Orc smashing party

Orc Smashing party

Cast

Payton- Barbarian. Weapon: large poleaxe

Brittany- Elven archer Ranger. Weapon: electrified bow infused with elven magic

Red Sonja- Sell Sword Weapon: master of swords and bows

Seung Mina- Spear Mistress/ martial arts master. Weapon: Naginata double headed long spear

Valkyrie- Asgardian warrior that escorts soldiers to Valhalla.  Weapons: sword and Pegasus

Teela- Sorceress and woman at arms.  Weapon: Snake headed bo staff

Jonathan-Knight. Weapon: War Hammer gifted to him by the fire demon Sutur.

Lynn- Blacksmith.  Weapons: Shield and mace

Nanette- Sorceress Weapons: magic of all kinds

Erica- Viking. Weapons: hand axes

Angela- Bartender at the Pig Pen Tavern.  Wielder of the Weapon of the ages the Witchblade

Charlotte- Fencer/ Soldier Weapon: Razor sharp fencing foil

         It is a time of terror and a time of great wars.  A time when those with a good weapon and a heart full of courage can make a great difference.  In a village that has been ravaged by various wars lives a young woman by the name of Lynn.  The men of the village have all been drafted for one war or another by force or they are outright killed.  Out of necessity to care for her son and herself Lynn has learned a trade she is the village blacksmith.  The muscles Lynn’s body has formed by being a blacksmith have not just been for show.  Lynn has spent many years training with a shield and mace and has become a proficient fighter. 

         The latest war not only involved the men of her village but also orcs.  All manner of greenskins had been destroying lives and much of the countryside.  Lynn could no longer remember a time when the bloodshed struck so close to home.  It had gotten to where a person could no longer greet the morning without the sound of screams through the night.  Lynn spent more time these days building weapons than shoeing horses.  The Sorceress Nannette had invited her to the Pig Pen tavern this evening and she promised something special was to happen. 

         Nanette the sorceress had been spending months gathering heroes trust from all walks of life who had somehow been in villages that had in some way been under attack by the orcs.  Along with the magical summons she had sent she had also visited many places.  She was almost counting on the appearance of the redheaded Hrykanian Red Sonja who would gladly seek out a good fight.  Her invitation had gone out to the kingdoms of Hrykania, Eternia, Japan, Asgard, The Bluff of many Flowers, and The Body of Christi near the Sea of Prawns.  She had heard of many new travelers to her quiet village.  She was only praying the magic winds were with her tonight and she would not fail to find the team of warriors to seek out the orc hordes in their lairs and rid the land of their evil and ilk. 

         He was a tall man and to some he was perceived as being very arrogant.  He certainly didn’t lack in confidence.  It wasn’t that he was really arrogant he simply didn’t put up with much in the way of stupidity.  His weapon of choice was a war hammer bequeathed to him by the fire demon Sutur.  Jonathan was a power house in battle.  Today was a good day to be alive.  He was in a pitched battle currently with orcs.  Right and left he swung and where his hammer Sulphur’s Kiss struck opponents would be set ablaze.  The hammer had been forged to protect its wielder yet channel the fire demon’s rage.  The fight started 10 minutes ago with him against twenty orcs now only 5 remained.  Two orcs decided to rush him.  He let them get close all the while taunting them.   One came from the right and on from the left.  The first orc swung it’s cleaver but Jonathan was quicker.  The lower half of the war hammer and his fist caught the orc flush on the ear.  It stumbled back growling and snorting in anger.  His friend rushed forward and Jonathan swung Sulphur’s Kiss in an almost snapping uppercut move.  The orc’s head became a fireball.  The 4 remaining orcs tried to rush him from all angles.  Jonathan jumped using the orcs heads directly in front of him as springboards.  Click click went their necks as they snapped.  The same orc he had hit in the ear was back coming towards him with a friend.  He spun with hammer extended popping earwig in the chest.  The orc panicked grabbed his buddy and suddenly both were on fire.  “Well that worked well.” remarked the hammerer.  “Now back to my journey to this place called the Pig Pen.” 

         The two were a strange pairing and they rode side by side on horseback.  They were riding down what barely appeared to be a road and had nothing but shrubs in the way of scenery.  They were however rapidly approaching a group of hills.  The woman had been silent for some time and the man appeared to be filled with a slow burning contained anger.  He was a barbarian prone to berserker rages but his companion had a way of helping him focus his rage with her innate elven magic.  She was a Wood elf ranger and a highly skilled archer.  As they drew closer to the hillside she sniffed the air and raised a hand.  Britt didn’t speak she simply unslung her bow and reached into her quiver.  Payton dismounted his horse and unfastened a saddle bag and set to work assembling a poleaxe.  He had been atop a massive war horse that held him aloft and his great weapon.  The poleaxe was almost longer than he was tall.  The head of the poleaxe was created from the finest dwarven workmanship with emeralds embedded in it.  On the bottom he connected a metal spike.  The shaft of the axe had been made by a metal working pair of gnome maiden twins.  It was lightweight and perfectly balanced.  As each piece was put together it made small clicking sounds.  He had a pair of foot long daggers at his belt as backup weapons.  Once the axe was assembled he stood and silently saluted Britt.  They silently tied off the horses to the sturdiest piece of brush they could find and began making their approach to the hills.  Britt had never steered Payton wrong when it came to hunting down orcs.  She began mumbling elvish words and her bow of dark wood was quickly covered in blue energy as she channeled electricity from her Chi. After crossing the first two hills they saw a dozen orcs around a campfire.  Two were standing guard.  Within seconds Britt dropped both guards, arrows cleanly going through their necks.  Payton erupted in a battle cry and charged into the camp his pole axe sending heads flying.  Britt dropped as many orcs as tried to rise up and hurt her friend.  She was a literal medieval artillery strike.  The campsite was in shambles and not one orc left alive.  The blood began to stain the ground.  Britt slung her bow about her body and said.  “I still wish we could make the pyramid of doom and put them in it.”  “Seriously Britt again?”  “One day Payton one day I’m going to help a king and he’ll reward me and help me make the pyramid of doom a reality.  One hundred unique death traps and no exit.”  “Britt get back on your horse and let’s get moving.” 
         It was quiet in the Bluff of Many Flours.  It was a small town of mostly huts and a tight knit community.  She was a Viking warrior and something nagging at the back of her neck and mind kept drawing her to the hut in the middle of town where the children met for school.  She stopped staring and grabbed her crossing bandoleers of crescent darts.  Then she grabbed 2 perfectly balanced hand axes with spikes on the tops.  The axes were sharp enough you could shave with them.  She turned to the young lady nearest her.  “Go get Brunhilde something bad is about to happen near the school I can feel it.  Leave quietly out the back.”  The town crier’s voice interrupted the response the young lady would have made.  “Orcs at the west wall!”  The young lady went running to get Brunhilde.  Within seconds the town was filled with people screaming and weapons clashing followed by orcs grunting and snorting.  Erica the Viking warrior began running toward the school hut.  The air itself suddenly changed as she saw two orcs throw torches onto the school.  From across the way she spied her friend Brunhilde.  This fight was on no one messed with the kids in their care.  Both ladies ran full tilt at the orcs who had the torches previously.  The orcs began drawing swords.  In mid-run Erica threw two crescent darts catching the nearest orc in his left bicep.  He snorted finally getting his sword free and charged.  Erica ducked under the overhead swing coming in close quarters delivering an elbow to his nose.  Slashing down she sliced right into his thigh.  The orc dropped the sword in pain.  He bent low, she kicked him in the face and as he lay on the ground in pain she spoke.  “You know………..Sometimes you’re stupid and make bad decisions.  Children’s lives are sacred!  How dare you torch a school?”  She slammed an axe blade into the orcs jugular vein, withdrew the axe as the blood sprayed and walked away for a fresh opponent.  The second orc tried to steel his nerves after seeing his comrade’s demise.  He turned and ducked Brunhilde’s swing and stepped back.  “This human is crazy.”  He thought silently.  The orc tried to block the next swing with his short sword.  Brunhilde was attacking with a magnificent broadsword.  Klang!  The impact shook the orc’s arms up to his clavicle.  He tried to bring his sword back up again but suddenly his life ended as Brunhilde the Valkyrie warrior cut him from neck to groin.  Brunhilde and Erica charged into action and began hauling children from the school.  Any orcs that got in the duos way quickly became buzzard chow.  Brunhilde had summoned her Pegasus Aragorn to help her take the children to safety.  Once the battle had ended Brunhilde cleaned and sheathed her sword Dragonfang and told Erica.  “There is a home base of all these orcs I was summoned magically by a sorceress Nanette to fight them.  Would you join me in this mad quest?”  “Brunhilde my friend you know I would gladly follow you into the gaping maw of a dragon if you asked.  Let’s go deliver a definitive blow to these green skins.”  “Out of the cooking school and into the Pig Pin then.  Meet me and Aragorn to depart in 15 minutes.” 
         She was nursing her third tankard of ale so far this afternoon.  The brunette across the table was sipping a gosh awful herbal tea and eating a bowl of what the Hrykanian considered to be wacky noodles.  The redhead and brunette had been travelling together for days.  Both women needed a hot bath and warm beds of their own but Red Sonja and Seung Mina were making a stop at the Spineless Possum tavern before continuing on their journey.  The wild boar and roasted vegetables they ordered had warmed their tired bodies.  Both had been together when Nanette had come to Japan to summon aid.  Seung Mina had been at her father’s dojo training with her naginata and Red Sonja had been there to learn new fighting styles.  They banded together to make the journey to go fight orcs.  There was suddenly a commotion outside.  The women looked to the right as they were the only ones in the tavern.  No sooner had they turned when a man’s body came through the roof and dislodged Sonja’s ale.  Mina moved her noodles and tea.  Sonja looked up at where the body had descended from and saw 2 orcs leaning their heads in.  Seung Mina looked up and grinned.  “Orc smashing time Sonja san?”  “They just signed their death warrants.  The body I would have excused but they messed with my ale.”  “First one to kill an orc buys the next meal?”  “You’re on!”  Sonja flicked a small dagger upwards and the orcs squealed and fled.  Sonja and Seung Mina rose and ran to the tavern where they had left their respective weapons.  Sonja kicked the door open smacking an orc in the face.  The orc was holding his nose and Sonja kicked him.  As Seung Mina came through the door an orc charged and yelled.  She met his axe charge with her spear shaft held crossways and countered into a monkey flip propelling him towards Red Sonja.  Sonja skewered the orc in midair and brought him forcefully down on Broken Nose.  “Mina it was a group effort do I still have to buy the next meal?” “Watch your flank Sonja, let me kill a few more and I’ll decide.”  “Fine by me.”  Sonja backhanded another orc then took his head off with her sword.  Her left hand dropped to her belt and she drew her combat dagger.  Orcs were filling the town and men and women were fighting for their lives.  Seung Mina found herself separated from her friend in a circle of orcs.  She jumped and kicked out at the nearest orc then planted the naginata in the ground using the shaft and her body to kick anything stupid enough to draw near.  The orcs tried to circle her once more.  “Time for a higher gear.”  Drawing her double bladed naginata she began snapping it in horizontal and vertical slashes till no more orcs were left standing.  “Don’t mess with Sonja and her beer and don’t mess with me and my spear.”   The battle soon ended and Sonja and Seung Mina mounted up and sped on their way to the Pig Pen tavern. 
         The fiery redhead had been travelling for days.  She was quire frustrated.  Of course she could ride horseback and do so with ease but a teleportation spell would have worked so much faster.  The further she had gone from Eternia towards the Pig Pen the more wonky her spells seemed to go so she was doing things on this journey the long and hard way.  While she had only been travelling for 4 days it felt more like a fortnight.  Her Father was a master of arms and had taught his daughter Teela to handle every bladed and non-bladed weapon imaginable and to always shape her battlefields in her favor.  She wore her hair back and up high in a ponytail, a white and gold battle suit, and fur lined brown boots.  At her waist was a broadsword in a scabbard and across her back was her snake headed staff.  As she rode she came upon a family with a covered wagon.  She approached the husband and father of the family and asked for permission to accompany them on their journey.  One of the sons rode ahead about a mile and came back out of breath with an arrow in the hind quarters of his horse.  Breathlessly he finally spoke.  “Orcs fifteen of them on their way here!”  His father turned to the other 2 sons.  “Get ready to fight boys.  Let nothing get near your mom and baby Shayera.”  The bows began grabbing swords and crossbows.  Teela drew her staff and dismounted.  They turned the wagon sideways to use it as a place to fire the crossbows from.  Teela walked ahead of the caravan and began planting devices she had taken from her father’s workshop.  She created a forward perimeter of black powder bombs.  She picked up the sound of marching and orcs grunting and took off running back to the wagon.  As she ran she jumped, flipping and twisting to make her land facing the oncoming horde.  She took her flint and tinder box and waited by an extremely long fuse.  “Come on you stupid green skins just a little bit closer.  Dad’s toys are going to send you back to the Hades that spawned you.”  One of the sons leaned over to his dad and asked.  “What is the nice redheaded lady doing?”  “I don’t know son she said something about shaping this fight to be more in our favor and steer clear of what she was doing and just trust her.  Your mother took one look at her and said that’s the woman you don’t want to mess with.”  “That’s the woman mom warned me about Dad?”  “Yeah son that’s the type who will fight any man, woman or beast who gets on her bad side.”  All this time the orcs drew closer and Teela waited till she saw the opening her plan required.  She lit the fuse and ran!  BOOOOOOOMMMMM!!! The earth literally shook!  Dirt and orcs went sky high when the black powder bombs went off.  Of the fifteen orcs only five survived and they were mad.  The sons took out three with well-placed crossbow bolts to the neck.  Teela and the Father took care of the last two in short fashion.  “Get in the wagon son your horse has been shot.  Let’s get Teela to the tavern she’s headed to we owe her for this.”    

    The Pig Pen Tavern was crowded this evening.  There were more people at tables than had been in quite some time.  A woman in a purple ankle length robe had seated herself with her back to the bartender who was wiping a clay cup clean.  The woman in the robe had long dirty blonde hair.  She was people watching.  Nanette the sorceress was actively looking for the heroes she had summoned.  Seated next to her was a lithe muscular woman with a shield on her back and a vicious looking mace hanging from her belt.  She wore overalls and a chainmail shirt.  This blonde was Lynn the blacksmith and she was nervously laughing at the bartender’s joke.  The very place was a little out of Lynn’s element and some of the clientele she would rather hit with her mace than have them make eye contact with her.  “Nanette, do you see whoever we are waiting on?”  “Yes Lynn, almost all of them are here.  There’s one missing but I sense she is quite near like as close as the village’s entrance.  She’s tending to an obligation first.  I’m going to go around the room and start assembling people.”

Nanette knew something Lynn didn’t; the bartender was someone special.  Her name was Angela and she was not the usual barkeep at the Pig Pen Tavern.  Angela turned away from looking at the tavern’s main concourse leaving Lynn to continue warily watching people.  Angela rubbed her right wrist and looked down at the peculiar bracelet on it then mumbled and shook her head.  The casual observer would think she was crazy and talking to herself.  Those in tune with the mystical realms and artifacts would know better.  Outside the tavern Teela looked up from tethering her horse sensing something mystical nearby.  It was something powerful and she knew it instantly.  Back inside Angela still seemed to be holding a one sided conversation.  The bracelet on her wrist had what appeared to be a ruby on it glowing and if one looked closely an eye could be seen.  She considered the bracelet both a gift and a curse.  Any magic user would tell her she had the weapon of the ages, known as the Witchblade.  This artifact was a sentient device that brought balance to the forces of light and darkness.  Angela had used it to heal, save lives and end lives.  It was currently imparting wisdom about the problems to come facing the warriors Nanette was assembling and urging Angela to join them.  Angela finally turned back to the still nervously examining form of Lynn and spoke.  “The meeting room is all set up in the back all you and Nanette need do is let me know.  And Lynn, I have a request can you take me with you on this orc slaying quest?”  Lynn stopped looking around and turned looking very surprised.  “Wait!  You’re the bartender here what do you mean take you with us?”  “That’s the problem with most customers they don’t see their servers or bartenders as real people with feelings they can talk to.  I assure you Lynn, if I join all of you in this quest you will no longer view me as a mere bartender, serving wench or bar maid,”  “Well alright, I will let you come along this is really Nanette’s thing I’m just here to smash some orcs for all they’ve done to my family and village.”  “Lynn this time in history needs a balance to the evil caused by the orcs.  You and I and these others can be that catalyst for good.  A wise man once said `You live for the fight when it’s all that you’ve got.’  There’s more to this fight Lynn.  The good and evil in the world has to balance what we do in this life sways that balance.”  “But Angela what can you do?  We have magicians and warriors.  Can you fight?”  “You’ll find I’m full of surprises.”        

The meeting took place and Lynn got Angela into the room where all were assembled.  Nanette and Teela took one look at the bearer of the Witchblade being seated with everyone else and simply looked at one another knowingly and smiled.  After all the introductions were made a silence fell over the room as Nanette began explaining a few things.  “The orcs you have all seen and faced are not very organized and come from a race that lives underground.  The quest I have assembled you for will take you below ground to shamans and orc warriors.  Do not underestimate what we are to be dealing with.  All of you have your own specific skills and ways of fighting.  As we journey I want you to spar with one another and learn how best to fight alongside with each other.  I know we are currently only 11 people but I sense that one more will join us.”  Jonathan a voice from what seemed to be Nanette’s own personal peanut gallery spoke up.  “Why do we need another aren’t we good enough?”  “While I do not doubt your skills or anyone else’s Sir Knight when the fighting begins it will be dirty and it would be best if we had a dirty dozen.”  Replied Nanette.  “Besides Payton our resident barbarian might go berserk and have all the fun by himself.”  Piped in Britt.  At this Payton let out a roar and smacked his hands in a mock imitation of giving Britt a fresh one. 

A rough plan was laid out and formed to get them to the orcs home lair, and the council of war convened.  As the warriors left to rest and get provisions Nanette pulled Teela aside “A moment of your time my friend I know your magic has been a little wacky on your travels here.  Take this Amulet of Magic Winds.  It will fix your magic while you are away from Castle Greyskull.”  “Thank you Nanette I feel as if a blinder has been removed from me just holding this.”  “I need all of you at your best for the things to come.” 

The next morning the group stocked up on foodstuff for the journey thanks to Angela speaking to the proprietor of the Pig Pen tavern.  Arrows and ropes were obtained at the merchant stalls and they were on their way to the orcs lair to “Put a stop to the problem cold, hard and mean.” 

Two days into the quest the eleven warriors came to the crest of a hillside and looked down in the valley to see a battle in progress.  Teela and Nanette had been riding side by side and were actively debating the ramifications of getting involved.  Now on the hillside the gathered warriors waited for a decision from those that seemed to have taken the roles of leadership.  Angela waited till all had gathered near before voicing a thought.  “Those soldiers down there are taking a beating from the orcs.  We could make all the difference and swing the battle back in their favor.  We may be the only reinforcements they get.”  Payton voiced “Why are we talking when there's orcs to smash?”  All were in agreement to postpone the journey and help.  Teela said “Angela, Britt, Sonja, Nanette we’re the artillery come with me.”  The others dismounted and drew arms.  Those on horseback took off at a gallop around the back side of the fighting in an effort to box the orcs in. 

What had happened before the party arrived was this.  Sargent Jerome and his troops of men and women, some of the finest troops if he did say so himself, had been on horseback riding for a fortnight to help a village east of the Pig Pen.  They had been harried across the landscape by a band of orcs who were smarter than any band of greenskins he had dealt with before.  Their hit and run tactics had relieved him and his troops of their horses Because of nightly raids he and his troops had slowly been killed off.  Of the forty people under his command only 15 remained.  This morning they were on the losing side of a last ditch war of attrition with the orcs. 

Suddenly Sargent Jerome found himself cut off from his troops by two orcs swinging battleaxes.  He was swinging and dodging but each time his sword connected with an axe it shook him to the core of his being.  One of the orcs raised his axe preparing to swing.  Jerome saw it twitch when its neck was pierced with two electrified arrows from Britt.  Payton, Lynn, and Jonathan had formed a trio and waded into the battle near Jerome.  Jerome slipped on the bloody carcass littered ground and was about to fall victim to the other orcs axe.  Payton blocked the axe descending before Jerome could react and Lynn smacked the orc in the head with her mace crushing his skull and shield bashing an orc coming up behind her.  Jonathan reached out and helped Jerome to his feet.  Jonathan raised Sulphur’s Kiss and stood guarding Jerome’s back.  “What’s your title sir?”  "Sargent Jerome sir.”  “Help has arrived Sargent rally your troops we’ll protect you.  You have long range support and our friends are aiding your soldiers in close combat.  We’re going to help you win this.”  At the last sentence Jonathan swatted an incoming orc in the midsection doubling it over so Payton could quickly remove its head.  Lynn met a charging orc shield to shield and swung her mace underhanded into its face with a squishy thud.  Seung Mina, Brunhilde and Erica had joined forces.  They spotted a young lady in armor having trouble with a ten foot tall orc.  The young lady for the most part had been holding her own till the orc smashed her head into its knee.  She stood up but her graceful swordsmanship was beginning to look a little sloppier.  Thunk! Thunk!  Erica launched two crescent darts that embedded in the giant beast’s neck.  Behind the giant orc Red Sonja rode by and unleashed 4 arrows in rapid succession but the beast still stood.  The giant orc prepared to bring a giant cleaver on the young lady.  Seung Mina and Brunhilde blocked with Naginata and Dragonfang while Erica slammed the blades of her hand axes into its gut.  The swordswoman suddenly in a dazzling leap stabbed the giant in the left eye, back flipped down and scored ten more hits with her fencing sword before landing.  The giant crashed to the earth with a reverberating thud.  It tried to rise and a bright red blast of plasma energy stopped its heart.  Erica, Brunhilde, Seung Mina and the swordswoman looked up stunned by the blast. 

Angela was no longer clad in her riding gear but in a strange armor of yellow, gray and red.  It wasn’t a full suit of armor but only seemed to cover vital body parts.  Her arm was encased in a weird form of cannon.  Angela moved her arm and blasted two more orcs dead.  Nanette was on her horse chanting and hail stones began to rain from the sky.  Sonja and Britt continued to unleash arrows as quickly as they could draw and fire them.  Teela raised her bo staff and venomous snakes flew from it latching on to any orc still standing.  The battle ended in short order. 

The young swordswoman that had been helped with the giant approached Seung Mina and asked if she may join the group of warriors.  Her request was granted as Nanette confirmed she was the help the group had been missing.  After the battle ended Seung Mina walked up to Payton patted him on the shoulder and said.  “Nice bit of fighting with that poleaxe.  Not everyone can wield such a weapon with as much finesse as I’ve seen you display.  Heh! All I can say is Yatta!” 

The party of warriors journeyed on and at the next town procured more arrows and a horse for Charlotte.  They stopped at a nearby tavern for lunch before continuing on.  The large party filled a table.  Midway through their meal Charlotte rose and went to the rare indoor restroom.  The place was a fine example of gnomish engineering. 

The warriors disarmed themselves according to tavern policy and sat eating and Lynn began to wonder after some time what had become of their new companion.  She rose excused herself and went to the privy.  Before Lynn reached the door she heard a commotion.  As she opened the door she saw Charlotte being backed against the wall by two well over 400 pound women.  They were screaming at Charlotte.  “Why don’t you know your place in this world?  What are you doing going around the countryside playing soldier? Leave that to the men folk. Know your role!”  “Ladies I don’t want any trouble from you.  Let me go back to my meal in peace.  I will be out of your town in no time.  I have every right as a person to be a soldier, housewife or whatever I choose to be.” 

The closest gargantuan woman took a swing at her and Charlotte ducked the clumsy blow.  The second woman yanked the stall door apart with her bare hands and was about to charge with it when Lynn tripped her and slammed a left palm across the woman’s eye.  As the woman was falling she lashed out with a roundhouse kick to the woman’s jaw knocking her out.  The stall door crashed with the large woman.  Charlotte was dodging swinging blows then she finally delivered a head butt to her opponent.  The woman staggered and Charlotte used the window frame to pull herself up and kicked the woman with both feet and then landed.  Lynn’s opponent began to rise and she grabbed a nearby bucket of water and spun the bucket into the woman’s forehead spraying water in the process. 

As Lynn and Charlotte were leaving the latter asked.  “Why did you stick up for me?”  “I’m a blacksmith by trade it’s not a job women or society respects.  With you being a soldier I can relate.  A person does what they can to provide for themselves and the ones they love.  Plus like all of us in this war party we have a great appreciation for those who fight for us and defend us.  Angela taught me a lesson about seeing people differently.”  “Lynn, you might not be everyone’s hero but you have earned my respect.”    

To this point the journey had lasted over a week and they had been part of small skirmishes along the way.  The band of warriors had come to a plateau and used its high ground as a place of safety for their camp the previous night.  Teela was restless and thought she was the only one who couldn’t sleep.  It was completely dark around her and stars were the only light visible.  For the past two nights the moon had spent most of its time hidden from them by the trees and clouds.  One hundred feet away she noticed a faint blue light.  It slowly got brighter and began to move.  The light changed from a blue to a bright orange.  She quietly strapped on her sword and grabbed her bo staff in the event it was some sort of attack.  Nanette touched her arm and whispered “Unless you plan to join in you will not need your weapons. Just stay and watch for a moment.”  Teela sat back down and she was slowly able to make out the armored form of the knight Jonathan.  Bit by bit rays of sunlight began to show.  His flaming war hammer Sulphur’s Kiss was moving.  He went through practiced routines of blocking and striking against an imaginary opponent.  Rays of sunlight slowly filled the horizon behind him blending with the fire from Sulphur’s Kiss.  Payton rose wordlessly with his great poleaxe and joined his brother-in-arms both were swing their weapons yet giving one another a safe distance.  Seung Mina and Britt were next to rise.  As Seung Mina began to move her naginata Britt began firing arrows at her.  Not an arrow landed as Seung Mina used her double bladed spear in defense.  Lynn rose with her shield and mace along with Erica and her hand axes and they engaged in combat.  Angela willed the Witchblade to form a sword and engaged Charlotte.  Sonja drew her sword and blocked Payton’s last thrust making him aware of an opponent.  Brunhilde charged Jonathan.  The team practiced for an hour as the sun continued to rise.

As the group rode on Lynn was riding near Seung Mina who she noticed was whistling and at times mouthing words.  “Seung Mina, you seem to have a tune going on there will you explain it please.”  “Lynn, I’m singing a song I love.”  Teela spoke up.  “It’s a rousing and appropriate song perhaps you could teach the rest of those around you.”  For miles as the group rode you could hear these words being sung.  “And all these things I didn’t say like wrecking balls inside my brain I will scream them loud tonight.  Can you hear my voice this time?  This is my fight song.  Take back my life song.  Prove I’m alright song.  My powers turned on.  Starting right now I’ll be strong I’ll play my fight song and I don’t really care if nobody else believes Cause I’ve still got a lot of fight left in me.”

Five days passed as the party journeyed on and they drew near a town.  As they stopped for a meal from outside the tavern they heard thunderous amounts of hoof beats coming from a single rider.  The door to the tavern swung open.  Caked in dirt and dust stood a young soldier woman named Christine Motero, she was the sixteenth descendant of a modern day Delilah.  Her horse named Sonic Boom had gotten her to her destination at top speed.  She scanned the room and finally spotted Charlotte.  “Miss Charlotte,” She said breathlessly.  “I have a message for you and your party of warriors.  I’ve travelled for two days trying to track you all down.  You’re leaving quite the trail of dead orcs in your wake.  The message I have for you is this.  Sargent Jerome is amassing a small army to come help you fight the orcs.”  “Most excellent Christine, how far out are they.”  “Two days ride Miss.  He said don’t stop believing.”  “We leave promptly after our meal Tell him for this favor if we live we will dine together in Detroit Rock City.”  Christine took a meal and left to return back to her Sargent.

Four days passed and they neared a forest.  Britt rode to the front of the pack and asked them all to follow her lead.  After the fourth row of trees they passed an arrow struck a tree near Britt’s right ear.  She held up her hand and silence fell.  Britt faced the direction of the arrow being fired and spoke in the High Elvish language.  “Gunter glieben glauchen gluber.”  A voice returned with these cryptic words.  “Are you getting it?  Really getting it.”  Britt answered the question.  “Yes Armageddon it.”  Two elves dropped from the trees and the warriors tensed.  One of the elves had dark brunette hair in ringlets and she was very short.  Across her torso was affixed an oak bow.  “Greetings in the name of our Creator and the King of my Heart, I am Melissa Ann.”  As she spoke all noticed her hands moved in some sort of sign language.  “How may the wood elves be of service to you?”  Britt spoke up.  “We are on a quest to attack the orcs in their lair and put a stop to their reign of terror.”  Carmon the second elf a blonde swordswoman, with close cropped hair and a portion of her bangs over her right eye addressed them.  “Britt of the Pokemon wood elf tribe you are welcome here.  Your friends are our friends and you know what all elves say Friends will be friends when you’re through with life and all hope is lost.  Hold out your hand cause friends will be friends right to the end.”  Before exiting the forest they were told by Melissa Ann and Carmon that a battalion of elves would be an hour behind them.  They were given food and any other supplies they could wish for.      

A week passed and the party had made their way to a tree line overlooking a huge mound rising from the ground.  Four orcs were standing guard in front.  Nanette held up her hand to halt the riders.  “See how the trees on either side have been left alone.  This is to our advantage.  It will take time but we need to split up and get in from the sides and let the soldiers and elves take the front.  We need to work our way underground.  Teela you seem to have teams formed.  Lay down the plan.”  “Jonathan, come here I need to make a change to Sulphur’s Kiss before I go over the plan.”  Jonathan held out the Warhammer without igniting it by his own willpower.  “I hereby mirror ball and adrenalize the power of euphoria and pyromania to this weapon.  Jonathan, you can now touch the end of other weapons and pass on the flame of yours.  Now that being done the teams are going to be as follows.  Erica, Valkyrie, Nanette, Lynn, Angela and Charlotte will take the right side.  Payton, Jonathan, Britt, Red Sonja, Seung Mina, and I will take the left.  If you feel the air around you change temperature or hear orcs chanting find the orc shaman quickly or he will raise the dead you have just slain.  Leave no orc standing.  This is where we make our stand and avenge our loved ones.  Mankind—that word should have new meaning for all of us today.  We can’t be consumed by our petty differences anymore.  We will be united in our common interests.  Should we win the day this will be the day when the world declared in one voice.  `We will not go quietly into the night!  We will not vanish without a fight!  We are going to live on!  We’re going to survive!  Today we celebrate our Independence Day!’  This my friends is the Final Countdown.  Scatter and attack!” 

Jonathan took a lead position through the woods with the rest scattered behind him in almost wingman formation.  He waited till he saw Nanette lead the counter team on the opposite side of the mound.  Teela used a spell to distract the two orcs on guard facing their way.  Red Sonja and Seung Mina impaled the orcs before they could turn around.  Britt was covering their approach with her bow at the ready.  Jonathan approached the mound and began a rousing chant touching each warrior’s weapon except for Britt’s bow.  “Rise up gather round rock this place to the ground burn it up let’s go for broke watch the night go up in smoke.”  The warriors with him responded “Rock on!  Rock on!”  “Drive me crazier, no serenade, no fire brigade just pyromania.”  With weapons ablaze they advanced.      

On the opposite side of the mound Nanette had started a chant of her own enlisting the aid of her team in a powerful spell.  As one they began to say.  “One, somethings got to give.   Two, somethings got to give.  Three, somethings got to give.  Now!  Let the bodies hit the floor.  Let the bodies hit the floor, Let the bodies hit the floor!”  The orcs around the mound fell to the ground.  Erica launched crescent darts into them the second before they fell.  Angela once more levelled the plasma cannon formed by the Witchblade blowing the roof of the mound to dust.  The orcs were on the ground from the spell and the blast.  “Humans kill them!”  They screamed.  Charlotte tilted her head sideways and said, “Keep them busy I hear our reinforcements.”  All 12 warriors poured in to the mound slaying any orc that moved.  The further they travelled underground the more intense the fighting became.  Teela magically sent a flare to mark the battlefield.  Elves led by Carmon and Melissa Ann and Humans led by Sargent Jerome soon filled the area and joined the twelve.  Sargent Jerome had brought scouts and his friend Brandon, The Bearded Wonder, had brought his entire ballista team.  Any orc that managed to get above ground was greeted by an army.  By nightfall all orcs had been killed and were being cremated. 

“See Lynn, the balance between good and evil has been restored.”  Said Angela.  “Yes Angela, yes it has.  Come on let’s go to Detroit Rock City or Paradise City or whichever we reach first.”   

Directors cut

This story developed a life all its own.  There are so many musical references in this.  What I want to do with the Directors cut is I want to introduce you to my friend.  In no particular order.  Melissa or Melissa Ann as I referred to her in the story is one of the singers at Real Life Corpus.  She and my ever gorgeous wife, Marion are sisters in sign language.  Melissa has a song called King of my Heart by Love and the Outcome that she sings and I think Melissa sounds better than the original artist.  Part of Melissa’s greeting is the story is a paraphrase of that song.  Brandon is also a singer at church he is our rock style singer and an awesome man.  One day on facebook I asked for a word beginning with the letter b and he gave me the word Ballista.  As I neared the end of the story I asked permission to give him a Ballista Brigade in the story.  His only request was that I include his beard.  Carmon and I met at Hooters years ago.  She was one of the last waitresses I met before the entire staff seemed to change.  When I met her the first thought I had was this girl seems to look like an elf from anime cartoons.  Later I found out she plays Warcraft so this story is perfect for her.  Angela the bearer of the Witchblade in the story who quotes Skywalker and Bon Jovi has been my friend since I moved to Corpus Christi.  First friend I made.  Hooters girl, and bartender.  When we met we connected so well I made her a promise as long as she let me know her schedule and I had money I would come visit her.  First place we went outside of her job was to Real Life Corpus before it moved to Flour Bluff drive.  Her former roommate was the one to suggest I go visit Real Life.  Really people Naomi a Hooters Girl is the reason I ended up at the church I attend.  Most people don’t know this and attack me for eating there.  In the words of the Hairbrush song from Veggie Tales “Yeah good has been done here.”  Payton being a barbarian was a natural story progression.  We have worked together for a little over 3 years and I nicknamed him as a barbarian a long time ago.  The man is tall with a beard of red.  He’s lost a bit up top but looking at him just mentally seeing him holding a large poleaxe is not really hard to imagine.  Britt and I have also worked together for some time.  She’s a calendar girl she made them for each month with all sorts of awesome holidays on it.  She’s planned almost all of our group’s breakfasts.  Nanette of Nancy is someone I have known for too little time honestly that applies to Jonathan and Lynn or Karolynn.  Jonathan and I share a love for pro-wrestling past present and future.  We also have a love for God’s word.  Nancy and Karolynn I don’t know as well as I would like but I’m getting to know them better over time and I love that I can call them friends.  Erica and I clashed when we first met.  To paraphrase Darth Vader the personality is strong with this one.  We now get along well.  When she talks she often starts a sentence with “You know………………Sometimes.”  It’s funny. If you ever meet Eric tell her I said “Christmas!”

Honestly I had so much fun on this story I just want all to enjoy it.  I want my friends to feel honored by it.                     

The swordfight

I wrote this the other night with a mental image of 2 people fighting with swords in the rain in a forest of bamboo.  I was partly inspired by the movie The Princess Blade.  There is nothing in the poem to tell you if the people fighting are male or female.  I want the reader to use their imagination on that because it could be anybody anywhere involved.    

The Swordfight

Spattered rain screams of pain

Bamboo on the main

Clink clang

Blood flows from nicks and scrapes

This dance of death

For hours it has gone on

They circle

The blades meet once more

Lunge, parry, feint, hack, slash

Cross guards metal screeches

There is only one way to end this

One’s sword will waiver

Someone will fall dead

They bleed from so many wounds

The fight goes on and on

Bamboo stalks fall and are lost in the brawl

The rain falls even more

The opponents draw close once more

As the swords lock

Position is jockeyed for

Grips firmly on their swords

The lethal dance

Elbows, foot stomps and sweeps

Ribs are met by knees

Saliva and blood begin to mingle

Shortness of breath as bones break

They pull apart

Either fighter could end this

Neither will

Appearing to be to the death

They part leaving

One another with honor

Anyone can kill

To let the other heal

The victor will be proven next year

These two are out to gauge

The skill within the spirit of the sword

Operation Happy Hollyday

Operation Happy Hollyday

Cast of Characters

Laird Destro-Weapons and munitions creator and supplier and part time leader of Cobra a ruthless terrorist organization determined to rule the world.

Zaranna-Master of disguise, overall chaotic nutcase, biker chick.

Dr. Holly Emerson- Dr. of pediatrics/ civilian

Thunder Kitten/ Marion Gentry- Housewife/Volunteer/Vigilante.  Magical armor, flaming sword and electro shock morning star.  Has the ability to summon armor and weapons from thin air by concentrating. 

Psylocke- Member of X-Force and X-Men.  Telepath and Ninja Has the ability to create psychic manifestations of her weapons capable of disrupting the synapses in the brain.

Sir Clyde/Clyde Johnson- Knight, Warrior and loyal friend. Wields mystical sword called Stardust that channels heat from a volcano and ice from a meteor and uses hard light armor. 

White Shadow/ Zac Gentry-Vigilante hero/customer service rep.  Derives powers from the cosmic entities known as Kiss.  Deploys truncheons and teleportation.

Mara the Semi-Wonder dog-Four legged beagle/ German shepherd mix of a dog. 

White Lion/David Hill- Artist extraordinaire, part time superhuman, teacher, museum curator, and cuddle club veteran.  Has the ability to take a talisman from Eternia and become an albino lion man with a mace called Minerva that fires concussive blasts. 

Domino/ Neena Thurman- mutant with the ability to manipulate luck and a weapons expert.

Robin/ Stephanie Brown- High school student, detective, martial arts expert, sidekick to Batman

Miko- Galaxy Ranger, defender of multiple galaxies.  Wields a high powered laser shotgun and six shooters.  Has psychic visions of the future and can sense things psychically by touch.

Siryn/ Theresa Cassidy- Mutant with sonic based powers.  By manipulating her vocal chords she can fly or incapacitate an opponent.  Trained in many martial arts and pro-wrestling. 

Korra- Born from a line of airbenders.  She is the avatar she has mastered the elements of earth, fire, air, and water and can bend them to do whatever she wishes.  Can sense and see things by touching spirit vines. 

Nina Williams- trained assassin, master of weapons and hand to hand combat.  Winner of the King of Iron Fist tournament aka The Tekken.  Has little to no memory of her past but her combat skills are off the charts. 

Mai Shiranuri- Cook, martial arts expert, last of a ninja clan.  Choice of weapon handheld fans.

        Screech! Sounded the brakes and tires of the B-Line bus.  It was very early on a Wednesday morning.  Mara went to the living room window looked out and started barking.  Marion walked thru the room with purpose.  “Mara be quiet you’re going to wake your dad.”  Marion grabbed her vest and purse and proceeded out the door.  She boarded the bus and greeted her driver Geneva.  Sitting down she took out her iPhone and began catching up on Words with Friends.  Marion had made this same trip more times than she could even count on her fingers and toes.  She smiled because she was headed to her happy place.  Marion was a volunteer at Driscoll Children’s hospital and she was going to do what she enjoyed greatly.  She was also a housewife and a part time vigilante hero.  The hospital had never really needed a superhero before but Marion was always ready with her alter ego Thunder Kitten when problems arose.  Her mystical sword and armor were never but a thought away.  Her husband Zac was also a hero in his own right known as the White Shadow. 

        Her bus driver Geneva looked into the rearview mirror.  The windshield was suddenly lit up by lightning.  “This storm is starting Marion I’m going to have to drive a bit slower.  When we get to the hospital I’m going to attempt to get you as close as possible to the entrance.”  “Thanks Geneva.”

        The alarm sounded and the brown haired woman slowly rolled over.  This was her first visit to Earth in 4 years.  Her own bed felt so much better than her own cramped quarters on the Galaxy One star cruiser she had been living on.  For the past 4 years Miko had been on a multi-galaxy tour with her team the Galaxy Rangers. Miko sat in bed using her palms to work the sleep from her eyes.  She walked to the bathroom and flipped the light on.  She opened the mirror, reached for something in the cabinet and instantly found her hands going down onto the sink.  The world around her seemed to swim out of focus she hated this part of her psychic visions.  She mentally saw a redheaded woman fall from a window, begin screaming downward and somehow keep herself aloft by merely screaming.  The redhead continued to somehow propel herself upward back through the window she had fallen from and spear a gunmen about his midsection with her right shoulder.  Miko glimpsed an emblem on the wall moments before the vision ended and then she fell to the floor.      

        The thunderclap was so loud it woke the young brunette.  She straight up in bed and stared at her alarm clock.  “Oh drat!”  She exclaimed.  She had overslept by twenty minutes.  “Pa Pa is going to be so upset with me.”  Mai Shiranuri helped her father at the Huai Tai oriental restaurant.  Mai was one of the best cook’s n town.  Fixing sushi was something she enjoyed.  When she was not slinging food she was kicking butt across the city as a vigilante martial artist.  Mai jumped out of bed threw on her uniform and wound her brown hair into buns on either side of her head.  She grabbed a set of red and white chopsticks and ran them through the buns to hold her hair in place.  Mai grabbed her keys and purse and took off running through the rain to her 91 Chevy Beretta.  She pulled out of the driveway onto Little John and headed towards Alameda, not knowing shortly she would be in a big fight. 

        Half a world away in Scotland a man in an iron mask paced the hallway.  Servants of his castle knew better than to disturb him when he paced.  The man was a master of weapons and he made a living buying and selling them.  Laird Destro owner of Mars Enterprises was a true Lord of War.  The issue disturbing him today however didn’t involve weapons but a small boy that was his illegitimate son of his indiscretion with a Cobra agent named Copperback.  Her son Adam had a rare disease that was eating him away from the inside and Destro needed to find a doctor to treat Adam. His agents were scouring the world for someone specializing in Adam’s condition.  He turned at the sound of jet engines outside.  It wasn’t an uncommon sound but it may just be the Firebat pilot he had sent on a special errand. Laird Destro strode down the hall and out to the landing strip.  Waiting till the dust settled and the backwash of the jet engines finally died down, he approached the pilot.  The pilot’s form was definitely female and appeared she had been poured into the almost skin tight flight suit.  The pilot removed her helmet and her close cropped pink hair shook in the wind.  In a bass voice Destro asked.  “Do you have news for me Zaranna?”    “I do there is a young doctor in Corpus Christi, TX named Holly Emerson who has treated multiple cases similar to Adam’s with a select team.”  “Most excellent Zaranna assemble a team of Mambas and Hiss tanks we will place this hospital under siege till we get this woman and her team.  Also prepare an extraction team.”  “As you wish.”

        Previously the night before a young man name David had been at the hospital and he was also a volunteer at the hospital.  He had stayed overnight as the hospital was short on Cuddle Club helpers.  The Cuddle Club members were special people who worked on the 5^th floor comforting and rocking small children when they’re parents weren’t able top be around.  When David wasn’t painting, teaching, or helping at Driscoll He often helped The White Shadow and Thunder Kitten fight crime.  David woke with his thoughts a little muddled.  “It is hard to sleep in a hospital.”  Suddenly the pa system interrupted his musings.  “Dr. Emerson to room 515!”  “I’m happy Holly is here but that pa system is making me want to become the White Lion and break something.  Where was that cafeteria lady?  Looks like I’m going downstairs.” David also happened to be a hero by the name of the White Lion.  He was given special powers by the sorceress of Eternia When David held a magical talisman and called on the fangs of Castle Grayskull he was transformed into an albino lionman that carried a mystical mace he called Minerva that was capable of firing concussive blasts.  Right now however David was hungry and the cafeteria was all the way in the basement.  As he rode the elevator down he pondered this thought.  “I’m in a children’s hospital why in the world is the cafeteria so near the morgue?  That is just so disturbing to adults and kids.” 

        As David reached the basement floor he walked towards the cafeteria and his stomach growled.  There were so many good smells assaulting him at once.  He saw the breakfast special was hash browns casserole with eggs bacon and peppers.  He briefly considered it then remembered sweet little Ms. Beatty the lady who was only there at breakfast and she manned the omelet station with her granddaughter Megan West.  He headed straight for the two ladies and the open faced grill.  “Megan looked up from carrying a container of shredded cheese and said “Hi David.”  Ms. Beatty looked up from a stack of bacon.  After they exchanged greetings and pleasantries and his order she said.  “I’m praying for you David.”  “Thank you Ms. Beatty I need that more than you know.”  As David entered the dining room he spied an old friend.  “Mind if I join you?”  Asked David.  Clyde looked up and grinned.  “Didn’t think I was going to run into the White Lion today.  Where’s the rest of Voltron?”  “  Very funny.  I think a certain Thunder Kitten should be here shortly.  So what brings Sir Clyde here today without your armor and Stardust?”  “My son Dimitri is having a follow-up visit after fracturing his elbow a month ago.”  “Ouch man.  You see that sweet gray haired lady and the young blonde at the omelet station that’s Ms. Beatty and her granddaughter Megan go tell them why you’re here and I guarantee you will have two of God’s greatest prayer warriors praying for Dimitri.”  “Thanks David I’ll be around a bit today till the usual tests are run.”

        After Marion and her bus driver Geneva parted ways the storm outside became more intense.  Meanwhile in another part of town a young lady in a strange outfit was standing in the rain.  She was moving her arms and legs in a sort of martial dance.  Curiously the water was not touching her.  She seemed to be doing something to it as it was falling down.  She had her dark black hair pulled back into foot long braids.  She was standing just in the courtyard in the Earth Temple off of Brawner Parkway.  Korra was the Avatar a master of elements.  As she stood in the rain she was simultaneously bending air, water and electricity.  To Korra this Wednesday was turning into a fun day of bending.  To the people who think storms are gloomy Korra said “Pffft!” 

        Down the hall in room 515 back at Driscoll Dr. Holly Emerson, a tall thin young brunette lady, was checking up on one of her favorite patients Lola Thompson.  Lola was a vibrant young redhead with an intense amount of freckles and the cutest smile on the planet.  Lola’s mom Alisha and Lola’s little sister Roxy were patiently waiting patiently on Dr. Emerson to clear Lola for release from the hospital.  Before she walked in the trio had been enjoying the enormous breakfast of French toast and bacon provided to Lola.  She had been given a choice of things to eat that morning and remembered her friend Zac had mentioned that was one of his favorites and Lola had wanted to try it.  As Holly walked in she saw Lola smile with enthusiasm.  Not only was Holly Lola’s doctor but she also took care of Lola in child care at Real Life Corpus.  “Good morning Lola, Alisha and Roxy.”  Holly handed off the chart to a nurse named Anissa.  “You’re good to go Lola as soon as you finish your breakfast.  Anissa here should have you checked out in minutes and she’ll give you a free wheelchair ride and you’ll be on your way.  Remember Lola be careful I want to visit you at church but not at the hospital.”  “I got it Ms. Holly.”  “Ya’ll have a wonderful day.” 

        Several hundred feet below ground in a dark cave under Gotham city was a waterfall and a rustling of bat wings. While it was a cave it also housed some of the most state of the art weaponry, vehicles, computers and exercise equipment.  A young woman with blonde hair was in gym shorts and a t-shirt.  She was working out using a punching bag and sparring dummies.  Stephanie Brown was underneath Wayne Manor in the Bat Cave and she was trying to find something to do while Batman was out of town with the Justice League.  Suddenly and without any warning whatsoever the hero wave signal went off on the main computer.  She ran from her sparring grabbed the chin up bar vaulting in the air did a handstand and gracefully landed in the computer chair.  “Password please.”  “Computer user name Robin the fourth password the cute one. Hero wave signal provide info.”  Stephanie Brown/Robin sat reading and listening to hacked audio files from Castle Destro.  She double checked the video clips noticed the tanks, copters and various weaponry being assembled with troops.  “Computer send coordinates to DCH to the Robin Wing and clear me a flight path. Holy cow this is going to be bad.  I’m going to need backup.  Computer contact agent from Batman Incorporated files Nina Williams send her all Hero Wave info for this Castle Destro event I will pick her up on the way.  Plot pick up in my route as well.”  Getting up from the computer she ran to the armory and selected a utility belt, bo staff, grapnel gun and her throwing discs.  She laid these down and changed into her Robin costume.  She walked to the vehicle bay and waited on the scaffolding engine to bring around the Robin’s Wing.  It was a two seat mini jet of her own design Bruce Wayne had paid for her to use on solo missions.  The weapons could be fired via the pilot or co-pilot’s controls.  The jet itself was a cross between an X-Wing and A-Wing fighter.  Where an A-Wing was squat and bug shaped her jet at the backend had the split wing functions of an X-Wing.  The water from the waterfall stopped flowing as she boarded the jet and the hangar bay opened for her.  FWOOSH! As Stephanie shot skyward she leveled the jet out on her path and headed to pick up Nina. 

Nina Williams sat in a hangar hidden in Waxahachie, TX, She had been at the local Dairy Burger when Robin had contacted her.  She began reading the encrypted files on her computer.  As a member of Batman Inc. she was an agent he and any members of the Bat family of heroes could call on for assistance.  Over the years there had been five people fighting Crime under the guise of Robin this one happened to be a girl and Nina had seen her in action before.  Nina had the skill set of a highly trained assassin but her memories had been messed with.  At one time she had fought in the King of Iron Fist tournament known as Tekken.  She had won and gotten the attention of a young girl named Stephanie Brown who introduced her to Batman.  Nina had never made the connection that Stephanie and Robin were one and the same person.  After Nina reviewed the files she was sent she went through her inventory of weapons she had at her disposal.  She set out 2 mp5 machine guns, a bow and quiver and a Katanna.  Going back to her laptop she hit the ready for pickup button.  Miles away in the air Robin got the signal and fired the afterburners.  She was travelling a little over Mach 2 currently.

        It was a little after 10 am and Miko was finally able to awake from her vision.  She hadn’t been on Earth in such a long time she was unsure of what to do about her vision of the future.  She went online and scanned a drawing of the symbol she had seen on the wall before the redhead had fallen out of the window.  “DCH what does this mean?”  She thought and thought and finally hit her comm badge.  “Goose it’s Miko I need help one of my psychic visions has left me with an image I can’t quite place.”  “Go ahead Miko describe or send me all the details you have.”  Miko sat and relayed all the details she could and then sent him her drawing.  “I’ll get back to you when I have something Miko.”  To pass the time she pulled out her custom six shooters.  They were patterned after old western weapons but as a Galaxy Ranger she had custom weapons that fired high powered lasers.  She methodically began cleaning her weapons.  Beep Beep She tapped her comm badge.  “Go ahead Goose.”  “Your symbol is the logo for a place called Driscoll Children’s Hospital in Corpus Christi, TX a town surrounded by water.  I sent the location to your ship’s computer.  Doc really had to help on this one.  The woman you saw appears to be a Theresa Cassidy a member of something called X-Force some sort of mutant team based in the Adirondack Mountains.  I was unable to get much more than a strange number.  Doc said its most likely a voice mail to something else called X-Men.  Not sure if any of this helps you.”  “Thanks Goose thanks for everything I owe you and Doc both dinner.”  Miko rose from her chair and went back to her computer and put on her headset using the device to place a call to the voicemail number provided.  She was a bit nervous and not sure what to say to it.  Promptly a message started.  “Thank you for calling Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters.  If you want to know more of the school and what we offer press 1 if there is an emergency requiring intervention press 2 if you require further help press 3.  Miko hung up and sat thinking.  “Where am I calling?”  So she dialed again and pressed 3 “Please leave a brief description and someone will get back to you.”  BEEP “Hi my name is Miko and this may sound strange but I have psychic visions and have seen something happen to a Theresa Cassidy.  I’m a member of a team called the Galaxy Rangers.  Please contact me regarding this.”  Not even ten minutes passed and she had a call from a woman known as Psylocke.  Miko talked to the very British sounding woman who said luv 13 times during the call.  Psylocke told her to stay where she was and within 2 hours she would be there with 2 someone’s named Domino and Siryn.

        Under the supervision of Destro, Zaranna had just confirmed the readiness of the troops and Cobra tanks, helicopters, and mini jets. They would be heading up the assault from a massive air ship that could house the vehicles and troops.  “All is in readiness Laird Destro we depart as soon as you issue the command.”  “Excellent Zaranna proceed with liftoff and Operation Happy Hollyday!”  Zaranna issued the commands and the airship shuddered and began to take off.  Official had been bribed and their flight path was clear.  The Cobra forces thought this would be easy they had no idea about the speedbumps in the form of heroes they would soon face. 

        At Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters Psylocke had summoned Siryn from the swimming pool area.  “Theresa meet me in the main chamber in 10 minutes.”  She psychically summoned.  Psylocke had the body of an Asian supermodel with deep purple hair but she came from British descent. Teresa Cassidy soon joined her.  “Teresa I received a strange call from a lady name Miko seems she saw a vision of you at Driscoll Children’s Hospital using your mutant abilities to fight a man who knocked you from a window.  Sounds like a fight we’re supposed to be part of.  Domino has the Blackbird prepped to go meet with her.”  “I’ll meet you in the hangar once I get my uniform.” 

        Meanwhile at Hua Tai, Mai was hard at work after a brief tongue lashing from her father.  The restaurant was a blur of activity as she was preparing all the soups for the day.  She was delicately carrying a cartoon of eggs from one end of the kitchen to the other.  When she had to prepare egg drop soup it required a lot of eggs. 

        Marion sat at the gift shop when the phone rang.  “Hello DCH rehab gift shop how can I help you?”  “Marion this is Dr. Lambert I need 2 dozen oatmeal raisin cookies ASAP.”  “You got it give me 15-20 minutes.”  It had started to be a really slow day so she was really glad to have something to do. 

        It was very quiet but something was out of place.  Nina had the skills of an assassin and prided herself.  On being able to pick out sounds that shouldn’t be there.  She began tapping her keyboard and setting her security cameras to scan.  “There you are gotcha!”  She waited as the Robin’s Wing landed.  Grabbing her gear she ran outside.  Robin beckoned her to come aboard.  As she climbed in she let out a low whistle.  “Robin this is the sweetest looking jet I’ve ever seen.”  “Thanks I designed it and Batman mad it according to my specifications. There’s weapons controls in the pilot and co-pilot’s seats, also its split wing like and X-Wing.  Fighter.  Make sure you’re buckled in because this little bird can really movie.”  “Got it.”  The Robin’s Wing lifted upward and rocketed towards its destination. 

        The rain had finally stopped and Tenzin had called Korra inside the Earth temple informing her Jinorra had a vision to relay to her.  Entering the temple approached Jinorra and asked what she had seen.  “It was very unclear Korra but something bad is going to happen nearby today involving a woman with pink hair and man with an iron mask.  Driscoll Children’s Hospital is involved somehow.”  “Come on Jinorra let’s see if I can tap into the spirit vines,” Korra and Jinorra made their way to a garden on the east wing of the temple.  A massive tree grew up the side of the wall and over the roof.  Korra closed her eyes and placed her palm of her right hand on the trunk of the jade colored tree.  She willed energy to flow from her body.  Half a state away she saw the massive Cobra airship through the eyes of a sparrow.  Then the scene shifted to a young doctor with a name tag that read Holly.  “Korra what is it you’re as white as can be?”  “I’ve got to go Jinorra my friend Holly is in danger.”  “Do you need my help?”  “No stay here I have strange feeling help will present itself.”  Korra ran to the temple grabbed her air glider summoned the element of air to her and became one with the breeze as the storm had passed and it was now a clear day. 

        By now the Blackbird was airborne on its way to Miko’s location.  In the cockpit was Domino a mutant master of luck and a weapons expert.  Her face was painted white and she had a black spot around her left eye making her look like the dog in Target ads.  She was clothed in deep blue battle armor with a sword across her back and a plasma pistol holstered at her hip.  Domino was a woman of mystery only a few select people knew her name to be Neena Thurman.  Seated next to her in the co-pilot’s seat was Teresa Cassidy also known as the mutant Siryn.  Like the sound of her codename from the mythical creatures Siryn’s powers were sonic based.  She had red hair and was clothed in a bright yellow and green jumpsuit with collapsible wings connected from her sleeves to her ribs.  Her sonic cry could be harnessed to help her fly or take down opponents.  The true power of her sonic cry had not been fully measured, but she had been known to destroy titanium walls.  Directly behind her was Elisabeth “Betsy” Braddock known as Psylocke.  Psylocke was a powerful telepath with all the skill set of a ninja.  As of late Psylocke had gone from simply making a psychic knife with her powers to making medieval weapons.  She had been often employing crossbows and enormous swords with psychic manifestations.  The Blackbird was in stealth mode about to make downfall in Drummond Montana where Miko was awaiting their arrival.  

Landing

        It was now 2:15pm and business was about to pick up.  In a secluded park a few miles from the hospital called Collier Park the massive Cobra airship was currently making landfall.  Mamba helicopters and Mark 2 Hiss tanks were deploying from the underbelly of the airship.  They would soon be boarded by pilots and soldiers.  Laird Destro had spared no expense to put Operation Happy Hollyday into effect.  He was not to be denied.  Once all the Hiss tanks deployed they began making their way to Brawner Parkway covered from the air by Mambas.

        Meanwhile as the attack was beginning Zac had arisen from slumber as he worked nights and was used to sleeping during the day.  He was going about his routine of fixing a bowl of Fruity Pebbles as Mara the Semi-Wonder dog followed him around the house.  He didn’t know his midday enjoyment was about to be interrupted by someone with purple hair. 

        Siryn, Psylocke and Domino made their way to the quaint little house that Miko called her home away from the stars.  She greeted them and let them in and began to tell her tale of her vision leaving nothing out.  When she was done the three ladies from X-Force sat looking at her not saying a word.  It somewhat unnerved Miko as she had never met people who held a psychic rapport and conversed with each other in their minds without words.  Finally it was Betsy who broke the silence.  “Miko we’re going to help you and hope you will be helping us.  I know a hero in Corpus Christi and he and his wife are very connected with the hero community.  His wife works at the place you saw in your vision.  Not only are the hospital staff and children at risk but so is Thunder Kitten and I owe the White Shadow a favor.  Give me five minutes alone, pack whatever you need for a fight.  Domino go prep the Blackbird and check all the weapons.”  Psylocke went and sat on the bathroom floor and began focusing her thoughts.  Using her telepathic powers she sent a psychic summons. “Zac can you hear me this is Betsy Braddock.  The hospital your wife works at is about to be in grave danger.  Help is on the way but you need to get there ASAP.” 

        Zac dropped the spoonful of Fruity Pebbles and got up from the couch.  “Mara Owl Jet summoning pad now.”  Marion and Zac had created a device designed specifically designed for their dog to summon the Owl Jet from hiding at Hooters.  There had been emergencies where help was delayed to the citizens of Corpus because getting to the jet was not feasible in time.  Having Mara summon the jet freed up time to prepare for missions and sent the jet in stealth mode right into the backyard.  Zac ran to the bedroom opened the headboard and pulled out his White Shadow costume.  After sliding all the costume components into place he waited for the jet.  He had already heard Mara press her paws down and bark 3 times.  He spoke into the cowl in his mask.  “Hero wave display all heroes in the Driscoll Children’s hospital area.”  An image display began showing on the backside of his mask with a map, hero’s names and contact query beside their names.  He said “Send names to Hootie”.  “Hey Mara time to be a Semi-Wonder Dog get your fur in gear Momma’s in danger.”  Mara ran down the hall and came back with a mask and a red cape that Zac put on her.  The White Shadow and the Semi-Wonder Dog took off to the backyard and boarded the Owl Jet.  Zac checked the Hero Wave data and flipped the contact all switch.  Within moments Sir Clyde, Mai, Thunder Kitten, White Lion and Korra would receive an update of impending danger.  Sure the White Shadow could have teleported to the hospital with Mara but by taking the Owl Jet they were bringing extra firepower to the fight. 

Attack

        Within moments after Zac’s warning Cobra forces converged on the hospital from Texan Trail and Alameda.  Two Hiss tanks began firing heavy duty lasers into the left wing of the main hospital that was under construction.  Marion was in the gift shop when the blasts began rocking the landscape.  Two Mamba helicopters began circling the parking lot destroying cars at random.  Marion finally looked down at her phone and saw the Hero Wave alert.  She locked the gift shop and went down the hall past the rehab registration and saw the devastation in the parking lot.  She loudly proclaimed “Oh heck no not in my happy place.”  The alarm system sounded and her buddy Old Glenn was speaking into the PA system.  “Code strong I repeat Code Strong the hospital is under attack by unknown assailants.”  Even knowing he couldn’t hear her Marion said.  “I know who they are Glenn but its still not fixing this Die Hard situation.”  She turned to the receptionist and said.  “You heard the man Code Strong is in effect get these kids and adults somewhere safe.”  She rounded a corner and summoned her magical sword Widow Maker and her armor from the pocket dimension it was housed in.  There was a sudden rush as the armor took her disabilities in her legs, back, ears and eyes and temporarily healed them.  She was a bit unsteady as this happened then the fastest girl in leg braces became a knight in teal armor and she charged out the nearest exit.  She placed Widow Maker her flaming sword in its scabbard and surveyed the side of the hospital.  She saw a groundskeeper fleeing in a golf cart.  She was now no longer Marion but the vigilante Thunder Kitten and it was time someone began taking the fight to Cobra.  As the golf cart neared she lashed out with her secondary weapon a morning star that channeled electricity.  As the chain went taut she swung on board and pushed the driver out.  “Sorry superhero business I need your cart.  Run get out of here as fast as you can.  I’m going to do what I can to help.”  Thunder Kitten checked the Hero Wave to see if any other heroes were inbound.  “Let’s see Sir Clyde is in the main hospital along with the White Lion.  The Owl Jet is 5 minutes out.  Hmm Robin Wing that’s unknown to me.  Hua Tai!  Mai Shiranuri!  She better drop some food and get over here fast.  Extend range please.  Hmm Zac mentioned Psylocke she must be farther off.”  Looking up from the golf cart she saw troops rappelling down the top of the main hospital and to the parking lot.  “Aw Crap!”

        Domino had just landed the Blackbird about a mile away in Brawner Parkway.  She grabbed a jetpack and handed one to Miko.  Siryn grabbed Psylocke and they flew the rest of the way.  The 4 of them went straight to the roof of the hospital and began fighting Cobra soldiers.  

At this point Clyde was on the second floor in the x-ray waiting room and heard the blasts and saw the Hero Wave alert.  He typed an intricate code in his cell phone and tapped a button on his belt.  He ran down the hall and waited by a window.  With his phone he had sent a pre-programmed command to his car Rumble to send his sword Stardust to his position.  The magic in his sword allowed it pass through the window without breaking it.  He activated the hard light polymer armor from his belt and Clyde was replaced by the Knight Sir Clyde.  He ran back and grabbed his son Dimitri by the hand. ”Come on son let’s go save some lives.” “But Dad what about my x-rays?”  “Son you’re going to have to trust your dad this.  A lot of people are going to get hurt or killed if we don’t do something to stop this attack.”  At this point Clyde and David were separated by the second to fifth floors.  Sir Clyde started checking the Hero Wave app in his phone and saw that there were heroes inbound.  Sir Clyde looked out the second story window and saw 4 armored personnel carriers in a line at the entrance ramps letting out squadron after squadron of Vipers (crack infantry soldiers of Cobra).  A frown crossed his face and Dimitri studied his dad with concern.  “What is it Dad what’s wrong?”  Clyde pointed out the window.  “We need backup in a big way.”

        Siryn, Domino, Miko and Psylocke had progressed from the roof to the private facility on the 8 floor.  They thought they had secured everything till the stairwell doors opened and squads of Iron Grenadiers poured out and began opening fire on them.  Doctors and nurses began screaming!  Miko took cover behind the nurse’s station and returned fire with her six shooters.  Domino combat crawled to her position and opened fire with her plasma pistol. Siryn was further down the hall and she leaned out and grabbed an Iron Grenadier and threw him into Psylocke who fried his mental synapses with her psychic knife.  Siryn then ran out thinking the way to be clear just as a grenade exploded blowing her out the nearby window.  Miko screamed as she saw her vision play out again but this time in real life.  The window blew outwards and in slow motion Siryn went flying out from eight stories up.  As a superheroine she had been tossed about so much on instinct alone she had simply gone limp.  By the time she hit below the fourth floor window she was using her sonic powers to propel herself upwards.  Psylocke sensed her friend through their psychic connection and fed her the location of the Iron Grenadier who had set off the grenade.  Her scream got higher pitched and she became a blur of green and yellow as she shot back to the eighth floor and slammed shoulder first into the armored soldier.  It was a spear that would have made WWE stars Roman Reigns and Edge both jealous.  The Iron Grenadier fell like a sack of potatoes.  The women made short work of the troops remaining. 

        Mai was still at work and passed by the nearest TV as she turned from the walk in.  She saw the scenes of violence being played out and noticed her phone in her pants began to vibrate.  She checked and saw the details on her Hero Wave app.  She removed her apron and began to head for the door to the bathroom.  “Mai, where are you going?” her mother asked.  “Tell Pa Pa I’m going to fight the good fight and use the ninja training he gave me to help others.”  She changed in the bathroom into her ninja costume of the Shiranuri Clan.  She tapped a selection on the Hero Wave to inform the White Shadow she needed to be transported.  She ran to the back of the restaurant and up to the attic which housed a doorway to the rooftop.  Her father and mother followed her.  He protested the whole way.  Her mother finally said.  “Let her go you crazy old man she’s the last of the ninja clan she was trained by you and she’s twice as stubborn.  Saving lives at this time is your daughter’s destiny.”  Within seconds the Owl Jet filled the sky and The White Shadow teleported her on board. 

        Up to this point only Korra really knew the target of the attack was Holly and her team.  Robin and Nina were coming from Ocean Drive and had just entered the airspace near the hospital.  “Nina weapons are on your controls I’m going to do some fancy flying and see if we can take out some hard targets and even the odds a bit.”  Within second the young ladies took out four Mamba helicopters till the airship showed up and deployed Fang mini copters and Firebat mini jets.  Robin flipped on communications and sent a message to the Owl Jet.  “White Shadow do you read the airspace is filling up with more vehicles than we can fight alone.  Advise over.”  The communication was broken into by Destro.  “I am Laird Destro broadcasting on all frequencies both in Driscoll Children’s hospital and without. My demands are simple: Bring me Dr. Holly Emerson and her team of specialists and I will leave.  All I want is my son Adam to be treated for the disease destroying him from the inside out.  You have one hour to release the good doctor and her team will be demolished.”  One of the Firebats broke formation and began firing on the Robin Wing.  Robin immediately took evasive action. 

        Thunder Kitten had now made it to the backside of the hospital and worked her way into the building.  She saw rifle barrels coming around a corner and lashed out with Widow Maker slicing the rifles in half with her flaming sword.  She twisted her wrist using the flat of the blade to smack one of the Alley Vipers in the face causing his helmet to bounce off a wall.  With her left gauntlet she delivered a head shaking European uppercut to the second Alley Viper.  She was on high alert now and very much ticked off at the attack on her happy place.  She turned at a noise and saw Korra bending fire and earth to take down two Range Vipers.  “Korra boy am I glad to see you.  These morons attacked my happy place.”  Korra formed a flaming sword of her own and crossed swords with Thunder Kitten and saluted as one warrior to another.  “Let’s take it back T.K.”  The duo began taking out Cobra agents working their way to the next floor.

        On the fifth floor David had transformed into the White Lion and was fighting a one lion battle against 20 Night Creepers.  “To all in the vicinity of this Hero Wave I’m pinned down on the fifth floor need help ASAP.”  “White Shadow to all agents I have a plan but you’re all going to have to work in teams to pull this off.  I have a lock on Holly’s general location.  Mara can guide me most of the way.  White Lion I’m sending Nina and Robin to get you out.  I’ve sent them an entry way to you.  Mai you and I are going to get Holly.  The Air Brigade is on its way to deal with the uninvited guests outdoors. All of you take down as many Cobra agents as you can.” 

        The Robin Wing was giving a merry chase to the Firebat pilot who was none other than Zaranna.  “Nina on my next pass take your gear I’m going to get as close to that skywalk as I can.  Get in and go looking for a Lion man all in white overalls with welders goggles that’s the White Lion go rescue him.  As soon as I lose this pursuer I’ll be behind you.”  Robin made a pass for the skywalk dodging weapons fire from Zaranna.  The jet tilted on its side and Nina flipped up and out into a swan dive and landed running.  She drew her sword and began dragging it to bleed off speed from her momentum after leaving the jet.  The two jets screamed by her again.  Nina took aim at the underside of the Firebat and swung her mp5 upward.  Fuel leakage answered her well placed shots.  She knelt with her sword and began making an entrance into the skywalk.  Zaranna had to back off pursuit and limp back to the airship.  Within moments Robin had landed her jet on the side of the hospital where all the offices were and ran down the inside of the skywalk where Nina was just dropping in from the ceiling.  They took off running to where the skywalk opened into the fifth floor.  Robin deployed a handheld device and began scanning for the White Lion.  “There 2 hallways down to our right.”  They turned a corner and were met by gunfire and the sound of babies crying.  Nina reached to her belt and made a snapping motion unleashing a collapsible compound bow.  Robin reached down and took 3 discs from her utility belt.  Using a series of hand gestures and Robin’s scanner they mapped out a way around the gunmen.  Another burst of automatic gunfire raked the wall near them.  Nina was done with being shot at she nocked 3 arrows onto her bow leaned out and fired.  The gunfire began again but this time shots went up to the ceiling as one lodged in the Cobra Viper’s neck Nina drew more arrows and took off running.  Robin took off after her and said aloud.  “Aw heck so much for stealth.  This lady is making me feel like I’m with Han Solo running through the Death Star.  Guess that makes me her Chewbacca.”  They thought they were nearing the White Lion when they saw the Night Creeper squad.  White Lion smelled out the presence of Nina and Robin.  “Ladies perfume and pheromones that would be my backup.” he silently mused. Five of the Night Creepers turned and were raising their crossbows.  Their weapons never cleared their hips before Nina and Robin took them down.  Taking a cue from the distraction the White Lion charged firing multiple concussive blasts from his mace and yelled.  “Stay away from my cuddle club.  The White Lion is the sworn protector of these kids.”  Within moments the trio had subdued all their assailants. 

        On board the Owl Jet, The White Shadow, Mai and Mara were about to teleport to Holly’s location when Mai asked.  “What did you mean by Air Brigade?”  “Watch the sky.  Thunder Kitten and I have an air force on standby and it should be on its way right now. All the airborne superheroes we know personally have received the coordinates and are headed this way to deal with the helicopters and that airship.”  Mai put her hand on the White Shadow and her other hand on Mara’s neck then the sound of metal tearing and glass breaking filled the air and suddenly the teleportation took them to the fourth floor.  “Mara find Holly.”  “Arf!”  Mara sniffed the air and took off running for about 30 feet then stopped and growled by a stairwell.  Mai dropped low arming herself with her combat hand fans.  The White Shadow stood with truncheons at the ready.  The stairwell opened and Mara propelled herself at the first gunman creating a domino effect of falling bodies.  Mai and the White Shadow knocked out the rest of the Cobra infantry.  Mara took off running and found Holly by the Nurse’s station.  The White Shadow removed his mask and revealed his face.  “Holly it’s Zac you’re in grave danger this whole attack by Cobra is here in an effort to get you.  Take my hand I’m going to get you somewhere safe.”  Mai looked out the window of the fourth floor.  “I think your air brigade is here.”  He and Holly looked out the window to the east and the air was filled with heroes.  There was Cisco Kid, Ms. Marvel, Steelheart, Nova, Hawkgirl, Power Girl, Firestar, Kymaera, Arisia, Dagger, and Supergirl.  “Well Zac you’ve evened the odds, but this is a hospital Destro could have gotten the help like a normal person.  Get me a mic to talk to him.”  The two heroes, dog and doctor teleported back to the Owl Jet and fired up the communications system. ”Destro my name is Dr. Holly Emerson I will willingly treat your son Adam because I am a doctor.  In return you must call off your attack or the White Shadow and his friend will continue you to take you all down one by one.  Think about it we have vigilantes, X-Women, knights, lions, superheroes, assassins and a Galaxy Ranger.  Your agents in the hospital have all been subdued.  The choice is yours.  Do I help your son or do we keep fighting.”  Five long minutes passed.  The silence was pregnant with tension.  The airship broke formation and landed on the halo flight landing pad and the helicopters and tanks one by one began leaving.  Destro descended the ramp with a young boy cradled in his arms and he met Holly at the front of the hospital.  She was flanked by all the heroes who had helped defend the hospital.

As I wrote this story over months I had included a few of my friends.  One in particular is Mrs. Cynthia Beatty.  Midway through writing this the real life woman Mrs. Beatty went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  I didn’t find out about it till the Sunday after.  This part of the story is a tribute to my friend.  She was one of the greatest prayer warriors in all of Real Life Corpus.  Every day she prayed for our pastor Micah Davidson.  The love of God poured from her.  I’m including her granddaughter Megan West because I want her to know this is a tribute to her grandma. Since she has passed away David Hill has become the leader of her Prayer Warriors Life Group. Although he would argue with me and say he’s not worthy Life Group coordinator Brooke Blodgett, and Marion and I would all agree that David is the right man for the job.  For those of you who don’t know Megan West and Justin Garza also lead the college age ministry at Real Life and this past week it was just certified as a ministry instead of merely a Life Group.  Marion and I do not have kids of our own but Mara is our furry kid.  The 2 kids in the story Lola and Roxy have adopted us as their friends and their parents Tim and Alisha Thompson are incredibly sweet people.  I hope one day Lola and Roxy get to read this.  Holly Emerson is not really a doctor but a caring nurse.  Around Thanksgiving on year Marion and I went to Driscoll around lunch and we stopped in for the free volunteer lunch.  Holly took the time out of her day to come and speak to us.  Marion and I don’t have too many friends we get to spend time with so the fact that she made it a point to talk to us meant a lot.  Holly has a heart for people.  Marion and David do actually volunteer at the hospital in their respective fields.  Marion created a map of the hospital floors but I changed some things.  Residents of Corpus can study a map and realize Brawner Parkway, and Collier Park are very real nearby places to Driscoll.  A big thanks on this story goes to Marion and my friend Jonathan Sitarski for being my sounding boards as I wrote this.  They both heard a lot of my weird ideas.  Readers of most of my stories know that one thing I attempt to do is make heroes stand out in moments during the story.  I typically do this in battles but as this story wrote itself and took on its own life the heroes began to have their own special moments that didn’t involve a fight.                                                                                            

Red Riding Hood Redux

So tonite at work Jim and i were talking and he's been helping me write stuff creatively.  He said sometimes the best way to write is to redo a story that's already been done.  he brought up the story of Little Red Riding Hood as an example.  saying stuff like maybe she has an Uzi or she's a ninja.  i said i had seen a movie on sci-fi once where she was a werewolf hunter.  so without further ado here's my version of all of that. 

Riding thru the hood with Little Betty in her convertible 57 Chevy

hunting down werewolves

on the way to visit Granny

Living down by the levy

Ain't no other Chevy with razor slicing rims

Granny's saving milk and oatmeal raisin cookies

While that girl in schoolgirl red

Is stacking up pelts of ugly lupine fur

Howls fly thru the night

People run with fright

Granny's texting Betty

That girl riding in the hood

In candy apple red said

"Granny them varmints ain't right!"

High school girls in trouble

Vaulting from her ride in her crimson hoodie

Have no fear foaming soap bubble

Betty's part ninja but she packs a mean uzi

Bullets will fly

Sparkling blades slice nice

But nothin's gonna hurt Betty in the crimson hoodie

Riding her candy apple red car thru the hood.

Flaws and Quirks a poem

Flaws rhymes ironically with claws

Quirks sound to a flea much like a stinking smirk

we all have flaws that feel often like claws

some quirks may cause us to smirk like that illogical Captain Kirk

Flaws much like cole slaw

in others can sometimes cause us to howl and stink up a great hall

A quirk can sometimes be of worth

But can sometimes give birth to very little mirth

While we are on God's green earth

Let us like the shuttle Endeavor

To look and fly over each others quirks and flaws.

And by all means say no to the rotten smelly cole slaw.

bored bizarre poems

This must be read with a nasal country accent.

Fondue I don't know anything about you
Fondue what am I going to do with you
Fondue well heck excuse you
Fondue I'm turning my nose up at you
Fondue ah choo
I think i might be allergic to you.





Because I'm a fan of Warhammer 40,000


Chaos marines on the front porch
Tyrannids on the back porch
Orcs on the west wing
Tau on the east wing
Armor clicks and pings
Going to be a fun day as a Space Marine
Pow! Bam! Pew! Pew! Ping!
Let those bullets fly and zing
Tonight we dine on chicken wings.