Legion of On-Line Super Heroes

Bevie's Birthday

2010-08-09T07:15:00.001-05:00

It's Bevie's birthday today and I didn't want to let it pass unnoticed.

He was one of the sweetest people I know and the most prolific writer and story teller. Words just seemed to pour out of him. I could never keep up! I've lost count of the number of blogs he started, including this one.

He had a whole stack of novels written in his fantasy world and I wonder what will happen to them now.

I had the privilege of reading some of his short stories and they were full of hope and promise. He liked to write about love in all its forms but he was shy and never sure how far to take his scenes. They usually ended up very gentle, just as he was.

I worried that I wouldn't be able to keep my side of the friendship up indefinitely - I knew how hurt he'd been by the loss of his friend Stephen and of his father. He had so quickly become one of my best friends and I didn't want to let him down. As it turned out, I needn't have worried.

The time we had as friends was far too short but I'm gratefiul for what we had.

One last thing...

2010-05-14T04:04:00.002-05:00

Bevie had been ill for some time and wasn't able to work, so his financial situation was increasingly difficult for him and his family. We're not able to send flowers for the funeral tomorrow and in any case the money can probably be put to better use.

Stacy had the wonderful idea of setting up a PayPal account to take donations for Bevie's family. If you'd like to give a donation as the last thing you can do for Bevie, then why not pop over now to Stacy's Cafe. The donation link is in her left hand sidebar. When the donations are in, Stacy will send a money order to Bevie's widow as after discussion with the family this was agreed to be most helpful to them.

It's all that's left for us to do now. You can do it here.

Sad News

2010-05-12T06:41:00.001-05:00

I heard today that my good friend Bevie James, who was the inspiration for and the creator of this blog, died in his sleep in the early hours of Thursday morning, 6th May.

Bevie was a warm-hearted man, full of caring for others and rather shy. He loved to write and stories just poured out from him.

He made a lot of friends online and inspired much warmth and affection.

He leaves a wife and son and I'm sure that your thoughts like mine will be with them. The funeral is on Saturday.

He is a great loss to us all.

Keela Sal

2010-04-12T11:01:00.001-05:00

Another spur of the moment idea. Sorry. No picture with this one. If you're curious, try to find the meaning of "Keela Sal".

Keela Sal
by Bevie James

Episode One – Part I

The beacon on the Watchtower flashed continually. Like a cry in the night it repeated itself over and over again. And it was a cry. A cry for help. Once again, the city of Hamilton was in danger from marauders. Once again they were desperate to be saved.

Keela sat on the hilltop overlooking the bay which contained Hamilton, it’s port and the wealth it contained. In the distance she could see the sails of the Monte pirates on the sea. Their bright red dragon emblem announcing their coming with force.

Three ships. That would mean two to three hundred pirates. Difficult enough for the Hamilton defenders. But these were not just ordinary ships. These were Monte warships. That meant their best fighters would be aboard. They were after more than plunder, although they would not turn their noses at the wealth Hamilton had to offer. Probably, they were also after women. Their previous captives now too old to amuse. Or just plain dead.

Keely looked down into the town. Even from this great height she could see the people running to and fro, desperate to hide both themselves and their precious wealth. Shops were locked up. A lot of good that would do. Hadn’t these people ever heard of battering rams? No. Anything and everyone within a stone’s throw of the wharf was open to be taken, burned or killed. Women were being rushed to the base of the cliff which stood behind the town like a tall and useless sentry. There were caves down there. Perhaps they could survive long enough for help to come?

She shook her head. Perhaps. Perhaps not. It was just as a likely the townspeople would make a bargain with the pirates. Give up so many girls in exchange for not destroying the town completely. The lives of a few for the lives of many. They could always make more children. But a town? Hamilton must survive.

It was tempting to turn and walk back into the forest. Leave the people of Hamilton to their fate. After all, if they were going to establish a city of wealth along the coasts of the Crystal Sea, where pirate lands were as common as mosquitoes in marshland, then they should have bothered to establish an army. But there was no money in maintaining an army. Armies were expensive. Better to hire for help when it was needed. And so Hamilton had done. They had successfully fended off three major attacks by buying help from their neighbors. But this time they had miscalculated. They had waited too long and ignored the warning signs. Now it was too late.

Had it only been the town and its riches Keela would have left. But she thought of the girls, and how terrified they would be, and the lives they would be doomed to live once they fell into pirate hands. It was a life she knew from her past. It was a life no girl should have to live.

Sighing, she rose from her crouch and began making her way down toward the town. It was possible she could take out a ship from here. But that would drain her completely, leaving the town to face the two remaining vessels on its own. And with one ship gone they would not be in a bargaining mood.

Damn it! Why couldn’t pirates just content themselves with stealing treasure and killing a few worthless merchants? Why did they have to include children in their plundering? Keela Sal didn’t want to get involved. But she couldn’t forsake the girls.

Toolah: Legion Master

2010-04-06T10:39:00.002-05:00

This is the opening of a new story I was just given by the Muses. I hope you enjoy it.

Mountain's Fury
by Bevie James

He tossed the great beast down in a heap. It’s lifeless eyes stared unseeing to the horizon. What a pity it had had to be killed. But crops were threatened. Children had been killed. Why had it left its place in the mountains?

He drew his weapon and cut the rambeast open, spilling the steaming insides onto the ground. Then he built a fire and tossed the guts into the flames. Digestive organs went first, to prepare the way by consuming the spiritual food to be found along the journey. Then the lungs and cleaning organs, to make the way safe. And finally, the heart, to guide the beast true to the other side.

The meat and bones would remain here, to be consumed by any who would partake. To honor the fallen animal Toolah chewed on a hind quarter. Then he cut the giant horn from its head and tucked it into his pack.

Kneeling before the carcass he bowed his head and chanted the sacred words. The meat was for whoever found it. The smoke would draw them. With luck it would be found by the parents of the slain children. Then, in eating the meat, parent and child would again be together.

He finished his prayers and left without looking back. There was nothing more to do. Or see. The rambeast had been a magnificent creature, in appearance like a giant ram. Only the rambeast was carnivorous. Why had it left the mountains? Toolah didn’t like it. Surely this warranted further investigation. He would rest a day or two and then climb up to the rock peaks and see what was afoot.

Toolah followed the nearby stream down to where the local village lay. Here, the stream pooled and formed a quiet pond. About forty small huts surrounded it. The pool was their source of water. And small fish could be speared by the skillful.

He was spied before arriving and everyone who could was out awaiting his return. First among these was Kittah, the village leader.

“The beast. It is dead?” asked Kittah. Toolah grunted. “It is good.”

Toolah paused and glared at Kittah. Kittah’s small five-foot frame shook in Toolah’s eight foot shadow.

“Not good. Needful.”

“That is what I meant. Needful. It is good you filled our need. It is bad the rambeast came down from the mountain. Two small ones eaten. Mothers. Very sad. Rambeast should have stayed on top. But dead now. All is good again.”

Toolah shook his head.

“Not good. Rambeast came down for reason.”

Kittah nodded his head. “Reason simple. Rambeast hungry. Bad winter. No food up there.”

“Maybe. If so, then more come.”

This news did not set well with Kittah, or the other villagers. A fearful murmur spread quickly.

“What do we do?” asked Kittah. “When Legion Master go other rambeast come. Eat more children. Trample more crops. How long before Legion Master return?”

Toolah turned and looked up the mountain.

“Toolah not leave yet. Toolah find out why rambeast come down.”

“Maybe Cita can help.”

Toolah and Kittah turned to see a young woman standing near. Even next to Kittah she appeared small, but she could easily have sat on Toolah’s shoulder without him noticing.

“How you help?” asked Toolah.

The woman (girl) smiled, impishly.

“Cita already know.”

Something New to Read

2010-04-05T07:55:00.003-05:00

Let me begin by apologizing. This isn't a true hero story, although the one character certainly demonstrates the qualities of a hero.

And, it's more than 500-words. This is just a draft copy. I know I should have edited it. But I lacked the energy. It was enough to write in the first place.

This came as a sudden inspiration. Hope you enjoy it.

Billy Joe and Bobby Jean

by Bevie James

(Wow! I didn't see that until just now. Cool! haha)

Billy Joe was a pretty young thing. She grew up in a small town on the east side of The River. Her parents were poor and she had to work as a house maid at an early age. She was paid six copper coins for a day’s work, which she dutifully brought back to her cottage and put in the family coffer: a small clay bowl.

She lived in poverty but she never complained. She just went to work each day, cleaning the houses of the village’s more wealthy. And every day she put her six copper coins in the small clay bowl. People liked Billy Joe. They liked to call her ‘BJ’.

Bobby Jean could have been pretty. But she wasn’t. When you looked in Bobby Jean’s eyes you saw malice and contempt. And this inner attitude wore on her face like a sneer and a frown.

Bobby Jean grew up in the same small town as Billy Joe. But Bobby Jean was no poor. On the contrary. Bobby Jean’s father was Village Magistrate. They were the wealthiest and most powerful family in the entire valley. As such, Bobby Jean never had to clean her house. She had Billy Joe to do that. What Bobby Jean did with her time was lord her family prestige over others. People didn’t like Bobby Jean. Bobby Jean wished people would call her ‘BJ’. But they had other names.

When Billy Joe would clean Bobby Jean’s house, Bobby Jean would try to find the most awful chores for Billy Jean to do. Empty the chamber pots. Wash them. Scrub were the family dog had had an accident. Clean up the vomit from grandma’s illness. Clean grandma.

And Billy Joe did all she was commanded. For Billy Joe was poor, and her family needed the money. So she did not complain. She just dutifully did what she was told, got paid her six copper coins, and put them in the small clay bowl in her cottage.

As time passed and the girls grew, Bobby Jean looked for more and more things to order Billy Joe to do. It irked her that the servant never complained. It bothered her that Billy Joe was always smiling and sweet. She hated it that everyone liked Billy Joe more than herself. She had to humiliate this girl. How?

And then one day she had Billy Joe give her a bath. And during the bath Bobby Jean realized something for the first time: Billy Joe was pretty. Her eyes were serene and loving. There was a gentleness of spirit which was attractive. And so Bobby Jean kissed Billy Joe. And then they made love. And from that day on Billy Joe lived with Bobby Jean. And Billy Joe’s family was well off.

But she did not cease her maid work. She liked to visit the homes of others and clean for them. So every day Billy Joe would go out and clean. And sometimes Bobby Jean would help her. The would collect their six copper coins and put them in a small clay bowl.

And from that day on the villagers would say to anyone who needed a maid: Go up to the big house where you can get two good BJs for the price of one.

The Sad Lonely Life of Writing

2010-04-02T17:13:00.005-05:00

You know what one of the worst things there is in life? Being busy.

Being busy gives us purpose, and we derive a lot of our self-worth from having worthy things to occupy our time: family, friends, hobbies, shopping, medical visits, and (I guess) work.

But being busy becomes a major problem for people who like to write. Who need to write. Who can hardly exists if they don't write something. Anything. Even if it's just an idea they know they will never explore. They have to write something.

Unfortunately for these people, busy is a bad thing. And yet it isn't.

Time with family? Absolutely. Especially if the family concerned is spouse and/or children.

Time with friends? Of course. Especially if the friend/s are buying. And REALLY especially if there is a chance the friendship could blossom into something more.

Time for hobbies? Everyone needs at least one hobby.

Time for shopping? Well, duh!

Time for medical visits? If you have insurance.

Time for work? Only if you need the money.

All of these things take up time. But just as important, many of them also take up creative thought.

Keeping children amused requires a lot of creative thought. Keeping a spouse amused can require creative thinking. For some spouses it's just wham, bam, thank you, ma'am. But some need other kinds of stimulation.

Shopping is a creative process.

And so it goes.

Which leaves precisely what for writers to utilize when they sit down (or lay down or stand up) to do what they were born to do? Write?

Very little.

And for that reason you have seen virtually nothing posted on this blog in months. For, believe it or not, trying to come up with an interesting story of 500-words on a regular basis is incredibly draining - even to the most prolific of writers.

Look at Bevie! Nothing here in two months.

According to Bevie's blog, there HAS been a hero story written. It just went a little bit over 500-words. About 40,000-words over.

Which brings up something else you may not be aware of. It is far easier to write a 40,000-word novel than an interesting 500-word piece.

Why?

Who cares?

But Legion of On-Line Super Heroes officially has eight writers. But they are all busy. They really are. And the guilt writers feel when they remember they thought they would write all these words on a schedule only to find they didn't is pretty bad. Eventually, they avoid everything that reminds them of it.

Too bad they're writers. Everything reminds them of writing. So the poor dears struggle with other projects.

Visit their blogs. Many of them are active bloggers. You can read their works there, too.

Meanwhile, let's hope that they can all be blessed with time to do what they were born to do: Write.

Hilda in the Rabbit Hole

2010-01-27T13:01:00.003-06:00

Hilda Meahr and Snipper

She was an unsung hero, for who would sings songs about an overweight woman?
Yet hero she was indeed.
You see, Hilda was the cook at the local holiday feed.

The feast was crashed by villains four: Rusty, Snock, Gwen, and their hampster Malimew.
They had come to steal jewels.
You see, the feast was in honor of her Ladyship, the Mayor

But it chanced that day that Hilda Meahr, came through the door with a plate of kippers.
With her, the dog Snippers.
And the smell that wafted through the crowd, stopped the villains in their tracks.

While the villains ate plate after plate, Hilda kept the food hot and plenty.
Dog Snippers ran for help.
And ere the villains filled their bellies, the Legion Heroes arrived in force.

For want of a kipper an escape was ruined.
At least it weren’t the cake.

Happy Rabbit Hole Day!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T21:43:00.001-06:00

The blog has been quiet for a while, but in honor of the season I would like to wish Authors and Readers alike a very Merry Christmas. God bless each and all.

HOTN: TLF

2009-11-07T06:00:00.001-06:00

Heroines of the Night
Tripping the Light Fantastic
by Bevie James

Episode Seven - Mind Your Manners

“So, you are here.”

He didn’t sound afraid, but then he never did. Alanna always admired his composure. Among other things. He kept himself quite fit. What a shame he devoted his life to crime and mayhem. He was clearly an intelligent person. Most of his gadgets were works of his own invention. It might be fun to exchange ideas.

Mr. Manners was turning like a lighthouse, a beacon in the night, futilely seeking to shine light through the fog. Of course this was good for Alanna, for she knew exactly where he was at all times, while he could only guess her position from the direction of the dart.

“Nothing to say, Lasered Lash? I know it’s you. Looks like you’ve made some improvements since last we met. When was that? Five years ago? You were just a fledgling then. Your first assignment, wasn’t it? You were apprenticing what’s-her-name? You know. The one with the sword? Blade something?”

She knew what he was about. He was trying to get her to expose her position. Only she wasn’t ready for that. His light might not be able to penetrate her magical fog, but those swords on his back could. Five years ago she had watched in horror as Caped Blade had fought him. He was good, but Caped Blade had been better. What Alanna wouldn’t give to have her commander here now.

“I take it you are alone this time, else I should be feeling the cold steel of Blade’s sword against my throat. Just like last time, huh? Of course, you’re not the only one who’s improved, Lasered Lash. I’m a bit stronger, too. And I have a few more gadgets at my disposal.”

Hmm. That was probably true. Mr. Manners was an arch criminal, but he didn’t generally lie. It wasn’t mannerly.

She reloaded her dart gun and fired it across the room.

Mr. Manners turned with his Crunch Hammer and let loose with a blast of energy. There was an explosion. Alanna’s ears picked up the sound of falling debris. It seemed that crunch hammer fired energy bolts. Good thing she hadn’t spoke.

“You still there, Lasered Lash?”

This time she picked up a slight tone of fear. She knew what it was about. He had fired directly at the sound, believing it might be her. He had hit what he aimed at, but now he was realizing he didn’t know what it was he had hit. Had he put her out of commission, or was she still there?

He began to shuffled toward the debris.

This was her chance. Relying on her hearing more than her eyes she moved with him. They were roughly the same height, as she remembered, but he was moving tentatively. She was taking longer strides. She was closing the distance.

Mr. Manners reached the pile of rubble and began toeing through it, apparently looking for anything to indicate she was down.

Alanna waited. When he put his hammer on his belt to bend forward she acted. Her staff, now back in whip form, looped over him and pulled him close. She activated it’s freeze mode and it became a trap, pinning his arms to his sides.

He turned. He was smiling.

“My, my. You are the clever girl, aren’t you? Looks like you win.”

“And that doesn’t bother you?” she asked.

He made a face. “A little. But in my line of work it doesn’t pay to hang too dearly to pride. Sooner or later I am going to be caught. It just happened sooner this time.”

His hands were near his belt. Too late she saw him push a set of controls. His swords, his hammer, and his belt disappeared. His smiled broadened.

“Just sent them home. Prison frowns on us keeping things like that and I didn’t want them confiscated.”

“You can turn off your light now.”

“You wish to be alone with me in the dark? Well, that’s a prison I could take to.” He eyed her up and down. “You have grown up, Lasered Lash. I’m impressed.”

She tried not to blush, but she might as well try to stop her heart from beating. When his light went out she darted him, catching him so he didn’t fall into the debris. Then she retrieved her whip and banished the fog. She found the bat and brought it back up the hill and put it in its uniform, laying the Staff of Renewal beside it. Then she called headquarters.

“Lasered Lash to Caped Blade.”

“Caped Blade here. Go ahead Lasered Lash.”

“We got him.”

“Great! What about Masked Wizard?”

Alanna looked down at the reforming Dee.

“Damn! Not again.”

Alanna smiled. “She’s back to normal.”

HOTN: TLF

2009-11-04T06:00:00.001-06:00

Heroines of the Night
Tripping the Light Fantastic
by Bevie James

Episode Six - Clouded Thoughts

Alanna brought Masked Wizard’s Staff of Renewal along. If she was still alive she was probably going to need it. Meanwhile, she had to find a way to get inside and find out.

She opened her wings and flew down the hill, hovering over the warehouse where Mr. Manners and the others were meeting. From the river side she could see a light glowing from inside. Since the building was abandoned she doubted there was an active electrical connection. That meant Mr. Manners was providing the light himself. Perhaps she could use that to her advantage.

There were plenty of places to land without being seen and she chose one at the building’s corner. Taking out her Whip of Ice and Snow she activated it into a wand. Then she held it with the Staff of Renewal. As she hoped, the Staff of Renewal fed her new strength which she passed on to her wand. This was going to make the effect all the more powerful.

Pointing both the wand and the staff at the river she conjured up and thick fog bank. Then she moved it against the warehouse, shrouding it in a cold and clammy darkness. The light in the building seemed to falter. Her sensitive hearing told her the men inside were alarmed.

“What is it? What’s happening?” said one.

“I don’t know. Jason. Take a look outside.”

The sound of heavy footsteps across a planked floor. A door opened, letting faint light escape. But the fog was too thick. The pitiful rays were swallowed up in darkness. The door closed.

“Fog. Lots of it. It’s all over the river.”

“Damn! Your light doesn’t work in fog, does it? I didn’t bring a torch.”

“Never mind that. Jason. You said the fog’s all over the river. How can you tell how far it stretches? Is it just a thin mist?”

“No. I couldn’t even see the river.”

A growl of anger. “Then how do you know how far it goes?”

“What’s the matter, Benig? Do you think we’ve been caught?”

“Shut up, Latham. And don’t call me Benig. You know I hate that name. I’m Mr. Manners.”

“Telling me to shut up is hardly mannerly, Benig.”

“Shut up! Let me think.”

Alanna continued the fog generation for another minute and then relaxed, letting the Staff of Renewal refill herself with strength. Then she made her way around the corner and to the door. By now the fog was pouring through broken windows and cracks in the walls and roof.

“Where’s that damned bat?”

“Bat? What the hell do you want with a bat? Benig-“

“Don’t argue, Latham. Where did it fall?”

“I don’t know. The only thing I can even see anymore is the glow around you.”

“Never mind, Latham. Jason. Do you know where it is? Jason? Jason? Where are you?”

Alanna smiled as she reloaded her dart gun. Jason would not be answering. Now, where was this Latham character? Oh, yes. His fearful breathing sounded like thunder. She took aim and let the silent sleeper find its target. She knew she should have got close, like with Jason, and caught Latham before he fell, but she was in a hurry. Apparently Mr. Manners had knocked Masked Wizard out of the air for amusement and not because he knew what she was. But now he was suspicious. If he found her first he might use her as a hostage.

“Latham. Something’s happened to Jason. You don’t think he ran, do you? Latham? Latham, damn you! Where are you?”

Alanna let the dart fly, but she had miscalculated. Mr. Manners was still projecting his light, and even though it was diminished by the fog, it was still strong enough to repel anything thrown at him. The dart fell harmlessly to the floor.

HOTN: TLF

2009-10-31T06:00:00.001-05:00

Heroines of the Night
Tripping the Light Fantastic
by Bevie James

Episode Five - Batted Down

The Tesla Roadster turned off the main road and down toward the warehouse district. The engine purred like a contented kitten when Dee down-shifted to second.

“Stealth mode,” said Alanna.

Immediately the car went silent. There was a feeling of lift as the propulsion shifted from combustion engine to magnetic air, leaving a slight gap between the tires and the roadbed. Colors faded as the vehicle – and its occupants – went invisible.

Dee gasped.

“Never driven in stealth mode before?” asked Alanna.

“No,” said Dee. She looked to her right. “I can barely see you.”

“That’s because we’re invisible, too. At least to anyone outside the car. Inside the car we get faint images. It take a little to get used to. Keep your speed slow. The directional finder is difficult to read in stealth mode, and if we pick anything up it might take me a second or two to figure out where it’s coming from.”

It didn’t take long. After just a half dozen blocks the directional finder began flashing with a soft beep.

Alanna leaned forward to view the city map which was displayed over the flashing light. “He’s ahead and to the right.”

“You mean his car is.”

“If his car is there, I’m betting he is there. We’ll know for certain once we park this thing and get out.”

“I thought you had super hearing and stuff?”

“It doesn’t work so well under invisibility. Stop the car.” Alanna looked down the alley to the right and back to the display. “He’s in that building down closest to the river. Park over there. Keep it off the road. We don’t want some chance passerby to crash into it.”

Dee parked the car and the two women got out. Alanna stood and listened intently, focusing her concentration toward the warehouse in question. She was certain she could hear voices.

“He isn’t alone,” she said.

“Probably has a fence or two with him,” said Dee. “Knowing Mr. Manners they were already here waiting for him. What are they talking about?”

“I think they’re having a disagreement.”

“Haggling about price,” said Dee. “We need to get closer.”

“Okay. But we need to be careful.”

“You need to be careful. I just need to change shape.”

“Dee, no!”

But it was too late. Before Alanna’s eyes Dee shrank within her suit and emerged a tiny bat. She flew off, ignoring Alanna’s whispered cries to stop.

Alanna watched hopelessly as the bat flew toward the warehouse. The building was apparently abandoned, for many of its windows were broken. That was how Masked Wizard entered. She flew through an open window.

Alanna reached down to her utility belt and retrieved a communication badge.

“Lasered Lash to Command Post. Come in, Please.”

“This is Command Post,” came the buzzed reply. “Go ahead Lasered Lash.”

“We have found what we’re looking for. Masked Wizard has gone ahead alone.”

“I don’t mean to question you, Lasered Lash, but are you sure that was wise?”

“No. I’m certain it wasn’t, but I wasn’t given any say in it.”

At that moment Alanna’s sensitive eyes picked up a flash from inside the building. Her ears heard Masked Wizard’s cry of pain and the laughter and shouts of jubilation from the men around her.

“Oh, my God!”

“What is it, Lasered Lash? What is happening?”

“I think Mr. Manners just blasted Masked Wizard with his light.”

“Get her out of there!”

“I’ll do what I can. Lasered Lash out.”

HOTN: TLF

2009-10-29T06:00:00.001-05:00

Heroines of the Night
Tripping the Light Fantastic
by Bevie James

Episode Four - Returning a Treasure

The radio blared into the tense silence. Alanna reacted with a start. What now? It was bad enough being cooped up in a car with Masked Wizard sulking without being micro managed over the mission’s every detail.

“Caped Blade to Lasered Lash.”

“Lasered Lash here. Go ahead, Commander.”

“Why is my panel showing you en route to Riverside?”

“All evidence suggests it’s the best place to find Mr. Manners, Commander.”

“And what about the trinket you’re supposed to be returning?”

Alanna leaned her head against the door window. Damn! She had let herself get so caught up with Masked Wizard she had completely forgotten about returning the earrings Caped Blade had accidentally taken from the crime scene.

“Sorry, Commander. We’re on our way,” said Alanna.

“You know it won’t be easy?”

“Yes, Commander. Lasered Lash out. “Dee, we have to get to MacRoodies Jewelry Store right away.”

“What for?” snapped Dee.

Alanna pulled the small earring box from her utility belt.

“To return these.”

“Oooh. Let me see.”

Not wanting to go through another round of sniping, Alanna complied. She held the box so Dee could easily see the jewelry and drive at the same time.

“Wow! Where’d those come from”

“Mr. Manners gave them to Caped Blade.”

“Wish someone would give me a pair like that.”

“Don’t worry. You’ll be getting these.”

Dee’s eyes went wide. “Really?”

“But not to keep. You’re the only one who can get them back to the store without problems with the police.”

When they neared the crime scene Alanna activated the car’s invisibility mode. They parked three blocks away in a little used alley and set standard security measures. Hopefully nobody would walk into it while they were away.

Alanna removed her whip from her belt. She pressed a button on the handle, releasing the lockout. Then she turned one of the rings which looped the handle. Immediately the whip portion went stiff, like a sword. Concentrating, Alanna held it over her head, pointing it at the clouds.

A cold wind began to blow, and with it came fog. Thick, dense fog. It fell heavily from the sky and wrapped itself around buildings, vehicles, and people. Alanna turned to Masked Wizard.

“Okay, Dee. You’ve got about ten minutes before this blows through. Get this back to the crime scene and leave it where the police can find it. They should accept that Mr. Manners dropped it during his getaway. And even if he learns of it, since it’s going to be found at the crime scene he should think the woman he gave it to just left it. No link back to us. Do you know what you’re going to do?”

Dee smiled mischievously. “Meow.” Then she took the earring case and put it in her mouth.

Alanna stood and watched as the 5’4”, black-haired, South African shrank within her suit until she couldn’t be seen. Her clothes lay on the sidewalk, moving about like something had crawled inside and was now trying to get out. Soon, a black furry head popped out. It was a cat, and it was carrying the earring case in its mouth.

Alanna picked up the now empty suit.

“I’ll monitor from above.”

She opened her wings and flapped into the fog. The heavier air gave her lift, and she was able to control the wind currents with her whip. Soon she was soaring about sixty feet above the ground. Drawing on her keen senses she was able to penetrate the fog with both sight and hearing. She followed Masked Wizard, now a shiny black cat, as she made her way to the crime scene. When they got close one of the officers saw the cat and called out to her comrades.

“Hey, look!”

“What is it?” they asked.

“It’s a cat. And I think it’s got some evidence in it’s mouth.”

“Get it, someone!”

Alanna shook her head as she watched Masked Wizard lead the officers on a merry chase. Why couldn’t she just drop the damned thing and be done with it? Finally, she seemed to weary of her game and let the officers have the ring case. Then she headed back to the car. Alanna flew ahead and was waiting.

She lay Masked Wizard’s costume on the sidewalk and the cat crawled inside. Steadily, the lump inside grew and became a humanoid person again. But she lay gasping for breath.

Alanna was prepared. She knew changing shape exhausted Masked Wizard, but the Staff of Renewal helped her recover her strength. Alanna handed her the staff and immediately saw strength return to her partner.

Dee looked up and smiled.

“That was fun.”

“You had to take your time, didn’t you?”

“Oh, don’t be so sour. They enjoyed it. Now we can go.”

“No, not really.”

“Why not?”

“Your suit is on backwards.”

Dee looked at herself. “Oh, damn! Not again.”

HOTN: TLF

2009-10-27T06:00:00.001-05:00

Heroines of the Night
Tripping the Light Fantastic
by Bevie James

Episode Three - Un-Dynamic Duo

Alanna tried to avoid bickering with Dee as they walked across the parking lot to where their ‘special’ vehicles were kept. She kept reminding herself that Verena had assigned them the modified Tesla Roadster. It was a gorgeous thing, with all the features the best models had, plus a few added by Tomoyo’s Garage. Things such as an invisibility control, which wasn’t to be found on most models.

“Do you want me to drive?” Alanna asked, just to be polite. She regretted her manners immediately.

Dee snatched the keys from Alanna’s hand. “No. I want to drive.”

Alanna fought back the sigh which desperately wanted to escape. She should have just pulled rank and assumed the driver position. Now she would be regulated to monitoring dashboard controls instead of feeling the joy of driving this really hot car. Verena didn’t let this one out that often. And when she did, she usually drove.

Dee was already in the car and revving the engine by the time Alanna got in. She had to move Dee’s Staff of Renewal. That was a bother, but it was a necessary and useful tool. She also had to fidget until her wings were comfortable. Even modified fancy sports cars weren’t built to accommodate true fliers. Situated, she reported to Verena, who would keep a vigil in Communications until Mr. Manners had been captured.

“Lasered Lash reporting to Caped Blade.”

The reply came through the car’s surround sound speakers. “Caped Blade here. Go ahead Lasered Lash.”

“We are buckled in and ready to go. Activating area scan now.” Alanna waited a few seconds for the dashboard monitor to being displaying possible security concerns around the abandoned parking lot above. “Ground area is secure. Air space is clear.”

“Confirmed,” came the reply.

“We are ready to launch,” said Dee, releasing the clutch and slamming the accelerator to the floor.

The sound and smell of squealing tires filled the parking area. Alanna was thrown back into her seat. She felt like she had just been launched. This car had plenty of get up and go.

“Dee, you might want to slow down”, said Alanna. “I’m not sure the tunnel monitors can keep up with us. We might find ourselves driving into a wall.”

Dee’s eyes brightened behind her magenta mask. Her mouth was open in a perpetual laugh.

“Nah! We’ll be all right.”

Alanna tried to keep her nerves under control as the opening cleared just seconds before the Tesla arrived.

With a cry of exultation Dee drove the car around the non-secured parking area, spinning cookies and shouting for glee.

“This is great!” she cried.

“Yes, it is. But that’s not why we’re here, is it?” said Alanna. “Let’s get going.”

Dee’s smile faded. “You are a stick in the mud. Oh, very well. Pilot to navigator. Where do we go?”

Alanna bit her tongue and forced herself to ignore Dee’s irreverence. She punch in codes to the dashboard computer and scanned the city graphic which displayed.

“Benig Caron. Alias, Mr. Manners.”

“I know who he is, Alanna,” moaned Dee. “Just tell me where we’re going.”

Alanna took another breath, but this time it didn’t do any good.

“If you’re so smart then why don’t you know where we’re going?” she asked.

“Because you’re the navigator!”

“I’m also in charge of this mission.”

“Oh, ho, ho. So you’re going to pull rank on me?”

“If I have to.”

Dee paused. Apparently she had more to say, but was thinking better of it.

Alanna smiled. Difficult as she was, ultimately Dee accepted the chain of command.

“So where are we going?” Dee asked.

“Verena managed to attach a short range homing signal to his car. If we can get within a mile or two we should pick it up.”

Dee shook her head. “That’s just great. The city’s at least forty miles across in every direction.”

Alanna set her teeth against Dee’s negative attitude. “Historically, Mr. Manners likes to hide out near the river. It gives him an extra avenue of escape which leaves no trail. We’ll start there.”

“Wonderful,” said Dee, recapturing some of her enthusiasm. “Maybe we can test out the submarine feature this thing’s got.”

“This isn’t a game, Masked Wizard.”

“I know, Lasered Lash.”

They rode in silence for a few seconds. Alanna was content to let Dee have the final word if it meant they could ride together in peace. Only the Masked Wizard wasn’t finished.

“I’m surprised you let me drive at all,” she mumbled.

No last word this time, Dee.

“So am I. But don’t worry. I won’t make this mistake again.”

HOTN: TLF

2009-10-24T06:00:00.002-05:00

Heroines of the Night
Tripping the Light Fantastic
by Bevie James

Episode Two - Taking on a Case

Verena followed the tunnel, which went steadily downward. Finally, the tunnel opened into a large cavern. It was clearly not a natural occurrence, lacking the customary stalactites and stalagmites. The ground was level and paved with stones. And two vehicles sat paired to the left. One was a green sedan. Sensible looking and nondescript. The other was a magenta sports car. Hardly something to use while trying to be incognito. Of course, Verena’s yellow BMW wasn’t exactly invisible.

She parked beside the green car, close to the elevator door. She got out and told the car to lock. Then she went to the elevator and pushed the button. The door opened almost immediately. Entering, she waited for the door to close. Then she announced herself.

“Caped Blade arriving.”

The elevator dropped. Verena’s stomach caught up with her in time to exit the elevator when it stopped.

She stepped out of the elevator and into a long and wide hall. Echo’s of being announced still bounced amongst the walls. Verena rushed down the hall.

A tall, thin, yellow-haired woman came around the far left corner. She was dressed in a tight, green outfit with orange-yellow accents, including her mask. Verena rushed past her into the corner office to the right. The woman followed.

“I’ve been monitoring police frequencies. Right now they don’t know what happened. Some are thinking terrorism, but they’re in the minority. The missing jewels are enough to convince them this is a simple jewel heist.”

“Hardly simple, Alanna,” said Verena, opening a wardrobe and removing an outfit of the same style as Alanna’s. The only real difference was color. Verena’s outfit was mostly yellow-orange with blue accents. And there was no mask. She rushed behind a changing screen. “So they have no idea what they’re up against?”

“Not yet. Will you be going after him alone? Or should I call in Dee?”

“Definitely call in Dee,” said Verona, taking off her top and tossing it to the side. “Her particular talent might prove useful. However,” she kicked off her shoes and dropped her pants, “I will not be going on this case.”

“No?”

“No. Unfortunately, I was the first thing he saw when he came out. In fact,” Verena reached down and took the small box from her pants. She opened it and found herself looking at an expensive pair of diamond earrings. “Damn!” she hissed.

“You’re not thinking of sending Dee by herself, are you? Talent or no, you know how she is? She needs looking after.”

Verena stepped out from her changing area. She tossed the earring box to Alanna.

“That’s why you’re going with her.”

Alanna opened the box.

“Nice. What? Me? With Dee? Are you sure?”

Verena led the way across the hall to the opposite room in the corner. The room was fringed with work areas, computers, and communications equipment.

“It has to be you. He’s seen me, so my image is imprinted in his mind. Kelly isn’t here. Where is she, anyway?”

“Training exercise with Safe Whiffle down by the railroad yard.”

“Then it has to be you. Besides, all that ice and snow you produce might be just the thing to put Mr. Manners away.”

“But…”

Verena turned to look at her comrade. “But what?”

Alanna fidgeted nervously. “Well, he’s a – a man.”

Verena smiled. “You’re not going out to ask him on a date, Alanna. Your job is to put him back into prison. And don’t worry. If he gets fresh you can sick Dee on him.”

“You’re not encouraging me.”

Verena patted Alanna’s arm. “Pity. You could use some encouragement. Now call Dee. We have to figure out where Mr. Manners is hiding this time.”

HOTN: TLF

2009-10-21T06:00:00.002-05:00

Heroines of the Night
Tripping the Light Fantastic
by Bevie James

Episode One – Jewel Heist

The explosion of light was so intense it was like it had a physical presence. Verena Castle fell away from it, covering her eyes against the waves of intensity. There was the sound of laughter, and then the light was gone.

Regular evening seemed like deep darkness now, and it was difficult to make things out. But one thing was easy. Standing where the wall to the MacRoodies Jewelry Store had been was a man holding a large mallet in one hand, and a large cloth bag in the other.

He wasn’t a tall man, perhaps only an inch or two more than Verena herself. But he was well-built. His muscles flexed inside the yellow-orange clothes which were painted on his body. His eyes darted about from behind the black mask which covered the upper portion of his face. Although the police were surely on their way he did not appear to be overly concerned, stepping lightly over the rubble and to the sidewalk where Verena stood watching his every move.

The man saw her and tipped his fedora.

“Good evening, miss. Sorry if I startled you, but I needed to leave and this was the shortest way out.” He hung his mallet on his belt. Then he reached into his bag and took out a small jewelry box, which he presented to Verena. “Here. As a token of apology for any inconvenience I may have caused.” Then, after tipping his fedora again, he took a control device from his belt and pushed a few buttons.

The sound of a purring engine made Verena turn around. It was a shiny black Ferrari. The F430 Spider. No driver.

The man hopped into the car and drove away even as the sound of sirens filled the air. Before he did, though, Verena managed to take something from her purse and toss it at the vehicle. It bounced below the rear bumper and up where it apparently attached itself to something, for it did not come down.

Verena slipped away into the shadows before she could be seen. She didn’t have time to be questioned by the locals. She had to be some place. Fast.

She was able to make it to her car without having to resort to invisibility. That was good. Being invisible meant she wouldn’t be stopped, but it also slowed her down as most of her energy would be devoted to maintaining her cloak. She was still at least ten minutes away from her headquarters. Sometimes time just wasn’t friendly.

Along the back streets of the more decrepit part of town she pulled into what appeared to be an abandoned parking ramp. There were three levels above ground, and one below. Turning her radio dial to A.M., and then to the Religious Conservatives Broadcast Station she waited for the sensor display to appear on her dashboard. She smiled. It was the perfect way to hide the car’s ultimate controls. Only complete lunatics listened to RCB, so there was little danger of this ever being discovered.

The sensor display lit up and she checked for life forms. Nothing larger than a rat. She drove in and down to the lower level, shutting off her lights as she did. Driving up to a wall she then spoke aloud.

“Commander Castle wishes to enter.”

What appeared to be simply a dark shadow on the wall dissolved, and a tunnel opened up for her to enter. Driving slowly, she passed through. Her rear-view mirror showed the opening closing again. When it did, the tunnel lights came on, and now a voice spoke to her from the dashboard speakers.

“Welcome back, Commander. What’s up?”

“We have trouble, Alanna. Mr. Manners is out and about again. Gather the team.”

Writing Contest

2009-10-20T23:59:00.000-05:00

Writtenwyrdd, one of our Legion Authors, has an October contest in honor of Halloween. Write a horror story in 1,000-words or less. The details are here. And here is a picture of the grand prize.

When Should the Next Hero Story Post

2009-10-19T14:37:00.004-05:00

Good afternoon, all. Beacon Girl again.

Bevie still hasn't posted the episodes, so I can't give details about when the first will show up. However, fairyhedgehog suggested we take a poll. We've never had an official poll before, so this will be our first. I've put a gadget in the upper right hand corner. You've got the rest of today and all day tomorrow to vote.

UPDATED BY BEVIE: I couldn't read the entire poll on the sidebar so I moved it to the top center.

MMM - October 19th 2009

2009-10-19T09:40:00.005-05:00

Good morning, all. Beacon Girl again with the Monday Morning Messages.

I am pleased to announce we have a new Hero Story ready to post. It is from Bevie James and should show up later this week. My understanding is that it is a new hero (or two) and a new villain. It will be posted in seven parts over at least two weeks.

So, if you are not following, and do not have an RSS feed, then return every so often. Episode One should show up any day now.

ADDENDUM: Oh. And it isn't too late to submit an entry in Writtenwyrdd's Halloween Contest. See above.

MMM - October 12th 2009

2009-10-12T06:00:00.001-05:00

Good morning, all. Beacon Girl again.

As the Legion Communication Hero one of my duties is to attend seminars, conferences and conventions. So, I thought I would provide a report of a recent convention I attended on Lagos 7. It was the Animal Traited Heroes Yearly Congress.

I had never been to ATHYC before, so it was a new experience. There were discussion groups, seminars and rah rah speeches galore. But I found the socializing at the Watering Trough Bar and Café to be the most interesting.

When I first went inside I felt unsure of myself. Everyone there was already paired up or in groups, and I didn’t wish to intrude. So I found myself taking a stool at the bar. The bartender was a nice young guy named Gilroy Serge. He seemed to know most everyone who came by, and they him. What most impressed me, though, was his knowledge of specialty drinks. He had no trouble when I asked for a Lemony Punch Citrus Ale Rum Drink. (I love those.)

I was just starting my drink when Sharkbait took the place beside me. Gilroy greeted him like a regular.

GS: Hello, Sharkbait. The usual?
SB: Yeah. You make the best Shark Bite cocktails in the universe.
[He noticed me.]
SB: Hello. You’re a little drink of water. You old enough to be in here?
ME: I’m probably older than you.
SB: Sorry. Didn’t mean to be rude. My name is Sharkbait, but a lot of people just call me, Chum.
ME: Beacon Girl.
SB: So, what’s your talent?
ME: Excuse me?
SB: Your super power. Mine is strength. I can also swim real fast.
ME: I don’t like to talk about it.
SB: Hmm. I think I understand. Kind of like Possum.
ME: Possum?
SB: Over there, in the booth by himself. Possum’s just what I call him. His real name is Dead Meat.
ME: He looks dead.
SB: That’s because his power is the ability to assume a death appearance. He even rots. But it doesn’t matter because he has the power to regenerate. He usually get the real disgusting assignments.
ME: I suppose.
SB: Over there is Wise Owl. He’s really smart. And dull. He knows about a zillion different languages, and if you ever get him to talking he won’t shut up. But for all his intelligence he never seems to have anything interesting to say.
ME: Poor man.
SB: Yeah. Everyone calls him the Old Coot.
ME: Doesn’t anyone around here have a nice nickname?
SB: I don’t know. Probably not. What’s your’s?
ME: I don’t have one. I’m just Beacon Girl.
SB: Well, you’ve got to have a nickname. Let me see. How’s about we call you, Lighthouse?
ME: That’s a drink, isn’t it?
SB: It is. A flaming rum drink. What do you think?
ME: Not bad. I’ve been known to ‘flame’ on occasion.

And so I have a nickname. I am Lighthouse. Hot and flaming. I think I need to attend more conferences and conventions.

Hooray For Beacon Girl

2009-10-09T11:17:00.003-05:00

Good morning, all. Beacon Girl again. I'm back!

Thank you, Bevie, for contacting Google on my behalf. It was just a mistake. I don't advertise products and I'm not profane. I'm just the girl who reports on the doings of the Legion.

Speaking of which, there haven't been any doings to report. I confess that has made me lonely and feeling like I have no purpose in life. It may also have contributed to my account being disabled like it was.

What's sad is that we have so many unfinished stories hanging here.

Panthera has to save herself and Pelage from being labeled traitors
Feathered Guy Anthropist has thoroughly annoyed Sansi and Sybarti
Shaavoring is in a battle
Ana-Maiden Elf Warrior has a worthy opponent
Boetha: The Electric Zombie still has to deal with the Phantom Poet
Sorrow's story remains unfinished
Fairy Hedgehog and Lizard Girl appear to be teaming up against a corrupt government
Mad Smart Pirate still has to capture Experimental Inferno

No idea if any of these will be finished. Hope they will.

Meanwhile, I will try to post something at least weekly until the Legion Authors begin submitting episodes again. Maybe I'll even take the initiative and write another Little Darla. Who knows?

Take care everyone.

We currently have several active stories:

Breaking Silence

2009-10-08T10:08:00.003-05:00

August 8th. Two months without a post. And I'm not sure anyone has noticed.

I was going to have Beacon Girl post something, but it turns out Blogger has deactivated the account. Don't understand why. The only place Beacon Girl posts is here, and I don't see that anything she's written has violated any rules. But then Blogger is strange. Still, it's free, and that makes it difficult to complain too loudly.

As of right now there are NO stories in the queue. NOTHING is on the horizon. The entire Legion is silent. Of the nearly two dozen heroes and villains we've read about, all are quiet.

The Legion Blog had two months of high enthusiasm followed by two months of struggling followed by two months of silence. I would like to say that is going to change in the near future, but I do not know that it will.

I cannot speak for the other seven contributors, but only for myself. There are Hero Stories I want to write. I want to keep Hidden Embers, Panthera and Feathered Guy Anthropist around. I'm just in another frame of mind right now and not writing hero stuff. When I went off-line two months ago I wasn't sure I would ever return. I have, but only sporadically. But I've thought about the Legion. A lot.

One thing I know is that I intend to publish differently - once I begin to publish again. For instance: I do not intend to publish unfinished stories. I will write the entire story. Once that is done I will find the best cliff-hanging breaks I can at around 500-words. Then I will post the story in parts, one part each day until the entire story has been presented. Then the blog may go silent until I have another story.

I have also considered deleting the blog.

Nothing has been decided. Right now I'm confused about Beacon Girl. I don't understand why her account has been disabled.

The Taming of Pelage

2009-08-08T06:00:00.000-05:00

PANTHERA and LEO

The Taming of Pelage (part 1)

by Bevie James

Panthera found herself once again standing along the shores of the big lake. The last time she had been here she had held Pelage in her arms. But she had released the accused traitor; her friend and one time lover. That act had resulted in being labeled an accomplice, and she had gone to trial. It had been Panteskus’ quick thinking and misdirection which spared her. Only now, to remain free, she had to return to Lower Earth and find Pelage again; and bring her back.

But would Pelage return to Khat? Panthera had her doubts. Panteskus had bought this reprieve by saying Pelage’s departure to Lower Earth had been a misunderstanding. Panthera had to confess she no more believed it than did Simthara, the judge from the People of the Apes who had brought the accusations against both Pelage and herself. Even Ursa Drake, the Adjudicator, doubted. But Panteskus had been efficient in raising doubt. Now, to prove her innocence, all Pelage had to do was return with Panthera to Khat. Only – what if Pelage wasn’t innocent? If she refused to return then she would as much be admitting her guilt. And if Panthera didn’t bring her back she would certainly be found guilty as Pelage’s accomplice. What had Panteskus really bought with his antics?

Time, she thought. And another chance.

Only where was she to begin searching? She had found Pelage before because Pelage had not known she had been the one sent. Having shared love with Pelage in the past, Panthera had developed an attunement with her, making it possible to make spectral connections over even long distances. But their previous encounter had tipped Pelage off to Panthera’s presence. She would be blocking Panthera’s attempts to reach her now.

She looked out over the waters of Gitchigoomie. The logical place to begin was here, where she had last seen Pelage. But the trail was as cold as the frigid waters which lapped the shore. She knelt beside Leo, her massive lion companion.

“Oh, Leo. Where are we to find her?”

“Perhaps I can be of assistance,” said a man’s voice.

Panthera and Leo both got to their feet, Leo’s growl rumbling in his throat. Panthera instinctively connected with his thoughts and bade him wait.

Before them stood an exceptionally tall man in tight grey clothing. Behind him stood a young woman dressed in some sort of military uniform. Between them a fox sat and licked its chest. How had they managed to arrive without Leo knowing?

Twice the Fun

2009-08-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

Twice the Fun (part 3)
by Bevie James

Starring
Sonsi Inamore Sybarti Inamore

and

Feathered Guy Anthropist

Sonsi was irritated, but concerned. The man seemed entirely immune to Sybari’s attentions, and that just wasn’t right.

“Can we help you?” she demanded, offering no pretense of manners.

“In a way,” said the man.

“What way? And what is your name?”

“You may call me Wilburt, if you like.”

“Wilbur?” exclaimed Sybarti. “What the hell kind of name is that?”

The man gave Sybarti a non-plussed gaze. “It is a German name, meaning ‘trustworthy’. It is derived from ‘Gilbert’. No doubt shortened to ‘Gil’, then ‘Will’, then ‘Wilburt’.”

Sonsi crossed her arms. “Thank you for the grammar lesson.”

“Indeed. I can expand the lesson if you like.”

“No thanks. So, Wilburt, are you ready to tell us what this is about?”

“Actually, my name is not Wilburt. My real identification is more of a nuisance.”

“And just what is your real identification?”

The man reached into his bag. Sonsi readied herself. Sybarti stepped away, connecting with her in preparation for the hypnotic spell. However, the man produced no weapon. Instead, he handed Sonsi an identification card. She took it hesitantly, reading it before handing it to Sybarti.

“Feathered Guy Anthropist?” she asked.

“Yes.”

Sybarti offered the card back. “If I were you, I’d kill my parents.”

“You may keep the card if you wish.”

“Why would we wish that?” asked Sybarti.

“In case you should wish to contact me in the future.”

“You say that like you expect we will,” said Sonsi.

“The possibility exists.”

“How do we contact you?” asked Sybarti. “All this card indicates is your name.”

“The contact information is in the name. Unless you have other questions, I believe I can let you continue on your way.”

“Let us continue?” said Sonsi. “You say that like the decision is entirely yours.”

“Perhaps not entirely,” said Wilburt. “However, it is unlikely you would leave until I had concluded my business.”

“Which is?” Sonsi asked.

“Actually, my business is concluded. Thank you, for your pleasant cooperation. I trust our next encounter will be equally gratifying.”

Sybarti laughed. “That’s it? You just wanted to give us your card so we can get in touch with you later? Look, Willy. I’ll play now, if that is what you wish. Later, I may not be so generous.”

“Your generosity is noted for future reference. Good evening. And thank you again for making my task so easy.”

The man ran down the road. He opened his wings, lifted into the air, and disappeared into the night.

Sonsi and Sybarti stared. Then Sybarti made to toss his card away.

“Don’t!” said Sonsi.

“Why? You don’t want to contact him, do you?”

“No. Not now. But something tells me we’re going to want to later. Let’s get to the cabin.”

They got back into the car and sped away. Sybarti took the bag from the glove box and opened it.

“No!”

Sonsi looked sidelong at her sister. “What is it?”

“Stop the car!”

Once again the sound of screeching tires echoed into the night. Sonsi turned full in her seat. Sybarti was shaking with rage.

“What is it?” Sonsi asked. Sybarti opened the bag and turned it so Sonsi could see inside. It was empty. The diamond necklace was gone. Sonsi’s eyes went wide. “How did he do it? He never left our sight.”

MMM - August 3rd 2009

2009-08-03T08:15:00.004-05:00

Good morning, all. Beacon Girl again with the Monday Morning Messages.

Took an unscheduled week off. Sorry about that.

We currently have several active stories:

Ana: Maiden Elf Warrior by Stacy/Freddie (2 episodes)

Twice the Fun by Bevie (2 episodes)

Bear and Man by Wolverine (1 episode)

On Trial For Treason by Bevie (7 episodes)

Currently, none of the stories have new episodes officially scheduled, but Twice the Fun has been publishing on Tuesdays, Ana: Maiden Elf Warrior and Bear and Man have been publishing on Thursdays, and On Trial For Treason has been publishing on Saturdays.

It is also possible On Trial For Treason will run with a new title as there was kind of a resolution to the trial in last Saturday's post. It looks like Panthera will be returning to Lower Earth to resume her hunt for Pelage.

Stacy has commented on her post that there is more to come, and Bear and Man left off with a definite cliff hanger.

It is a shame we have not heard from some of our other Heroes in a while, but from reading their blogs it is clear the Authors are all quite busy. For anyone who may be new to the Legion here are some other Heroes you may wish to look up. Click on their labels along the right sidebar.

Una Gatto Dea - not heard from since 5-14-09

Sorrow - not heard from since 5-7-09

Fairy Hedgehog - not heard from since 5-4-09

Boetha: The Electric Zombie - not heard from since 5-2-09

Mad Smart Pirate - not heard from since 4-30-09

These are excellent Heroes and their stories are wonderful. Do take the time to read their episodes.

Hope you have a great week.

On Trial For Treason

2009-08-01T09:10:00.000-05:00

PANTHERA and LEO

On Trial For Treason (part 7)

by Bevie James

Once again Panthera was obliged to continue her story. She told how Pelage had caught her, but instead of dealing her any kind of death blow, Pelage spoke of the wealth of grain in Lower Earth and how it could be of benefit to True Earth. But Panthera had refused her offer to be a partner. After that, Leo arrived and was able to dissipate the wall of water under Pelage’s control. Pelage melded into Onca and Panthera into Leo. Then the chase was on.

It did not last long, however. In just a few furlongs Panthera had caught Pelage and held her in her arms.

“And then what happened?” asked Ursa Drake.

Panthera blushed. “She begged me not to send her back. Reminding me of how – things had been. Then she said she had deliberately not struck at the lighthouse.”

“And so you let her go?”

Panthera didn’t know whether to be proud or ashamed, but in true cat form she held Ursa Drake’s stare.

“Yes.”

There was a moment’s silence before Simthara spoke, breaking the thoughtful quiet.

“I think that proves it well enough. Don’t you think?”

“Yes, I do,” said Panteskus.

“Then you agree with me?” said Simthara, sounding more than a little surprised.

Panteskus looked apologetic. “Oh, I’m sorry. I thought you had come to sense. I see that is not so.”

“Adjudicator! Must I be insulted like this?”

“Do you have a preference?” asked Panteskus. “I can insult you any way you wish.”

“Enough!” said Ursa Drake. “Panteskus, that is hardly the attitude I should expect from a judicial member.”

Panteskus bowed his head. “Forgive me, Adjudicator.”

“It is not me who you have offended.”

“Very good. Forgive me, Simthara.”

Simthara only nodded. She didn’t believe Panteskus’ sincerity any more than Panthera did.

“So what are you claiming this proves?” asked Ursa Drake.

“That Pelage is not a traitor, and therefore neither is Panthera,” said Panteskus.

“How does it prove that?” said Simthara. “What I see is a traitor gone to Lower Earth for the purpose of personal gain, and another traitor who let her go when she had the chance to bring her back to stand trial.”

“You see what you are wont to see, as ever,” said Panteskus. “However, did not Panthera say Pelage spoke of the benefit of the grain to the people of Khat? She did not talk about personal reward.”

“She said us,” said Simthar.

“Yes, us. As in everybody who lives in Khat. Not Pelage and Panthera alone.”

“That is not what Panthera meant, and you know it!”

“Panthera did not make the statement. She is only relating things as she understood them with her conscious mind. But now, in reflection, I believe it is clear Pelage’s intent was simply to bring help to the People of Khat. It is true we are suffering a food shortage.”

“Which Pelage seeks to take advantage of by making profit on our suffering,” said Simthara.

“There is no evidence of that,’ said Panteskus. “In fact, the evidence suggests otherwise.”

Panteskus’ argument seemed to have caught Simthara off guard. But the Ape Woman was not stymied.

“Even so. To steal grain from Lower Earth is not lawful.”

“You mean it has not been sanctioned,” said Panteskus. “Technically, it has not been outlawed.”

“You are making a mockery of this trial!” Simthara stormed.

Ursa Drake raised her hands in a motion of silence.

“I think Panteskus has raised some valid points. However, it will take Pelage to answer the truth of his claims. Until we know, we cannot determine your fate, Panthera. Therefore, this is my decision: You will return to Lower Earth and find Pelage again. She must return to answer the questions raised.”

“And if she refuses?” asked Simthara.

Ursa put her hands back onto the table. “Then we will know.”

Bear and Man

2009-07-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

Shaavoring
Bear and Man (part 1)
by Wolverine

Shaavoring is a skraskle. A bear that walks on it’s hind legs. They have three long claws on their paws that are about as long as a human hand. Where our thumb would be. The skraskles have a fourth claw. They are all around eight feet tall, but Shaavoring was different. He was the biggest and strongest of all the skraskles. He was closer to ten feet tall.

Shaavoring was captain of a warship. They warship’s flag was a skraskles head that looked liked it moved. It wasn’t the wind, it was something else when you looked at it. They skraskles put a special substance on it that almost makes it alive.

Skraskles wealth comes from battles won and weapons gained. The one who had the best weapons would be the captain of a ship. Shaavoring had many weapons. All equally as beautiful as the next. He had though, a wonderful golden sword. The handle of the sword was a golden dragon with it’s mouth open. Along the hilt and up the sword was an assortment of gems, crystals, diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and more. That sword would probably worth it least a few million dollars.

Shaavoring and the crew of the Zanestar sailed the Atlantic Ocean. They were going to attack their enemies along the east cost of the United States of America. The humans. Skraskles hated humans. All their wars were blamed on them.

The skraskles arrived at the undefended coast on time. They anchored their ship and leap off it. The coast of Florida was rarely defended at this time of night. The sea was treacherous there for the humans had caused whirlpools to pop up out of nowhere.

Shaavoring told his men to go around the right to lead off the guards while he went around the left to get into the capital city.

The guards saw the skraskles and all ran to fight them. Shaavoring ran to door and threw the two remaining guards toward the fight. He burst through the door just in time to get trampled by the cities army.

The first few just bounced of Shaavoring giving him enough time to head for cover behind an antique shield displayed on the wall.

After the army had all left Shaavoring ran to kill the governor of Florida. He found the governor’s bed room very easily, not running into many guards.

“Shaavoring,” said a voice behind him.

There was a lot of noise going on out side. So he thought he was just imagining the noise.

“Shaavoring!” it called again. This time more forceful.

Shaavoring flung around throwing one of the swords on his back toward the noise. Nothing. His sword struck the wall behind him with a load clang. He went to pick up his sword and someone dropped down from above.

Twice the Fun

2009-07-28T06:00:00.001-05:00

Twice the Fun (part 2)
by Bevie James

Starring
Sonsi Inamore Sybarti Inamore

and

Feathered Guy Anthropist

Both Sonsi and Sybarti sat and stared at the man standing in the road. He made no move to either get out of the way or to advance upon their vehicle. Finally, Sybarti snapped.

“Just who does he think he is, standing in the road like he owns it?”

Sonsi chuckled grimly. “Who do you think he is?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, look at him! I very much doubt he comes from anywhere around here.”

Sybarti gave the strange man another look. “Oh. I see what you mean. Think he’s a regulator agent or something?”

“Or something. Why don’t you put that little prize back into its sack and stuff it in the glove box.”

“Right.”

Sonsi waited until Sybarti had done as requested. “Okay. Let’s get out and see just what it is this guy wants.”

Sybarti smiled, slyly. “I know what he’s going to want.”

“Careful, Lover. We’re not sure what we’re up against yet.”

“We’re not up against it yet.”

“Dove and Condor?”

“Maybe. You want to play Dove?”

“I would. But you don’t make much of a Condor.”

“Tell me that later tonight.”

“Scamp. Let’s go.”

The two women got out and sauntered up to the man, who patiently stood his ground. He waited until they were only a few steps away before addressing them.

“Good evening, ladies.”

“Good evening,” said Sonsi. “Out for a walk in the moonlight?”

Sybarti sidled up to the man. “How romantic!”

The man gave Sybarti a glance, but he continued to address Sonsi. “Not really. I had reason to believe the two of you would be using this road, and I wished to talk with you.”

Sybarti let her hands wander over the man’s tunic, which was stretched tight across his chest. “Ooh! How interesting. Hoping maybe we would give you a ride?”

Sonsi continued to study the man. He was dark-skinned so it was hard to tell. Maybe he was blushing, but she didn’t think so. His half smile was one more of amusement than embarrassment, or excitement. More and more she was convinced they were dealing with a regulatory agent. Possibly hired by law enforcement from Sorc. He was too collected to just be anyone.

“You were looking especially for us then?” she asked.

“Oh, yes.”

Sonsi exchanged a quick look with Sybarti. As twin sisters they were often able to communicate silently. The looked was enough to let Sonsi know Sybarti was prepared to act. Sonsi maintained her poise.

“May I ask why?”

“I should have thought that was obvious,” said the man.

“So would I. Except you are entirely ignoring my sister’s attentions.”

“Oh, am I? So sorry. Very nice indeed. Thank you so much.”

Sybarti fell away as though slapped. “Nice! What do you mean, ‘nice’? You gay or something?”

The man smiled. It was the kind of smile which Sonsi hated, for it meant he felt in control. Males never felt in control around Sybarti.

“Or something,” he said.

On Trial For Treason

2009-07-25T06:00:00.002-05:00

PANTHERA and LEO

On Trial For Treason (part 6)

by Bevie James

“The night was foggy,” said Panthera. “I had gone to the Port City, which is at the westernmost point of Gitchigoomie. Leo sensed Onca’s presence and led me to the hill overlooking the port. I went down to the water alone.”

“You left Leo on the hill?” asked Panteskus.

“Yes.”

“Why would you do that? Would that not put you at risk with Pelage? She would have Onca, and you would be alone.”

“It’s hard to explain.”

“Try,” said Ursa Drake.

Panthera took a breath. “Well, while Pelage and I have often played huntress and prey, never has she used any advantage to hurt me.”

“So you were trusting on your knowledge of Pelage?” Panteskus prompted.

“Yes.”

Ursa Drake made a notation on the tablet before her. “Please continue, Panthera.”

Panthera related her walk along the waterfront, and her confrontation with the four young men of Lower Earth. When she told of how she allowed Leo’s roar to escape her lungs, dispersing the young men into the shadows, Panteskus interrupted again.

“So you deliberately chose to deal with your assailants in a manner which would alert Pelage to your presence, as opposed to using more conventional means?”

“What was she supposed to do?” snapped Simthara. “There were four of them.”

Panteskus remained undaunted. “Four, yes. But did you not say they were young, Panthera? How young?”

Panthera shrugged. “It’s difficult to tell with Lower Earth beings. Not very, I’m sure.”

“Did you think they had reached the Age of Reason?”

Panthera chuckled and shook her head. “No. Not at all. They were very much controlled by their bodies.”

Panteskus looked to Simthara with triumph. “Do you honestly believe Panthera could not handle four young simpletons using conventional means, Simthara?”

Panthera made Simthara feel her stare. Against her will, Simthara returned the look. The two women held each other in a contest of will. Then Simthara shook her head.

“No. Panthera would be well able to take on four such from Lower Earth.”

Panthera couldn’t hide her smile, but she only let it show a moment. Panteskus was pursuing his line of questioning.

“So you knew you could deal with them without alerting Pelage? Yet you chose to reveal yourself to her anyway? Is that not so?”

“Yes. I guess it is.”

“What are you leading to, Panteskus?” asked Ursa Drake.

Panteskus raised his hand in a calming gesture. “Let Panthera continue.”

Panthera then related her walk down the pier to the lighthouse, and how Pelage had indeed trapped her with a wall of water – Panthera’s bane.

Simthara was angry. “All this proves is that Pelage is a traitor.”

“How?” asked Panteskus.

Simthara pointed at Panthera. “She captured Panthera! Why would she do that unless she were trying to avoid capture herself?”

“Why indeed?” asked Panteskus.

“We will let Panthera answer that,” said Ursa Drake.

Ana - Legion of Online Superheroes Story

2009-07-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

Before she could even get the sword out of its hilt, Sebastian attacked. Ana jumped back just in time to miss the tip of his sword slice through her tunic. She darted to the side as she blocked his sword on another attack, then managed to thrust her sword at him. There was no time to lament that he had already put her on the defense. She had to find a way to gain the upper hand.

But he was pushing her closer to the edge of the clearing, where the belua had appeared. She knew what waited for her in the darkness. The belua had made a truce with Sebastian’s people. They would not attack his people, and in return they could have anyone else they wanted. And what they wanted right now was Ana. She could hear the thing growling and grunting not far beyond the edge of the trees. Belua could talk, but Ana assumed this one would not bother with that. She found herself beginning to panic. Sometimes she felt as though her sword guided her, but it didn’t do so now. She was skilled, and she had fought Sebastian before, but she sensed that, up until now, he had merely been toying with her. He thrust his sword yet again, but now his technique was a bit wild, as if he was getting desperate to finisher off. She bent back, his sword just centimeters from her ear, and when she straightened herself, she struck in a figure 8 motion, her sword seeming now to move of its own accord. Soon it was a blur of itself, forcing Sebastian back further and further until he tripped clumsily over the circle of rocks where Ana had made her fire.

“You’re lucky I had already put that fire out, Sebastian,” Ana said.

“Luck had nothing to do with it,” Sebastian retorted.

To this Ana said nothing.

“Ah, you have your father’s penchant for silence,” Sebastian said. “Or is it that you often can’t think of a retort?”

He was goading her, she knew, but she forced down the wave of anger that rose in her chest. Better to channel it for future use.

“Are you going to kill me or aren’t you?” he said.

“Yes,” she said. But as she said it his eyes darted over her shoulder, and in that moment Ana knew the belua was behind her. She turned, her sword at the ready, only to find nothing. When she turned back to Sebastian, he was gone.

Twice the Fun

2009-07-21T06:00:00.001-05:00

Twice the Fun (part 1)
by Bevie James

Starring
Sonsi Inamore Sybarti Inamore
and

Feathered Guy Anthropist

The two women laughed as they got into the car. The engine revved and the car sped off, leaving the sound of squealing tires behind.

“That worked better than I expected,” said the passenger, opening the brown paper bag she held. She lifted out a heavy necklace, strung with diamonds.

“Right,” said the driver. “This place is great. There are gems all over, and the males seem easy enough to control.”

“Ha!” laughed the passenger. “Oh, Sansi, you’re a peach. That idiot is probably still waiting in bed for us to come in.”

Sansi expressed her satisfaction with a smile. “I expect he will deflate well enough when he realizes we already got what we came for.”

“He’s going to be mad.”

“He must be mad to believe either of us would climb into bed with him. But I think you were the one he was really hoping to get.”

“Me? Why so?”

“Don’t play coy, Sybarti. The guys all hit on you first. You know that.”

Sybarti cocked and eye at her sister. “Maybe that’s because they think I’m you. They can’t tell us apart.”

“Yes. Well, we’re not quite the same. I’m less inclined to take things further than we did tonight. You, I think, would have enjoyed it.”

Sybarti shrugged. “So I like the fringe benefits.” She leaned over and caressed her sister’s shoulder. “You would, too, if they were anything like me.”

Sansi pushed Sybarti’s hand away. “Not while I’m driving.”

“Saving it for later, huh? I’m cool with that. Just don’t make me wait too long. All that play-acting back there has got me warmed up. Kind of like this vehicle we’re in.”

“You’re always warmed up. But I’ll cool you down all right, once we get to the cabin.” She glanced at the necklace Sybarti was holding. “How much do you think that will fetch?”

Sybarti turned it in her fingers and held it up to the dash lights.

“These are good stones. Better than any we got on Sorc. And there’s a lot of them. This would be a career for most brigands.”

“Yeah, well we’re hardly in that crowd. How long can we go off it?”

“A while. But we’ll probably need to make another haul before we bail off this planet. It’s a pity we have to sell it. It’s such a pretty thing.”

Sansi watched her sister admire the necklace.

“Put it on. I’d love to see you in it.”

“I bet you would. When we get to the cabin. You can put it on me, and then I’ll let you take it off again.”

“You’re a scamp. Ho! What’s this now?”

Sansi braked and the car came to a quiet stop. There, standing in the road before them, was a tall man in a tight green and blue suit. He had blue hair and great white wings. He carried what looked to be a grocery bag.

“Why do I sense trouble?” asked Sybarti.

MMM - July 20th 2009

2009-07-20T08:07:00.003-05:00

Good morning, all. Beacon Girl again with the Monday Morning Messages.

It looks like we'll be getting a full week. Already we have episodes scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday, and I'm counting on another Panthera episode for Saturday.

Tuesday we will be introduced to a new Hero: Feathered Guy Anthropist (FGA). He was listed in the Legion Headquarters as an "available hero". Guess I'll have to take him out of there now. FGA has chosen to tangle with the Inamore twins. He should enjoy that. Which reminds me: Bevie seems to be flirting with the boundaries of PG-13. There have been no complaints so I'm inclined to leave it be.

Thursday we get treated to another Ana: Maiden Elf Warrior episode from Stacy/freddie. Oh, and I've finally updated the link to Stacy's new blog. Sorry about the delay, Stacy. I've given both stories a quick perusal and they both seem very good.

Again, if you would like to try your hand at Hero stories the process is simple. At the top of the right sidebar are links to hero generators. There is also a link to the Legion Blog's "Available Heroes" if you would like to take on one already created. Write your story in 500-word or less episodes. Your first story will need to be emailed to me, Beacon Girl, at girlbeacon@gmail.com. Be sure to include your blog address (or equivient) so readers can link back to you. We try to keep stories PG-13 (or milder). Read some of our history to see the varied styles. Our Authors range in age from about 13 to 53, and styles from futuristic science fiction to modern day Minnesota. Whatever works for you.

Meanwhile, I hope you return Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday to read new episodes. You can use Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday to read our history.

Have a good week.

On Trial For Treason

2009-07-18T06:00:00.001-05:00

PANTHERA and LEO

On Trial For Treason (part 5)

by Bevie James

Panthera was uncomfortable. The focus was on her, but she wasn’t sure just what it was Panteskus was expecting of her. Deception was not one of Panthera’s strengths. Not this kind anyway. It was one thing to fool an enemy, but Ursa Drake was hardly that. Besides, the People of the Dragons were not easy to lie to. Dragons had a sense about things like that, and with Tarter perched on Ursa’s shoulder it was reasonable to assume they were in mind contact. Also, the look on Ursa Drake’s face showed Panthera the adjudicator already suspected Panthera was clueless to Panteskus’ plan. Panthera decided to bide for time and give her mind a chance to work.

“What do you wish to know, Adjudicator?” she asked.

Ursa Drake smiled. She wasn’t fooled by the tactic, but neither was she calling Panthera on it.

“What have we been discussing? Pelage, of course. Panteskus tells us you have new evidence which shows Pelage has not committed a crime. Do you? Or has Panteskus – made a mistake?”

So. Here it was, thought Panthera. Ursa Drake was giving her a chance to take the pressure off Panteskus – or join him in his plot. It was a dangerous moment, for if Panthera decided to go along with Panteskus, and the plan failed, not only would Panthera be tried for treason, but so would Panteskus. But Ursa Drake was giving Panthera the opportunity to release Panteskus from the plot by declaring he had simply misunderstood. There was no crime in that.

Panthera gave Panteskus a look. Since neither was in contact with their cat there could be no true communication. It would all have to be done with intuition. Panteskus’ eyes were focused hard on Panthera. She almost felt she could hear his thoughts. But they were written on his face. Keep it going. She had to trust him. She had to trust in the power of the Cat People to execute a plan successfully. Still, she would keep the door of Panteskus’ escape open.

“I am not clear on what Panteskus believes I know,” she said. “Therefore I cannot say whether or no he has made an error.”

But Ursa Drake was not going to let her go with that.

“Panteskus believes you have evidence with proves Pelage innocent. Do you?”

At this point Panteskus intervened again.

“Perhaps, rather than simply saying ‘yes’, you should relate the facts of your investigation and subsequent meeting with Pelage.”

The slight smile on Panteskus’ face told Panthera this was what he needed: the facts regarding what took place in Lower Earth. A good cat should be able to use any facts to her (his) advantage. She had but to speak slowly, omitting no detail, so that the cat portion of Panteskus could utilize the facts to their advantage. Were he allowed to communicate with Torgid, his lion, this could be done faster.

Ursa Drake gave Panteskus a knowing look before addressing Panthera.

“Very well. Panthera, will you please relate the events of Lower Earth as they happened to you.”

The Ultimate Villain

2009-07-16T06:00:00.001-05:00

Lady Edna

The Ultimate Villain (part 4)

By Wolverine

“Ah!” Lady Edna screamed as Tar fired his guns and hit her in the back in a non lethal place.

She fell down and tried to get up but couldn’t. Zaritar walked over to her and laughed. Tar came up beside him.

“Is she dead?” asked Tar.

“Hopefully. This one has caused a lot of trouble,” said Zaritar.

“Hay look,” said Tar pointing at all the police men running out the door.

“Well I’m glad that’s over,” said one of the thugs.

“Now we’re free to rob and destroy this place,” said another.

Lady Edna opened her eyes from her position on the floor and Zaritar and Tar were walking away. She still had her gun and her staff was not far away. In fact it was in reach. She grabbed her gun from the floor next to her and reached for the staff with her right hand. She got it and got up on her knees.

“Lets get all the jewels and get out of here,” said Zaritar.

“Not if I can help it,” said Lady Edna pointing her staff at Zaritar.

She fired a blast of light at him. He flew back and slammed into the wall. He got up and called for his crocodile. Lady Edna started firing at all the thugs killing most of them with her 45 caliber pistol. She tried to get to her knees but fell dodging a blast of energy from Zaritar’s finger.

Zaritar pointed his fist at Lady Edna and shot a huge blast of energy hitting her full in the chest. She fell back dropping her gun.

All the members of the gang left except Tar and Zaritar. They walked up to Lady Edna.

“Check her,” said Zaritar.

Tar got down on his knees and felt her neck to see if she was alive. As soon as he put his hand her throat she grabbed his hand. He started wrapping his tar form around her hand . That’s what she was hoping for.

She used all the energy she had left to send light throughout the entire building. The cops outside turned around and saw a huge blast of light and then silence. Then a glow of fire getting bigger and bigger. They turned and ran but the force of the explosion sent them flying in the air. They landed physically unhurt.

Black was all of a sudden flying everywhere. It moved together and Tar came out of the puddle of tar. He stumbled toward them and fell over. They picked him up and brought him to the top security prison. They would seal up all the cracks and weld the door to the walls of the prison when they got him there.

Zaritar got up from the ashes and slowly walked over to Lady Edna.

“I guess this is the end of our exciting adventure,” Zaritar said to Lady Edna’s motionless body on the floor.

He took his machine gun an pointed it at her. He motion to his crocodile and it went toward her to feast. Lady Edna with struggle opened her eyes and saw the crocodile coming toward her.

Zaritar could sense fear and he knew she was alive. He put the machine gun up to his eye to get aim at her heart. He heard a hissing noise and so did the crocodile who stopped.

He ignored it and aimed at Lady Edna. A hissing spitting creature flew out of nowhere and landed on Zaritar’s face. It clawed and scratched doing almost nothing on his mask, but it distracted him and his croc.

Lady Edna used all her strength to get up and grab her staff.

“Ran! Jump Down!” she yelled to her raccoon.

When Ran came off of Zaritar’s face Lady Edna hit him with the end of her staff with all her strength and he fell over knocked out. About thirty police men came and took the crocodile and Zaritar away.

“You O.K,” asked one of the cops.

“What does it look like,” said Lady Edna slowly falling down on the ground.

“We better get you to a hospital, “ the cop said.

Lady Edna got word she would fine in about three months and would be able to get back to work. She knew though that she would have a lot of work to do once word got out she was in a hospital.

MMM - July 13th 2009

2009-07-13T08:51:00.009-05:00

Good morning, all. Beacon Girl again with the Monday Morning Messages.

Not a lot to report today, so I thought I would tell my own hero story. It happened a long time ago. When I was young. But I think it makes a good hero story.

Little Darla
The Girl of Shadows
by Beacon Girl
Saving Cira

I remember it well. It was a Saturday. Mama had just called lunch. We were having burgers and fries with Kool-Aid. Punch. My favorite.

Sitting with me was Cira, my beautiful teddy bear with the hat and flowers. I put her on the table so I could keep an eye on her. Danger lurked everywhere. Especially across from us. That was where Swine Boy was sitting.

Swine Boy is rude and gross, and he doesn’t like Cira at all. He thinks she’s silly and stupid, but he’s just jealous because Gamma only gave him a stuffed pig, while I got beautiful Cira. Unlike Grunt, Swine Boy’s pukey pig, I keep Cira beautiful and clean. Grunt has food stains all over. He’s just gross.

It was when I left the table to go to the bathroom that it happened. I refilled my glass, but when I returned to the table Cira was gone. So was Swine boy. I knew he had kidnapped her. There was nothing left to do. This was a job for – The Girl of Shadows.

I hurried to my room and pushed the secret control by my closet. Then I went in and changed into my super girl costume. Then I came out ready for action.

There was only one place Swine Boy could have taken Cira, and that was to his dungeon stronghold. I would have to be careful and quiet. Fortunately, silly old Swine Boy thinks it’s cool to leave it dark down there, so being sneaky was easy.

The new carpeting on the stairs helped me descend into the pit noiselessly. I could hear Swine Boy preparing his dastardly equipment to hurt my Cira. Working my way quietly around the stacks of boxes I found a place where I could see them. Swine Boy was stuffing Cira into a box. What horrors did he intend? How could I save my Cira?

Then, finished with his work, Swine Boy put the box underneath two other boxes. After that he turned to go back upstairs. I hid myself in the shadows. He never saw me.

When he walked past and up the stairs I sprang into action. I hurried to where Cira had been locked away. There was Grunt, guarding the way. It was a terrific fight, but I slapped him up and locked him up in the box he was guarding. Then, holding tight to Cira, I fled the dungeon and hurried upstairs. Cira was rescued.

But I must be on my guard. Swine Boy has not given up. What will he do next?

On Trial For Treason

2009-07-11T06:00:00.001-05:00

PANTHERA and LEO

On Trial For Treason (part 4)

by Bevie James

Panthera sat shocked. She knew Panteskus was up to something clever, but this was a surprise to even her. And to Ursa Drake. She sat with a look of incredulity. Simthara may have been shocked, but she was too angry to show it.

“What do you mean, Pelage is not a criminal? Of course she’s a criminal! That was determined by the Court of Gambol.”

Panteskus shook his head. “Kangaroo court.”

“You would insult a Court of the People?” asked Simthara.

“No,” said Panteskus. “But Gambol’s court was not a court of the people. It was a court of kangaroos and apes. Pelage was guilty before it began. That is why the People of Cats fought so hard to have Panthera assigned to bring Pelage back. We wanted to make sure she made it back.”

“What are you implying?” said Simthara.

“Nothing. I think I’ve made my point quite clear.”

Simthara was furious, but it seemed to Panthera that she had been caught off guard by Panteskus’ accusation. In any case, instead of launching another tirade against him, she turned to Ursa Drake for help.

“Adjudicator, must we listen to these insults?”

To Panthera’s surprise, Ursa Drake did not criticize Panteskus for his words. Instead, she seemed thoughtful. She glanced at Simthara and then looked back to Panteskus.

“So what are you suggesting? Do we put Pelage on trial again?”

“If there is doubt, it seems the right thing to do,” said Panteskus.

“What doubt?” asked Simthara. “The Gambol Court made its decision. Why did the People of Cats not make an appeal at that time?”

“Because, unlike certain other people, we of the Cats are a cautious people. A thoughtful people. We gather evidence before acting.”

“And are you saying you have acquired new evidence?” asked Ursa Drake.

“I am.”

“What evidence?” asked Simthara.

Panteskus looked at Panthera. “The fact that Panthera actually caught Pelage. And then let her go. What other reason can there be than that Panthera knows Pelage is innocent?”

Simthara cackled, unafraid to show her contempt. Ursa Drake smiled.

“I can think of another reason. Panthera didn’t want to be the one to bring her lover back for sentencing. She’s a traitor, too. That’s why we’re here, Panteskus.”

“No. We are here because Pelage has been wrongly convicted of treason. She wasn’t even here to defend herself. Now Panthera is facing the same fate. All because she learned the truth: that Pelage is innocent.”

“So you say,” said Simthara. “But we must needs deal with facts. What facts do you have to present, Panteskus?”

“The facts are inside Panthera’s head. All we need do is question her.”

The room went silent. All eyes shifted from Panteskus to Ursa Drake. How would she deal with this? She addressed Panthera directly.

“It seems we are back to you, Panthera. Please present your evidence.”

MMM - July 6th, 2009

2009-07-06T06:30:00.002-05:00

Good morning, all. Beacon Girl again with the Monday Morning Messages. This is a scheduled message so I hope it posts. Been having trouble with that lately and I don't know why.

BACK ISSUES: Since this is a blog there aren't any "back issues" per se. What there is, is history. I encourage everyone who has not read older stories to do so. We have had 12 different stories. Some are still ongoing. There is some good writing on this blog.

HILDA's RECIPES: This one came in curtesy of Wolverine. I believe it may be a Bazna favorite. Not sure. Take a container half full of syrup (about a fluid ounce). Get an orange and squeeze all the juice into the syrup. Then take a sunflower seed and put it in the the container. Then take french toast and dip it. Make sure you leave a few crumbs behind. Drink the syrup out of the container. It should have a syrupy, salty, juicy taste.

GONNA BE RICH: I keep getting email notifications that I've won millions of dollars from lotteries I've never tried for. What a shame Commander Grey forbids personal riches from our positions as Heroes of the Cosmos. Maybe when I retire.

NOTE: The scheduler isn't posting automatically. Don't know what's going on.

On Trial For Treason

2009-07-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

PANTHERA and LEO

On Trial For Treason (part 3)

by Bevie James

Simthara shifted in her chair.

“Forgive me, Adjudicator. It was the accusation. I reacted out of habit. It shall not occur again.”

Ursa Drake seemed satisfied. She turned her attention to Panteskus.

“Very good. So, Panteskus. What are you saying? I hope you are not accusing a judge of impropriety?”

Panteskus remained all manners and smiles.

“No, Adjudicator. Simthara has just reacted emotionally – as is her wont. I am sure she believes everything in her report is true. But that is why we have these trials: to determine if truth. My point is just that we have yet to determine a crime. Are there pieces to this puzzle which Simthara missed?”

Simthara’s anger had not abated, and Panteskus’ words fueled it. Panthera smiled at his baiting demeanor.

“No crime!” Simthara cried. “She held the criminal Pelage in her arms. Pelage was captured. But where is Pelage now? Free in Lower Earth. Why? Because Panthera let her go! That act makes her an accomplice.”

Ursa Drake allowed Simthara her outrage. Panthera suspected it was a compromise, for no doubt Ursa Drake understood Panteskus’ motives, too. The cat-and-mouse game was a game to be played with patience. That’s why the cats usually won.

“What have you to say to this, Panteskus?” Ursa asked. “Simthara’s argument is both strong and sound.”

“As far as it goes, yes,” said Panteskus. “But it fails to take into consideration the thinking of cats.”

Ursa Drake smiled. “Which is?”

“I can answer that!” said Simthara. Everyone turned to her. Simthara gave Panthera a look of loathing. “Pelage was once Panthera’s lover. There is no way Panthera could bring herself to being part of Pelage’s capture. So I warned from the beginning. I said we should have sent someone from the apes.”

“Do you honestly believe one of the People of the Apes could actually capture Pelage?” asked Panteskus.

“Don’t pretend you’re superior because you’re a cat,” said Simthara.

“I’m not pretending anything,” said Panteskus.

“How dare you!”

“How dare I what?”

Ursa Drake was now angry.

“Enough! Both of you! This is not about the People of Apes, or Cats. It is about Panthera, and whether she is, or is not, guilty of betraying our people in releasing Pelage. There is no question that she did that, Panteskus. That you must admit. I understand you’re wanting to see your cousin’s daughter exonerated, but I will not allow you to manipulate this trial for your own amusement. Do you understand?”

“I do, Adjudicator.”

“And you, Simthara. Control your temper, or I shall be forced to find a replacement.”

“I will, Adjudicator.”

“So. Panteskus. What is your point?”

“That Panthera cannot be guilty of treason if her actions were not against The People. For instance, if she held you, Simthara, and then let you go, there would be no crime.”

“But she didn’t hold me. She held Pelage.”

“Exactly.”

“So what are you saying?” asked Ursa Drake.

Panteskus smiled. “What if Pelage is not a criminal?”

The Ultimate Villain

2009-07-02T06:00:00.002-05:00

Lady Edna

The Ultimate Villain (part 3)

By Wolverine

A crocodile followed in behind Zaritar and growled.

“Does anyone have any problems with that?” asked Zaritar.

“I do!” said a police officer, “You can’t barge in here and expect us to bow to you!”

“Yes I can,” said Zaritar as calm as ever.

“What?” said the officer as the rest of the officers that weren’t being held by the bandits came forward.

Zaritar raised his arm without the gun in his hand, “Bow now, or face certain doom!”

“Never!” said the cops.

“Very well,” said Zaritar pointing his pointer finger on his left hand at the one who spoke up.

A blast of energy came out and the cop fell dead.

“Any more, comments on this?” asked Zaritar blowing away the smoke on his finger.

“Y-you can’t kill us like rats in a lab!” said a police man.

“Why do say it’s like rats in a lab?”

“B-because your killing us without the slightest emotion!”

“On the contrary, I’m killing you for the fun of it,” said Zaritar moving toward the man.

Zaritar took out a huge axe off his back and brought it up two inches from the man’s face. He grab him by the collar and flung him up in the air. He came down on the sharp top of the axe.

“Well now, who else wishes to disregard my orders,” said Zaritar still without the slightest change in emotion or anything. He was still as calm as could be.

Lady Edna out of a corner aimed her staff at Zaritar, not noticing the crocodile was gone. Just as she was going to fire the crocodile grabbed her cape and she jumped away ripping her cape. Zaritar moved his eyes to the left without moving his head, but still remained calm giving his orders.

The crocodile grabbed her in it’s mouth and Lady Edna sent the light through her body. It exploded around her and the crocodile’s mouth was not damaged, just in pain. It roared and ran around killing anything in it’s path.

Zaritar turned and put his gun away. He grabbed the axe and raised his arms walking toward Lady Edna.

“Is it they hard to bow?” said Zaritar still calm.

The fighting between the cops and the thieves had started again, but Tar went around behind Lady Edna. He formed his body into a jail cell and launched himself on Lady Edna trapping her.

Lady Edna was almost immune to Tar so just did her light exploding spell and Tar flew back. She took out her gun (45 caliber) and shot Zaritar in the stomach in a fatal place, but he was not dead yet.

He fell over , but was still calm. Tar fired his machine guns and hit her in the leg. She collapsed with an “oof”.

She emptied her rounds on Tar but it had little effect. Zaritar aimed his hand at her and blasted the energy at her. It missed but it still hurt her because it exploded near her.

Lady Edna, now seriously wounded, plunged her staff into Zaritar. He still was calm through all this time though and he didn’t seem to be showing any signs of pain.

Zaritar took his gun and aimed at her head. Tar did the same. Lady edna got up and looked back an forth between them. She was figuring out witch one to attacked. She chose Zaritar.

She lunged at him. He fired but missed. Tar still had a clear view of them, and fired at Lady Edna.

MMM - June 30th, 2009

2009-06-30T07:35:00.003-05:00

Good morning all. Beacon Girl again with the Monday Morning Messages. Except it isn't Monday. A day late and a dollar short, as the saying goes. Sorry. Commander Grey has already deducted the offense from my paycheck.

BLOG FORMAT: Would like to point out the addition of a playlist, located on the top of the right sidebar. Autoplay has been turned OFF at the request of more than one Legion Author. However, there is a "play" button and you can listen to the songs at your leisure. The original Spiderman (from the cartoon) theme is there, as well as Batman, Green Hornet, and the opening to the old Superman radio and television series. Included is a Wierd Al Yankovich version of Spiderman, set to Billy Joel's, Piano Man.

HERO FOOD: Hilda Meahr, our Legion Cook, has offered to list some recipes. Commander Grey has consented. So, here is the first entry - for anyone who can stomach it.

HILDA's RECIPES: I will begin with a sandwich. This sandwich happens to be a favorite of Green Archer, and I make it for him whenever he's here. I called it, The Peanut Butter and Hamburger Slice Sandwich. I gave it this name because it's made up of - peanut butter and hamburger slices on bread. Take two slices of bread. (Green Archer likes wheat bread.) Cover one side of each slice with a slightly better than healthy portion of peanut butter. (Green Archer has a preference for Peter Pan. Peter Pan prefers Wendy.) On one slice of bread, position several hamburger slices, covering as much of the bread as possible. Place other slice of bread on top of first so that peanut butter faces the hamburger slices. Eat with beverage of choice.

On Trial For Treason

2009-06-27T06:00:00.003-05:00

PANTHERA and LEO

On Trial For Treason (part 2)

by Bevie James

Simthara unrolled the parchment she had carried with her into the room. Before reading she sent a satisfied smirk Panthera’s way. Panthera kept her head proud. She would not give Simthara the satisfaction of showing fear.

“Panthera of Cats, you are hereby charged with treason against The People of True Earth. This charge has been brought forward by me, Simthara of the Apes, and is done so by reason of your willful choice to fail in your mission to capture Pelage of Cats.

“The charge states that on a foggy night you did encounter said Pelage along the shores of Lake Superior, as it is known in Lower Earth, and that you did, in fact, apprehend her. However, instead of returning the criminal Pelage to True Earth to face charges for her crime, you set her free, thereby aligning yourself with her and making yourself a traitor to the Life Forces of True Earth.”

Panthera noted the manner in which Simthara spat out the name “Cats”, as though it left a bad taste in her mouth. When Simthara set the parchment on the table before her, Panthera held her gaze. After a few seconds, Simthara flinched and looked away. Panthera couldn’t hide her grin. The People of the Apes never could hold a gaze with someone from Cats. The power of Cats was far superior to that of Apes, which accounted for Simthara’s animosity and jealousy. When Simthara recovered she glared at Panthera. She seemed ready to speak, but Ursa Drake interrupted her.

“Panthera of Cats, how do you plea to this charge?”

Panthera sighed. There was only one answer to give. She was guilty. But now Panteskus interrupted her confession.

“Before we address that, Adjudicator, perhaps we should determine first if the charge is even valid.”

Ursa Drake gave Panteskus a look of incredulity, as did Panthera. What game was Panteskus playing? Whatever it was, it had Simthara ready to fly into a rage. Her anger rose about her like a storm. From the halls came the cries of Aggie, Simthara’s grey chimpanzee. Apparently Aggie was in touch with Simthara’s mind, which was technically against the rules of court.

“How dare you!” she said. “I have never presented a false report in life. I always obey the rules.”

Panteskus smiled. “Always, Simthara? Then perhaps you can explain why Aggie cries out beyond the door? If you are in contact with her, are you not violating the rules now?”

Ursa Drake raised her hands in a motion of silence, preventing escalation. Tarter, her dragon, shifted on her shoulder. As Adjudicator, Ursa was head judge, and alone allowed the accompaniment of her animal.

“Enough!” said Ursa. “I will not allow this hearing to turn into a – farce. Simthara. Are you in mind contact with Aggie?”

Panthera hid her smile. She was convinced Ursa had caught herself from using the colloquial term, “monkey trial”. Glancing at Panteskus she saw his eyes twinkle. He gave his head a slight shake. Panthera understood. She was not to admit anything. Panteskus was playing cat and mouse, and Simthara was the mouse.

The Ultimate Villain

2009-06-25T06:00:00.002-05:00

Lady Edna

The Ultimate Villain (part 2)

By Wolverine

Lady Edna burst from Tar’s mass sending tar everywhere. She pointed her staff at the mass of tar forming and fired a blast of energy at it. Again, tar flew everywhere.

Tar formed his body into a giant hand and collapsed on Lady Edna. Lady Edna sent light throughout her body and it exploded around her. Tar flew back and went to his human shape. He aimed his guns at Lady Edna and fired.

Lady Edna got behind a barrel to block the fire. Tar’s thugs heard the gunfire and ran in with their machine guns.

Lady Edna jumped up to the rafters that weren’t very high and climbed up. She got to a sitting position and watched what the Tar would do next.

“I heard gunfire, what happened?” asked a member.

“Some fool came in and I shot her,” said Tar

“Who was it?” asked the leading member besides Tar.

“Someone in a hideous green suit.”

“I’m all for leaving.”

“She’s not our worry, our worry is that the police don’t find us before we get to the drop point.”

“The drop point!” thought Lady Edna, “I wonder what that is. I better find out."

“What was that!?” said the high member as Lady Edna shifted her position knocking a can over.

“Let’s get out of here,” said Tar.

Tar and the rest of the gang ran out of the warehouse, machine guns held high ready to fire. They came to a helicopter and they all got inside. The helicopter took off and Lady Edna watched helplessly as it left her behind. A black thing fell out of the helicopter when Lady Edna turned around.

Lady Edna thought of a plan to figure out how to determine what the “drop point” was. She concluded that she would have to follow the helicopter to figure it out. Her best chance of that was to go in the last known course of the helicopter, west.

The black object moved toward Lady Edna and turned to Tar behind her back. She turned around just in time to see two guns pointed at her and she jumped out of the way at the last second.

Tar turned to a liquid form and slid up to Lady Edna’s feet. He slowly came up her legs and onto her torso. Soon (even though she is highly resistible) Tar had engulfed her and sent a charge through his eyes into Lady Edna knocking her out.

The helicopter came around a building and landed next to them.

“Tar! Come On!” yelled the pilot.

Tar came off of Lady Edna’s body and took her on the helicopter. The helicopter took off and went back to it’s course.

The helicopter landed close to a town and the Tar all got out and ran into a jewelry store. Lady Edna was left unguarded and saw them go in. She got up and ran to stop them robbing it. Surprisingly she saw her weapons next to her and got them.

She ran in and saw that the police were already fighting the gang. She was about to help them when an object came through the door pushing her in. The fight was now a hand to hand fight so the noise was minimal.

The new figure took his machine gun and fired it in the air to get everyone’s attention.

“I am Zaritar! You will bow to me! Then you will all obey my every will,” he said.

Blog Announcement

2009-06-23T06:20:00.003-05:00

Good morning all. Beacon Girl again with a couple of things.

First, want to confirm your observations about a format change for the blog. The image list of Heroes and Villains along the right sidebar has been replaced with a Hero List along the left sidebar.

This Hero list shows all of the Heroes for which an episode has been written. The list contains their name, the Author(s) which wrote about them, and the number of episodes in which they occur.

Should you wish to read any/all of these episodes, the label link to get to them is right across the screen on the right sidebar. Author names are also included in the label list, in case you wish to search for all stories from a particular Author. (Some are more particular than others. Sorry. Couldnt' resist the joke.)

The Wanted posters which were part of yesterday's Monday Morning Messages (MMM) are now posted at the bottom of the blog. There is no requirement to write stories for these Villains, but hopefully the images will inspire some. There is debate in Legion Headquarters about offering a reward for the capture of these Villains, but an appropriate reward is still eluding the great thinkers at this time. So there is no reward. Beyond the joy of writing, that is.

Right now we have no stories scheduled for posting, but I believe fairyhedgehog is working on a sequel to her Fairy Hedgehog series, Bevie is working on a sequel for Panthera, and Wolverine is working on a sequel for Lady Edna. No word from other Authors on new episode status, but that doesn't mean they're not working on something.

The ideas are still flying around Legion Headquarters. Some require a LOT of work. I will keep you informed when any take root and germinate. Until then, keep on writing. And reading.

MMM - June 22nd, 2009

2009-06-22T06:00:00.027-05:00

Hello. Beacon Girl here with the Monday Morning Messages (MMM).

Prison News: With the help of master builders from the World of Fabrithan, Commander Grey has now created a place to put incarcerated Villains awaiting trial and serving time. It is called Dungeon House, and it has the power to negate the special magical abilities Villains possess. Currently, there are six Super Villains residing in Dungeon House – Cudgel (captured by Fire Red, a Legion Member), Felid Cusp (captured by Azure-Gin, an independent Hero), Loobie (captured by Green Archer, a Legion Member), Mr. Manners (captured by Heroines of the Night), Procyon Inspirit (captured by Targeted Bow, a legion Member), and Scepter Axe (captured by Stumpy Bear, a Legion Member).

Hero Alert: There is now an affiliated Hero organization with the Legion. It is called Heroines of the Night. Right now it consists of five female Super Heroes – Safe Whiffle, Primitive Brute, Caped Blade, Lasered Lash, and Masked Wizard. Commander Grey has been in contact with their leader, Safe Whiffle, about them joining the Legion. He has been more aggressively pursuing this since their capture of Mr. Manners, who now resides in Dungeon House.

New Invite: As revealed in the Legion Blog story of 6-13-09, Commander Grey has officially invited Hidden Embers to join Legion Headquarters.

Escaped: Prior to the creation of Dungeon House, the following Super Villains have managed to escape their confinements –

Amatory and Cyprian. A pair of smugglers who also dabble in espionage.

Inamore Twins, Sonsi and Sybarti. Twin sisters who specialize in magical jewel heists.

Thunderbolt. A crazed anarchist from the World of Kindle.

Morshadda. A powerful warrior from the World of Darkness. Approach with extreme caution.

On Trial For Treason

2009-06-20T06:00:00.004-05:00

PANTHERA and LEO

On Trial For Treason (part 1)

by Bevie James

Panthera sat quietly, waiting for the tribunal to enter the room. Which three would it be to decide her fate? There were some who would jump at the chance to condemn her. Others would show understanding. The problem was, Panthera knew she was guilty. She had let Pelage go free. But holding her in her arms had brought back memories, and when Pelage begged for mercy Panthera had not been able to refuse. Now she would pay the price for that loyalty. That love.

Two guards sat at her elbows. One she knew. Loparith. He was from the People of the Wolves. They had played together when they were young. Loparith was strict about rules, but he was also loyal to friends. The other she knew only by name. Conuru. She was from the People of the Vultures. While Panthera knew nothing of Conuru, she did know that those who melded with vultures were quick to take offense.

Her judges would be three. That she knew. And one would be from the People of Cats, which was Panthera’s people. And Pelage’s. She was at least to have one friendly face in the room. But who would the other two be? And whoever represented her own people would not likely be in charge.

The door opened and Panthera, Loparith, and Conuru rose to their feet. Panthera smiled as the first judge entered. It was Panteskus. He was related to Panthera through her mother. He was also akin to Pelage. At the least he would prevent this from becoming a kangaroo court – even if the head judge were from the People of the Quokka. Seeing the second judge was enough to take Panthera’s smile away. It was Simthara, from the People of the Apes. They were not friendly toward Panthera’s people. It looked like it was going to be a monkey trial after all.

The final judge, the head judge, was Ursa Drake, from the People of the Dragons. In fact, a small dragon sat perched on Ursa’s shoulder. It was a winged creature, as opposed to the worms some had. The worms were less ferocious than the winged dragons, but they were more insidious. The winged dragons were more dangerous, but they were open about what they were doing. Panthera sighed. It could have been worse. With Simthara present, the head judge could have been an Ophidian.

The three judges went to their table and sat, Ursa Drake in the middle, Simthara to her left, and Panteskus to her right. Panthera quietly noted the positions. That Panteskus sat to Ursa Drake’s right meant he would have greater say than Simthara. She had lucked out in that regard. But Ursa Drake would have the final say. When the judges had sat they nodded to the accused and her guards. Panthera and the others sat down. Ursa Drake turn her head slightly toward Simthara. “Please read the charge, Simthara.”

The Ultimate Villain

2009-06-18T06:00:00.002-05:00

Lady Edna

The Ultimate Villain (part 1)

By Wolverine

Lady Edna hid outside the warehouse window and listened. The band of thieves called “The Tar” were inside, plotting. She needed to know their plan.

“Hey! When’s he getting here?” asked one member.

“He’ll be here!” said another.

“I can’t stop worrying that the cops will be around the corner.”

“He will be here any time now! Just stop worrying!”

“Why did we have to bring a barrel of tar along with us?”

“Tar is going to help us on our next crime.”

“How is tar going to help us?”

“Tar is very useful to us. He, or whatever it is, works for him.”

“So your saying tar works for him now,” said a thief that started to laugh.

“He thinks very highly of Tar boys, and you wouldn’t want him to be angry at you now. Would you?”

“No,” the rest of the robbers said at the same time.

“Good. Now we will have to organize our plan. Oh, here Tar comes now.”

“How can tar move on it’s own?”

“I get the impression you don’t like me,” said a figure coming out of the barrel.

“W-what I m-meant to s-say w-w-was.”

“You were going to say nothing!” the figure said.

The oily black being came out of the barrel. He had no human features. He was literally made of tar. Two red balls glowed where his eyes should be. The design on his chest lit up as a red skull.

“Which one of you doesn’t like me?” he said.

Everyone pointing at the one who spoke up. “Him!”

Tar aimed his arm guns at him and said “I will not kill you the most painful way because you did not know who I was. But, I will kill you!”

“NO!” he screamed kneeling on the floor, “Don’t kill me!”

Tar fired his guns. “To late.”

Everyone stood staring at Tar, wondering what he would do next.

“I’ve got word from Him to move out now! So if any of you slobs wish to stay behind, I pay you – in lead!” said Tar, firing his guns in the air.

“Let’s move out!” yelled one of the in-charge men.

“Wait! I give the order,” said Tar.

“What?”

“Were being tracked. Follow me,” he said quietly.

Tar and the other walked out of the warehouse and looked around.

“You, you, and you, look over there. You, take your men and look there. The rest of you come with me,” said Tar sending the men everywhere around the building.

Lady Edna had no choice but to go inside the warehouse. Now she was trapped and hoped the robbers would leave. Tar was next to a widow and Lady Edna sneezed. Tar turned around, became a glob of tar, and launched through it. Lady Edna was engulfed in his mass.

Beacon Girl: Monday Announcements

2009-06-15T07:13:00.007-05:00

Hello, Authors! Beacon Girl here with a couple of announcements.

First, Mondays are now scheduled for me to make regular announcements (when there are any). If there isn't anything to announce, perhaps I'll make something up. We'll see.

Second, our Blog Administrator is experiencing some computer issues. Seems his computer is resisting bootups. He's going to look into getting this corrected as soon as possible, and I hope it is soon as I use his computer.

Third, and this ties in with the second announcement, if you go a couple of weeks without seeing anything posted from Bevie, Wolverine, or myself, you may assume the computer has given up trying and your Blog Administrator is offline. IF that happens, you can still post your stories. Save them as usual, but use "Post Options" to set the date and time for posting. Try to use Thursdays and Saturdays. If another story is already posted on one of those days, just use the following week. If we get scheduled out for more than two weeks, you can use Mondays. Hopefully, our Blog Administrator will get the computer issue resolved this week and it won't be an issue.

Fourth, and this is the biggie! I am pleased to announce the arrival of Commander Cerulean Grey and his right hand - uh, man - Stamur Chaste.

Commander Grey is heading up the Interstellar and Time Legion of Super Heroes. He is actively seeking heroes to sign up for his legion. We saw him show up in Hidden Embers' last episode.

If you would like your hero to be part of Commander Grey's legion, what you need do is include him in one of your episodes and have him invite your hero.

Commander Grey is intelligent, strong, and very much a leader. He is dressed in some sort of energy suit. He wears fire glasses, and he carries a special camera, binoculars, and staff.

Stamur Chaste is also highly intelligent. She is a soldier - no nonsense, no smiles, no awareness outside of her job. She travels with Trixie, an intelligent being in the form of a fox, complete with a sense of humor.

Commander Grey has power over time and space, so it is possible for him to be in more than one place at one time.

There are already several heroes in Commander Grey's Legion. These can be found at "Available Heroes" in Legion Headquarters. There are also five (5) members of the "Heroines of the Night" group. This is an independent force which (sometimes) cooperates with Commander Grey's forces.

Hidden Embers: Mist Over Monticello

2009-06-13T06:00:00.000-05:00

HIDDEN EMBERS

Mist Over Monticello (part Five)

by Bevie James

At that moment two dozen police offers arrived on scene. They rushed down the embankment and began working feverishly to get the tree off Wafula. They managed it, but Wafula was unconscious. Mulogo hovered nearby, tears filling his eyes.

“He’s not dead, is he? Please tell me he’s not dead.”

“He’s breathing,” said an officer. “Someone call for an ambulance.”

“There’s one arriving now,” said another.

The first officer looked up and saw the man in the suit. “Hidden Embers. I should have guessed. Why else would so many officers feel the need to show up here with logging equipment? I suppose you called the ambulance, too?”

“I did,” said Hidden Embers.

The officer looked down at the still unconscious Wafula. “Not normally your style. You could have killed him.”

“I didn’t do that.”

“You didn’t? No mind control on them?”

“Didn’t need it. They did it all themselves. I would strap that one down before he awakens.”

“Hmm. Good idea. Any idea why he is blue?”

The man glanced at Mulogo. “Just one. I would like to question this other before you take him away.”

“Very good. But be quick.”

Everyone left except Hidden Embers and Mulogo. Mulogo couldn’t keep his eyes off Wafula as the paramedics hauled him away.

“He will be all right?”

“I am sure he will. What about you?”

“Me?”

“What kind of fight do you intend to put up?”

“None. My place is with him. They will put us together, won’t they?”

“I will see it is arranged.”

“Is it permitted for me to ride with him now?”

The man glanced at the paramedics. “Now it is.”

“Thank you.”

Mulogo started to leave, another man in strange costume sudden appeared. He had a staff, and viewing device hanging from his neck. At his side was a young woman in some sort of all weather gear. An animal was with her.

Hidden Embers turned to face the newcomers.

“Well met, Hidden Embers,” said the man in the blue squared suit.

“You know me?”

“Yes. We’ve been monitoring you for some time, haven’t we, Lieutenant?”

“Yes, Commander.”

“Why?”

“My name is Commander Cerulean Grey. This is Lieutenant Stamur Chaste and her companion, Trixie. We belong to a legion. One that should interest you.”

“Oh? What kind of legion?”

“One that can deal with criminals like the sort you just handled.”

“Actually, I didn’t handle these two. They did that on their own.”

Commander Grey chuckled. “So they did. Lieutenant, make a final reconnoiter of the scene and file a report.”

The woman saluted. “Very good, Commander.”

She took a device from her belt and began scanning the area, passing Hidden Embers and Mulogo without so much as a glance.

“Nice fox,” said Hidden Embers.

The woman ignored him, but the animal paused and gave him a look. Mulogo wasn’t sure what the exchange meant. Hidden Embers addressed the Commander.

“A legion, huh?”

“Yes. A Legion of Super Heroes. You would make a fine addition to our team.”

“I will give it some thought.”

“Excellent. I will be contacting you again soon. Come along, Lieutenant.”

“Very good, Commander.”

Lieutenant Chase returned to the commander without acknowledging Hidden Embers or Mulogo. Hidden Embers looked down at the fox which followed in her wake. As he did, the fox stopped and looked up at him.

“Thank you,” she said.

Mulogo couldn’t tell, but he was certain Hidden Embers was taken aback when the animal spoke. Lieutenant Chase activated a device on her belt and she, the Commander, and the talking fox disappeared.

“Well, what do you think of that?” said Hidden Embers.

“Not sure,” said Mulogo. “What I am sure of is this: we’re going to meet again. And next time you won’t be able to count on my friend’s temper saving you.”

“I won’t. Thank you.”

Bazna: Encounter of Animals

2009-06-11T06:00:00.000-05:00

Bazna

The Encounter of Animals Part 3

by Wolverine

Bazna flew down to help Ackla who was changing into a giant dog. His teeth and claws were getting sharper and longer. The lion was still twice his size.

The lion hit Bazna away with her claw. Bazna slammed into the wall. He tried to get up but a sudden pain went through his back and he fell over.

Ackla got to his full size (a little bit smaller than fifteen feet) and shot his sonic blast at the lion. It had little affect.

Bazna got up and saw Ackla surrounded by the animals. He shot the hawk with a lightning bolt. He ignored his pain and charged at the lion. His sword made a deep gash in the lions back left leg.

The lion roared and grabbed Bazna in it’s mouth. Before it could bite him in half Ackla jumped and ran into the lion. The lion dropped Bazna and Ackla bit the lion’s damaged leg. The leg fell off and the lion roared . The horse stampeded in and Bazna jumped on top of it. It was trying to run Ackla over, but Ackla shot out his sonic blast and knocked the horse over.

Bazna flipped in the air and landed safely on the ground. The hawk and owl grabbed Ackla. Blood spurted out of Ackla’s sides. Bazna flew up and stabbed the owl with his ninja staff. A lightning bolt came out and the owl collapsed. The hawk dropped Ackla and he fell.

The lion wobbled behind Ackla and lifted her claw. Her claw raked Ackla’s back and he fell. The ninja staff plunged into the lion’s side. The lion fell over and lightning started shooting out of the staff. The lion’s body glowed yellow and then exploded.

Lightning shot everywhere and most of it hit the hawk who died. The horse came again, but Ackla was to winded to carry on. Bazna took his sword and threw it with all his might. The sword plunged into the horse’s front right leg. It whinnied, but kept coming.

Bazna braced for the impact that never came. He opened his eyes and the horse had flipped over him and Ackla and landed behind them dead.

Ackla got up and growled at the body. He went over and sniffed it.

“It’s dead. So are the others,” said Bazna.

Ackla sat down and began licking his wounds.

“Go back,” said Bazna and Ackla returned to his normal size. Bazna, knelt beside him.

Bazna looked up and saw the animals turn to dust. He looked at where the dead bodies had been with a worried look behind his helmet.

“You can never kill my animals until you kill me! And you will never stop me! My animals are here now, safe and sound with me!” yelled Tigris.

Bazna heard running along with flapping of wings. He relaxed. Tigris had finally left him in peace. For now.

Bazna: Encounter of Animals

2009-06-06T06:00:00.005-05:00

Bazna
The Encounter of Animals Part 2
by Wolverine

When Tigris fell over, she had threw her mind, or soul, into the body of the lion. Nobody knew of this power except her, and her victims that she had used this tactic on.

Tigris roared and jumped up to the second level. You might be thinking, why didn’t she just turn into a lion, ordinary lions are not as dangerous as Lana. Same with her horse and birds.

Bazna turned and saw the lion prepare to jump, but reacted to slowly. The lion jumped and caught Bazna between it’s claws. Bazna yelled in pain, but even in his pain he shot the lion with a burst of energy.

The lion fell down to the floor unharmed. Tigris came out of the lion and back into her own self. It sounds like a waste of time that she went into the body of the lion, but she caused more damage then it appeared.

Tigris turned into a great eagle and flew up to Bazna. Bazna reached for his gun near his hip and aimed it at the bird. The eagle swooped down on him and with it’s talons tore the gun out of his hand. It was lucky he was wearing gauntlets, or his hand would not be there.

Even with the gauntlet, Bazna’s hand still hurt. He took out his other gun, but the bird was to far away. Even though Tigris could not take the gun away, she turned into a mouse and Bazna’s bullet missed. Before Tigris hit the ground, she turned into a vulture to peck and eat at Bazna. Bazna though had fired twice.

Before Tigris heard the second shot, she turned into the vulture, then was hit with the bullet. The vulture fell to the ground dead.

Bazna started firing at Tigris while she turned back to her original form. She dodged the bullets and went back to a bird and flew up at Bazna. Tigris dodged Bazna’s bullets, turned to a bear and they fought in the air.

All this time Tigris’s animals were exploring around Bazna’s hideout, looking for something even they did not know. To a point Tigris could control them even out of their bodies.

Ackla came back with a huge sword in his mouth. He ran up to the second level holding Bazna’s sword in his mouth, the one he thrust into the bird.

Ackla dropped it and barked, letting Bazna know he was there. Bazna looked at the dog then at the sword. He struggled from the bear who was rapidly turning into a bird flying up, then to a bear to attack and doing that over and over again. He got away from the bear and flew to his sword.

Tigris flew over to the sword, but Bazna got there first and lashed out with his sword. When Tigris turns from animal to animal, there is a slight time when she goes to her original form. So when she changed from bird to bear, the sword hit her in between.

Tigris never got to her bear form, even though she was not dead. She did not have the strength to turn into and animal so she turned and ran. She was hit in the stomach, so running was hard.

Bazna looked over the edge and saw Ackla trying to fight off the animals that were changing slowly into large scary versions of themselves.

Ana: Maiden Elf Warrior

2009-06-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

Ana woke from her usual dreamless sleep. The tent was still dark, almost pitch-black, and she knew she had once again beaten the sun. She stood up and dressed quickly, rolling her bedclothes in with the thin blankets under which she slept.

She opened the tent, taken for a moment with the beauty of the stars that shone overhead. She spent so much time looking for meaning in their positions, she could only notice their beauty by surprise. They shifted slowly, so slowly most people would not notice, but Ana was as aware of their changes as she was of the wind that played against her face.

She got a small fire going and made cam. As she waited for the water to boil she ate some bread, lamenting how little food she had even after replenishing her stores in the last village. She was strong, but there was only so much she could carry, and villages and towns were few and far between in these parts. She looked around and felt grateful she was in an area that would provide her with food if necessary. She was in a clearing in the Arbu forest, a place that—while not friendly—was rich with game and edible plants.

She drank what she wanted of her cam and threw the rest of the water on the fire. The sound of a cracking branch brought her up short. She'd been hearing the usual sounds of the forest all morning, but this sound was different. Deliberate.

She turned to her left, from where the sound came, and drew her dagger. She suspected she was dealing with a belua of the forest, but she couldn't be sure. Not until it showed itself.

The belua stepped out into the clearing, a clear sign it was challenging her. Ana's stomach did a slow, unpleasant roll. A belua was an ugly thing; in the tales Ana had heard growing up, a belua could drive a man crazy from looking at it.

She held up her dagger, ready to fight. But then the belua seemed to look beyond her, an expression of fear coming over its face. It turned and ran back into the forest.

Ana turned. Behind her was a man. He stood in the clearing as if he had merely appeared there instead of walked into it from the forest, and Ana had no doubt he had. He was Sebastian, her nemesis, a witch doctor who was her enemy from the moment she was born. An enemy of her kind for generations, in fact.

Ana felt her limbs go slack.

“Hello, Ana,” he said mildly. “You didn't expect me to find you so soon, I see. I'm sorry. I suppose now we must hash out our differences.” He drew his sword.

Ana's eyes darkened, as they always did when she was angry. “How many times must I show you that you cannot read the Elves, Sebastian?” She put away her dagger and drew her sword.

Have You Heard About Writtenwyrdd

2009-06-01T14:01:00.002-05:00

Got the news via the Evil Editor blog. Writtenwyrrd is being published in Electric Spec ezine. You can wish her congratulations here, on the Evil Editor blog, and/or her own blog.

Way to go, Writtenwyrdd!

Hidden Embers: Mist Over Monticello

2009-06-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

HIDDEN EMBERS

Mist Over Monticello (part Four)

by Bevie James

The man threatening them with arrest was attired all in grey, including a hood which covered even his face. All that showed was a small space between his eyes, which were hidden behind bluish goggles, and part of his chest. The man appeared fit. More than fit, thought Mulogo. His clothes showed off his form perfectly. Nice clothes, too. And tight. Hmm.

But Mulogo wasn’t given time to consider the newcomer’s good looks. Wafula sprang into action. He splashed forward, wielding his staff two-handed. Mulogo hung back, preparing to send an electrical charge. He lifted his hands and willed the power to explode from his fingers. Too late he realized the newcomer was emitting a magic of his own. The electrical attack deflected – right back at Wafula.

The blast knocked Wafula backwards and down into the water. He rose spluttering and furious.

“Damn you, Mulogo! Stop with the frikkin’ magic and fight like a man.”

“But I’m not a man. I’m…”

“You’re not anything, you useless piece of slime!”

Mulogo felt his temper rise, but he had to stay focused. Damn this world’s atmosphere. It made controlling his power almost impossible. He would have to be careful lest he inadvertently hurt Wafula, like he did when he turned him blue. He tried to focus.

The sense of opposing magical power hit him again. What was this guy doing? Ah! He was a mind control master. Well, Mulogo knew how to block that. He raised his hands to make the spell.

It would have worked. Mulogo knew it. It was such a simple spell. Only Wafula was still looking him, and when he saw Mulogo raise his hands he swung his staff.

“Don’t you dare! I’m tired of being hexed by you.”

Mulogo wasn’t quick enough to avoid the first strike, but he quickly drifted away from Wafula’s attack.

“Stop hitting me! I can handle this guy.”

“Like hell! You can’t handle anything.”

Wafula continued to pursue Mulogo. Mulogo continued to dart away, moving across the river. He saw the man in the tight grey suit watching. The sound of sirens filled the air.

“Wafula, we should not fight each other,” Mulogo pleaded.

But Wafula was in one of his insane moods and there was no talking to him. All Mulogo could do was avoid that wicked staff. Unfortunately, he had put himself in a bad place. Too many trees. He would have to take out some branches.

As Wafula charged through the water, wielding his staff and looking like he was ready to kill, Mulogo raised his hands and let the lightning flow. It struck the tree above him and it snapped in half. Mulogo moved out of the way as the thirty foot piece fell. Wafula did not. The tree struck him and dropped him where he stood, which was in the river.

Horrified, Mulogo quit levitating and fell into the water. Wafula was under the surface, struggling. But the tree was too heavy for him. Grabbing a branch, Mulogo tried to lift it, but he had no strength. There was no other way. He was going to have to risk his magic.

“Are you sure you want to do that?”

It was the stranger in the tight grey suit. Mulogo looked at him and then pleaded.

“Please help me! He’ll drown.”

Beacon Girl Completes Her First Assignment

2009-05-31T14:17:00.005-05:00

Hello. Beacon Girl here.

So, it's been a week since my debut post in which I asked for name, power, hero/villain suggestions for a new image. (see link) And in that week I have received the following suggestions:

Name Suggestions: none.

Power Suggestions: none.

Hero/Villain Suggestions: none.

Hmm. Not exactly an inspiring force, am I? According to the stat counter, this blog got 162 visits and I got zero comments.

I asked Primitive Brute if everyone in Legion Headquarters was laughing at me and she said they weren't. Nobody even knew I was there.

Met Sgt. Barvin and he confirmed whatPrimitive Brute said by challenging my right to even be in the headquarters.

My impact appears to be minimal. Maybe I should change my name? Oblivion Girl?

Wonder what my next assignment will be?

Bazna: Encounter of Animals

2009-05-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

Bazna

The Encounter of Animals Part 1

by Wolverine

Bazna sat in his secret hideout in the Rocky Mountains, watching a security camera screen. A tiger, or what looked like a tiger, was crawling around in the entrance to Bazna’s hideout. If it went much further he would have to kill it.

He looked away to call for his dog, Ackla. When he looked back at the screen, the tiger was gone. He looked at a screen that showed farther down the tunnel, and there was a cheetah running through.

Bazna pushed a button on the chair he was sitting in. Laser canons and guns came out of the walls of the tunnel. The cheetah turned to a mouse and ran into a hole in the tunnel to dodge the laser blasts.

Bazna got up and went to get his sword and ninja staff.

The mouse came out of the hole, turned to a cheetah, and started running as soon as the blasts were done.

Bazna went to the door leading from the tunnel to his hideout. He stood in front of the door and went to open it when he heard a bear roar from behind it. He walked back and the bear smashed trough the door. Bazna had to duck to avoid the door hitting him.

The bear smashed through the opening of the door and walked slowly towards Bazna growling.

“Tigris,” said Bazna, “Back away.”

The bear lunged for Bazna, but he flew up to the second level.

Tigris’s original form is like a tiger, but she can turn into any animal she wants to.

Ackla finally came from Bazna’s call and barked at the bear. Ackla shot a sonic blast out of his mouth and the bear flew back. The bear roared as loud as it could and Ackla ran away whimpering.

Tigris turned to a hawk and flew up to Bazna. When the hawk got up, Bazna veered back and punched Tigris with his metal gauntlet. The bird fell down, but slowly flew up. Bazna jumped for it and drew his sword and plunged it into the side of a bear now.

Bazna gasped out of shock of seeing a bear this close. He took out his ninja staff, aimed it at the bear, and shot out a lightning bolt. The bear roared, but couldn’t fly.

Bazna flew back up. The bear turned to a crow to fly away, but smacked into the ground floor.

Bazna watched in horror as the bird turned to Tigris’s original form. When one of the animals Tigris turns into dies, she can never turn into that one again. The only way to kill her is to kill her original form, or all the animals she turns into.

More noise came from the tunnel. After a few seconds a horse, lion, hawk, and owl came threw the doorway. Tigris smiled a little. She looked up at Bazna and fell over.

Announcing Beacon Girl

2009-05-25T08:26:00.003-05:00

Hello. My name is Beacon Girl, and I have been recruited into Legion Headquarters as a communications hero.

I search the universe of imagination with my electric magnifying glass, seeking out Heroes and Villains who have stories which need telling. When I find one, I present them here for the Readership to examine. Most often, all I am able to present is a picture. I do not even know their name.

If you, the Readership, would help me, I would be greatly pleased.

What I need is for you to offer suggestions on possible names and powers for the newly acquired Hero/Villain. And let me know if he/she is a Hero or a Villain. For those of you who are bold, and already know this person, you may write an episode and submit it to me at: legionblog@ymail.com. (This is for both Readers and Legion Authors.) Be sure to use Beacon Girl in the title, so it comes to me. Story submissions should be in the range of 500-words. If you are not currently a Legion Author, but would like to be, let me know that, too, and we will sign you up. If you are already a Legion Author and would like this hero added to your list of story sources, please indicate so in your email. Legion Authors should not post these stories directly to the blog as we would like to give everyone a chance to submit their thoughts and opinions.

As it happens, I already have found someone for you to consider. The character is female (or, she looks female). She has light blue skin and is dressed quite oddly. In her left hand is a musical horn. In her right is a scroll. She stands in a circle of strange symbols, and the background contains a lot of electricity. Beyond that, I don't know.

Comments regarding name, powers, and Hero/Villain status may be made to this post. Story submissions should be made to legionblog@ymail.com.

New Author

2009-05-23T10:56:00.002-05:00

I am happy to announce we have a new Author joining the Legion Blog. He is young (a teenager), and is early in his writing journey. His name is Wolverine, and he comes with an assortment of Heroes and Villains he has already created.

Apparently, he has only just begun blogging, as well, for there are no posts on his blog at this time.

He has also submitted his first story using his Hero, Bazna (pronounced Bahz-nah), and a Villain, Tigris (pronounced Tie-gris). It is scheduled for posting next Saturday, May 30th.

Please welcome Wolverine to our Legion.

Hidden Embers: Mist Over Monticello

2009-05-23T06:00:00.005-05:00

HIDDEN EMBERS

Mist Over Monticello (part three)

by Bevie James

The sound of a vehicle slowing made them perk up. Then, a sack dropped from above onto the far embankment. Wafula jumped up and splashed heedlessly through the water. Mulogo floated, avoiding Wafula’s splashing. He reached the bag first.

“It’s here, Wafula!”

Wafula smiled. “Is it all there?”

Mulogo began pulling bundled wads of money. “Yes, I think so. He wrapped it in bundles of one hundreds. One thousand, two thousand, three …”

“Wait a minute!”

Mulogo paused in his counting. “What?” Wafula snatched the sack from Mulogo’s hand. “Hey! I was counting that.”

Ignoring the complaint, Wafula tore through the bundles, tossing them into the river after examination. Finally, he chucked the entire bag into the current. Mulogo looked on, horrified.

“Why did you do that?”

“Because it’s not real!” snarled Wafula.

Perplexed, Mulogo looked at the three bundles he still held in his hands. “Not real? But it’s here. I’m holding it. It’s real, Wafula.”

Wafula tore the remaining bundles from Mulogo and waved them in his face.

“Who’s picture is this on the bills?”

“How should I know? I’m not from this planet, much less the country or state.”

“States don’t have their own money, you idiot.”

“Well how should I know that?”

“Because you’re supposed to be brilliant.”

“I am brilliant. There is no picture on the bills. Just the number one hundred.”

“Exactly!”

“Exactly? Exactly what?”

“They’re supposed to have Benjamin Franklin’s picture. This is Monopoly money! We’ve been double-crossed.”

“Double-crossed? And he seemed such a nice man, too.”

Wafula began seething. His blue skin darkened with his anger. “Yes. And when I get my hands on that son-of-a-bitch he is going to regret it to his dying day.”

Mulogo’s expression turned sardonic. “Well, that won’t be long. I’m assuming you’re going to kill him, right?”

“Of course I’m going to kill him! How dare he do this to us?”

“Yeah, but how do you know he’s the one who threw this? Maybe someone else threw this bag and he’s still coming with the real money?”

Wafula’s hands went into the air, desperate to grab something to break. “What is with you anyway? Do you think people just drive around throwing bags of Monopoly money over bridges? Why would they do that?”

Mulogo shrugged. “How should I know? This is a strange planet, and you are strange people. You mess up the very air and water you need to survive. What’s the sense in that?”

“Come on! We’re heading back to the city. And when I get my hands on that guy, I’m going to pull him apart like a squishy banana.”

“Squishy bananas don’t pull apart, do they?”

“Shut up!”

At that moment, the oil stain on the underside of the bridge fell to the embankment. It coalesced into the form of a man in an ash grey suit. Wafula and Mulogo stopped midstream.

“What is this?” demanded Wafula.

“An arrest,” said the man.

“Oh, this should be interesting,” said Mulogo.

An Open Question

2009-05-20T12:24:00.007-05:00

What are your opinions regarding a monthly story exercise in which I (or anyone, actually) post an image of a new hero or villain for others to submit a story of?

Submissions would not only be open to regular Legion Authors, but to anyone who wishes to submit a story. There would be no requirement to continue the story-line, so these could be viewed as one-time submissions.

Entries would NOT be directly posted to the Legion Blog. Instead, they would be submitted to a new email address* I created until official posting, which would be during the first week of each new month.

Any thoughts or feelings on this?

Please let me know. This is still time to run a contest before the first week of June - assuming others like this idea.

email address*
The email address for making submissions is: legionblog@ymail.com.

Something New Has Arrived

2009-05-18T15:33:00.010-05:00

Some recent comments got me to acting on an idea I have had almost since the beginning of this blog. Basically, the comments spoke of the confusion of trying to follow multiple story lines through a blog. I came up with a solution.

Announcing, the creation of -

Legion Headquarters.

This is a place where readers can follow their favorite Authors, Heroes, or Story Lines.

Jump to the link and click on your favorite Author link at the bottom. (Currently, there are six Author links because six Authors have submitted stories.)

The Author link will give a short biography for the Author, including any (known) awards and credits they may have.

At the bottom of the Author link page are links to the Heroes they have written about. Click on the one you wish to know more about.

The Hero link will provide information on the hero, such as first appearance, background information not included in any story, pictures, etc.

At the bottom of the Hero link are links to the stories this Author has written for this Hero. Included in this list is a link to the various Villains this Hero has faced via this Author.

Click on the Story link to get all episodes of a Hero's stories on a single page. Click on the Villains Faced link to get a list of Villains with biographical information.

We will still post stories on this blog, so those of you who have Follower links will know when new stories are available. But for those who are new readers, jumping to the Legion Headquarters link will make it easy for them to read previous episodes in the story.

I hope Authors and Readers alike will visit this site and render their feedback here, or by emailing me. Authors, please email me with additions/corrections/deletions of any information about you and/or your heroes.

Take a visit and let me know what you think.

Thanks

EDIT NOTE: You can also click on the Sitemap under Navigation (upper left) and see everything at once.

So Who is She

2009-05-16T07:02:00.004-05:00

Okay, so the Batman was easy to guess. Let's try one a little less well-known.

Oh, and in case you didn't notice, there are a couple new Hero Generators on the sidebar.

This character is the female who has appeared in the most comics.

Character is based (in part) on Oliver Byrne.

First appeared in 1941, All Star Comics #8.

Character series known for bondage and submission, raising questions about the creator.

Similar to Batman, character was accused of lesbianism in the 1950s (by same man who accused Batman).

First played on television by Ellie Wood Walker

Committed murder in order to save Batman and Superman

Arsenal of gadgets include: invisible aircraft, bracelets, lasso of truth, tiara.

Yes, it is Wonder Woman.

Unata Gatto Dea - Poko's Pet Human

2009-05-14T06:00:00.001-05:00

Titan swatted his paw at Twinkle as Twinkle dove down for the third time nipping at Titan's nose. Titan roared, 'When I get a hold of you . . . “ he stopped, Unata Gatto Dea had arrived and she was snapping impatient looks between the two of them.

Twinkle fluttered around Unata, until a smile lit up her face and wings glowed a vibrant yellow. “Oh stop you,” Unata said as she reached to pet behind his ear.

Titan laid his big mane on his paws and let out a loud huff. Unata bent over and ruffled his big mane, and he nudged his head closer to her.

“I've received word that the cats on a place called Earth need us. Come, we'll step through the portal.”

Titan jumped to his feet and stood at attention on Unata's right, while Twinkle took his position on her left. She twirled her wand around three times, flicked her wrist up moving all of them from their lush green country side, and clear streams, to a dark alley way. Horns blared and beeped, some close enough to sound as if coming from within the buildings, others further away. They all sniffed at the air, as perfume, decaying vegetables, motor oil, and smoke mingled into one foul odor, however, that was not the scent that caught Unata's keen senses.

A man, in tattered clothing, sleeping in box just long enough for him and a tiny tabby that was curled up beside him. Two small hand size plastic bowls just on the outside of the box at their feet, one with water, the other dry kibbles. The man's eyes frantically darted between the three figures that had just appeared from nowhere. The tabby jumped to his feet, turned his body side ways, fluffed the hair on his back and his tail, and hissed staring at the figures. The man reached for the tabby whispering, “No, Poko, no, come here boy.” Poko continued a low quiet growl. “Poko,” the man pleaded, “what's got into.”

Unata looked at the site of the fluffed up tiny tabby standing between her and the thin man who was beseeching the cat to return. Poko inched nearer to Unata, just out of reach of the man. Twinkly fluttered to the ground and sat beside Unata, he folded in his wings, and began licking his right paw and rubbing it over his right ear. Titan rolled over onto his back, reaching his front paws out to the tabby.

Then just as quickly as Poko tried to appear large and threatening, he un-fluffed his fur and ran to Unata, who opened her arms as the Tabby jumped up into them. He rubbed his head frantically on both sides of her face, then pushed his forward against her chin, all the while meowing.

“Oh there there dear, of course I won't hurt your pet human. But who is this who has taken your home?” she asked.

Unata's home world

So Who Is He

2009-05-11T14:16:00.003-05:00

So I promised to have something for Monday. Good thing I didn't promise a story post, because I don't have one.

What I do have is a question: Which comic book hero has appeared in the most issues? I doubt the answer will surprise many.

The character is male.

Bill Finger co-created him.

First appeared May, 1939.

The hero is human.

In the 1950s, the hero was rumored to be homosexual, creating a real-life congressional hearing on comic books in general, from Fredric Wertham's book, "Seduction of the Innocent".

He had a live-action television show based on him.

Had many cartoons made.

Several movies.

Drives a really cool car.

Has NO superpowers.

Generally operates at night.

Inspires as much fear as the criminals he hunts.

Puts most of the criminals he catches in an asylum.

By now you must know who it is. But on the chance you don't I'll tell you.

It's Batman.

Hidden Embers: Mist Over Monticello

2009-05-09T06:00:00.000-05:00

HIDDEN EMBERS

Mist Over Monticello (part two)

by Bevie James

The voice echoed in the cool morning air like the remains of an unattended campfire. “Why did you have to pick such a filthy place to retrieve the money?”

“What do you care? You’re levitating,” replied a husky voice.

The aged and bald old man in red priest’s robes looked around. His long white beard danced across his chest.

“True, but levitating takes energy. What if I want to rest?”

The man in the lime green suit with purple trim pointed his staff down. “Sit in the water.”

“Don’t like water. Makes me sizzle. So why here?”

“Camouflage.”

“Camouflage?”

“Yes. Water is blue. Blue will camouflage me.”

“This water isn’t going to camouflage you, Wafula. It’s not blue. It’s brown. Look at it! It’s filthy from your vehicles.”

“What’s wrong with vehicles, Mulogo?”

“They’re filthy, smelly things. Your entire planet is polluted because of them.”

“They get us around.”

“All the same, this water isn’t going to camouflage you. You would have to be brown.”

Wafula shook his fist at Mulogo. Sweat sprayed like an early morning mist. Mulogo threw up a heat shield to evaporate the droplets, but instead of a heat shield several lasers shot out from his splayed fingertips cutting through the trees and dropping several branches to the ground at his feet.

“Damn! Get those two spells mixed up every time.” He looked at Wafula. “You were about to say something?”

“Yes! I was about to say I was brown – until you turned me blue with your confounded magic. I ought to crush you.”

He stepped toward Wafula but slipped on the hill. Mulogo used the opportunity to levitate higher, out of Wafula’s reach.

“Ah, but if you throttle me who is going to change you back?”

“Can you? You can’t even change anybody else blue!”

“Yes. But there’s a reason for that.”

“Yeah? What?”

“Well. I don’t know. Exactly. I believe it has something to do with this planet. Perhaps it’s all the pollution in the air. It makes it hard for me to keep my head clear. I’m used to cleaner air.”

Wafula grunted his disgust and moved to take a place under the bridge. He sat down, heedless of the water. Hesitantly, Mulogo floated to the arch.

“You okay now?” he asked. When Wafula did not answer Mulogo came closer. He looked up nervously. “You sure you want to sit here? Look at that oil stain. What if it drips on us? Maybe I should zap it away?”

Wafula’s staff came down hard on Mulogo’s arm. He cried out in pain.

“Leave it be!” said Wafula.

“But I can clean that up in a trice.”

“No, you can’t! You’ll mess it up and turn me orange, or give me pigs ears.”

“But…”

“Leave it!”

They sat in angered silence. Then Wafula spoke.

“He should have been here by now. You did get the instructions right with him?

“Of course I did. He’ll be here. It should drop over the side any moment now.”

Story Schedule Announcement

2009-05-08T07:44:00.004-05:00

The bad news is that we're down to a single scheduled story. The worse news that it's mine. [haha]

When we began this it never occurred to me how difficult it would be to keep pace. I mean, I understood about getting busy with other things and such. What I did not account for was the stress of "publishing" portions of a story before I had yet to resolve. The inability to go back and undo things which conflict with what I want to do going forward is a new experience. It's called being committed to a cause, I guess.

On top of that there are other blogs to keep up, visit, and comment on. Then there are stories which are not part of any blog which are crying for attention. And I have to eat and sleep. So keeping up with Panthera, Hidden Embers, and the others I have in my mind becomes hard.

For you who are reading only do not fear. We may find ourselves shifting to only publishing once or twice, but we will keep things going a bit longer, I think. I have a couple of other hero idea which can be used to fill in gaps between episodes. And none of the stories are truly concluded, so it is a safe bet the Authors have not abandoned their heroes. Life's other requirements just get in the way sometimes.

So keep coming back. I promise to have something for Monday, even if it isn't a new story post. At the least we will have Saturday posts, so do not fear. Our heroes are not going away any time soon.

Sorrow #3

2009-05-07T06:00:00.001-05:00

Sorrow crouched at the edge of the withered trees and lit a tiny taper.

Shielding the flame from the chill air, she touched its spluttering tip to the hem of her pale frock.

‘My poor, brave Susan,’ she whispered, and watched the flames catch.

One by one, flickers of orange spread across the fabric, releasing the scent of flowers into the musty darkness.

Beautiful petals — lilies, roses and carnations — burst into bloom round her legs, rising in emergent flourishes till they nestled between her hair like posies.

Then, with pollen drifting from her body in an amber aura, she held out the candle and set foot into the gloom.

Each strike of her heel drew grass from the ashen soil; span moss whorls onto petrified bark. But with every step, all trace of life perished in her wake as quickly as it had blossomed.

All around lay tangles of briar and bracken, trailing branches and husks of oak sucked of life. Whichever way she turned, she knew the forest would lure her to its heart.

In her hand, the flame crackled. Beyond its meagre warmth there was nothing but blackness, yet she sensed the presence of dark souls all around her; heard them sniff at her perfume armour.

Finally she reached the clearing.

Snared by thorns stood a ring of squat stones. At its centre, a candle, almost extinguished.

She held out her flame and called into the shadows.

‘I hear you, Iunaal. Show yourself.’

After barely a breath, a wolf slank from between the trees, its spectral features gaunt from hunger’s scratch.

‘Again?’ it said, with a low growl.

‘Again,’ replied Sorrow sternly, watching as the pack loped into view.

Iunaal set a paw on the keystone and fixed her with a hollow stare. ‘Your courage is admirable. But what of your stamina?’

‘I will do what I must.’

The wolf’s eyes fell on her candle. ‘You will take another child?’

As Sorrow stood momentarily hesitant, a lone figure shambled from the pack, its face wracked with feverish want. 'She is weak. Why do we not slay her now?’

Iunaal studied Sorrow’s quiet defiance. ‘Patience. The time will come.’

The lone wolf shook its head and snarled. Driven by desperation, it bared its fangs and leapt for Sorrow’s throat.

From her shoulder, Sorrow tore a handful of lilies and cast them at the mad creature. As they whistled through the air, the petals ignited with a blinding white heat, striking the wolf to the ground in a cloud of hissing ash.

The pack edged back into the undergrowth with an angry whimper.

Seizing her moment, Sorrow stepped into the ring of stones and set the candle fast in a mound of spent wax.

‘With Susan’s life I banish thee. Bind thy master to his pit. Thou shalt not feast.’

The ground quaked, shaking petals from her body like autumn leaves, and with yowls raging wild into the night, she turned to face the trees, and fled.

Fairy Hedgehog and Lizard Girl - Interlude

2009-05-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

Fairy Hedgehog watched the river flow past a few yards beyond her table as she sat with her tea in one hand and a small pink supersuit in the other. She wasn't sure why Lizard Girl had answered her advertisement and agreed to meet her here. Surely the supersuit couldn't be that important?

She felt a movement of air at her back and the suit was snatched out of her hand. Lizard Girl slipped into the empty seat wearing a pink costume which was identical to the one she was now clutching. Fairy suppressed a frown. "Now look-" she said.

Lizard Girl's voice hissed out between sharp teeth. "No. You listen. You're fighting the wrong people."

"What are you on about? I'm working for good and-"

"That's what you think. It's not true. Those people I made the pictures of, they are bad people."

"I hardly think the sexual proclivities of the town counsellors-"

"It's not sex. It's bribes and drugs and murder."

A young man stopped and looked at them with interest.

"I never did like that book," Fairy said loudly and he looked away again. She dropped her voice to a whisper. "You can't go around saying things like that without proof."

"I can get proof but you must help. You must change sides. Come tonight to Councillor Redgrave's house. We will get the proof together."

Fairy took a sip of her tea. It was cold. "I'll come, but when we find out that you're wrong then you can give up all this painting on walls."

"Midnight then." Another whisk of air and Lizard Girl was gone. Fairy sighed. Young people always got things out of proportion. Tonight, Fairy would show her how wrong she was and then they could all go back to a quiet life without gratuitous graffiti.

A chair scraped just behind her. She turned to see who had been sitting so close to them unobserved but saw only the back of a figure disappearing around the corner.

Mad Smart Pirate #3

2009-04-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

Mad Smart hoisted himself over the ledge and scrambled to his feet, but the rooftop was empty. According to his calculations, there was a 92% chance the woman headed south along KA-POW! Street where the buildings were closer together. Yet he spotted no movement in that direction, only quiet rooftops illuminated from below, the amorphous orange glow of streetlight refracting through Ahno’ma Topia City’s nightly pollution haze.

He unclipped the Wiffle bat from his belt, and tiptoed along the rooftop. It wasn’t a particularly stealthy maneuver for a man of his size, but the probability variances of his secondary hypothesis were contracting which meant stealth wasn’t necessarily the most—

The heat rushed him from behind. Then the roar of the flames. Mad Smart spun and twisted the dial on the end of the Wiffle bat until it glowed blue. A spherical plasma shield shot out from the barrel of the bat and enveloped him, absorbing the stream of fire before it reached him. The flames continued, a whooshing meteor burning in his blue plasma atmosphere, but Mad Smart stood his ground. Then the flames were gone.

The woman stepped from the shadows, clutching the flamethrower nozzle near her hip. Mad Smart lowered his Wiffle bat. “You’re out,” he said.

The woman scoffed. “What’s that? Some kind of superhero Wiffle ball pun?”

“What? Oh. No, I mean you’re out of fuel. See, I estimated the size of your fuel tanks and superimposed a modified expiratory flow volume curve to determine the maximum duration of—“

Flames shot out of the flamethrower again, and once again Mad Smart raised the Wiffle bat plasma shield just in time. Their standoff lasted several more seconds before the woman cut the stream. “Spare tank,” she said. She slipped off the shoulder straps and the flamethrower tanks clanked on the rooftop. “Now I’m out.”

Mad Smart lowered the Wiffle bat and the plasma shield disappeared. “Who are you?”

Striding confidently toward him, she said, “Experimental Inferno."

“Experimental?”

She smiled. “I like to… try things.”

Mad Smart straightened, rising to his full height. “I should warn you, I’ve already calculated the effect of your perfume—which I suspect contains a bremelanotide derivative—and I’ve nullified any repeat scenarios by enhancing my own levels of—“

Inferno rushed forward, took his face between her hands and kissed him, long and slow. Mad Smart swayed, his eyes losing and regaining and losing focus again and again and again until, at last, his legs gave out and he feinted.

* * *

Inferno retrieved the flamethrower while the helicopter swung into position. A sling thawumped on the rooftop nearby, and she rolled the unconscious Mad Smart Pirate into it. Then she climbed into the sling next to him and flashed the OK signal. The helicopter rose high above the orange glow of Ahno’ma Topia City and disappeared into the night.

To be continued…

Call For More Stories

2009-04-29T04:12:00.003-05:00

We're down to two stories, thanks Blogless Troll/Writtenwyrdd for your submissions. Looks like the rest of us need to get something submitted. (Actually, Whirlochre was posted just on Monday.)

I'll get the second part of Hidden Embers written soon. What about some of these other cool characters we haven't heard from in a bit - or at all? Hopefully you all will find time.

Sorrow #2

2009-04-27T06:00:00.007-05:00

Kye struggled to fasten his shirt. The fabric felt stiff and the buttonholes squeaky, but mostly, the fault lay with his fingers. Was it excitement? Or fear? Or both?

He looked across to Asteroid scampering over the duvet.

‘Summer’s over,’ he said. ‘You’ll have to play on your own today.’

Pulling on his trousers, Kye tested the pockets for size. He figured all his trading cards would fit — but would anyone want to swap? Would anyone want to play?

A voice called from downstairs. Dad.

‘Are you ready yet? I’ll be late for work if you don’t get your skates on.’

Kye slid Asteroid from under his pillow and lowered him into his cage. ‘Time’s up,’ he grumbled. ‘As ever.’

‘Too right.’ replied Asteroid.

Only he didn’t.

When Kye reached the living room, Dad stood ready to go with his briefcase packed and his sensible coat slung over his shoulder.

‘For God’s sake Kye, where’s your tie? Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten how to do it already?’

‘No,’ Kye replied, frowning. ‘I just forgot.’ Staring at Dad, he uncoiled the stripy fabric from his blazer pocket and dangled it in front of him like a steamrollered cobra.

Dad grabbed it, looking flustered, and flicked up Kye’s collar. ‘How many times have I told you? You’ll never get a decent job if you don’t learn to listen.’

‘Yeah,’ thought Kye. ‘But I’m eleven.’ Pouting deliberately, he braced his neck while Dad stood behind him, tugging him from side to side.

‘Got it?’ said Dad, wrestling tight a knot fit to strangle an elephant.

‘Yeah,’ replied Kye. ‘So when do I die?’

‘Less of your cheek. It’s a new start, remember? No answering back this term, or else.’

Kye saluted. ‘Scout’s honour.’

Dad looked at his watch. No time for a reprimand. ‘Let’s get moving. I’m supervising staff training this morning...’

Shaking his head, Kye slackened his kipper garotte. How anyone could get so enthusiastic about working in a bank, he had no idea. But much as he hated to admit it, he knew Dad was right, for once: another new start he start he didn't want.

As he shuffled to the door in his unscuffed shoes, Kye turned to look at the mantelpiece. Couldn’t stop himself. There, in a frame of lifeless glass, a face smiled warmly into the room.

He felt a hand fall softly onto his head, ruffling his hair.

‘Sorry for shouting,’ said Dad. ‘Mum would have been proud of you today.’

Hidden Embers: Mist Over Monticello

2009-04-25T06:00:00.001-05:00

HIDDEN EMBERS

Mist Over Monticello (part one)

by Bevie James

.
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The door opened. A short, husky man dressed in a suit emerged. Looking around he saw but one person: an aged old man with a long white beard hanging against his chest. The burgundy robe made him look priestly. The short man left the security of the building and hurried to the man in red. “Did anyone see you?”
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“No,” the old man’s voice sounded like a crackling fire. “Why do we have to meet here?”
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“What’s wrong?”
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“It’s filthy! Look at the ground. You’ve got oil spills.”
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The man gazed down. A large stain of oil covered a significant area around the dumpsters.
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“Damn garbage trucks!”
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“If you would like, I can clean it up for you,” said the old man. He spit wad of flame down and it sizzled into the oil. “It’ll cost you extra, though.”
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The man considered for a moment and then shook his head.
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“No. I’ll get one of my employees to clean it up later. Now, what about our deal? Is he willing to do business?”
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The old man spit another fire wad. “He’s willing. But it’s going to cost you more than you offered.”
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“How much more?”
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Another spit. “Five thousand.”
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The man gasped and shook his head. “Five thousand! I haven’t got twenty-five thousand dollars!”
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Spit. “Then you haven’t got a deal.”
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The old man started to leave.
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“Wait!” The old man returned. “I’ll pay it.”
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The old man chuckled and spit again. “So you have it after all?”
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“I can get it, but it’ll break me if he’s not successful.”
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“Oh, he’ll be successful, all right. No need to concern yourself with that.” The old man spit again, and again the oil sizzled.
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“I have to be concerned. If that light rail goes through I’ll lose all of my business. They’ll all go to St. Cloud. I can’t afford that. I’ll lose everything.”
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“Don’t worry. When Wafula finishes, they’ll abandon all plans for light rail.” Spit.
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The man hesitated, as if having second doubts. “Where will he strike?”
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“Does it matter?” Spit.
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“I – I just was wondering. That’s all.”
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“Monticello.”
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“Monticello! But there’s a nuclear power plant there.”
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The old man smiled and spit again. “So there is. We’ll act when we have the money. You know where to bring it?”
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The man nodded. “The Crow River, just outside Rogers. I’m to drop it over the side as I drive over the bridge.”
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“Be sure you do,” said the old man. He made one last wad of flame and spit it into the center of the oil slick. “I’ll clean that up for you. For a thousand.”
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“No. I’ll get an employee to do it.”
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The old man walked away and the man in the suit reentered the building. After they left the oil stain began to move. It coagulated into the form of a man and eventually showed itself to be a man in costume. The man looked down at the spit stains.
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“Shi’it, man. I just washed this.” .

Mad Smart Pirate #2

2009-04-20T06:00:00.001-05:00

“I can’t stop staring at your lips,” said Mad Smart.

The woman smiled. “Yes, they’re irresistible, aren’t they?”

“Actually, I think it’s the giant arrow on your face mask. It’s pointing right at them. I’m quite literal minded.”

The woman shrugged. “If you say so.”

She approached slowly, and as she circled around him, the back of her hand brushed against Mad Smart’s thigh. His heart raced. He felt… weird, almost paralyzed. He couldn’t recall ever feeling this way, but he was having trouble recalling much of anything at the moment. Something was disrupting his neuronal morphogenesis and negatively affecting his dendritic plasticity—possibly her perfume, which smelled of jasmine and stirred in him an urge to compose poetry. “Whatever you’re trying to do," he said, "it won’t work.”

“Really? Is that why your head bowl thingy fizzled?"

Mad Smart flinched. How did she know?

"Hey, is that a Wiffle bat?”

“Um, yes,” he said, lowering the bat to his side. “Yes, it is. I’m Mad—“

“Mad Smart Pirate. Last of the legendary Celibate Pirates,” she said, gesturing dramatically at the empty space above her, as if “Legendary Celibate Pirates” was up in lights on an imaginary marquis. “Your fellow pirates have all mysteriously gone missing and no one, not even you, can figure out what happened to them.” She took a step forward and stood on her tiptoes so that her mouth was inches from his. “Tell me something I don’t know.”

Without thinking, Mad Smart blurted, “A jiffy is an actual unit of time measuring one one-hundredth of a second.”

He wasn’t exactly sure if that’s what she’d meant, but to his surprise, the woman closed her eyes and softly exhaled in a way that suggested it was. She leaned in even closer and whispered. “Go on.”

Whatever this was, he was ending it now. “Er, I’m placing you under arrest, if that’s okay with you. I mean—No! That’s not what I meant.” Mad Smart squeezed his eyes shut and concentrated. “I’m placing you under arrest for murder.”

“Fine,” the woman said, pushing away from him. “But you’ll have to catch me first.” And with a stunning combination of flexibility, acrobatics, and tear-resistant clothing she vaulted herself onto the nearest fire escape.

She had completely scaled the four-story building before Mad Smart found the strength to take his eyes off of her. He shook his head, making a wooba-ooba-ooba-ooba-ooba sound. Now that she was gone, his thoughts were already coming back into focus.

Obviously, the woman planned to escape by traversing the rooftops. All Mad Smart had to do was calculate the most likely route and head her off.

He put two fingers in his mouth and whistled. Headlights flashed at the end of the alley as the Mad Smart Car turned the corner. But whereas some other superhero’s vehicle might have barreled down the alley in a rocket-powered frenzy and performed a fire-belching one-eighty ending in the flashy opening of the driver’s side door so that said superhero could hop in and save the day, the Mad Smart Car ambled along at a conservative yet reasonable pace, bounced rather violently when it rolled over the remnants of a discarded packing crate, and executed a flawless three point turn before coming to a brake-squeaking stop. Sensibility, Mad Smart firmly believed, always trumped style.

A stream of fire rained down from the rooftop and transformed the Mad Smart Car’s tires into puddles of sizzling goop.

Mad Smart hung his head and sighed. He should’ve seen that coming. This woman was trouble.

He grabbed hold of the fire escape railing and started climbing.

To be continued…

An Excellent First Week

2009-04-17T06:30:00.004-05:00

Well, our first week has been completed and I for one am happy with it. We read six (6) hero stories and each author has shown a different style, which makes for good variety and fun reading. (Kind of like television viewing. The show at seven isn't anything like the show at seven-thirty, despite being on the same channel.)

Thanks to Bevie, Blogless Troll, fairyhedgehog, Lisa, Whirlochre, and Writtenwyrdd for their contributions. I'm eager to read more and am glad to see some sequels already slated.

Hopefully our other authors (freddie, Ms Sparrow, and Trulyana) will get some time soon to add their submissions. There are a couple others, too, who haven't officially signed up yet, but have indicated they may like to submit every so often. Hopefully, they will.

Congratulations on an excellent Gala, authors!

Keep on writing.
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Foggy Choices - Part II

2009-04-16T06:00:00.000-05:00

PANTHERA and LEO

Foggy Choices (part two)

by Bevie James

Pelage smiled. “Hello, Panthera. Looking for me?”

Panthera didn’t answer. She looked to the wall of water. Would Pelage release it? If she did, Panthera knew she would be worse than helpless. Pelage continued.

“You were careless, Panthera. How unlike you. But then I could always get around you, couldn’t I? You’re in my power again. Why are you here, as if I cannot guess?”

“I’ve come to bring you home, Pelage.”

“Why?”

“Because it is where you belong. This world. It’s not for us.”

“There are riches to be had in this world, girl.”

“Not for us, Pelage. I’ve seen the things these people call ‘riches’. Things of metal and stone. What have we to do with that?”

Pelage laughed. “I do not speak of the minerals. I speak of something far greater, which they transport from this port around their world.”

“And what would that be?”

Pelage became serious. “Grain. Untold amounts of it. You’ve seen the ships? They are filled to capacity. Just think what that could mean for us back in Khat?”

“Us?”

“Yes, honey. Us. There is no reason we can not do this together. We’ve always been good together. Remember?”

“I do. But I cannot enjoin myself to this plan, Pelage. It is wrong.”

Pelage shook her head. “Well, you never did show much sense. But I love you anyway. Still, I can’t have you interfering.”

Panthera backed to the wall. Pelage and Onca came down to stand before her, the wall of water at their back. Pelage’s dampening aura was reaching out, threatening to drain Panthera into unconsciousness. Panthera focused her thoughts. “Now, Leo.”

As the foghorn sounded the roar of a lion pierced the shroud of water and it fell apart like harmless rain. Pelage and Onca turned in surprise, releasing Panthera from the power of the aura. Panthera instantly focused her thought and was inside Leo’s body. Pelage melted into Onca’s body and the panther broke into a run.

Her goal was obviously to lose herself in the fog, but Leo had been ready, and the lion overtook the panther up on the hill in a park pavilion. Leo caught hold of Onca and at once the two women separated from their cats. Panthera wrapped her arms around Pelage. The other woman tried to struggle, but it was too late.

Pelage turned in Panthera’s arms so they faced. “Oh, Honey, don’t send me back. Please. For old time’s sake. After all, I could have struck back at the lighthouse. You know that?”

Panthera did know it. It had been what she had counted on. But now that her plan was successful, she felt guilty. She gazed into Pelage’s eyes and then kissed her. When they broke she released her prey. Leo did the same with Onca. As Pelage faded into the mists she turned.

“I love you, honey.”

Panthera sat with Leo through the remainder of the night. With each sound of the foghorn the big cat roared in anguish.
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Fairy Hedgehog meets Lizard Girl

2009-04-15T06:00:00.000-05:00

Fairy Hedgehog arrived to find Lizard Girl painting a picture full of vibrant colour and intricate artwork on the side of Parishtown Library. Unfortunately, it featured the members of the town council in obscene and libellous acts and many of the watching crowd were taking pictures with their mobile phones.

Fairy Hedgehog spoke to one of the two police officers standing nearby. "Why haven't you arrested her?"

"Ma'am, stand back, please. She's armed!" he said.

Lizard Girl had a paintbrush in one hand and a spraycan in the other. Fairy Hedgehog approached her and Lizard Girl's scaly grey skin rippled as she turned and met Fairy's eyes.

"You can't do that here," Fairy said.

Lizard Girl raised her crest. She lifted her hands, extended her claws and ran toward Fairy Hedgehog, darting her head forward and twisting her hips from side to side in a curious hopping run. The spectators moved further back but they continued to take pictures. Lizard Girl pulled back her lips to show pointed teeth and shook the spraycan and the paintbrush in Fairy's face.

Fairy stifled a smile. "Give them to me," she said and held out her hand.

Lizard Girl stopped, dropped everything and ran. She shot back towards the Library and straight up the side, clinging on lizard-like to the building itself. Fairy stamped on the ground and huge vines rose out of the earth and up the building after Lizard Girl. The branches twisted and twined, seeking out their prey.

"Come down, will you!" Fairy shouted. "I'm not going to hurt you."

She sent a rush of power surging through the vine so that tendrils reached up and grabbed Lizard Girl who struggled violently. The vine pulled away from the building but she clung on. Slowly, the branches retracted back into the soil, bringing Lizard Girl down with them. Just as she reached the ground, she twisted herself around and pulled out of her supersuit. Leaving it dangling in the branches, she ran straight into the astonished crowd and was lost to view.

One policeman went over to deal with the crowd, the other came to confront Fairy Hedgehog. "Well," he said, "you certainly saw her off for us, didn't you?"

Fairy didn't respond to the sarcasm in his voice. "This isn't the end," she said. "This is only the beginning."

Unata Gatto Dea - Saving Matilda

2009-04-14T06:00:00.000-05:00

Her once brilliant yellow wings glowed a pulsing blood red as she leveled her gaze down to the blubbering fool bugging for mercy. Unata Gatto Dea had heard the call that one of her children was in distress and she had arrived to find a sad under fed tiger, while this fool who now groveled before her, had stood menacing over the cat.

The fiend wasn't at first too concerned when she appeared, he had sneered at her, thinking her pink attire too frilly as she whirled around in front of him. He had laughed, “What are you?”

She had reached down and rubbed the ears of the tiger who had conveyed its name as Matilda, once a great tigress, hunting the plains before the fiend had captured her and tried to starve her into submission. Matilda had rubbed her head against Unata's hand, she knew, all felines knew, who Unata was. Unata's touch alone was enough to restore energy to her tired body while Twinkle, on queue, fluttered over, and although not even a quarter the size of the tiger picked her up by mouth as if she were but a newborn cub, and disappeared.

It was after Twinkle had blinked away with Matilda that Unata Gatto Dea showed the fiend what she was capable of, she merely stared at him, he fidgeted from side to side, then started slowly backing away from her as his careless grin quivered. It was at this time that her wings changed color. She blew the energy bolt and wand into the air, they disappeared, and she held up her right hand, the palm facing her, and slowly unsheathed each fine razor tipped claw. And repeated the display with left hand. When the last shiny talon surfaced from her finger tip, the fiend turned to run, she allowed it. Titus jumped into the scene and then stood at a attention, his tail twitching eagerly, “Oh Please oh please, let me.” She signaled him to go, he bounded after the fiend and knocked him to the ground. The fiend hadn't seen this beast before, he was shocked, he had thought he might outrun the female in the funny get up as he didn't think she'd be able to skate on the pebbled road.

Titus held the fiend down with his big paw, his claws engaged just enough that any movement would pierce the fiends skins. Unata stood over him, she nearly purred with venom, “I'm Unata Gatto Dea, and you will pay for what you have done to Matilda.”

“Matilda,” the fiend mouthed his eyes darting left and right.

She came up to him, nose to nose, “Humans have no business with my children when they don't even know their names.” As she stood, her hair went flat against her head, her ears pointed forward and should stood poised as the fiend quivered and whined for mercy beseeching her to explain what he had done.

“But who are you?”

“Gatto Dea you mortal fool – Cat Goddess.”

Sorrow #1

2009-04-13T06:00:00.000-05:00

SORROW

Episode One

by Whirlochre

All eyes fell on the coffin.

So small, it could have floated away.

As the bearers laid it down on a plinth of lilies, the first yelp of anguish broke the hush, and tears streamed into the void.

The girl’s parents held each other close. But they could not touch her.

*

After the service, the mourners walked from the modest chapel into the unforgiving August heat. The girl’s parent’s shuffled at the centre of a dark cloud, drawn from one outstretched hand to another like there was nowhere else to go.

The father made a brief announcement. Sandwiches. Tea. Back at the house.

‘There should be room in the street to park,’ his wife added awkwardly as her partner’s words petered into a mumble.

Family, friends, teachers, neighbours: everyone had come.

But there, at the back, stood a woman no-one seemed to know. Poised and dignified, she alone wore white. And she alone did not cry.

When the father reached her, he proffered his hand.

‘Thank you so much for coming,’ he said. ‘How...how did you know Susan?’

The woman bowed her head, shielding her face with the brim of her hat. ‘I’m so sorry for your loss,’ she replied.

‘Thank you,’ said the father, ‘thank you,’ and with eyes glazed red and silver, he moved on, directionless. Lost.

The woman stood watching till the cars trailed away, breathing the heavy air, then sat on the low wall circling the crematorium. She laid her hat on her lap, removed her white gloves and stared at her slender fingers.

‘Again,’ she whispered to the starling breeze. And waited.

A stabbing pain cut her into a stoop and she thrust her hands forward, fearing to clutch at her heart. She fell from the wall onto her knees. Formed her palms into a cup. And wept a single tear.

It glistened in her hand like a star. Seemed to capture the sunlight and the sky’s glaring blue. Then its sheen grew dull, turned to lifeless wax.

She peeled it from her skin like a petal stuck to water after a storm and set it inside a tiny jewellery box.

Rising slowly, she brushed down her skirt and composed herself just so, and as a church bell chimed the hour, she passed into the haze flickering over the gravestones.