Veronica Volt/Trials and Errors
From Unofficial Handbook of the Virtue Universe
Contents |
Trials and Errors
Chapter 1
Veronica stepped out of the tall office building near the center of Peregrine Island and groaned. It had been late afternoon when she’d responded to Tina’s urgent call for help and now the stars glittered brightly overhead. Computers were never her specialty and having to hack into Crey’s system from four different terminals throughout their lab had taken her a lot longer than she’d expected. The constant hit and run skirmishes with Crey’s security force had taken their toll on the young heroine and she tried unsuccessfully to suppress a yawn. She relaxed her concentration and the electric field that constantly surrounded her body dimmed to an occasional crackle and spark.
She looked around the unfamiliar neighborhood to get her bearings. I’ve really got to learn my way around here better. she thought as her stomach growled. She pulled her Youth League Comm. Unit from her belt and reported her mission complete. After a moment, she began punching up the local map on the miniature screen when a chilling voice laughed from behind her.
“Tonight, hero…the entertainment has come to you!”
Veronica started to turn around when she felt a sudden overwhelming pressure in her mind. She clutched her head in pain and doubled over as the colorfully dressed Illusionist stepped closer; behind her, two massive Carnies with metal helmets pounded their fists together in anticipation.
“Tsk, tsk. What’s the matter dearie? Got a headache?” the demented woman sneered. “My friends here can help you with that. They’ll make all your pains go away soon.” She stood before the agonized girl and laughed through thick white makeup. “But first, I promised a little entertainment…and the Carnival of Shadows hates to disappoint.” She stretched out her arm and pointed at Veronica and a bolt of pale purple energy shot forth striking the helpless teenager.
Veronica struggled to pull her thoughts together. The sudden flash of purple energy reminded her of a training session with Kid Psyche and Psi Elixer a few months ago. Using that memory as inspiration, Veronica focused her mind as best she could and exploded in a blast of static electricity. Her attackers were momentarily stunned by the powerful blue flash and she quickly took advantage of the situation to teleport as far as she could straight up. She kicked her electric field up to full power and teleported again as far as her power would carry her. One more jump, she thought, and I can find a building to land on and call for backup.
She focused her attention on a spot a quarter mile ahead and summoned the lightning that would carry her there as a cold voice dripping with hatred sounded in her head. Oh no, hero. You can’t leave the show before it’s over! As the mystical lightning surrounded her, her mind turned inside out from the powerful mental assault and the city swirled.
Veronica Volt disappeared in a flash of lightning and a crackle of thunder.
Chapter 2
Slowly consciousness returned, accompanied by a pounding headache that would not be denied. Veronica raised her head from the hard stone floor a peered around groggily. Crystals embedded in the walls issued pale blue light casting the entire scene with an otherworldly glow. She raised her hand to her head and tenderly felt the massive lump that was still growing. Her trembling hand came away wet and sticky with her own blood. Nausea overcame her and she violently emptied her stomach in great heaving gasps. She lay exhausted for several minutes before attempting to rise again. Slowly she pushed herself into a sitting position, fighting off waves of dizziness as they swept over her. Reaching behind her on her belt, she discovered her comm unit was missing. She looked around the dark tunnel and finally found the battered device a few feet away. She flipped the cover open and hit the emergency key crossing her fingers that it still worked. She was rewarded by a flashing red light on the miniature screen but her elation was short lived as the image was replaced by three words that flashed repeatedly -- No Service Available.
Veronica looked angrily at the stone walls around her. OK, I guess I need to get moving, try to find a place where I can either get out of here or get close enough to the surface for the comm signal to get through the rock. She slowly stood up, fighting off another wave of nausea and steadying herself against the nearby wall. The tunnel she stood in sloped down and into shadow in one direction and slanted upward in another. Oh well, she thought, here’s to luck. She turned and followed the upward route, one hand pressed against the wall to fight the dizziness she felt. Her ever-present electrical field helped to light the path before her although its glow was noticeably dimmer than she was used to seeing.
After a few minutes that seemed like hours to the injured girl, she heard the sounds of fighting echoing through the vast cave system. She approached cautiously and peered around a corner. Before her, several charred and withered bodies sprawled on the ground, smoke still rising from the burnt leather clad forms. She bent to inspect the corpses, fighting off her revulsion at the horrifying smell. “Mu!” she whispered to herself. The sound of a nearby explosion rocked the young girl and a wave of heat quickly swept down the corridor. Instinctively she crouched low expecting a blast of flame and almost lost consciousness as her head throbbed in response. I’ve got to get out of here. she thought. I’m so tired, I don’t know if I can make it much further. She tried her comm unit again with the same results. Disheartened, she continued slowly up the tunnel toward the large chamber ahead. The view she observed sent a chill down her spine. Several robed Circle of Thorn mages were engaged in heated battle with a group of Mu mystics, their blood-red leather shining evilly in the flickering torch light of the cavern. Behind the Thorn, a massive Behemoth Master hurled blazing bolts of magic at the Mu causing them to constantly dodge and stay on the defensive. On the far side of the cavernous room, Veronica saw what looked like a smaller chamber with a large wooden door. God I hope that’s the way out. the exhausted girl thought.
At that moment, one of the Thorn mages turned and spotted the young heroine. With a hiss, he pointed to her. The giant Behemoth Master turned to follow his gaze and his eyes blazed at the sight of the blue and gold clad girl. Raising powerfully muscled arms above his horned head, he summoned a large sphere of crackling flame and hurled it at the startled teenage. Veronica saw the flaming projectile launch directly at her and did the only thing she could think of; she teleported across the chamber leaving the demon’s attack to explode harmlessly against the stone walls of the tunnel. Her quick escape came at a price though for as she appeared in a crackle of lightning on the far side, pain shot through her head threatening to render her unconscious yet again. Quickly she stumbled to the large door and clutched the metal handle. With a terrific shove, she pushed the heavy door open and half ran, half stumbled into the crisp dawn air outside. Risking the pain, she again teleported, this time up and above the sight-line of the trees that surrounded her. This time the pain proved to much and she lost her concentration and with that, her ability to hover. She plunged down through branches that cut and lashed her before hitting the ground hard. As her head swam and her vision started to fade, she made one last attempt to reach the Youth League. This time the comm unit issued a sharp beep as the signal connected and a familiar voice answered, “Youth League headquarters. Triumvirate speaking."
“What the?!” Triumvirate? “Dex, its Ronnie…I’m in trouble…I need help fast, please!” she relayed hastily. The forest around her began to spin and her vision faded to black as she passed out.
Chapter 3
Slowly sounds began to filter through the black haze of Veronica’s consciousness. She heard quiet voices talking nearby; voices she recognized. “She’s awake.” came one she was very familiar with, her friend Dexter Michaels, also known as Kid Psyche. She opened her eyes and blinked against the harsh lights of the med-center.
The red, white, and blue blur before her quickly focused into the powerfully muscled form of Ameri-Kid. Beside him stood another young man, this one in highly polished black armor with crimson and silver highlights. Ameri-Kid watched her intently before he spoke. “How are you feeling?” the young hero asked.
Veronica’s voice cracked as she replied, “Water, please.”
The black armored boy quickly filled a glass with water from a nearby pitcher and handed it to the parched teen. “Thanks” Veronica said as she took a few swallows. “I feel better.” She said. “What happened?”
The two boys looked at each other for a moment before Ameri-Kid answered her. “You contacted the Youth League on a restricted frequency with this.” He held up Veronica’s comm. unit. “Triumvirate notified me immediately and we rendezvoused at your location. We found you unconscious with a severe concussion and brought you back to Youth League headquarters. We’ve tended to your injuries and now that you’re awake, I have a few questions I’d like you to answer.” He set Veronica’s comm. unit down and crossed his arms.
“Well, OK, I guess.” Veronica replied, confused. She noticed that the room looked subtlety different than she recalled. “Um, did somebody paint in here and not tell me about it?” Ameri-Kid raised his eyebrows and turned to face his companion who shook his head slightly from side to side.
Ignoring the young blonde’s question, the patriotic hero asked one Veronica found funny. “Who are you?”
She chuckled before responding. “My head’s feeling fine now, guys. Really. Lay off the jokes, I’m hungry and need to get some food in me.” She started to rise from the bed only to discover that her body was securely strapped to the table. “Hey! What’s the deal here? Let me out of this thing!” she said angrily.
“Answer my question, please.” Ameri-Kid said pointedly. Veronica stopped struggling and looked at him carefully.
“You know good and well who I am.” she said through clenched teeth. “I’m Veronica Poulus, code named Veronica Volt; co-leader of the Youth League.” With that statement, Ameri-Kid looked surprised and turned again to face the quiet, armored teenager beside him. The black helmet nodded as the boy said, “She’s telling the truth, at least she thinks she is.”
Exasperated, Veronica shouted, “Of course I’m telling the truth, Dexter! What the hell is going on here? Let me out of these restraints immediately!” She struggled uselessly against her bonds.
“Miss Poulus, please. Try to relax.” Ameri-Kid eyed the restraints critically. “It’s important that you’re honest with me.”
Veronica glared at the young man and shouted, “I am being honest with you! Dex, I know you like to kid around but I’d never expect this sort of thing from you, Ameri-Kid. I demand you release me now.” she said in a huff.
“I’m sorry but that’s not an option at this point.” Ameri-Kid said dismissively.
“Oh yeah?” Veronica said in a low voice.
The armored boy suddenly said, “Sir, she’s going to…” as a flash of lightning surrounded the young girl and in a crack of thunder she was gone, reappearing behind the two heroes. As quickly as she had teleported, Ameri-Kid turned and shifted his stance to a combat ready pose. Veronica raised her hands before her in a gesture for peace.
“Listen guys, I appreciate the concern and all, but would one of you like to tell me what’s going on or do I have to make it an order?”
Ameri-Kid eyed her warily, noting her own stance which closely mirrored his. Dexter stepped forward and put a restraining hand on Ameri-Kid’s shoulder. “Sir, I believe she really is Veronica Poulus. I believe we can trust her.”
The red, white, and blue clad hero considered Dexter’s words carefully before nodding. “OK, Triumvirate…if you really think so. But I want her access to the base restricted.”
“Yes, sir.” the armored figure saluted.
Veronica turned to face Dexter. “Triumvirate? What’s with the name change, Dex? …and the new armor. Her face mirrored her confusion. “Did you get tired of ‘Kid Psyche’ or something?”
Dexter looked at her for a few moments before he wistfully replied, “We… ‘Kid Psyche’ is gone. We are Triumvirate.”
“…We?” Veronica queried.
“Yes.” came the reply as Triumvirate nodded and walked away.
Veronica turned and looked questioningly at Ameri-Kid who continued to watch her closely. As she looked at him, Veronica noticed a few differences in his costume too. He wore metal gauntlets rather than his usual cloth gloves and the star pattern on his pants looked different. She slowly turned around, taking in her surrounding more carefully this time. The more she looked, the more she noticed changes. The tile floor had a different pattern than she was used to and some of the med-center’s equipment was unfamiliar. She started to get alarmed. “Ameri-Kid, please…tell me what’s going on.” she pleaded.
He watched her for a moment before he answered, “We’re not entirely sure. You appear to be Veronica Poulus, a former member of our team…” he paused, “The late Veronica Poulus.” he added.
Veronica’s eyes widened as his words sunk in. “You mean…you mean I’m…dead?” she asked incredulously.
Chapter 4
Veronica sighed as she brushed an errant strand of hair from her face. Two hours of “debriefing” under the scrutiny of Ameri-Kid had proven exhausting and she wanted some time to think about the few facts she’d learned in return. It was obvious that this wasn’t her Paragon City; there were differences, both subtle and extreme. For one thing, her counterpart here was dead. That knowledge shook Veronica as much as the idea of being lost in the multi-verse. She needed to figure out what happened and if there was anyway for her to get back to the world she knew. Of course, there was another alternative…she could still be on her world, trapped in the vile clutches of the Carnival of Shadows; all this could be some twisted illusion. If that was the case, then she had no alternative but to play along and look for some way out.
As she entered the sprawling base’s kitchen, Veronica’s heart pounded. Standing at the refrigerator with his back to her was the familiar black and neon blue armor of her boyfriend, Merrex. Wait, not her boyfriend, but the Merrex of this world. Her smile quickly faded as the armored teen turned to face her and she realized that the face was not Jack’s but rather someone she didn’t recognize. “Hi.” the youth said as he took a bite from his sandwich. “You must be new here.” He stuffed more of the sandwich into his mouth.
“Um, no. I mean, yes. Well, kinda. I guess I’m just visiting.” Veronica stammered.
“Uh…O-kay.” Merrex looked at her, puzzled. “I’m Merrex.” he said, extending his hand.
“I know.” Veronica said. I’m Veronica…but my friends call me Ronnie, or just V.”
Merrex smiled, “Well, ‘just-V’, it’s nice to meet you.” He winked. “I need to run though, I’m late for a patrol.” He waved as he took to the air and quickly flew out of the kitchen.
Well, that was certainly unexpected. Veronica thought. She walked slowly through the quiet headquarters of the Youth League. Before long she came to a short hallway with framed pictures on the walls. There was the first group shot of the Youth League, taken in Atta’s cave after the freshly formed team had arrested the Troll leader and his gang. Another frame held her friend Fyre Prism, leaning against a giant cracked-glass dome that Veronica thought she recognized as the helmet worn by the psychic Clockwork King. She continued walking slowly as she went from picture to picture. Some held heroes she didn’t recognize but most were familiar or identical to the counterparts she knew. She noticed a shadow box on the opposite wall and was surprised to see her tiara suspended within. Her hand went to her brow, confirming that hers was in place. That must have belonged to their Veronica. she thought solemnly.
Beside the memento of the YL’s fallen hero was a wedding photo. The bride and groom were surrounded by smiling Youth Leaguer’s. Veronica was shocked when she realized that she recognized her own face as the bride, and Jack as the groom. Her jaw dropped and she took an involuntary step back.
“I’m sorry, perhaps we should have told you.” came the quiet voice of Triumvirate behind her. Veronica looked at him as a wave of alternating emotions swept though her.
“Jack and I, we…we got married?” she asked, shocked.
“Yes, you did. I don’t think I’d ever seen the two of you happier than that day. It was a beautiful wedding, too.” The black armored boy said as he looked at the photo. With an audible click, he released the seals on his helmet and lifted it above his head. He wiped away a tear with one ebony armor hand.
Veronica turned to face Triumvirate and let out a small gasp. “Dex, your face…?” she said, shocked. The familiar face of her young friend looked older, more solemn and one side of his face was dominated by a large black star shaped tattoo that covered one eye.
Dexter looked at her quickly. “I guess we found something else different about our worlds, huh?” he said. He replaced his helmet and pointedly returned his gaze to the wedding photo.
Taking the hint that he didn’t want to talk about it, Veronica instead decided to ask a question she’d been avoiding until now. “Dex, how did it happen? I mean, how did I…die?”
Triumvirate continued to stare at the photograph. “Hallmark.” He crossed his arms. “You and Merrex had both just resigned from the YL, Jack turned his armor over to another guy he knew. Hallmark…he struck…on your honeymoon. He must have known that you’d lose your powers…that you would both finally be vulnerable.”
“What do you mean, lose my powers? What does my honeymoon have to do with anything?”
“Well, as a handmaiden for Athena, your powers only lasted as long as you stayed a virgin. Surely you know that…?” the young boy said, confused.
“What?! What are you talking about? …handmaiden to Athena…? Virgin…? Dex, I don’t understand.” the shocked blonde exclaimed.
Triumvirate tilted his head. “Huh, well maybe things are different where you come from. Our Veronica was descended from a long line of priestesses that served the goddess Athena. Her mother had moved to Paragon City after she fell in love with an American businessman. She renounced her gifts in order marry him and soon she bore Veronica. One day, the Circle of Thorns attacked her school group while they were touring the local museum. During the battle, Athena took notice and decided to restore “the family powers” so to speak.”
Veronica stood stunned. “Oh my god…could that explain it? My mother left Greece when she fell in love with my father… Could I really be a handmaiden to Athena? How could I be and not know it? Why wouldn’t she have told me?”
Dexter shook his head. “I can’t imagine. Maybe things aren’t the same though for you, we can’t know for sure. But if it is, and you do still have your powers, then I guess I can assume that you’re still…um, I mean, that you and Jack haven’t, um…”
Veronica’s face turned a bright scarlet as she blushed suddenly. “No! Well, not entirely, not yet anyway.” She crossed her arms and looked away, embarrassed.
“Sorry, none of my business really.” Triumvirate said with a chuckle.
The two were interrupted when a familiar voice called from down the hall. “Oh my god, it’s true! I came as soon as I heard.” The gleaming silver form of Neutrino flew down the hall and landed before them. He stood slack jawed, stunned at the appearance of his old friend, lost to him months ago. “Ronnie…” Beside him, Triumvirate shook his head. “I mean, well, you know what I mean. God you look just like her.” The young hero looked her over, taking in every detail of her that his powerful talisman bio transmitted to his sightless eyes.
“I am her, well, sort of I guess. Just her from another reality.” Veronica tried to explain the theory of her strange dimensional hop. Midway through the explanation, Triumvirate excused himself to take care of his duties.
Once she and Neutrino were alone, Veronica turned serious. “Ray, what happened to Dex? On my world, he’s known as Kid Psyche, and the one I know isn’t so…morose.” she trailed off.
“Oh,” Neutrino said, “yeah…um, well… It was Charlie.” Veronica nodded for him to go on. “When Jak of Hearts died, Charlie…took him in. He kind of absorbed the spirit of Jak and in the process, his power went out of control. That’s when he got that freaky star-thingie over his eye.” Veronica remembered, the same thing had happened in her reality. “Well Charlie’s power, it…it grew beyond his ability to contain it. When the end became inevitable, Dexter…well, Dexter absorbed him, the same way Charlie had taken in Jak. Dex said he couldn’t bear to lose Charlie again. Thus the weird star symbol, and Dex’s freaky mood shifts. He’s gotten to be a little flakey I guess you could say. He’s kinda schizophrenic I think. Ameri-Kid keeps him busy here at headquarters now. He’s not exactly the sort of face we wanna be showing Paragon City anymore.”
“I think I understand. Hmmm, Triumvirate, I get it now. He's three people now.” Veronica replied, saddened by the fate of her friends on this world. She turned back to look at the photo of her…no, this world’s Veronica’s wedding. “Ray, I have to know, what happened to Jack? Did Hallmark…did he…?”
Neutrino took Veronica by the shoulders. “Jack…? Jack State? He’s alive. I think Hallmark wanted to kill you in order to really hurt Jack. Jack’s alive, and maybe even well. although I kinda doubt it. He still lives in Paragon City, I think. …But V, he’s changed. Your death, I mean, his Veronica’s death…it hit him really hard. …It hit us all hard.” His voice cracked with emotion. Veronica wrapped her arms around him and squeezed tightly.
So much was different here, and yet so much seemed the same. Her friends were still here, but their lives were different in ways she’d never have imagined. There was so much to consider. She and Jack married? The idea thrilled her, and scared her at the same time. And what if Triumvirate’s startling history of her double was the same for her? Could she actually be a handmaiden of Athena and not know it yet? That might explain why Azuria had always had so much trouble training her in mystic arts, maybe her powers were quite literally “goddess given” and not the same as many of the other mystics of Paragon City. She pulled away from Neutrino and asked, “Ray, can you take me to the archives, I think I need to get up to speed on your world.”
Chapter 5
Her eyes watered from staring at the computer monitor for so many hours. Neutrino had led her to a general usage terminal at her request and after showing her the basics of the Youth League’s system which was much like the one she knew, he left her to her work. She called up the team’s roster and reviewed the names. Again she was struck by the similarities between the two worlds. She found that she recognized most of the names listed, although several were unfamiliar. She scrolled through past case files looking for any clue that might let her know where she was. While the information was fascinating, and most of it eerily familiar, she was no closer to her goal, even after several hours of intense reading.
Morbid curiosity tugged at her and she called up the list of deceased or missing heroes. Her jaw dropped when she saw the length of the list. Veronica had always been burdened by the few losses her team had endured, but the mortality rate of this Youth League was significantly higher. She scrolled down through the list and cringed as she recognized name after name. One in particular caught her eye and she clicked on Phyrefly’s name to retrieve more details.
The report detailed an assault by Hallmark and an unknown female on Portal Corp. headquarters. Samm had been the first hero to respond to the call for help from the desperate technicians. Veronica located a copy of the video feed captured by the Corps internal monitors. She watched in horror as Hallmark and his associate managed to open a portal to a nightmare of flame and chaos. The female dove through the shimmering field causing an instant and terrifying vortex to form, a vortex that immediately began tugging at this end of the portal with a force that threatened to suck the contents of the tremendous room though the event horizon and into the hell on the other side.
Veronica watched as the small figure of her friend threw the nearby technicians away from the effect of the vortex; behind her, the diabolical Hallmark saw his opportunity and struck at the fiery teenager. The two began fighting in earnest, oblivious to the peril surrounding them. The effect of the vortex expanded and in a twinkling the two combatants were caught in its undeniable grip. Veronica gasped as she saw them both pulled into the glowing portal. As Phyrefly crossed the event horizon, she erupted in a pulse of flaming energy that somehow destabilized the growing portal and in an instant it shut down. There was a split second of silence before the computer bank nearest the gateway exploded in a shower of sparks. The video ended with some scientist’s report on their findings. The explosion had destroyed the computer that could identify the destination and all further attempts to locate it had thus far failed. Samm was truly lost with little or no hope of rescue. Veronica’s heart thudded in her chest.
She noticed an update link and clicked it. It revealed a short follow-up report from Portal Corp that indicated that two months ago the portal machinery inexplicably activated briefly and an unidentified creature emerged into this world. It fled quickly, eluding all attempts to capture it. The scientists on duty had managed to confirm part of the dimensional coordinates before the portal collapsed, halting their efforts again.
Another update, logged just a few weeks ago identified the creature as a demon named Greyven. It was cross referenced with a report from Justice Corp. Justice Corp? Must be their version of Freedom Corp. The document implicated Greyven in several recent conflicts with local heroes and revealed that the demon had apparently possessed the vile Hallmark. The scientist speculated that Greyven had somehow managed to use Hallmark to find its way to our dimension. Phyrefly’s fate was still unknown.
Veronica hung her head as she logged off of the system. Another friend lost…even though Veronica had never met this world’s Phyrefly, she was sure that the youthful girl was as vivacious and joyful as her counterpart on her own world. The loss hurt just as deeply as if her own friend, Samm, had been lost. She leaned back in her chair and rubbed her tired eyes. Hearing footsteps behind her, she turned wearily and was greeted by a figure in a familiar bright orange outfit.
She smiled as said, “Kid Pulsar…when I didn’t see your name on the roster, I thought maybe you had joined some other group. I’m glad to see I was wrong.” She stood up and moved forward to embrace the dark haired hero.
“Maybe that’s because I’m not Kid Puslar, although the name’s not bad.” The young man extended his right hand to the confused blonde. “I’m Primary."
“Primary? OK, sorry about the mistake.” She shook her head and grinned. “No wonder I didn’t recognize you on the roster, then. I’m Veronica Volt.” She clasped his hand in her own and shook it firmly.
“You look like you could use a break.” the handsome lad said. “I’m on my way to the commissary, would you like to join me?” he asked with a smile.
Veronica’s stomach answered for her with a loud grumble. The two teens laughed and Primary turned to lead the way to the Youth League’s communal eating area. Once there, Veronica helped herself to a couple of slices of pepperoni pizza and a diet soda. She and Primary settled into a comfortable booth and began eating. After a couple of bites, Primary asked her, “So, are you having any luck tracing your home dimension yet?”
The lost girl sighed and her shoulders slumped. “No, I’m afraid not. There’re so many things different here, it’s taken me a couple of hours just to get caught up on the changes in our two groups, let alone our worlds. As she talked, she looked around the brightly lit room, taking note of the spartan dining hall. This place could definitely benefit from a few plants, or maybe some artwork. she thought as she surveyed the large room.
“I’m not surprised.” Primary replied. “I imagine it must be a bit unsettling to you…” he trailed off.
“What bothers me the most I think is the staggering losses your Youth League has endured. We’ve lost a few members on my world, but nowhere near the numbers here.” She took a bite of pizza and chewed thoughtfully.
“That would be our war with the Order.” Primary said stiffly. Seeing her look of confusion, he elaborated. “The Delphian Order…” Veronica’s eyes widened as she made the connection.
“On my world, they’re called The Delphian Circle…and while things are bad between us, I wouldn’t say we’re at war, at least, not yet anyway.” She bit her lip in worry at the thought of the escalating conflict between her friends and the villainous group based in the Rogue Isles.
Primary shook his head. “No, we had the Circle here, too. The order is a larger group of villains, they absorbed the Delphian Circle several months ago. After that, the battles increased in both size and frequency. We’re holding our own; giving as good as we get, but the price is…high.”
The two were interrupted by the approach of Ameri-Kid. “We didn’t start this conflict, mister.” he said curtly. “Would you have us roll over and die like the Order wants?”
Primary straightened up, as if coming to attention. “Sir, no sir!” he answered quickly.
Ameri-Kid held his eyes with his own for a moment before responding. “Good. I didn’t think so.” With a nod of his head, he dismissed Primary who quickly stood and collected his empty dishes. The young hero smiled at Veronica before saying his goodbyes and quickly walking away.
“When you have some time, I’d like to talk with you some more.” the red,white, and blue suited youth said.
Veronica looked at the tray before her. Taking a last sip of her drink, she said, “I’m available now, if you’d like. Where should we talk?”
“I’m on my way to work out, why don’t you join me?” Ameri-Kid asked. “We can talk in the gym.” Veronica nodded and stood. She gathered the remains of her meal and cleared them from the table before following the Youth League’s leader out of the commissary.
Chapter 6
Veronica stared deeply into Jack’s gray eyes as she bit her lower lip in anticipation. He looked back at her with a look of confusion and disbelief. Time stood still as he absorbed her startling news.
“You’ve got to be kidding me, right? I mean, this is some kind of joke, isn’t it?” the young man said finally. He crossed his arms and leaned back, lips pursed in denial.
Veronica deflated; her shoulders slumped and she hung her head, spilling her golden blonde hair across her face and covering her eyes as her tears began to form. Merrex watched her, waiting for her to confirm his suspicions. After a moment of silence it became obvious that the young girl was not going to retract her words and he leaned forward and took hold of her shoulders.
“V, you’re not really serious, are you? How can some physical contact make you lose your powers?” A half-stifled sob was her only response. Merrex stood up and walked to the nearby door. He stopped at the threshold and looked over his shoulder at the tearful girl. “I guess that’s that, then.” he said, somewhat sadly. “Good bye, Veronica.” As the door slid shut behind him, Veronica gave in to her anguish and cried openly. On her desk, a photograph of the formerly happy couple mocked her from its ornate frame.
With a start, Veronica woke from her restless sleep. She wiped away a stray tear as she listened to the quiet background hum that permeated the Youth League‘s base and tried to remember the details of her most recent painful dream. She stood from her bed and crossed the small guest room she had been provided. Opening the closet, she took her gleaming golden belt from within and returned to her bed. She clicked a concealed button on one of the segments, opening a small pocket and pulled out a wrinkled photo of her and Merrex taken at last years prom as they danced together. Bringing her hand toward her mouth, she kissed her fingertips and lightly placed them on the image of her boyfriend, Jack.
After a few minutes spent staring at his handsome face, she replaced the photo in its protective compartment and hung her belt over the chair by her desk. She looked around the spartan room, devoid of any of the trappings of a home and sighed. She missed her familiar room with its posters and ruffles. The drab gray walls of the guest room were unadorned and the plain wooden desk held no mementos or personal effects. She returned to the closet and removed a thick terrycloth robe borrowed from one of the members of this world’s Youth League. Cinching the belt about her waist, she opened her door and walked slowly down the quiet hallway of the girl’s quarters toward the rec room.
As she passed one of the large laboratory workrooms, she peered inside. A lone figure sat before a giant monitor as a series of complex numbers scrolled rapidly across the screen. Veronica stood watching for a moment before she entered the room and approached the solitary girl working at the computer station. As she neared the oblivious girl, Veronica recognized her as this Earth’s counterpart to Mallory Summers, aka Brianna Bling.
“I hope I’m not disturbing you,” she started, “I couldn’t get back to sleep and thought I’d wonder around some.”
Mallory turned her head slightly and glanced at Veronica before returning her attention to the computer. As she did, Veronica noticed the unusual color of her skin. While Brianna Bling’s normal metallic silver coloration might seem unusual in itself, this world’s version looked even more startling. Gone was the familiar highly reflective sheen, replaced instead by a dull leaden-gray, mottled with patches of matte black. The overall impression was an unhealthy aspect and a bit disturbing.
What are you working on?” Veronica asked. She watched as huge strings of numbers flashed past, faster than she could follow. Apparently Mallory had no such trouble as her eyes rapidly scanned each line.
Without looking away from the monitor, the young heroine replied, “I’m correlating known cases of dimensional divergence and nanomolecular variances.”
Veronica opened her mouth to speak and closed it again, unsure of how to respond. Finally she managed, “Um, OK. What’s that mean?”
Mallory hit a key, freezing the display. With a sigh, she turned to face the puzzled blonde. “I’m cross referencing our records on portal malfunctions resulting in either temporal or physical anomalies with the database on recorded sub-atomic wave patterns for transdimensional travelers.” She noticed the glazed look in Veronica’s eyes and sighed again. “I’m looking for patterns of instability, or resonance shifts brought about as a result of dimensional translocation.” After another moment of watching Veronica struggle with the concept she simplified it further. “I’m looking for your specific dimension by comparing your sub-atomic “fingerprint” with others in the database to try to find your home.”
“Oh! Can you really do that?” Veronica asked excitedly.
“I can if I’m allowed to focus…” Mallory replied as she typed a short command and the flow of numbers resumed their maniacal march across the giant screen. Veronica watched her for a few minutes before interrupting her again.
“How long have you been doing this?” Less than five minutes of watching and she was already starting to get a slight headache from trying to follow the never-ending stream of numerals.
Without glancing at a clock, Mallory answered, “four hours, twenty three minutes and eighteen seconds.”
Veronica was stunned. “My gosh, my head would have exploded long ago.” she said. “Don’t you need some sleep or something?”
“I don’t sleep.” came the reply from the metallic skinned girl as she continued to scan the figures before her.
“Really?” Veronica questioned. “That’s so different from the Mallory I know. She sleeps a lot…” Beside her, Brianna Bring rolled her eyes, anxious for the bored cheerleader to leave her to her work.
“Mm.” she muttered, uninterestedly.
“Well, not actually sleeps, I guess. She stays in stasis a lot though, which is kinda the same thing.”
Mallory paused the display again. Turning her body to face Veronica, she showed interest in the conversation for the first time. Her eyes narrowed as she asked, “What do you mean, she stays in stasis a lot?”
Veronica looked puzzled. “Well, she works in a large laboratory, and they do all these experiments with strange chemicals and…”
Mallory cut her off, “Yes, yes, yes…the stasis part. What did you mean by that?”
“She’s been putting herself in some sort of stasis for the last several months now. She stays in it for long periods of time so we don’t get to see her very much anymore. She said it’ll slow down the destructive side-effects of her power.” Veronica finished.
With a huff, Mallory said, “It’s not a “side-effect” it’s the primary effect. Everything else stems from the radioactive decay occurring on the sub-atomic level, flight, resistance, everything.” She crossed her arms and thought for a moment. Quickly she turned back to the computer and called up another screen of data. She typed furiously for a moment and stabbed the enter key. Sitting back in her chair, she began computing the same data in her head, racing the computer for the outcome. Her eyes had just lit up with the answer when the computer softly chimed, indicating its completion too. The data matched her calculations and a large grin split her face. “It could work!” she said excitedly.
“What could?” Veronica queried.
“Stasis…” Mallory replied. “The cessation of radioactive decay…If I can suspend the natural fission occurring within my body, it’s conceivable that I might be able to slow the decay rate enough to…” Her voice trailed off as her jaw dropped. “I might live, Veronica,” she said in a shocked voice. “I can’t believe I haven’t considered this procedure before now…all this time I’ve been focusing on realigning the pizo-atomic lattice, trying to alter the farad constant with limited success. Meanwhile, the “atomic-clock” keeps ticking, so to speak. If I can stabilize the lattice via prolonged periods of dormancy, I might be able to buy myself some more time to figure out how to halt the process, or even reverse it to some degree.”
Veronica nodded, completely clueless regarding Mallory’s excited revelation. She was saved from admitting her ignorance by a sudden and loud alarm that split the quiet like the wail of the legendary banshee. The shrill cacophony was followed immediately by the calm, dispassionate voice of Triumvirate.
“Gamma team, scramble and report to transporter two. Delta team, you’re now on standby.”
Beside her, Mallory tapped a quick key sequence on her keyboard and whistled slowly. “Multiple Rikti incursions in Crey’s Folly.”
“Is that bad?” Veronica asked, concerned.
Brianna Bling turned to face the blonde teen beside her. “Usually, yes.” She stood up as she simultaneously saved her computer work. “I better get ready, I’m on Delta.” She pushed her chair under the desk and quickly headed for the hallway. Reaching the door, she pivoted on her heal and smiled at Veronica. “Thanks…Ronnie.”
Veronica watched her leave and after a moment headed for her own room and a change of clothes. She was tired of being cooped up in the team’s base and wanted some action. Maybe she could talk Ameri-Kid into finally letting her join the team on a mission this time.
Chapter 7
[Location: Earth Prime – The Rogue Isles]
Flickering torches cast dark and eerie shadows on smooth stone walls. Carved runes surrounded the ceilings, seeming to shift and move in the wavering light as thick, sweet smelling incense filled the large chamber. An intricate circle of power was permanently etched into the dark stone floor, candles burning brightly at strategic points along its outer edge. Faraday stood watching silently as his master inspected the mystic circle for the third time; any errors could result in tragic consequences for the bestial looking mage and Lord Fitz was never one to take foolish risks.
Satisfied at last with the perfection of the protective circle, the dark furred mastermind crossed the room and stood before a large stone podium, engraved with strange symbols of magic. A quick glance to his personal bodyguard and he was ready to begin. He inhaled deeply and with a flick of his wrist a large, highly polished crystal sphere rose from its ebony and malachite stand to float to the center of the protective wards.
Fitz thought back to the previous night and his encounter with several of the children from the Youth League. The bat-like enchanter had visited the night club, intent on dropping off another focus that would allow the young Veronica Volt to contact him safely. He spied the Bad Day Boy and his best friend, the speedster Volo standing along the edge of the raised dance floor, chatting with the people around them. Fitz handed the small velvet bag to his servant Caspian and bid him to deliver it to the Bad Day Boy. He watched as the surprisingly nimble zombie crossed the crowded floor and approached the two young men. As Caspian neared the heroes, Bad Day Boy looked up and around; his incredible hearing had detected the shuffling footsteps of the zombie even over the din of the crowd. He eyed the gruesome form of the zombie as it stood swaying before him, a blank expression on its lifeless face. Narrowing his eyes, Allen snarled, “What do you want?”
Caspian raised one mummified arm and held out the black velvet bag by the draw-string. His feeble voice cracked as he repeated his master’s short words of instruction, “…for Veronica Volt.”
Beside him, Volo watched suspiciously as his friend cautiously reached out and took the offered package. Caspian stared at the two blankly. Allen glanced at Volo who inclined his head toward the grisly looking courier. Bad Day Boy said tersely, “You can go now…” The animated corpse turned and shuffled off through the crowd, back in the direction he had come.
Gently, Allen tugged at the string that bound the small bag. He opened the dark cloth and peered inside. Volo watched as his friend’s face went from suspicious, to puzzled, to revolted. “Yuck!” Allen said as he recognized the object within as a long human finger bone. He was tempted to throw the bag and its contents into the nearest trash can but resisted; he recognized Caspian as one of Fitz’s minions and was curious about what the demonic looking mage was up to.
Fitz was making his way toward the elevator to return to St. Martial when he felt an unexpected tug at his sleeve. As he stopped, a soft voice sounded in his ear. “She’s gone, you know.”
Fitz snarled menacingly. “What do you mean, she’s gone? Who are you talking about?”
Beside him, the assassin Hero Bane leaned casually against the wall, unseen by the surrounding crowd. “The electric bitch, she’s gone…poof. Disappeared and lost. They don’t know where she is or even if they can find her.”
“How do you know this?” Fitz questioned his lieutenant.
“I was listenin’ to a bunch of them whine a little while ago. Seems like she vanished about a week ago…they’re tryin’ to find her but they think she could be stuck in some other dimension or somethin’ like that.” The sociopath grinned as he considered the danger the young hero could be in.
Fitz gnashed his teeth. “The timing would appear far too convenient for simple happenstance. Someone has conspired to interfere with my designs.” He clenched his taloned fists tightly. “The next phase of my plan must proceed as I have dictated.” Hero Bane smiled invisibly at his boss’s discomfort. Fitz narrowed his eyes as he considered his options. “Come, Hero Bane…we return to Voyas Nuul. I have much to accomplish and time is running short.” He turned on his heel and quickly strode for the massive elevator doors that led from the extra-dimensional night club to the Rogue Isles and the secret headquarters of The Fangs of Recluse.
The preparations had consumed much of the following day and now, Fitz stood before his circle of power, ready to draw upon the arcane energies of this world and bend them to his powerful will. He chanted words unheard in this world for hundreds of years in a voice that rose and fell. Dark energies began to swirl within the confines of the circle and the formerly clear crystal sphere took on a milky opacity that glowed softly from within. Fitz snapped his fingers and Faraday plucked a lock of sunshine yellow hair from a clay jar. The emerald robed lich sprinkled the golden hair into a large burning brazier sending up acrid smoke as the red-hot coals within consumed the offering. Instantly the torches flared brightly and the smoky, swirling mists within the scrying sphere resolved to a vague image of a young blond girl with close cropped hair. Fitz held his hand out toward the floating globe and gestured; the image shifted and was replaced by another image of the girl, this time wearing bright crystalline armor. Another gesture and another image, and another, and another. For over an hour, the demonic looking mage sifted through the neighboring realms, searching for the displaced teenager. His patience was rewarded when finally, sweat streaming down his face, he located his quarry. He watched as she argued with a red and blue clad youth before she crossed her arms and stomped from the room. Fitz watched the young girl for a few minutes until he was satisfied that he had found the right Veronica Volt. He cast a quick spell that would allow him to easily locate her again and began the delicate process of shutting down his otherworldly eye.
A short while later, the diabolical mastermind sat comfortably on a silk cushioned throne carved from a single gigantic piece of mahogany. His sharply pointed nails tapped absentmindedly on the ornate arm as he planned his next move. Under ordinary circumstances, he would open a portal to the hellish Praetorian Earth and dispatch his minions to retrieve the young girl. He himself was unable to cross the dimensional barriers due to the nature of the original spell that had imprisoned him here as a tool of the Circle of Thorns. While his oppressors had paid for their audacity with their lives, he was still firmly anchored in this realm and left searching for a means of escape. A recent battle with Infernal had taken its toll on the otherworldly mystic and his power had yet to replenish itself; as much as it rankled him to admit it, he was still far to weak to tear through the walls of reality and mend them properly afterwards. If Veronica Volt was to be returned in time to be of use to him, he would have to find another way to bring her back.
The fastest hero in Paragon City stood watching as around him heroes and villains alike relaxed in the protected atmosphere of Pocket D. As usual, the music was loud and fast paced, although it could stand to be faster, Volo thought with a grin. The smile left his face as the unmistakable scent of cinnamon reached the young man. He extended his perception, feeling the vibrational patterns shift as the patrons moved around him. He turned his gaze toward the ruby-lit section of the dance club and soon spied the familiar form of the leader of the Fangs of Recluse. Fitz stared at him openly from across the room. He watched as the bat-like mage slowly threaded his way through the crowded room and up the ramp to the raised dance platform in the center; beside him, Faraday walked with unexpected grace. Volo crossed his arms over his chest and waited for the villain to speak. He watched as dark tendrils of sweet-smelling smoke wafted from the mage, a result of this world’s futile attempts to eject him from this dimension. Fitz nodded to his companion who reached into his dark green robe and withdrew a small slip of folded paper. Faraday held the paper out to Volo who eyed it suspiciously. The paper vanished from the withered hand of the lich as Volo snatched it faster than the eye could follow. He opened the note and stared at the string of numbers carefully written within. He looked at Fitz in confusion. “What’s this supposed to be?” he asked.
“Portal co-ordinates.” Fitz said with a growl. Volo’s eyes widened as he realized the implications, that not only did Fitz know Veronica was missing, but that he had somehow managed to track her - assuming he could be trusted.
“Why?” the young man asked, confused by the generosity of the known villain.
Fitz stared at the white and gold clad hero. A few carefully chosen words could do well to insure the speedster’s cooperation, but might also arouse his suspicion. The risk was too great. “Bring her back.” he said quietly before turning and retracing his steps across the room with Faraday following obediently in his wake.
Volo watched as Fitz disappeared among the tightly packed bodies on the dance floor. He glanced back at the numbers written on the small slip of paper before folding it and carefully placing it in a concealed pocket. He didn’t trust the weird looking master mind but had heard that he had come to the Youth League’s aid on at least one occasion for reasons unknown. Maybe he’s not such a bad dude after all. Volo thought. Maybe…
Chapter 8
Oh, a storm is threat'ning
My very life today
If I don't get some shelter
Oh yeah, I'm gonna fade away
War, children, it's just a shot away
It's just a shot away
War, children, it's just a shot away
It's just a shot away
Ooh, see the fire is sweepin'
Our very street today
Burns like a red coal carpet
Mad dog
lost its way
War, children, it's just a shot away
It's just a shot away
War, children, it's just a shot away
It's just a shot away…
With a little more force than required, Veronica flicked off her modified mp3 player. The ominous tone of the song, one of her favorites from the Rolling Stones, shook her. I don’t remember adding that one to my play list. she thought absently as she tried to settle herself comfortably after another strenuous night of missions with this “new” Youth League, where she was treated as a novice. I don’t remember it ever sounding so depressing either… she thought as she faded into a fitful slumber.
Veronica tossed restlessly as sleep begrudgingly enfolded the young woman in its dark embrace. Her dreams were broken; each one dissolving into a hazy purple mist soon after it began. She cried out softly, responding to the disturbance she felt unconsciously.
With a start, her eyes snapped open. She sat up abruptly, suddenly aware that she was not alone in her small, unadorned room. She looked around the dark room warily as her ever-present electric field cast rapidly shifting shadows across the walls. Her eyes widened as one of the shadows in the corner stretched, pulling itself from the dark and stepped forward. At the same time, she was aware of a strong, sweet scent that permeated the room. Cinnamon?! she thought, That’s got to mean…
A deep and seductively strong voice broke the silence. “Forgive me, my dear…for intruding upon your boudoir in such an abrupt and uninvited manner.” the dark figure intoned deeply. He stepped closer and bowed deeply from his waist.
“Fitz!” the teenager exclaimed angrily. “What the HELL do you think you’re doing?!
The other-worldly mage stopped his approach and clasped his taloned hands behind his back. His barbed, prehensile tail whipped from side to side behind him. He barred his fangs and said in a hiss, “As much as I enjoy our time together, my radiant flower, I must ask you to focus on my message.” The ebon furred master-mind eyed her nightgown draped frame and grinned lecherously. Veronica clutched her bed sheet close to her chest as her eyes flashed dangerously.
Fitz licked his lips and continued. “You, my succulent treat, are not where you belong.” He turned his bat-like countenance to survey the room. “Nor a domicile befitting your divine person…” he said, disdain obvious in his voice.
“What do you want?” Veronica snapped at the unwelcome intruder.
The shadowy form returned his gaze to her as he replied, “Me? I desire to return to my rightful home, as it were; to escape the maddening chaos of your world, and never step foot on its vile shores again.” He crossed his thick arms before his chest. “For the present, however, I will be satisfied with your immediate indulgence, and your cooperation.” He inclined his head in a graciating manner.
Veronica frowned as she nodded for her “guest” to continue.
“You are no doubt aware by now, my dear, that you occupy an alternate branch of what you refer to as ‘reality.’ A branch that you most certainly do not belong within.”
The blonde teenager nodded in acknowledgment. “You’re not telling me anything I don’t already know.” she said petulantly. Fitz sniffed dismissively.
“Yes. Well…be that as it may…” he trailed off as he returned to his scrutiny of the plain dorm room. “Seeing as how you have so far proven woefully inept at remedying the situation, I have taken steps to return you to your rightful position in the multiverse.” He shifted his furry head to face her again. “It’s time for Dorothy to return to Kansas.” he growled deeply.
“Dorothy? What are you talking about?” she asked confused.
Fitz rolled his eyes at her question. He stepped closer and with a heavy sigh, he continued, “I had so hoped that you would discover the truth for yourself. Perhaps I have misjudged you, my dear. You may actually be the simpleton you try to portray.” Veronica glared at him as her electric field sparkled around her. He frowned as he brought one taloned hand up to stroke his chin. “Never the less, I have set the wheel in motion, if all goes according to plan, you will soon sleep in your own comfortable bed.” He reached down to stroke the rough cotton sheet and hissed softly. “Really. You deserve so much better than this pitiful scrap.”
Veronica slapped at his hand which he rapidly pulled out of reach.
“For the last time, what are you blabbering about?” the angry girl demanded.
Fitz shook his head and his pointed bat-like ears folded tight against his dark furred head for a moment before shifting forward again. His deep and seductive voice turned harsh suddenly as his temper flared. “Listen to me, you silly child! I don’t have time for your foolish pretense. I know what you are capable of, I have seen your potential and I grow weary of coddling you.”
Veronica pulled back, stung by his words and manner.
Fitz made a visible effort to calm himself. He adjusted his midnight black tunic and brushed a speck of lint from the crimson cuff of his right arm. “Forgive me…” he said softly. “The strain of this contact is obviously weighing more heavily than I had anticipated.” He sighed again and looked directly at the anxious teenager before him. “The Youth League - your Youth League has been appraised of your location; your rescue should be emanate.”
For the first time in a while, a look of joy lit the face of the young girl. “They’re coming for me?” she said hopefully.
“Well, I certainly expect as much.” Fitz looked at her like a teacher addressing a disappointing student. “You really should have managed this debacle yourself but obviously the challenge was too difficult for you…pity.”
“Enough with the thinly veiled insults, dick. If you’re trying to prod me into some particular response, you might try just telling me what you mean and quit jerking me around.” She spat angrily.
Fitz eyed her as a broad grin slowly painted itself on his fanged face. “Mmmm…” he growled. “You flare brightly when you’re angry.” He reached one taloned hand out slowly, intercepting the static electrical field that shimmered around Veronica. Bright blue sparks of lights played across his hand as he closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. Pulling his hand away abruptly, he said, “They will come for you soon. You must be ready.” His dark gaze locked on her crystal blue eyes. “Remember this, Veronica. You must return to your proper position in the multiverse. You can not fail in this. Do you understand me?”
Veronica nodded, and then with a confused look, shook her head negatively.
Fitz rolled his eyes again. The shadows behind him stretched to enfold him and with the flicker of Veronica’s electric field, retreated again, taking the villainous master mind with them. Veronica starred at the empty space where seconds before, Fitz had stood.
With a gasp, Veronica bolted upright in her bed. Her breathing came quickly in short, anxious gulps as she struggled to pull her thoughts together. The dream had been so vivid, so encompassing. She looked around her darkened room, searching the depths of the shadows for any unexpected figures. After a moment, she returned her head to her pillow. Just as suddenly she rose back up as she recognized the unmistakable scent of cinnamon on her bedsheets.
((The fragment of the song, “Gimme Shelter” was recorded by the Rolling Stones, and written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.))
Chapter 9
The smell of ozone filled the air as Veronica envisioned her target. Faster than the eye could follow, a bolt of neon blue electricity arced from the young girl to the hulking mechanoid charging down on her. The composite steel shell proved no match for over 150,000 volts and the Nuon exploded, raining shrapnel across the pristine laboratory, now turned battlefield. Behind the burning mass, scores of identical robots surged forward, ready to take the place of their fallen mechanical brethren. Veronica had already dispatched half a dozen of the tireless army when a large panel on the far wall slid up, revealing row after row of the shiny metal enforcers that served the mad-tyrant Anti-Matter. There wasn’t even time to curse before she was forced to locate a new target and continue her barrage.
Beside her, the other members of the Youth League’s Beta team fought furiously to hold back the swarm of Anti-Matter’s seemingly never ending troops as they tried to capture the young heroes. For a split second, Veronica noted the gold and black blur that marked Volo’s path as he hurtled toward her. The Youth League’s fastest member stopped suddenly and turned to wink at Veronica as he simultaneously snapped his fingers. As if on cue, the shockwave that followed him caught up and slammed into the forward row of metal servants, scattering them like bowling pins. In a flash, the hyper-accelerated young man was gone again, already carving his way through the ranks of Anti-Matter’s minions like a hot knife through butter.
Behind Veronica, Fyre Drake raised his arms and clutched his hands into tight fists. Thick columns of ice instantly formed around a half dozen of the rampaging robots, effectively halting their progress in mid stride and causing those behind them to pile up. The young man flung his arms to the side and a tightly controlled hurricane force wind swept nearly a dozen into a large pile against the far wall where Little Liberty stood poised. On cue, the young heroine drew in a deep breath and released a powerful cone of sound that shredded the ice-glazed metal shells into a sparkling shower of metallic confetti. With their protective armor destroyed, it was a simple matter for Triumverate to reach inside telekinetically and crush the delicate computers within. Libby turned toward Triumverate and with a quick thumbs up and an infectious grin, launched herself across the spacious room toward the large glowing form of her friend, Eternity Star as she struggled against more of the mechanical adversaries.
The massive armored bulk of the young Warshade shrugged off a barrage of energy blasts as she reached out to grab a struggling robot in each pincered hand. With a titanic clap, she brought her hands together, flattening the squat, angular heads of the robots together in the process. The resulting wreckage was quickly flung into the path of another onrushing wave of the single-minded soldiers. Dark energy swirled angrily around the Kheldian as she turned her eyes toward the next batch of attackers.
Suddenly, the automated horde divided as a giant warrior robot squeezed its armored bulk through the large door. It straightened up to its full, imposing 4 meter-height and raised its massive, sword-like claws which rotated menacingly. Without a word, the warrior stomped forward, shaking the room with each tremendous step. Veronica Volt’s eyes widened as she spied the metal death machine marching closer. Shifting her attention, she shouted a warning to her friends as she simultaneously fired a blinding bolt of electricity at the approaching juggernaut. The monster didn’t even slow down, its insulated armor shell having protected it from the brunt of Veronica’s attack. Behind it, more of Anti-Matter’s minions continued to pour forth from the room beyond. “I need some help here!” Veronica shouted as the warrior trudged inexorably closer.
“I’m on it!” Star Sparrow shouted as she leapt over a tightly packed mob toward the metal giant. She landed at the giant’s feet and drew back her fist. “For the Youth League!” she cried as she drove her clenched fist forward. A loud gong sounded as she struck the warrior with the force of a speeding car. Two tons of metal flew backwards, smashing its comrades as it hurtled across the room. Sparks erupted from the damaged casing as the colossal robot struggled to stand. Star Sparrow kicked out, sending another minion hurtling backwards as she clutched her bruised fist. From across the room, Triumverate sensed her pain and turned to face her. Silently he stretched out one arm and Star Sparrow was momentarily surrounded in a bright emerald glow. She smiled menacingly at the warrior as the pain in her fractured hand quickly faded and the bones re-knit themselves. As a further measure, Triumverate reached into Star’s mind and triggered a surge of adrenaline and boosted her already heightened combat senses. Star Sparrow squared her shoulders and pointed at the injured robot. “Metal man, you’re mine! I’m about to send you to the scrap yard…” Undaunted, the towering monstrosity began moving toward the young powerhouse.
Chapter 10
“This is taking way too long!” Volo said as he continued to streak through the metal army; his voice seeming to come from multiple spots as he wound his way around the large chamber. The young man’s arms flashed up to intercept a flying piece of debris. He plucked the thick metal arm from the air and in a blur, rushed through another crowd of the robots battering them with the club-like appendage mercilessly. “Where the heck is Pask?” the young man asked as he rapidly scanned the room for the team’s elusive young ninja. Seemingly in answer, one of the robots beside the elevator doors squawked noisily and spewed forth sparks. Three feet of polished silver death sprang from between its armored head and chest as Pask leapt from the elevator car. With a practiced move, she pulled her sword from the ruined Nuon’s neck and flipped over its already toppling bulk. Landing without a sound, the young girl reversed her grip on her sword and plunged it backward. The exceptional blade easily pierced the hardened shell of the closest robot almost to the hilt. Wrenching her arm upward, Pask neatly severed the robot from hip to head as she turned to face another opponent.
“You called?” she said nonchalantly as she parried a swipe from a clawed metal arm.
“Did you get it?” Star Sparrow shouted as she continued to pound the armored giant before her. Thick metal plates crumpled and gears shattered under her titanic blows. Pask patted a large pouch fastened securely to her belt. Star Sparrow grinned. “That’s it team, we’re outta here! Volo, start the fireworks.” With an incredible punch, she sent the wrecked automaton hurtling backwards to smash into the far wall. Bits of machinery exploded from the destroyed robot.
Volo disappeared in a black and gold blur that shot down the hall behind the heroes. Seconds later, the young man was back, a handful of wiring still sparking in his tightly gripped hands. “Time to go!” he said as he hurled the now useless wires to the floor. Overhead, a monotone synthetic voice began counting down as sirens began blaring though out Anti-Matter’s orbital base.
“Clear us a path!” Star Sparrow yelled as the team began to form up for their departure. Quickly, Fyre Drake sent powerful air currents whipping through the hallway ahead of them. Winds in excess of 200 mph battered the mechanical army, easily pushing them out of the way on the smooth flooring of the base. As the team quickly passed through the heavy blast doors of the room, Little Liberty lingered behind. The mechanical nightmares closed on the young girl as she held her position, waiting for the optimal moment. Finally, just as the closest was nearing hand to hand range, Libby turned to the thick view port on the nearest wall. Pitching her voice far above the range of human hearing, she screamed a tightly focused blast of sound at the nigh-impervious glass composite. Instantly a spider’s web of cracks appeared across the surface. In the hall, Pask drew her sword and plunged it point first into the door’s control panel. Little Liberty blew a kiss to the approaching robots and with a wave, the young blonde dove into the hall behind her as the thick door slammed down, sealing Anti-Matter’s minions within. Seconds later, the vacuum tested safety glass shattered into millions of tiny fragments. The resulting hurricane of escaping air sucked dozens of robots out into space and effectively cut off their pursuit route.
The Youth League heroes quickly made their way through the twisting corridors toward the illegal portal control center Anti-Matter had built deep within his high-flying headquarters. Scouting ahead of the others, Volo reached the large, machinery filled chamber first. As his hands started to flash over the control console, he was startled by a sudden burst of light from the center of the rapidly spinning rings before him. Instantly a vortex of swirling energy filled the space hiding the back wall from view. The rest of the team pulled up short as they watched the rapidly expanding “doorway” form. “Incoming!” the speedster shouted as he took up a defensive position before the portal rings.
“What the?!” Star Sparrow exclaimed. “Where’s it coming from?” the blonde field-leader shouted above the din of the spatial anomaly.
“I couldn’t tell.” Volo replied as he shook his head. Behind him, the rest of the Youth Leaguers braced for more combat. Volo’s jaw dropped and for one of the few times in his young life, the speedster was caught speechless as his own face emerged from the shimmering field of the portal. Volo, dressed in gleaming white and gold, stepped out of the swirling doorway. He was instantly joined by his best friend, the Bad Day Boy and Kid Psyche, both stepping clear of the rings and looking around in confusion. The two Volos eyed each other in shock.
“There she is!” Allen shouted as he pointed a spike covered arm at Veronica, whose eyes widened in recognition.
“Who are you people?!” Star Sparrow demanded, fists clenched tightly.
Bad Day Boy grinned cockily and said, “We’re the Youth League!” Beside him, Volo continued to stare at his double, slack-jawed.
Electricity crackled around Veronica as she teleported across the room to appear between Dexter and Allen. She threw her arms around Kid Psyche and squeezed hard. “Thank heaven you found me! I’ve missed you guys so much!” The excited teenager started to hug Bad Day Boy and stopped herself just shy of his needle pointed quills. Instead she turned and pounced on the still surprised Volo, hugging him tightly enough to force a gasp from the young man.
“Hey, trying to breath here…” the speedster said with a grin, causing Veronica to loosen her grip a bit.
“How did you find me?” the excited blonde questioned in a rush.
Behind her, Star Sparrow cleared her throat loudly. “We don’t have time for this...this whole station is going boom in less than a minute!”
“Oh god, that’s right!” Veronica exclaimed. She faced her companions and explained quickly. “We’ve sabotaged the reactor system, it’s going to explode!”
“Then we’d best get moving!” the white and gold clad speedster advised. He placed his hands on the young girl’s shoulders to steer her toward the glowing portal behind him. Beside them, Kid Psyche stiffened suddenly in shock.
His voice cracked as he turned to face his ebony armored counterpart. “Charlie…?” Veronica heard the pain and desperation in her friend’s voice as he sensed Psi Elixer’s mental signature. His feet lifted from the portal’s platform as he prepared to launch himself across the room toward the no-less startled Triumvirate.
“Dex? No!” Veronica shouted as she grabbed her teammate’s arm. “Dexter, you can’t…” Kid Psyche’s helmet swiveled to face her as a wave of emotion poured forth from the young boy washing over the surrounding heroes. Without warning, the space station shook violently as the alarm klaxon continued to blare.
“Go!” screamed Star Sparrow as she looked around worriedly. The dispassionate voice continued its countdown, already under thirty seconds.
Simultaneously, the Bad Day Boy and Volo each grabbed one of Kid Psyche’s arms and hurriedly jumped through the swirling portal behind them as a struggling Dexter yelled, “CHARLIE!” His psychic cry echoed in the heads of the heroes as he faded from sight.
At the control console, Star Sparrow began rapidly punching in the coordinates for her team’s escape as Veronica turned to face her new “family”. Sensing her intentions, Triumvirate reached out and linked her thoughts to the other heroes again. For a couple of seconds, they were each aware of the gratitude she felt towards them, and the bond of friendship that had developed. “Thank you!” she said hurriedly; the full depth of her heartfelt thanks was felt through their shared mental bond. The station rumbled again as a loud explosion was heard in the distance. Aware that time was almost up, Veronica waved to the remaining heroes and quickly leapt through the portal.
Star Sparrow cursed as the destruct warning continued its countdown. She stabbed the activate button and was rewarded with a bright flash of light as the complex machinery around the heroes ripped through the multiverse, opening a portal to their own world. Realizing that the station’s destruction was emanate, Volo reacted at lightning fast speed. One by one, he grabbed the individual heroes and rushed them to the portal’s event horizon before dashing back for the next. As a group, the Youth League’s Beta team left the doomed station with scant seconds to spare.
Veronica stared at her monitor, lost in thought. The screen held images from her digital camera, images she had taken while trapped in the other world. The memory of her amazing rescue flashed through her mind yet again, still fresh after only a short hour ago. She continued to download her pictures as she worked on her report of the harrowing events. Volo and BDB had explained how they had “found” her and now she realized that she owed yet another debt to the strange mage, Fitz. She frowned as she thought about the matter while absentmindedly scraping the bottom of her Haagen-Dazs container. Why is he so interested in the Youth League…or is it me? She wondered for the umpteenth time. Fitz’s obsession would definitely bear keeping an eye on, as would the wily mage himself. Rapt as she was in her musings, she failed to hear the door behind slide quietly open. Her focus turned immediately as she heard a most welcome voice call from the doorway.
“Ronnie, darlin’…you’re back!” She jumped from her chair and practically threw herself into the waiting arms of Merrex. The two young lovers clutched each other tightly, alternating between kisses and murmuring words of affection. Bright points of neon blue light played across the surface of Merrex’s armor as it began to absorb the ambient energy of Veronica’s electric field.
After a moment, Veronica pulled back, a troubled look on her face. She sniffed the air around her boyfriend and wrinkled her nose. It was then that she noticed the scorch marks and bits of sewer debris that clung to his amazing armor. Jack looked embarrassed, “I came as soon as I could, we’ve been in the sewers…Hydra.” he said by way of explanation. I think I need a shower.” the handsome young man continued with a grin.
Veronica looked down at her own soiled uniform and laughed. “Me too.”
Merrex looked at her slyly. “Wanna join me?” he said devilishly as he winked at the blushing blonde. Veronica started to chastise him when she suddenly remembered the other world. The Jack and Veronica of that world had shared a wonderful, albeit brief time together. Could she and her Jack ever hope to have a life together? Her expression clouded as she remembered Triumvirate’s words, ‘…Our Veronica was descended from a long line of priestesses that served the goddess Athena.’ Could the same be true on this world, she wondered. If so, could there be any future between her and Jack?
Sensing her shift in mood, Jack reached up and gently turned her chin to face him. He looked questioningly into her blue eyes. “Hey, what’s wrong, sweetie?” he asked tenderly.
Veronica looked at him closely, taking in his handsome features, the face she’d longed most to see for over a week. “Jack, there’s so much to tell you about, I don’t even know where to begin.
Jack smiled indulgently at the troubled girl. “Just start at the beginning…”
Trails and Errors was original started in October of 2006 after a computer glitch occurred during a confrontation with the Carnival of Shadows. The ongoing chapters were finally completed in December of the same year. I had just started roaming around Peregrine Island and was still unsure of the layout when I exited my mission, only to be way-laid by a mob of Carnies. I tried to teleport out of their reach and my game crashed. From there, the idea blossomed...
I'd wanted to visit alternates of many of the Youth Leaguers and this seemed like a good way to introduce several of them. It also gave me a vehicle to explore Veronica's past a bit more, and try to pin down her origin in the process.
