAWS. Beyond that, Simon hit several dead ends, and he did not know why the Kongo would benefit TAWS or Marina for that matter.
Simon looked to the orchestra level and spotted Dr. Van Horn. Simon sighed at relief that at least he could walk away with the information that he was going to be provided. Simon slowly scanned the rest of the audience through his binoculars. Sitting across the hall on the upper mezzanine was Marina. She too was locating Dr. Van Horn. A thunderous crash from the timpani distracted him and pulled his gaze to the stage. Simon thought his mind was playing tricks on him and decided to look again. He brought his opera glasses up to his eyes and slowly returned to where Marina was sitting. This time she was staring right back at him. She smiled and waved playfully.
The music swelled and ended abruptly cueing the audience to applaud. Simon quickly recovered by joining the ovation. The curtain closed and the house lights returned for the second intermission. Simon quickly spied again on Marina only to find she was gone, and he became overwhelmed for Dr. Van Horn’s safety. Simon found the scientist in the exiting crowd. He motioned to Simon to meet him in the lobby.
Simon quickly ran downstairs to meet Dr. Van Horn who was looking around suspiciously. Simon grabbed his arm and began to escort him out of the building, “Dr. Van Horn, we haven’t the time. I am afraid your life is in danger.”
“No, you listen to me, Herr Mirage,” Dr. Van Horn insisted as the two stopped halfway down the stairs outside. “Keep the Kongo as far away from them as possible. They will kill you all.”
“What are you going on about?” Simon asked. The old man was not making any sense, and he was beginning to spook Simon. “Who is planning to kill us?”
Dr. Van Horn leaned closer to him and with great fear said, “The staff is not what they are after. They plan on using the….” However his words were cut short as a sniper assassinated him. Simon caught the scientist before he hit the ground. Dr. Van Horn pulled Simon down closer to him and whispered his last dying word, “Infinites…”
A few bystanders screamed, and police sirens wailed in the distance. However Simon did not hear them. He was focusing in on where the bullet came from. He remembered the night in the museum. He remembered the sniper who inadvertently saved his life. And he remembered her name. “Marina,” he said softly as he laid the lifeless body to the ground. He quickly ran in the sniper’s direction until a red Ferrari 612 Scaglietti blocked his path.
The passenger side window rolled down and a voice instructed, “Get in!” Simon leaned down to see Marina behind the wheel. He opened the door and climbed inside before Marina floored it.
“I think it is time we were honest with each other,” Simon calmly asserted. He offered an outreached hand. “Hi, I’m Simon Caine. Now who are you? And where is my bloody Kongo?”
Marina ferociously maneuvered the sports car without looking in Simon’s direction. “I am an agent of C.O.R.E.”
Simon became infuriated. He had learned that Marina had extensive knowledge in several areas of weaponry including explosives. “It was you who demolished the Eternals base!”
“No,” she replied fishtailing as she took a hard left. “I am not a murderer like your fellow Eternal who killed one of our field agents.”
“Millennium Girl was brainwashed by her system’s program,” Simon retorted. “Cameron would never take another’s life willingly.”
“Interesting,” she replied glancing at Simon. “Someone is going through great lengths to make sure C.O.R.E. and the Eternals destroy one another.” She slid her hand to his lap and held his hand changing her tone. “I am deeply sorry about last night, Simon, but I have a job to do.” She hesitated before continuing. “But now I am not certain if C.O.R.E. should possess the Kongo. Bayou Rose does not seem at all like herself. Ever since the fight on the Pride of the Sea, her mental state is slowly deteriorating.” She looked again to Simon. “I am not a believer in magic, but I must know what powers it gives the one who possesses it.”
“The Kongo gives the power of wisdom and insight which could be used for numerous acts of power, be it political or warfare. However a deeper myth says the wielder will possess the powers of the mountain god Koya-no-Myoin. I do not know how devastating it would be if the latter were true. That is why I must deliver the Kongo to MAGI for further study. Where is it now?”
“With two of my most trusted employees,” she said with a smile. “They tracked the sniper back to Sirius Mongiovi’s base of operations and have them under surveillance. If the two of us work together we can get the information we need.”
“Have you heard of Infinites before? It was something Van Horn had said,” Simon asked.
“No. Do you think it has something to do with Mongiovi?”
“Can’t say for sure. He could have been referring to anything.” Simon lost himself in thought. He did not know how long they sat in silence. To him it felt like hours, but in reality only minutes had passed. Marina pulled the Ferrari along side the unmarked TAWS van.
“Let’s see what my boys have found out about this mystery gunman, shall we?” she playfully instructed as she pulled the car into park. The two exited and approached the van. Marina knocked as if in code. No one opened the sliding door. Marina waited another short pause before trying again. Sill no one came to her call. She pulled the door open to find Gian Scavone and Piero Buzzelli both hunched over their surveillance equipment.
Marina quickly ran to their sides oblivious to the blood splattered on the van’s interior. Both men had taken a bullet in their heads. Marina began to cry but she bit back hard. Simon watched as her grief turned to anger. She rummaged through the locked cages adding a Beretta in her garter, two semi automatic rifles around her back, and a small duffle bag over her shoulder. Simon dared to ask, “What’s that?”
“My bag of tricks,” Marina replied coldly squeezing past Simon leaving the van.
Simon followed her while taunting, “I don’t suppose the Kongo is still in the van is it? I mean, come on! Who in their right mind would even think of bringing it in the vicinity of the ones they stole it from?”
Marina turned sharply at Simon. He thought she was going to shoot him in the leg for spite, but only returned with a harsh smirk, “Well I wasn’t the one who kept the staff under my bed now was I?”
“Now you are just hitting a bit below the belt,” Simon replied as the two stopped at the doors of the abandoned building.
Marina dug deep into the duffle and pulled out two earpieces. One of which she wrapped around her ear. The other she tossed to Simon. “Here put this on. We will use these to communicate. We should go in separate directions. We can cover more ground that way. If one of us finds Mongiovi we can call on each other.”
Marina began to stop through the door until Simon grabbed her arm. He wanted to express his condolences her for her losses. He wanted to let her know that everything would be fine. But above all he wanted to thank her for coming into his life. “If we don’t make it through this…”
She turned and pulled him close to her bringing her lips to his. The two lost themselves in the embrace. “Don’t worry,” she said with that devilish grin, “We will.”
Simon listened to the gunfire and screams from the guards in the distance. His earpiece flared with very colorful Italian words. Even though the sounds of sweet revenge brought a smile to his face, Simon took another approach. Stealth. It was his specialty. Guards ran past him to assist the others under attack by the Italian hellcat, making it easier for him to seek out Sirius and the Kongo.
Simon found an office which looked like it had been used recently. He entered and gently closed the door behind him. He hurried to the desk looking for any file pertaining to the Kongo. He shifted through the documents on the desk and came across one marked Confidenziale! He opened it and found several medical documents all signed by a John Paxton. Simon did not recognize the name. He shuffled through more files seeing either his signature or Paxton International letterheads. He finally found a signed contract. He didn’t have time to read the fine print but he noticed that there were three signatures at the bottom: John Paxton, Sirius Mongiovi, and one Dr. Bishop Mathias.
Simon hailed Marina over the communicator she gave him. “Marina, do you read me? I think I may have found some crucial evidence. Marina?” There was no answer. Suddenly the floor shook as Simon heard a muffled explosion from somewhere inside the building. He tried again, “Marina, come in. Are you ok?”
“Hello, Mr Mirage,” a voice greeted. Simon turned to meet his host but felt something hard hit the back of his head before everything went black. Simon fell to the ground. The assailant leaned down to retrieve the documents Simon was holding. The light revealed three scars across the man’s face. “Nice to finally meet you, Simon Caine,” Dr. Mathias sneered, “or should I call you, Lucious McCoy?"
Chapter Seven
Simon did not know what made him feel more disoriented when he woke, but he narrowed it down to the four most annoying. His arm pulsated with pain from where he had been injected with tranquilizers, which in turn gave him the worst hangover he’d ever had. His arms and legs were bound, and with the little freedom he had to move, his feet did not touch ground.
As his senses grew clearer, he took in his surroundings. He was tied to large steel beam cylindrical in shape. The beam itself attached to the ceiling, and its base hung six feet from the floor. The room was a large abandoned packing facility used for arms distribution. Simon paid no more thought on his whereabouts. He needed to escape and find Marina. He tried to free his arms, but the ropes’ tension only made his head swell with pain. He shook his head to try and fight it off, which cued a friendly voice. “It’s about time you woke up.”
“Marina!” he shouted turning over his right shoulder in her direction. “I’m glad you are alive.” He remembered how terrified he was when she did not answer her communicator. Though he could not look upon her face, her voice was sweet music to his ears. He tried to remember what had happened in Graz. He winced fighting the pain as he retraced his steps. He did not know how much time had passed or if he had been moved to another location. He asked, “Where are we?”
“Striga, I think,” another voice answered from over his left shoulder. Although surprised to hear her voice, it too was not unwelcome.
“Belle? Is that you?” he asked in her direction. He remembered hearing Blitz.Krieg report her MIA status to Psych Ward at the New Year’s party.
“Yeah,” she replied. “I have been on Dr. Mathias’ trail for days now. I thought I caught a really big break, but I walked into a trap. Next thing I know, I’m strung up here with you two. You know me? Always getting in over my head.”
“I know what you mean, Belle,” Simon replied. “I think we are all in over our heads.”
“Faccia di merda!” Marina shouted as Sirius Mongiovi entered the room. He was escorted again by Jonathan Mangrum and Maddalena von Engel. However this time, he was also accompanied by Bishop Mathias, six Council delegates, and two dozen Council henchmen. Simon recognized the Council officers from Mongiovi’s gala at the Národní.
As the soldiers took their positions around the room, Sirius made his way to the center. As he did so, he looked upwards at the three prisoners and smiled. “Welcome, Mr. Caine, Ms. Tackys, and Ms. Cruix, to our little unveiling. It would not have been possible if not for you making it so easy to take back what is mine.” Sirius paused as he walked in Marina’s view. “Poor Bella, your men begged for their lives to their very last breath.”
“Bastard!” Marina screamed as she spat at him.
Sirius smiled as he moved out of the way. He shook his head teasing, “Now is that any way for an heiress to behave? I’d thought you’d be more of a lady.” He strolled around to La Belle Dame. “And you should be more careful who you spy on, Ms. Cruix. Maybe after we kill you, we will find that brother of yours. How is JD doing these days?”
“Fuck you, you, son of a bitch!” Belle yelled. “When I get down from here, I am going to break both your fucking legs!”
Sirius laughed making his way back to face Simon. “And I thought you had better taste in women, Mr. Caine,” again pausing to give a smirk. “I’ve read of your exploits. Quite impressive. I now know why M.A.G.I. holds you in such high regards. It’s a shame we never worked together, and too bad we never will.” Sirius snapped his fingers cueing Mangrum to unwrap the Kongo. “You three will witness the true power of the god Koya-no-Myoin first hand as you will feel my wrath!”
Sirius walked to Jonathan and took the Kongo from his hands. He addressed the dignitaries, “Gentlemen, this staff will transform me into a power far greater than any you have ever seen. With this, I pledge my loyalties to the Council and will assist you in your conquest of the United States of America, starting with Paragon City. And no hero will stand in our way.”
Sirius stood in the center of the room. He knelt to one knee placing the staff’s tip on the ground in front of him. Sirius closed his eyes and began to chant. All the while, Simon continued tying to free his hands. A rough wind howled inside the building. The tall windows on the outer walls began to rattle. Sirius’ eyes shot open as his head bolted back. His eyes were solid white. The jewel inside the Kongo too began to glow. Outside the clouds turned grey and swirled above the facility. Sirius’ chants became louder as the floors began to shake. Simon knew the transformation would not take much longer. If something was to be done, it would have to be done now.
Suddenly a gunshot echoed through the room as the bullet went through Sirius’ forehead. The Kongo spun on its tip and began to fall. As Mangrum dived to catch the staff, an army of mercenaries and robots exploded in through the windows. The Council did not have time to react as they were gunned down instantly.
Sunlight broke through the clouds as they dissipated, and the atmosphere inside became calm once the Kongo’s magic slowly died. The army of man and machine took formation behind von Engel. Dr. Mathias stood amongst the carnage holding a smoking pistol. Tucking it away in its holster, he motioned to Mangrum to toss him the Kongo. Once he caught it, he looked at the staff with admiration. “The true power lies in this jewel,” he began his lesson to the three prisoners, “the vajra.” He began to free it from the staff. “In Sanskrit, the vajra is the lightning jewel of the mountain god Indra.” He slid the jewel from its cradle and tossed it to Mangrum. “Merely a battery. But I didn’t have to tell you that, Mr. Caine. I am sure you already knew that.”
“Yes I did,” Simon replied. “However I do not know who you are.”
“How rude of me, I am the Master of Fate! I am the Ruler of Destiny! I am Dr. Bishop Mathias. Maybe you’ve heard of me?” the mastermind jested tossing the Kongo across the room. Simon watched as it disappeared under machinery. Dr. Mathias pulled up a chair and propped his feet on a nearby worktable. He dusted himself off while sighing, “However I long for change. You can call me Check.mate. My associates and I have something for you three.” Maddalena walked past Check.mate holding an explosive device. Simon could see as she drew near the marking on top of the bomb. It read TAWS. Check.mate continued, “Yes no other can compete with the TAWS 518-2 detonator, and I hear it packs quite the punch. You have such wonderful toys, Ms. Tackys.”
Maddalena von Engel placed the explosive device underneath the base of the beam and set it to detonate in ten minutes. “Auf Wiedersehen,” she grinned as she regrouped with her men and exited the building. The robot soldiers followed suit as their master John Mangrum also departed with the vajra in hand.
Check.mate stood from his chair and revealed, “I have sent several surveillance photos incriminating you with murder. Once Bayou Rose and Psych Ward see what unforgiving acts you performed, they will seek revenge, and with one last move, I will have sealed the destruction of your organizations once and for all. I will enjoy watching the oncoming slaughter. Thank you, my pawns. It has been an intriguing game.” He smiled once more in contempt over his plan. With confidence that he would succeed, he joined his comrades outside.
Simon watched through the window as the Mangrum and von Engel were loading their troops into several military vehicles. Dr. Mathias walked to the jeep in front. The other masterminds joined him, and in an instant the convoy disappeared into the horizon along with the mysterious new villain threat.
“Do you have any other toys on you, Marina? Maybe something that can cut through this rope,” Simon asked not knowing how much time they had to spare. Behind his feet, the bomb continued counting down and reached the two minute mark.
“No,” she replied, “However, I managed to free my arms a little.”
“How about you, Belle?” Simon calmly asked though sweat beaded on his forehead.
“Negative,” Belle responded. “But I can move my arms a little as well.”
Simon had an idea. He attempted to move his arms again. With all his might, his arms shifted outwards around the beam. The rope burned into his skin. A small price to pay to save lives, he thought. “Marina, Belle, I need for you both to reach for my hands. I am going to teleport us all out of here.”
Tears filled Marina’s eyes as she endured the rope burn. Belle too could not much stand the pain. Simon reached out his fingers to grab their hands. He could feel their fingertips. With every attempt, his fingers only slipped against theirs. He reached out again sliding his arms hairs further. The ropes cut into his skin. However it was in vain. He could still not reach their hands. “Reach, damn it!” he demanded them. “I can’t grab hold!”
With one last attempt, Marina and Belle let out a scream as the ropes drew blood. Simon grabbed their hands and locked his grip tight. He began to chant a spell. In a flash of light, the three of them were free of the ropes and ten yards away from the building. Marina and Belle turned to run when Simon grabbed Marina’s arm. “You two find cover. I have to retrieve the Kongo.”
“No,” Marina demanded. “It is useless now without that jewel.”
“I have to,” Simon replied as he disappeared in another flash.
“SIMON! YOU FOOL!” Marina shouted as Belle tugged her arm. She hated that he was so stubborn, but she admired him for his ethics. He had a mission to do, and he would finish. She held her ground looking for any sign of him until she finally fled to safety.
Simon landed underneath the bomb. He looked to see how much time he had. Thirty seconds. The circuitry was a work of art. Knowing Marina, it would be impossible to disarm it without triggering the charges. No time to try. He needed to find the Kongo, and he needed to hurry.
…20 seconds…
He rushed to the machine that the staff slid underneath. He placed his cheek against the cold concrete. The Kongo had stopped dead center. He was going to have to reach for it. His arms slid smoothly against the machine bottom. The blood on his arms provided enough lubricant that he could almost reach it.
…10 seconds…
His fingers were close enough now to caress the staff as he tried to grab it. He reached further. This time he could touch it with his middle finger, and managed to slide it towards him. He placed his hand over the Kongo and pulled it free.
…3…
Simon stood looking at his prize. After being shot at, beat up, drugged, and tied to an explosive, the Kongo would finally belong to MAGI. He smiled to his feat, “Mission complete.”
…2…
Outside Marina and Belle waited for Simon’s return. He had been gone too long. Marina panicked. She bolted towards the building but was cut short as the building exploded into a thousand pieces. Marina covered her face as debris of wooden shards, broken glass, and concrete rubble showered down on them. Once the smoke cleared, Marina walked a few steps toward the destruction. With tears, Marina’s words escaped in a whisper, “You fool.”
Chapter Eight
The crew of the cargo ship Devoveo hustled loading and unloading cargo onthe docks of Port Noble preparing for their journey to Genova, Italy. The captain stood at the top of the loading ramp with eyes closed. His beard was unkempt and his face weathered. He wore a white cap and navy blazer and puffed on a Grecian pipe. Captain Alan Vargas removed it from his lips to take in a deep breath of ocean air. He closed his eyes embracing its familiarity. He loved the sea for many reasons, but mainly because the sea was good to him.
His bliss was interrupted by the smell of fresh flowers and citrus. Captain Vargas opened his eyes to see that his passenger had arrived. Her beauty was unspeakable. It was the type of beauty found in his crewmen's yarns of mythical sirens and mermaids of the sea. It was the sort of beauty that was never meant to be touched, but only to be admired from afar. Vargas could only guess she was from a wealthy family from her attire. He had only seen pictures of such finely dressed women in magazines his men would bring aboard. She belonged on a charter plane or a luxury cruiser and not on a boat like his. He removed his cap to greet her, "Ho there, m'lady! We are almost ready to set sail, so to speak. Ye sure ye still wish to join us? I 'spect it be a ten day journey."
The woman nodded unfazed by his presence. She continued staring at the ship's bow with great sorrow. Vargas felt as if she did not want to be bothered. She obviously did not need the company of an old sea dog like himself. He started to return to his duties when she stopped him, "Devoveo.It is latin, yes?"
Captain Vargas leaned his forearms against the guardrails. With a smile, he replied, "Smart and attractive. He be a lucky man who holds your heart, Ms. Tackys. And yes. It means 'to sacrifice.'"
Sacrifice, the word seemed to echo an eternity in her mind. So many unnecessary deaths were the price paid for her mistakes. In her quest to obtain the Kongo and rescue Dr. Van Horn, she failed which was a new feeling for her. Her life had been about perfection. It was her guiding light. Marina never missed until now.
Captain Vargas timidly interrupted her thoughts. She could tell he was trying to walk on thin ice around her. "And ye be travelin' alone?"
She nodded again closing her eyes this time to fight a tear. Sacrifice.
Not right for a woman like you to be alone," he replied solemnly. He hit the railing with his palms as if he'd heard enough. He let out a boisterous chuckle. I'll intr'duce you to me nephew when we dock in Genova. He be a strapping young lad. Has a ship of his own too," he placed the pipe in his mouth and took a few puffs. Through his clenched teeth, he told her, We be leavin' this wharf in twenty minutes. Make sure you are topside. Best view for the sunset." He turned and began barking orders at his crew.
Marina had met Captain Vargas at the Mermaid Tavern an hour after her escape. She needed a ride to her homeland, and Vargas offered the cheapest fare since he was already heading in that direction. Once she arrived in Torino, she'd seek condolences with the Scavone and Buzzelli families, and make sure that Gian and Piero receive funerals fit for the great men they once were. She wished her life was taken in place of theirs. She let out a deep sigh and wondered where it all went wrong.
Simon. Sacrifice. If she had not met Simon Caine in Prague had she been successful in retrieving the artifact? Images of his charming smile and arrogant swagger flashed in her mind. Would the outcome be different if she never met him at the Restaurace Pálffy Palác for dinner? More images danced through her thoughts as they did that night on the terrace, and then later in his flat. She could still smell his cologne and almost feel his touch. She snapped out of her fantasy. It was a mistake. She was distracted. She let her guard down. Still. He saved her life.
She never met a man who valued her life over his. She found much valor in Simon. Even down to the last few seconds, he risked his life to protect the world from a mystic artifact, and for what? At first glance, one would think he was only after fame and fortune. But she knew that Simon believed in something greater. Deep down he was doing what he felt was right. "Why'd you have to go back inside that building?" she cursed on the inside. She did not know if Simon knew the definition of failure, but one thing was certain. He lived by the very meaning of sacrifice, and that was how she came to love him.
Marina felt the footsteps of another on the cedar boards beneath her feet. With each stride, she felt the weight on the boards shift.
The sound of each footstep grew louder until the man stopped directly behind her. She closed her eyes again, but this time a smile managed to creep onto her face. She could smell his cologne. The man asked her, "Do you believe in magic now?"
"I have to admit you may have turned a skeptic. However I do not look for trust in magic. I have no need for charms or hexes nor do I abide by spell casters," she replied turning to face him with a grin. She teased, " I find they can be quite troublesome."
After the explosion, Marina and La Belle Dame searched through the debris for Simon's body. For what seemed like hours, the two looked under huge chunks of concrete and mangled machinery, and still they could not find him. Marina's knees had weakened as she became undone. Between light sobs she heard something faint in the distance. She followed the sounds as they grew louder. She could tell the sounds were actually coughs as she drew nearer which began to worry her even more. She picked up her pace. She found Simon under what was once a section of the ceiling. He escaped the detonation by teleporting thirty yards away. However he did not escape its wrath when he materialized as the target of the hurling concrete slab. When Marina uncovered his face, he slowly freed his arm revealing the Kongo and began to laugh uncontrollably as if he enjoyed the whole ordeal. She was happy to see his smile, yet furious at his childlike amusement.
And here was Simon alive and well standing in front of her. As much as she wanted to, Marina knew she should no longer see this man. Their relationship, if it would progress, would only see turmoil. All she wanted to take from this man was all that he had already given her. The horn on the Devoveo alerted Marina that it was time. She felt a lump in her throat as her heart pleaded. She opened her mouth to speak, but Simon interrupted. "Listen, Marina," he began as he cradled her hands in his, "Maybe we can get together for a drink when you return to Paragon City."
Marina smiled at his attempt, but she knew what must be done. "Let's not create hope with false promises and call this what it really is. In a perfect world, I would want nothing more than to see you again, but we both know that's not possible. We both have loyalties to opposing factions, but I will leave you with a promise to find resolve between the two. It will take time to rebuild trust, but until then, this must be..."
"...Goodbye," Simon finished.
Marina handed Simon a napkin that she had folded up in her palm. " Here is information on Check.mate and his associates. I jotted down everything I could remember while I waited at the Mermaid Tavern," she explained. " I fear this information will do you more good than it will me. Consider it a gift." She placed her hand on his cheek and kissed him gently on his lips. "Thank you for everything."
Simon watched in contempt as she boarded the ship. He couldn't have worded it more perfectly. Marina was right. With all the turmoil between the Eternals and C.O.R.E., it was best they went their separate ways. Simon was amazed how strong she was emotionally. He remembered the others before her and how distraught they were as he left each one: Maria, Caitlin, Taya, "Babs", and Francesca. Each woman had a special place in his heart, but no one could compare to Marina. She looked upon Simon one last time as the ship began its course, "Farewell, Simon Caine."
"Arrivederci, Marina Tackys," Simon whispered to himself.
Azuria held the Kongo to the light inspecting every detail of the staff. She looked pleased at M.A.G.I.'s newest addition. She handed it to her assistant who gladly escorted the Kongo to the vault. Azuria crossed to Simon and leaned on her desk. She noticed some fresh wounds around his face. I trust you had quite the adventure."
There were some complications," Simon reported. "We will not be having any more trouble from Sirius Mongiovi, I am afraid." He leaned closer to Azuria. She could feel his breath on her lips. She felt an overwhelming urge to just kiss him and be done with it, but he hopped to his feet before she had the chance. "The lightning jewel was stolen."
I noticed," Azuria added as she composed herself. "Any idea of who has it and what they plan to do with the vajra?"
"The 'who' is Dr. Bishop Mathias. He goes by the name Check.mate, and he was not alone," he replied. "There was a Jonathan Mangrum and Maddalena von Engel with him as well. As for the 'why', I haven't the slightest idea of "What they have planned. It's puzzling really."
"What's that?" she asked.
"What do an engineer, a test pilot, and a manipulative son of a bitch have in common?" Simon asked aloud as he paced the room.
"Sounds like the beginning of a bad joke," Azuria jested.
"Indeed," he agreed.
Well what's important is that the Kongo is a safe now thanks to you," she said offering her hand in congratulations. " We will get our best contacts looking into those three and see if we can't figure out what's up their sleeves."
"Azuria," Simon accepted her handshake, "Always a pleasure." Having returned to Paragon, he longed for some relaxation at the Rest. Maybe he'd catch a foreign film with Eden at the New Sparta 8 on Talos Island. He thought he'd could also introduce himself to his new ward, and take him on some easy runs for fun.
Simon took a few steps towards the door when Azuria stopped him, "How about you, Simon? Did you find any treasures for you while abroad?"
Simon remembered his time spent with beautiful Marina, that Italian Hellcat that got the best of him. He looked back at Azuria and simply replied, "Some treasures are better left behind."
