The Power Pack in "The End of the Beginning"

The battle was over. Jaded Poet was a bit disappointed. No deaths, no real destruction. A typical battle.


Poet was beginning to get bored with the routine of this co-called action. He went to the edge of the roof and stared down. Even without his scope or binoculars, he could make out who was who. As he stared down, he could make out one of the Pack staring back at him.


Poet knew Pillz had spotted him, so he retreated from the ledge. He got on his cell phone.


Poet: The melee has ceased. The buckaroo and the gnome manipulator have been detained. The Pack have emerged victorious.







At The Agency, Lichton listened his shook his head. He put his phone away and and gave a thumbs down to Emperor Zeni.


Zeni: See! I knew I should have been at that mall. It would have went down like this: The Fucktastic Five go down in a cloud of smoke, and as soon as that cloud disappeared, I would be standing there. The Power Pack would have let out a gasp and took two steps back. Then I would have rushed in, doing back flips, drop kicks, pile-drivers, choke slams, spin kicks and uppercuts!


Zeni then proceeded to demonstrate all of the moves he just listed.


As Lichton watched Zeni make a fool of himself, he paged for Agent Travis to come into the office.


Zeni pumped his right fist into the air and grabbed at his bicep.


Zeni: These arms are enigmas. They are so strong, yet so gentle with the ladies. It's all self-control. If I didn't have that, I would crush a woman's spine just by giving her a back rub.


Lichton: Sir, may I have a word with you?


Zeni: It takes years of training to get into the shape I'm in.


Lichton: No sir, it's about the Power Pack. We have to make a final decision on them. I think the Council needs to be brought in on this.


Zeni thought it over.


Zeni: Absolutely. I know I'm the boss, but I don't like dealing with these big problems by myself, it's too much pressure. Not that I can't handle it, it's just I've got so much on my plate, it would be selfish not to share.


Lichton: Very generous sir.


There was a knock on the door.


Lichton: Come in.


Agent Travis stepped in.


Travis: You wanted to see me sir?


Lichton: Yes. I need you to call up the 5th Councilman and tell him he needs to be here for an emergency meeting this weekend.


Travis: Yes sir.


Zeni: Do we really need him to be here?


Lichton: Yes, the Council will not decide on issues like the Power Pack without all 5 present.


Zeni: Couldn't I change that rule.


Lichton: That rules was cemented by your father when The Agency first started. It can be overturned. The Rules for the Council are the foundation for The Agency.


Zeni: Damn.







It had been two days since the battle at the Mall.


The Power Pack, sans Pillz, were all hanging out at Pero's house.


Burnsy: Please, I was taking on two of them by myself, while your shiny ass was standing around dancing like a jackass.


Raptor Pat: Are you talking to me or JewNewBee?


JeNewBee: It's JUH-NEW-BEE! Not what you said.


Burnsy: You know Pat, for someone with super speed, you sure do have a hell of a time keeping up.


The three recruits had spent the past two days doing nothing but arguing about the fight.


JeNewBee: You were on fire! But it was me, who was the one, that did save the day. Save the day, I say! Did save the day if I may!


Raptor Pat: Pero, when is Pillz going to be back.


Pero: Pillz is gone?


Raptor Pat: Yeah, he went to the jail to talk to Radioactive Dude.


Pero: My Uncle Max went to jail once. He was arrested for public intoxication. It was at the family reunion. My family gets pretty drunk at our reunions. It's the only way they can stand one another. One time, my Uncle Max and my cousin Cassie got so drunk, that they started making out. My family started taking bets on which one would come to their senses first. Turns out it was Uncle Max. When he realized he was making out with his own daughter, he ran out into the street and was eventually picked up by the cops. After he took off, Cassie just sat down and cried and kept repeating "Damn, I can never get past first base".


Pero finished talking and the other 3 just stared.





Meanwhile, at the prison, Pillz sat down at a table across from Radioactive Dude.


Radioactive Dude: Howdy there Pillz.


Pillz: Hello yourself.


Radioactive Dude: I have to hand it to ya, bringing in those new folks was a pretty damn good move. Got rid of one and replaced him with three.


Pillz: Let's cut the crap. Where did Primus and Llama go? If you tell me, I will talk to the mayor about getting your sentence reduced.


The Dude just laughed.


Dude: This here prison ain't gonna hold me. Besides, I don't have the foggiest idea where they set off to. However, you saw what I saw, and I reckon we best talk about that.


Pillz: The guy on the roof?


Dude: Bingo. My Dude Sense was telling my that that fellow was an Agency man.


Pillz: What makes you say that?


Dude: I had gotten the hunch they've been having us followed. How much do you know about The Agency?


Pillz: Very little.


Radioactive Dude leaned back and looked Pillz up and down.


Dude: I pride myself on being a smart fella, and by that, I mean I know how to learn from my mistakes. I'm going to be telling you a few things, so you best listen up.


Pillz: I'm all ears.


Dude: First of all, I've got some info on The Agency I've stored up back at our little shanty on 23rd street. You are more than welcome to it.


Radioactive Dude wrote down the address to the duplex he and his team used as a hideout. He passed it over to Pillz. Pillz looked at it and handed it to one of the guards.


Pillz: Get some men over to this address and have them check it out. I'll be there after I'm done here.


Pillz turned back to the Dude.


Pillz: What else?


Dude: At the mall, just after you arrived and your friends popped out and before our little sparring match got under way, I noticed something odd on the right hand of my little clown midget friend. It looked like one of them Yin-Yang deals, but different. I had seen it pop right up there on his hand. And, at one point during the ruckus, I happened to spy the same little drawing on the right hand of one of your guys.


Pillz remained quiet and thought over what he had just heard. He was debating whether or not he was being told the truth or was just told something to make him paranoid. The Dude then spoke up again, and it seemed like he was reading Pillz' mind.


Dude: Listen, I ain't telling you this to make you mistrust your own team. hell, I'll even tell you which one it was. It was the little fairy dude.


Pillz: Raptor Pat?


Dude: I don't know their names, it was the one with the silver face paint.


Pillz: JeNewBee. What the hell do you know about Llama and his Mrs?


Dude: Not much, me and the Gnome got to talking about our pasts, but Llama and his Mrs. always kept to themselves. Sometimes the Mrs. would go out in the middle of the night and come back with a folder. I had suspected they were getting orders from someone else, cause they went on little "side missions" from time to time.


Pillz: is it possible he was working with The Agency?


Dude: Anything's possible. All I know is, I never trusted that short son of a bitch.


Pillz left the prison, before he went to the address the Dude had given him, he made a quick call to Pero's house.


Pillz: Hello Pero's mom. Are they still there? Yes, I need to talk to him. Pero? Good, listen closely, I need you to keep your eye on JeNewBee. No, it doesn't matter which eye, just watch him, there may be a possibility he is working for the bad guys. Okay? Good, I've got something to check out and I'll be back shortly.




Pero hung up the phone. He walked back towards the stairs and saw the girl standing there. Pero did not trust her. He didn't trust any of them, and from what Pillz had just told him, he was right not to trust them.


Burnsy: Who was that on the phone?


Pero: Pillz. He's doing stuff, he'll be back later.


Burnsy: What kind of stuff?


Pero: Why do you want to know?


Burnsy: Because we're a team.


Pero: He didn't say. Said he had something to check out.


Burnsy: Okay. I'm going to grab some drinks, we're going to play Monopoly while we wait for him to get back.


Pero: I get to be the dog.



Agency Headquarters.


Lichton looked at his watch, ten minutes before the meeting starts.


Zeni: Let's get this shit over with! I have my Pilate's in an hour.


Lichton: The Council will not start the meeting until the top of the hour. It's in the rules. They are in their private chambers right now getting ready.


Lichton wasn't explaining that to Zeni, who already knew of the rule, but to Jaded Poet, who had been invited to the meeting.


Lichton turned to Poet.


Lichton: I wouldn't mind starting the meeting early myself, but there is always a member on the Council who is a stickler for the rules. Zeni's father, The Tsar, created the Agency 23 years ago. I know, it seems like a short time, but he was able to get much done before his death with the help of the original Council. There were only four of them back then, but those four had the means to infiltrate people into every major organization in America. It didn't take too long for their ambitions to spread like wildfire. Of course, bad things have happened, and only one of the original council remains. The 5th one, or the 5th wheel as he is called by the other Council members. He has pretty much cut ties with us, save for when we need him for meeting such as these. He doesn't like us and we don't like him, but he is the only remaining original member of The Agency still alive.


Agent Travis walked up to them.


Travis: Sir, the Council have informed me they are ready to start when the hour begins.


Lichton: Thank you Agent Travis. Remember the first time we met Poet? These are the bosses I was telling you about. They have asked that you be a part of this meeting, since you have been our spy for the superhumans and since you are responsible for my promotion to "Superhuman Affairs" I had no objection to their request.


Zeni: "Superhuman Affairs"? Since when did we have that? It should be called "Zeni Affairs" since I'm the most superhuman.


Lichton couldn't tell if that was a joke or not. He just smiled slightly and nodded.


Lichton: It's almost time, let's go to the Council Chambers. Since I requested this meeting, I will be leading it. We have to start with a roll call,


Lichton sighed.


Poet: Why the lamentation?


Lichton: You'll see.


Lichton led them to the Council's Main Chamber. To Poet, the room looked like a smaller version of the Supreme Court's courtroom. This room had the huge bench the judges set behind, but this bench had five chairs and one throne. The throne sat in the middle with two of the smaller chairs to it's right and the other three to it's left. There were no seats for spectators, only a podium stood in front of the bench.


Zeni Was doing calisthenics to get himself pumped up for the meeting.


Zeni: Time to take my seat.


Poet could hear Lichton mutter under his breath.


Lichton: Just don't throw it.


Zeni pumped his arms back and forth in front of his body and ran towards the bench. He attempted to hurdle himself over it, but instead nailed himself on the edge. he fell to the floor, clutching his knee.


Lichton: Are you ok sir?


Zeni: Yeah, something must be wrong with this floor.


Zeni tried to stand up, but fell back down.


Lichton: I think you may have injured yourself sir.


Zeni winced as he tried to stand with his right leg again. It wasn't working. He was in tremendous pain.


Zeni: That's the problem being me. I can't feel the pain. The pain is just an emotion I have cleansed my body of.....HOLY FUCK IT HURTS!


Lichton: I'll call the medics for you.


Within 3 minutes, the medics arrived. They put Zeni on a stretcher to take him to the medical wing. Before they went, Zeni stopped them to talk to Lichton.


Zeni: I know you were looking forward to my input on this subject, but you need to do this meeting without me. Whatever you guys decide, I will back up. Just do me one favor, don't worry about me, I'll be up and karate kicking before you know it.


Lichton: You are a true inspiration sir.


The medics carried Zeni out of the chambers. Zeni held his hand up, in a display of strength.


Lichton: Thank God for small favors. Now we don't have to deal with him.


Lichton looked at his watch. It had just reached the hour. He looked to the door that the Council members use to enter the chamber. It opened.


Poet watched four ordinary looking men enter the room. Upon seeing the fifth member, Poet found himself to be shocked.


The members took their seats. Lichton walked up to the podium.


Lichton: I, Theodore Lichton, have called for this emergency Council Meeting. We are here to discuss our final actions against the group known as "The Power Pack". Before discussions are to begin, we will take roll call. Emperor Zeni has been injured and has granted a vote in favor of the Council's majority vote. When I call your name, please answer with a "Present". Dposse?


Poet looked at the first member. He looked like the kid in school that always reminded the teacher that they forgot to issue out homework.


Dposse: Present.


Lichton: Laemuer?


The second member had a pad pf paper in front of him and an pencil in his hand. His hand was moving the pencil furiously over the pad. He only looked up for a second to give his response to Lichton, then continued with his work.


Lichton: Mr. Scruffles?


The third man looked very much like a typical geek. He talked with a lisp.


Mr. Scruffles: Pweshent.


Lichton: Kitsunekit?


Of the main four, Kitsunekit was the oddest looking one. He had a stuffed fox doll in front of him that he continuously petted.


Kitsunekit: Present.


Lichton looked at the fifth member. Poet could hear him take a deep breath.


Lichton: Virtual Satyr?


Virtual Satyr sat leaned back in his chair, his goat like legs propped up on the huge desk. He already looked bored.


Satyr: Will somebody please remind me again why we are doing a roll call when there is only five of us, and any jackass with decent eyesight can clearly see that there are five of us here.


Dposse: It's in the rules.


Satyr: Oh shut the fuck up about the rules. I helped create those rules, remember? It's a stupid rule. A fucking roll call. It's a wonder we don't start these meetings with some sort of secret handshake.


Dposse: We only do that for the meetings you don't attend.


Satyr: If these damn things weren't so tedious and dull, I might show up to more.


Lichton: Gentlemen, please, we have important matters to discuss.


Kitsunekit: Such as failed attempts at Abortion-Mobiles?


Satyr shot Kitsunekit a look. The other Council members burst into laughter.


Satyr: That is not Agency business!


Dposse: It's nobody's business now, since it went up in flames.


Laemuer suddenly dropped his pencil, stood up,m and held the pad of paper above his head.


Laemuer: Finished!


He walked over to Satyr and showed him what he had been working on. It was a drawing of Satyr standing in front of the Abortion-Mobile. The Abortion-Mobile was on fire. Satyr looked at it, bemused.


Satyr: You made my thighs too big.


Lichton: Gentlemen, we are here to discuss the matter of The Power Pack. As head of Superhuman Affairs, it is my estimation that the Power Pack has the potential to be a major threat to The Agency. As of right now, we have a sleeper agent within the Pack ready to strike at a moment's notice.


Dposse: Can any of these members be turned to serve our cause.


Lichton: We received a brief psychological profile on them from our agent. Based on the information we were given, no, they cannot be compromised.


Mr. Scruffles: Dr. Doom launched the Baxshter Building into spache, maybe we can do the shame thang to their hideout.



Lichton: They are currently set up in the basement of Pero's house. Pero, if you remember, was the young man who was given that super strength formula we tried to get our hands on.


Kitsunekit: We need to make a formula that turns people in foxes.


Everyone in the room stared At Kitsunekit.


Satyr: I'm going to go ahead and move past this awkward moment and ask the question that is on most of our minds: What the fuck does this have to do with me?


Dposse: According to Council Rules, all members must be present for a vote that consists the elimination of more than 3 individuals.


Satyr: I wasn't here when you guys decided to do 9/11.


Lichton: We were not responsible for that. That was the other organization trying to run the world.


Laemuer: The U.S. Government?


Everyone let out a laugh.


Lichton: But seriously Satyr, you are here because you are responsible for the Power Pack's formation.


Satyr: What the hell are you talking about?


Lichton: Pillz and Primus both received their powers from your Duce X Machine.


Satyr: Oh yeah, I forgot about that thing.


Poet stood there, silently, not believing these four morons were the brains behind the whole operation. Lichton explained the situation again. Poet watched the five Councilmen. Dposse seemed to be concentrating too much, Laemuer was drawing again, Mr. Scruffles seemed to be lost in thought, Kitsunekit was too busy petting his fox, and Satyr looked bored as hell. Poet wondered who really was in charge of this operation.


Lichton: Gentlemen, I implore you, we need a decision on this right now.


Dposse: Okay, a vote has been called for Gentlemen, my vote is, Nay, I think a further investigation into the Power Pack is warranted.


Laemuer: Yea, I say we need to eliminate them.


Mr. Scruffles: Nay, I think we need to place them into suspended animation until we can harness their powers for our own.


Kitsunekit: Yea, Miss. Foxalot told me we need to kill them as fast as we can.


Lichton: Two for killing The Power Pack and two against, Virtual Satyr, it comes down to you.


Satyr: As mush as I hate to say it, I have to agree with Miss. Foxalot, let's kill the bastards.


Lichton: And so it is settled, we shall eliminate the Power Pack. I will get word out to our agent and hopefully the job will get done. This meeting is adjourned.


The first four Councilmen went out the door they came in, Satyr, however, jumped over the bench.


Lichton: What are you doing?


Satyr: Those guys are probably comfortable going in and out the backdoor, I always go through the front. Now, excuse me, I need to get back home and start my new business.


Lichton: What business is that?


Satyr: The "None of yours" kind.


Satyr pushed past the two of them and made his way out of the conference room. Lichton and Poet followed. The saw the people in the outer offices stop what they were doing to look up at the satyr. Satyr walked to the middle of the room, looked around, and then walked over to Agent Travis, who was sitting at a desk.


The two spoke briefly, shook each other's hands, and Satyr went to the elevators.


Jaded Poet: A most curious encouter. I ponder the motive.


Lichton: So do I. Follow him. I want to know what he's up to.


Jaded Poet: As you wish.




Pillz arrived at the Duplex. One of the officers approached him.


Officer: Hello Mr. Pillz. We've searched the house and went door to door. No one knew anything about the tenants. We talked to the landlord, he said the rent was paid for a full year.


Pillz: Thank you officer.


Officer: When we searched the house, we came across a box in one of the rooms marked "Agency", we did a quick scan, no electronics were detected.


Pillz: Good work. Can you lead me there?


Officer: Sure thing.


The Officer took Pillz to the room. From the looks of the room, Pillz could tell it was Radioactive Dude's. He opened the box. Inside were several folders. Pillz stopped at the one labeled "Power Pack". He read through the papers inside.


One paper clearly laid out the possibility that Agency planned to infiltrate The Power Pack. Radioactive Dude managed to discover that a Agency sleeper agent was a member of the Awesome Superpowers Message Board. Pillz thought back to what the Dude had said about JeNewBee.


Pillz put the folder back in the box, he turned to the officer.


Pillz: I need to get back to my headquarters. Take an inventory of all the stuff here, and make sure nothing happens to these files. They are very important.


Officer: Yes sir.


Pillz jumped into his car and sped away.





Back at Pero's House:


Raptor Pat: JeNewBee, you are not going to get away with this!


Burnsy: Think about it JeNewBee, there is 3 of us and only one of you. You are making a foolish mistake. Now, back away and we'll talk about it. We'll get you some help.


JeNewBee: I like you guy. But this is what I have to do! They told me to do this.


Raptor Pat: Who? Who told you?


JeNewBee: Them of course. They control everything.


Pero: I told you guys we should have played Hungry Hungry Hippo.


Burnsy: You cannot rob the bank JeNewBee, it's against the rules.


They were still playing Monopoly, waiting for Pillz to return. JeNewBee had went bankrupt and decided to "rob the bank".


Raptor Pat: Face it JeNewBee, you're bankrupt. I stopped a couple of bank robbers one time. It was real interesting too, apparently they walked into the bank only wearing...


Raptor Pat was cut off by his cell phone, which started playing "Dancing Queen".


Raptor Pat: Hold on guys, I'm getting a text.


Pat looked at his cell and his face got dark for a second, then he grinned. He looked at his teammates.


JeNewBee: Who was that? Dustin Hoffman?


Raptor Pat: No, it was not Dustin Hoffman. It was a friend. He sent me a funny text message.


Burnsy: What did it say?


Raptor Pat looked at the message again. He looked as though he were trying to come up with something.


Raptor Pat: It said, "Why couldn't the chicken fly through the window? It was closed."


Pero: That's not funny.


Raptor Pat: I thought it was.


JeNewBee: Tell me about the robbers. Tell me now!


Raptor Pat: No, my momentum is off.


Pero: Pillz is here.


Pillz came storming down into the basement. He didn't say a word until he went right up to JeNewBee and aimed his ring at him.


Pillz: Listen to me you crazy son of a bitch. I want some answers and I want them right goddamn now.


Everyone leapt from the table. Pero and Raptor Pat stared at Pillz and JeNewBee.




While everyone was distracted, Burnsy decided to take a glance at her cell phone. Her cell was on vibrate, so no one heard her receive a text. It said: "Lichton here. We have decided...take them out".


Burnsy smiled. She had grown quite tired of these boy's antics. Now it was time for some real action. Unlike these fools, she had trained with her powers most of her life. She was more than capable of taking on these four. It's why the Agency hired her to begin with. She kind of resented the fact they stuck her in a sleeper position, monitoring geeky message boards.


Burnsy watched the four boys. Pat was busy asking what was going on, Pero seemed amused, and Pillz was calling JeNewBee a traitor.


Burnsy ignited fires in both hands.


Pillz waited for JeNewBee to answer. He had just asked him about the symbol on his hand.


JeNewBee: The symbol is the symbol of those who worship her!


Pillz: Who is her?


JeNewBee: She is her. It's all a matter of where and when you were when it happened.


Pillz: When what happened?


Before JeNewBee could answer, a fireball flew across the room and struck Raptor Pat. Pillz felt the heat of another one and instantly turn, using the energy of his ring to shield him.


The fireball struck the energy shield, but did not dissipate, instead the fire lingered on the shield and began to spread over it. Pillz expanded the shield.


Pero saw Raptor Pat was on fire and immediately grabbed the table cloth and put the fire out.


Burnsy: Give it up. You all are going to end up like Craptor Pat over there, so just surrender and I'll make it fast.


Pillz took a glance at Raptor Pat, he could tell the kid was dead. Pillz looked at his shield, which was completely cutting off them from her, but the fire was starting to consume the ceiling and making it's way over the shield. If Pillz were to try to contain the fire in a bubble, it would give her another opportunity to strike. He decided to distract her.


Pillz: So, you are the sleeper agent? Well, you had me fooled. Listen, you don't have to do this. Whatever they are paying you or giving you, I will give you myself. What do you want?


Burnsy laughed.


Burnsy: It's not about what I want, it's what the Agency wants, and they want you dead.


Pillz looked behind him.


Pillz: You two get out of here, I'll hold her back as long as I can.


Pero just shook his head.


Pero: We're a team, remember? Power Pack, Assemble!


Pero concentrated and transformed himself into PeroHulk.


PeroHulk: I can take her heat. Drop your shield and let me at her.


Pillz: Are you sure?


PeroHulk: PeroHulk smash fire girl.


JeNewBee heard the voice of his bird.


Justin: It's time.


Burnsy saw the retard turn into his monster form. She knew exactly what to do. As soon as Pillz lowered his shield, she would blast JeNewBee and send fire into the face of PeroHulk. While he was distracted, she would then use the fire on JeNewBee to attack Pillz with. The she'd unleash on PeroHulk.


Simple as that.


But it wasn't.


Pillz lowered his shield to let PeroHulk through, Burnsy sailed a fireball at JeNewBee. It struck it's target, but the result was not what Burnsy was expecting. The last thin she remembered before waking up in an empty basement was the room flashing a bright silver.


Pero found himself in the kitchen. He was on the floor, or what was left of it. As soon as his eyes adjusted, he could see a huge hole in the kitchen floor.


Just then, his mom walked in.


Pero's Mom: What on earth is going on? AHHHHH!!!! Look at the floor! What have I told you about transforming in the house! Look what you did! That is coming out of your allowance!


Pero got up and realized he was still in hulk form. He looked through the hole in the floor. Everyone was gone. He ran past his mom into the living room. He saw Burnsy run out of the garage, which was connected to the basement. She hopped into her car and sped off.


Pero thought about chasing after her, but he wanted to make sure his friend was alright. He tried to concentrate to return to his original form, and found he could not. He climbed down through the hole and went into the basement.


He saw Raptor's Pat's body was still there, it was underneath the upturned table. However, Pillz and JeNewBee were gone.


Pero called out for them. There was no answer from them, but he did hear something. It was Justin, JeNewBee's bird. He didn't seem to be injured. Instead, he flew up through the hole and tried to fly out the front room window. Pero's mom saw the bird and opened the door. Justin flew out.


Pero scanned the room and saw something shiny on the floor.


It was Pillz' ring.

Pero knew JeNewBee would never leave his bird behind and he definately knew Pillz would never dare take that ring off of his finger.


So, where did they go?









For 3 hours, Jaded Poet followed the satyr around.


The satyr had stopped to get something to eat. Had stopped into two different adult bookstores, one strip club, and a drugstore. It seemed to Poet that the creature was just wasting time.


The satyr was just driving around now. Finally, he stopped and parked next to a closed junkyard. Poet parked a block away, out of sight, and watched the satyr.


Satyr got out of his car and pulled out a set of keys. He unlocked the door to the junkyard's lot and went in. Five minutes later, Poet followed.


Poet snuck in and got a glimpse of Satyr, was walking down one of the rows and whistling a tune.
Poet kept his distance, but followed. Finally, Satyr stopped and yelled out.


Satyr: Come out Poet! I know you're there! So come out and let's talk.


Poet was taken by surprise. He knew he was careful and had no idea how the satyr could have known he was there. He patted his gun and walked out into view.


Jaded Poet: I depreciated your shrewdness. My amends are owed to you.


Satyr: Drop the bullshit talk. It might impress the ladies, but it doesn't do shit for me.


Jaded Poet: Fine. What the fuck are you up to?


Satyr: Ah, now you're speaking my language. I'm here to arrange an introduction between you and my friend. Oh, and by the way, I was bluffing, I really didn't know if you were there or not.


Jaded Poet: Who is your friend?


Satyr let out a high pitched whistle.


Agent Travis emerged from behind a junked car.


Jaded Poet: I have already met Agent Travis.


Travis laughed.


Travis: Ah Poet, there is so little you know. But don't feel bad, everybody at The Agency is in the dark. You see, my name ain't really Travis.


Jaded Poet: Then what is it?


Travis: All in good time. All you need to know, is this: We need your help.


Travis clapped his hands.


Out from behind the same car, came out two more people Poet was familiar with.


Jaded Poet: Hello Llama.


Dealy Llama: Are you sure we need this goofy looking bastard? I can send this Mrs. in there just as easily to get the job done, not some reject from a high school production of Hamlet.


Travis: Hush Llama. Show him.


Dealy Llama: You got it boss.


Llama honked his nose. The Mrs. did not transform. Travis did. Where the man Poet knew as Agent Travis once stood, now stood a midget.


Travis: Now you see me in my true form Poet. Come, there is much we need to talk about.


To Be Continued.

The Power Pack in "Battle at the Mall".

Primus drank the rest of his Orange Julius and counted the number of people in the food court.

15 people. He walked over to Radioactive Dude, who was standing next to the indoor fountain.

Primus: There's 15 people in the FC.

Radioactive Dude: I've always wondered; how many people you reckon have gotten their wishes after tossing some coins into this here fountain?

Primus: Probably not too many. I don't believe in wishes.

Radioactive Dude: Ayuh. But I do believe in coincidences. But, I have to wonder if this is a coincidence.

Primus: What's that?

Radioactive Dude: You showing up at our door the day before we were gonna take this here Mall hostage to call you Power Packers out for a final battle.

Primus: Final battle?

Radioactive Dude: That's right. We have been doing some heavy talking the past couple of weeks. We are ready to do serious business, and we wanted you chaps out of our way.

Primus: So, that's what we're doing here?

Radioactive Dude: Ayuh. We are going to hold these people hostage and drag your former buddies here. This is your chance to prove yourself. You help us get rid of them, you are a part of our team.

Primus: That's fine.

Evil Gnome joined them.

Evil Gnome: It's almost a shame that most of the stores in this mall have closed down. I used to have fun here as kid. There's 23 people in the Gap.

Radioactive Dude: 38 people. That'll be enough. Time to call in Llama

He took a walkie-talkie off his belt.

Radioactive Dude: Llama, this is Dude. We are a go. Bring em in. Dude Out.

Dealy Llama brought in four boxes in a shopping cart. He took the boxes out and honked his nose. The shopping cart transformed into the Mrs.

Dealy Llama: The Mrs. and I are ready. How many we got?

Radioactive Dude: 38. 15 in the food court. 23 at the Gap.

Dealy Llama opened one of the boxes and and took out two AK-47s. He handed one to the Mrs.

Dealy Llama: I got the food court you get the bastards at the gap. They'll all be white, so let's make you a black guy.

Llama honked his nose and transformed the Mrs. into a 6 foot tall muscular black guy.

Dealy Llama: Let's round them up!

They ran off into the mall.

Evil Gnome opened the other boxes.

Two of the boxes contained six lawn gnomes each. He got them out and set them down. He opened up his flask and took his finally sip of alcohol. He was ready to control the gnomes.

He commanded them to get into the other boxes and strap the explosives inside to them.

He turned to Radioactive Dude and Primus.

Evil Gnome: We're ready.

Behind them, they heard screams.

Radioactive Dude: Now, the two of them will wrangle everybody in. Primus, go ahead and call the news channels. I want to make sure the Pack knows we're here.

Primus ran over to the payphone and called the local TV news station.

After he hung up, he looked back at his new friends. They were gathering the hostages in a circle. Gnome was having his gnomes surround them. He couldn't believe he was in this situation. He would rather be a hero, but he wanted to be somewhere he could be respected. Looking at the group, he hoped he made the right choice.

He walked over to them.

Primus: The news crews are on their way.

Radioactive Dude: Thankya Primus. Now, y'all know the drill. As soon as the police get here, I will do the talking to hold them off. When the news people get here, Gnome will send out a hostage with a couple of the gnomes following, then we'll show the Pack we mean business.

Within a few minutes, the cops arrived. Radioactive Dude spoke with the Police Negotiator. They agreed to allow FF to send a message to the Pack in exchange for a hostage.

Radioactive Dude picked out two hostages. One male, the other female.

Radioactive Dude: Miss, you are free to leave. Now you, partier, are going to help us out. Two of these here explosive gnomes will escort you outside. As soon as you get out there, holler over to the cops that you will be delivering a message. Here it is.

Radioactive Dude handed the man a piece of paper. The man read over it. He looked scared.

Radioactive Dude: I know what the message says, but trust us, you will not be hurt.

The man read over the paper again. He went outside. Evil Gnome sent his gnomes with him.

Radioactive Dude: Well, now it's your turn Llama. What do you have in store for that gentleman.

Before Llama could respond, they heard an explosion. The looked outside. The hostage was gone, and in his place, was nothing but shattered glass, some fire, and a lot of smoke.

Dealy Llama: What the fuck did you do Gnome? You weren't supposed to kill him! I was going to have the Mrs. go out there as a dog and piss on his leg!

Evil Gnome: It wasn't me! I didn't tell the gnomes to detonate the bombs!

Across the street from the mall, was a Holiday Inn. On the roof of the Inn, stood a man with a sniper rifle.

The Jaded Poet smiled as he sat the rifle down. He called Lichton.

Jaded Poet: I have disposed an innocent captive and have incriminated the rogues for the malfeasance.

Lichton responded and Poet ended the call. The plan was to make sure Pillz and Pero held nothing back in their next attack on this group of villains.

Poet picked up his binoculars and waited for the Pack to arrive.

Pillz was on speaker phone with the mayor.

Pillz: I understand the police want to take them down now. Listen, they want us. Let us lure them out of the mall and the police can go in and rescue the hostages while the Five are distracted.

Mayor: Fine. I'll tell the Chief of your plan.

Pillz looked over at Pero.

Pillz: You ready for this? This will probably not end well. They took a life. There's no holding back this time.

Pero: Their day of reckoning is at hand. I got that from a book I read. I think it was by Dr. Suess.

Pillz: Primus will be with them. We have to label him guilty as well. Even though he probably didn't have any real say or part in it, but he made his choice and he has to live with it.

Pero: I don't need to convince myself that we have to take him down.

Pillz didn't respond, but he knew Pero was right. That's exactly what Pillz was doing. Whether he liked it or not, Pillz had come to see Primus as a little brother, and his betrayal had hurt like no other. Despite all of that though, Pillz felt a little guilty for Primus' actions, but he had to be dealt with. They had to be dealt with.

Pillz: Call back to the other car. Let them know we are a couple of blocks away from the mall.

In the other car, the three occupants were arguing.

Burnsy: Don't worry about how I drive! I drive just fine.

JeNewBee: Women are not to be the best drivers! I have seen many wrecks. Women do the most of them!

Raptor Pat: Will you two pipe down, I'm trying to concentrate.

Burnsy: Who are you texting, anyways?

Raptor Pat: Don't worry about it.

JeNewBee: Texting is too softcore. I like to penetrate with my words. Rape your mind with my voice!

Burnsy: And you do that quite well. My phone is vibrating.

She got out her phone and handed it to Pat.

Burnsy: Who is it?

Raptor Pat: It's Pero.

Pat answered it. Pero told them they were almost at the mall.

Raptor Pat: We are almost there. They said to hang back and wait for Pillz' signal to move in.

Burnsy: What's the signal going to be?

Raptor Pat: I don't know.

Burnsy: That's just great.

JeNewBee: Justin will know when the time is the right one. Justin always knows. He can talk to me. He tells me his secrets!

Burnsy and Pat ignored him.

Raptor Pat: Maybe he'll hold his hand in the air and wave for us to attack.

Burnsy: Why don't you just call them back and ask?

Raptor Pat: Good idea.

Pat called back. They talked for a few minutes and Pat hung up.

Burnsy: Well?

Raptor Pat: He's going to put his hand in the air and wave for us to attack. Oh, and Jewb, he wants you to use your power on Primus.

JeNewBee: That's a great idea. If I knew who that was!

Raptor Pat: Pillz said he will be confronting Primus, so just use your powers on whoever that's going to be.

JeNewBee: That's fine! Whatever you guys do, do not count to 100 by fives. It will be your downfall! The Law will protect me, but not you.

Burnsy: Quiet down. We're at the mall.

They found a spot to park the car. They got out and saw Pillz and Pero walking up the entrance of the mall, which had been blown out in the explosion.

Pillz looked at the devastation. It only made him angrier.

Pillz: Fucktastic Five! We are here, come out!


Radioactive Dude looked at the approaching figure and smiled when he heard him shout.

Radioactive Dude: I can tell that man has come here for a real showdown. Let's give it to him. Let's head out. Leave the guns behind, this is going to be a fair fight.

The Fucktastic Five exited the mall and faced Pillz and Pero out in the parking lot.

Radioactive Dude: I know what you boys are thinking. You are thinking we killed that poor man. Well, think what you like, truth is, we had nothing to do with it.

Pillz: Your hostage. Your gnomes strapped with explosives. Your responsibility.

Radioactive Dude: Well, be that as it may, you are obviously here with an intent to put a stop to us once and for all. We share the same goals for you two. Any last words?

Pillz held his hand up and waved.

Pillz: Power Pack! Assemble!

Pillz' words caught the Five off guard. They didn't see a blur heading in their direction. As they felt a gust of wind blow by them, Evil Gnome looked down at his gnomes.

Evil Gnome: My gnomes! Their explosives are gone!

They heard shouting.

Raptor Pat: Over here! I've got your bombs. Nynah nynah nynah nynah!

Evil Gnome: Nobody messes with my gnomes and gets away with it.

Gnome gathered his minuscule troops and headed for Pat.

Radioactive Dude: Well Pillz, I see you rounded up a posse.

Pillz: Indeed I have.

Burnsy and JeNewBee gathered with him and Pero.

Dealy Llama looked at JeNewBee and whispered to his Mrs.

Dealy Llama: What the fuck is he doing with them. If he's a hero, then I must be a goddamn savior. Oh well, five of us, five of them. The Law is never wrong. We won't fight one of our own, let's take on that chick.

Pillz: Now Dude, I know it's custom for the leaders to spar, but there's some one else I intend to deal with personally.

Radioactive Dude: He's all yours. Primus, take out Mr. Pillz here. I'll handle the big fellow.


Raptor Pat saw the man in dreadlocks head right for him. The man was being followed by a bunch of lawn gnomes. Pat always found those things to be a little creepy. He thought back to a couple of years ago, when a woman asked his to find a thief that stole her gnomes right off her lawn.

He ended up finding the guy and her gnomes, but couldn't get himself to gather them up and return them to her. There was just something about them that made Pat hesitant to touch them.

Gnome approached the speedster, but for some odd reason, the speedster didn't move. In fact, he seemed to be in a daze.

He commanded his gnomes to latch on to the guys legs to pin him down.

Pat decided it was best not to think about the things touching him, only to realize that's exactly what was happening. The gnomes were climbing up his legs and latching on somehow. Each of them felt like they weighed 15 pounds each, and now there were 6 of them latched on.

He tried to kick them off, but he could barely move his legs. He lost his balance and fell over.


Dealy Llama dodged the fireball.

Dealy Llama: I love it when a bitch gets all hot for me! Come on baby, give me all you got!

Burnsy wanted to fry this bastard. The prick somehow was more obnoxious than JeNewBee. She formed another fireball and launched it at Llama.

Llama raised his shield and blocked the fireball with it. He sat the shield down.

Dealy Llama: I'm going to remember you for later. The Mrs. here can become anything I want her too. And I know she's going to have a blast looking like you tonight.

Burnsy: You're disgusting.

Dealy Llama: I'm just an honest man. Now tell me something hot lips, what's a fine thing like yourself doing with these dumb fucks?

Burnsy: I have my reasons. So, is boring me with conversation part of your tactical plan, 'cause it's not going to work.

Dealy Llama: I have better tricks up my sleeve. Let's see how well you do against two targets.

He honked his nose.

The Mrs. became an eagle. She took to the sky and made a dive for Burnsy. Llama began to run after her.


PeroHulk ran towards Radioactive Dude.

The Dude sidestepped him and tossed his rope over PeroHulk's head.

Radioactive Dude: Just like a bullfight!

PeroHulk: My mom says I'm bullheaded, but I am not a bull.

Radioactive Dude: Well I will be horsewhipped. None of that "PeroHulk smash" talk.

PeroHulk: Too bad we have to put up with that silly cowboy talk.

Radioactive Dude: Touché , yellow man.

PeroHulk grabbed the rope and pulled the Dude towards him. As the Dude was being dragged towards the behemoth, he unfastened the custom made cattle prod from off his belt.

PeroHulk pulled the cowboy to him, as he picked him up to toss him away, he felt the high voltage of the cattle prod course through his body. Then there was darkness.



Pillz and Primus stared each other down. Both of them knew what they wanted to say to each other but waited for the other one to speak first.

Pillz finally broke the silence.

Pillz: Why?

Primus: You know why. You kept berating me and treating me like a subordinate. We founded that team together.

Pillz: If I was hard on you, it was for your own good.

Primus: I think it was for your own good.

Pillz: I did what needed to be done for the team. You were the one too concerend with yourself. Now look, you joined a team of killers.

Primus: We didn't kill him.

Pillz didn't respond. He clenched his ringed hand. He had to wait until the right moment.

Primus cocked his head to the left, as though he were listening to something.

Primus: What the hell does that mean?

Pillz: What?

Primus: Somebody said "My bologna has a first name. It's O. M. G. U. S. U. C. K."

Pillz knew that was the sign. He activated his ring. Primus saw this.

Primus: My powers can block yours. I can block anything.

Primus clenched his teeth and tried to make something happen. Nothing did. He saw that Pillz was making a prison around him with the energy coming from the ring.

Pillz: This is what happens when you are unable to fpocus your mind and concentrate on your power.

Primus wondered why the hell his power didn't work. He closed his eyes and tried to think. That alien voice returned.

"Who does the cutting? The blade or the person holding the sword? Either way, you are a stupid person. Orajel tastes nasty! Ha. You're in a prison! Don't drop the soap!"

Primus knew the source of the alien voice was causing his powers to malfunction. He concentrated on the voice, trying to get it out.



JeNewBee was staring at Primus. As soon as he made a psychic link, he could figure out the nature of Primus' power. To keep Primus from triggering his defensive powers, JeNewBee kept transmitting bad thoughts.

Then, he felt a new sensation. The person was fighting back. It was as if he was pushing JeNewBee's thoughts back into his own head. JeNewBee concentrated harder.



Primus remained focused on getting rid of the alien voice, but he glanced around to see if he could find the person they were coming from.

He saw him.

Primus saw a man in a ridiculous get-up staring right back at him. Primus called out.

Primus: Radioactive Dude! Get the man over there in that stupid costume!



Radioactive Dude looked up. Primus was being held captive by Pillz, but the boy wanted him to attack the strange looking fellow with silver face paint. The Dude thought the sight of this man just standing there was queer, but he realized the stranger was staring right at Primus.

The Dude finished tying up PeroHulk and headed for the strange man.



JeNewBee heard his bird, Justin, squawk.

JeNewBee: What's that boy? The cowboy is headed right towards us and left Pero alone and you want to go untie him! Go get him!

JeNewBee let the bird out of the cage.

JeNewBee hoped the effect on Primus would last. He broke of the connection with him. And started to do his dance.

Radioactive Dude saw the strange fellow release a bird, turn towards him, and began to dance. The Dude would have chuckled at such a sight, but he knew in his gut that it was trouble. The dude reached for his old iron six-shooter. He hated to have to use it, it was always meant as a last resort, but there might not be any other way to deal with the strange fellow.

The Dude held up the gun.

Radioactive Dude: I'm for a little dancing as much as the next fellow, but I'm going to have to ask you to stop.

JeNewBee stopped his dancing. It was all up to his bird now.



Evil Gnome continued to hammer his fists against Raptor Pat.

Raptor Pat: I give up! Stop!.

Evil Gnome: I'm usually not this violent, but you managed to tick me off. Then again, it could be the alcohol.

Raptor Pat: Please stop! I'll make it worth your while.

Evil Gnome stopped hitting him.

Evil Gnome: Really? You know, you are quite cute. I think we could arrange something.

Raptor Pat: No! That's not what I meant! I'd rather you keep hitting me.

Evil Gnome: I think I'll let my gnomes take care of you.

As Gnome watched his lawn ornament minions gather around his victim, he noticed a strange shadow covering over them.

PeroHulk: Time to say hi to your old boyfriend Sparks.

Evil Gnome: You! Attack him!

The gnomes left Pat and leapt onto PeroHulk.

PeroHulk: I can get this. Go help that fire chick.

Raptor Pat ran towards Burnsy.




Burnsy was shooting fire from both hands. They weren't as powerful as her normal fireballs, but they were enough to keep Llama and the Mrs. from overpowering her.

By this time, the Mrs. had turned into a lion.

Dealy Llama: We can keep this up all night! Pretty soon, you are going to run out of heat. And then I ain't going to need the Mrs. to turn into you, we'll just have you to play with.

Burnsy: I'll set myself on fire before I let a midget clown and his freak wife have their way with me.

Dealy Llama: Don't knock it till you...

He couldn't finish his sentence, he was knocked back by a quick blur.

Llama was thrown all the way back into a wall. He collected himself and saw Raptor Pat in front of him.

Raptor Pat: You know, I hate clowns. In my hometown, we have this clown that calls himself Mr. Smiles. He likes to give kids candy that has Ritalin inside of them, so the kids will do better in school. He tried to give me some, but I never trusted clowns, so I arrested him for misconduct with minors.

Dealy Llama: You should have taken the stuff, you fucking dumbass.

Llama noticed the Mrs. was headed for them. He also saw the the fire bitch was aiming a fireball right for her. He honked his nose and transformed her into a hummingbird.

The Mrs. took off at a fast pace and managed to get away.

Raptor Pat knew what was happening.

Raptor Pat: She wasn't aiming for her.

Pat sped off. Llama noticed the fireball heading in his direction. The fireball stopped right before it reached him, and dropped to the ground. The fire began to spread around him, trapping him. He honked his nose and and the Mrs. flew in, this time in the form of a gryphon. The Mrs. picked up Llama with her talons.

Dealy Llama: We're getting the fuck out of here. Fuck the two of you!

They flew off.

Primus could feel his power coming back. He looked at the green energy bars around him. They were all around him, except under him.

Primus could feel a new strength flowing through him. He punched the ground from out under him

Pillz saw this and new Primus' powers had returned. He undid the prison and began to shoot blasts of energy and Primus.

Primus knew he had to escape. His powers changed, and he began to fly.

Primus: This isn't over!

Pillz aimed for him, but for some reason held back. He watched as Primus looked towards Llama and the Mrs, then, much to Pillz' surprise, flew off in another direction.

Raptor Pat came speeding over.

Raptor Pat: Doesn't that ring let you fly? Go after him!

Pillz: I can't.

Raptor Pat: Why not.

Pillz looked angry. He screamed out.

Pillz: Because I'm afraid of heights!

They heard screaming. It was coming from Gnome.



PeroHulk busted a fifth gnome.

PeroHulk: We never had lawn gnomes at my house. We did have this lawn jockey once. I named him Howard. Growing up, I never had many friends. So, Howard became my best friend. I would take him everywhere. We went fishing together, camping together, but never horseback riding. I used to like horseback riding. But one time, when I was trying to get up in the horse, he stepped on my foot. But that was before I met Howard. My parents bought him to remind me of what I would never become since I gave up horse riding. Howard never brought that subject up, because he respected me. I think my parents resented him for that. They gave him back to the orphanage.

Evil Gnome: What the hell are you talking about? Quit smashing my gnomes!

Gnome then found himself trapped in a green energy cell.

Pillz: Game's up Gnome.

Radioactive Dude came walking over with his hands up.

Radioactive Dude: I reckon it's time to throw in the towel. I didn't want to, mind you, but that nice lady with the fireball helped convince me.

Pillz: The two of you will be escorted by the police to your jail cells. Then you'll be tried for the murder of that hostage.

Radioactive Dude: So be it, son. Let me tell you this though, we had no hand in the cause of the explosion. Our plan was to make fool of the guy, not to kill him.



The police placed the Dude and Gnome under arrest.

Police Chief: So, 3 of them escaped, correct?

Pillz: Yes, Primus, Dealy Llama, and his Mrs.

Police Chief: Well, thank you for responding. We were able to save the rest of the hostages.

Pillz: That's good.

Pillz looked over at the front of the mall, where the man was killed. He then looked over at the Holiday Inn, and saw a figure moving on the roof. The figure soon moved away from Pillz' vision, but Pillz' instinct told him nothing good was associated with whomever that was.

Raptor Pat: Well, we got two of them. Looks like the hard part is done.

Pillz shook his head and stared off at the Holiday Inn.

Pillz: I'm afraid it might just be beginning.



To Be Continued.

Laemeur does it again.

Abortion Mobile by ~Laemeur on deviantART

Gloomy Sunday.

Gweg kept looking over his shoulder.

It was a Friday night and he was taking a walk with Sara. It had been a week since the Abortion-Mobile fiasco. And this particular week had been very stressful and nerve racking for Gweg.

Satyr had only spoke to him on one of those days. The others, Satyr would simply look at Gweg and laugh.

Gweg knew he was up to something, but he didn't know what.

He looked over at Sara. She looked stunning in the light of the sunset. She hadn't taken the news of Satyr's survival well. She had blamed Satyr for the recent tragedy in her life and had felt there was a certain justice at work when thought Satyr had died.

Gweg looked over his shoulder again. Sara caught him.

Sara: Worried he's following us?

Gweg: Yes.

It was only half true. It was mostly just paranoia causing him to keep a look out, but deep down inside, he knew that whatever Satyr was planning, was going to come when he least expected it.

Sara: He's not going to attack you out here, it's not his style. He's going to figure out a way to destroy something you love.

Gweg gave Sara a worried look. That was exactly what he was afraid of.

Gweg thought back to the other day, when Satyr had spoke to him.


Gweg was watching Bones when Satyr came out of his room. Satyr stood in front of the TV.

He held out a piece of paper in front of him.

Satyr: I've been working on this all day. I have established a set of rules.

Gweg: Rules? What are you talking about?

Satyr: Don't interrupt me. We are at war and these are the rules:
1. The apartment is Sacred Ground. We will not do anything to each other in the apartment. Everywhere else is fair game.
2: Besides the apartment, nothing is sacred.
That's all.

Gweg: It took you all day to come up with that?

Satyr: Yeah, get your laughs now while you still have the chance. Because I guarantee you Gweg, I will have my revenge. You're getting awfully close to Sara, aren't you?

Gweg became furious. He rose from the couch and walked over to Satyr.

Gweg: You leave her out of this. You've done enough to that poor woman.

Satyr cracked a grin.

Satyr: You don't know what you are getting yourself into, Gweg. She's trouble. I'll give you one last piece of advice; stay away from her.

Gweg: No, you stay away from her. You add that to your "rules". She's off limits.

Satyr: Sorry Gweg, there will be no amendments to the rules. They are final.

Satyr walked back towards his room. Before he went in, he yelled back at Gweg.

Satyr: Seriously Gweg, whatever you do, don't fall in love with her!


Gweg looked over at Sara and wondered what Satyr was playing at when he said that. He was obviously trying to screw with him.

The two of them arrived back at Sara's house.

Sara: Thanks for walking with me Gweg. Do you want to come inside for a glass of water?

Gweg: Sure.

Gweg followed her inside. She kept a nice house, clean and neat. Sara led him into the living room.

Sara: Have a seat. Make yourself at home. I'll go get that water.

She went into the kitchen. Gweg noticed her DVD collection. He looked over them, spotting many children's movies that were probably never going to be watched again. He also noticed a lot of Christian movies.

Sara came back into the room , holding two glasses of water. She handed one to Gweg.

Sara: Did you want to watch a movie? I'm up for one.

Gweg: Yeah, that would be great.

Sara: Pick one. I've probably seen most of them a dozen times or more. Val used to watch "Finding Nemo" two or three times a day after we got it.

Gweg could see the pain in Sara's eyes. He decided to pick out a movie that wasn't too funny or too sad. Something mediocre. He picked out Bruce Almighty.

Gweg: I haven't watched this one since it first came out.

Sara: That's' a good one. That reminds me, I wanted to ask you something. It's all right if you say no.

Gweg: What is it?

Sara: Will you come to church with me on Sunday? Val used to come with me and I don't feel like going alone.

Gweg could see that she really wanted him to go along. In fact, Gweg liked the idea. He thought going to church might set him on the right coarse towards redemption. Despite some of things he has done in the past.

Which reminded him of a dark little deed he and Satyr committed. Gweg felt tremendous shame when he thought about it.

Gweg: Yeah. I'll go with you.

Sara: Thank you Gweg. I really appreciate it. It's going to be weird. I usually teach the Sunday School after church services. But not this week, this week they insisted I take it off. They said they had a good substitute.

They watched the movie. They both sat on the couch. Half way through, Sara positioned her self so she was snuggled up next to Gweg. He put his arm around her.

By the end of the movie, they had begun to make out. Gweg ended up staying the night.

Gweg arrived back at the apartment the next morning, happier than he has ever been. The smile that had been on faced cleared when he walked through the door.

Satyr was sitting on the couch, reading the newspaper. he didn't even bother to put it down when he addressed Gweg.

Satyr: Where the hell have you been?

Gweg: What's it to you?

Satyr threw the paper down next to him. He spoke to Gweg with contempt in his voice.

Satyr: You were with her, weren't you? I warned you.

Gweg was doing his best not to let Satyr ruin his good mood.

Gweg: Yeah, so what? Being with her makes me feel good.

Satyr shook his head.

Satyr: You don't understand something, Gweg. I know you're thinking this going to be some storybook romance, but it's not. You're not going to get a "happily ever after" with her. You may have fucked her last night, but if you stay with her, you're going to be the one getting it put into you.

Gweg: I didn't fuck her last night. We both fell asleep on her couch. Not that's it's any of your business. And despite the fact that she was married to you, she is nothing like you. She's a good person. You were her mistake.

Satyr: Do you want to know the truth?

Gweg: No. I don't want to hear anything you have to say. You are just trying to make me paranoid. It's part of your revenge. So, just save it.

Gweg began to walk towards his room.

Satyr: She talked you into going to church, didn't she?

Gweg stopped in his tracks. He turned around.

Gweg: How do you know about that?

Satyr laughed.

Satyr: I was married to her. I know her tricks. She's an emotional manipulator, Gweg. You feel so much sympathy towards he because of that dead kid, and she'll use that to her advantage. See, she is a little like me after all.

Gweg: I doubt she does it on purpose. Besides, I think church is exactly what I need, after what we did.

Satyr: You need to be a bit more specific.

Gweg: When we went back in time and gave the Virgin Mary an abortion.

Satyr looked at Gweg, stunned.

Satyr: What in the holy hell are you talking about?

Gweg: You don't remember that? You built a time machine out of a refrigerator, we went back in time, killed the fetus of Jesus, came back, and found out that fetus survived and wanted to kill us. So, you killed it instead, put it in a jar, and tried to sell it on eBay.

Satyr began to laugh.

Satyr: Do you hear yourself? Did you pay attention to anything you just said? Because buddy, that was the craziest story I ever heard.

Gweg: It happened. I'll prove it to you! You've still got the Jesus fetus in your closet.

Gweg stormed off to Satyr's room.

Satyr: Stay out of my room!

Satyr took off after him.

Gweg got to the closet and started going through it. He didn't find what he was looking for.

Gweg: Where is it? I know you didn't sell it. What did you do with it?

Satyr walked over to his dresser and opened up the top drawer. He took out a small pill bottle.

Satyr: The answer is right here.

He shook the bottle. Gweg could hear the pills rattling inside.

Gweg: What are those?

Satyr: My own special concoction. Satyr acid, really. I slipped you some one day to test it out. You ran around the apartment, screaming "Fetus Christ is gonna get us! Get him with the nail gun!". I had a good laugh.

Gweg: You slipped me acid?

Satyr: Yeah. You imagined the whole thing.

Gweg: You son of a bitch. You god damned mother-fucking son of a bitch! This whole time, I kept thinking I was a Christ killer.

Satyr: You're not Jewish. Besides, that whole Christ thing is a fairy tale. Which is why you're going to be wasting your time at church.

Gweg walked out of the room.

Gweg: You fucking sicken me.

Satyr smiled.

Gweg's head was swimming. The whole thing had been a drug-induced hallucination. Gweg couldn't believe, he was angry that Satyr had drugged, but relieved at the same time.

Gweg felt like this was truly the start of a new beginning. He got on his knees and prayed.

After Gweg's got through praying, he called Sara.

Gweg: I am definitely on for church tomorrow.

Sara: I'm happy to hear that. You'll love this church. It's the church I've always wanted to get married in. Of course, Satyr didn't want to get married in a church, so I didn't get my chance.

Gweg: You deserve to have your dream wedding.

Sara: Thank you.

Gweg: And I wanted to tell you I had a great time last night.

Sara: Me too. After church tomorrow, would you like to accompany me on a picnic, since I'm off from my Sunday School duties.

Gweg: I'd love to.

Gweg spent the rest of the day catching up on some reading and thinking about the direction his life was going.

He felt he would have forgotten about his troubles, if hadn't been reminded of them every 40 minutes by the laughter that was coming out of Satyr's room.

Gweg didn't like having the threat of Satyr's retaliation hanging over him. He thought about walking into Satyr's room and asking for forgiveness, but he knew he had nothing to apologize for.

Not that it would probably do any good anyway. Satyr was hell bent on revenge.



Sunday morning came. Gweg got up, took a shower, and put in his finest clothes for church. He had grown more paranoid over the night and felt it might be best to plead with Satyr, to leave him alone for the day.

He went to Satyr's room and knocked on his door. No answer. He opened the door a little and peeked inside.

He didn't see Satyr anywhere.

Gweg thought he may have already left. He inhaled deeply and tried to brace himself for whatever might come today.

He was just glad to have Sara on his side. She managed to give him the strength he didn't know he had.

He called her up and hold her he was ready.

She picked him and they arrived at the church a half hour later.

The church was indeed beautiful. The service was magnificent. The Reverend, Thomas Hart, seemed to be a great man who really loved what he was doing. Before the service, people were coming up to Sara and expressing their sympathies. Gweg was glad that she brought him into a nice group of people.

20 minutes after the service was over. They went to the store to pick up supplies for their picnic.


Around that same time, the Sunday School Sara was supposed to teach was getting started.

The room the church had built for the School was the size of a small classroom. There were 15 kids attending, ages 8 to 12.

The Reverend's wife, who had put together the Sunday School, entered the room.

Mrs. Hart: Kid,s may I have your attention please? As some of you know from your parents, Miss Russell has been through a difficult time recently. The good Lord called her beloved daughter to be by his side in Heaven. So, Miss Russell will be taking some time off.

The kids let out a groan. Miss. Russell was their favorite teacher.

Mrs. Hart: Don't worry kids, we have found a great replacement for her. He is a very good man who know the Bible very well and will be more than happy to share his knowledge with you. I want you all to welcome, Mr. Applebee.

She held her hands out to the door that stood behind the kids. They all turned to look and let out a gasp. The man standing in the doorway was half man, half goat. In one hand, he held a briefcase. In the other, a grocery bag. Some of the kids became frightened.

Satyr got a sense of the room quickly. He hid his smile. As he walked towards the front of the class, he could feel the eyes of the kids following him.

He sat his things down on the desk and shook Mrs. Hart's hand. He looked over the room and stood at the podium in front of the class.

Satyr: Thank you Mrs. Hart, for that kind introduction.

Mrs. Hart gave Satyr a bow and made her way out of the classroom.

The kids stared at Satyr.

Satyr: If any of you kids have any questions for me, don't be afraid to ask.

On of the kids raised his hand. Satyr looked at the seating chart for the boy's name.

Satyr: Yes, Zakk, what's your question?

Zakk: Mr. Applebee...

Satyr raised up his hand to stop him.

Satyr: No, no ". Applebee", you kids can call me Mr. Satyr.

Zakk: Mr. Satyr, why do you look like the Devil?

Satyr held his head down and bit his tongue. It was all he could do to keep the laughter from coming out. After he was able to suppress it, he looked up at the kids.

Satyr: That's because I am the Devil.

The older kids let out a gasp. Some of the younger ones began to cry.

This time, Satyr did let out a laugh. But it was surprised laughter.

Satyr: What have they been telling you kids about me?

Zakk: You are evil and the enemy of God.

Satyr gave the kid a shocked look.

Satyr: Let me ask you kids something. Who created me?

One of the kids spoke out.

Jane: God?

Satyr smiled at her.

Satyr: That's right, God made me. Now, why would God make his own enemy? That's like Superman making Lex Luthor. Doesn't make much sense, does it?

Zakk: I guess not.

Satyr: That's right. Now, let me tell you why I am here. God sent me to your classroom, because he wants me to lead you all on a special mission.

The initial fears the children had when Satyr first entered were gone. The looked at him with awe.

Satyr: Now, I can't reveal to you what the entire mission is yet, but I will be able to tell you why we are doing it.

Satyr picked up the grocery bag and placed it on the podium.

Satyr: I hate to be the one to tell you this, but your teacher, Miss. Russell, is working for the Anti-Christ.

Satyr heard a couple of gasps from the kids. Some of the kids looked suspicious. Satyr knew how to real them in, but not just yet.

Satyr: I know what you are thinking. "Not Miss. Russell!" But sadly, it's true. You see, the Anti-Christ, has influenced her. That means he has taken over the way she thinks. In fact, you think Miss Russell is too busy crying about her dead kid to teach you kids today.. That's not true. She and the Anti-Christ are out having a picnic!

Zakk: Miss Russell wouldn't do something like that! She told us that she loves God.

Satyr: That may have been true, at one time. But she blames God for killing her daughter. And now she's hooked up with the big A.C. And I want you kids to listen closely to what I'm about to tell you.

Satyr could see their little heads strain forward. They were putty in his hands.

Satyr: The name of the Anti-Christ is Gweg.

The kids looked confused. Satyr wasn't worried.

Satyr: Let me tell you kids a story they left out of the Bible. The Jesus you all know and love, wasn't the first Jesus. He's the second. You see, the first time God impregnated the Virgin Mary, Gweg went back in time and gave her an abortion.

Satyr grabbed the top of the grocery sack and pulled it down over the canister that was inside. The kids let out a scream when they saw what was inside it.

Satyr: That's right kids. That is the aborted fetus of the first Jesus. I stole it from Gweg. He kept it in his house, like it was a trophy. God wants us to teach Gweg and Miss Russell a lesson.

One of the kids raised his hands.

Satyr: Yes.....Adam?

Adam: What do we have to do?

Satyr: First, we're going on a little field trip.



Gweg and Sara unfolded their blanket onto the grass.

This was the first time Gweg had ever been on a traditional outdoor picnic. It was a very pleasant day. It wasn't too hot and there was a gentle breeze.

Gweg: Thank you for taking me to your church.

Sara: You don't need to thank me. You were doing me the favor.

Gweg: I think we were both doing each other a favor.

Sara smiled. She sat upon the blanket and motioned for Gweg to do the same. The brought out their sandwiches and began to eat.

They sat in silence for a couple of moments. Gweg decided to break. He wanted to know more about her.

Gweg: So, do you have any brothers or sisters?

Sara: I have a sister. A twin. But, I haven't seen her in a long while.

Gweg: What happened to her?

Sara: She moved away. She was into...bad things. I've only seen her once since then. And that wasn't on very good terms.

Gweg just nodded. The poor girl has been through so much, he thought. And with that, his mind instant flashed to Satyr.

Gweg began to look around the park.

Sara: Are you looking for him?

Gweg nodded.

Sara: He's not going to ruin this. I won't let him.

Gweg wanted to change the subject.

Gweg: Tell me about the Sunday School. What's that like?

Sara smiled.

Sara: I love it.Being able to bring an understanding of God down to a child's level is so inspiraing. My sister, she was always anti-religion. She would make fun of me every time I read the Bible. Then when she left me, I felt like it was my fault, so I stopped reading it. Then Satyr came into my life. After I had Valerie and he left me, I felt like the time was right for me to set my life back on the right track. So, I picked up the Bible again and started going to church. I became friends with Mr. and Mrs. Hart and she asked me if I wanted to be a part of some of the church activities. I ended up teaching the Sunday School. And the kids I teach are so wonderful. I have so much fun teaching them.

Gweg: The kids must really like you.

Sara: They do. They are probably devastated that I didn't show up today.

Gweg heard a low rumbling. He turned his head towards the distance it was coming from. He saw a small brown school bus.

Gweg: Looks like we are going to have some company.

Sara squinted at the bus.

Sara: That's the bus from the church. We use it for the Sunday School field trips. I wonder what it's doing here?

Gweg smiled.

Gweg: Maybe they are here to give you a piece of their mind for not showing up today.

The bus headed right towards them. It drove onto the grass and head straight towards their direction. Gweg stood up and helped Sara to her feet.

Gweg: I think we should get ready to run.

The bus stopped 20 feet away from them.

The door opened up. The kids began to pour out. They ran right towards Sara and Gweg.

Sara: It's just my kids. They won't hurt us.

Gweg wasn't too sure. He saw that the kids were holding objects in their hands.

As the kids ran closer, Gweg saw what the objects were.

Rocks..

Sara wasn't paying attention to what the kids had. She dropped to her knees in anticipation for a group hug. Gweg pulled her up in time. Adam, the fastest of the bunch, had thrown his rock at Sara just as Gweg pulled her up. He hit her in the leg.

Sara screamed out.

Sara: Adam! What are you doing!

Adam: You are a harlot! God's messenger told us to smite you!

The other kids began to throw their rocks.

Thankfully for Gweg and Sara, there wasn't much strength in the arms that were launching said projectiles. But Gweg and Sara were still getting hit, so they ran. Gweg hopped into Sara's car and she tossed him the key. He sped out of the park. The kids threw what rocks they had left at the car as it drove away.

They headed back towards the bus.

Satyr was sitting behind the wheel.

Satyr: Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. And there ain't nobody more innocent than a child.

They kids climbed back into the bus and sat in there seats.

Adam looked around.

Adam: How come Zakk didn't come with us?

Satyr: Zakk is on a little side mission. My partner took him to where he needs to be.

Satyr's cell phone rang. He looked at the caller I.D. and sighed.

He answered it.

Satyr: What do you want? Well, I'm busy. Don't worry about it. What!?!? When? Fine, I'll try to be there. What's this about? Them? Who cares about them? Fine. Whatever.

Satyr ended the call.


Gweg was driving as fast as he could. He kept checking the rear view mirror. No sign of the school bus.

Sara was besides herself. She was sitting in the passenger side, shaking.

Sara: I can't believe the kids would do that!

Gweg: Satyr got to them. That son a bitch. He's not going to hold back.

Sara: We need to go to the police.

Gweg: We'll call them from my apartment.

Sara: Your apartment? Why are we going there?

Gweg: Believe it or not, that is the safest place for us right now.

Gweg explained the "rules" to Sara. She agreed to go to the apartment.

The arrived at the apartment building. Gweg gave Sara his keys.

Gweg: Get up there and call the cops. I'll wait down here a couple of minutes and see if Satyr will show up. Call them and make sure they send someone here, someone to your church, and someone out looking for the bus. Make sure you speak to Watterson. He'll be more than happy to help us.

Sara ran up to the room. She unlocked the door and went inside. She was surprised to see one of her students already inside.

Zakk: Hello Miss Russell.

Sara: Zakk! What are you doing here? Did Satyr bring you here?

Zakk: No, his friend did. Mr. Satyr wants me to do something, but I don't want to do it. I don't believe him.

Sara: What does he want you to do?

Zakk: He says you are against God because he killed your daughter and you are going to turn us against God.

Sara got on one of her knees.

Sara: Zakk, honey, I am not angry at God. I love God. And I love you. I would never do anything to hurt you. What do you have behind your back?

Zakk had been standing with his right hand held behind his back. It brought it around. He was holding a small handgun.

Sara: What are you doing with that?

Zakk: It's my mother's. She got it after she got mugged that one night. I was told to get it. For my mission for God.

Sara: Zakk, listen to me. Satyr is a liar. He is using you as a pawn in some twisted game. So, just give me the gun and we'll take you home.

Gweg entered into the room.

Gweg: He hasn't shown up yet, have you called the cops? Wait, who's the kid?

Zakk's eyes widened when he saw Gweg enter the room.

Zakk: Miss Russell, who is that man?

Sara: That's my friend Gweg.

Zakk screamed.

Zakk: It's true! You are with the Anti-Christ! I knew it. God damns you all.

He stuck the barrel of the gun in his mouth.

Sara screamed out and lunged at him. Gweg was too shocked and confused to move.

Zakk pulled the trigger. The bullet and most of his brain exited out the back of his skull. His body hit the floor with a sickening thud.

Sara sunk to the floor, tears screaming down her face. Gweg finally broke form his paralysis and knelt next to Sara.

Gweg: Come on, we need to call the police.

As soon as he said that, a metal canister was thrown into the room. A green gas emitted from it.

Gweg pulled Sara up and began to ran towards the door, but the gas became to much for them.

They both passed out.


Gweg came to 3 hours later.

He awoke to an incredibly bad headache. He looked to his left and saw Sara. He could tell she was breathing.

He looked around the apartment.

The boy's body was gone. And the evidence of his suicide was gone as well. The apartment was spotless. The canister was gone as well.

It was like nothing ever happened.

Gweg went to the door and looked out into the hallway. Empty.

He went back in to check on Sara.

The phone began to ring. Gweg answered it. Satyr was on the other end of the line

Satyr: Good, I was hoping you'd be up by now.

Gweg: You said the apartment was off limits!

Satyr: It is. I didn't do anything to you.

Gweg: Some kid was in here and he blew his brains out!

Satyr: He did that to himself, not to you.

Gweg: Who threw that canister into here?

Satyr: Wasn't me.

Gweg: Where's the body at?

Satyr: I have it. Too bad, right? Without it, you can't prove anything happened, but you'll always know it did, because of you and your attack against me is what led to that poor boy's death.

Gweg: Do you want me to apologize? Is that it? Fine, I'm sorry for fucking over your stupid abortion-mobile. Okay? Will you stop now.

Satyr laughed over the phone.

Satyr: This is beyond apologies Gweg. This is something that can only be resolved until the hurt part is satisfied that a logical resolution has come about. And that's me. Listen, you want to end this thing? Come on down to the church.

Gweg: What's at the church?

Satyr: A bunch of retards talking to an imaginary friend. Ha Ha. Just kidding. The boy's body will be there. You want it. come and get it.

Satyr laughed and hung up.

Gweg put the phone down.

Sara was already up and looking at Gweg.

Sara: Was that him?

Gweg nodded.

Sara: What does he want?

Gweg: He wants us to go to the church. he's git that boy's body there. He says

Sara: Let's go.

Gweg was shocked to hear Sara wanted to confront Satyr.

Gweg: We should go to the police. We know where he's at, and he probably has some sort of trap.
Sara: Forget them. That bastard just had one of my kids kill himself right in front of me. I am tired of all the death that he is bringing my way, and the thought of Zakk's body being with him makes me sick. Whatever his problem is, I'm going to end it. With or without your help.

Gweg had never seen this side of Sara before. She was determined to stop Satyr and he wanted to be a part of it.

Gweg: Let's go.


The man in black waited in the car, and the satyr called him.

He answered the phone and listened as Satyr happily explained that he baited Gweg into going to the church.

The man put his cell phone away and stared at front door to the apartment building. As he watched the people pass it on the sidewalk, he couldn't help but sneer. He hated humans. Hated their very nature. And hated the fact that he looks exactly like them.

His name is Mike-El and he is an alien.

23 years ago, the man had been born on a different planet. A planet called Gypton. Unfortunately, that planet's sun was exploding and ready to consume his planet. His parents put him in a rocket ship and sent him into space.

He landed on Earth, where he was discovered by a loving elderly couple, who lived on a farm. Growing up, he was introduced to comic books, mainly Superman.

He was very excited to learn that he and Superman shared a common history. He was so enamored by it, that he tried to fly off the roof of his house.

A month later, after he got out of the hospital, he found the spaceship he was sent in. Discovering a message from his father, he learned the horrible truth.

His home world was powered by a yellow star, not a red one like Superman's was.

From that point on, Mike-El has lived in anger. When his adoptive father fell off a cliff during a hiking expedition, Mike-El watched on as he hung desperately on to the edge. As he dangled there, his mother screamed out for Mike to rescue him.

Mike-El just watched and suppressed a smile when his father finally let go.

His mother asked why he didn't save him. He turned to her and screamed, "I'm sorry I'm not Superman!"

A couple of years ago, Mike-El finally met someone with whom he felt a kinship with.

Satyr.

And now Satyr has brought him into this war with Gweg, whom had just walked out of the building, with the woman following behind him.

He called up Satyr.

Mike-El: They are on their way.


Satyr put his cell phone away and looked back at the kids.

They were still staring at the dead body that sat in the back seat.

One of the girls finally spoke up.

Girl: Mr. Satyr, what happened to Zakk?

Satyr: He performed a little ballistic brain surgery.

Girl: I don't know what that is.

Satyr sighed.

Satyr: For Pete's sake, it's like talking to a bunch of kids. He killed himself.

Girl: But that's a sin.

Satyr: Sure is. He's probably getting poked in the ass by the devil's red hot poker as we speak.

Girl: I thought you were the devil and you said Zakk was doing a mission for God and then going straight to heaven.

Satyr had completely forgot he told them that. He thought quickly.

Satyr: I am, but there's more than one of us. I'm the main guy..the one in that book. And yes, Zakk is going to Heaven. I was just making a joke.

Satyr parked the bus next to the church and had the kids get out. He went to the back seat, propped Zakk up on his shoulders, and made his way out of the emergency exit.

Reverend Hart was waiting for him there.

Rev. Hart: Oh my! The poor child! Let me say a prayer for him before we take him into the church.

Satyr: We don't have time for that nonsense. Gweg and Sara are on their way. We need to get the kids in the church.

Rev. Hart: I need to pray for this boy's soul.

Satyr: Well, while you are doing that, you should pray that those pictures I have of you don't fall into the "wrong" hands. God might forgive your sins, but I know your wife isn't going to.

Rev. Hart: You''re a bastard. First you blackmail me into convincing my wife to make you the substitute Sunday School teacher, then you make me a part of this atrocity.

Satyr: The Lord works in mysterious ways. Kids! Get into the church and get ready. The Anti-Christ and the Whore of Babylon will be here soon!

Rev. Hart: What exactly are you planning to do?

Satyr: Let's just say, I had a revelation the other day. You just to what I told you to do and everything will be fine.

Satyr took the body into the church and dumped it into one of the pews. He looked at the kids.

Satyr: You kids ready? You know what to do as soon as Gweg and Sara come in, right?

The kids nodded.

Satyr: God loves you all. He and Zakk are watching right now, so make sure you all do a good job.

Satyr made sure the kids were in position and picked up Zakk's body. He looked towards the front of the church and smiled.


Gweg and Sara were two blocks away from the chruch.

Gweg: It's not too late to turn back around.

Sara: First he uses my sister against me, gets my daughter killed, and now all this. I'm through just letting him him get away every time.

Gweg felt empowered by her anger, but he also felt ashamed. He felt a pang of guilt and looked over at Sara. She made him see things about himself that he was afraid to look at. That was the moment, he knew he was in love with her.

They arrived at the church and saw Rev. Hart waiting outside.

Sara got out of the car and ran over to him.

Sara: Is he in there? Are you a part of this?

Rev. Hart: Sara, my dear, I was used by him. He had photos of me with another woman. He blackmailed me into making sure he was your substitute for the school. Don't worry, I've convinced him to let the kids go. He is waiting for you and Gweg in the church.

Gweg: This is a trap. What's he got in there?

Rev. Hart: I don't know. He won't let me come inside. But I want to do one last thing, one last act of good faith. I am making the both of you ordained ministers to this church.

Gweg: Thanks, but why?

Rev. Hart: I have my reasons. You should go inside.

Sara: I'm going in.

Sara went stepped into the main room of the church. She didn't see the kids anywhere. She looked up and saw Zakk's body nailed to the cross at the front of the room.

Satyr was standing at the podium.

Satyr: Welcome! have a seat!

Sara began walking towards him. Gweg entered and caught up with her. He stopped her from going further and whispered in her ear.

Gweg: Hold on. Let's see what he's up to.

Satyr: I'm glad you two could come. You want to know a funny thing? You know this already Gweg, but I am an ordained minister.

Gweg: Through the Universal Life Church.

Satyr shrugged.

Satyr: It's all the same. You'll notice what's his face has taken the place of Jesus up on that cross. He's there to remind you that he died for your sins.

He pointed at Gweg and Sara.

Satyr: You two are very much like Adam and Eve. I told you not to mess with a certain thing, and you go ahead and do it anyway. And now other people have to suffer.

Satyr clapped his hand. The children stood up, they had been hiding in the pews.

Satyr: Suffer the little children. And I shall, if you don't do two things, Gweg. First, you must confess your sins and second, you must make a sacrifice.

Rev. Hart entered the church.

Gweg: What kind of a sacrifice?

Satyr: We'll get to that later. First, confess.

Gweg: What exactly are you going to do if I don't.

Satyr: Look under the pews.

Gweg and Sara bent over. Underneath the pews where the children were standing, were small explosives.

Satyr held up a device.

Satyr: This trigger can activate from a 100 yards away. So, I'll be safely outside if I have to use it. And don't think they are going to budge. They are going to stay right where they are. They know what you two are and are devoted to see you punished.

Gweg: What makes you think we'll let you out of here.

Satyr pointed behind them. Rev. Hart was holding a gun on Sara and Gweg.

Rev. Hart: I'm sorry, but I cannot let my wife see those pictures.

Sara: Your wife will forgive you for one act of adultery. She is a good Christian woman.

Satyr laughed.

Satyr: The woman in banging in the pictures is his own daughter!

Rev. Hart held his head in shame.

Satyr: Yep, took the story of Lot to heart, didn't ya Rev? you two ain't going to be doing nothing. Now, confess your sins, Gweg. This is a church after all. Oh, and do it on your knees.

Gweg dropped to his knees.

Gweg: Forgive me Satyr, for I have sinned.

Satyr laughed.

Satyr: I love it! Continue.

Gweg: I have sinned by causing you trouble and bringing about the destruction of your Abortion-Mobile.

Satyr: Thank you Gweg. You Sara, this is really all of your fault. You should confess too.

Sara: My fault? How is this my fault?

Satyr: If only you were more like your sister.

Sara began to walk towards Satyr. Rev. Hart pulled back the hammer of the gun.

Rev. Hart: I'm sorry Sara, bit I can't let you go any further.

Satyr: Way to lead your flock there, Rev. Forget your confessions, Sara, I want to wrap this up. Time for you to make your sacrifice, Gweg.

Satyr reached into his coat and brought out a gun. He threw it at Gweg.

Satyr: It's only loaded with one round. You have to make a choice. You can sacrifice anybody in this room, save for you or myself. You do that, and all is forgiven.

Gweg: What?

Satyr: I want you to kill somebody. It could be Sara, it could be the Reverend, or one of these brats. If you don't, I'll kill them all. If you shoot me, the Rev. will shoot Sara. If you shoot yourself, the Rev. will shoot Sara and I'll blow all of these kids straight to hell.

The kids looked up.

The oldest boy, Adam, got up from his pew.

Adam: You said if we were sacrificed, we would go to Heaven.

Satyr: God damn it kid, I say a lot of things I don't mean.

Adam: Which part didn't you mean?

Satyr: Whatever part you didn't like.

Adam: You are a liar! You are the devil. We should have never trusted the devil!

All the kids began to get up.

Satyr: Sit back down! God's going to be pissed! Damn it. I knew I should have tied all of you!.

Sara: Good kids, he is a liar. Now run outside.

Satyr: Reverend, shoot the bastards if the try to get out the door.

Rev. Hart: No, you said you weren't going to harm the kids! I will not allow this.

Reverend Hart turned and walked to the doors, the kids followed him. At that moment, Gweg held the gun up to Satyr.

Gweg: What now?

Satyr: You know, the last Church I was in was exploded by a mad man and I survived. Time for a little deja-vu.

Satyr ducked behind the podium and pushed the trigger. only on the explosives went off.

The one by the front doors. The explosion took out two of the kids and burnt the others. Reverend Hart's robe caught on fire. The fire spread quickly over him, causing him to stop drop and roll.

He rolled right into one of the explosives. It set off, incinerating the Reverend and causing shrapnel from the pews to strike some of the children. A fragment from the explosive caught Adam in the eye.

The wooden pews caught quickly on fire, spreading out, another explosve went off.

Gweg and Sara had both ducked down and were trying to escape. Gweg made it to the podium and saw Satyr was gone. he looked back and witnessed chaos, half of the kids were on fire running around trying to put the fire out, a few other were collapsed in a heap in front of the door, having tried to get out before it was engulfed in flames.. The fire got another explosive and set it off.

Smoke was covering half of the church now. Gweg saw that Sara was choking. He got up and ran to her. He picked her up and he could barely hear her whisper through her coughs.

Sara: There's a back door. Get the kids out.

Gweg looked back at the kids. It was hopeless to try. Another explosion. He picked up Sara and ran out the back.

He ran 5o yards while carrying her and laid her onto the grass. She had stopped breathing.

He performed mouth to mouth and was finally able to resuscitate her. She gasped for air and spoke in coughs.

Sara: The kids?

All Gweg could do was shake his head. He looked up and watched as the church burned.

2 hours later.

Satyr sat on the couch in his apartment. He was watching the news.

Reporter: There were no survivors of the church fire. Police have informed us that the cause of this fire was a murder suicide. Police have not made any positive I.D.s on the victims, but believe them to be the entire Sunday School class, which was dropped of at the Church after their teacher took them for a field trip this after noon. The Police have also told up that the fire was created by the Reverend of the Church, a Mr. Thomas Hart. Pictures of him have an incestuous relationship with his daughter. Police believe the exposure of the act is what caused the Reverend to commit such a heinous crime. We will have more of this as it develops.

Satyr took the last sip of Dr. Pepper. Mike-El had come through once again. He was a good person to have on his side. And good at what he does. Getting the evidence to blackmail and frame Rev. Hart. Cleaning up the apartment after the kid blew his brains out. He's the best Satyr was going to need him for what's to come.

Satyr listened to the message again.

Mike-El: Satyr, Mike here. Gweg and Sara arrived back at her place ten minutes ago. They both seem OK. I have this phone hooked up to the recorder, so you'll be able to hear what they have to say through that bug we planted in her house.

Satyr smiled. Planting a bug in Sara's house was a stroke of genius. His smiled faded as he began to listen to the conversation.

Gweg: Can I stay here, tonight?

Sara: Of course, I don't want you to go anywhere. We need to talk about what happened.

Gweg: I'm sorry I couldn't save the kids.

Sara: It's not your fault. It's his, we have to stop him.

Satyr cringed as he heard the seriousness in Gweg's voice as he spoke. He had never heard a level of intensity like that before. It sent a shiver down his spine.

Gweg: Sara, I love you and today, I almost lost you. He wants a war, he's got one. There have been too many casualties on our side. Too many people hurt. That ends starting now. I will do everything within my power to make sure he is brought down. they may have put put the fire on that church, but the fire that burns in me will never be extinguished.

Satyr shook his head, he would normally laugh at such a line, but the tone of Gweg's voice made it sound menacing.

Gweg: Whatever he plans to do, I will stop him. Will you help me?

Sara: Of course. And Gweg...

Gweg: Yes?

Sara: I love you too.

Satyr stopped the recording as the sounds of the two of them making out began.

Satyr feared he had created a monster. The determination in Gweg's voice caused Satyr to have a feeling he has not felt in a long time: Fear.

Satyr got up to get another Dr. Pepper. He heard a small creak and found that he was doing something he hated.

Satyr kept looking over his shoulder.


To Be Continued.