There is quite a list of excuses explaining why this segment is so late.
For a complete list, please e-mail your credit card numbers and I'll think
of a reasonable fee. Seriously, though, I apologize most profusely for my
tardiness. I don't PLAN on taking so long before the next one, but I
can't promise anything, either. For now, here is Chapter 13, such as it
is.
Disclaimer: All Marvel characters featured in this story are trademarks
of Marvel Comics Group. This is an unauthorized work and no profit is
being made on this work. This story is copyright Tim Frankovich 1995-96.
Shattered Perceptions, Chapter Thirteen
Shatterstar's eyes snapped open. He immediately rolled to his feet and to
the side, staggering only slightly. The impact from the fall had knocked
him out for perhaps a second or two, but he could not feel any other
damage.
Windsong lay nearby. As Star regained his balance, she came to as well,
immediately rolling away from him and getting to her feet. "Stupid!" she
mumbled. "Forgot 'bout... mutant power..."
"I have heard that you are a mutant, as well," Star said. "Is that not
another reason that we should fight alongside each other instead of
against each other?"
"Do you honestly think I want this?" Windsong hissed. "If it weren't for
the cameras and the control devices..." In response to her words, both
warriors felt a stab of pain in their heads. Windsong staggered. "I don't
have a choice!" she cried, lunging forward.
Star fell back at her attack. He had hoped that he could stall a few
moments longer to regain some of the strength he had lost in using his
mutant power, but such a luxury was not granted. Windsong landed on him,
grabbing at his neck. Shatterstar, despite his exhaustion, retained a
strength edge over her. The fall had shaken her more than she let on.
With little effort, Star used her own momentum to flip her back over his
head.
Windsong twisted in mid-air and landed on her feet, drawing her sword
again. Star drew his own sword and crouched warily. A final plan had
taken form in his mind.
"Very well then," he announced. "You leave me no choice, either."
The ensuing sword duel was one of the most enthralling, vicious and
intense that the viewers of Mojoworld had ever seen. In the months to
come, it would beat all re-run request records. It would not be until its
fourth repeat that its ratings would drop below those of The Fall of Mojo
(I). The arena trainers would loop portions of the vid to use as training
tapes for aspiring warriors. Never before had there been such a impressive
display of strength, speed and swordplay on the sandy arena floor. Before
it ended, both warriors were covered with sweat, blood, and caked-on dirt.
Both were staggering, barely able to stand. Both were wounded in
multiple locations. Neither was willing to give up.
The trainers argued for months following: Was Shatterstar truly the
better warrior or had he simply out-lasted Windsong in fortitude? For in
the end, Windsong barely flinched as her sword was dashed from her hand.
She only barely managed to stay on her feet as Shatterstar stepped forward
and grabbed a handful of her hair. As the people of Mojoworld watched in
awe, Shatterstar whispered something the cameras could not hear... and
thrust his sword straight into Windsong's chest.
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