Legion World Forums LEGION OUTPOST Bits o' Legionnaire Business Mrs Grundy visits SHAKES. (Tag-Team) Updated 1/6/04

Inside SHAKES

"Shall I remove the offending parts from this filth first?" She asked, the stilletto pointing at Semi's groin...

"Whatever pleases you, my dear, though I must say that it would be fitting if the last person to touch him there is a woman," smirked the Pastor. "Just be sure he's very dead when you are done so we can be certain he's finally received his just rewards!"

Grundy moved forward and reached out with her left hand to grab the waistband of Semi's pants. As she began to slice through the material with the stilletto, Semi looked directly at Vee.

"Vee! Please! If I mean anything to you at all, do something! Help me!"

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

RAGE...rage had been building gradually inside Vee. It had been there...somewhere deep inside, right from the very start of this nightmare. He had known it was there, or at least what remained of the real Vee had known it, but something had made him keep it bottled up along with all his other desires and emotions.

Suddenly he knew...he knew how to let it out...

"Semi !!!!!!" he screamed at the top of his lungs.

...and the bottle shattered into a million tiny shards, sending silver slivers flying in all directions, slicing through his soul, his innermost self...like a stilletto...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

RAGE...a hurricane raged through Vee's mind, tearing at him, scouring his soul. Lightning flashes illuminated long buried memories and the waves thrust them upward...outward where they could be examined and put on public display for anyone to see.

"NOOooooooo!!!!!!!" he sobbed, as tears washed down his anguished face like sheets of raindrops. "I don't want to remember!!"

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"NEW ORLEANS...Bourbon Street. What the hell am I doing here? I swore I'd never come back! EVER!" he thinks to himself as he walks down the very center of the pavement, past all the strip clubs and sleazy bars. Suddenly the mist parts ahead of him and he sees...

The Hall of Mirrors.

The incongruity of the decaying carnival attraction tucked away among the various establishments pandering to every variation of sexual deviation on Bourbon Street always brought him a wry smile. It was just so tacky, and on Bourbon Street that was saying a lot.

Then out of the corner of his eye he saw them, Jamie and Jessie Quickly, the fastest set of twins in the freshman class at SSU (Super-Hero State University). The brother and sister twins were reputed to do everything together, and more often than not before the first date. Rumor had it that you had to be Quicker than the Quickly’s to get to a first date. It was also widely rumored that the red-headed twins had worn out Lash Lad and Lost in Lust Lad in less than ninety seconds during Super-Hero Fraternity Rush Week and then proceeded to lay out Princess No-Protection and Hummer Lass, along with their volunteer manager Lard Lad, during the AlNeKid College Crisco Rasslin Championships just two hours later.

Varilent turned to enter the Hall of Mirrors just as the pair noticed him.

Jessie called out to him as he stepped towards the entrance to the Hall of Mirrors, “Varilent, buddy, you don’t want to go in there alone. Wait for Jamie and me.”

Instantly the twins were beside him at the entrance. As usual Jessie did the talking while Jamie let her hands wander. The tag team assault annoyed him, momentarily, but he was in to good of a mood to let it ruin his day, especially when Jessie started talking again.

“Dude, did you know that they put in some new attractions? Instead of just walking through, now there are rooms where you can relax on a king size bed and the mirrors around you constantly change. It’s really wild”

His hand found it’s way to Varilent’s arm, and with a gentile pressure he began to guide him towards a booth that hadn’t been there on Varilent’s previous visits. Inside the booth a bored looking pink haired woman eyed the twins, and gave a little snort of amusement.

“You two back again? Look I told ya before, no refunds. You pay for an hour, you can stay an hour, you leave early, it’s your own choice. You don’t get nothin back. “

For just a split second, Varilent wanted desperately to leave, something wasn’t right, the people he hung with at school prowled Bourbon Street on a regular basis and the Hall of Mirrors was a standing joke among them. None of his friends had mentioned this recent addition to it. Then Jessie’s hands were moving again and he was just high enough to let his caution slip away.

“I’m sure that this time we won’t get bored so quickly.” Jamie’s voice seemed to come from far, far, away as he let himself respond to her brother’s attentions.

In a moment they were alone in a strangely lit room. Varilent couldn’t see the light source but effects it created were startling. Various colors and intensities of light seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere in a constantly changing panorama. And as the light changed so did the mirrors the room seemed to fill with a thousand variations of the three of them. It was an insanely erotic show. First Jessie – and a thousand variations of him – got up and began a slow strip, teasing Varilent with his motions, with the constantly changing images that swirled around him, enticing him with suggestive words and provocative poses. Then Jamie – and a thousand variations of her – got up and began her dance as Jessie slid into his arms. Somehow his clothing had vanished. And dispite his protestations Jessie directed his attention to Jamie and Varilent found himself wanting her just as badly as he wanted him. From somewhere the twins produced a bottle of strangely sweet and syrupy liquor along with a single glass that they all shared. The three became one… and then two… and then one again… and for a moment before his head seemed to explode in pure pleasure a vision of two couples crossed his mind… he lay with Jessie entwined in pleasure, closer than he had ever been to another human being, their minds and bodies joined as one… blissful sweet and serine. While a few heartbeats away from them he also lay atop Jamie, her legs wrapped around his waist, their bodies sweating in unison, a surreal dance as he watched him give himself fully to her greedy lust. He felt his own pleasure from afar as he spent himself into her, and knew at that instant that they had created a new life. He lay his head back on Jessie’s chest. He was totally alive… totally committed to the both of them… happier than he had ever been before…

He was alone; face down in an alley outside the Hall of Mirrors, Nude and lying in a disgusting pool of vomit, urine, and feces. Every breath was a struggle, every movement brought an eternity of pain, he tried to understand… to comprehend… even thinking hurt.
Her voice was filled with laughter. Laughter fueled by his pain. “Will he live?” She asked. “I doubt it.” He answered, “Leave him there, and pour some of the cheap whisky on him, light it if you want. We have the part of him we need. And you have what you want.” A third voice joined them, a familiar voice – a voice that told him the nightmare was real – that he would never be whole again. “Leave him; no one will ever believe his story. And someday…”

Everything faded to black…

Semi found me in that alley… he didn’t know who I was then… he only knew I needed help. I lied to him about what had happened to me… told him I had been rolled by a couple of guys I met in one of the bars. He took me in, nursed me back to health, covered for me at school, held me when I’d wake up screaming in the night.

He was on his knees at Crujectra’s feet. He could feel her hands gently stroking his hair. An acid burning smell assaulted his nose and he felt her hands sharply pull something from the back of his neck. Images flooded his mind and were gone. Then Semi was there, and he could hear Crujeckie’s low voice.

“And now you know it all Semi, he’s been through hell, and you are the anchor that brought him back. Hold him now, he needs you. And I need to do something.”

Then he was safe again, Semi’s arms were around him, his low voice whispering in his ear, “Easy, Vee, Easy. Just lay here a moment and rest, she’ll be right back.”

Although her laid back style and easy humor make her a beloved figure on Legion World, there is another side to Princess Crujectra’s personality. It is a side that she is not particularly fond of and suppresses at all times. At this particular moment, that side is in full control. She has had enough, insult and injury to her she can and does laugh off easily. Insult to the friends and loved ones is another story. Her voice is diamond hard as she opens her communications channel to Numf-El.

“It’s time Numfie, Take that bitch out now.”

The best laid plans of mice and Princesses however, sometimes go awry.

“Princess, we have a problem, Harbinger Broke out of it on her own, when she saw what they did to the Ranger, she went nutso, Dev-Em is out, and Kara’s in bad shape. Binger scooped up Ranger and Empress and flew off. The bitch crawled out before I could get to her and this place is on full alert. There’s no way to get to that computer.”

"...I now pronounce you husband and wife! You may kiss the bride."

Bedlam erupted as Icefire turned and prepared to kiss his new bride but she wasn't willing to put up with any delay. Throwing herself against his body, she planted her lips on his and gave him the most erotic tongue lashing he had ever received! Icy was so startled (and so aroused!) that he had to pull away hastily before it became apparent to everyone just how excited he was about what was to come!

Strange as it may sound, it was Icefire that had to take the role of the responsible one and insist that they stay for a little of the reception. Umber wanted to blow the joint and head right to their room for the consumation part! Icy wanted to go back to the room also (truely he did ~ didn't he?) but felt they owed it to all of their guests to spend at least a little time with them all.

Umber continued to plead, getting more and more insistant with each passing moment. Finally, Icy decided that they had been gracious enough and agreed that it was time to escape.

"Oh goodie!" tittered Umber "Let's go!" and they did.

As the bride and groom said their goodbyes and headed upstairs, the reception began to wind down. The very last thing Icy saw as he left the ballroom was his friend Italian Boy, a big grin on his face and his arm draped over the shoulder of a cute young guy Icy didn't recognize.

"Who's that guy with IB?" Icy asked Umber "I've never seen him before."

"Silly, that Jessie Quickly, Pastor's nephew. His twin sister, Jamie is over there talking with the Pastor. They just moved to Legion World a few days ago. They seem really nice. I invited them to join us upstairs for a cocktail before we...teehee...you know, retire for the evening," Umber said as she waved at Jamie, who smiled and nodded.

"Oh, ah, okay, if you say so," Icy said, unable to take his eyes off of Jessie for some reason. Suddenly Icy realized that Jessie was retuning his stare, a curious gleam in his eye. As Icy broke the connection, Jessie nodded at him just as Jamie had a moment earlier.

With that our happy bride and groom headed upstairs.

Jessie, Jamie & Pastor exchanged glances and smiled knowingly. Then Pastor nodded and the twins began to disengage from the other guests and head towards the same doorway Umber and Icy had just used...

“What did she mean by “Stone Cold Bitch Mode?”

The Emerald Empress let out a snort of non-humorous laughter at Harbinger’s question. The small group of free-willed LMBPers were holed up in the ancient, but surprisingly well preserved JSMBP Headquarters Cave. Faraway Lad, on one of his many exploration trips around Legion World, had found the site years ago. Aside from a few visits by several of the history buffs in the LMBP it had been deserted for centuries.

The Empress, Harbinger, Outdoor Miner, Grey Bird Boy, Kid Prime, and Faraway Lad sat around the old conference table discussing the surprising message they had just received from Princess Crujectra. The Space Ranger lay on a makeshift bed behind Harbinger and the Empress, Shark Lad floated in a water filled tank equipped with a communications system, which was imbedded in one of the conference room walls. The tank appeared to have been designed to make the legendary Spectacular Aqua-Lungs Lass, one of the founding members of the JSMBP, comfortable during her stay with the JSMBP. The beardless, trim, and fit Lard Lad and the primly dressed, shy, and reticent Hummer Lass, were now just a bad memory, both having returned to their original forms when Outdoor Miner, following P.C.’s instructions negated the distance between their control nodes and the moon.

Lardy, however was but a shell of his former self, his powers were fueled by the lard content of his body and that content was now down to less than 10%, which resulted in him looking like a muscle magazine cover boy, but being absolutely useless in a fight. Hummer lass had scrapped her Poodle skirt, frilly blouse and five layers of protective undergarments and was now clad only in a chastity belt, half bra, and high heels. She and Furball were out helping Lardy search for high fat content food in a desperate attempt to regain his powers.

The Empress hesitated a long moment before answering Harbinger’s question. To the group gathered at that conference table she seemed suddenly cold and distant. It reminded them that for all her recent good deeds, the green haired woman had once been one of the LMBP’s most vicious and persistent enemies.

“You have to realize,” She finally said in a thoughtful tone, “that Crujectra and I were raised in a vastly different social climate than the rest of you were.”

A small snort of amusement from Kid Prime stopped her momentarily, but his instantly abashed face brought a small smile to her lips rather than the expected sharp retort.

“Venegar and Psyonia aren’t really all that different or very far apart. Both worlds are traditional monarchies and the ruling families of each tend to send their children to the same schools and training academies. Crujectra was reminding me of something we were both taught early in life. Sometimes as a royal you have to do things for the greater good that it’s a “Stone Cold Bitch” to live with, after it’s over.”

“Hmm… That’s a little rough don’t you think Empress? I mean we know how to free our friends now, just get me close enough to any of them and Poof, they’re thinking for themselves again. And, that rat bastard pastor deserves whatever happens to him. What could be hard to live with?” The confusion in Outdoor Miner’s voice echoed the sentiments of everyone in the room.

“OM it’s not quite that easy,” The Empress’s face went hard and cold again as she spoke, “those “Control Nodes” are nasty little devices, and very powerful. I’m afraid, and Crujectra is too, that some of the changes they’ve made in certain people may be irreversible. We may have to take those people down hard. That won’t be easy to do to our friends.”

“Who are you talking about?” Harbinger voiced the question that absolutely no one in the room wanted to hear answered.

“Apparently the “Control Nodes” used on the members of the security force are much stronger than the ones used on the general population.”

The Empress’s answer avoided naming names, but everyone in the room knew who she meant. Cobalt Kid, Lash Lad, Super Lad Kid, and Eryk Davis Esther were going to have to be stopped before they could move against the forces of the United Charlatan Church.

With the LMBPers safely away, Princess Crujectra new that she, Semi and Vee could now work as an Espionage Squad to stop the schemes of Pastor Uptight. However, things had heated up in Legion World, as the Security office stormed the streets, now all wielding Liefield-esque guns.

Meanwhile, the only two Legion Worlders not caring about this were Icefyre and Umber, who made passionate love to one another over and over again! "Pastor Uptight must have cured me!" thought Icey as he thrusted, "four times in one night..."

“Icey, be a dear and pour me another drink of that marvelous liquor that Pastor Uptight gave us as a wedding present.”

He complied with her request enthusiastically. That ‘marvelous liquor’ seemed to be some sort of aphrodisiac, a glass after each time they made love, seemed to rekindle the flames of passion between them. This time however he stopped Umber as she raised the glass to her eager lips.

“Wait a moment love,” he murmured as he drew her back into his embrace, “there is something to be said for cuddling also.”

Her warm response to that statement only increased their mutual pleasure.

A few feet away from the lovers, the Pastor and the Quickly twins watched in amusement as the young lovers languished in each others arms. They were hidden from the pair’s perceptions by the combination of the twin’s vibratory powers and the commands being sent to their control nodes by the master computer. In effect the computer was ordering their brains to ignore the people who shared their honeymoon suite. And, the combination of the special liquor’s hallucinatory qualities, and the computer commands had allowed the Quickly Twins to insert themselves into the honeymooning couple’s lovemaking without their knowledge. Each of the twins had enjoyed each of the couple’s attentions.
And that fact amused Jamie Quickly immensely.

“Maybe you should shut their nodes down for a moment Pastor,” She giggled, “I’d love to see Umber’s face when she realized that she just spent a half-hour munching my Muff instead of Icey’s pole.”


The Starfield Room

Cobalt, EDE, and Lash froze in place when the floor reached up and grabbed the Royal Inquisitor. None of them could believe what they were seeing. Lash broke out of it first and with a flick of his wrist sent his deadly leather toy speeding at Quislet, Esq. He’d show the little wimp what happened to those who defied the new inquisition.

To his astonishment his favorite lash simply vanished. One second it was in his hand, the next it was gone. In astonishment he turned to Cobalt and EDE but that pair had their own troubles. Cobalt was being tossed from one wall of the interrogation room to the next by some unseen force and EDE’s trademark hat had grown to huge proportions and was attacking it’s owner. Lash lunged to help EDE but was stopped short when a ghostly translucent visage of Princess Crujectra appeared before him.

“Pain” The word echoed in all three of the security team member’s minds for a few eternal seconds. Then total and absolute blackness engulfed them.

Vee freed Quislet, Esq. from the rack with a grim smile on his face. Semi and the Princess were in the process of removing the Royal Inquisitor’s helmet.

“So, Quis, how did you manage to avoid the Pastor’s control?” Vee asked as the last of the straps fell away from his young friends body…

"Who's control?" responded the freed lad. "I had been in court all day dealing with potential copyright violations. Then I went to Shakes and was talking to Semi, when I got whacked on the head. When I woke up, I found myself on that rack. Eryk and Cobalt Kid were acting very strange, almost evil. Then the Royal Inquisitor came in and started in on me. Luckily I was able to use my "Generate an Enforcable Legal Document" power. Although, heh, I did lie to Cobalt Kid and Eryk when I said there was more where that came from, because I can only do it once per day."

At that point Quis' legs gave out and he collapsed onto the floor.

Suddenly, the Royal Inquisitor dissapeared without a trace! "Damn Inquisitor! Hm, it didn't seem like he fit into this plot anyway" thought Semi.

With Non-Sequitor collapsed on the floor, Vee picked him up and joined Semi and Princess Crujectra, as they ran off with him. "Now it seems that all the LMBers who aren't under control are safe" said the Princess. "Now we have to take our next plan of action. We need to find a way to help the other LMBers under control and then take out the Pastor. And I owe Ms. Grundy a certain ass-kicking..."

Meanwhile, Umber and Icefyre cuddled in the bathtub...

A small spider continued it's hunt along the streets of Legion World. A search of the wedding banquet had been unsuccessful and it was getting anoyed. If only it knew what it was searching for!

It paused outside a building bearing the name "Shakes". There was something familiar about it...

Completely surrounded by an impenetrable bramble of ten foot tall and five foot deep Japanese Rosebushes, the Mansions grounds are a vast immaculately sculpted memorial to a long gone era. The 35 acre grounds are dotted with huge ancient trees; paths lead to fountains, gazebo’s and vine sheltered alcoves. Carefully maintained grottos display a wide variety of artwork; in one area an exact replica of Michelangelo’s “David” overlooks a grove of olive trees; in another a cartoon rabbit asks the rhetorical question, “What’s up, Doc.”

The manor house has stood the test of time. Despite numerous remodeling the original intent of the builder has been carefully maintained. Only carefully selected master craftsmen have been allowed to add the fruits of their labor to this magnificent edifice.

The current owners, Lex and Lana Herosbane, purchased the estate shortly before the adoption of their beloved daughter, Umber, became final. No work has been done to the mansion during their tenure as owners. Today they celebrate her wedding, in the manor house that was originally known as “Stately Wayne Manor.”

The secrets of Wayne Manor are largely forgotten now. For centuries the legends of the heroic Bat-Clan have been slowly fading. But not all of Legion World’s inhabitants have allowed that legend to slip quietly into the mists of time. Princess Crujectra is well versed in the practical applications of the old saying; “Knowledge is Power.”

Three teams of free willed LMBPer’s quietly exploit the mansions secrets for their own purposes.

Deep underground, Princess Crujectra, Vee, and Semi activate a long forgotten computer system…

On the edge of a secluded grotto Outdoor Miner, Greybird, and Faraway Lad watch as the Quickly twins lure their latest victims, Danny Blane and Italian Boy, to a pre-arranged tryst…

And, above the mansion, shielded from detection by the power of the Emerald Eye, the Empress, Harbinger and the Space Ranger prepare to take the offensive…

Meanwhile in the third sub-basement of the U.C.C. Building, a battered Numf-El vainly tries to escape the clutches of three ultra powerful “Candy” androids. He fights with a grim smile on his face. His original mission had to be aborted when Harbinger’s independent streak caused her to break free of the church’s control early. But, if Crujectra’s latest plan works, he knows that the beating he is about to take will have been worthwhile…

In Lex Herosbane’s private study a group of four people have gathered; Lex and his wife Lana, Pastor Upright N. Uptight, and Mrs. Emma Grundy. The conversation is light and banal, the mood happy, the ladies chatter about the fashions on display at the reception, the food, which was excellent if a bit odd, and the scandalous behavior of a few of the younger male guests and a certain Miss Cherry Delight. The men excuse themselves after a short time and retire to Lex’s smoking room; once inside their manner changes abruptly.

“Master,” The voice of Pastor Uptight is low and hesitant, “you must forgive your humble servant. Please, I had no idea that she would cause such trouble…”

Lex Herosbane’s face is dark with rage. His body has morphed into a Darksiedesque form. His voice seems to have been crafted in the deepest of hell’s pits. A bolt of blue force leaps from his eyes and the pastor writhes in pain on the floor.

“See to it that Crujectra is dead before sunset, dog, or that small pain will grow.”

Under the protection of the Emerald Eye, the Empress, Space Ranger and Harbinger prepared to take the offensive and win back Legion World. Between the three of them, they had a lot of firepower to use, and knew that if they played their hand right, they could get a lot accomplished.

Unfortunately, things would be uglier than they thought. Harbinger suddenly felt her body being crushed, as if someone had their hand around her and were trying to squeeze her to death. Space Ranger turned, as saw the figure of Cobalt Kid, or at least what was once his friend. He now was adorned with a long red cape, and an evil devilish grin. Around him was a magnificent magnetic globe, virutally impenetreble.

To Cobalt's right was Lash Lad, with two whips that were now adorned in spikes and blades. Where once his handsome face was shown, there was only a mask with two eye holes. He looked terribly menacing.

And to Cobalt's left was Kara, the shy beauty who also was a powerhouse. Except now she looked like a dark queen, in a black leather outfit with a matching cape. And fire lit around her eyes, as she prepared to fire her heat vision.

The Empress knew that they were in for a fight. They didn't want to hurt their friends, but they might be forced to...

Below, Eyrk Davis Ester and Super Lad Kid looked on, hiding below. EDE had a long bow in his arms, with a flaming arrow knocked and ready to fire. He knew that once things got going, he would strike at least one renegade down...

The Empress’s reaction was instantaneous; the appearance of the mind controlled LMBP security force could upset Crujectra’s plan and she wasn’t going to let that happen. A bolt of green energy flared from the eye and Lash’s whips were wrenched from his hands. She hurled them into Cobalt’s impenetrable magnetic shield.

“Switch partners and dance,” She yelled to the Ranger and Harbinger as the momentary distraction allowed Harbinger to break free of Cobalt’s magnetic grip.

Instantly Harbinger changed course, she had been being pulled toward Cobalt, who awaited her arrival with open arms and a malicious grin. Now she was speeding toward the defenseless Lash Lad who quickly chose the better part of valor and dove in the direction of EDE and SLK.

Cobalt found himself surrounded by a sphere of rapidly tightening emerald energy and was forced to use his prodigious magnetic might to prevent being crushed. He was able to magnetically stop the sphere’s contraction but just barely. It took all of his energy to maintain the standoff.

The scattering of the opposition forces caught Kara off guard. Her blast of heat vision missed Harbinger and ignited a small grove of trees on the estate grounds below. Then as she turned her attention to the Ranger, she saw the sphere of emerald energy surround her beloved Cobalt. Her decision was instinctive. She pulled off her cape and flew at the eye intending to snag it and slingshot it into space. She never saw the Ranger’s punch coming and landed squarely in the middle of the burning grove of trees previously ignited by her heat vision.

As Lash dove in the direction of EDE and SLK, Eryk saw his chance. Harbinger was just a few scant inches behind Lash when his specially prepared flaming arrow caught her squarely in the chest. Instantly the Scottish Super Heroine burst into a roaring ball of flames.

EDE had barely begun a victory laugh when the flames vanished in a great WOOSHING sound. The weaponless Lash had landed just to his right and Super lad Kid stood on his right. The three of them stared at the momentarily blurred ball of incandescence that had been Harbinger.

Above them Cobalt reached down deep into reserves of power that even he didn’t know he had.

In the burning grove, Kara shook her head slowly to clear the cobwebs as she dragged herself out of the deep furrow created by the impact of her landing. A glance told her that she was not alone in the grove. A pair of obvious brother and sister twins that she didn’t recognize stood gaping at her in openmouthed astonishment. Behind them lay the unconscious forms of Italian Boy and Danny Blane. The female twin began to giggle at her, “Oooh, look brother, a new toy for us to play with.” Dazed by the force of the Ranger’s blow Kara was only able to offer feeble resistance as the twins suddenly began to assault her at super speed. Thick syrupy liquor was forced into her mouth. An ungentlemanly assault on a private part of her anatomy caused her to gasp and some of the liquid flowed down her throat. The world began to spin…

A few feet away the ever pragmatic Outdoor Miner laid his hand on Greybird’s shoulder. The scene in front of them was becoming increasingly ugly as it became clear that the twins were going to rape Kara. The three hidden LMBPers were repulsed by the twin’s obvious intent. It was clear to them that the brother and sister were ruled entirely by their own perverted lusts. Kara was on their side, under the control of their master. But because of a turn in the battle going on above them, she had been dumped into their midst, dazed and confused. Instantly in the sick and twisted minds of the twins, she shifted from being an ally to being a target of opportunity. Italian Boy and Danny Blane, their original targets, were forgotten. The pair had been rendered unconscious by the twins at super speed the moment Kara hit the ground. Now all of their attention was focused on her.

“Miner,” Greybird whispered urgently, “we can’t let that happen!”

“We won’t,” came the quiet reply, “or rather she won’t.”

Greybird’s attention shifted back to the prone forms of Italian Boy and Danny Blane. Over them stood a third person, someone who was not supposed to appear in this space time continuum simultaneously with Danny. Somehow the grimly satisfied expression on Faraway Lad’s face didn’t surprise either Miner or Greybird.

Deep underground a long unused computer system flares to life. It’s defensive systems are shut down barely in time to prevent serious injury to the three occupants of the vast and ancient cavern.

“Umm… Princess, I’m not one to complain… But that was too Damm Close!”

Crujectra’s patented smile is barely enough to quiet the shaken Vee. At his feet a scorched spot reveals the fact that a laser defense system was about to complete it’s function as the final access codes were accepted by the computer controlling it. A few feet away Semi slowly becomes visible.

“The access tubes leading to the mansion appear to be in working condition.”

Crujectra’s fingers fly over an ancient keyboard. Several long unused portions of the cavern are flooded with light. It is obvious that this was once the home of an impressive fighting force. Row after row of crime fighting equipment racks are illuminated. Finally an alcove at the far end of the room is flooded with light. In that alcove stand several lifelike statues. Batman, Nightwing, Robin, Batgirl, and Catwoman stare impassively at the approaching trio of modern heroes. The Princess’s hand brushes a control and the android figures come to life.

“The computer has updated us on the situation above.” The voice is deep and resonant, yet eerie. It sends a strange chill down the collective backs of the three LMBPers. Even Crujectra, who long ago learned of this cavern’s location and commissioned her brother, the Crusader, and the slightly erratic genius Invisible Brainiac to restore it’s systems to working order, is taken aback by the power of that voice. She stares into the blank eyes of the Batman android, barely aware of her own voice as she speaks.

“You understand what must be done? And why?”

“Of course, but you must understand that we will not survive long against his power. Still, our sacrifice should buy you the time you need to complete your part of the mission.”

Semi and Vee can only stare in wonderment at the scene before them. Neither had ever understood the amazing depths of the hidden side of Crujectra’s personality.

“Boys, it’s time to visit the church and pay our overdue respects to the Pastor.”

Semi and Vee watched on as the androids joined Crujectra and prepared to make their way to the Pastor now that the rest of the LMBP were keeping everyone busy. Vee nodded to the Semi and the two followed...

--------------------------------

Outside, the twins were preparing to do the most horrific deeds possible to Kara, as she was too weakened to do anything about it. Suddenly, the form of Mantis stepped forward over the bodies of Italian Boy and Danny Blaine, and landed a viscious chop on Jaime Quickly, causing the twin to fall to the ground holding her throat! She landed a hard kick into his stomach, as she then battled Jesse, the other twin.

Looking on, Faraway Lad was exhausted from using his power so powerfully in disrupting the space/time continium. Numf-El joined him, battered and bruised as well, tired after taking a beating to act as a decoy. Greybird had enough. He rushed in to grab Kara, Danny Blaine and Italian Boy, no longer caring about any plan. He was far too humane to allow his friends to be hurt like this. While Mantis battled on, Jaime began to rise up again, when Outdoor Miner stepped in, and blasted her with his power. Sending her into the far reaches of space, Miner no longer cared what would happen to her. "She'll probably die without oxygen, but I've had enough as well". Her brother Jesse looked on in horror, as his sister dissapeared. Mantis attacked again.

*Interlude*

(Of course, if you need her for more of the story, just bring her back through the Anti-Moderator)

*end interlude*

Up in the sky, the Emerald Empress struggled with Cobalt Kid, who found new reserves of energy that he thought he never had. Pushing her back, sweat began to drip down his face. But all this energy he was expending seemed to start clearing his mind... why was he fighting the Empress?

EDE, Lash Lad and Super Lad Kid all looked on, as what was thought to be a flaming Harbinger, only to see that it was Lard Lad putting out the flames! Hummer Lass, Kid Prime and Shark Lad appeared, as they had been waiting in the back round as reserves for Crujeckie's plan. Space Ranger suddenly came in hard and grabbed EDE by the waist, flying into the air with him far away. Hummer Lass landed a kick on Super Lad as Kid Prime and Shark Lad double-teamed Lash. "Looks like we're winning this battle" thought Harbinger, "but all we're doing right now is fighting each other. Now we have to bring the fight to them..."

As Vee and Semi followed Crujeckie, the felt confident that things were working to their advantage. They had no idea that Dev-Em was being held in reserve, one of the most powerful LMBers of all with Emma Grundy, with specific instructions to kill Princess Crujectra...

“Is she among them?”

Lex Herosbane stood stoically with his back to the window. His hands were clasped behind his back and on his countenance was a mixture of extreme annoyance and intense concentration. By contrast the figure of Pastor Upright N. Uptight paced the room moving from window to window watching the action on the mansion’s grounds. He frequently checked the Father Box strapped to his wrist and made adjustments to the control signals being sent to his legion of mind controlled puppets.

“They’ve brought in their reserves,” he noted almost absently, “Lard Lad is the only one with enough power to…”

“Silence, Fool!”

A small scraping sound caught his attention. He turned away from the windows and looked directly at Lex, who had ponderously repositioned himself directly in front of a row of bookcases.

“Now the true battle for control of Legion World begins…”


Two rooms and three sound proofed walls away, Emma Grundy and Lana Herosbane continued their banal conversation as each made preparations for the impending battle. Both women had long ago voluntarily accepted their roles and the extensive reprogramming that accompanied them. The similarities between the two women however, ended there.

Emma Grundy stood, her body covered from head to toe by a severe black dress. Her grey hair was tied in a bun at the back of her head. She pulled a hooded black cloak over her shoulders and picked up a four foot long ash-wood switch in her left hand and placed her right hand on the book of Morality. Her eyes began to glow with the fires of internal righteousness. She cleared her mind of all doubt. Her way was the right way and must be imposed on all. A stern frown imbedded itself on her face, her enemies would fall before her righteous anger.

Lana Herosbane faced the full length mirror and smiled. In sharp contrast to Emma Grundy she was nearly nude. Her attire consisted of sandals, crotch armor and oversized metallic pasties. A wide smile radiated from her features. The day had finally come. For seventeen long years she had hidden herself behind a bland and dowdy exterior, playing to perfection the role of “Umber’s Mother”. But now, the day of glorious battle had arrived and she was free to reveal herself, free to grab and hold the power that should have been hers by birthright. She twirled in front of the mirror, extending her arms above her head for maximum effect, enjoying the sight of her sleek muscles as they played below her golden skin. Her training in the fire-pits, her battles with the other girls at the school, the degradation she had endured while ascending the ranks by whatever means necessary and eventually displacing Granny Ghoul as the School’s Headmistress and finally winning the greatest prize of all, his personal attention, would all be eclipsed by the events of this day. Today she would be instrumental in realizing his dream. Today she would ensure that no other hell-spawned bitch could ever wrest her place at his side away from her. Today she would lead the conquering hordes of Prince Evilseid, the Anti-Moderator, as they overran Legion World.

She flexed her long fingers and laughed in delight as twin bolts of crimson destruction leapt from them and shattered the mirror.

Behind her the chamber doors were flung open and her elite attack force assembled. She turned to inspect the troops that would lead the thousands of near-demons assembled on Botoxalips ready and eager to launch their attack when the BOOB Tubes formed.

In front stood Umber, Icefire, Dev-Em, and Sonnie Bloke, their control nodes having been replaced by slave collars. Behind them stood the three demons whom she had chosen to guard and nurture her adopted daughter Umber. Brock, Ashe, and Cliff no longer resembled teen-age boys; instead their true forms were on display for the first time in many years. Three huge stone golems formed a semi-circle behind Umber and Icefire. In the eyes of all of her pawns the anticipation of final battle glowed.

Emma Grundy took her place on her right side. While on her left Jamie and Jessie Quickly, her true children stood with their heads bowed. Only the swift actions of Dev-Em had saved Jessie from death, and they both knew that their actions would have to be answered for in the near future.

Princess Cru’Power smiled inwardly at the twins. She knew that they were totally enslaved by their vile lusts, powerless to control their cravings, she wanted them that way and she kept them that way. They would never be in a position to bring her down, to strip her of power and position, to humiliate and destroy her, the way she planned to bring down her sister…

Outside the mansion the battle had boiled down to a contest of wills between the Empress and Cobalt. Despite the growing questions in his mind about why he was fighting one of his officers, the young security chief was pouring every iota of his formidable will into the battle. A grim resolve had taken hold of his mind. The only thing he could see was the Empress’s face and the EYE floating next to it. Slowly his magnetic shield was pushing back the emerald energies. He could feel a gap forming in the containment sphere and he focused on that. Escaping the Empress’s sphere became the sole focus of his existence. He could answer the why’s later, first he had to win.

Below the two combatants Space Ranger was directing the final mop up operations on the ground. Outdoor Miner moved from person to person ensuring that their control nodes were safely removed. All of the mind controlled LMBPers on the mansion’s grounds, with the exception of Cobalt, were now free. Several of them required immediate medical attention. But none of them were willing to withdraw, the mansion loomed before them, and they all knew that the fight had just begun.

“Ranger, Harbinger, it’s time to end this.”

The Empress’s voice rang out. She had held Cobalt long enough to allow her team-mates to secure (and free) the rest of the mind controlled members of the LMBP Security Force. Now it was time to deal with their leader.

Harbinger scooped up Outdoor Miner and flew in the Ranger’s wake. The trio headed directly for the escape route that Cobalt was grimly burrowing thru the Empress’s energy sphere. They arrived just as he broke thru the containment. The Empress dropped the containment sphere just milliseconds before Cobalt would have broken thru. The sudden release of the pressure on his magnetic field sent Cobalt into a tumbling disoriented spin and allowed the Ranger to grab him before he could reform his shields. Cobalt instantly focused all of his remaining strength into pushing the Ranger away. But the Ranger had already grasped him in a bear hug and swung them both into harbinger’s path. The Miner reached out to touch Cobalt’s neck and suddenly the battle was over.

Moments later, on the ground, the Ranger, the Empress, and Cobalt stood and surveyed the damage.

“I just don’t understand how they could do all of that to us.” Cobalt’s voice was shaky as he slowly began to realize the magnitude of the attack against Legion World. “Who is this guy Upright? And where did he get the technology to create these?” In his hand were the two deactivated control nodes originally intended to be used on the Empress and the Ranger. As he spoke Cobalt’s eyes drifted from the objects in his hand to the mansion. A smoldering fire seemed to erupt in those eyes and a grim determination fueled his voice as he suddenly turned to the waiting crowd of LMBPers who stood just a few yards away. Answers could wait, it was time for action.

“Sweet Ass Sweet,” His battle cry rang out. “Let’s take those bastards DOWN!”

“NO!!…Hold your ground!” The Empress’s countermanding order, amplified by the power of the eye, stopped the battle ready LMBPers in their tracks. The Ranger reached out and spun Cobie around to face him.

“Cobie, you’re not in charge this time. This isn’t the time for one of your hell bent for leather charges. Princess Crujectra has taken personal command of Legion World’s defense. Her plan is working so far. We wait for her signal to attack.”

He hesitated a moment to allow the message to sink in. then grasped Cobie’s clenched hand and forced it back open. Inside were the two deactivated control nodes.

“You asked a moment ago where the Pastor got the technology to create those.” Look at them. There is only one place they could have come from.”

Cobie’s eyes traveled from his friend’s face to the twin terrors in his hand. Understanding began to dawn on his features. A strong, cold, hand tightened it’s grip on his heart as the answer became obvious.

“Botoxalips.”

Greybird, who had been tending to the still hallucinating Kara, was the first to notice the subtle change. The mansion began to glow with an eerily threatening crimson aura. The grounds were suddenly still and quiet and a hint of sulfur and brimstone began to assault their nostrils. An air of oppression suddenly seemed to blanket the assembled group of LMBPers. All because of that single word, Botoxalips.

As one the assembled group turned to stare at the mansion. Suddenly they knew that inside was the single force that the LMBP had never been able to defeat. In the past they had faced his agents, Beigesied and Comicsban, and barely defeated them. But, they had never faced HIM.

Suddenly, a tremendous explosion rocked the mansion’s grounds…

*interlude*

Eagerly awaiting for Chuck's next post to further understand the evil of Botoxalips! Afraid my next post may be a vital one and mess up the direction of the story!

*end interlude*

*******Interlude*******

Yeah, what he said up there.


********End Interlude*******

Inside the mansion, Lex Herosbane’s study is totally destroyed, and his disguise has been ripped away. His true form and features have been revealed, Prince Evilseid faces the final remaining Bat-Clan Android, Nightwing, in single combat. That combat does not last long. But under cover of that combat a three heroes infiltrate the mansion, using his size altering abilities Vee shrank himself and Semi down small enough to fit into pockets in Crujectra’s cape. Semi then used his abilities to make the three of them virtually invisible, while Crujectra’s illusions mask any sound they may make.

Watching the short and extremely violent battle unfold as they slip quietly through the study, Crujectra can hear the surprised gasps of her companions Semi and Vee, as they realize what she has known for some time now, the true identity of their opposition’s leader.

Botoxalips, the very name of the planet strikes fear into the hearts of brave souls throughout the known universe. Botoxalips, the home of the last remnant of pure evil the form of it’s leader, Prince Evilseid.

As the Old Gods died out, a race called the New Ones rose and attempted to take their places. But, knowing that they were younger and less powerful than their predecessors they took an extraordinary step to ensure the safety of the universe. Fearing the duality of their natures they decided to protect the universe from the possibility of a god gone mad. Using the magic of the old gods they expunged the darker sides of their natures and trapped that distilled essence of evil in the single place that they thought could contain it; the fiery core of the planet Botoxalips.

They were wrong. The evil could not be contained. But they were not around to see the rise of Prince Evilseid from the ashes of the planet Botoxalips’ burnt out husk.

After expunging all traces of evil from their souls the New Ones were creatures of ultimate goodness. The universe however is not one sided. Just as there must be a light to balance the darkness, at times their must be a darkness to shield away the light. They burned brightly and did many great things, but they were not the old gods. They were not omnipotent. They could fail and without the darkness to balance their souls they could not abide that failure. Their brilliance dimmed and slowly faded. In the end only one survived.

Prince Evilseid grew in power as the New Ones faded. He rebuilt the planet Botoxalips in his own image. He traveled the galaxy searching out and finding those whose souls came close to the darkness of his own. None could match his dark fury, he was after all the distilled essence of all of the evil in a god-like race, but many came close. Those who would swear eternal allegiance to him he brought back to Botoxalips, the rest he destroyed.

But evil was not destined to reign unchecked in our universe. The last surviving member of the race known as the New Ones, settled on a small planet in the same spiral arm of our galaxy as Legion World. The Planet was called Psyonia. She took the name Suzyn Jectra. She married the King of that planet and bore him two daughters and a son. Two of them are now called heroes; Princess Crujectra and The Crusader, the third vanished without a trace many years ago.

“Princess Crue Jectra, dear, daughter of King Roo and Queen Suzyn Jectra of the planet Psyonia,” The words ring hollowly in her mind now, the haughty voice she used in uttering them in to a recalcitrant subject is gone. In fact, all traces of her royal upbringing are gone save for her training. She has reverted to the role that she has been training for her entire life. She is the daughter of the last surviving member of the race that gave Prince Evilseid life and, she is a warrior.

Today, in this mansion, she must face a destiny she has feared since her earliest childhood…

Further inside the mansion, Invisible Brainiac and the Crusader move around also unseen and unheard. Their powers match well together, and they entered through a combination of Crusader's psionic power and Invisible Brainiac's intellegence that he can enact when he's invisible. They two knew what their purpose would be, and were ready to set their plan in motion.

Outside, the rest of the LMBP knew they had to wait for Crujeckie's signal. However, up until this point, they had some notion of what the plan was, although now they were virtually left in the dust. After years of watching her brother in action, the Princess knew that people's minds could be read easily and if too many people knew the plan, even if they were well-trained LMBPers, things could easily go wrong.

Greybird, a bastion of hope throughout this entire affair, picked up the hurt Kara in his arms, as well as Italian Boy, Danny Blaine and Numf-El, who held onto his back. All four LMBPers needed medical treatment after the beatings they had taken, and he knew that was a priority that needed to be taken care of while the others dealt with the coming evil. He flew into Legion World with them, to find Doctor Juan, the Legion World resident doctor, for help.

The other LMBPers watched on, knowing that Grey could make sure their friends were safe so they could concentrate on the problem at hand. Cobalt took a cue from Space Ranger and waited uncomfortably for something to happen. Suddenly, he felt a terrible force in his head, and as he looked around, he could see the others were feeling the same thing.

Cobalt saw images of his dead wife Space Tart, and felt the grief of learning that her last few months alive were spent believing he was dead. He remembered the grief he felt to learn his child was an evil demon, and then his next child was an evil avatar, and how he was cursed to never be able to have children...

Emerald Empress suddenly felt all the old feelings of being on outcast among Legion World and the LMBP, and how hurtful their distrust of her had been. The secret pain that she felt while she put up a stern front seemed to rush back into her...

Super Lad Kid put his hand up to his face, as he remembered the insecurity he felt with his super power and how he felt so useless among the LMBP for so long. It had taken him a long time to overcome that fear, and now it all rushed back to him...

Shark Lad remembered what it was like when he became evil for a time, and the guilt that haunted him after that. It was something he never got over, and now he felt it rushing back to him again...

All around, the LMBP felt their worst fears and most repressed feelings coming back to them. The cringed in horror as old memories and insecurities were brought back into their minds. Evilseid's first attack was mental, he slowly began breaking the will of all the LMBPers that stood in front of his mansion...

Inside the mansion Crujectra quickly reached her first objective, the massive computer complex. She left Semi and Vee there with instructions on what they must do.

Behind them in the ruined study, Prince Evilsied is in a towering rage. The remains of the Bat-Clan Androids are strewn throughout the room. Pastor Uptight is cowering in a corner. Evilsied holds a Father Box in his hand as he looks down the hidden elevator shaft to the Batcave.

“FOOL!” the voice was thunderous; its sheer volume caused cracks in the walls to widen and damaged plaster and mortarboard to fall around Uptight’s head. “She hid right below us… AND YOU never had any idea she was there!!”

Princess Cru’Power entered the room holding a large projector and quickly set it up facing the largely non-existent outer wall of the study. Within seconds it is in operation.

“This will keep her companions occupied while we hunt the little bitch down,” her shark-like smile betrayed her anticipation. “I’ve set her former friends on her tail. They’ll find her soon enough. And when they find her… I’ll make sure she never troubles us again.” She turned to the Pastor as she spoke. “And you need to go verify that everything is ready in the computer complex.”

Ever since she entered the Batcave the mental presence of Prince Evilseid has been a clear beacon in Princess Crujectra’s mind. She knows exactly where he is at all times. She cannot read his mind, that ability belongs to her twin brother, the Crusader, but she can feel his presence. But strangely, she has also begun to detect another familiar mental presence. At first she thought it was her twin but subtle differences and a distinctly female aura quickly dispelled that idea.

“She can’t be here… She just can’t be…”

Out on the mansions grounds, the LMBPers were under a viscous mental attack. Only the Space ranger seemed to be unaffected. But he also failed to notice the subtle changes coming over his companions.

Certain people just seem to radiate a calm assuredness that tells the world they are always in command of any given situation. The Space Ranger is one of those people who always seem to be unfazed by events that rattle and/or terrify other people. He has no fear of death, and is unashamed of anything he has ever done in his life. He is secure in the knowledge that he always has and always will do the right thing. While he can accept moral ambiguity in other people he personally has none. To him the universe is a stark place of contrasting blacks and whites, things are either right or wrong, there are no grey areas. He has no regrets about anything he has ever done because he firmly believes that he has always done the right thing.

Without ever understanding that the LMBP was under attack or realizing that his companions were slowly withdrawing from the open area where he stood staring at the mansion, he stood like a bulwark and began to absorb more and more of the mental pressure being hurled at the LMBP. He rejected doubt without ever realizing it existed. He has painful memories but he came to terms with them long ago, they no longer haunted him. Not all of his choices have been right but they were made for what he firmly believes to be the right reasons and he has always sought to temper justice with mercy. He’s made mistakes but his own sense of honor would never let him rest until his mistakes had been corrected and he had zealously and aggressively done everything in his power to make things right in the aftermath. He accepted the fact that he is not perfect but tried to grow a little closer to that lofty goal each day, despite knowing it was unattainable. In him there was nothing for Prince Evilsied’s attack to grab on to and despite the increasing focus on him (and away from the other LMBPers) he became, without knowing it, a seawall that shielded the other LMBPers from the mental storm.

Harbinger and the Empress were the first to realize what was happening. As more and more of the malevolent mental pressure was brought to bear on the Ranger the barrage of doubt and insecurity affecting the others lessened. The Empress used the Emerald Eye to create a safe haven and Harbinger quickly herded the others into it. Protected by the power of the eye they stared in silent amazement at the lone figure outside the enclosure.

Space Ranger could see the activity inside the mansion and the strange device that was set up in the opening in the ruined wall. But, he didn’t want to upset the princess’s plans so he waited for some indication of its purpose, confident that he could protect his friends from whatever effect it might have. He stood and watched totally oblivious to the fact that it was already in operation…

*****INTERLUDE******



I most definitely want to get back to this and wrap up some lose threads. This is too good a story to let fade away into obscurity.

V

****END INTERLUDE*****

*interlude*

Agreed!!!

*end interlude*

*interlude the third*

Then don't just talk about it, do it already.

tsk! Men! :rolleyes:

*end interlude*

The Boob Tubes formed on either side of him, the legions of Botoxalips rushed to the attack. From the right came Emma Grundy, leading Icefyre, Umber & the Boyz, Sonnie, and Danny. From the left came Pastor Uptight N. Upright leading a horde of Zealots. Within seconds the Ranger was swarmed under…

Inside the mansion Prince Evilseid smiled as he watched his mind controlled troops viciously attack the lone figure on the hilltop. Next to him, Princess Cru’Power waited, knowing that her part would come next, she was not disappointed.

“Go, find your sister and kill her… Throw her lifeless body to her subjects as our troops destroy them… Their despair will make our victory that much sweeter…”

Outside, the Legions of Botoxalips swarmed the LMBers that faced them. Knowing that Princess Crujectra had her own plan, Cobalt waited for a signal from either her or Space Ranger to tell him when they would be needed for the plan. Until then though, he knew that he could be useful outside, in the midst of this huge battle. Using his incredible power of magnetism, he focused on the hordes of Botoxalips, grabbing them by the dozens and hurling them to the side, crushing them down. Outdoor Miner and Faraway Lad joined him, hoping their abilities might be useful in some way, to send them back through the boom tubes.

Icefyre sprayed freezing ice onto the LMBers, as they dodged out of the way. Shark Lad leaped onto his back, trying to pull him to the ground. Caught between his savage nature and the feelings he had for Icefyre, Shark Lad fought a parrallel battle in his heart.

Eryk Davis Ester and Super Lad Kid leaped at Sonnie and Danny, trying to shake them free from the technology that was ravaging their minds. Lash Lad hurled his whip at Umber, trying to get her back in control, but the young teen seemed too out of it. He felt bad for her, she really had no evil intentions about her, but was so easily taken advantage of. Brocke, Cliff and Ashe, her 'boys' swarmed Lash too, only to be suddenly pummeled by Kid Prime, who entered the fray.

The big gun of controlled LMBers, Dev-Em, flew out at full speed, looking to ravage his teammates. A half-Daxamite, half-Durlan, Dev was immensely strong and some considered him the most powerful LMBer. He also was brave and smart, and never, ever gave up. Knowing that Dev could take out any LMBer he wanted if they were distracted, Lardy realized that he'd have to think of something quick. With his Lardforce, Lard Lad had always been 'THE big gun of the LMB', one of the few who probably was more powerful that Dev-Em. Lardy quickly used the Lardforce to port himsefl and Dev miles away, so Dev couldn't do any immediate damage. Then, while he was distracted, Lardy used his Lard-force to attack the mighty LMBer, hoping that the mind-control was messing up his head.

Harbinger and Emerald Empress saw Emma Grundy dead in their sights. That witch had been what kicked off this whole thing, and they wanted her to feel their wrath.

Space Ranger was swarmed by the hordes of Botoxalips, but to his left his saw the perfect target: Pastor Uptight N. Ranger didn't know what power this man held, but he was willing to be that he could take him out. He flew at him at top speed.