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| Salem 2099UG Issue #6 "The Flesh Prize" Written by Jason C. Smith |
| The 2099 Underground is a project whereby a group of fans are putting together a series of stories continuing from Marvel's fantastic futuristic 2099! Ignoring the ignoble and inaccurate "2099: World of Tomorrow", we're exploring what we feel is the true spirit of 2099 as envisioned by then Editor-in-Chief Joey Cavalieri. Participation is open to all. Comments about this issue should be sent to the author. Or you can visit our message board and post your thoughts on the issue. Anyone wishing to join the mailing list should do so by signing up at Yahoo! Groups. It's free and easy! Simply type in the keyword "Ghostworks" and you're good to go. |
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| The dingy streets of the Lower Side scrolled beneath the griffin's flight, Timothi Greer taking it all in with wide eyes. He had been driven from yet another home today, a feud forged by his very presence. He knew not that the creature carrying him in its clutches was a beast of his own creation, but there were those who did. The Outer Circle, the largest crime syndicate on the Eastern Seaboard had been instructed to bring the child in unharmed. This abrupt change in their duty caused a chain reaction. It gained the attention of the Lower Side's rebellious faction, known solely as the Guiding Light. One of their most noted, and hunted, members was the elderly man known throughout New Haven as the Shopkeeper. His recent disappearance, aided by the slaughter of some fine Outer Circle enforcers, had caused quite a stir in the Lower Side community. The Outer Circle had been patrolling the streets, virtually placing this section of New Haven under martial law. The ruling House of LaCastre had been working closely with the crime syndicate in an attempt to extinguish the Guiding Light, but now their attention has turned to the King of Beasts -- Timothi Greer. It was now a race to capture the young mutant as the Guiding Light has decided that they too could benefit from a child possessing such incredible power. For the first time in days the Guiding Light stalks the streets... not running from the forces of the Outer Circle, but competing with them! Salem's admission to the Lower Side comes brilliantly with the transportation of the Void, an empty dimension used for inter-dimensional travel. His ticket to this realm? The Staff of Asgard, a powerful mystical tool of unknown origin, awarded to only the best... the most outstanding student of the Staff's previous owner. That previous owner had resided in the Tibetan Freedom Zone where Salem was raised in the seclusion of a hidden monastery. Salem now used this very weapon to aid in his war against the supernatural forces that would tread upon the delicate balance of nature on Earth. Today his mission is two-fold. Salem takes in his new surroundings with the ease of one used to the strenuous psychological factors endured by one who is accustomed to inter-dimensional travel. The last time he had walked upon the dark streets of this underground city he had been forced to burn down the residence of the Shopkeeper. This was for the old man's safety as much as his own! Apparently, Radü LaCastre had discovered the origin of the virus used to ravage Tamerlane's computers, destroying the complex in the process. He had sought out the Shopkeeper, who would have surly died had it not been for the intervention of Nichola Montesi... however, her demonic appearance only scared the old man even more, causing him to flee. Montesi had anticipated receiving the man's aid in tracking down Salem, for it was said that everyone owed him for something or another. Salem ensured that no one would be able to track him that way a second time by destroying his records. Now, he wished to find the Shopkeeper in order to obtain his help in observing the House of LaCastre. Since his disappearance the Shopkeeper had plunged into the rebellion, devoting all of his time to the Guiding Light upon entering the Lighthouse. It was this hideout, of mythological proportions, that Salem hoped to find. He knew that upon finding the Shopkeeper he would have the key to finding young Timothi Greer as well. Nichola Montesi wasn't so sure. She was just another party looking for the young "king." She felt an awkward sense of responsibility for his well being. She had probably saved him from Salem's harsh judgement once, yet she was partially to blame for his running away. The frustration she had felt from spending the past few days with Salem was more than she could possibly bear. Granted her life as one of the Darkhold Redeemers, a group of people bred to protect the ancient tome, hadn't been a stranger to weirdness and bizarre situations. After all, she possessed the ability to unleash a demonic entity that resided within her, and that in itself was not that common!! However, things with Salem... especially Salem... were very complex. She had sought her one-time ally to achieve a sense of stability in her life, and as a result things had only grown more unpredictable. In fact, the only stable aspect of her life was that she was never quite sure what was going to happen next! Though, she did know one thing for sure... if she was going to find Timothi Greer she was going to do it alone... without the help of Salem, the Lost One. And if she was lucky, she'd find the Shopkeeper too... she'd love to see the look on Salem's face if she beat him to their prize. However, what Nichola Montesi did not know was that this race was more deadly than she could possibly imagine!!! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Realm of Hades Obe sat in the corner of his liar rocking back and forth. Perhaps his Master had been right... he didn't have the patience it took to plot and plan grand schemes. He knew what Salem was up to... he had seen the beginnings of the great contest taking place in New Haven's Lower Side through the Harvest. Harvest was a being of great power in the realm of Hades... a newcomer of sorts. As usual, Obe had quickly become friends with this bizarre being, and with good reason! For some unknown reason Harvest had the ability to cross the river of dimensional matter that separated Earth and Hades. It was as if he had something anchoring him to the Earthly realm, not allowing him to become a complete prisoner of Hades. It was through his eyes, through his eloquent prose that Obe learned of the race and many of Earth's happenings. However, he also knew that Salem was in the process of forsaking the card that he had given him. "Stupid, hybrid, sonova..." Obe grumbled as he kicked dirt and debris around in his lowly cave. He didn't have the divine ability to travel from Earth to Hades to Heaven and back again like his most powerful Master did... but, Obe did have something that his Master did not. He had connections. Obe was infamous for his ability to network. He knew many beings within the realm of Hades, and strange beings they were one and all. It was time to call in a favor, he thought. And he only knew of one person... one newcomer... who could help him pull off his most delightful scheme. It was time to pay his good buddy Harvest a little visit. It was time to take action. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Lower Side, New Haven Timothi Greer wanders down one of the Lower Side's many streets. This city has changed little over the years and, as many writers of this age have declared, it remains hopelessly frozen in its poverty, ever to provide that image of ancient London in its days of eerie lamp posts and foggy nights. Many such scribes have noted its striking resemblance to a city of Victorian times, and the fog reference keenly refers to the dust that often sweeps through the city, casting a haze over the cavern in which it was built. Timothi Greer has never seen Victorian London, so he cannot appreciate the splendor of it all. However, the newest participate in the race to seize young Greer can easily take note of this often forsaken similarity. His name is Duncan Hoges, and he resides within the Penny Lane Apartment Complex within Crowns Plaza, New Haven. Yet it is not poor Mr. Hoges who can recognize his surroundings in a fit of reminiscing. It is the demonic parasite within him that notices the stark resemblance. This demonic entity is known only as Lot, and it was in a previous incantation, a host under his influence who is known throughout history as Jack the Ripper, that he experienced Victorian London first hand. However, it was now the year 2099 and the host he possessed was a rich black carder who was regarded as a child killer. That was where Lot came in. Now, he grew tired of that label and sought a new host... something he rarely did. He sought Timothi Greer. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The LaCastre Manor, New Haven Radü LaCastre peers into the Orb of Illumination(look up in Salem # 3) to look upon an empty apartment... the rather large flat that belongs to his newest enemy. He knows where the mysterious man known as Salem is, for he observed the scene that resulted in Greer's escape to the Lower Side. Thanks to the mystical technology that powered what HAD BEEN Tamerlane Inc., LaCastre was able to witness everything that took place within Salem's make shift sanctuary. And given time... with that same technology, which his cousin, Ishmael LaCastre, was busy salvaging from the Tamerlane wreckage, he would be able to personally strike against Salem at his convenience. He would be able to attack Salem when he was at his most vulnerable. He would be able to teleport into Salem's very own sanctuary. "Lynx, establish a link to the Tamerlane Salvage site. I want a secure link with Ishmael." "Establishing connection..." the computer responded. Radü sat down at his desk while awaiting for a secure line of communications. He was worried that the salvage operation was taking longer than expected, for their work force had been interrupted by the commotion stirred by Greer's bestial creations. He was counting on his strong willed cousin to get them back up to speed. He was just one possible candidate to replace the position within the House of LaCastre's Inner Circle vacated by the untimely demise of his own brother... Bartholomew. "Secure link operational, Sire. You may begin communications when ready." "Thank you, Lynx." He leaned forward and turned down the light that was positioned upon his oak desk. Lynx projected Radü's image across the city to the salvage site where his men slaved to gather any information or machinery that had escaped the destruction which consumed Tamerlane Incorporated. The holo-image of his cousin Ishmael appeared before him. Ishmael LaCastre was a very noble and loyal member of the House. He hadn't been accepted into the Inner Circle, and therefore didn't possess the same power that some of the family did, nor did he know of all the family's business. His loyalty and strength was what made him a valid applicant for the Manor's upper crust. He was already one of Radü's private elite and headed many special projects. Radü thought it possible to actually groom him as his replacement, should a situation arise that left the House without its leader. There were many possibilities. "Good evening, Cousin," Ishmael began. "I trust you fair well?" Radü smiled weakly. "Yes, everything is in order. I sincerely hope that all is well at the Tamerlane site? Please report your progress." Ishmael nodded sternly. He took pride in his job, proud that he could help the public by clearing away the damage done by the mysterious terrorist responsible. "Well, I've got good news for you, Cousin. We are back on schedule. We hope to have all the debris cleared by the end of the week. Not only that, but I am personally over seeing the excavation of a lab that suffered little damage. Tamerlane was built to last, and we've found large portions have done just that." Radü LaCastre stood and began to applaud his elder cousin. Radü was actually Ishmael's senior by about five years, but he had long stopped aging. He was stuck at the prime age of twenty-five, though his mind continued to develop and mature. Immorality was just one of the benefits that would be extended to Ishmael if he were elected into the Inner Circle. It was very difficult to usurp a ruler of the House of LaCastre and it was quite rare that the House exchanged hands. Radü's reign was only one of the few examples, for he stole the House from the weakening grasp of his own father, Marx LaCastre. His spirits rose with the news, as did his respect for his cousin. "That is fantastic news, Ishmael! Continue at your own pace, for you must be careful with any technology that you come across. This is most imperative." "As I said, Dear Cousin, I will see to it personally." "Then I am relieved. The people of New Haven will be very happy to hear that Tamerlane Inc., will slowly begin anew. We have you to thank, Ishmael," Radü exclaimed. "I only wish I could do more," he replied gravely. Radü raised his eyebrows with extreme interest. He clasped his hands together behind his back and walked out from behind his desk. "Well, perhaps you can..." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Lower Side, New Haven Timothi Greer was cornered. He had been hounded and hunted for the past few hours, though he had easily escaped with the aid of his beastly projections. His distorted view of life as tragic and horrendous as it has been is clearly demonstrated by the nightmarish manifestations of his mind. Each time an Outer Circle agent inched close enough to grab him a bizarre creature would whisk him away. Timothi's only thought was to flee. When he was looking for his mother his anger fed the beasts that surrounded him, causing them to act out his aggression and hatred. However, he no longer held the anger that caused his projections to attack. Now, his primary concern was staying away from anyone that neared him. He was sick of humanity... his only wish was to exile himself. But now he was cornered. The Outer Circle had managed to enclose him within one of the Lower Side's various Dead End Alleys. He didn't understand. No one had ever paid so much attention to him... not this kind of attention. His father only acknowledged his existence when he was angry. Nichola Montesi had feared for his safety, but these men... they were trying to take him away. What did it all mean? One of the agents approached Greer slowly. They had been instructed to bring the child in alive and they thought that the easiest way to do so was to render him unconscious. The first agent pulled back the front of his coat to reveal what appeared to be a weapon of some sort. As he neared Timothi, a creature began to come forth from the stone wall that he embraced in fear. Gigantic stone hands came forth from the wall, its nature warping to form long powerful arms. The creature kept coming forth and a broad chest soon followed. It wasn't long at all before the agent faced a huge giant of stone. A few agents fled at the sight of the concrete guardian. The enforcer slowly progressed, attempting to stun the creature with the weapon he had pulled. It had no effect and he found himself the first victim of this complex construct. Timothi felt secure with the sight of this brutish protector. However, this large creature only caused more panic in the area, which served as a signal to all others searching for the lost child. The Guiding Light were the first to reach the scene. Strangely enough they emerged from one of the alley ways that had proved to be a common Dead End. A large man of African American and Native American descent shoved his way to the front of the group. A determined look was chiseled upon his face, and his features narrowed in on the sight of the child. They would have to take out Greer in order to defeat the stone guardian that protected him, he thought. He'd have to utilize his agility to penetrate the Outer Circle enforcers and get past Greer's defender. He began to press on when a hand firmly grasped him by the shoulder. He turned to see the expressive face of an elderly gentleman. "Don't, Switch. You're not thinking straight. The Outer Circle will be destroyed by the power of the child, for he fears them. If we want to harness his power for ourselves, we'll have to gain his trust. Knocking him out and kidnapping him will hardly prove our good intentions." The man looked upon their leader with a respectful nod. "You're right, Shopkeeper. We'll have to use our head if we're going to run the Circle and House out of our city. What do you suggest?" The Shopkeeper rubbed the back of his neck as if he wasn't sure what to do next. Then his eyes lit up with the spark of an idea. He turned to the rest of the group that had accompanied them. "This is the moment that many of you have been waiting for," he started. "In order to win the trust of the Outer Circle's newest inductee we'll have to overcome the enforcers who wish to subdue him. If we can defeat the Outer Circle agents that rock creature will fight by our side and we'll have scored our first win against this crime syndicate. Are you with me?" The hushed whispers of confirmation rang throughout the alley way. The man known only as Switch looked upon their leader with a hard won respect. He feared no one, and rarely followed orders. The Shopkeeper was a well known name throughout New Haven, and they were lucky to count him among the Guiding Light. The Shopkeeper silently motioned in the direction he wished one of the squads to follow. This group of men was led by Switch, and the Shopkeeper knew that he could trust them to do right by their goals. It was only when they were in position that he crept out of the alley with his own legion. Before attacking, they stood in awe. They could only watch as the champion of stone stood bravely against a host of enforcers. Their advanced weaponry could do little against his cement hide, though his fantastic fists of rock had the ability to kill with one strike... or at least render them helpless. This would make the Guiding Light's battle easier... and they needed a victory, the Shopkeeper thought. He had long been an ally of theirs, but it was only recently when seeking shelter from the Outer Circle and a demonic spawn that he found the Lighthouse and joined their ranks. He was now a prominent figure in the rebellious organization. This was due to his well established reputation. He knew that the men needed a victory to boost their morale and broaden their fame. The Shopkeeper signaled the strong man leader of the second brigade. It was their plan to sweep in from both sides of the battle to trap the Outer Circle agents between them and the magnificent stone avenger. As Switch charged ahead, so did his men. The Shopkeeper stayed back as his men ran to join the battle. He was little use in a fight, but his supreme mind could easily calculate winning strategies and battle tactics. Their plan was working as those who didn't find themselves beneath the stone fists of Greer's mental manifestation were rounded up by the rebel forces. Timothi was delighted to see these average men take up arms against his attackers. He was so excited that he never saw the shadow of a new threat pass by. He looked only in time to see the fist of an older man crash down into the bridge of his nose. Duncan Hoges, controlled by the demonic Lot, hoisted the unconscious body of Timothi Greer over his shoulders and escaped into the night. Greer's stone champion disappeared when he lost consciousness. It was of little importance however, for the Guiding Light had things in control. In fact, it was only moments later that Switch took notice of the creature's absence. He looked about and saw that the Shopkeeper was no where to be seen. Despite his worry he could not flee the scene of a battle. He would stay with his men, even if their valiant leader had not. Suspicion arose in his chest as he saw that their liege was not the only person missing... so was their young prize! He continued to combat the remaining enforcers, even as he plotted revenge for the possibility of a conspiracy. Thankfully, the Shopkeeper would not have to face Lot alone. Unknown to anyone, Nichola Montesi followed in pursuit as well. She had been spying upon Outer Circle for some time, hoping to follow them to Timothi Greer. She was about to join his champion of stone when the Guiding Light showed up. Montesi had learned much from her brief time with Salem. She knew that nothing was predictable, so she decided to stay out of the action, remaining a wild card. Now, she was going to have to play her hand, it seemed, by saving Greer from the clutches of this mysterious man. She knew not why this stranger had kidnapped the boy, but she would make him pay dearly if he had injured him. Also, she would finally be able to confront the Shopkeeper, and take him to Salem. She wondered where her sometimes ally was as she continued to follow the Shopkeeper, who was in turn trailing behind Mr. Hoges. Yet one more figure stalked this mad chase scene. He traveled within the shadows... blanketed from unaided vision by his ability to wrap himself in the darkness. He tightly clutched a wooden staff as he ran behind the Shopkeeper, keeping a safe distance despite his camouflage. It was Salem, and he had been with Timothi for some time now. He hated himself for using the child like he did, but it proved necessary. He knew that many forces sought the child's incredible abilities, so he did not save the boy when he had the chance. Rather he stayed out of the action, allowing all of those who wanted the child to come forth out of the wilderness of New Haven. Now, he had found the Shopkeeper and discovered a new character. Unlike Montesi, he would not come out of hiding until the very last minute. His impatience gnawed at him as he ran on their heels. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Meanwhile, Also Within the Lower Side... An unmarked car of midnight black rolled to a stop, its high powered beams of light disappearing as the engine powered down. The car door slowly opened and a leather clad foot stepped out upon the dirty street... one of the sector's many trademarks. A tone leg followed the foot until the man was fully out of the car. He slammed the door behind him, clad only in a loincloth of silver fur and leather gauntlets which matched his thick leather boots. It was his first visit to the Lower Side and hopefully his last, he thought. He had been commissioned to find someone by the name of Timothi Greer... in hopes of finding a man known as Salem. His name was Neil Harvest. He had traveled all over the world in his line of work... which was hard to describe. He did many things, but few knew of his occupation. His latest mission was a simple favor. A favor that he had granted a friend of his from a distant land... a realm known as Hades. Harvest existed in both realms at the same time... a bizarre condition that had only taken place recently. He was now granting a favor to a demonic imp known as Obe, a friend of his from his short time in Hades. He was willing to use his ability to channel energy from that bizarre dimension to this realm to enable Obe to "visit" Earth. He was capable of channeling Obe's mental energy here, allowing him to experience Harvest's surroundings first hand. He had easily found his way to the Lower Side with the advanced technology used within his vehicle... the Midnight Genesis. He looked about to see if he was alone, and upon verifying his solitude he entered a nearby alley. He sat down upon the hard ground, crossing his legs and closing his eyes. He began to breath deeply, imagining the surroundings of his other self, cast down into the pits of Hades. He could feel the heat upon his chest and brow. Sweat began to gather on the back of his neck and around the hairline of his long brown mane as if he were actually there in the fiery pits. He was calling upon the essence of his other self. He was transforming, calling upon the power of his captured soul... a soul torn between two realms. His skin grew tough and coarse, his eyes grew dark and sullen. In the realm of Hades the being known only as Harvest took on the human qualities of its Earthly counter-part as the two attempted to merge. Harvest could never escape the clutches of Hades, for this was his torment. He was cursed with immortality by sharing his soul with the valley of the undead. Once the transformation was complete, Harvest stood with the same noble grace that he had once held, though he was strangely different. It was as if he were a dark counter-part of the human Neil Harvest. He was similar yet somehow different. It could easily be described as looking upon Harvest through a twisted fun-house mirror. Such was the side effect of calling upon his torn soul. Now, he would track down the man that Obe sought. Upon finding his target, and he always did, he would grant Obe the luxury of manifesting himself in his own body to deliver a message... to deliver a warning. This was the favor that he promised Obe. Harvest was coming... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Across Town -- The Lower Side The Shopkeeper stood back watching a bizarre scene unfold. He had not yet made his presence known for he was quite intrigued at what took place before him. Greer's kidnapper had strapped down the young lad with bonds of steel. The child was still unconscious, but his would-be savior knew not what he faced. He understood that it would not be to his advantage to rush in unprepared. It was best to be patient and observe, for information was true power he reminded himself. It was while recording the scene with his bionic eye that he was first reacquainted with the demonic female that had saved him from the Outer Circle's assassins. However, he was just as startled this time as he was on their first meeting. Nichola Montesi, already in her demonic form, stepped out from seemingly nowhere which panicked the elderly man. He fell back almost crying out in alarm. Nichola caught him with one arm, stopping his plea with her other. "Please, don't make a sound," she whispered before removing her hand. She smiled at him as she lifted her hand from the Shopkeeper's mouth. He blinked at her in confusion. "You're not after me, are you?" he asked quietly. "Well, not exactly," Montesi replied. "I'm here to help you... I'm here to save the boy. He was in my charge once and I failed, I'm afraid. I've also been hoping to find you... to make sure you were all right. I didn't mean to frighten you the other day, I meant you no harm. I was looking for Salem, and I thought that perhaps you could help me." "Salem... I'm afraid you're too late, young lady. I fear that he was killed in the destruction of Tamerlane. That must have been why LaCastre sent those enforcers to murder me. Somehow they tied me to Salem... of course, after him I'd be next on their list." "Not so, sir. You see... Salem has been searching for you since your disappearance. The Outer Circle did trace Tamerlane's destruction back to you, and they were hoping to acquire knowledge of Salem. He feared for your life when you escaped into the night... he knew that the Outer Circle would hunt you down. He'll be happy to know that you're safe," she smiled. "Well, friend... I'd hardly say that any of us are safe. The House of LaCastre and the Outer Circle are related in ways that Salem has yet to realize. I must meet with him at once." "I'll be happy to take you to him as soon as we save the child," Montesi whispered. "Of course." Salem stood back in the shadows, pleased to see everything coming together. Not only had he found the Shopkeeper, he had also managed to stumble upon a demonic threat that had long escaped his senses in New Haven. A simple identification spell had shed all of the light on the situation that Salem needed. He slowly let the shadows ease off of him so that he could reveal his presence to Montesi and the Shopkeeper. Montesi took a few steps back in surprise, but his sudden appearance was only met with a smile from the Shopkeeper. "You don't know how much I've missed that entrance," the Shopkeeper laughed quietly. "I've grown almost as fond of it as your trick with the Staff. There have been many nights recently when I found myself longing for your sudden appearance. It is good to see you again, old friend." Salem smiled beneath his mask. He had actually feared for the elderly man's well being. Perhaps he cared more for these people than he realized... more than he would admit at any rate. "Likewise, sir. It has been a long while... too long. Now, shall we rescue the child... we have some catching up to do." "Aye. Can you tell me what we're dealing with, Salem?" The old man asked the question as they peered around the corner. Mr. Hoges was standing above the child waiting for him to awaken. He would have only a moment to enter the child's mind before Greer's creatures would tear him apart. It was a risk, but it was the first risk he had faced in many years, and it excited him. This was what he longed for. Salem pushed past Montesi to stand beside the old man. Nichola looked upon him with an angry expression. Though he may have been sore with her, he did not need to be so cold, she thought to herself. They were going to have to work together to ensure the child's safety. Somewhat she doubted that Salem was even truly concerned with the child's well being. "Well, I cast an identification spell upon him. I was shocked to find that he's not just a man. I know nothing of the host body, but the man has long been possessed by a demonic parasite," Salem informed his colleague. "Demonic parasite?" the Shopkeeper asked. "Yes. It appears that he grows bored of his life in his current host body. I would wager that he desires the power that our young friend wields. We cannot allow him to inhabit the child's body, for casting him out will be quite difficult after they bond. However, we must wait for him to leave his host's body to defeat him. We'll wait until he starts to bond with Timothi, then we'll strike." "We don't need to defeat the demon," Nichola interjected. "We only need to save the boy. Why are we waiting? Simply kill the possessed man and get Timothi out of there." Salem looked at her coldly. "You know why I must do this, Nichola. You know why... why I must wait." She looked away from him. His words cut her like a blade and she felt sorrow for him once again. If only he weren't so driven, she began to think. She cast such thoughts from her mind and responded, "We'll wait." "Thank you," Salem replied. The Shopkeeper said nothing, only watched the man hover before Timothi Greer. "Just say when, Salem." Salem nodded and leaned forward. The Shopkeeper kept silent once again as the shadows consumed the form of his mysterious friend. He could no longer make out Salem's shape for he was one with the shadows that lived in the abandoned building. Nichola stepped forward hissing silently at Salem as he slipped into the adjoining room. "What does he think he's doing," she said sternly aloud. The Shopkeeper didn't look at her as he replied. "His job." Salem inched ever closer, hidden within the shadows. His hand slipped around the Staff of Asgard, his grasp tightened as he watched. His enhanced senses picked up the change in Greer's breathing. He was coming about. It would only be a moment for the demonic parasite to realize this as well... though Salem was already prepared. Lot looked down upon the boy as his eyes blinked open. Now was his chance as the child was disorientated. His hands shot out, strangling the young boy. The eyes of Duncan Hoges shot open with pain, his teeth clenching. Smoke began to rise from his grip on the child's neck... Timothi's flesh smoldering beneath the hands of Lot. Lot began to enter the child's mind, and Greer was terrified at the invasion of his thoughts. Beasts of all kind popped up from nowhere with his panic. Many of them rushed the man who choked him. Salem saw his chance now, and the Staff of Asgard went flying from his grasp. His aim was steady and true, though it never reached its intended mark. It was caught instead by one of the beasts rushing Mr. Hoges. Salem cursed as the Staff returned to him, its victim lying motionless on the floor. The might of Timothi's constructs were weakening as he was slowly possessed. Salem never needed to try again as Duncan was quickly overran by beasts of unimaginable fierceness. He was slaughtered with a speed unparalleled, though it was too late. Lot was out of his host, and he was seizing another! Salem rushed forward, the shadows sliding off of him in the process. Nichola Montesi rushed from the next room as well with the Shopkeeper not far behind her. Timothi's beastly constructs were confused by the power of not one, but two minds attempting to control them. For the first time Timothi was aware of his awesome power, but he had no desire to give it up! The beasts that were born around him began fighting one another... their actions confused by two masters. Lot and Timothi fought within his mind, the child trying with all of his might to cast the demon out. His rescuers never reached him however. They were met with opposition from the bewildered constructs that he subconsciously projected. They meant to drive away any invaders of Timothi's space, be it physical or mental! Salem was confronted by a devilish boar. He was almost run through as the demonic animal charged him. Its tusk caught the edge of Salem's cloak, jerking him back with the animal's might. If he was going to save young Timothi he was going to have to fight against impossible odds... Greer's own mind! The creatures were utterly confused as they spread their madness throughout the area. They lashed out against Salem, Montesi, and the Shopkeeper, though Greer knew that they were there to help him. He could do nothing as he watched the possibility of his friends slaughter with horror. Salem clutched his cloak and ripped it free from the wild boar's tusks. He turned with the speed of a panther as the boar began its murderous stampede. Salem stood fast, prepared to crush its skull with his Staff, though once again he never got the opportunity. He was cast aside by a mighty blow which left him rolling on the ground. He hit the wall and came to a halt. The burning pain in his arm kept him aware of his surroundings. He looked down upon his limb and found it bleeding. He gritted his teeth and cast his glance upward to see the source of his injuries. His eyes widened at the sight of a satanic grizzly bear! Its eyes glowed with fire and there were only a dozen patches of hair scattered about its red flesh. He sat with his back to the wall... cornered by both beasts! Nichola Montesi looked over her shoulder and saw Salem at the monsters' mercy. She could do nothing for she had her own hands full with a host of ghoulish dwarves! She sliced into another one, awaiting for them to attack. As soon as they were in arm's reach she used her mighty claws to take them down. ‘Thank goodness these beasts seem to be mortal,' she thought to herself. ‘It must be the weakening of his mind.' She bumped into something and turned quickly to eliminate it. Luckily, the Shopkeeper dodged her blow and speared a wild imp that leapt at them both. "Careful, lass," he said grimly. "I'm sorry," she puffed. "They grow in number and strength!" "Keep your back to mine and we will make our stand here," the Shopkeeper directed. Montesi complied and cast one more glance at Salem. He appeared to be in deep trouble. Salem looked upon the beasts with a grim smile. He was almost glad to be in such a predicament. It was a true challenge, such as he hadn't faced before. He only wished that the fate of his allies did not weigh in the balance. The creatures started to move in and Salem worked out a plan in his mind. He only had a few moments to execute it. As the bear lunged forward Salem twirled the Staff. Out of the corner of her eye Montesi saw the flash of light that signaled the opening of the Void. She could also smell the brimstone that floated through the air after its disappearance. The bear was startled to find Salem vanish before its very eyes! A tear in the fabric of reality appeared next to the boar, and Salem leaped out with the Staff in hand. The portal closed behind him as he brought the Staff up in a powerful arc, catching the beast just under the chin. He knew that the blow was one of death even as it struck the creature. The loud crack of its neck as it snapped back only confirmed it. Salem quickly turned as his other foe raced forward. Salem fell hard on his back as he rotated the Staff. The bear had no time to stop its course and it roared as it ran into the sharp point of the Staff's handle. Salem braced himself against the floor as the creature's weight caused the Staff to continue its path through the bear's chest. Salem tensed up as the dead monster fell upon him. He struggled and finally kicked the large corpse off of him. He was covered with the construct's blood. He fought with the Staff for a moment, trying to pull it free of the creature's chest. Finally it gave way when he called upon it with the enchantment that brought it back to his hand. He looked around and saw the mass of creatures surrounding Montesi and the Shopkeeper. ‘They're on their own,' Salem thought to himself. ‘I've got to try and save Timothi before that demon bonds with him for good!' Salem speeded toward Greer, clubbing creatures down as they appeared before him. Often times he'd swing the hilt of his trusty weapon, slashing through his opponents. Montesi and the Shopkeeper saw Salem make his way toward the one they wished to save. Nichola frowned when she saw his open wounds. Though she may find it hard living with Salem, she still worried about him. Blood covered his ravaged arm and it dragged along as he used his other to handle the Staff of Asgard. Soon enough Salem was right next to Timothi Greer. However, he knew not what to do! His mind worked out a dozen different spells that would prove effective against the demon... driving him back to whatever dimension spawned him. He swallowed hard when he realized that he knew none of these spells well enough to perform them without repercussions. He would not risk CALLING some entity from another realm just to rid the world of this one. The easiest way was to strike the child down... leaving the demon with no host to bond. This would definitely cause the entity to retreat. "Salem, DO something," Montesi shrieked. They were about to be crushed by a horde of monsters that only Lot could have dreamt up. He raised the Staff far over his head and whispered something apologetic to the child. Just as Salem was about to bring the weapon down in a crushing blow he heard two things that caused him to hesitate. First, he looked over at Nichola Montesi who was trying her best to protect a wounded Shopkeeper. She had screamed in horror when she witnessed what Salem was about to do. Next, he turned to see a newcomer upon the scene. He had crashed down from the large circular window, a rain of shattered glass sprinkling about him. Salem looked upon the large, tanned figure. He was a man clad in fur. Then Salem eyed his powerful broad shoulders and the mighty sword that hung from his back. "What now," he groaned. The man known as Harvest took long strides to cover the distance between himself and the man he had hunted down. Between them stood a wild creature with burning hair who shielded a wounded elderly man the best she could. The creature she fended off was a giant of some sort. As he continued his trot he drew the large broadsword from his back and swung it over his head. As he leaped with weapon in hand, Montesi shielded herself and the Shopkeeper, though his attack never reached them. He flew over them with his singular bound and slew the hideous creature that attacked them. As he landed Harvest ran toward Salem and Timothi Greer. "Back," he bellowed. Salem looked at him with a bizarre expression. He began to twirl the Staff in preparation for combat. Harvest saw this and disarmed himself. Once he reached Timothi he pushed Salem out of his way. "I said stand back," he said as he grasped the comatose child. Salem could only stand back in hopes that this strange barbaric man could do something he couldn't... save Timothi Greer. He watched as Harvest pulled the child up in front of him. He held the boy's face in his hands and called upon his torn soul once again. This time he conducted the energies that made him a prisoner of Hades to expel the demonic parasite from the child's mind. The sheer force of the power blew Lot's essence from Greer's mind. It also forced the child and Harvest apart in a brilliant display of color. Montesi ran over to Timothi helping him up. Salem only stood by as Harvest struggled to regain his footing. He did not even glance down as the slaughtered bear's blood disappeared from his Staff. All of the mess left by the constructs that he and his companions had killed disappeared with Lot's exile. However, his own injuries remained. "Who are you?" "You're welcome," Harvest spat. He shook his head and sat down against the wall. The Shopkeeper limped over to Salem's side and Montesi held Timothi tightly in her arms. "You did not answer my question," Salem responded. "Who are you?" "You may call me Harvest. You are lucky that the deed I just performed was a favor of another... I do not suffer ingratitude lightly." "He's sorry," Nichola interrupted. "I'm very thankful that you were able to help us, but how did you know?" Salem eyed him with suspicion. "I was sent by someone to track down Salem. Someone wishes to deliver a message to you, though I hardly see why they would bother." The Lost One placed his Staff in its holster and said, "Continue. Who sent you... what is this message?" "Bah," Harvest shrugged. Then, he closed his eyes and called upon his other self in Hades. It was time to allow Obe to manifest himself in Harvest's body. His eyes shot open, though he did not stand. "Salem..." his muttered. Salem took a step forward in shock. The voice was that of Obe, the devilish imp he often visited in Hades. "Obe?" "Yes, it is me, Sal," Obe laughed through Harvest. "Do not be so harsh with our friend here... show some manners. Your mother raised you better than that didn't she?" Salem said nothing, but only watched. "Well, I'd better not waste time yapping. It's a good thing my buddy Harvest here was willing to help me out. Otherwise you'd be too late and your little buddy over there would be visiting with me as a permanent guest!" "Obe, what is the meaning of this," Salem asked impatiently. Obe sighed. "The card, Sal... the card. Did you forget already? You gotta go... don't ignore your salvation." Salem did not like to hear Obe talk of such things, but he could not ignore the pleas of his friend. "I was involved with other things," Salem said. "Well, its a good thing Harvest was willing to help ya out. Now, get going... you don't have all night. You'll heal up nicely on your way, but it won't do any good if you don't get there right away. Hopefully, I'll still be down here when you're finished. Come see me after you make that little stop. GO!" Salem pulled the card from his belt and looked at the address. It was an above ground apartment in New Haven. It wasn't too far from his own... just a few blocks. He looked upon Harvest who was fighting to stand. He braced himself against the wall and Salem asked, "Obe?" "He's left, Salem. And so should you. I'm sure it's important if Obe actually indebted himself to me." "Very true," Salem replied. He turned to his companions and they made their way out of the building. Montesi carried the slumbering child in her strong arms and Salem helped the Shopkeeper make his way outside. Harvest walked slowly behind them. Just in front of the abandoned building was the Midnight Genesis. Harvest walked over and the door melted away to let him in. "Need a ride somewhere," Harvest asked them. Salem sliced a hole open with the Staff of Asgard and sneered at the fantastic automobile. "We can manage." "Suit yourself," Harvest grumbled as he climbed into the Genesis. Just as it drove away Salem heard Harvest's voice trail off into the distance. "Ingrate...." Salem stared at where the car disappeared as Montesi, Greer, and the Shopkeeper entered the Void. Then, he turned and followed them. It appeared that race had been a tie of sorts. Salem the Lost, Nichola Montesi, and the Shopkeeper of the Guiding Light had all ended up with the rescued child. Salem was pleased that they had saved him, though the image of their help, the mysterious wild man known as Harvest, weighed heavily on his mind. He knew that they would meet again. Whew! Wasn't that wild? This issue introduced a few new players in the Salem universe... the Guiding Light, Switch, Harvest, and someone, or SOMETHING that will play a role in the future!!! Next issue we meet another new character... Salem meets up with the angelic incubus known as Seraphim!!! Don't miss it! ALSO: Galactus is coming... |