Demon_Child
02-23-2004, 4:36 AM
Deranged Evolution Part 1 – The Return
Chapter 1
Three months have passed since the maniacal Neron was killed by his young brother, Demon Child. Demon Carnage; Demon Child and Carnage’s symbiote combined, roams the streets of a small town in Illinois called Verdeton.
*DC spots a shadowy form enter an alley and goes to investigate.*
DC- (Carnage’s symbiote speaks in DC’s mind) Your curiosity is sickening, DC. Shut up, Carnage. Fine. Can’t take honest opinion.
*DC lands at the entrance to the alley and enters. The smell of trash is strong, but there’s something else. Demon Carnage’s sense of smell has been amplified tenfold by the symbiote, and now he smells an all too familiar scent...blood.*
DC- *drawing his sword* Identify yourself…
*A flicker of light is seen at the end of the alley. DC approaches it. Suddenly, like a gust of wind, a dagger is being held to his throat by a slim figure.*
DC- You’ve got two seconds before we kick your-
*An incredible grip is felt on the back of his neck. Razor sharp pain shoots down his spine as dagger-like instruments pierce his demonic skin. A slight chuckle comes from behind DC and to his surprise, it’s masked vaguely familiar…*
???- You fool. You have no idea what shit you’re in, do you?
DC- We’re in a fucking alley. Let go.
???- You will answer my questions, or I’ll rip your skull from your neck…
DC- Bull…
*More pain courses through his body. The daggers must be at least 5 inches in his neck. Warm blood starts to trickle down his back.*
DC- Fine. Question away…
???- Where are the other Demon Knights?
DC- Ugh… they’re due to arrive tonight from a dimensional rift…
???- Liar!
DC- You know we’re not…
???- Yes. Alright, where will it come?
DC- We don’t know.
???- Gah! Useless! I should’ve killed you when I had the chance!
DC- Who are you?
???- I am the forgotten. I am the shadow. I am the dead. You’re all dead!
DC- Whoa, dude!
???- Don’t call me “dude”. I’m not your damn friend. I’m going to annihilate you Demon Knights once and for all. You’ve gotten in the way of every attempt to destroy or rule this planet by those superior to you! You killed my father AND me! Think you could kill me and brush it off like nothing?! You will regret you ever knew me, dude!!!
*Just as the daggers dig into Demon Carnage and nearly severe his head from his neck, a clashing is heard from behind. DC is knocked flying down the alley and crashes into a brick wall. He watches as Shankz fights the figure cloaked in black. The figure is wrapped completely in black and his face is hidden. Shankz swings with his blade and tears into the figure. He doesn’t yelp out in pain, but instead smacks Shankz into the wall with tremendous force. The figure glances at DC, growls, and then bounds across the street swiftly. He runs up the side of a building and then is gone from sight.*
Shankz- DC…
DC- Thanks. We owe you one.
Shankz- Damn straight.
*They spend the rest of the night searching for the figure, but to no avail. They finally retire and head for the location the rift is supposed to arrive.*
Chapter 2
*Shankz and Demon Carnage wait at the rendezvous. It’s midnight. Shankz polishes his sword while Demon Carnage looks around cautiously. The rendezvous is a parking lot behind an abandoned theatre.*
Shankz- I dunno, DC. Something about this just isn’t sitting right.
DC- This is the spot.
Shankz- I still think we should’ve gone to San Diego like we planned.
DC- What’s wrong with Verdeton?
Shankz- Nothing. It’s just…you said the message came in your dreams?
DC- We don’t sleep. It was sort of a hallucination, but we recognized Redsoldier when he appeared.
Shankz- Another thing. I thought they’d come back Christmas Eve, and can you stop saying “we”? Just because Carnage’s symbiote is attached to you, you don’t have to act like it.
DC- You’re right. I have to give it back to him soon anyway.
Shankz- Right. Now, I wanted to ask-
*A flashing, white light erupts in the middle of the parking lot. It forms an oval shape, creating a portal. Redsoldier emerges and hits the ground.*
Redsoldier- Ugh! Have to get used to the gravity again.
DC- Welcome back to the world of the living, friend. *he smiles and punches Red in the shoulder.*
Redsoldier- Hey, easy! I know. It’s great to see you guys again. *he shakes Shankz’ hand when he offers.* Well, I didn’t expect to see you here.
Shankz- I’ve been providing your commander with company. Now that you’re back, I guess I can leave. *he starts to walk away.*
DC- Nonsense! Stick around a while.
*The portal shimmers as PC99 emerges, then Garth_OneEye, ShawnManX, Tim-and-Carl, and finally Carnage without his symbiote. Everyone greets each other and there’s many a handshake and even some hugs from PC99. A cardboard box marked “Weapons” falls clumsily out of the portal. Then, the portal closes.*
Garth- Alright! Heaven remembered to send our shit through. *picks up his sword and gun.*
PC99- It’s so great to be back on Earth. Shankz, I missed you the most.
Shankz- *he smiles, incapable of blushing* Nous rencontrons encore, mon amour… *he takes her hand and kisses it.* It’s good to see your beautiful eyes again. Did you miss me?
PC99- *she hugs him tight* You fruit. Of course I missed you.
Redsoldier- We’ve got some bad news, DC.
DC- Let it wait a minute. *He walks over to Carnage.* Well. Well. Speak of the devil.
Carnage- Save it. I’d like my symbiote back, please.
DC- Fine. *he reaches out his right arm and turns the palm up. His wrist breaks open and the crimson and black erupts from his veins. It hits Carnage and covers him, working from the feet upward. Soon, Demon Child is once again himself and Carnage is once again himself.*
Carnage- Ah…what a rush! Haha! *grabs DC in a hug* I missed you, man!
DC- Yeah. Yeah. Get off, just get off. *pushes him* Okay. What’s the bad news NOW, Red?
*Redsoldier steps forward with his hand over his mouth. He sighs, then looks at Demon Child with thoughtful eyes.*
Red- Sphere, Saffron, Shroomie, and Cygnus aren’t coming back. They’re staying in Heaven, but we have to stay here and continue our work as Demon Knights.
DC- That’s understandable, but it still pisses me off. *looks up at the sky* They’re our friends, damnit! Comon!
TC- Sucks, huh?
Shawn- We’ll pull through, guys. We always do. Now, I don’t know about you, but I could sure go for a pizza right about now.
Garth- Hell yeah, man! We only got cheese sandwiches in Heaven since we were temporary visitors. That’s bogus!
PC99- Pizza Hut, guys!
Shankz- Sounds good. I’m buying.
DC- Alright. Let’s roll.
*The Demon Knight’s pick up their stuff and head for Pizza Hut. They walk down the street, sharing what’s happened over the last few months. They arrive and order the pizza, then sit down to chat. *
TC- So, what are we going to do now, guys? Our homes were destroyed. Hell, Chicago and New York went down because of Neron.
DC- I’ve been thinking. What if we all lived in a border house? Every morning, Carnage could make us all breakfast like a maid. *laughs* Then we could-
TC- I get it! I get it! Sorry I asked.
*After a while, the Demon Knights leave Pizza Hut and head to the hotel.*
DC- You guys are going to have to pay for your own rooms. I’m not a damn bank.
*The bank across the street from the Demon Knights explodes suddenly. The windows burst and glass scatters in all directions.*
Tim- Get down!!!
*The Demon Knights hit the sidewalk as the glass flies all around them. They get up to see the bank is a blazing inferno.*
Garth- Wtf was that?!
*Suddenly, a man in shades and a black trench coat exits the bank with the fire blazing all around. He holds a suitcase in his right hand while the other hand is in his coat. He turns and looks at the Demon Knights, then yells with recognition.*
Traken- YOU!!!
DC- YOU!!!
*Traken pulls his left hand from under the trench coat, revealing a cyborg arm with a energy cannon for a hand. As the Demon Knights scatter, it shoots a stream of napalm. It sets the street on fire, creating a wall of fire. Traken then runs down the street.*
Shawn- After him, guys!
DC- Lesgo!
*The Demon Knights chase Traken around the corner of a building. He jumps into the back of a U-Haul van as it starts driving.*
Carnage- The bastard’s getting away! PC!
PC99- Right! I got him!
*Protosschick99’s eyes blaze with blue fire as she raises her glowing staff. It shoots an orb of frost magic that hits the ground and pursues the van like a giant bolder of ice. It collides with the back of the van, sending it to a crashing halt as it freezes over. The Demon Knights run up to it. Tim readies his flamethrower. Garth aims his shotgun. Red aims his dual pistols. Shawn holds a hand grenade. DC holds his sword. PC99 holds her staff. Carnage has two axe arms. Shankz holds his sword. The U-Haul is surrounded.*
DC- Come out, Traken and maybe we’ll talk this out. You don’t want to die again, do you?
Shankz- Give it up, man!
*The back of the U-Haul is thrust open. The figure from last night jumps out and hits the ground.*
PC99- Who’s this joker?!
*The figure holds up a gloved hand.*
???- Now I’ve got you right where I want you, Demon Knights…
DC- You! You’re the one who attacked me last night! Who are you?!
???- You know who I am. Don’t play dumb. I have all the power and allies I need now to obtain what I want. Now, what do you have to say to all that?
Shankz- *having lost his patience* Buddy, if you mean to kill us, stop jerking around and do it! We can take you out! We’ve beaten foes more powerful than you could imagine! Now, are you going to surrender or-
*Shankz is suddenly high lifted into the air by an unseen force. As he dangles in the air, the Demon Knights notice the figure laughing. They make a move for him, but he holds up a hand.*
???- One move and I’ll drop him to his death!
Red- What the hell are you?!
???- Your worst nightmare. I am the hunter and it’s open season on all Demon Knights! Traken!
*Traken exits the van through the passenger side and joins the figure. He pulls down his shades and winks a white eye at PC99. She frowns in reply.*
???- Admiral!
DC- Admiral?
*The driver of the van gets out. He is covered from head to toe in solid, black metal. By his mechanical motions, the Demon Knights realize he is actually a robot. About 7’, he carries a huge rocker launcher on his right shoulder. The two groups stand off.*
Shankz- Uh…guys! A little help?!
DC- *looking up at his hovering comrade, then at the figure with robotic allies* You gonna let him down anytime soon?
???- Demon Child. You never cease to amaze me. Even when you were fighting Neron, you did it with such a mixture of grace of power. Know that even though I despise you, I respect you.
DC- I don’t even know who you are. Why don’t you let Shankz down and tell us what the problem is? We can work this out the easy way…or… *motions to his sword* we can do it the hard way.
???- Still don’t get it, do you? You’re all dead. Any last words before I-
*Red is suddenly charging at the three foes with tremendous speed. He dragon kicks the Admiral right in the chest, and at the same time shoots four bullets into the figure in black, who doesn’t even flinch. The other Demon Knights follow. As Shankz falls from the sky, Carnage catches him and sets him down. They too join the battle.*
Chapter 3
???- Kill them all!!!
*The figure turns to fight. Psychic energy emits from his hands and hits Carnage, Shawn, and Tim, sending them sprawling. Red fights hand to hand with the robotic Admiral. PC99 smacks Traken with her staff, but he sprays napalm just as she dodges. DC flies at the figure, and drives his sword into his chest.*
???- Gurgh! *he grabs DC’s horns and pulls, then head butts him. DC falls over backwards dizzily. He rolls as the figure hits the ground with psychic energy, cracking it.*
Traken- I’m gonna burn you alive, Protoss! *he shoots napalm at her. PC99 counters by shoots frost magic, turning it to ice that falls to the street and shatters.*
PC99- No chance!
*Carnage rushes to back up Red who hits Admiral all over with a series of punches and kicks. Garth joins the two and the three hack, shoots, and beat the robotic foe.*
Admiral- Grrrrrrrrrrrr… *His head suddenly pops up like a PEZ dispenser.*
Carnage- *stops hacking with axe arms* Wtf?
Admiral- RAR!!! *A dozen missiles fly into the air, turn, and head for the four fighters.*
Garth- Look out!
*Carnage, Garth, and Red scatter as the missiles explode all around. DC charges a fireball and hurls it at the figure in black, who goes to block it, but is hit. He catches fire, and shakes.*
DC- Yeah!
*The figure suddenly stops shaking and the fire goes out. He raises a right hand and aims the palm at DC. A fireball is made, nearly identical to DC’s.
DC- No way!
???- Catch, pretty demon…
DC- *shocked* Wait. That voice!
*The fireball hits DC and sends him flying into a building. The figure then takes off his gloves. Sharp claws drip black slime on the asphalt as he turns his palms towards DC as he stands back up. Two bolts of lightning jump from the figure’s palms, striking DC. The demon screams as the bolts severely electrocute him. Demon Child stares helplessly at his attacker as his vision blurs and the high voltage makes him convulse. Everything goes black as Demon Child slumps to the ground and goes limp.*
Shankz- DC!!!
*Shankz rushes at DC’s attack, but is lifted into the air again. He hurls his sword and it slashes the cloaked attacker’s neck as it flies past. The bolts of lightning stop hitting DC as the figure grabs his bleeding throat. Shankz falls to the ground.*
Shankz- Yeah!
*The figure holds his neck as blue blood gushes forth. He then summons Admiral and Traken to his side through some kind of telepathy. Traken and Admiral begin shaking violently. Bolts of electricity crackle around them as they drop their arms to their sides and collapse. They burst open. Metal parts scatter across the street as black ooze begins gushing out of them. The ooze takes shape. Two large, reptilian creatures snap maws filled with jagged teeth at the Demon Knights. Their eyes are completely crimson, with solid black pupils. They drop to all fours and move like tigers as they circle the cloaked figure.*
Shankz- What the hell are those things?
Garth- …let’s frag em. *Takes aims and shoots at the closest one. It screeches madly, then charges at him.*
Red- YAAAAAAAH!!! *leaps in front of Garth and roundhouse kicks the creature spinning.*
*PC99 stands by an unconscious Demon Child. Tim joins her.*
Tim- Is he…?
PC99- No. He’s got a pulse. He’s out cold though. That lightning was some- *Carnage crashes into the wall a few feet next to her. He shakes his head and falls to the ground.*
PC99- Carnage!
Carnage- *charges at her* Duck!
PC99- What?!
*PC99 is shocked Carnage leaps over her and slashes one of the creatures that was running towards her. He then tackles it and whams it over and over with a mallet arm.*
PC99- Damn! We gotta get DC outta here!
Shawn- Clear! *throws a TNT stick*
Tim- How?! He weighs a good 500 lbs!
*An explosion shakes the street as Shankz goes rolling across the ground.*
Shankz- Little close there, Shawn!
Shawn- My bad!
PC99- Help lift him.
*They both take an arm and lift the limp DC to his feet. As they run for a café across the street, Red smacks one of the creatures. Just as Tim and PC99 are about to enter the café, the cloaked figure appears in front of them. He punches Tim flying, then grabs at PC99. He lifts by the arm as she lets DC fall to the ground.*
PC99- No!
???- I’m going to make you bleed, Protosss!
PC99- Wait… it can’t be. You’re- *A punch sends PC99 to the asphalt next to Tim who lifts his flamethrower. The figure holds up his palms at PC99 when Tim takes aim.*
Tim- Burn, motherfucker! *lets a stream of flame on the cloaked figure, who catches fire, then absorbs it like before.* Shit! What are you!?
PC99- I know who it is…
*The figure looks contemptuously at her as he flexes his claws into fists.*
PC99- We meet again…Neron…
Chapter 4
*Redsoldier lifts one of the creatures in the air as it struggles.*
Red- You’re finished! *he hurls the creature onto an old metal fence. The spikes drive into the creature’s back as it screams. Red punches it in the face until it finally spasms and goes limp.* Gotcha.
*Carnage drives his spikes into the other creature and chops him into confetti. He stops when Garth tells him.*
Garth- He’s dead, man.
Carnage- …yeah. *stops chopping and looks at his handiwork* Fucked him up good, I did. Mmmhmmm.
Shankz- Guys! PC99 and Tim are in trouble!
*The Demon Knights approach the two warriors standing before the cloaked figure.*
Red- You’re dogs are dead! Surrender!
PC99- He won’t surrender. He’s Neron!
*The cloaked figure growls.*
Carnage- It can’t be Neron! Demon Child finished him off in Hell!
???- True. I am not Neron!
PC99- You sound just like him!
???- *mimicking her exactly* You sound just like him!
*PC99 gasps.*
Red- Surrender now before we kick your ass!
???- Incompetent descendant of the apes… *he raises a palm and the Demon Knights watch as the black ooze remains of the two creatures crawls towards him like puddles of water, finally joining with him.* I have not yet begun to fight. This was just a warm up. I’m going to kill every last-
*Garth opens fire on him, shooting his shotgun rapidly. The others join in. Carnage shoots spikes. Tim doesn’t shoot his flamethrower, knowing the results. Red shoots his pistols. PC99 unleashes a stream of ice. Shankz and Carnage then hack away at the frozen figure until shards of ice litter the ground.*
Shankz- Eat that!
Carnage- He’s going to pull himself back together…
Shankz- What?
*The ice melts rapidly as a black tentacle forms out of the puddle of ooze.*
Carnage- Duck!
*The tentacle smacks Shankz flying.*
Carnage- No one listens to me! *He slashes at the tentacle with sword claws, but then sees something insane. The black ooze around the tentacle’s base slithers away and reforms the cloaked figure. The cloak then disappears and a blank, featureless shell of a body stares at the Demon Knights with crimson eyes. The figure then forms into an exact duplicate of Yggdrasil, who laughs insanely at the Demon Knights.*
???- I am every foe you’ve ever faced and more. *morphs into a hybrid* Your time has come. *morphs into Traken* I will annihilate you. *morphs into Neron* Once…and for all!!!
*As soon as the black tentacle turns back to ooze and joins the whole, the monster flies into the air much like Neron would of. He forms a gigantic green fireball over his head. It crackles with emerald energy. His crimson eyes, the only difference between the real Neron and his imposter form, fill with mad glee.*
???- Now…DIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *he hurls the fireball at them*
Demon Knights- Demon Child, wake up!!! Run!!! We can’t leave Demon Child! We’re going to die!!! I’m with Carnage! Let’s go!!! No!
*Shankz holds his sword and chants. As the Demon Knights watch in amazement, a force unlike any they’ve ever seen emits from it like a net around them. It covers them all and in a blinding light, they feel themselves being moved extremely fast. In a matter of 3 seconds, the Demon Knights find themselves in a high floor of a skyscraper. In the window in front of them, a green light flashes and a cloud of smoke fills the air like a nuclear bomb. The windows on their floor shatter and everyone takes cover. In a moment or so, they all stand up and look out the window…only to face Neron.*
???- *lifts a finger and shakes it as if to say, “No. No. No.”* Hold still and feel the delightful anguish. *smiles*
Carnage- Raaaaaaaah!!! *leaps out the window*
PC99- Carnage, no!
*Carnage collides with the night black creature and begins tearing into his hide with two blade arms. The massive wings flap around as Carnage literally chops the monster to pieces.*
???- …….Hahahahahahahahahaha!!!!
*The creature continues to laugh insanely at Carnage’s vain attempt. He grabs Carnage’s throat and squeezes until Carnage’s eyes bulge.*
???- Happy landings! *He flings Carnage into the air like a ball a paper and bats him flying to the ground far below.*
PC99- Noooooooooooooo!!! *she blasts the creatures wings with frost magic, freezing them soldier. The creature impersonating Neron plummets like a rock. A screeching sound is heard, then the remaining Demon Knights watch the monster climbing through the window.*
???- Don’t worry. I won’t bite. *His bottom jaw rips in half and his mouth opens like a mandible. A long tongue whips out and wraps around the unconscious DC’s ankle.*
PC99- *tears in her eyes* LET HIM GO!!! *she grabs DC* Help me! *the other Demon Knights grab him and they fight the Neron in a tug of war*
???- Let him go. I’m not going to hurt him. Let him go and-
PC99- Why are you doing this?!?!
???- You didn’t let me finish. Let him go. I just wanna eat his brains!
PC99- No!!!
*Shawn lets go of DC and does what no one expects. He rushes at the monster, pulls out a huge explosive, lights it, and shoves it in the beast’s mouth.*
Shawn- Eat this!!!
*The bomb explodes, sending the Demon Knights flying into a ceramic wall. PC99 is the only one who catches a glance of the beast. Everything above his waist is destroyed as he falls off the side of the skyscraper. As the other Demon Knights recover, PC99 hugs Shawn tightly.*
PC99- You idiot. You brave idiot. Don’t do that again or…Carnage.
Shawn- Sorry.
PC99- What if he’s…
Garth- I doubt it. *stands up and wipes the glass shards off him* I’m sure he’ll be fine.
Red- Yeah. Carnage’s survived worse.
PC99- I hope. Where are we, Shankz? Where did you teleport us?
Shankz- 15 miles from that explosion…
PC99- My God… what is that thing?
*On the ground far below. PC99 makes out a black puddle that moves around on the street.*
Chapter 1
Three months have passed since the maniacal Neron was killed by his young brother, Demon Child. Demon Carnage; Demon Child and Carnage’s symbiote combined, roams the streets of a small town in Illinois called Verdeton.
*DC spots a shadowy form enter an alley and goes to investigate.*
DC- (Carnage’s symbiote speaks in DC’s mind) Your curiosity is sickening, DC. Shut up, Carnage. Fine. Can’t take honest opinion.
*DC lands at the entrance to the alley and enters. The smell of trash is strong, but there’s something else. Demon Carnage’s sense of smell has been amplified tenfold by the symbiote, and now he smells an all too familiar scent...blood.*
DC- *drawing his sword* Identify yourself…
*A flicker of light is seen at the end of the alley. DC approaches it. Suddenly, like a gust of wind, a dagger is being held to his throat by a slim figure.*
DC- You’ve got two seconds before we kick your-
*An incredible grip is felt on the back of his neck. Razor sharp pain shoots down his spine as dagger-like instruments pierce his demonic skin. A slight chuckle comes from behind DC and to his surprise, it’s masked vaguely familiar…*
???- You fool. You have no idea what shit you’re in, do you?
DC- We’re in a fucking alley. Let go.
???- You will answer my questions, or I’ll rip your skull from your neck…
DC- Bull…
*More pain courses through his body. The daggers must be at least 5 inches in his neck. Warm blood starts to trickle down his back.*
DC- Fine. Question away…
???- Where are the other Demon Knights?
DC- Ugh… they’re due to arrive tonight from a dimensional rift…
???- Liar!
DC- You know we’re not…
???- Yes. Alright, where will it come?
DC- We don’t know.
???- Gah! Useless! I should’ve killed you when I had the chance!
DC- Who are you?
???- I am the forgotten. I am the shadow. I am the dead. You’re all dead!
DC- Whoa, dude!
???- Don’t call me “dude”. I’m not your damn friend. I’m going to annihilate you Demon Knights once and for all. You’ve gotten in the way of every attempt to destroy or rule this planet by those superior to you! You killed my father AND me! Think you could kill me and brush it off like nothing?! You will regret you ever knew me, dude!!!
*Just as the daggers dig into Demon Carnage and nearly severe his head from his neck, a clashing is heard from behind. DC is knocked flying down the alley and crashes into a brick wall. He watches as Shankz fights the figure cloaked in black. The figure is wrapped completely in black and his face is hidden. Shankz swings with his blade and tears into the figure. He doesn’t yelp out in pain, but instead smacks Shankz into the wall with tremendous force. The figure glances at DC, growls, and then bounds across the street swiftly. He runs up the side of a building and then is gone from sight.*
Shankz- DC…
DC- Thanks. We owe you one.
Shankz- Damn straight.
*They spend the rest of the night searching for the figure, but to no avail. They finally retire and head for the location the rift is supposed to arrive.*
Chapter 2
*Shankz and Demon Carnage wait at the rendezvous. It’s midnight. Shankz polishes his sword while Demon Carnage looks around cautiously. The rendezvous is a parking lot behind an abandoned theatre.*
Shankz- I dunno, DC. Something about this just isn’t sitting right.
DC- This is the spot.
Shankz- I still think we should’ve gone to San Diego like we planned.
DC- What’s wrong with Verdeton?
Shankz- Nothing. It’s just…you said the message came in your dreams?
DC- We don’t sleep. It was sort of a hallucination, but we recognized Redsoldier when he appeared.
Shankz- Another thing. I thought they’d come back Christmas Eve, and can you stop saying “we”? Just because Carnage’s symbiote is attached to you, you don’t have to act like it.
DC- You’re right. I have to give it back to him soon anyway.
Shankz- Right. Now, I wanted to ask-
*A flashing, white light erupts in the middle of the parking lot. It forms an oval shape, creating a portal. Redsoldier emerges and hits the ground.*
Redsoldier- Ugh! Have to get used to the gravity again.
DC- Welcome back to the world of the living, friend. *he smiles and punches Red in the shoulder.*
Redsoldier- Hey, easy! I know. It’s great to see you guys again. *he shakes Shankz’ hand when he offers.* Well, I didn’t expect to see you here.
Shankz- I’ve been providing your commander with company. Now that you’re back, I guess I can leave. *he starts to walk away.*
DC- Nonsense! Stick around a while.
*The portal shimmers as PC99 emerges, then Garth_OneEye, ShawnManX, Tim-and-Carl, and finally Carnage without his symbiote. Everyone greets each other and there’s many a handshake and even some hugs from PC99. A cardboard box marked “Weapons” falls clumsily out of the portal. Then, the portal closes.*
Garth- Alright! Heaven remembered to send our shit through. *picks up his sword and gun.*
PC99- It’s so great to be back on Earth. Shankz, I missed you the most.
Shankz- *he smiles, incapable of blushing* Nous rencontrons encore, mon amour… *he takes her hand and kisses it.* It’s good to see your beautiful eyes again. Did you miss me?
PC99- *she hugs him tight* You fruit. Of course I missed you.
Redsoldier- We’ve got some bad news, DC.
DC- Let it wait a minute. *He walks over to Carnage.* Well. Well. Speak of the devil.
Carnage- Save it. I’d like my symbiote back, please.
DC- Fine. *he reaches out his right arm and turns the palm up. His wrist breaks open and the crimson and black erupts from his veins. It hits Carnage and covers him, working from the feet upward. Soon, Demon Child is once again himself and Carnage is once again himself.*
Carnage- Ah…what a rush! Haha! *grabs DC in a hug* I missed you, man!
DC- Yeah. Yeah. Get off, just get off. *pushes him* Okay. What’s the bad news NOW, Red?
*Redsoldier steps forward with his hand over his mouth. He sighs, then looks at Demon Child with thoughtful eyes.*
Red- Sphere, Saffron, Shroomie, and Cygnus aren’t coming back. They’re staying in Heaven, but we have to stay here and continue our work as Demon Knights.
DC- That’s understandable, but it still pisses me off. *looks up at the sky* They’re our friends, damnit! Comon!
TC- Sucks, huh?
Shawn- We’ll pull through, guys. We always do. Now, I don’t know about you, but I could sure go for a pizza right about now.
Garth- Hell yeah, man! We only got cheese sandwiches in Heaven since we were temporary visitors. That’s bogus!
PC99- Pizza Hut, guys!
Shankz- Sounds good. I’m buying.
DC- Alright. Let’s roll.
*The Demon Knight’s pick up their stuff and head for Pizza Hut. They walk down the street, sharing what’s happened over the last few months. They arrive and order the pizza, then sit down to chat. *
TC- So, what are we going to do now, guys? Our homes were destroyed. Hell, Chicago and New York went down because of Neron.
DC- I’ve been thinking. What if we all lived in a border house? Every morning, Carnage could make us all breakfast like a maid. *laughs* Then we could-
TC- I get it! I get it! Sorry I asked.
*After a while, the Demon Knights leave Pizza Hut and head to the hotel.*
DC- You guys are going to have to pay for your own rooms. I’m not a damn bank.
*The bank across the street from the Demon Knights explodes suddenly. The windows burst and glass scatters in all directions.*
Tim- Get down!!!
*The Demon Knights hit the sidewalk as the glass flies all around them. They get up to see the bank is a blazing inferno.*
Garth- Wtf was that?!
*Suddenly, a man in shades and a black trench coat exits the bank with the fire blazing all around. He holds a suitcase in his right hand while the other hand is in his coat. He turns and looks at the Demon Knights, then yells with recognition.*
Traken- YOU!!!
DC- YOU!!!
*Traken pulls his left hand from under the trench coat, revealing a cyborg arm with a energy cannon for a hand. As the Demon Knights scatter, it shoots a stream of napalm. It sets the street on fire, creating a wall of fire. Traken then runs down the street.*
Shawn- After him, guys!
DC- Lesgo!
*The Demon Knights chase Traken around the corner of a building. He jumps into the back of a U-Haul van as it starts driving.*
Carnage- The bastard’s getting away! PC!
PC99- Right! I got him!
*Protosschick99’s eyes blaze with blue fire as she raises her glowing staff. It shoots an orb of frost magic that hits the ground and pursues the van like a giant bolder of ice. It collides with the back of the van, sending it to a crashing halt as it freezes over. The Demon Knights run up to it. Tim readies his flamethrower. Garth aims his shotgun. Red aims his dual pistols. Shawn holds a hand grenade. DC holds his sword. PC99 holds her staff. Carnage has two axe arms. Shankz holds his sword. The U-Haul is surrounded.*
DC- Come out, Traken and maybe we’ll talk this out. You don’t want to die again, do you?
Shankz- Give it up, man!
*The back of the U-Haul is thrust open. The figure from last night jumps out and hits the ground.*
PC99- Who’s this joker?!
*The figure holds up a gloved hand.*
???- Now I’ve got you right where I want you, Demon Knights…
DC- You! You’re the one who attacked me last night! Who are you?!
???- You know who I am. Don’t play dumb. I have all the power and allies I need now to obtain what I want. Now, what do you have to say to all that?
Shankz- *having lost his patience* Buddy, if you mean to kill us, stop jerking around and do it! We can take you out! We’ve beaten foes more powerful than you could imagine! Now, are you going to surrender or-
*Shankz is suddenly high lifted into the air by an unseen force. As he dangles in the air, the Demon Knights notice the figure laughing. They make a move for him, but he holds up a hand.*
???- One move and I’ll drop him to his death!
Red- What the hell are you?!
???- Your worst nightmare. I am the hunter and it’s open season on all Demon Knights! Traken!
*Traken exits the van through the passenger side and joins the figure. He pulls down his shades and winks a white eye at PC99. She frowns in reply.*
???- Admiral!
DC- Admiral?
*The driver of the van gets out. He is covered from head to toe in solid, black metal. By his mechanical motions, the Demon Knights realize he is actually a robot. About 7’, he carries a huge rocker launcher on his right shoulder. The two groups stand off.*
Shankz- Uh…guys! A little help?!
DC- *looking up at his hovering comrade, then at the figure with robotic allies* You gonna let him down anytime soon?
???- Demon Child. You never cease to amaze me. Even when you were fighting Neron, you did it with such a mixture of grace of power. Know that even though I despise you, I respect you.
DC- I don’t even know who you are. Why don’t you let Shankz down and tell us what the problem is? We can work this out the easy way…or… *motions to his sword* we can do it the hard way.
???- Still don’t get it, do you? You’re all dead. Any last words before I-
*Red is suddenly charging at the three foes with tremendous speed. He dragon kicks the Admiral right in the chest, and at the same time shoots four bullets into the figure in black, who doesn’t even flinch. The other Demon Knights follow. As Shankz falls from the sky, Carnage catches him and sets him down. They too join the battle.*
Chapter 3
???- Kill them all!!!
*The figure turns to fight. Psychic energy emits from his hands and hits Carnage, Shawn, and Tim, sending them sprawling. Red fights hand to hand with the robotic Admiral. PC99 smacks Traken with her staff, but he sprays napalm just as she dodges. DC flies at the figure, and drives his sword into his chest.*
???- Gurgh! *he grabs DC’s horns and pulls, then head butts him. DC falls over backwards dizzily. He rolls as the figure hits the ground with psychic energy, cracking it.*
Traken- I’m gonna burn you alive, Protoss! *he shoots napalm at her. PC99 counters by shoots frost magic, turning it to ice that falls to the street and shatters.*
PC99- No chance!
*Carnage rushes to back up Red who hits Admiral all over with a series of punches and kicks. Garth joins the two and the three hack, shoots, and beat the robotic foe.*
Admiral- Grrrrrrrrrrrr… *His head suddenly pops up like a PEZ dispenser.*
Carnage- *stops hacking with axe arms* Wtf?
Admiral- RAR!!! *A dozen missiles fly into the air, turn, and head for the four fighters.*
Garth- Look out!
*Carnage, Garth, and Red scatter as the missiles explode all around. DC charges a fireball and hurls it at the figure in black, who goes to block it, but is hit. He catches fire, and shakes.*
DC- Yeah!
*The figure suddenly stops shaking and the fire goes out. He raises a right hand and aims the palm at DC. A fireball is made, nearly identical to DC’s.
DC- No way!
???- Catch, pretty demon…
DC- *shocked* Wait. That voice!
*The fireball hits DC and sends him flying into a building. The figure then takes off his gloves. Sharp claws drip black slime on the asphalt as he turns his palms towards DC as he stands back up. Two bolts of lightning jump from the figure’s palms, striking DC. The demon screams as the bolts severely electrocute him. Demon Child stares helplessly at his attacker as his vision blurs and the high voltage makes him convulse. Everything goes black as Demon Child slumps to the ground and goes limp.*
Shankz- DC!!!
*Shankz rushes at DC’s attack, but is lifted into the air again. He hurls his sword and it slashes the cloaked attacker’s neck as it flies past. The bolts of lightning stop hitting DC as the figure grabs his bleeding throat. Shankz falls to the ground.*
Shankz- Yeah!
*The figure holds his neck as blue blood gushes forth. He then summons Admiral and Traken to his side through some kind of telepathy. Traken and Admiral begin shaking violently. Bolts of electricity crackle around them as they drop their arms to their sides and collapse. They burst open. Metal parts scatter across the street as black ooze begins gushing out of them. The ooze takes shape. Two large, reptilian creatures snap maws filled with jagged teeth at the Demon Knights. Their eyes are completely crimson, with solid black pupils. They drop to all fours and move like tigers as they circle the cloaked figure.*
Shankz- What the hell are those things?
Garth- …let’s frag em. *Takes aims and shoots at the closest one. It screeches madly, then charges at him.*
Red- YAAAAAAAH!!! *leaps in front of Garth and roundhouse kicks the creature spinning.*
*PC99 stands by an unconscious Demon Child. Tim joins her.*
Tim- Is he…?
PC99- No. He’s got a pulse. He’s out cold though. That lightning was some- *Carnage crashes into the wall a few feet next to her. He shakes his head and falls to the ground.*
PC99- Carnage!
Carnage- *charges at her* Duck!
PC99- What?!
*PC99 is shocked Carnage leaps over her and slashes one of the creatures that was running towards her. He then tackles it and whams it over and over with a mallet arm.*
PC99- Damn! We gotta get DC outta here!
Shawn- Clear! *throws a TNT stick*
Tim- How?! He weighs a good 500 lbs!
*An explosion shakes the street as Shankz goes rolling across the ground.*
Shankz- Little close there, Shawn!
Shawn- My bad!
PC99- Help lift him.
*They both take an arm and lift the limp DC to his feet. As they run for a café across the street, Red smacks one of the creatures. Just as Tim and PC99 are about to enter the café, the cloaked figure appears in front of them. He punches Tim flying, then grabs at PC99. He lifts by the arm as she lets DC fall to the ground.*
PC99- No!
???- I’m going to make you bleed, Protosss!
PC99- Wait… it can’t be. You’re- *A punch sends PC99 to the asphalt next to Tim who lifts his flamethrower. The figure holds up his palms at PC99 when Tim takes aim.*
Tim- Burn, motherfucker! *lets a stream of flame on the cloaked figure, who catches fire, then absorbs it like before.* Shit! What are you!?
PC99- I know who it is…
*The figure looks contemptuously at her as he flexes his claws into fists.*
PC99- We meet again…Neron…
Chapter 4
*Redsoldier lifts one of the creatures in the air as it struggles.*
Red- You’re finished! *he hurls the creature onto an old metal fence. The spikes drive into the creature’s back as it screams. Red punches it in the face until it finally spasms and goes limp.* Gotcha.
*Carnage drives his spikes into the other creature and chops him into confetti. He stops when Garth tells him.*
Garth- He’s dead, man.
Carnage- …yeah. *stops chopping and looks at his handiwork* Fucked him up good, I did. Mmmhmmm.
Shankz- Guys! PC99 and Tim are in trouble!
*The Demon Knights approach the two warriors standing before the cloaked figure.*
Red- You’re dogs are dead! Surrender!
PC99- He won’t surrender. He’s Neron!
*The cloaked figure growls.*
Carnage- It can’t be Neron! Demon Child finished him off in Hell!
???- True. I am not Neron!
PC99- You sound just like him!
???- *mimicking her exactly* You sound just like him!
*PC99 gasps.*
Red- Surrender now before we kick your ass!
???- Incompetent descendant of the apes… *he raises a palm and the Demon Knights watch as the black ooze remains of the two creatures crawls towards him like puddles of water, finally joining with him.* I have not yet begun to fight. This was just a warm up. I’m going to kill every last-
*Garth opens fire on him, shooting his shotgun rapidly. The others join in. Carnage shoots spikes. Tim doesn’t shoot his flamethrower, knowing the results. Red shoots his pistols. PC99 unleashes a stream of ice. Shankz and Carnage then hack away at the frozen figure until shards of ice litter the ground.*
Shankz- Eat that!
Carnage- He’s going to pull himself back together…
Shankz- What?
*The ice melts rapidly as a black tentacle forms out of the puddle of ooze.*
Carnage- Duck!
*The tentacle smacks Shankz flying.*
Carnage- No one listens to me! *He slashes at the tentacle with sword claws, but then sees something insane. The black ooze around the tentacle’s base slithers away and reforms the cloaked figure. The cloak then disappears and a blank, featureless shell of a body stares at the Demon Knights with crimson eyes. The figure then forms into an exact duplicate of Yggdrasil, who laughs insanely at the Demon Knights.*
???- I am every foe you’ve ever faced and more. *morphs into a hybrid* Your time has come. *morphs into Traken* I will annihilate you. *morphs into Neron* Once…and for all!!!
*As soon as the black tentacle turns back to ooze and joins the whole, the monster flies into the air much like Neron would of. He forms a gigantic green fireball over his head. It crackles with emerald energy. His crimson eyes, the only difference between the real Neron and his imposter form, fill with mad glee.*
???- Now…DIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *he hurls the fireball at them*
Demon Knights- Demon Child, wake up!!! Run!!! We can’t leave Demon Child! We’re going to die!!! I’m with Carnage! Let’s go!!! No!
*Shankz holds his sword and chants. As the Demon Knights watch in amazement, a force unlike any they’ve ever seen emits from it like a net around them. It covers them all and in a blinding light, they feel themselves being moved extremely fast. In a matter of 3 seconds, the Demon Knights find themselves in a high floor of a skyscraper. In the window in front of them, a green light flashes and a cloud of smoke fills the air like a nuclear bomb. The windows on their floor shatter and everyone takes cover. In a moment or so, they all stand up and look out the window…only to face Neron.*
???- *lifts a finger and shakes it as if to say, “No. No. No.”* Hold still and feel the delightful anguish. *smiles*
Carnage- Raaaaaaaah!!! *leaps out the window*
PC99- Carnage, no!
*Carnage collides with the night black creature and begins tearing into his hide with two blade arms. The massive wings flap around as Carnage literally chops the monster to pieces.*
???- …….Hahahahahahahahahaha!!!!
*The creature continues to laugh insanely at Carnage’s vain attempt. He grabs Carnage’s throat and squeezes until Carnage’s eyes bulge.*
???- Happy landings! *He flings Carnage into the air like a ball a paper and bats him flying to the ground far below.*
PC99- Noooooooooooooo!!! *she blasts the creatures wings with frost magic, freezing them soldier. The creature impersonating Neron plummets like a rock. A screeching sound is heard, then the remaining Demon Knights watch the monster climbing through the window.*
???- Don’t worry. I won’t bite. *His bottom jaw rips in half and his mouth opens like a mandible. A long tongue whips out and wraps around the unconscious DC’s ankle.*
PC99- *tears in her eyes* LET HIM GO!!! *she grabs DC* Help me! *the other Demon Knights grab him and they fight the Neron in a tug of war*
???- Let him go. I’m not going to hurt him. Let him go and-
PC99- Why are you doing this?!?!
???- You didn’t let me finish. Let him go. I just wanna eat his brains!
PC99- No!!!
*Shawn lets go of DC and does what no one expects. He rushes at the monster, pulls out a huge explosive, lights it, and shoves it in the beast’s mouth.*
Shawn- Eat this!!!
*The bomb explodes, sending the Demon Knights flying into a ceramic wall. PC99 is the only one who catches a glance of the beast. Everything above his waist is destroyed as he falls off the side of the skyscraper. As the other Demon Knights recover, PC99 hugs Shawn tightly.*
PC99- You idiot. You brave idiot. Don’t do that again or…Carnage.
Shawn- Sorry.
PC99- What if he’s…
Garth- I doubt it. *stands up and wipes the glass shards off him* I’m sure he’ll be fine.
Red- Yeah. Carnage’s survived worse.
PC99- I hope. Where are we, Shankz? Where did you teleport us?
Shankz- 15 miles from that explosion…
PC99- My God… what is that thing?
*On the ground far below. PC99 makes out a black puddle that moves around on the street.*