Review this story
Stories # - L | M - Z | Authors
Hidden Intents
Prologue
City of Heroes and City of Villains fiction
By Eli J. Litzelman
A full moon came from the cover of a passing cloud
and shone white light down on Mercy Island. The shacks and
run-down buildings of Darwin’s Landing creaked softly in the
chilling breeze. It was very late, but on the Rouge Isle, nothing
sleeps. A woman stood on the shore and looked at her expensive
watch. It was five minutes until the meeting. Her large
body guard stood next to her. His cold, emotionless features
twitched slightly as a frigid wind blasted his face. Next to him,
stood a tall German figure. The German leaned his head to the
side and cracked his neck. He then popped his knuckles and flexed
his hands. Each person was there for a purpose and, for the most
part, it was the same.
The woman’s watch beeped quietly. It was time.
Seemingly from the sky, two dark forms dropped to
the ground, rolled, and came to their feet. The first one was
known as Ninjado. He wore a black rice hat, a black martial arts
robe, and a flowing cape with a dragon on it. The second was the
head student of the first. His name was Banmotsudo and he carried
a seven foot staff with blades on both ends. His robe was
shredded and under it deep scars slashed across his body.
A bright flash lit the night and another figure
stepped from within. His arms and feet were robotic and his brain
was exposed. Properly named, The Insane Professor encircled
himself in a ball of energy and stepped forward.
Last of all, a black mist suddenly filled an area
and drifted into the sky to reveal Hidden in Darkness. Under his
hood, a crazed face was half hidden in a mask and his body was
chaotically strapped in black leather. Deadly spikes lined his
knuckles showing signs of recent use.
They were all here.
The Insane Professor spoke first. “For
what great purpose has Countess Crey herself, Requiem of the Council,
and…” He paused for a moment.
“Hopkins.” He spoke very deeply and gruffly.
“Ah yes, the Countess’s personal
bodyguard. My apologies. But, why have both of your great
groups come together and met with us?”
Requiem spoke up. “We want someone eliminated.”
A small laugh came from the back and everyone turned
to look at Hidden in Darkness. “Two of the most powerful
villain groups want someone eliminated? Well, I wouldn’t be
surprised if you wanted us to go after Statesman himself so you could
save on troops.” He laughed again.
The countess glared at the villain and said,
“No, it is not Statesman and we are willing to pay you a very
large sum of money.”
The dark-energy villain perked up. “How much?”
The head of Crey signaled to Hopkins and her guard
lifted a brief case. “Three million in cash now and ten
million to whomever deals the fatal blow.” Hopkins opened
the case to reveal all the money lined out in crisp hundred dollar
bills. Hidden in Darkness’s eyes brightened and he reached
for the money. Hopkins suddenly shook his head and the Rouge Isle
villain’s hand snapped back to his side.
For the first time, Ninjado spoke. “Who is this doomed person?”
Requiem answered, “A hero by the name of RoboZon.”
This time, Hidden in Darkness burst forth with
laughter. Wheezing, he asked, “A common hero? I've
killed dozens of them with my bare hands!” He lifted his
fist up in the air so the small spikes on his knuckles and all down his
forearms glistened in the moonlight.
Requiem sighed at the villain’s actions.
“We believe that this hero has some very valuable information on
both of our organizations. He just doesn’t have any way to
prove it… yet.”
“Oh, I see how it is. Crey doesn’t
want any attention by attacking a hero and the Council can’t
afford to loose any more troops to this dude.” When no
replies came he chuckled. “But, hey, I certainly
don’t mind getting free money and going toe-to-toe with a cape is
practically a bonus.” He walked up to Hopkins and held out
his hand. Hopkins grimaced and reluctantly handed the villain the
briefcase. Grinning, Hidden in Darkness said, “Thanks,
chum.” A large frown furrowed on his face, Hopkins reached
down for another case.
The Insane Professor shifted on his robotic
legs. “I believe this is of good interest to
me.” He stepped forward and received his portion.
Rapidly scanning the money with his mechanical eyes, he nodded
satisfactorily.
Without a saying a word, Ninjado moved toward a
third open briefcase and lifted his head enough to let Hopkins see his
dark eyes. He simply waved his hand over the money and it
disappeared.
Following his master, Banmotsudo walked up to the
money holder. Hopkins shook his head stiffly and spoke.
“My instructions were to give the money only to Ninjado, The
Insane Professor, and Hidden in Darkness.” At hearing this,
Banmotsudo sneered under his mask. Suddenly and silently it
became apparent that Banmotsudo was not alone in his request as a
wrist-held crossbow rose out from the ocean behind them and a
traditional bow appeared from over a nearby roof. The Ninja
seemed to only shrug and his staff came whirring over one shoulder and
into his hands. Without becoming even slightly worried, Hopkins
said, “Whoever kills the hero, however, gets the ten
mil.” Banmotsudo held up his hand and the two ranged
weapons vanished. He re-attached his weapon to his back and
retreated to his master.
“Very good,” said Countess Crey.
“We will take you by submarine to Striga Isle where you will get
into a frigate bound for Talos Island. From there you will be
taken to the sewers in an inconspicuous truck.”
Requiem broke in, “My men will have cleared a
path to Atlas Park. Once you get there, my captain will have
RoboZon’s address. After that you’re on your
own.”
“If you fail you will end up in the Zig and
there’s nothing I will do about that.” The head of
Crey Industries’ voice did not change from her normal monotone,
but her words hung in the air nonetheless.
Hidden in Darkness sighed loudly. “So,
we gonna’ leave or just sit here and talk?” Suddenly,
a nuclear submarine emerged from the dark water. The rogue
exhaled sharply in amusement and said, “You villains and your
high-tech gizmos.” He waved his hands in the air, shook his
head, and wandered off toward the
water.
Review this story