"Two many Devils" by Jorge Martinez
CRUSADER HEADQUARTERS
Command Center
DAYSTAR:(to self) I sit here while almost the whole team is going to do deadly battle against the Nuclear Man!
BLACKBUG: Don't pout kid! I got left behind too! Hold up I got Black Orion on the tele-monitor.
BLACK ORION: I know why you are calling BlackBug. The Crusaders have gone to fight Nuclear Man. Where do they think he will land?
BLACK BUG: Paris.
BLACK ORION: That's not good. Am I the first you have contacted.
BLACKBUG: Yes, I was going to call the Protectors from every city to meet here incase we might need a second wave to attack Nuclear Man if the others...fail.
BLACK ORION: I understand. I will call Savage. He will pull himself away from his glorious tv wrestling show to battle Nuclear...they never did get along.
BLACKBUG: Thanks!
DAYSTAR: So your going to call all the Protectors. They are not that many. You want me to get the Teen Crew.
BLACKBUG: No they are kids! We don't need their deaths on our conscience! That's why they left you behind! We just lost Captain Photon you think we are going to endanger his kid brother!
DAYSTAR: Then why the hell am I a Crusader? I can only go against non lethal foes or something! I mean...
BLACKBUG: Just shutup for a second all right!
DAYSTAR:(to self) Whoa! He's really nervous! I've never seen him so so serious!
BLACKBUG: Look 'Star. Nuclear Man was in the sun! That's the only way we could beat him last time! Hurl his powerful ass in the sun. Well guess what he survived! And if we thought he was unbeatable before, he's much worse now after absorbing all that energy!
DAYSTAR: I didn't think of that? Wow. The others they are going to....die?
BLACKBUG: Yes.
JETSTEED
A Crusader Jetsteed (a ship) flies across the Atlantic heading to Paris.
PENDRAGON: Impact will be in 19 minutes. We will arrive Paris in 13 minutes.
MS.AMERICA: If he hits there will be literally a blast to equal 10 nuclear bombs.
KING JUPITER: And even if we stop him from landing hard we must then face him with his already awesome abilities augmented by the sun's energy!
MS.AMERICA: Let's try to concentrate on one impossible task at a time.
ELEMENTAL: I can divert him from hitting Mother Earth. I must!
GREYWOLF:(to self) I'm going to die! Why did Daystar get to stay behind and not me?
PENDRAGON: I trust Syrus can stop the impact. Now how do we beat him? Last time we got lucky.
MS.AMERICA: It wasn't luck it was brains. Captain Photon saved us by sending him to the sun.
KING JUPITER: And he may have doomed us as well!
MS.AMERICA: Why you!
PENDRAGON: Well we don't have Captain Photon anymore and that was under different circumstances!
ELEMENTAL: Before we were a match! His was my main adversary after we dethroned the old Crusaders! But over the years he grew more powerful to challenge not only myself but us combined! There may be no way to stop him!
SUPERNOVA: Well I got these powers when Nuclear Man tried to kill me years ago because I rejected him! The monster loved me! I still wish I had a normal life but I am ready to go full circle. I don't mind dying but I hope it will not be in vain!
They all remain quiet.
PENDRAGON: We're here.
THE ORIENT VAULT
A prison for super powered felons.
The cell of Mentor. An original Crusader.
MENTOR: Nuclear Man returns. One of my many mistakes. I had him join the team way back when. Before we all fell from heaven. The public was right he was a menace. Later I never sought to stop him. I was delighted how he frustrated the new Crusaders! Now many people will die because of it.
CRUSADERS HEADQUARTERS
DAYSTAR: Bug you haven't contacted any more Protectors!
BLACKBUG: I know.
DAYSTAR: What are you thinking about?
BLACKBUG: I'm thinking no matter how many heroes we get to battle him he will still win.
DAYSTAR: Do you think he will impact?
BLACKBUG: No. Syrus' elemental powers can stop that.
DAYSTAR: What are we going to do? Where is RedEye?
BLACKBUG: I think he quit. Plus, he's like me only human not much we can do. But I got an idea! I have to go I will be back!
DAYSTAR: What no way I'm going with you!
BLACKBUG: No! It's the only way!
DAYSTAR: Then I'm going to Paris!
BLACKBUG: How fly over there? You'll never make it. The Steed's are fast but not that fast!
DAYSTAR: Who said anything about a Steed.
BLACKBUG: Under your own power? Ha, you have to be kidding. You manipulate light but even you can't fly that fast!
Blackbug runs out.
DAYSTAR:(to self) That's what you think!
PARIS
SUPERNOVA: It's evacuated!
PENDRAGON: Everyone take your positions!
MS.AMERICA: Pendragon I...
PENDRAGON: Save it. Photon wasn't the only with brains remember who designed the machine that threw him in the sun.
MS.AMERICA: Yeah but it was still Adam's idea.
Pendragon looks at her for a moment then laughs.
PENDRAGON: You ready red?
MS.AMERICA: No, but who cares?
PENDRAGON: Here he comes, Syrus!
ELEMENTAL: I am prepared.
Syrus the Elemental uses his command over the wind to cause a tremendous upward draft. The others are anchored on the ground by machines designed by Pendragon. Then Syrus begins to draw geo energy from Mother Earth herself. His power is tremendous.
PENDRAGON:(to self) These anchors are not going to make it I think!
The body of Nuclear Man is surrounded by flames. He is not even visible. He comes down at incredible speed. But then the updraft of wind and geoforces slow him down. The fire around him begins to dissipate and then he simply floats as the elemental energies hold him in check.
NUCLEAR MAN: Syrus! You be the first to die!
ELEMENTAL: We shall see old foe, we shall see.
PENDRAGON: Now!
Both King Jupiter and SuperNova fly at Nuclear Man trying to sandwich him with blows. It causes an explosion.
THE ATLANTIC OCEAN
DAYSTAR:(to self) That light was it the impact? I cannot fly as fast as light but I fly much faster than our Steed's. Pendragon told me I got more power than my brother ever did. He told me I'm almost up there with Syrus. Today we find out!
THE ORIENT VAULT
The Steed lands after providing clearance.
OFFICER: BlackBug what are you doing here? The Crusaders are battling the Nuclear Man!
BLACKBUG: I know I am part of plan B. Quick I have to talk to Mentor.
OFFICER: Mentor? All right I guess.
BLACKBUG: Well stop looking at me and let's go.
At the holding cell
MENTOR: Hello BlackBug. Why don't you come in here and sit with me in my cell. Do you know how much money it costs them to keep in here?
BLACKBUG: Much more than what a bullet costs. Look man you know what's going down! Nuclear Man is going to destroy the world. I don't know if you even care. But if we don't stop him now there will be no stopping him. Not even you!
MENTOR: Ha, nice speech. I can stop whenever I please.
BLACKBUG: If your so omnipotent why are you so harmless in that cell.
MENTOR: Blast it! It's ironic isn't it? Yes your are right this cell does hold me captive. With all it's hi-tech gadgets.
BLACKBUG: Look man you can let my teammates die or you can try to compensate for all the bad you've done!
MENTOR: How dare you! If it wasn't for me the Crusaders would have never existed!
BLACKBUG: Yes I know the story. Everyone does. That's my point! You were one of the originals then recreated the team. I know losing the original team changed you! Made you go down a darker path but c'mon man. you were a hero once.
MENTOR: I should just let him kill you all first then I will stop him.
BLACKBUG: Wrong. No one is else is going to try to get you out of here! They rather see themselves die then let loose two devils upon another.
MENTOR: Then why are you here?
BLACKBUG: Because I know you are our only chance.
MENTOR: You know I will not return to this cell after.
BLACKBUG: I know.
MENTOR: You know not too many people will be happy with your decision.
BLACKBUG: I know.
MENTOR: Fine I will do it.
BLACKBUG: Mentor I trust you as a man of your word. I know you were good once and can still be.
MENTOR: Please save your naive speeches for the public.
BLACKBUG: Officer I need you to release Mentor.
OFFICER: What? No sir! You may be a Crusader but you don't have that kind of authority!
BLACKBUG: I hoped you wouldn't say that.
Blackbug punches the officer and then goes for the other two that were with him.
OFFICER2: Blackbug he's controlling your mind! Be careful...
He gets kicked in the head before he shoots. One more.
OFFICER3: You've turned just like the old Crusaders! I knew we couldn't trust any of you!!!
This officer fires three shots. They all miss and he goes down by BlackBug's fist.
MENTOR: My, my you are going to be hating life.
BLACKBUG: Shut up. Let me try some of my gadgets on this lock before the others show up.
MENTOR: Is that a utility belt? You ARE quite the electrician I'm impressed.
The cell opens.
MENTOR: Ahhhhh, do you know what it feels like to be in there. The world is black. Imagine being tied to a chair with a blindfold and ear plugs for 10 months.
BLACKBUG: They are here lets go!
MENTOR: Surely!
Mentor uses his telekinetic powers to open a door in the wall and they both fly out.
PARIS
DAYSTAR:(to self) Finally made it! There they are!
King Jupiter and SuperNova fell to the ground after the explosive collision. Nuclear Man wasn't affected. He landed on the ground while the Elemental tried to regain his senses from the blast.
Nuclear Man stands over Syrus the Elemental.
NUCLEAR MAN: Now you die blue man!
PENDRAGON: No!
Pendragon jumps out all armored up! Striking with his lance. Nuclear Man is actually taken back as the lance pierces him.
NUCLEAR MAN: You cut me I go boom!
PENDRAGON:(to self) Damn, he's right if I push the lance into him further he will explode!
Nuclear Man back hands Pendragon into the air 30 feet and watches him fall back down.
Two more heroes attack him. Ms. America and Greywolf.
They punch, kick, and claw to no avail. He blasts Ms. America with his eyes and stomps on GreyWolf.
The Elemental comes to his senses.
ELEMENTAL: Today you will finally learn.
The Earth begins to swallow Nuclear Man. Engulfing him under. A strong blast rips through the ground! He is free. The Elemental wrestles with him. They are evenly match but Nuclear Man is a bit stronger. And then he lights the Elemental on fire with radiation.
ELEMENTAL: Ahhhh!!!
Syrus goes down shaking.
DAYSTAR: No!
Daystar flies directly in front of the villain and lets loose a blast that actually hurts the hero because of the strain!
Nuclear Man is thrown back hard.
KING JUPITER: Good shot boy! Now let me have at him.
Jupiter wildly swings at the monster. He is hurting him. Nuclear Man counters with another blast. Jupiter falls back.
KING JUPITER: You are getting weak I can taste it monster! Feel my fury!
Lightning surrounds Jupiter and strikes Nuclear Man again dropping him.
KING JUPITER: Ha! Your are not the only one to grow powerful over the years!
NUCLEAR MAN: Enough!
Nuclear Man is able to erupt a small nuclear blast atop of Jupiter breaking open Jupiter's body!
DAYSTAR(to self): Oh my god! I think he's dead! His body it's ripped open! There is electricity all over! Am I the only one left?
NUCLEAR MAN: Boy......
SUPERNOVA: I am still here beast! Face me!
NUCLEAR MAN: Ah, you the one created by I. Die, die, die....
He laughs as he pummels her! She fights back but he doesn't even feel her powerful punches!
SUPERNOVA: I'm not going to go down you hear me! I'm not!
She blasts him repeatedly he continues to pummel her.
Daystar again blasts him.
NUCLEAR MAN: Argh!
DAYSTAR: C'mon on! Bring it on!
Before he goes for Daystar he grabs SuperNova's throat and squeezes then slams her head and body to the ground. She does not get up.
DAYSTAR:(to self) Gina!
Both men pause then send a wave of energy against each other. At first it's a match. But then the radiation begins to beat the light.
DAYSTAR:(to self) No. Can't give up!
Pendragon again rises. He takes two tennis size metallic spheres out of his armor and jumps on the back of Nuclear Man.
PENDRAGON: I am going to blow you! Before you blow us away. We will die anyway but this way so will you!
Nuclear Man goes to unleash the powerful blast then realizes Pendragon speaks the truth. The spheres absorb energy that will cause the villain to implode as his blasts kills everyone!
He begins to use his powers to melt the spheres. The spheres explode off of him not causing any damage.
PENDRAGON:(to self) Damn him! He is trying to kill me! I feel a surge of radiation! Mustn't let go! The heat!
PENDRAGON: Doug fly away! Hurry! Argh!!!
Pendragon drops!
Again it's just Daystar and Nuclear Man.
The young Crusaders hits the villain with multiple blasts to disorient him. He has him down to a knee.
DAYSTAR:(to self) Gotta do this quick or else!
Before Nuclear Man can stand he hits with another powerful concentrated blast knocking the monster to fall on his back!
Daystar now unleashes all his power from his body standing over Nuclear Man irradiating him with photons.
DAYSTAR:(to self) Never done this before! A constant blast of energy in waves!
Nuclear Man slowly stands as the light waves pound him!
NUCLEAR MAN: I ...survive Sun...you...are nothing!
DAYSTAR:(to self) He's right!
Nuclear Man finally lets out a tremendous explosion sending Daystar 40 yards to the ground. He's not even glowing anymore and he's barely conscious.
DAYSTAR:(to self) Uh, no more power...
Nuclear Man stands over him as Daystar is on both knees looking up. Nuclear Man raises both arms in the air to strike the final blow.
DAYSTAR:(to self) Adam I'll see you soon bro...
NUCLEAR MAN: Uh....ah..asrws...ree.e.r..me..#$#..n..*$^$....to.. $*%$...r...
Both Mentor and BlackBug land.
MENTOR: I am destroying his mind. I hope you don't mind.
BLACKBUG:(to self) Sick bastard!
BLACKBUG: Kid it's me Bugsy! You ok?
DAYSTAR: Yea....h..I think...is.. it... over?
BLACKBUG: Yeah it's over.
NUCLEAR MAN: sdfnsd..f.sdf.a.fas...s.f.as.f..ds.f.sf...............................................
MENTOR: You were a sad man! I will dispose of his body now! Good day Black Bug.
BLACKBUG: yeah thanks....
Mentor takes the body into space and hurls it with his powers hundred of thousands of miles away. Then he explodes it far enough where it won't affect anything.
BLACKBUG:(to self) They all survived barely! This is not a good day! Dear god what have I done!
NEXT ISSUE: RedEye vs. BlackWulf 'nuff said!