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| The Mighty Thor 2099UG Issue #6 "Ticket to Ride: Retroactive, Part 2" 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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| Thor looked about with a confused expression, and tried to contemplate what was going on. He was unaware of his surroundings and the feeling in the pit of his stomach reminded him that he had been a victim of time displacement. . .again. This sort of thing was getting old, he thought. He tried to get to his feet and wasn't surprised to find this a remarkable deed to accomplish. But when doing so, he felt like he had won a battle. He wondered if the others were fairing as well. The Lady Sif was lying on her back as were the majority of the others. She could do nothing but look up at the sky and try to separate the haze of colors and distortions. She was still confused, and had no idea what was happening. Kabal had logically compared his present feelings to that of his earlier discomfort and had correctly concluded that they had indeed been transported by means of temporal displacement. . .again. The Net Prophet couldn't speak, for he had not fully recovered from his prior experience with time travel, and he had been bombarded yet again. And that leaves us with the two who were almost totally unaffected by Lord Tyme's chronological ticket. That was none other than his underling, the Apostle, and his former agent, the Scout. Both were standing, glaring at each other. "How could you be so foolish to leave the Faith." "If you weren't blind, I might expect the same from you, Apostle. But I suppose no time-line would reveal that." "No, I you are correct. I stand by my beliefs, rather than running with the stolen energy of my Lord. I'm taking you back in. The Lord will surely reward me for such a prize." "Don't be so sure." With that Scout leaped at the Apostle, who easily stepped out of the way, launching his own counter attack. As the Scout missed his opponent, the Apostle delivered a lightning fast blow to the back of Scout's head. The blow knocked Scout to the ground, where he continued to roll. He recovered and rolled to his feet as he held his hand out, ready to use his stored energy to blow the Apostle into the future. He quickly realized that this would be a waste and lowered his hands. His sudden change of mind, confused the Apostle's sense of pre-recognition, and Scout used this to his advantage. He leaped forward, tackling the Apostle. He quickly pinned his opponent's arms, and began pounding into him. The Apostle had no chance to think, or use his abilities to figure out a proper defense. Scout continued to punch his ex-brother-in-the- Faith, as his muscles tensed and each blow became stronger and more devastating. The Apostle's face began to bleed, and he couldn't see through the haze of tears that were streaming in his eyes. He began to keep his cool, but he knew he couldn't take this type of punishment for long. As he looked over and saw Thor and his companions stirring, he knew he had to do something, and quick. He fought to free his hands and in a savage use of power, he focused his energy into one devastating blast, knocking Scout off of him, sending him flying through the air. Once he did so, he quickly got to his feet. His energy reserves were depleted. Then almost as if he knew his Lord's next move, he closed his eyes and waited. As Scout worked to stand, he saw the sudden change in the Apostle's mannerisms and knew that Tyme had taken him over. "~~~We shall return~~~" And with that the Apostle vanished - back to his Lord's temple, Thor presumed. He was now getting over the temporal travel's side effects. The Thunder God walked over to help his dear Lady Sif to her feet. She was finally getting over her discomfort. Scout walked over to help the Net Prophet as well. He used his abilities to speed up the Prophet's rate of recovery once again, for if he didn't, it would be awhile before he could be of any use, and they needed all the help they could get. Also, Scout doubted they would be able to wait around and care for him. Kabal laid there and said aloud, "Scout, I'm going to kill you." "It wasn't me this time, friend. This is Tyme's doing. Apparently he thinks that he can use us to help him in his plan. He's probably right, if we were alone as individuals. But that is why we shall stick together. Until we reach Alchemax and stop him." Kabal got to his feet and mumbled, "Getting a bit complicated?" Thor only shook his head and was quite startled as Sif through her arms around him in a tight embrace. She looked around and noticed how different everything looked. She looked up at Thor and asked rather shyly, "Where are we? "Yes, that is a good question. But perhaps one could more easily ask, when are we?" "Aw, yes. Well, if my instincts are correct, as I believe they are, we are a few weeks before the destruction of Alchemax." "A few weeks," exploded Kabal. "Yes. He intended to give us time to get there, and possibly to prepare a surprise for us in an attempt to force his victory. Who knows?" "A few weeks to reach Alchemax?! I should say that we need two hours at the most!" "But, Kabal, you are not an Agent, neither are you aware of the way time works. You shall see what I mean." Kabal began to walk to see if he could manage. As he did so he accidentally stumbled and almost fell into a woman who was passing by. He was amazed to see that the woman ignored his presence. "Excuse me," he said. She simply walked on without giving him so much as a glance. Kabal stood and scratched his head as he watched her walk away. Then he looked at Thor, and Sif, who could only shrug their shoulders. He looked over to Scout, who was nursing the Prophet. "Mind explaining what just happened?" "She didn't see you." "Yes, I realize that. But I was right in front of her!" "Calm down, Kabal. I suspect that you will learn much about time in our travels. You see it wouldn't be proper to just allow others to know of our presence, now would it? Rather than suffer the results of that, I have been using my power supply to block our presence from those who are native of this time." "Well, I suppose that could explain it," Kabal thought. "Where am I..?," asked the Net Prophet as he sat up with the help of Scout. "Well, it's a long story, friend. But we saved you from helping out a rather mad fellow by the name of Lord Tyme. I would guess that it doesn't ring a bell, eh?" "No. No, it doesn't. Should it?" "No. I was just making sure. I was hoping that Lord Tyme hadn't been able to manipulate you yet, and I can now see that he hasn't. That's good. If you are feeling better, we have a long journey ahead of us, and not long to get there," said Scout as he stood. The Net Prophet stood as well and the group came together in a circle. Thor had his arm around the Lady Sif, and she was still holding him tightly. Kabal reached back and started rubbing the back of his neck. The Net Prophet began to rub his temples as Scout looked around, trying to figure out exactly where, and when, they were. He was used to navigating in foreign times and he knew that the extra time that their foe had given them, would be barely enough to make it in time. Time. Now, wasn't that word being used a lot? He had never really paid much attention before, since it was after all, the only thing he had known. A smile cracked as he decided what their next move should be. The Lady Sif saw his smile and asked, "What is it?" "Oh. Nothing to be sure, just a bit of irony. Come we must go if we hope to make it in time. I expect that we will be slightly ahead of schedule, which is good, if we continue Upward." "Upward," the Prophet inquired. "Yes. Alchemax is above us. Uptown." "Oh, yes. I remember now. That was where I escaped. I seem to remember where I was now. I had just left Spider-Man at the Saint Patrick's Church when as far as I can tell, I was simply lying on the ground at the feet of some strange man." "Yes, well, I suppose introductions are in order. Especially since we need your help. You see that was the Apostle who plucked you from the time-stream. That was the perfect time for them to use you, for you still don't know your full potential," said Scout. "Full potential? You talk as if he's a piece of equipment," said Sif. "Yes, Milady. That is what we all are to Tyme. Fortunately for us, we're not at his disposal as he would like. We have banded together and it will be nearly impossible for him to navigate us to do his bidding. He'll have to find others now. And that is what we must stop. Alchemax must be destroyed at all costs. . .and the VU gate must be destroyed with it." "Yes, I know from experience how dangerous and unpredictable the dimension that the VU gate is linked to can be. I don't know how powerful this Tyme fellow is, but if he could somehow harness the power locked away there. . .it could be disastrous," said the Prophet. "Yes. All for what he calls the greater good. Shock his ambitions. We are going to stop him. Are we all in this together, for that is our only hope." "Yes. I shall personally stand by you, until the end," replied Thor. "As I," said Kabal. "Me too," chipped in Sif. All eyes turned to the Net Prophet. He looked around, and then took a long gaze at his companions. Something was odd about this. He felt an odd connection to the large, blond man, and he wasn't sure why. Something was strange about this indeed, and perhaps the best way to explore this was to go with them. Besides, he didn't want the forces that held Thanatos at bay to be unleashed now, did he? No, that would be dangerous indeed. He stuck his hand out and Scout shook it in a firm gesture. "You can count on me," said the Net Prophet. "Good. We now have hope," Scout said as he looked up at the sky. It was getting dark fast. And that was not good. He flashed a grim look to his companions. "Getting dark early, isn't it," asked Kabal. Thor looked around with an uneasy feeling. "And that's what I'm afraid of. Come, we are losing precious time." There was that word again. . . -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Somewhere, Sometime. . . The dark figure of the Lord Tyme stood looking out a window. He was barely concerned, but concerned all the same. And all because of one Agent, one who had escaped. And was that what was really bothering him? Yes, he thought it was. Well, all was falling into place. The Apostle will be replenishing himself, and perhaps, just perhaps I can hold off the Scout with an unexpected surprise, Tyme thought. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Downtown The night had passed as Scout and his new found helpers walked through the streets of Downtown, making their way Upward to the future . . .their future. A future that must be held firm, a future that could change so much, if only slightly altered. And thankfully, Scout had traveled enough with Tyme and his disciples to know the fine art like the back of his hand. The Scout. . .someone who had been robbed of the meaning of time. . .one who saw no significance, who couldn't learn to cherish the little moments, because they were lost in a pool of events. But, this could also be a blessing. . .for without the constraints to time he also had no patience to hold or lose. . . "This is much too bizarre," said Kabal. . .again. Scout had heard this over and over as they made their way to Alchemax. Each time another question arose he simply answered and continued on. Thor and Sif were tired of questions and simply stayed behind somewhat, holding each other, him comforting her, as she somehow managed to make him happy. Was a god worthy of such joy? Well, humans were, he thought, so surly it was meant to be his as well. Kabal walked with a child like fascination in his eyes. He kept watching all the scenes playing out in front of him, and he couldn't help but compare it to watching a vidscreen. As he looked over the various denizens of Downtown past, he saw a familiar face. It was that of Bloodsword. . .or at this moment in his history, was it Bloodmace? Kabal was starting to get a grasp on what was happening. He knew WHEN he was. This wasn't long after he had joined the Fenris. . .and shortly after Bloodsword's second disgrace at the hands of the Spider-Man. He had been cast out once again, challenged by his own people. Kabal had often wondered what had happened to his ex-leader during that time-span. One of his own followers had said that he was killed by some kind of demon. And, of course it turned out to be another con job as Bloodsword returned, and somehow convinced the majority of the Fenris that Odin had restored him to life. And that he was meant to lead them through troubling times ahead. Well, that part had certainly been true, hadn't it? He stood and listened to the conversation that took place before his eyes. As Bloodsword, now dubbed Bloodmace, denounced his people, Kabal stood and watched. The others continued to walk ahead, almost forgetting about Kabal as he was entranced in the past. He now had the opportunity to watch something that he should never have been able to witness. . .and the effect was intoxicating. He was the ultimate eavesdropper. . .but there are some things that no one wants to hear or witness--unfortunately for Kabal, today was one of those days. . . -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Somewhere, Sometime. . . Lord Tyme leaned over the swirling visions of the chronos as he watched, and awaited his plans. If things went his way, then perhaps he could slow down Scout, and perhaps give his agents more time to prepare the changes that would give him access to the VU dimension. If he gave into the desires presented in time he might have felt the anticipation building in his heart, waiting to see if his next plan would work out, as he suspected. This part looked the same in almost all the futures. Yes, it wasn't a matter of if. . .it was a matter of WHEN. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Downtown Kabal watched in amusement as he witnessed Bloodsword. . .at his finest. "It's all over the Net. Someone dumped Stone. He's at St. Teresa's right now with tubes everywhere," his companion said. "Are you SURE about this? Then NOW might be the time for the Fenris to strike! I can lead us against the leaderless Alchemax, and. . ." "Sir, the Fenris don't LISTEN to you anymore. Not since your career as Bloodhammer came to an--" With that Bloodsword stood up, holding his mace high over his head as he shouted, "NEVER speak that name, Toad! I am, now AND forever, BLOODMACE! And they shall rue the day they--" As if timed to the exact minute and second, a black ooze began to flow from the sewer drain beneath their feet. Bloodsword's companion looked down with a disgusted face and exclaimed, "Hey! What the shock is that? Yuuuck! That's the weirdest sewer backup I've ever seen!" Then, as if by magic, the substance began to grow into the shape of man. . .Kabal recognized the shape at once. He had seen it before, and he had hoped that he would never see it again. Was this right, he thought? Surely, Venom won't harm these two. . . Venom stared the two mean down and said, "So old. . .STONE heart. . .went down, huh? Details, morons. I want. . .DETAILS." Bloodswo. . .er, Mace, raised his weapon above his head as if to ignorantly strike his opponent as he said, "Foul creature vomited from the pits of Hel! You DARE address me in that manner! Me. . .BLOODMACE!" As he said this he made a grave mistake in attempting to strike Venom. The creature simply reached out with his blackness, surrounding the weapon. . .and soon enough, surrounding his victim. . .Bloodsword. Kabal looked on in horror. . .this can't be, he thought! Bloodsword lived beyond this point. He's the one that saved the Fenris from the coming flood. If not for him they would have all drowned. He quickly looked off to his companions in the distance and shouted, "Thor! M'Lord, you must hurry, something's wrong!" The Mighty Thor turned to his friend to see what had caused him to react in such a way. Without thinking he ran to the scene, ready to battle the demon that had appeared to slaughter his friend. But as he soon found out, Venom wasn't even aware of their presence. Soon enough, the others joined as well. "Surely, this is a pity," Thor said, as he watched Venom burn Bloodsword into a pile of bones with his acidic tendrils. But what could he do? This was the way it was meant to be. "Don't you see, Sir?" He looked at Thor, and saw that he didn't quite understand what he was looking at. Then, he turned to Scout and exclaimed, "This isn't supposed to happen! Bloodsword is supposed to live to lead the Fenris through the coming flood! If it wasn't for his scheming we wouldn't have made it." Scout watched as Venom interrogated the ex-Fenris' servant. Finally, as he disappeared into the days to come, the group watched as he fell to his knees by Bloodsword's side. What was he to do now that his leader was dead? Soon others followed to see what all the commotion had been, and they too saw the remains of Bloodsword. Scout looked at the others and whispered, "I can't believe he's done this." "What," asked Sif. "Tyme has never went this far. I've never seen casualties from the past. I mean, it's possible. He could have easily made this creature one of his agents in order to slow us down. It would appear that he's succeeded. But, still. . .we must do something. We cannot allow this to happen, if as you say, Bloodsword lives on. He has disrupted the future, and I must amend it." Without stopping to hear his fellow travelers reactions, he bent over the remains of Bloodsword, his hands beginning to glow. Everyone from the past and present alike could see the faint glow, rising and falling upon the remains. Scout was using some of the temporal energies that he had stored to simply regenerate his body. . .basically, causing Bloodsword to "rewind." Finally, he took him back to the point right before Venom killed him. He stood up and almost fell back, as the Net Prophet caught him. He was weak from using so much power. Kabal and Thor watched as the witnesses of Bloodsword's re-birth began to praise his return. Scout knew that he wouldn't be able to use much more temporal energies. . .he had to conserve them. He silently cursed himself, and whispered, "We're playing into his hands." Well!? What did you think??? I can hear it now: MORE ACTION!!! Well, trust me, Thorites, there will be more action than you can shake a stick at in the upcoming installments of "Retroactive." We have tons of guest-stars coming up. . .too many to name right here, but I will give you one: Halloween Jack! Oh, and MORE Venom 2099!? Be Here! |