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| The Mighty Thor 2099UG Issue #10 "Saviors Enraged" Written by Jason C. Smith |
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| 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 Lady Sif could barely make out the gigantic figure standing before her through the swelling of her eye. Her vision was badly blurred and she was beginning to hallucinate. What had hit her? Who had hit her? "Tho... Thor," she asked in an innocent whimper. A negative response echoed throughout her mind. This man, this monster, was far too big to be her lover, the master of the Fenris. In fact, no one was sure of the mighty Thor's whereabouts, but everyone knew their safety depended on his intervention. The gathering crowd dared not come too close to the powerful invader or Thor's warriors. They watched with faces of grief as Kabal slowly began to shuffle through the debris that littered the street. He crouched beside a pile of rubble, allowing his plasma cannon to recharge. However, even as the soft hum of his wrist-mounted launcher began to fill his ears, he realized that the fury of their foe's attack would go unmatched. No one here could stop him... they could only hope to keep the Fenris safe until their Lord could arrive, and that could easily cost them their lives. The Lady Sif tried to stand, but her legs refused to cooperate. As she stumbled back into the cluttered destruction surrounding her, a strong pair of arms wrapped around her, sparing the good lady of more humiliation. She looked up and whispered her lover's name once again. "No," Scout hissed softly. "Though I'll have to do for now, Milady." He was a time-lost traveler, an ex-agent of the enigmatic Lord Tyme, and a fine warrior in most situations, however the Scout was not facing just any situation! His eyes narrowed at the man who towered before him. Unfortunately, the Scout had expended all of the chronological energy stored within his battery-like cells when he sent home their ally, the Net Prophet. Now, he was powerless against the might of this gargantuan... this human juggernaut!!! The man once known as Bloodsword bellowed out for all to hear. His mission was not only to defeat those who had cast him out like a worthless piece of trash, but to humiliate them. While it was true that the Scout and Lady Sif were not among those who had replaced his rule with that of the Thunder God, they had taken lot with Thor and that was enough to earn his hatred. He sneered down at the Scout as he braced the beaten form of Lady Sif. "Let her fall... she is weak! Then, join her by her side... on your knees!" The Scout looked upon the man calling himself the Juggernaut. Everyone had to look upon him, for he was easily twice the size of every one present. The Scout possessed very broad shoulders, but the Juggernaut easily doubled his stature. His huge hands rested on his waist and the sun faintly shimmered on his oily, black hair. He flashed a cocky grin of satisfaction as the Lady Sif fought to speak. "You've made a big mistake, whoever you are! When... wh.. When Thor gets here..." "Silence," he barked. "I have come for Thor, for I will force him into servitude, just as I have you, dogs! It is Odin's will that the Fenris follow me, just as they have in the past." "Bite your tongue, madman," Kabal shouted from the sidelines. He eyed the large man before them, almost recognizing his former leader. However, the power bestowed upon Bloodsword by the crimson gem had altered his physical appearance too much for the battle weary priest to pick up on. "You," he began with disgust. "You, Kabal, think you are all knowing of Odin's will? Who hast he bestowed with power beyond imagination, whelp? Surely not you, you who hides behind the might of the false Thunder God! You shall be the first I purge from the Fenris! May you now depart the land of the living and start anew in Hel!" Everyone gasped as the Juggernaut approached Kabal. Just as he reached down to wrap his large hands around the neck of the Fenris priest, Kabal unleashed a plasma blast into the debris that laid between them. The blast knocked the rock up into the Juggernaut's face, though he knocked it away as if it were nothing. However, it did give Kabal the opportunity to put a few feet between him and his attacker. During the Juggernaut's personal vendetta against his former right-hand man, the Scout placed the Lady Sif among a group of ragged Fenris and made his way toward Central Park. His eyes darted back and forth between the parched earth and the solar lamps that were supposed to store the sun's power to feed the plants. The advanced infrastructure of 2099 had placed a looming shadow over most of Downtown, and the vegetation of the once great park had suffered from it. Unfortunately, the Scout was going to have to steal just a little bit more of the sun's energy from the dying plants. Just as the Juggernaut began to lash out at Kabal, the Scout shouted and lured his attention. "I shall never bow before you! If what you say is true... if Odin did indeed grant you the incredible power you wield today, then you are no longer a man! You are a pawn! And I would rather die a free man... a real man... than a pawn any day!" "So we shall see," the Juggernaut laughed as he leisurely strolled forward. Though the Scout was powerless, he stood fast and remained before the Juggernaut. It wasn't but a moment later that he was sent flying thanks to a backhand courtesy of his new found enemy. At least, he had managed to draw his attention, for he was now nowhere near Sif or Kabal. Despite the pain that roared throughout his entire body, no fear was within his heart. In fact, he felt more calm now then he had ever before thanks to the acceptance granted by Thor and his servants. For the first time, at least that he could remember, he was not a pawn--he was a man. And he would not become a pawn again, not to Lord Tyme, not to the Juggernaut... not to anyone! As he struggled to stand, he glanced over in Sif's direction. Rage shot through his mind as he saw the Juggernaut standing above the fallen form of Sif. He fought to one knee, but still could not stand. Everything seemed to swirl around him. It wasn't until he saw the Juggernaut's hand slowly wrap around the throat of the beautiful woman and lift her into the air, choking her, that he pushed himself to the limit and stood with all of his remaining energy. He had to do something to save the Lady Sif!!! The Juggernaut held her up before his face and stared into her face. Her complexion was transformed into a reddish hue as he choked the oxygen from her lungs. She kicked and struggled, but she could do nothing as she slipped into and out of consciousness. He laughed as she fought. The Scout started toward them, but stopped with a sudden revelation. He winced at the pain as he moved and quickly remembered the outcome of his last stand-off with the ridiculously large man. He had to find a way to confront the Juggernaut without getting himself killed. Finally, his eyes narrowed upon the image of a random solar-lamp, used to feed the scarce patches of vegetation within the Park. He held out his hand and the mechanical casing of the lamp began to snap and crackle. Energy erupted throughout the lamp as the Scout began to absorb the solar energy stored within its cells. The plasimetal covering dropped to the ground, smoking from the heat of the solar energy. As the Scout stood and began to approach the Juggernaut, smoke rolled off his sweaty flesh. Anger fueled his every step, and the scent of burning hair floated in the breeze. He quickened his step and soon found himself standing before the Juggernaut. Sif was struggling to survive within the monster's grasp, but her time was fading fast. The man formerly known as Bloodsword paid little attention to the Scout, for he had nothing to fear. Suddenly, the Scout's arm shot out and from his palm erupted a flash of light so bright that the entire area was bathed in painful illuminance. The Juggernaut immediately dropped the Lady Sif and grabbed his at his hands, hoping to shield them from the white brilliance. The Lady Sif fell and did not stir, but at least she was free from the behemoth's clutch. Kabal, half blind himself, leaped toward her, and pulled her from the grizzly scene. Many of the bystanders wandered away from the display, cursing the solar powered attack of the Scout. Juggernaut was no exception. "You accursed fool," he shouted, staggering backward. "You only delay the inevitable! If you will not admit defeat, I will crush you! You may wield the power of the son, but I wield the power of Odin himself!!!" The Scout didn't bother to answer as he pressed onward. As he smashed his fist into the Juggernaut, he used his abilities to heat up the particles in the air around his target. As his assault met its mark, the air around his foe's head exploded in a sonic explosion. A wave of sound and heat enveloped the Juggernaut's face as the Scout's fist pounded into him. Bloodsword clenched his teeth as he lazily swept out his arm, hoping to catch the Scout. However, he did not connect as the Scout was already distancing himself from the deaf and blind brute. He wasn't about to let the Juggernaut get his meaty hands around his neck! "We... we need help," Kabal shouted at the Scout. "We must send word to Lord Thor!" Kabal looked in several directions, though no one was paying attention to him. Everyone's eyes were fixed on the monster before them, who easily tore apart their best warriors. He seemed to be enjoying himself, as if it were an act of revenge. Kabal slowly pressed a button mounted upon his techno-gauntlet. He closed his eyes and said a small word of prayer to Odin, hoping beyond hope that the beacon would work. "Think we can hold him?" Kabal asked over his shoulder. The Scout's gaze never wavered as he worked his fists into tight little balls of aggression. "I just don't know, Kabal... I just don't know" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ruins of Alchemax -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Light did not make its way into the deep caverns of waste, but the elegant form of its sole occupant made her way through the maze of destruction with a curious ease. Her eyes had adjusted to the absence of light, though the gentle hum of electricity signaled its possible return within the coming hours. Many things had changed since Stark-Fujikawa's Salvage Crews had been on the job. The dust had hardly managed to settle before their tracks could be traced through the rubble of Alchemax's ruined tower. Their equipment littered the remains of this infamous complex, but none had managed to stray into the nether-regions of this hell and survive... and its queen was going to make sure of that. Suddenly, a blast of sparks flew from a nearby corner, catching her attention with a savage jerk. The sight had startled her, yet she failed to understand why her nerves were so weak. She was usually above such feelings of inadequacy. The sparks had indicated the return of the lights, or at least some of the life support functions. Apparently, the Salvage Crews had finally managed to restore some of the environmental functions. Though the sub-levels had been impaired by the explosion that destroyed Alchemax, luckily enough, they were basically intact. Stark-Fujikawa had seemingly lost when the tower was decimated, but there was still an abundance of resources for them to salvage in the lower levels, beneath the ruins of the mighty corporation. Her eyes slowly adjusted to the light, but once she had regained the ability to see, she was amazed at what she saw. This place was all too familiar... some of her earliest memories had taken place within these steel walls. Slowly, a thought began to form in her mind. The return of the lights meant that more armored men were sure to appear with intentions of capturing her again! The last batch of warriors had acted surprised by her presence, but she knew it was an act to throw her off guard. Though the mortals who had perished in the chaos that surrounded her had claimed to save her, she realized that she was nothing more than their prisoner. Yes, there would be more coming... and she would be ready for them. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Miles From Babylon Towers, Uptown, New York -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The cool night air enveloped him as the mighty god of thunder flew through the air at an amazing speed. With Mjolnir in hand, he made his way over the city, ever vigilant for signs of trouble. He didn't usually venture into Uptown very much, for his responsibility was to the good people of the Fenris, those who dwelled beneath the towers of technology now known as Neuva York. However, he felt confident that the Fenris were in good hands. The Lady Sif, Kabal, and their newest ally, Scout, were more than enough to take care of any threat that may find its way to their Downtown kingdom. He grimaced as he peered out over the city, for he felt ill at ease. His mind kept flashing back to the destruction of Alchemax, and his discovery of the Lady Sif. Where had she been before the explosion? And what had terrified her so? Thoughts of Alchemax caused visions that he could not interpret to flash across his mind. The image of a man with large, oval eyes kept haunting him, yet he could not explain it. Quite similar to the feeling of security he felt when he neared the CATHOLIC DOWNTOWN CHURCH, the former home of Father Jennifer, the vision of the bug-eyed man perplexed him. Perhaps he would never find the answers to all of the questions that served as his true enemy. Suddenly, a loud blast erupted into the night sky, tearing away the midnight shadows that had enveloped the sleeping city The thunder god began twirling Mjolnir even faster as he turned to the destruction that loomed over the horizon. Debris and rubble began to rain down upon the mass of citizens on the streets below Babylon Towers. Without a second thought, the mighty Thor flew faster than the eye could possibly follow, smashing a large chunk of debris with the sacred mallet. Finally, Thor's attention was diverted from the flaming building to the vulnerable people below. They were going to be slaughtered by the fallout from the explosion! Thor gripped Mjolnir tightly as he called upon the enchantments that granted him the ability to become the master of storms, the lord of lightening, and the god of thunder. The sacred weapon began to crackle with ionic energy as it emitted a piercing blue light. As the light began to envelop Thor, the air around him became supercharged, his body becoming a magnet for the electrons that rested within the earth's crust. The sky shook with the fury of the god's storm as lightning struck all around the frightened people. Thor's eyes flew open and with his fury came the might of the storm. A powerful burst of wind slowed the falling debris at an incredible rate, as the rain pouring from the sky began to battle the flames that had consumed the upper-levels of the luxury apartment complex. The storm was enough to allow the people below to seek shelter, and seconds later the debris crashed upon the streets below, causing massive destruction. Thor surveyed the situation, preparing for his next course of action. However, his thoughts kept harking back to the Fenris. Just as the visions that continued to plague him, he could not determine why he felt the calling. He felt an undeniable urge to return to the Fenris. He battled the feeling, for he knew that the authorities would need his help. However, the sensation that he was being called took him, and he flew to the lands of the Fenris, just as quickly as he had appeared to slow the destruction of Babylon Towers. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Central Park, Downtown -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Blast after blast poured from the Scout's hands until it appeared that a continuous stream of light charged from his palms. The burst of energy was centered on the Juggernaut's chest, yet the powerful villain kept coming. However, the Scout did not attempt to flee. He was willing to die for his new friends and allies, if that was what was meant to happen. As the Juggernaut reached out and grabbed his hands, cutting off the blast of solar energy, only one regret flashed through the Scout's mind: the fact that he knew now who he truly was, and where he came from. Suddenly, something crashed into the earth beside the two men, and created a small crater. They both looked toward it, and were startled when something flew out of it. They followed the object's path of flight until it came to an end . . . the possession of the mighty Thor! Scout stared with wide eyes as the object, Mjolnir, was now back in the hands of the only man worthy enough to wield it. The sacred hammer glowed with ionic energy. Thor said nothing, he only searched the area for his lady of love, Sif. The Scout wasn't willing to sit tight waiting for the Thunder God to save him, however. He concentrated all of his remaining solar energy into his hands and released it... searing the skin of the man formerly known as Bloodsword. The Juggernaut cried out, releasing the Scout for but a moment. That was all it took. He was away from the brutish man, and found himself standing side by side with Thor. Kabal soon joined them, carrying Sif's beaten body. Thor looked at her with much pain in his eyes. Following his lord's gaze, Kabal hung his head low. "I did all I could, Milord. This man is much more than he appears . . . he claims the power and favor of Odin!" "Indeed," Thor said as his eyes moved to the visage of the Juggernaut. He sized up the man, noting that he was much larger than himself. His large frame looked powerful enough, but the engine of the gods? Thor had his doubts. "Aye, so you come at last, heretic," the Juggernaut bellowed as he faced them. The pain from the Scout's blast had already subsided. It was nothing . . . something that he would learn to ignore in the future he assured himself. "Verily you are a peddler of lies," Thor replied. "You seek to spread distrust through our people like a great plague, yet you yourself offer not the truth . . . only destruction! Well, the faithful have decided and you have lost, deceiver! Now, let me match your might and send you on your way!" The Juggernaut did not even have the chance to defend himself before Thor was upon him. Mjolnir, hanging at his side, continued to glow with raw power, but Thor did not need it. His fists pounded into the Juggernaut's face, but it had no affect. The man empowered by the crimson gem cried out in alarm before realizing that the pain he felt was only an aftereffect. He was feeling no true pain, for they were merely memories of the man he used to be. The man who had felt pain. . . the man who had been humiliated time and time again. . . the man who had been bested by this false god. . . the man formerly known as Bloodsword! Despite those memories, they were nothing more. He no longer felt the pain of the Scout's blasts or the impact of the Thunder God's blows. He smiled beneath the hail of Thor's power and released a great backhand. The shock of the blow not only knocked Thor backward, but it sent a wave of sound throughout the crowd. It echoed off of the ancient buildings of the fallen New York City streets, and once the ringing of the crowd's ears wore off, they could hear another sound. The sound of the Juggernaut laughing. Thor stood before the massive creature before him, his face a bright red. Anger consumed him, fueling the power that began to radiate from sacred Mjolnir. Juggernaut looked upon the war hammer with a sense of doubt. His eyes shifted from the weapon to the thunder god's eyes. They narrowed and in a flash of lightening the mighty Thor was upon him. His fist snapped the Juggernaut's head backward with a thunderous blow. He followed it by upper-cutting the behemoth with Mjolnir. He reared back to deliver an explosive jab, but it never found its mark. Rage had replaced any manner of rationality that Thor possessed. Instead of using his fists upon his nemesis, Thor raised his hammer far above him and brought it crashing down upon the Juggernaut's head. The Juggernaut doubled over and Thor smashed it again into the side of his head. The Juggernaut stared into his face from upon one knee. "You're not Thor," he spat. "You can't hurt me. . . you cannot hope to defeat Odin's chosen Juggernaut!!!" With a wide sweep of his arm, the Juggernaut knocked the mighty Thor sprawling to the ground. Quickly he stood and leapt toward his prey. Thor swung Mjolnir blindly, trying to defend himself against the wrath of the self-proclaimed servant of Odin. The crowd gasped as the Juggernaut caught Thor's wrist in his grasp. He began to squeeze the lord of lightening's arm, trying to get him to drop the sacred hammer. Thor gnashed his teeth and his face began to break out into a sweat. He refused to drop the hammer, for it would be the same as surrendering in his mind. His arm began to shake as he tried to pull free, but the Juggernaut only tightened his grip. Suddenly, a sick cracking noise filled the air and everything grew quiet. Thor sat upon his knees, looking down upon his broken arm. The Juggernaut had actually managed to break the arm of the mighty Thor, god of thunder. Blood ran down his arm, collecting in a pool around his hand, with Mjolnir still in his weak grasp. He looked upon the image of Mjolnir, covered in blood and his mind went blank. He could hear the threats of the Juggernaut ringing in his ears, but he could no longer understand them. "What's wrong with him," the Scout asked worriedly as he shook Kabal. Kabal looked upon the scene with a grim expression. "I have no clue, good Scout. But, I do know that the Fenris will not rest until the Juggernaut has been defeated. . . we will not rest!" TO BE CONTINUED... IN THE MIGHTY THOR 2099 UG # 11!!! What will the Fenris do if the mighty Thor cannot defeat the unstoppable power of Bloodsword, the Juggernaut of 2099!? Will they believe his claims or continue to support their lord and protector? Also, the mystery behind the queen of Alchemax's ruins is revealed!!! |