Demon_Child
02-21-2004, 8:11 PM
This is probably my favorite out of all the Demon Knight stories. Even though the story in't as long as "Deranged Evolution," or "Crimson Death" it is still one of the best storied Carnage has written. I should have the rest of Carnage's stories posted as well as the first few chapters of my own Demon Knight story sometime next weekend. :)
Return to Oblivion
Prologue
A long, long time ago, before time was known as time, a war took place between the high heavens and the burning hells. The bulk of the battle was fought between the angels of the Light and the angels of the Darkness. The angels of the Darkness would later be known as demons after being cast down into the fires of Hell. In this war, flights of angels fought to the death, but two angels stood out among the legions. A powerful angel, Ozikial, and his young brother, Michael, were these two. Ozikial and Michael had decided to fight in the name of Satan. Ozikial, charged with unholy energy, fought with a savageness not even seen among demons. He would kill the wounded and exhausted as well as the powerful without mercy or remorse. Needless to say, he made Satan very proud. Michael, being younger and less experienced, fought only when he was in danger.
Finally, after an unknown amount of time, the war between Heaven and Hell ended. Satan lost the war. His followers and him were cast into the burning hells. Satan still held Ozikial and Michael in high favor. Ozikial, deciding to denounce his angelic name, changed his name to Neron, which in the demon tongue meant "nightmare". His young brother, deciding to do the same, chose the name Demon Child. They learned to call Hell their new home in time.
However, after many years, Neron grew restless. He yearned for battle and the screams of dying enemies. This restlessness soon took its toll. After a long period of time, Neron made a decision. He began to train and fight other demons. For a long time, this satisfied his hunger for battle, but it didn’t last forever. Neron had achieved a new level of power unlike any other demon. He realized just how powerful he had become. His mind began to formulate a plan. When the time was right, he went to Satan and demanded that his plan be put into action. What he presented to Satan was a battle plan against Heaven. Satan denied Neron’s plan, and began to question his sanity. Infuriated by this denial, Neron howled his rage throughout Hell. He began to show his true power and as it turned out, this power far exceeded Satan’s. Demon Child confronted his brother and tried to get him to listen to reason, but Neron refused. When Demon Child tried to stop him physically, Neron stabbed him repeatedly with his unholy sword, leaving him with grievous wounds. Demon Child could only watch on in sorrow and pain as his only brother burst through the gates of Hell and charged at Heaven.
Neron’s surprise attack killed twenty angels, but the archangels stopped him. They managed to stun him and send him spiraling back to Hell. When Neron returned, Satan was furious. He ordered Neron chained in the deepest and darkest pit of Hell. Neron didn’t beg for forgiveness, but instead tried to slay Satan with a powerful blast of demonic energy. Satan survived and dealt his own attack, knocking Neron into a coma. Satan proclaimed that Neron would be exterminated. Demon Child pleaded with Satan to spare his brother’s life, but Satan refused. When Demon Child tried to release his brother, Satan had him cast out of Hell and sent to the only other place in the universe that would take him…Earth.
Neron was supposed to be killed, but no demon or Satan himself could destroy the incredibly powerful being. Satan decided that they’d have to go with the original plan, but what kind of chains could hold such an engine of pure energy? Satan required the most powerful form of magic along with the most powerful metal of Hell. So Satan called a meeting of all the demons in Hell. Each demon gave of a portion of his unholy blood to be deposited in a giant cauldron. When the cauldron was filled, Satan contributed a portion of his power to charge the vile liquid with enough energy to make it potent. When this was finished, he had the liquid poured into a cast. A demon skull shaped key was formed, enchanted with enough energy to keep Neron from breaking his chains once it was used to lock them. Pleased with his work, Satan picked the perfect candidate to guard the key and see to it that Neron’s chains would never be removed. He sent the key to Earth with a message for its new owner.
Demon Child took the key into his possession. He vowed to guard it for as long as he lived. He hid it in a place no other being would ever find it. Thus, Demon Child became the Guardian of Neron, his unfortunate brother…
As Satan wanted, Neron was chained in the deepest, darkest pit. His arms and legs bound, and the magic to keep him in line. Soon, he came out of his coma and realized where he was. After many years, he began to brood in the darkness. He began to delve deep into the core of his being and extract even more energy from within. He grew to levels of power so great and incredible, but at the same time dark and sinister, that his mind twisted and warped into a shadow of hatred and rage. Neron became both horribly insane and unimaginably powerful deep in his dark pit. He became a corrupt shadow far more evil than any demon. In his few moments of sanity, he waits for a day when he will be given a chance for freedom. He longs to kill again, but this time his mind is set on the world he’s overheard from the demons that gather near the dark pits to converse. Neron despises Earth and the humans that live freely on it. In the darkness, he waits…
Chapter 1
After nearly 2 years, the Demon Knights found a new place to live. They moved close to Chicago because, oddly, it was the location of many prior attacks on the Earth. They built new homes resembling their old ones and settled down to begin re-building their lives…
Carnage-*holds up jar of pickles* W00t! I want this!
DC-Ya, but you’re paying for it.
Carnage-Aw…*drops jar on floor* F*ck this. I’m going to get some pizza.
DC-Fine.
*Carnage runs down an aisle and out the front door.*
Demon Child, Protosschick99, and Carnage shop at a grocery store, buying snacks for the Halloween party in two days.
PC99-Lolz. How ghetto.
DC-Indeed. Comon, let’s get some chips.
Back at TC’s house, the Demon Knights hang out.
Garth-*coming out of kitchen* Ok! Which one of you guys stole my wallet!?
Sphere-Wtf are you talking about, Garth?
Garth-Comon! Give it back!
Shawn-No one took your wallet, Garth…
Garth-Damn.
Saffron-*reading book* When are those three getting back?
TC-Who knows? Carnage probably smashed a jar of something and the grocery store manager is cleaning it up right now…
Saffron-Ha. That sounds like Carnage alright.
TC-*sitting on couch* Ok, guys. What’s on TV tonight?
Sphere-Let’s just play Twister again!
Shawn-Let’s not and say we did.
Sphere-Comon! It’ll be fun.
Garth-Shut up! Who’s got my damn wallet?!
TC-Did you check your back pocket?
Garth-…*pulls wallet out of back pocket* Shut up.
*Everyone laughs at Garth.*
Garth-What?! Accidents happen.
Shawn-Ya, that’s what your parents said about you.
Saffron-Hahaha…
Garth-Damnit. I’m going out! *heads for front door* You’ve pissed me off!
TC-Go. Blow.
*Garth opens the door and a man in shades and a black trench coat stands before him.*
Garth-Who the hell are you?
Traken-Traken. You must be tired.
*Traken grabs the side of Garth’s neck and squeezes. He collapses to the floor in a heap.*
Traken-*chuckles* Eat this, Demon Knights. *pulls a pin out of a gas bomb and throws it into the room. It instantly emits a cloud of nerve gas.*
Saffron-You guys…smell…some-*her head drops forward and she goes limp*
Sphere-Saffron! What’s wrong?! *sniffs and smells something odd, then falls down unconscious.*
*The other Demon Knights are also hit with the powerful gas. They fall over coughing and choking. Soon, everyone is out cold. Traken enters in a gas mask. He snickers and then motions for a tall man wearing a gas mask to enter. He also wears a black trench coat and has huge muscles. He begins picking up the helpless warriors.*
Traken-Careful with them, SaberTooth. Yggdrasil wants them alive.
SaberTooth-*growl* Fine…
*As they leave, a shadow rises by the front door. The dark shade known as Crion laughs at the Demon Knights.*
Crion-Why didn’t anyone think of this before!? It’s brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!
SaberTooth-Shut up…
*Traken, SaberTooth, and Crion carry the Demon Knights to spot by a sewer lid.*
Traken-*talks into a radio he pulls out of his coat* Traken here. You can come for pick-up now, Sir.
*The sewer lid in the street begins to shake. Around it, cracks start to form. Soon, the asphalt explodes as a spider-like vehicle climbs out of the gapping hole. It is at least 20 feet long and the legs are 10 feet high. Massive gears turn and the machine hisses as it lowers itself to ground level. A hatch on the top opens and Yggdrasil sticks his head out. The right side of his face is skull-like and completely metal with a robotic eye. The left side of his face grins as he looks at the fallen Demon Knights.*
Yggdrasil-Beautiful. *motions with a steel right arm* Put them in the back, then come get in the front.
SaberTooth-*holds out an arm and stops Crion and Traken from approaching* Wait. Where’s our money?
Yggdrasil-Oh, you’ll get your money. As soon as the Demon Knights meet their fate at my facility. All of them will know my wrath!
Crion-Uh…Yggdrasil. We’re missing three of them…
Yggdrasil-What?! You get them!
Crion-We don’t know where they are…
Yggdrasil-Gah! Imbeciles! Just wait for them to return to this home, then ambush them! I must have all the Demon Knights!
Traken-Grrr…yeah. Comon, guys. I bet they’ll be back in no time. Let’s go.
*SaberTooth and Crion place Garth, Shawn, TC, Sphere, and Saffron in the spider machine, then head to go inside TC’s house. The vehicle goes back in the ground, then places a fake block of asphalt to hide the hole.*
Soon…
Carnage-*carrying pizzas* Gonna have a par-ty! Drink a lot of be-er! Fall asleep in the bath-room!
PC99-We’re here.
DC-*pulls out keys and goes to open front door, but it’s already open* Uh oh.
PC99-Uh oh. What’s “Uh oh”?
DC-*pulls out his sword* Ready your staff. I’ve got a bad feeling.
Carnage-*sets down pizzas, then changes his claws into axes* Right.
PC99-*holding staff* Lead the way, DC.
*DC and PC99 enter the house. Carnage follows, but suddenly a figure leaps from the bushes and grabs him by the back of the throat in a headlock. SaberTooth puts a hand over Carnage’s mouth, then flings him to the ground.*
Carnage-*rolling away to avoid an knee to the chest* Guys!
*DC turns around in time to see the monstrous humanoid kick Carnage in the stomach, then see Carnage chop his left knee. SaberTooth howls in pain.*
DC-Wtf?! Hey! *looks at his shadow and sees it ripple* Sh*t. *Crion emerges from the shadow and punches DC into a wall. Crion then runs to kick him through the wall and into Tim’s kitchen.*
PC99-Crion! *charges staff* Eat this! *a blow from behind knocks her off her feet*
Traken-*laughing* Not so fast. *holds a double-edge sword that glows with an eerie black light* How we gonna do this, pretty? The easy way or the hard way?
*PC99 leaps to her feet and smacks Traken’s shades off with her staff. Traken turns to face her with all white eyes. He screams his anger before he swings the sword at her head. She blocks with her staff, then pops him in the stomach with her knee.*
PC99-The hard way mofo! *smacks him again*
DC-Come on! *slams Crion into a wall, then chops him in half with his sword* Yeah!
*Crion melts into two shadows, combines, then re-forms behind DC. He grabs his wings and slams him into a wall. DC, furious, turns around a hits Crion with a mercury-filled fireball, turning the apparition into an inferno.*
Carnage-That all you got fur ball? *kicks a bent over SaberTooth in the neck, sending him the ground.* Hahahahaha! How you like me now!?
*Behind Carnage, a hole erupts in the street. The spider machine heads towards the lone symbiote. Two cannons rise on the back of the vehicle. Yggdrasil’s voice blares through the speakers.*
Yggdrasil-We meet again, Carnage! Prepare to feel some pain, you slimy baffoon! The Kukulkan 3 has been specially designed!
*The cannons fire two invisible beams of sonic energy. Carnage dodges the first, but the second one hits, bringing him to his knees in pain.*
Carnage-Aaaaaaaah! Mother f*cker!
Yggdrasil-*stands before Carnage in the Kukulkan 3* Now, to finish you!
*Suddenly, PC99 appears on the front porch and shoots a blast of frost energy at the Kukulkan 3. Yggdrasil presses a button and a shield flashes briefly, deflecting the frost ball. It flies towards Carnage, freezing him to an ice sculpture.*
PC99-Carnage!
Yggdrasil-Hahahahaha! Thanks for the help, Protoss! *Turns Kukulkan 3 towards house.* Traken! Do it!
*PC99 turns around to see Traken shock her in the back of the neck with a cattle prod. She falls to the ground, twitching and gasping.*
Traken-*straightens his broken shades* B*tch! *kicks PC99*
*DC comes from behind a second later, driving his sword into Traken’s back, impaling him.*
Traken-Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!! Sonavab*tch… *falls to the ground. Blood leaks from his mouth.*
DC-Eat that! *bends to pick PC99 up, but Crion hits him from behind, sending him hitting the lawn.*
Crion-Wow, this house to porch attack works pretty well.
*DC rises and reaches for his sword, but SaberTooth tackles him to the ground. Crion runs over and punches DC in the face before he can recover. The two villains wail on the demon, injuring him. DC throws them both off and picks up his sword, he goes to swing it at Crion, but a blast of gunfire from the Kukulkan 3 sends him scrambling.*
Yggdrasil-*bellowing through speaker* Give it up, Demon Child! You can’t win!
DC-F*ck you, you coward! Come face me yourself!
Yggdrasil-I did that before and lost my eye, arm, legs, and pride! You’ll pay for them all!
DC-*swings his sword at Crion, but SaberTooth comes from behind and grabs him in a headlock* Bastards…
*Crion punches DC repeatedly in the stomach until he falls to the ground. The Kukulkan 3 shoots three steel nets that wrap around the demon. He struggles, but can’t escape. Crion and SaberTooth pick him up and take him to the Kukulkan 3, placing him in the back. They also get the frozen Carnage and electrocuted PC99.*
Crion-What about Traken?
Yggdrasil-*looks at the mercenary crawling towards the Kukulkan 3, bleeding heavily* Leave him.
Traken-*choke* You bastard…you…coward…go…f*ck…your-*Yggdrasil fires a firey beam that incinerates Traken where he lies. He screams before he is reduced to a pile of ashes.*
Yggdrasil-Hahaha! Now, come!
*SaberTooth and Crion enter the Kukulkan 3 passenger seats. It returns to the sewers, heading for Yggdrasil’s secret facility.*
Chapter 2
In a undisclosed location beneath the streets of Chicago.
*Demon Child wakes up and looks around the room. It’s circular. All the Demon Knights, including himself, are strapped to the walls with a powerful metal. He strains to break free of his bonds, but cannot. He looks to the center of the room, where a deep pit opens and fills with an emerald liquid. A faint odor DC recognizes drifts by his nose.*
DC-Sulfuric acid…
Yggdrasil-*entering through a door, followed by SaberTooth and Crion* Ah…good guess. You have a excellent sense of smell. Now, to wake the others.
*Yggdrasil approaches a computer console near the door and presses some buttons. DC feels a faint shock of electricity. All the others must feel it because they wake up.*
Garth-Oh…wtf are we?
PC99-This is bad!
Sphere-Yggdrasil!
Carnage-Sh*t…not this again…
Yggdrasil-Greetings, once again, Demon Knights! Welcome to my lair. You’ll notice a pit of acid is in the center of the room and that you are all strapped to the walls. This is how it’s going to work. You tell me what I want to know and I won’t have to drop you in. Ok. Who is ready to start talking?
Carnage-F*ck you, Yggdrasil! Let me go and I’ll give you a quick death! I’ll bury you deep this time!
DC-No. Let me go and I’ll cremate the little bastard…
Yggdrasil-Enough! A demonstration is in order I believe. You don’t fear me? Then, one of you must die!
*Yggdrasil points out a finger and moves it from Demon Knight to Demon Knight.*
Yggdrasil-Ah…yes. The bomb maker!
*Shawn gasps. The Demon Knights look over to see him shaking. Yggdrasil flicks a switch and pulls a lever. The area of wall Shawn’s strapped to comes out and moves to the center of the room above the pit.*
Yggdrasil-Tell me what I want to know and I won’t have to drop him! Now, this question is for Demon Child…
*Yggdrasil turns to face the restrained demon.*
Yggdrasil-Demon Child, where…is the key?
Garth-Huh?
Carnage-What key?
Yggdrasil-Silence! The key!
DC-What key?
*Yggdrasil turns a dial and Shawn’s right arm is freed.*
Shawn-Aaaah! No!
Yggdrasil-His life is in your hands, DC. Where is the key? Where is Neron’s key!?
PC99-Neron?
Saffron-Wtf?
Yggdrasil-Yes…Neron. Why don’t you tell them all about it, DC…
DC-No. If you care so damn much, you tell them.
Yggdrasil-Fine. *turns to Demon Knights* Where should I begin? Ah yes…
I was in my cell, meditating. After seven years of watching the demon torturers and their shift changes, I decided when to make my move. I mocked a demon, and when he came close enough, I gouged his eyes with a knife made of broken bones that fell in my cell. I then grabbed the keys from him and escaped. I head on foot, deep into the dark pits of Hell to hide. Soon, I found myself in pitch black and realized I was lost. Suddenly, I heard a voice inside my head. It was the voice of Neron, Demon Child’s brother…
Carnage-Holy sh*t!
PC99-DC, you have a brother?
Garth-Is he a demon too?
DC-*looks at Garth* Wtf? Are you retarded?
Garth-No.
Yggdrasil-Don’t interrupt! Where was I?
Anyway, Neron lured me to his cage. It is made of a metal I’ve never seen, but that wasn’t what kept him imprisoned. The aura of powerful magic and energy made it so he would never escape, but he could still speak telepathically. He told me if I was to help summon and free him, he’d show me a way out of Hell. I agreed and vowed that once I got to Earth, I’d unleash him. Neron needs the key that DC guards. Without it, he is trapped in his prison forever. Now, Neron showed me a small portal that I immediately used to return to Earth. For years, I worked endlessly, searching for a way to get you all here. Finally, the opportunity presented itself. The being known as Kaloc raised that army of destruction and his servant Crion revealed himself. Kaloc was defeated, but through Crion, I hired SaberTooth and Traken. Together, we subdued you. Now, all that awaits is for DC to give me the key, so that I may free Neron. He and I will then rule this planet and eventually the entire universe.
Yggdrasil-Now, DC. Be a good demon and give us the key.
DC-No way.
Yggdrasil-Maybe a little reunion will change your mind. SaberTooth. Crion. Bring him in.
DC-Wait…you’re joking…
Yggdrasil-I don’t joke.
*SaberTooth and Crion leave the room. Soon, they return, escorting a huge figure in chains who walks slowly. He is about 7 foot, 5 inches tall. His black, crystalline skin glistens in the dull light. Long, white, jagged hair goes down his back. Two gray wings are wrapped in front of him, giving him the appearance of a bat. His arms behind the wings are chained together. His legs are also shackled with the same steel. A mask with a keyhole in the forehead covers the front of his face except for his burning, emerald eyes. They sweep across the room and finally end on Demon Child. Their eyes meet…*
DC-*looking into Neron’s eyes* Good God. What have you done, Yggdrasil? You have no idea, do you? Fool…
Yggdrasil-No! You’re the fool! Neron is the redemption to all my failures! He is my savior…
DC-You’re insane.
*Neron seems to chuckle behind his mask. SaberTooth and Crion back away, frightened. The demon stops chuckling, then turns to Yggdrasil. Neron speaks in a deep, hissing voice.*
Neron-The key…where isss it?
Yggdrasil-I must get your little brother to hand it over, then I can free you.
Neron-*snicker* Michael will never hand it over…
Yggdrasil-Michael? Ha! *turns to DC* That your real name!? Hahahahaha!
Carnage-I don’t see what the f*cks so funny.
Shawn-*arm dangling* Ya. Leave him along, buttf*ck.
Neron-Ah…your friendsss are charming, brother…
DC-Neron. I will never release you…
Neron-Yesss you will, brother. *laughs* Your heart and mine pump the sssame blood…
DC-*fighting his restraints* Hold your tongue, you wretched bastard! I am ashamed to call you brother!
Neron-Touching…you’ve been in the company of thessse humansss too long…you begin to act and feel like they do…
DC-Before this night is over, brother. You’ll be back in Hell. I swear it…
Yggdrasil-Save the sibling rivalry for later! Tell me where the key is Michael or I’ll kill all of your friends!
SaberTooth-*growl* Where’s the key? I wanna get paid!
Crion-Ya. Tell us where it is. NOW!
DC-Never.
Neron-I know where it isss…clossse to hisss heart…
Yggdrasil-*chuckles* Are you becoming poetic?
Neron-*turns angrily* NO! It’s in his chest! Rip it out!
DC-Damn you, Ozikial…
*Neron roars furiously and stomps a hole in the steel floor.*
Neron-Never call me by that accursssed name! I am Neron! Nightmare in our tongue, brother!
Yggdrasil-*motions* Do it, rip it out, Crion.
Crion-With pleasure…
*Demon Child can only struggle as Crion approaches and becomes transparent. He puts his hand into DC’s chest and finds the key. He pulls and rips it out. Demon Child chokes blood, but soon his wound heals. Crion brings the crimson key to Yggdrasil.*
Yggdrasil-Here’s the key, Neron.
Neron-I can’t free myssself! The magicsss keep me from doing ssso! You must insssert the key into the keyhole in my masssk!
Yggdrasil-*lifts key* Very well…
DC-WAIT!!!
*Everyone turns to look at DC, even Neron, who hisses eagerly.*
DC-Hear me, Yggdrasil…
Yggdrasil-Fine. What? Last words?
DC-You free Neron…and he will not serve you. He’s insane. You haven’t even begun to see what power he has. He’s a endless tornado of fury and destruction. I’ve seen him break the very gates of Hell. He only exists to cause torment and misery. You free him, and he will annihilate the entire Earth and every planet in this solar system. He won’t stop. His bloodlust is too extreme…
Yggdrasil-Yeah! Yeah!
DC-HEAR ME!!! YOU’LL KILL US ALL!!!
Yggdrasil-*inserts key* Shut up!
Neron-Yesss! Yesss! YESSS!!!
Carnage-This blows. I just wanted to eat pizza and watch Tv tonight…
Garth-Ya. Me too…
TC-*whispers* Hey, you guys ready?
Carnage-For what?
TC-Catch.
*TC flicks a quarter from his pocket and into the air. Carnage grabs it with his tendril.*
TC-Now, throw it over there. *motions to a switch by the door*
Carnage-Ya. *swings his tendril and whips the quarter at the switch. It flips up and all the restraints are unlocked.*
Shawn-Nooooo! *Sphere and Saffron run over and grab the back of his shirt, then tug him away from the hole.*
DC-*runs for Neron* Nooooooooooooo!!!
*Yggdrasil turns the key and a click is heard from the mask.*
Chapter 3
*Everyone in the small room within Yggdrasil’s hidden facility hears the click in the mask. They all freeze and look for any signs of what Neron will do next. He stretches his wings out, shoving Crion and SaberTooth away from him. He raises his claws and breaks the chain holding his arms together. He reaches and rips the mask off his face, tossing it to the ground. Neron smiles and laughs, revealing sharp teeth. He breaks the chain holding his legs together like it is nothing. He lifts his hands up and looks at them. Neron continues to laugh hideously.*
Crion-*thinks* Sh*t. What if Demon Child was telling the truth?
Yggdrasil-*ecstatic with joy* You’re free! Now, you can kill all the Demon Knights, and then you and I will rule this world and soon, the universe! Hahahahaha!
Neron-*puts his hands together and enjoys the feeling of his hands against each other.* Hahahahahaha…no.
Yggdrasil-What?
*Neron turns and smirks at Yggdrasil. He shakes his head, then raises a hand, facing his palm at Yggdrasil.*
Yggdrasil-What!? You double-crossing!
Neron-Bye bye.
*A beam of green energy bursts from his palm. It hits Yggdrasil and sends him flying into a wall. He screams as the green flame engulfs him, burning his flesh and bone. His brain explodes from the heat, along with his living eye. His remains fall to the ground in a pile of ashes and melted metal.*
Neron-Alright. *smiles* Who wantsss to play?
*SaberTooth leaps into the air and grabs Neron in a headlock from behind. He pulls with all his might. Neron doesn’t budge.*
SaberTooth-*growling* You killed my paycheck! Now you die!
Neron-Hahahahaha…nice kitty…
SaberTooth-*gasp* Huh!?
*Neron grabs SaberTooth’s wrist around his neck and flips the humanoid over his head and to the ground. SaberTooth roars and tries to get back up, but Neron squeezes his wrist. The bone snaps. Blood and tissue come out from beneath Neron’s hand.*
Neron-Hahahahahahahaha! Time to teach you a new trick, kitty…
SaberTooth-*screaming* Damn you! Aaaaaaaaah!
Neron-*lifts his other hand and forms a fist* Play dead! *punches SaberTooth, sending his head off his body.* Hahahahahaha! Yesss! Now, thisss isss fun!
*Demon Child yells to the other Demon Knights who try to approach Neron.*
DC-No! He’s too powerful!
Carnage-Then what do we do?!
DC-RUN!!!
*Neron turns to see DC blast a hole in the ceiling with a fireball, the Demon Knights jump through it, some being carried out.*
Neron-That’sss it, my brother…give me sssome sssport…
*Neron turns to see a shadow crawling across the floor. He stomps on it, then grabs it like a black tentacle. As he pulls Crion up with one hand, he forms a green fireball at the tip of his finger on the other hand. He points it at Crion’s head.*
Neron-Tell me…do you want live, undead one?
Crion-*gulp* S-s-spare me. I’ll do anything you want.
Neron-Ah…but what could one sssuch asss you do for one asss great asss I?
Crion-W-w-well, I could sh-sh-show you where the Demon Knights live! Yeah! I’ll take you there!
Neron-Ah…*sets Crion down, then shakes away the green fireball. He puts his arm around Crion’s shoulder.* You might sssurvive long enough to sssee me kill them, ssshadow.
Crion-That would be great, lord Neron.
Neron-*stops and scratches chin* Lord…Neron. Yesss. I like the sssound of that.
*Neron takes Crion with him as he leaves Yggdrasil’s hidden facility.*
At Garth’s house, the Demon Knights rush through the door and slam it behind them.
TC-This is bad. This is bad!
DC-Tell me something I don’t know!
TC-What are we going to do?!
DC-We have to get all the help we can. Call Cygnus in Hawaii. Everyone find your weapons!
*The Demon Knights run to get their weapons.*
Carnage-*picking up a phone* Do you really think he can help us, DC?
DC-We have to try.
Carnage-…it’s dead.
Garth-Uh…guys.
*Garth points to the window, where a green light flashes continuously. The Demon Knights run outside and look towards Chicago, a few miles away. An explosion shakes the ground. Skyscrapers blow to pieces. A second later, the Sears Tower is engulfed in green fire. It explodes into billions of pieces. The ground shakes so hard, car alarms across the street go off.*
PC99-*tears in her eyes* All…those people.
Shawn-Oh…we’re f*cked!
DC-No, don’t say that…
Shawn-Well, aren’t we!? Look! Chicago is being blown to pieces and we’re standing here, scared sh*tless!
DC-Get a grip!
Carnage-He’s right DC. We’re f*cked…
DC-There’s still hope. Saffron, you have holy magic.
Saffron-What do you want me to do? Throw a cross at him?!
DC-Damn…
Sphere-I know! I’ve got a plan!
DC-What? What’s your plan?
Sphere-We face the opposite direction of where Neron is and run as fast as we can that way!
*The Demon Knights go silent.*
Sphere-You got a better idea?!
*Suddenly, Demon Child notices a small storm cloud above them. A bolt of lightning shoots and hits the street. The lightning forms an orb. It takes shape and Cygnus stands up to face the Demon Knights. Wearing his shaman robe, he waves to them.*
Cygnus-I could sense the evil radiating all the way to Hawaii. Wtf is going on?
DC-My brother, Neron, has come to Earth from Hell. He was imprisoned a long time ago and well…*DC explains everything.*
Cygnus-Holy sh*t…
DC-Any ideas?
Cygnus-Well, I’d say you’re f*cked, but…hmmm…I may have an idea.
*Cygnus tells the Demon Knights to gather around in a circle.*
Cygnus-Now, being a shaman, I have incredible power over life. I may be able to channel into your untapped energy and make you more powerful!
Garth-Like bloodlust in Warcraft 3!
*The Demon Knights stare angrily at Garth.*
DC-Get real, Garth! This isn’t a game! It’s real life!
Garth-Oh…sorry!
Cygnus-Ok. Everyone, clear your minds and find your heartbeat. Listen to it. Feel your life force. Now, we need to-
*A feeling of intense heat makes all the Demon Knights open their eyes and jump to their feet. They turn to see Neron standing a few yards away with his arms crossed in front of his chest.*
Neron-Hahahaha…there you are…
DC-Neron!
Neron-Why’d you run away? Don’t you wanna sssee what I can do?
Shawn-We’ve already seen…you monster.
Neron-I’ll take that asss a compliment. Hahahahaha…now, who isss the firssst to die?
DC-*stands up boldly and draws his sword* Neron…leave them alone. Your fight is with me.
Neron-No brother. All will fall. Jussst…sssome fassster than othersss *laughs*.
DC-What? Are you afraid? Why don’t you leave the mortals alone. They’re weak. You know you want a challenge. Well, here I am!
Neron-You’re right…mortals are weak. What’s the use in fighting them…
DC-That’s right.
Neron-when I can dessstroy them all in one blow! Hahahahahaha!
DC-What? NO!
Neron-Thanksss for the idea, brother.
*Neron raises his hands over his hand and stretches his wings. He laughs and his eyes green eyes burn. A massive ball of green fire forms over his head. It reaches tremendous size, casting a shadow over the Demon Knights, then their houses. They watch helplessly as it towers over them. Neron’s entire body blazes and every flame is added to the gigantic sphere.*
DC-No…
Carnage-Well, this looks like the end…
Shawn-I think I peed my pants!
Carnage-…*snort* Hahahahahaha! Shawn peed his pants!
*Shawn punches Carnage in the stomach. Neron throws the ball into the air. A shadow behind him slithers away as quickly as possible.*
DC-I’m sorry guys…it’s over…
Saffron-*sob* I love you, Sphere!
Sphere-*sniff* I know!
*The sphere of green fire reaches over a hundred feet in the air. Bolts of energy crackle around it, then it starts falling. It hits the ground directly in front of Neron, who stands laughing maniacally. The sphere explodes, sending pillars of fire into the air. Waves of fire radiate nearly 250 miles from the point of impact. Cities are destroyed. Forests are burnt down. Water boils from the intense heat. The blast finishes, leaving a crater nearly 10 miles in diameter. Neron stands in the center, flapping his massive wings. He laughs insanely. Emerald eyes sweep over the landscape, looking for any signs of survivors. When he finds none, he ascends into the air and looks for new places to wreak havoc.*
Return to Oblivion
Prologue
A long, long time ago, before time was known as time, a war took place between the high heavens and the burning hells. The bulk of the battle was fought between the angels of the Light and the angels of the Darkness. The angels of the Darkness would later be known as demons after being cast down into the fires of Hell. In this war, flights of angels fought to the death, but two angels stood out among the legions. A powerful angel, Ozikial, and his young brother, Michael, were these two. Ozikial and Michael had decided to fight in the name of Satan. Ozikial, charged with unholy energy, fought with a savageness not even seen among demons. He would kill the wounded and exhausted as well as the powerful without mercy or remorse. Needless to say, he made Satan very proud. Michael, being younger and less experienced, fought only when he was in danger.
Finally, after an unknown amount of time, the war between Heaven and Hell ended. Satan lost the war. His followers and him were cast into the burning hells. Satan still held Ozikial and Michael in high favor. Ozikial, deciding to denounce his angelic name, changed his name to Neron, which in the demon tongue meant "nightmare". His young brother, deciding to do the same, chose the name Demon Child. They learned to call Hell their new home in time.
However, after many years, Neron grew restless. He yearned for battle and the screams of dying enemies. This restlessness soon took its toll. After a long period of time, Neron made a decision. He began to train and fight other demons. For a long time, this satisfied his hunger for battle, but it didn’t last forever. Neron had achieved a new level of power unlike any other demon. He realized just how powerful he had become. His mind began to formulate a plan. When the time was right, he went to Satan and demanded that his plan be put into action. What he presented to Satan was a battle plan against Heaven. Satan denied Neron’s plan, and began to question his sanity. Infuriated by this denial, Neron howled his rage throughout Hell. He began to show his true power and as it turned out, this power far exceeded Satan’s. Demon Child confronted his brother and tried to get him to listen to reason, but Neron refused. When Demon Child tried to stop him physically, Neron stabbed him repeatedly with his unholy sword, leaving him with grievous wounds. Demon Child could only watch on in sorrow and pain as his only brother burst through the gates of Hell and charged at Heaven.
Neron’s surprise attack killed twenty angels, but the archangels stopped him. They managed to stun him and send him spiraling back to Hell. When Neron returned, Satan was furious. He ordered Neron chained in the deepest and darkest pit of Hell. Neron didn’t beg for forgiveness, but instead tried to slay Satan with a powerful blast of demonic energy. Satan survived and dealt his own attack, knocking Neron into a coma. Satan proclaimed that Neron would be exterminated. Demon Child pleaded with Satan to spare his brother’s life, but Satan refused. When Demon Child tried to release his brother, Satan had him cast out of Hell and sent to the only other place in the universe that would take him…Earth.
Neron was supposed to be killed, but no demon or Satan himself could destroy the incredibly powerful being. Satan decided that they’d have to go with the original plan, but what kind of chains could hold such an engine of pure energy? Satan required the most powerful form of magic along with the most powerful metal of Hell. So Satan called a meeting of all the demons in Hell. Each demon gave of a portion of his unholy blood to be deposited in a giant cauldron. When the cauldron was filled, Satan contributed a portion of his power to charge the vile liquid with enough energy to make it potent. When this was finished, he had the liquid poured into a cast. A demon skull shaped key was formed, enchanted with enough energy to keep Neron from breaking his chains once it was used to lock them. Pleased with his work, Satan picked the perfect candidate to guard the key and see to it that Neron’s chains would never be removed. He sent the key to Earth with a message for its new owner.
Demon Child took the key into his possession. He vowed to guard it for as long as he lived. He hid it in a place no other being would ever find it. Thus, Demon Child became the Guardian of Neron, his unfortunate brother…
As Satan wanted, Neron was chained in the deepest, darkest pit. His arms and legs bound, and the magic to keep him in line. Soon, he came out of his coma and realized where he was. After many years, he began to brood in the darkness. He began to delve deep into the core of his being and extract even more energy from within. He grew to levels of power so great and incredible, but at the same time dark and sinister, that his mind twisted and warped into a shadow of hatred and rage. Neron became both horribly insane and unimaginably powerful deep in his dark pit. He became a corrupt shadow far more evil than any demon. In his few moments of sanity, he waits for a day when he will be given a chance for freedom. He longs to kill again, but this time his mind is set on the world he’s overheard from the demons that gather near the dark pits to converse. Neron despises Earth and the humans that live freely on it. In the darkness, he waits…
Chapter 1
After nearly 2 years, the Demon Knights found a new place to live. They moved close to Chicago because, oddly, it was the location of many prior attacks on the Earth. They built new homes resembling their old ones and settled down to begin re-building their lives…
Carnage-*holds up jar of pickles* W00t! I want this!
DC-Ya, but you’re paying for it.
Carnage-Aw…*drops jar on floor* F*ck this. I’m going to get some pizza.
DC-Fine.
*Carnage runs down an aisle and out the front door.*
Demon Child, Protosschick99, and Carnage shop at a grocery store, buying snacks for the Halloween party in two days.
PC99-Lolz. How ghetto.
DC-Indeed. Comon, let’s get some chips.
Back at TC’s house, the Demon Knights hang out.
Garth-*coming out of kitchen* Ok! Which one of you guys stole my wallet!?
Sphere-Wtf are you talking about, Garth?
Garth-Comon! Give it back!
Shawn-No one took your wallet, Garth…
Garth-Damn.
Saffron-*reading book* When are those three getting back?
TC-Who knows? Carnage probably smashed a jar of something and the grocery store manager is cleaning it up right now…
Saffron-Ha. That sounds like Carnage alright.
TC-*sitting on couch* Ok, guys. What’s on TV tonight?
Sphere-Let’s just play Twister again!
Shawn-Let’s not and say we did.
Sphere-Comon! It’ll be fun.
Garth-Shut up! Who’s got my damn wallet?!
TC-Did you check your back pocket?
Garth-…*pulls wallet out of back pocket* Shut up.
*Everyone laughs at Garth.*
Garth-What?! Accidents happen.
Shawn-Ya, that’s what your parents said about you.
Saffron-Hahaha…
Garth-Damnit. I’m going out! *heads for front door* You’ve pissed me off!
TC-Go. Blow.
*Garth opens the door and a man in shades and a black trench coat stands before him.*
Garth-Who the hell are you?
Traken-Traken. You must be tired.
*Traken grabs the side of Garth’s neck and squeezes. He collapses to the floor in a heap.*
Traken-*chuckles* Eat this, Demon Knights. *pulls a pin out of a gas bomb and throws it into the room. It instantly emits a cloud of nerve gas.*
Saffron-You guys…smell…some-*her head drops forward and she goes limp*
Sphere-Saffron! What’s wrong?! *sniffs and smells something odd, then falls down unconscious.*
*The other Demon Knights are also hit with the powerful gas. They fall over coughing and choking. Soon, everyone is out cold. Traken enters in a gas mask. He snickers and then motions for a tall man wearing a gas mask to enter. He also wears a black trench coat and has huge muscles. He begins picking up the helpless warriors.*
Traken-Careful with them, SaberTooth. Yggdrasil wants them alive.
SaberTooth-*growl* Fine…
*As they leave, a shadow rises by the front door. The dark shade known as Crion laughs at the Demon Knights.*
Crion-Why didn’t anyone think of this before!? It’s brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!
SaberTooth-Shut up…
*Traken, SaberTooth, and Crion carry the Demon Knights to spot by a sewer lid.*
Traken-*talks into a radio he pulls out of his coat* Traken here. You can come for pick-up now, Sir.
*The sewer lid in the street begins to shake. Around it, cracks start to form. Soon, the asphalt explodes as a spider-like vehicle climbs out of the gapping hole. It is at least 20 feet long and the legs are 10 feet high. Massive gears turn and the machine hisses as it lowers itself to ground level. A hatch on the top opens and Yggdrasil sticks his head out. The right side of his face is skull-like and completely metal with a robotic eye. The left side of his face grins as he looks at the fallen Demon Knights.*
Yggdrasil-Beautiful. *motions with a steel right arm* Put them in the back, then come get in the front.
SaberTooth-*holds out an arm and stops Crion and Traken from approaching* Wait. Where’s our money?
Yggdrasil-Oh, you’ll get your money. As soon as the Demon Knights meet their fate at my facility. All of them will know my wrath!
Crion-Uh…Yggdrasil. We’re missing three of them…
Yggdrasil-What?! You get them!
Crion-We don’t know where they are…
Yggdrasil-Gah! Imbeciles! Just wait for them to return to this home, then ambush them! I must have all the Demon Knights!
Traken-Grrr…yeah. Comon, guys. I bet they’ll be back in no time. Let’s go.
*SaberTooth and Crion place Garth, Shawn, TC, Sphere, and Saffron in the spider machine, then head to go inside TC’s house. The vehicle goes back in the ground, then places a fake block of asphalt to hide the hole.*
Soon…
Carnage-*carrying pizzas* Gonna have a par-ty! Drink a lot of be-er! Fall asleep in the bath-room!
PC99-We’re here.
DC-*pulls out keys and goes to open front door, but it’s already open* Uh oh.
PC99-Uh oh. What’s “Uh oh”?
DC-*pulls out his sword* Ready your staff. I’ve got a bad feeling.
Carnage-*sets down pizzas, then changes his claws into axes* Right.
PC99-*holding staff* Lead the way, DC.
*DC and PC99 enter the house. Carnage follows, but suddenly a figure leaps from the bushes and grabs him by the back of the throat in a headlock. SaberTooth puts a hand over Carnage’s mouth, then flings him to the ground.*
Carnage-*rolling away to avoid an knee to the chest* Guys!
*DC turns around in time to see the monstrous humanoid kick Carnage in the stomach, then see Carnage chop his left knee. SaberTooth howls in pain.*
DC-Wtf?! Hey! *looks at his shadow and sees it ripple* Sh*t. *Crion emerges from the shadow and punches DC into a wall. Crion then runs to kick him through the wall and into Tim’s kitchen.*
PC99-Crion! *charges staff* Eat this! *a blow from behind knocks her off her feet*
Traken-*laughing* Not so fast. *holds a double-edge sword that glows with an eerie black light* How we gonna do this, pretty? The easy way or the hard way?
*PC99 leaps to her feet and smacks Traken’s shades off with her staff. Traken turns to face her with all white eyes. He screams his anger before he swings the sword at her head. She blocks with her staff, then pops him in the stomach with her knee.*
PC99-The hard way mofo! *smacks him again*
DC-Come on! *slams Crion into a wall, then chops him in half with his sword* Yeah!
*Crion melts into two shadows, combines, then re-forms behind DC. He grabs his wings and slams him into a wall. DC, furious, turns around a hits Crion with a mercury-filled fireball, turning the apparition into an inferno.*
Carnage-That all you got fur ball? *kicks a bent over SaberTooth in the neck, sending him the ground.* Hahahahaha! How you like me now!?
*Behind Carnage, a hole erupts in the street. The spider machine heads towards the lone symbiote. Two cannons rise on the back of the vehicle. Yggdrasil’s voice blares through the speakers.*
Yggdrasil-We meet again, Carnage! Prepare to feel some pain, you slimy baffoon! The Kukulkan 3 has been specially designed!
*The cannons fire two invisible beams of sonic energy. Carnage dodges the first, but the second one hits, bringing him to his knees in pain.*
Carnage-Aaaaaaaah! Mother f*cker!
Yggdrasil-*stands before Carnage in the Kukulkan 3* Now, to finish you!
*Suddenly, PC99 appears on the front porch and shoots a blast of frost energy at the Kukulkan 3. Yggdrasil presses a button and a shield flashes briefly, deflecting the frost ball. It flies towards Carnage, freezing him to an ice sculpture.*
PC99-Carnage!
Yggdrasil-Hahahahaha! Thanks for the help, Protoss! *Turns Kukulkan 3 towards house.* Traken! Do it!
*PC99 turns around to see Traken shock her in the back of the neck with a cattle prod. She falls to the ground, twitching and gasping.*
Traken-*straightens his broken shades* B*tch! *kicks PC99*
*DC comes from behind a second later, driving his sword into Traken’s back, impaling him.*
Traken-Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!! Sonavab*tch… *falls to the ground. Blood leaks from his mouth.*
DC-Eat that! *bends to pick PC99 up, but Crion hits him from behind, sending him hitting the lawn.*
Crion-Wow, this house to porch attack works pretty well.
*DC rises and reaches for his sword, but SaberTooth tackles him to the ground. Crion runs over and punches DC in the face before he can recover. The two villains wail on the demon, injuring him. DC throws them both off and picks up his sword, he goes to swing it at Crion, but a blast of gunfire from the Kukulkan 3 sends him scrambling.*
Yggdrasil-*bellowing through speaker* Give it up, Demon Child! You can’t win!
DC-F*ck you, you coward! Come face me yourself!
Yggdrasil-I did that before and lost my eye, arm, legs, and pride! You’ll pay for them all!
DC-*swings his sword at Crion, but SaberTooth comes from behind and grabs him in a headlock* Bastards…
*Crion punches DC repeatedly in the stomach until he falls to the ground. The Kukulkan 3 shoots three steel nets that wrap around the demon. He struggles, but can’t escape. Crion and SaberTooth pick him up and take him to the Kukulkan 3, placing him in the back. They also get the frozen Carnage and electrocuted PC99.*
Crion-What about Traken?
Yggdrasil-*looks at the mercenary crawling towards the Kukulkan 3, bleeding heavily* Leave him.
Traken-*choke* You bastard…you…coward…go…f*ck…your-*Yggdrasil fires a firey beam that incinerates Traken where he lies. He screams before he is reduced to a pile of ashes.*
Yggdrasil-Hahaha! Now, come!
*SaberTooth and Crion enter the Kukulkan 3 passenger seats. It returns to the sewers, heading for Yggdrasil’s secret facility.*
Chapter 2
In a undisclosed location beneath the streets of Chicago.
*Demon Child wakes up and looks around the room. It’s circular. All the Demon Knights, including himself, are strapped to the walls with a powerful metal. He strains to break free of his bonds, but cannot. He looks to the center of the room, where a deep pit opens and fills with an emerald liquid. A faint odor DC recognizes drifts by his nose.*
DC-Sulfuric acid…
Yggdrasil-*entering through a door, followed by SaberTooth and Crion* Ah…good guess. You have a excellent sense of smell. Now, to wake the others.
*Yggdrasil approaches a computer console near the door and presses some buttons. DC feels a faint shock of electricity. All the others must feel it because they wake up.*
Garth-Oh…wtf are we?
PC99-This is bad!
Sphere-Yggdrasil!
Carnage-Sh*t…not this again…
Yggdrasil-Greetings, once again, Demon Knights! Welcome to my lair. You’ll notice a pit of acid is in the center of the room and that you are all strapped to the walls. This is how it’s going to work. You tell me what I want to know and I won’t have to drop you in. Ok. Who is ready to start talking?
Carnage-F*ck you, Yggdrasil! Let me go and I’ll give you a quick death! I’ll bury you deep this time!
DC-No. Let me go and I’ll cremate the little bastard…
Yggdrasil-Enough! A demonstration is in order I believe. You don’t fear me? Then, one of you must die!
*Yggdrasil points out a finger and moves it from Demon Knight to Demon Knight.*
Yggdrasil-Ah…yes. The bomb maker!
*Shawn gasps. The Demon Knights look over to see him shaking. Yggdrasil flicks a switch and pulls a lever. The area of wall Shawn’s strapped to comes out and moves to the center of the room above the pit.*
Yggdrasil-Tell me what I want to know and I won’t have to drop him! Now, this question is for Demon Child…
*Yggdrasil turns to face the restrained demon.*
Yggdrasil-Demon Child, where…is the key?
Garth-Huh?
Carnage-What key?
Yggdrasil-Silence! The key!
DC-What key?
*Yggdrasil turns a dial and Shawn’s right arm is freed.*
Shawn-Aaaah! No!
Yggdrasil-His life is in your hands, DC. Where is the key? Where is Neron’s key!?
PC99-Neron?
Saffron-Wtf?
Yggdrasil-Yes…Neron. Why don’t you tell them all about it, DC…
DC-No. If you care so damn much, you tell them.
Yggdrasil-Fine. *turns to Demon Knights* Where should I begin? Ah yes…
I was in my cell, meditating. After seven years of watching the demon torturers and their shift changes, I decided when to make my move. I mocked a demon, and when he came close enough, I gouged his eyes with a knife made of broken bones that fell in my cell. I then grabbed the keys from him and escaped. I head on foot, deep into the dark pits of Hell to hide. Soon, I found myself in pitch black and realized I was lost. Suddenly, I heard a voice inside my head. It was the voice of Neron, Demon Child’s brother…
Carnage-Holy sh*t!
PC99-DC, you have a brother?
Garth-Is he a demon too?
DC-*looks at Garth* Wtf? Are you retarded?
Garth-No.
Yggdrasil-Don’t interrupt! Where was I?
Anyway, Neron lured me to his cage. It is made of a metal I’ve never seen, but that wasn’t what kept him imprisoned. The aura of powerful magic and energy made it so he would never escape, but he could still speak telepathically. He told me if I was to help summon and free him, he’d show me a way out of Hell. I agreed and vowed that once I got to Earth, I’d unleash him. Neron needs the key that DC guards. Without it, he is trapped in his prison forever. Now, Neron showed me a small portal that I immediately used to return to Earth. For years, I worked endlessly, searching for a way to get you all here. Finally, the opportunity presented itself. The being known as Kaloc raised that army of destruction and his servant Crion revealed himself. Kaloc was defeated, but through Crion, I hired SaberTooth and Traken. Together, we subdued you. Now, all that awaits is for DC to give me the key, so that I may free Neron. He and I will then rule this planet and eventually the entire universe.
Yggdrasil-Now, DC. Be a good demon and give us the key.
DC-No way.
Yggdrasil-Maybe a little reunion will change your mind. SaberTooth. Crion. Bring him in.
DC-Wait…you’re joking…
Yggdrasil-I don’t joke.
*SaberTooth and Crion leave the room. Soon, they return, escorting a huge figure in chains who walks slowly. He is about 7 foot, 5 inches tall. His black, crystalline skin glistens in the dull light. Long, white, jagged hair goes down his back. Two gray wings are wrapped in front of him, giving him the appearance of a bat. His arms behind the wings are chained together. His legs are also shackled with the same steel. A mask with a keyhole in the forehead covers the front of his face except for his burning, emerald eyes. They sweep across the room and finally end on Demon Child. Their eyes meet…*
DC-*looking into Neron’s eyes* Good God. What have you done, Yggdrasil? You have no idea, do you? Fool…
Yggdrasil-No! You’re the fool! Neron is the redemption to all my failures! He is my savior…
DC-You’re insane.
*Neron seems to chuckle behind his mask. SaberTooth and Crion back away, frightened. The demon stops chuckling, then turns to Yggdrasil. Neron speaks in a deep, hissing voice.*
Neron-The key…where isss it?
Yggdrasil-I must get your little brother to hand it over, then I can free you.
Neron-*snicker* Michael will never hand it over…
Yggdrasil-Michael? Ha! *turns to DC* That your real name!? Hahahahaha!
Carnage-I don’t see what the f*cks so funny.
Shawn-*arm dangling* Ya. Leave him along, buttf*ck.
Neron-Ah…your friendsss are charming, brother…
DC-Neron. I will never release you…
Neron-Yesss you will, brother. *laughs* Your heart and mine pump the sssame blood…
DC-*fighting his restraints* Hold your tongue, you wretched bastard! I am ashamed to call you brother!
Neron-Touching…you’ve been in the company of thessse humansss too long…you begin to act and feel like they do…
DC-Before this night is over, brother. You’ll be back in Hell. I swear it…
Yggdrasil-Save the sibling rivalry for later! Tell me where the key is Michael or I’ll kill all of your friends!
SaberTooth-*growl* Where’s the key? I wanna get paid!
Crion-Ya. Tell us where it is. NOW!
DC-Never.
Neron-I know where it isss…clossse to hisss heart…
Yggdrasil-*chuckles* Are you becoming poetic?
Neron-*turns angrily* NO! It’s in his chest! Rip it out!
DC-Damn you, Ozikial…
*Neron roars furiously and stomps a hole in the steel floor.*
Neron-Never call me by that accursssed name! I am Neron! Nightmare in our tongue, brother!
Yggdrasil-*motions* Do it, rip it out, Crion.
Crion-With pleasure…
*Demon Child can only struggle as Crion approaches and becomes transparent. He puts his hand into DC’s chest and finds the key. He pulls and rips it out. Demon Child chokes blood, but soon his wound heals. Crion brings the crimson key to Yggdrasil.*
Yggdrasil-Here’s the key, Neron.
Neron-I can’t free myssself! The magicsss keep me from doing ssso! You must insssert the key into the keyhole in my masssk!
Yggdrasil-*lifts key* Very well…
DC-WAIT!!!
*Everyone turns to look at DC, even Neron, who hisses eagerly.*
DC-Hear me, Yggdrasil…
Yggdrasil-Fine. What? Last words?
DC-You free Neron…and he will not serve you. He’s insane. You haven’t even begun to see what power he has. He’s a endless tornado of fury and destruction. I’ve seen him break the very gates of Hell. He only exists to cause torment and misery. You free him, and he will annihilate the entire Earth and every planet in this solar system. He won’t stop. His bloodlust is too extreme…
Yggdrasil-Yeah! Yeah!
DC-HEAR ME!!! YOU’LL KILL US ALL!!!
Yggdrasil-*inserts key* Shut up!
Neron-Yesss! Yesss! YESSS!!!
Carnage-This blows. I just wanted to eat pizza and watch Tv tonight…
Garth-Ya. Me too…
TC-*whispers* Hey, you guys ready?
Carnage-For what?
TC-Catch.
*TC flicks a quarter from his pocket and into the air. Carnage grabs it with his tendril.*
TC-Now, throw it over there. *motions to a switch by the door*
Carnage-Ya. *swings his tendril and whips the quarter at the switch. It flips up and all the restraints are unlocked.*
Shawn-Nooooo! *Sphere and Saffron run over and grab the back of his shirt, then tug him away from the hole.*
DC-*runs for Neron* Nooooooooooooo!!!
*Yggdrasil turns the key and a click is heard from the mask.*
Chapter 3
*Everyone in the small room within Yggdrasil’s hidden facility hears the click in the mask. They all freeze and look for any signs of what Neron will do next. He stretches his wings out, shoving Crion and SaberTooth away from him. He raises his claws and breaks the chain holding his arms together. He reaches and rips the mask off his face, tossing it to the ground. Neron smiles and laughs, revealing sharp teeth. He breaks the chain holding his legs together like it is nothing. He lifts his hands up and looks at them. Neron continues to laugh hideously.*
Crion-*thinks* Sh*t. What if Demon Child was telling the truth?
Yggdrasil-*ecstatic with joy* You’re free! Now, you can kill all the Demon Knights, and then you and I will rule this world and soon, the universe! Hahahahaha!
Neron-*puts his hands together and enjoys the feeling of his hands against each other.* Hahahahahaha…no.
Yggdrasil-What?
*Neron turns and smirks at Yggdrasil. He shakes his head, then raises a hand, facing his palm at Yggdrasil.*
Yggdrasil-What!? You double-crossing!
Neron-Bye bye.
*A beam of green energy bursts from his palm. It hits Yggdrasil and sends him flying into a wall. He screams as the green flame engulfs him, burning his flesh and bone. His brain explodes from the heat, along with his living eye. His remains fall to the ground in a pile of ashes and melted metal.*
Neron-Alright. *smiles* Who wantsss to play?
*SaberTooth leaps into the air and grabs Neron in a headlock from behind. He pulls with all his might. Neron doesn’t budge.*
SaberTooth-*growling* You killed my paycheck! Now you die!
Neron-Hahahahaha…nice kitty…
SaberTooth-*gasp* Huh!?
*Neron grabs SaberTooth’s wrist around his neck and flips the humanoid over his head and to the ground. SaberTooth roars and tries to get back up, but Neron squeezes his wrist. The bone snaps. Blood and tissue come out from beneath Neron’s hand.*
Neron-Hahahahahahahaha! Time to teach you a new trick, kitty…
SaberTooth-*screaming* Damn you! Aaaaaaaaah!
Neron-*lifts his other hand and forms a fist* Play dead! *punches SaberTooth, sending his head off his body.* Hahahahahaha! Yesss! Now, thisss isss fun!
*Demon Child yells to the other Demon Knights who try to approach Neron.*
DC-No! He’s too powerful!
Carnage-Then what do we do?!
DC-RUN!!!
*Neron turns to see DC blast a hole in the ceiling with a fireball, the Demon Knights jump through it, some being carried out.*
Neron-That’sss it, my brother…give me sssome sssport…
*Neron turns to see a shadow crawling across the floor. He stomps on it, then grabs it like a black tentacle. As he pulls Crion up with one hand, he forms a green fireball at the tip of his finger on the other hand. He points it at Crion’s head.*
Neron-Tell me…do you want live, undead one?
Crion-*gulp* S-s-spare me. I’ll do anything you want.
Neron-Ah…but what could one sssuch asss you do for one asss great asss I?
Crion-W-w-well, I could sh-sh-show you where the Demon Knights live! Yeah! I’ll take you there!
Neron-Ah…*sets Crion down, then shakes away the green fireball. He puts his arm around Crion’s shoulder.* You might sssurvive long enough to sssee me kill them, ssshadow.
Crion-That would be great, lord Neron.
Neron-*stops and scratches chin* Lord…Neron. Yesss. I like the sssound of that.
*Neron takes Crion with him as he leaves Yggdrasil’s hidden facility.*
At Garth’s house, the Demon Knights rush through the door and slam it behind them.
TC-This is bad. This is bad!
DC-Tell me something I don’t know!
TC-What are we going to do?!
DC-We have to get all the help we can. Call Cygnus in Hawaii. Everyone find your weapons!
*The Demon Knights run to get their weapons.*
Carnage-*picking up a phone* Do you really think he can help us, DC?
DC-We have to try.
Carnage-…it’s dead.
Garth-Uh…guys.
*Garth points to the window, where a green light flashes continuously. The Demon Knights run outside and look towards Chicago, a few miles away. An explosion shakes the ground. Skyscrapers blow to pieces. A second later, the Sears Tower is engulfed in green fire. It explodes into billions of pieces. The ground shakes so hard, car alarms across the street go off.*
PC99-*tears in her eyes* All…those people.
Shawn-Oh…we’re f*cked!
DC-No, don’t say that…
Shawn-Well, aren’t we!? Look! Chicago is being blown to pieces and we’re standing here, scared sh*tless!
DC-Get a grip!
Carnage-He’s right DC. We’re f*cked…
DC-There’s still hope. Saffron, you have holy magic.
Saffron-What do you want me to do? Throw a cross at him?!
DC-Damn…
Sphere-I know! I’ve got a plan!
DC-What? What’s your plan?
Sphere-We face the opposite direction of where Neron is and run as fast as we can that way!
*The Demon Knights go silent.*
Sphere-You got a better idea?!
*Suddenly, Demon Child notices a small storm cloud above them. A bolt of lightning shoots and hits the street. The lightning forms an orb. It takes shape and Cygnus stands up to face the Demon Knights. Wearing his shaman robe, he waves to them.*
Cygnus-I could sense the evil radiating all the way to Hawaii. Wtf is going on?
DC-My brother, Neron, has come to Earth from Hell. He was imprisoned a long time ago and well…*DC explains everything.*
Cygnus-Holy sh*t…
DC-Any ideas?
Cygnus-Well, I’d say you’re f*cked, but…hmmm…I may have an idea.
*Cygnus tells the Demon Knights to gather around in a circle.*
Cygnus-Now, being a shaman, I have incredible power over life. I may be able to channel into your untapped energy and make you more powerful!
Garth-Like bloodlust in Warcraft 3!
*The Demon Knights stare angrily at Garth.*
DC-Get real, Garth! This isn’t a game! It’s real life!
Garth-Oh…sorry!
Cygnus-Ok. Everyone, clear your minds and find your heartbeat. Listen to it. Feel your life force. Now, we need to-
*A feeling of intense heat makes all the Demon Knights open their eyes and jump to their feet. They turn to see Neron standing a few yards away with his arms crossed in front of his chest.*
Neron-Hahahaha…there you are…
DC-Neron!
Neron-Why’d you run away? Don’t you wanna sssee what I can do?
Shawn-We’ve already seen…you monster.
Neron-I’ll take that asss a compliment. Hahahahaha…now, who isss the firssst to die?
DC-*stands up boldly and draws his sword* Neron…leave them alone. Your fight is with me.
Neron-No brother. All will fall. Jussst…sssome fassster than othersss *laughs*.
DC-What? Are you afraid? Why don’t you leave the mortals alone. They’re weak. You know you want a challenge. Well, here I am!
Neron-You’re right…mortals are weak. What’s the use in fighting them…
DC-That’s right.
Neron-when I can dessstroy them all in one blow! Hahahahahaha!
DC-What? NO!
Neron-Thanksss for the idea, brother.
*Neron raises his hands over his hand and stretches his wings. He laughs and his eyes green eyes burn. A massive ball of green fire forms over his head. It reaches tremendous size, casting a shadow over the Demon Knights, then their houses. They watch helplessly as it towers over them. Neron’s entire body blazes and every flame is added to the gigantic sphere.*
DC-No…
Carnage-Well, this looks like the end…
Shawn-I think I peed my pants!
Carnage-…*snort* Hahahahahaha! Shawn peed his pants!
*Shawn punches Carnage in the stomach. Neron throws the ball into the air. A shadow behind him slithers away as quickly as possible.*
DC-I’m sorry guys…it’s over…
Saffron-*sob* I love you, Sphere!
Sphere-*sniff* I know!
*The sphere of green fire reaches over a hundred feet in the air. Bolts of energy crackle around it, then it starts falling. It hits the ground directly in front of Neron, who stands laughing maniacally. The sphere explodes, sending pillars of fire into the air. Waves of fire radiate nearly 250 miles from the point of impact. Cities are destroyed. Forests are burnt down. Water boils from the intense heat. The blast finishes, leaving a crater nearly 10 miles in diameter. Neron stands in the center, flapping his massive wings. He laughs insanely. Emerald eyes sweep over the landscape, looking for any signs of survivors. When he finds none, he ascends into the air and looks for new places to wreak havoc.*