Demon_Child
02-18-2004, 4:39 AM
Near the end of next week, I'll have posted all of Carnage's stories, (both finished and unfinished) and will be posting the first three chapters to my new Demon Knight Story titled "Betrayal."
CRIMSON DEATH
Part 1-Dark Genesis
Chapter 1
The great desert, a desolate place…
Just sand, dust, and bones litter this lifeless land. A rumbling begins. All this time it was thought to be dead, but now it’s returned. The sky grows dark; the sun vanishes without a trace as black clouds choke the very heavens. The army of the damned arises once again and marches onward to strangle the world of life. It’s back. It’s reborn. All who stand before it fall and all who try to escape are consumed like the rest. It’s come to devour all life and bring eternal darkness to the world…
*Demon Child shakes his head as he stirs from his daydream.*
Demon Child-Hmm…the cold must’ve gotten to my head for a second. What a bizarre dream.
3 months have passed since the Demon Knights fought the Hybrids…
*DC sits on a rooftop overlooking the street. On nights like this when he can’t seem to sleep, he likes to patrol the town.*
DC-Gotta stay focused. I’m sure there must be some kind of trouble tonight. *leaps to another roof with ease* If I know this city, and I know I do, trouble will come. *looks around* Bingo…
*DC sees a man in a red shirt and blue jeans following a woman who has just left a video store and heads towards a parking lot.*
DC-*looking at the stalker* You better not be up to what I think you’re up to…*he sees the woman reach her car and stop to get the keys out of her purse. The stalker starts running towards her.* Time for a wakeup call, dirt bag.
*DC leaps from a roof and hits the sidewalk in time to see the stalker run up behind the woman and punch her in the back of the head, sending her face into the car door.*
Woman-Help! He-*another punch*
DC-*leaps into the air and dives at the man* Back off, you piece of trash! *grabs the guy by the waist and slams him to the ground in an aerial slam.*
*DC lifts the stalker by his throat and slams him to a patch of grass behind the parking lot.*
DC-Humans like you make me sick. *picks the guy up by his hair.* You don’t deserve to live in a jail cell. I’m gonna…what the hell?
*DC looks at the man’s eyes. They’re rolled into the back of his skull, but the eyes that would be white are covered in blood. DC drops him back to the ground, where he lies motionless.*
DC-Whoa. I couldn’t of hit him that hard. Are you okay ma-
Woman-*comes to* Aaaaaaaah! A monster! *she scrambles to get her keys and get in the car* What did I do to deserve this!? *she drives off as fast as she can.*
DC-Well, that’s expected. At least she can go home tonight. *looks down at the stalker* No thanks to you. Now, what’s up with those eyes of yours? *He picks the corpse up by the left arm and stands him up against another car in the lot.*
*Suddenly, the man’s right arm whips around and grabs DC by the back of his neck. His left elbow hits DC square in the chest.*
DC-Grr! *falls over backwards, but draws his sword.* Fine. You wanna play dirty? *uses the sword to hit the ground, then flips over it and lands standing up.* I’ll play dirty. *pulls the sword out of the ground and swings it at the man’s head.*
*The man somehow dodges the blade and punches DC in the face, hard.*
DC-*stumbling backwards.* No way. How couldn't he be that fa-*is suddenly confronted with a barrage of punches and kicks.*
*The man has become a tornado of rage as he repeatedly tries to knock DC out.*
DC-*sees an opportunity and swings his sword, severing the man’s right arm.* You brought that on yourself. *steps back and looks at the fatally wounded human.*
*The man howls in pain. He suddenly bolts down the street, leaving his arm on the ground.*
*DC forms a fireball and throws it after the lunatic. It hits him and he bursts into flames.*
DC-Gotcha. *watches the man fall to the ground and burn.* The police will clean that up in the morning along with his…*looks and sees the arm on the ground.* Nah. I’ll make it easier on them. *he picks up the arm and drops it on the burning corpse.* Maybe now I can go home and get some shut eye. I’ll tell the others about this tomorrow.
*With that, Demon Child takes off into the air and flies towards his house. He doesn’t worry about anyone seeing him, because, “Hey? What are they gonna do about it?”*
*Just as DC reaches his house, climbs in, and falls asleep watching TV on his couch, another Demon Knight walks into a 7-11 on a late night quest for munchies.*
Carnage-*walking into 7-11* Aw…man. I got the munchies. Bad!
*The Store Owner with an Indian accent notices Carnage.*
Store Owner-*reading newspaper behind counter.* Ah. If it isn’t that red monster who keeps stealing my beef jerky!
Carnage-*stops by counter and turns to look at owner.* Hey. Shut up! I told you to put it on my tab!
*Store Owner rolls up newspaper and smacks Carnage on the head with it.*
Carnage-Ow!
Store Owner-Your tab is $87 dollars and 47 cents, Red! Now, I’d stop you but I fear you’d cut me with those freaky claws of yours. *goes back to reading.*
Carnage-*moves away from counter to chip aisle* Eh…I’d kill ya, but then I’d have to clean it up.
Store Owner-Oh. That’s real funny. Ha ha. Tee hee. You’re splitting my sides.
Carnage-*moves to back of store to get Fritos* Ya. Whatever… *finds his chips* Yum…Fritos.
Store Owner-*hears chomping* You better not be eating my chips!
Carnage-I’m not! *grabs another handful* How could you accuse me of such a thing?
*Just as the store owner goes back to reading, the automatic doors slide open and a figure enters. The figure is wearing black rags. He’s 6’ foot tall, hat included. His black vest and pants are torn and ragged. He’s completely wrapped in a dark tape except for his eyes and hands, which are actually jagged black claws. The man’s feet are like his hands, uncovered and ending in claws. Carnage continues eating chips and doesn’t even notice him. He walks over to the counter.*
Man-*reaches into his vest and pulls out a 5 dollar bill. He slaps it on the counter.* Change…
Store Owner-*reading paper, not paying attention.* Sure. *opens cash register and reaches for the 5 dollar bill.* Singles or quarters?
*The man grabs the Store Owner’s wrist.*
Store Owner-Hey! *drops paper* What are you-
*The man in rags lifts the owner off his feet and flings him into a shelf of cigarettes behind the counter. He jumps over the counter and pins the owner to the ground. He proceeds to punch him over and over.*
Carnage-*turns around to see the owner’s not at the counter* (Hmm. Maybe he had to go to the bathroom.)
*The man in rags’ hand rips open, a tentacle comes out and pours red liquid down the store owner’s open mouth.*
Store Owner-*choking* H-h-help! *gurgle*
Carnage-*looks over to counter* Hey. Are you alright? *puts down chips and walks toward counter. He’s about 2 feet away from it when the man in rags jumps out from behind it and dives at Carnage.*
Carnage-*reacting fast* Whoa! *jumps to the side as the man misses and crashes into a display of candy bars.*
*The ragged man rises and his pupil less dark eyes stare at Carnage, who stares back at him with his huge, white eyes.*
Carnage-Who…or what are you? *turns claws into blades* Start talking…
Man-It’s none…of your concern, mortal. I have…no name. I am…a ragman. If you cooperate, I’ll make this…easier on you.
Carnage-I don’t know who you think you are, bud, but I’m giving you five seconds to scram before I tear you apart. 1…
*The ragman clenches his claws into fists.*
Carnage-2…
*The ragman’s eyes gleam with hatred.*
Carnage-3…
*Carnage begins to grow angry that the ragman hasn’t budged.*
Carnage-4…
*The ragman quickly looks to the left of Carnage, then back.*
Carnage-What were you looking at? *sees out of the corner of his eye as the store owner dives at him.*
Store Owner-*screaming* Flesh…Tear!! *Carnage knocks him to the floor.*
Carnage-*backs up and looks at the ragman whose vanished from where he was standing* What the? *looks up at ceiling in time to see the ragman jump toward him.*
Ragman-You’re mine! *his claws grow longer as he slashes at Carnage, who dives to the floor in time to see the owner crawling towards him.*
Carnage-Holy sh*t! *backs out the door of the 7-11 and into the parking lot where a police car sits, with an officer next to it.*
Officer-*pulls out gun* Freeze! *sees Carnage crawling on the ground.* I said freeze!
Carnage-I can’t freeze! *sees the ragman and the owner stand up and run towards him.*
Officer-Freeze!!! I said freeze!
Carnage-Go ahead and shoot! *jumps up and runs at police car.*
Officer-Aaaaaaah! *shoots 2 shots*
*The shots do no harm as Carnage jumps up on the roof of the police car and uses it to give him extra jump as he flies towards the roof of a residential home.*
Inside the home.
Old Man-*sitting in chair, hears racket outside* Durn fool kids! They have their music up again!
Old Woman-*sitting next to him, knitting.* Well, boys will be boys.
Old Man-The hell you say! *jumps out of chair and heads for front door, opens it and sticks his upper body outside. He shakes his fist.* You damn kids!
Carnage-*jumps down in front of the door.* Sorry bout your roof. *runs off*
Old Man-My roof? *runs outside and looks at claw marks on it.* Damn punk kids in Halloween costumes when it’s not Halloween!
*The officer across the street at the 7-11 is taken down by the ragman, who shoves the tentacle in his mouth. Soon, the store owner and officer stand beside the ragman, who is rather pissed that the red fool ran down the street.*
Ragman-No matter…now, my children, find more “volunteers” to join our ranks.
*The officer and store owner stare at the ragman with their rolled back, crimson eyes before they get in the police car and drive away.*
Ragman-Now…I’ll summon my brethren. We have no time to waste.
*The ragman walks down the streets and into the night.*
Chapter 2
The following day, the Demon Knights meet at Demon Child’s house, where he shares with them a frightening tale.
DC-…and this guy wouldn’t go down. Even after I chopped his arm off. I had to set him on fire before I was sure he was dead.
Garth-*sitting in arm chair* Whoa. Isn’t that a lil much, DC? Couldn’t you just have kicked his ass?
PC99-Hey. He could’ve hurt that woman. More power to ya, DC!
DC-I’m serious, my fellow Demon Knights. Something evil is brewing in this town.
Shawn-*sitting on couch* So what? Anytime evil comes to this town, we kick its ass and send it packing? So what’s the problem?
*The Demon Knights, except DC, laugh at the joke.*
DC-Listen to me! We should know by now the warning signs. I mean, the freaky eyes. The super-human strength. What else could it be!?
Tim-and-Carl-*playing solitaire* Could it be the Hybrids?
PC99-No. We killed their leader.
Garth-Correction. We just imprisoned him in a coin. According to Redsoldier, rest his soul; the head-hybrid became too powerful to be killed. We can thank Carnage for that.
Shawn-Speaking of which, where is that screwy symbiote?
*Demon Child hears a pounding on the front door.*
Garth-I got it. *he goes to unlock the door, but Carnage smashes through it* Yikes!
DC-Carnage! Why my door? I ask you!
Carnage-*out of breath* You guys aren’t gonna believe this…I saw a monster!
Demon Knights-…*cricket chirping*
Carnage-At 7-11!
Demon Knights-Ohhh…
Shawn-What is it this time, Carnage? A giant lizard?
Demon Knights-…
Shawn-Ok. So that wasn’t funny…
Carnage-It…was a…ragman!
PC99-Ragman?
DC-Explain yourself, Carnage.
Carnage-*walks over to couch and collapses on it.* He was completely covered in rags, with claws, and his eyes were black and had no pupils! He did something to the store owner at 7-11. He went crazy and tried to attack me. His eyes were all-
DC-…rolled in the back of his head and crimson…like blood.
Carnage-…how did you know that?
DC-I knew it. I f*ckin knew it. Something else has come to cause chaos around here. We’re probably the only ones who know about it.
Carnage-Well, actually, there was this old man and he-
TC-Guys! *turns up volume on television* You gotta see this!
*The Demon Knights huddle around the TV.*
Reporter-We are live here at the scene of what appears to be a 7-11 robbery. Detectives have found trashed display shelves and a small amount of blood. Foul play is suspected. Also, across town, a charred body has been found. It is being taken in for an autopsy, but from what little identification was found on the body, we’ve concluded the victim is a Mr. Robert Hollis.
*A picture of the man appears in the right hand corner of the screen. He wears a blue shirt and is seen holding a young boy.*
Reporter-Father of 5 year old, Tommy Hollis, and 7 year old, Diana Hollis, Robert Hollis was a beloved family man and respected employee at the local steel mill. We spoke with his family about his murder.
*A woman, whose face is red from crying, appears on the screen.*
Mrs. Hollis-I don’t know who would want to hurt my Robert. He was such a kind man. He’d never hurt anyone. Just last weekend he volunteered at a soup kitchen…*sob*
Reporter-There are no suspects in this murder as of yet, but account of-
*DC turns the television off.*
DC-It’s starting to make sense…
PC99-He was a family man. How could he attack?
DC-He must’ve gotten a visit from the ragman like Carnage says…
Tim-and-Carl-Hmm, then what’s to stop the ragman from infecting more innocent people with this corruption and driving them berserk?
Shawn-Nothing…absolutely nothing.
DC-Comon people. We’ve got some hunting to do.
Garth-Oh! It’s 4 am! I wanna go home and sleep.
PC99-Me too. I’m all for this, but I need a good night’s rest.
DC-Fine! Who else wants to sleep like a baby?
*Everyone raises their hand.*
DC-Sometimes I wonder why I just didn’t stay in hell…
Carnage-Weren’t you kicked out?
DC-If you said what I think you said…*pulls sword*
Carnage-Uh…why won’t you kick it out? Ya…er…I mean, sleep too. We can all go hunting in the morning.
Garth-Sounds good to me.
Tim-and-Carl-Me too.
Shawn-Same here.
DC-Fine! Go to your homes, but be alert. Just in case, I think I’ll call Sphere and give him the message to keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary.
PC99-Good. Let’s go.
*The Demon Knights leave their commander, Demon Child’s home to go to their own homes. They ready their weapons just in case. Demon Child walks over to a phone and dials the number for Sphere’s.*
Meanwhile…
*Outside town, the ground bursts open and jagged claws rip through the soil to escape. Soon, 5 ragmen look up into the night sky in silence, breathing the cold air for the first time in a long, long time. They then set off towards the city…*
Chapter 3
*The last Demon Knight to greet the new morning is Shawn. He awakes to the sound of gunfire.*
Shawn-*falling out of bed and running to the closet for his stuff* Whoa…that can’t be good.
*Just as he zips up his jeans and picks up his bag of explosives, rocks smash through his windows. He runs down the stairs to the first story and out the front door. What he sees next shocks him…*
Shawn-*eyes widen* Holy Moses…smell the roses…
*A mob of people with bats, knives, guns, and all sorts of weapons walks down the street. There are at least 500 people with the bizarre eyes. They turn towards Shawn and let out a warcry of screams and rants. They charge at the lone Demon Knight.*
Tim-and-Carl-Shawn! Over here! *he motions for him to get inside his house.*
*Shawn starts to run but is hit twice in the back of his right leg by something sharp. He collapses to the asphalt. He realizes one of the mad freaks shot him with a nailgun!*
Shawn-*getting scared* Holy sh*t! Help! *He turns and sees the mob coming closer.*
*Suddenly, Shawn feels himself being pulled to his feet by PC99. She puts his arm around her neck and helps him walk on his one leg. DC and Carnage hold back the crowd by knocking the ones in front into the ones in back. The four of them finally rush inside TC’s house. DC begins nailing boards over the front door. The windows on the first floor are already boarded. Garth finishes the windows on the second floor.*
PC99-*setting Shawn gently on the couch.* Well, looks like nearly the whole town is infected. How could it happen so fast over just one night?
DC-I told you we shouldn’t of slept. Well, there’s no use arguing over it. We have enough problems anyway.
Shawn-*looking at the nails in his leg* Tell me about it! What are we gonna do?
DC-We’ll hold our ground, they’re just people.
*The boards start to shake on the front door.*
PC99-Whoa…
TC-Don’t worry guys. I’ve prepared for such an emergency as this. *he walks over to his basement door and runs down the stairs.*
DC-How could you prepare for something like this, Tim?! *he hears a sound he recognizes right away. A chainsaw starts to cut through the boards. Mad laughter is heard from behind the door.* Carnage!
Carnage-I’m on it. *comes out of the kitchen carrying a fridge. A puts it in front of the door. DC slides it into place so it acts like an extra barricade.*
DC-That should hold them for a little longer.
TC-*emerging from the basement with a box.* Here we go. *pulls out a small metallic cube.* Watch this. *he presses a hidden button on the side. The cube buzzes, then stops.*
DC-…that’s it?
TC-Uh…*smacks the cube. A spike comes out of the top and opens into 4 spikes. The center begins to glow.* Stand aside. *TC walks over to just behind the fridge and sets the cube down. 4 rays of light emerge from the cube and combine.* This light should form a wall that will act as a force field.
DC-What do you mean should?
TC-Well, I haven’t tested it yet.
Shawn-*on the couch* Why am I not surprised?
TC-Hey, you don’t have to be a d*ck, Shawn!
Shawn-Look at my leg, Tim! It’s got nails in it!
Garth-You crybaby! *pulls out a hammer and rips out one of the screws.*
Shawn-OW! Damnit Garth!
PC99-*smacks Garth in the back of the head* You ghetto idiot!
Garth-What!?
Shawn-If I bleed to death, I’m kicking your ass, Garth!
Garth-Wow. I’m shaking.
DC-Stfu Garth!
Carnage-What do we do now, DC?
DC-We have to find a way to get help…Sphere!
TC-Ya. He’s still got that armored car. Call him!
DC-*picks up phone to dial, then hangs it up.* It’s dead!
TC-They must’ve gotten to my generator outside!
Garth-Don’t you have one inside this house, TC?!
TC-Why would I need one inside?
Shawn-*smacks forehead* This isn’t good. Hey! Can I get some first aid or something? Please?
PC99-I’ll get some gauze for your leg, Shawn. *heads towards stairs* It’s upstairs somewhere, right Tim?
TC-*sigh* Yes, PC.*looks at DC* If they cut the power to the phones, then they got the electricity too…
Carnage-*tries to turn on television.* Yep…
TC-If we have to stay here till night, we’ll have no light, except candles.
DC-Ya. *listens to people outside still attempting to get in.* We’ll have to set a night watch…not it.
Shawn, Garth, TC-Not it.
Carnage-Damn.
TC-Wait. What about PC?
DC-She can help Shawn. I have no idea how to apply first aid to humans. I’m more skilled at killing them than healing them.
*Just then, the group hears the screeching of car breaks, then gunfire outside the house.*
Shawn-What the hell is that?
Carnage-*turns claws into spiked hammers* DC…
DC-I know. PC99!
PC99-*coming down the stairs* I got the gauze. What’s going on out-
*The front door bursts open, sending the fridge flying towards the couch. It shatters the force field with little effort.*
Shawn-*holds up hands* Oh sh*t! *he knows he’s about to be crushed, but then he feels the slimy touch of Carnage lift him off the couch*
Carnage-I gotcha. *leaps off the couch* Hang on. *wall kicks off the wall and lands in front of the open door, where he lefts Shawn down and lets him stand on one leg by holding him up.*
*DC holds his sword. PC99 charges her staff she’s just pulled off her back. TC holds his homemade flamethrower he’d just pulled out the box. Garth aims his dual hand guns at the door. Carnage holds Shawn up. The Demon Knights stare at the front door as the dust clears.*
Sphere-*walks through the door holding a shotgun* Whoa! Don’t shoot!
DC-Sphere? How the hell?
Sphere-There’s no time! Comon! My partner can’t hold them off for long!
*The Demon Knights scamper out of the house.*
Shawn-My explosives!
Carnage-*lifts Shawn up in two hands.* Forget it! You can always make more bombs.
*Sphere leads them to his armored car. DC cuts through the mob as Garth and PC99 help. They reach the car.*
Sphere-Get in! Get in! *looks around.* Saffron! Let’s go!
DC-*opening back doors* Saffron?
*Suddenly, a girl dressed all in black with a black leather coat appears from behind a group of deranged madmen. She cuts through the crowd with a stream of gunfire from an AK-47. She reaches the armored car and jumps in, slamming the doors behind her.*
Saffron-Let’s go. Let’s go.
Sphere-*switches into drive* Right. Hang on to something!
*The armored car takes off down the street. PC99 looks out the back window and sees the corrupted mob try to chase them.*
PC99-This is terrible.
DC-*from the front seat.* I know. Shawn, how are you holding up?
Shawn-I can last awhile longer.
Carnage-He’s bleeding a lot, DC.
PC99-I got the gauze. We have to pull that out nail out.
Garth-I’ll do it.
Shawn-No!
Carnage-Here. *shoves a napkin from the floor into Shawn’s mouth.* Bite down! *he pulls the nail out in a second.*
Shaw-*muffled* F*ck!
PC99-Take it easy, Shawn. You’ll make it. *wraps his leg in gauze.
DC-*looks out front window* Sphere…
Sphere-I know.
*Another group of at least 50 infected civilians are in the street. They’re just as crazy as the ones they just outran.*
Sphere-Hang on.
PC99-Oh no! You can’t possibly…
Saffron-Look, it’s us or them. Hang on!
*Sphere drives right through the mad crowd. Blood splatters on the windshield. He turns on the windshield wipers.*
PC99-OMG! I’m gonna be sick.
Shawn-My leg! *cries in pain.* Aaah gaaah!
Saffron-*looks at wound* Hold on. I know a secret trick to fix that. *puts hand on his leg*
*Suddenly, a flash of light emits from her hand. She removes the bandage. Except for the blood, the 2 puncture wounds are gone.*
Shawn-What in the!? How’d you do that?
Saffron-If I told you, it wouldn’t be a secret.
Garth-I know what it is. Some kind of holy magic, right?
Saffron-Pretty much.
Sphere-Saffron’s my girlfriend. She can use that holy stuff to heal most any wounds.
DC-She’d make the perfect medic.
Saffron-Don’t get too ahead of yourself, Demon Child, I know how to use a gun, after all.
DC-I’ve seen.
PC99-Thanks for saving us, Sphere. Are we heading back to your house?
Sphere-I’m afraid not. I was attacked this morning. They pretty much tore the place up. They’ll probably do the same to DC’s house.
DC-The bastards!
Sphere-Tell me about it, I managed to get out with most of my ammunition, but that’s about it. I couldn’t get any of the tools or anything.
Carnage-So, where are we going now?
TC-Sphere, could we go to someone else’s house?
Sphere-I don’t know that many people, TC. I’m stumped.
Shawn-Hey. We could go to my aunt and uncle’s house.
Garth-Your aunt and uncle’s house? Please. Give me a break.
DC-*turning around* You got any better ideas, Garth? Shawn. Come up here and show us the way.
Shawn-It’s pretty far away, but it’d probably take about 3 hours, but we’ll be there before night.
DC-Sound good?
*The Demon Knights agree.*
DC-Ok. We have a destination. Everyone, be alert. Those maniacs far back there could try to follow us…
TC-Not likely. I predict they’ll most likely start a base. You know. They’ll infect any visitors from out of town.
PC99-Oh no.
DC-Damnit. He’s right. Let’s not worry about it. When we get to Shawn’s relatives, we’ll think of something.
Saffron-Nice.
Back in the Demon Knights’ town, the deranged crowd gathers at a football field to receive orders from 12 ragmen.
Ragman-*approaches a podium* You have done very well, minions. My brethren and I are very pleased.
*The deranged crowd rants in appreciation.*
Ragman-However…*picks up podium and throws it into the crowd, hitting two guys.* YOU LET THOSE DAMNED DEMON KNIGHTS ESCAPE!!!
*The crowd shows fear at the ragman’s anger.*
Ragman-Our Master is not at all pleased! You brainless baboons!
*The other 11 ragman show indifference to the 12th ragman’s rage.*
Ragman-Despite your failure, we have rid ourselves of the Demon Knights. We can now proceed to the next phase of the plan…
*The audience of the damned stands at attention as the ragman reveals the true mission.*
CRIMSON DEATH
Part 1-Dark Genesis
Chapter 1
The great desert, a desolate place…
Just sand, dust, and bones litter this lifeless land. A rumbling begins. All this time it was thought to be dead, but now it’s returned. The sky grows dark; the sun vanishes without a trace as black clouds choke the very heavens. The army of the damned arises once again and marches onward to strangle the world of life. It’s back. It’s reborn. All who stand before it fall and all who try to escape are consumed like the rest. It’s come to devour all life and bring eternal darkness to the world…
*Demon Child shakes his head as he stirs from his daydream.*
Demon Child-Hmm…the cold must’ve gotten to my head for a second. What a bizarre dream.
3 months have passed since the Demon Knights fought the Hybrids…
*DC sits on a rooftop overlooking the street. On nights like this when he can’t seem to sleep, he likes to patrol the town.*
DC-Gotta stay focused. I’m sure there must be some kind of trouble tonight. *leaps to another roof with ease* If I know this city, and I know I do, trouble will come. *looks around* Bingo…
*DC sees a man in a red shirt and blue jeans following a woman who has just left a video store and heads towards a parking lot.*
DC-*looking at the stalker* You better not be up to what I think you’re up to…*he sees the woman reach her car and stop to get the keys out of her purse. The stalker starts running towards her.* Time for a wakeup call, dirt bag.
*DC leaps from a roof and hits the sidewalk in time to see the stalker run up behind the woman and punch her in the back of the head, sending her face into the car door.*
Woman-Help! He-*another punch*
DC-*leaps into the air and dives at the man* Back off, you piece of trash! *grabs the guy by the waist and slams him to the ground in an aerial slam.*
*DC lifts the stalker by his throat and slams him to a patch of grass behind the parking lot.*
DC-Humans like you make me sick. *picks the guy up by his hair.* You don’t deserve to live in a jail cell. I’m gonna…what the hell?
*DC looks at the man’s eyes. They’re rolled into the back of his skull, but the eyes that would be white are covered in blood. DC drops him back to the ground, where he lies motionless.*
DC-Whoa. I couldn’t of hit him that hard. Are you okay ma-
Woman-*comes to* Aaaaaaaah! A monster! *she scrambles to get her keys and get in the car* What did I do to deserve this!? *she drives off as fast as she can.*
DC-Well, that’s expected. At least she can go home tonight. *looks down at the stalker* No thanks to you. Now, what’s up with those eyes of yours? *He picks the corpse up by the left arm and stands him up against another car in the lot.*
*Suddenly, the man’s right arm whips around and grabs DC by the back of his neck. His left elbow hits DC square in the chest.*
DC-Grr! *falls over backwards, but draws his sword.* Fine. You wanna play dirty? *uses the sword to hit the ground, then flips over it and lands standing up.* I’ll play dirty. *pulls the sword out of the ground and swings it at the man’s head.*
*The man somehow dodges the blade and punches DC in the face, hard.*
DC-*stumbling backwards.* No way. How couldn't he be that fa-*is suddenly confronted with a barrage of punches and kicks.*
*The man has become a tornado of rage as he repeatedly tries to knock DC out.*
DC-*sees an opportunity and swings his sword, severing the man’s right arm.* You brought that on yourself. *steps back and looks at the fatally wounded human.*
*The man howls in pain. He suddenly bolts down the street, leaving his arm on the ground.*
*DC forms a fireball and throws it after the lunatic. It hits him and he bursts into flames.*
DC-Gotcha. *watches the man fall to the ground and burn.* The police will clean that up in the morning along with his…*looks and sees the arm on the ground.* Nah. I’ll make it easier on them. *he picks up the arm and drops it on the burning corpse.* Maybe now I can go home and get some shut eye. I’ll tell the others about this tomorrow.
*With that, Demon Child takes off into the air and flies towards his house. He doesn’t worry about anyone seeing him, because, “Hey? What are they gonna do about it?”*
*Just as DC reaches his house, climbs in, and falls asleep watching TV on his couch, another Demon Knight walks into a 7-11 on a late night quest for munchies.*
Carnage-*walking into 7-11* Aw…man. I got the munchies. Bad!
*The Store Owner with an Indian accent notices Carnage.*
Store Owner-*reading newspaper behind counter.* Ah. If it isn’t that red monster who keeps stealing my beef jerky!
Carnage-*stops by counter and turns to look at owner.* Hey. Shut up! I told you to put it on my tab!
*Store Owner rolls up newspaper and smacks Carnage on the head with it.*
Carnage-Ow!
Store Owner-Your tab is $87 dollars and 47 cents, Red! Now, I’d stop you but I fear you’d cut me with those freaky claws of yours. *goes back to reading.*
Carnage-*moves away from counter to chip aisle* Eh…I’d kill ya, but then I’d have to clean it up.
Store Owner-Oh. That’s real funny. Ha ha. Tee hee. You’re splitting my sides.
Carnage-*moves to back of store to get Fritos* Ya. Whatever… *finds his chips* Yum…Fritos.
Store Owner-*hears chomping* You better not be eating my chips!
Carnage-I’m not! *grabs another handful* How could you accuse me of such a thing?
*Just as the store owner goes back to reading, the automatic doors slide open and a figure enters. The figure is wearing black rags. He’s 6’ foot tall, hat included. His black vest and pants are torn and ragged. He’s completely wrapped in a dark tape except for his eyes and hands, which are actually jagged black claws. The man’s feet are like his hands, uncovered and ending in claws. Carnage continues eating chips and doesn’t even notice him. He walks over to the counter.*
Man-*reaches into his vest and pulls out a 5 dollar bill. He slaps it on the counter.* Change…
Store Owner-*reading paper, not paying attention.* Sure. *opens cash register and reaches for the 5 dollar bill.* Singles or quarters?
*The man grabs the Store Owner’s wrist.*
Store Owner-Hey! *drops paper* What are you-
*The man in rags lifts the owner off his feet and flings him into a shelf of cigarettes behind the counter. He jumps over the counter and pins the owner to the ground. He proceeds to punch him over and over.*
Carnage-*turns around to see the owner’s not at the counter* (Hmm. Maybe he had to go to the bathroom.)
*The man in rags’ hand rips open, a tentacle comes out and pours red liquid down the store owner’s open mouth.*
Store Owner-*choking* H-h-help! *gurgle*
Carnage-*looks over to counter* Hey. Are you alright? *puts down chips and walks toward counter. He’s about 2 feet away from it when the man in rags jumps out from behind it and dives at Carnage.*
Carnage-*reacting fast* Whoa! *jumps to the side as the man misses and crashes into a display of candy bars.*
*The ragged man rises and his pupil less dark eyes stare at Carnage, who stares back at him with his huge, white eyes.*
Carnage-Who…or what are you? *turns claws into blades* Start talking…
Man-It’s none…of your concern, mortal. I have…no name. I am…a ragman. If you cooperate, I’ll make this…easier on you.
Carnage-I don’t know who you think you are, bud, but I’m giving you five seconds to scram before I tear you apart. 1…
*The ragman clenches his claws into fists.*
Carnage-2…
*The ragman’s eyes gleam with hatred.*
Carnage-3…
*Carnage begins to grow angry that the ragman hasn’t budged.*
Carnage-4…
*The ragman quickly looks to the left of Carnage, then back.*
Carnage-What were you looking at? *sees out of the corner of his eye as the store owner dives at him.*
Store Owner-*screaming* Flesh…Tear!! *Carnage knocks him to the floor.*
Carnage-*backs up and looks at the ragman whose vanished from where he was standing* What the? *looks up at ceiling in time to see the ragman jump toward him.*
Ragman-You’re mine! *his claws grow longer as he slashes at Carnage, who dives to the floor in time to see the owner crawling towards him.*
Carnage-Holy sh*t! *backs out the door of the 7-11 and into the parking lot where a police car sits, with an officer next to it.*
Officer-*pulls out gun* Freeze! *sees Carnage crawling on the ground.* I said freeze!
Carnage-I can’t freeze! *sees the ragman and the owner stand up and run towards him.*
Officer-Freeze!!! I said freeze!
Carnage-Go ahead and shoot! *jumps up and runs at police car.*
Officer-Aaaaaaah! *shoots 2 shots*
*The shots do no harm as Carnage jumps up on the roof of the police car and uses it to give him extra jump as he flies towards the roof of a residential home.*
Inside the home.
Old Man-*sitting in chair, hears racket outside* Durn fool kids! They have their music up again!
Old Woman-*sitting next to him, knitting.* Well, boys will be boys.
Old Man-The hell you say! *jumps out of chair and heads for front door, opens it and sticks his upper body outside. He shakes his fist.* You damn kids!
Carnage-*jumps down in front of the door.* Sorry bout your roof. *runs off*
Old Man-My roof? *runs outside and looks at claw marks on it.* Damn punk kids in Halloween costumes when it’s not Halloween!
*The officer across the street at the 7-11 is taken down by the ragman, who shoves the tentacle in his mouth. Soon, the store owner and officer stand beside the ragman, who is rather pissed that the red fool ran down the street.*
Ragman-No matter…now, my children, find more “volunteers” to join our ranks.
*The officer and store owner stare at the ragman with their rolled back, crimson eyes before they get in the police car and drive away.*
Ragman-Now…I’ll summon my brethren. We have no time to waste.
*The ragman walks down the streets and into the night.*
Chapter 2
The following day, the Demon Knights meet at Demon Child’s house, where he shares with them a frightening tale.
DC-…and this guy wouldn’t go down. Even after I chopped his arm off. I had to set him on fire before I was sure he was dead.
Garth-*sitting in arm chair* Whoa. Isn’t that a lil much, DC? Couldn’t you just have kicked his ass?
PC99-Hey. He could’ve hurt that woman. More power to ya, DC!
DC-I’m serious, my fellow Demon Knights. Something evil is brewing in this town.
Shawn-*sitting on couch* So what? Anytime evil comes to this town, we kick its ass and send it packing? So what’s the problem?
*The Demon Knights, except DC, laugh at the joke.*
DC-Listen to me! We should know by now the warning signs. I mean, the freaky eyes. The super-human strength. What else could it be!?
Tim-and-Carl-*playing solitaire* Could it be the Hybrids?
PC99-No. We killed their leader.
Garth-Correction. We just imprisoned him in a coin. According to Redsoldier, rest his soul; the head-hybrid became too powerful to be killed. We can thank Carnage for that.
Shawn-Speaking of which, where is that screwy symbiote?
*Demon Child hears a pounding on the front door.*
Garth-I got it. *he goes to unlock the door, but Carnage smashes through it* Yikes!
DC-Carnage! Why my door? I ask you!
Carnage-*out of breath* You guys aren’t gonna believe this…I saw a monster!
Demon Knights-…*cricket chirping*
Carnage-At 7-11!
Demon Knights-Ohhh…
Shawn-What is it this time, Carnage? A giant lizard?
Demon Knights-…
Shawn-Ok. So that wasn’t funny…
Carnage-It…was a…ragman!
PC99-Ragman?
DC-Explain yourself, Carnage.
Carnage-*walks over to couch and collapses on it.* He was completely covered in rags, with claws, and his eyes were black and had no pupils! He did something to the store owner at 7-11. He went crazy and tried to attack me. His eyes were all-
DC-…rolled in the back of his head and crimson…like blood.
Carnage-…how did you know that?
DC-I knew it. I f*ckin knew it. Something else has come to cause chaos around here. We’re probably the only ones who know about it.
Carnage-Well, actually, there was this old man and he-
TC-Guys! *turns up volume on television* You gotta see this!
*The Demon Knights huddle around the TV.*
Reporter-We are live here at the scene of what appears to be a 7-11 robbery. Detectives have found trashed display shelves and a small amount of blood. Foul play is suspected. Also, across town, a charred body has been found. It is being taken in for an autopsy, but from what little identification was found on the body, we’ve concluded the victim is a Mr. Robert Hollis.
*A picture of the man appears in the right hand corner of the screen. He wears a blue shirt and is seen holding a young boy.*
Reporter-Father of 5 year old, Tommy Hollis, and 7 year old, Diana Hollis, Robert Hollis was a beloved family man and respected employee at the local steel mill. We spoke with his family about his murder.
*A woman, whose face is red from crying, appears on the screen.*
Mrs. Hollis-I don’t know who would want to hurt my Robert. He was such a kind man. He’d never hurt anyone. Just last weekend he volunteered at a soup kitchen…*sob*
Reporter-There are no suspects in this murder as of yet, but account of-
*DC turns the television off.*
DC-It’s starting to make sense…
PC99-He was a family man. How could he attack?
DC-He must’ve gotten a visit from the ragman like Carnage says…
Tim-and-Carl-Hmm, then what’s to stop the ragman from infecting more innocent people with this corruption and driving them berserk?
Shawn-Nothing…absolutely nothing.
DC-Comon people. We’ve got some hunting to do.
Garth-Oh! It’s 4 am! I wanna go home and sleep.
PC99-Me too. I’m all for this, but I need a good night’s rest.
DC-Fine! Who else wants to sleep like a baby?
*Everyone raises their hand.*
DC-Sometimes I wonder why I just didn’t stay in hell…
Carnage-Weren’t you kicked out?
DC-If you said what I think you said…*pulls sword*
Carnage-Uh…why won’t you kick it out? Ya…er…I mean, sleep too. We can all go hunting in the morning.
Garth-Sounds good to me.
Tim-and-Carl-Me too.
Shawn-Same here.
DC-Fine! Go to your homes, but be alert. Just in case, I think I’ll call Sphere and give him the message to keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary.
PC99-Good. Let’s go.
*The Demon Knights leave their commander, Demon Child’s home to go to their own homes. They ready their weapons just in case. Demon Child walks over to a phone and dials the number for Sphere’s.*
Meanwhile…
*Outside town, the ground bursts open and jagged claws rip through the soil to escape. Soon, 5 ragmen look up into the night sky in silence, breathing the cold air for the first time in a long, long time. They then set off towards the city…*
Chapter 3
*The last Demon Knight to greet the new morning is Shawn. He awakes to the sound of gunfire.*
Shawn-*falling out of bed and running to the closet for his stuff* Whoa…that can’t be good.
*Just as he zips up his jeans and picks up his bag of explosives, rocks smash through his windows. He runs down the stairs to the first story and out the front door. What he sees next shocks him…*
Shawn-*eyes widen* Holy Moses…smell the roses…
*A mob of people with bats, knives, guns, and all sorts of weapons walks down the street. There are at least 500 people with the bizarre eyes. They turn towards Shawn and let out a warcry of screams and rants. They charge at the lone Demon Knight.*
Tim-and-Carl-Shawn! Over here! *he motions for him to get inside his house.*
*Shawn starts to run but is hit twice in the back of his right leg by something sharp. He collapses to the asphalt. He realizes one of the mad freaks shot him with a nailgun!*
Shawn-*getting scared* Holy sh*t! Help! *He turns and sees the mob coming closer.*
*Suddenly, Shawn feels himself being pulled to his feet by PC99. She puts his arm around her neck and helps him walk on his one leg. DC and Carnage hold back the crowd by knocking the ones in front into the ones in back. The four of them finally rush inside TC’s house. DC begins nailing boards over the front door. The windows on the first floor are already boarded. Garth finishes the windows on the second floor.*
PC99-*setting Shawn gently on the couch.* Well, looks like nearly the whole town is infected. How could it happen so fast over just one night?
DC-I told you we shouldn’t of slept. Well, there’s no use arguing over it. We have enough problems anyway.
Shawn-*looking at the nails in his leg* Tell me about it! What are we gonna do?
DC-We’ll hold our ground, they’re just people.
*The boards start to shake on the front door.*
PC99-Whoa…
TC-Don’t worry guys. I’ve prepared for such an emergency as this. *he walks over to his basement door and runs down the stairs.*
DC-How could you prepare for something like this, Tim?! *he hears a sound he recognizes right away. A chainsaw starts to cut through the boards. Mad laughter is heard from behind the door.* Carnage!
Carnage-I’m on it. *comes out of the kitchen carrying a fridge. A puts it in front of the door. DC slides it into place so it acts like an extra barricade.*
DC-That should hold them for a little longer.
TC-*emerging from the basement with a box.* Here we go. *pulls out a small metallic cube.* Watch this. *he presses a hidden button on the side. The cube buzzes, then stops.*
DC-…that’s it?
TC-Uh…*smacks the cube. A spike comes out of the top and opens into 4 spikes. The center begins to glow.* Stand aside. *TC walks over to just behind the fridge and sets the cube down. 4 rays of light emerge from the cube and combine.* This light should form a wall that will act as a force field.
DC-What do you mean should?
TC-Well, I haven’t tested it yet.
Shawn-*on the couch* Why am I not surprised?
TC-Hey, you don’t have to be a d*ck, Shawn!
Shawn-Look at my leg, Tim! It’s got nails in it!
Garth-You crybaby! *pulls out a hammer and rips out one of the screws.*
Shawn-OW! Damnit Garth!
PC99-*smacks Garth in the back of the head* You ghetto idiot!
Garth-What!?
Shawn-If I bleed to death, I’m kicking your ass, Garth!
Garth-Wow. I’m shaking.
DC-Stfu Garth!
Carnage-What do we do now, DC?
DC-We have to find a way to get help…Sphere!
TC-Ya. He’s still got that armored car. Call him!
DC-*picks up phone to dial, then hangs it up.* It’s dead!
TC-They must’ve gotten to my generator outside!
Garth-Don’t you have one inside this house, TC?!
TC-Why would I need one inside?
Shawn-*smacks forehead* This isn’t good. Hey! Can I get some first aid or something? Please?
PC99-I’ll get some gauze for your leg, Shawn. *heads towards stairs* It’s upstairs somewhere, right Tim?
TC-*sigh* Yes, PC.*looks at DC* If they cut the power to the phones, then they got the electricity too…
Carnage-*tries to turn on television.* Yep…
TC-If we have to stay here till night, we’ll have no light, except candles.
DC-Ya. *listens to people outside still attempting to get in.* We’ll have to set a night watch…not it.
Shawn, Garth, TC-Not it.
Carnage-Damn.
TC-Wait. What about PC?
DC-She can help Shawn. I have no idea how to apply first aid to humans. I’m more skilled at killing them than healing them.
*Just then, the group hears the screeching of car breaks, then gunfire outside the house.*
Shawn-What the hell is that?
Carnage-*turns claws into spiked hammers* DC…
DC-I know. PC99!
PC99-*coming down the stairs* I got the gauze. What’s going on out-
*The front door bursts open, sending the fridge flying towards the couch. It shatters the force field with little effort.*
Shawn-*holds up hands* Oh sh*t! *he knows he’s about to be crushed, but then he feels the slimy touch of Carnage lift him off the couch*
Carnage-I gotcha. *leaps off the couch* Hang on. *wall kicks off the wall and lands in front of the open door, where he lefts Shawn down and lets him stand on one leg by holding him up.*
*DC holds his sword. PC99 charges her staff she’s just pulled off her back. TC holds his homemade flamethrower he’d just pulled out the box. Garth aims his dual hand guns at the door. Carnage holds Shawn up. The Demon Knights stare at the front door as the dust clears.*
Sphere-*walks through the door holding a shotgun* Whoa! Don’t shoot!
DC-Sphere? How the hell?
Sphere-There’s no time! Comon! My partner can’t hold them off for long!
*The Demon Knights scamper out of the house.*
Shawn-My explosives!
Carnage-*lifts Shawn up in two hands.* Forget it! You can always make more bombs.
*Sphere leads them to his armored car. DC cuts through the mob as Garth and PC99 help. They reach the car.*
Sphere-Get in! Get in! *looks around.* Saffron! Let’s go!
DC-*opening back doors* Saffron?
*Suddenly, a girl dressed all in black with a black leather coat appears from behind a group of deranged madmen. She cuts through the crowd with a stream of gunfire from an AK-47. She reaches the armored car and jumps in, slamming the doors behind her.*
Saffron-Let’s go. Let’s go.
Sphere-*switches into drive* Right. Hang on to something!
*The armored car takes off down the street. PC99 looks out the back window and sees the corrupted mob try to chase them.*
PC99-This is terrible.
DC-*from the front seat.* I know. Shawn, how are you holding up?
Shawn-I can last awhile longer.
Carnage-He’s bleeding a lot, DC.
PC99-I got the gauze. We have to pull that out nail out.
Garth-I’ll do it.
Shawn-No!
Carnage-Here. *shoves a napkin from the floor into Shawn’s mouth.* Bite down! *he pulls the nail out in a second.*
Shaw-*muffled* F*ck!
PC99-Take it easy, Shawn. You’ll make it. *wraps his leg in gauze.
DC-*looks out front window* Sphere…
Sphere-I know.
*Another group of at least 50 infected civilians are in the street. They’re just as crazy as the ones they just outran.*
Sphere-Hang on.
PC99-Oh no! You can’t possibly…
Saffron-Look, it’s us or them. Hang on!
*Sphere drives right through the mad crowd. Blood splatters on the windshield. He turns on the windshield wipers.*
PC99-OMG! I’m gonna be sick.
Shawn-My leg! *cries in pain.* Aaah gaaah!
Saffron-*looks at wound* Hold on. I know a secret trick to fix that. *puts hand on his leg*
*Suddenly, a flash of light emits from her hand. She removes the bandage. Except for the blood, the 2 puncture wounds are gone.*
Shawn-What in the!? How’d you do that?
Saffron-If I told you, it wouldn’t be a secret.
Garth-I know what it is. Some kind of holy magic, right?
Saffron-Pretty much.
Sphere-Saffron’s my girlfriend. She can use that holy stuff to heal most any wounds.
DC-She’d make the perfect medic.
Saffron-Don’t get too ahead of yourself, Demon Child, I know how to use a gun, after all.
DC-I’ve seen.
PC99-Thanks for saving us, Sphere. Are we heading back to your house?
Sphere-I’m afraid not. I was attacked this morning. They pretty much tore the place up. They’ll probably do the same to DC’s house.
DC-The bastards!
Sphere-Tell me about it, I managed to get out with most of my ammunition, but that’s about it. I couldn’t get any of the tools or anything.
Carnage-So, where are we going now?
TC-Sphere, could we go to someone else’s house?
Sphere-I don’t know that many people, TC. I’m stumped.
Shawn-Hey. We could go to my aunt and uncle’s house.
Garth-Your aunt and uncle’s house? Please. Give me a break.
DC-*turning around* You got any better ideas, Garth? Shawn. Come up here and show us the way.
Shawn-It’s pretty far away, but it’d probably take about 3 hours, but we’ll be there before night.
DC-Sound good?
*The Demon Knights agree.*
DC-Ok. We have a destination. Everyone, be alert. Those maniacs far back there could try to follow us…
TC-Not likely. I predict they’ll most likely start a base. You know. They’ll infect any visitors from out of town.
PC99-Oh no.
DC-Damnit. He’s right. Let’s not worry about it. When we get to Shawn’s relatives, we’ll think of something.
Saffron-Nice.
Back in the Demon Knights’ town, the deranged crowd gathers at a football field to receive orders from 12 ragmen.
Ragman-*approaches a podium* You have done very well, minions. My brethren and I are very pleased.
*The deranged crowd rants in appreciation.*
Ragman-However…*picks up podium and throws it into the crowd, hitting two guys.* YOU LET THOSE DAMNED DEMON KNIGHTS ESCAPE!!!
*The crowd shows fear at the ragman’s anger.*
Ragman-Our Master is not at all pleased! You brainless baboons!
*The other 11 ragman show indifference to the 12th ragman’s rage.*
Ragman-Despite your failure, we have rid ourselves of the Demon Knights. We can now proceed to the next phase of the plan…
*The audience of the damned stands at attention as the ragman reveals the true mission.*