One last thing...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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: