Blackjack Villain (The Blackjack Series)

by Ben Bequer

  Cool Hand was hit with shrapnel as he and Zundergrub attacked the opposite flank, and his wound, while minor, bled quite a bit along his midsection. He used his temporal powers to contain the bleeding, then we got one of The Sentinel’s medics on the job, and they put a dermal patch on the wound, securing it with a strong tape the resembled a clear Saran wrap.

  Doctor Zundergrub was fine, but his yellow imp was dead, and in his grief, he showed more emotion than I had thought him even capable of. He was actually crying, though he tried to hide his grief from me.

  Mr. Haha had taken a beating, but you wouldn’t tell from his upbeat attitude. His kimono was strewn with bullet holes, and singed to black on the back, and one of his rabbit ears was half-shot off.

  “Scratch another for the Impossibles,” Haha said.

  Cool Hand, getting the wrap around his midsection by a pretty Sentinel medic pulled out a case of cigars from his backpack and plopped one in his mouth.

  “THE IMPOSSIBLES,” he said boasting. “I like that. You like that, angel?” Cool asked the medic, but she shrugged and finished her task. “You, B?”

  I shrugged.

  “I like it,” he said with a tone of finality, as if it was decided. “Team has to have a cool name to work.”

  The Sentinels were almost twenty, and while I had beaten their leader, Zundergrub, Cool Hand and Mr. Haha had beaten the rest of the team. Later I would find out, that while I was squaring off with Brigade and the fellow he called Paper, Haha charged the entire defensive perimeter The Sentinels erected after the fall of the building, and gone weapon hunting, using his katana to destroy armor and weapon alike. While distracted by the flashing blade of the whirlwind rabbit man, Cool had used his temporal bubbles to slow most of the defenders, while Zundergrub’s yellow monster imp drew the fire of those that remained, until they could be suppressed by Mr. Haha.

  A quick plan, hatched together in desperation, and we were once again victorious. Cool Hand was right to be cocky, and I didn’t care to ruin his good mood with reminders of his fear as the fight began. We hadn’t lost a single fight, not yet.

  But we had lost.

  I don’t know why at that moment, watching Cool puffing on an unlit cigar and Zundergrub grieve over his dead pet, and hearing Haha describe the fight, I thought of Influx. It’d been only a few days since her death, but it seemed a lifetime ago since I had held her in my arms as her blood and life ebbed away.

  In essence, that was the moment we ceased to be The Impossibles, or whatever Cool Hand thought to call us. We were a bunch of guys, with some slight relationships, trying to survive whatever came next. Had she lived, things would have been different. We’d be cogent, a tight team. She was a good leader, and would have pushed Retcon’s agenda harder, keeping us closer to the line. But she died that night in Germany, at the hands of Gentleman Shivver’s terrible weapon, and we were forced to go on without her.

  Her death had changed everything.

  There are a few moments in our lives, seminal turning points, where our decisions one way or the other lead us into completely different paths. Influx’s death was one of those moments, leading me to doubt what I was becoming, fear it even. The experience of knowing Apogee the last few days had changed everything, irrevocably, but the passing of Influx had set the stage.

  Little did I know that another such moment, one that would change my life forever, was around the corner.

  * * *

  Not too long after we had rounded up The Sentinels, and secured them in a far corner of the island, a gleaming silver plane flew overhead. Cool Hand was the first to spot it, but it was Apogee who identified the sleek ship.

  “That’s Epic’s ride,” she said her demeanor suddenly turning grim. “The Superb Seven are here.”

  “If you want to go back to Retcon’s base...” I said, letting it linger in the air.

  She shook her head, and walked away from me, returning to our defensive location.

  Epic was falling for our trap, landing his extravagant craft exactly where we wanted, on the only open field near us.

  Behind us, in the area protected by Baron Blitzkrieg and his Dogs of War, gunfire broke out, combined with some heavy explosions. I was tempted to head that way, to see how they were doing, but the sight of Epic’s silver ship hovering down for a landing gave me pause. I walked after Apogee, leaving Mr. Haha, Zundergrub and Cool Hand as they secured The Sentinels with special manacles that Haha had provided for us.

  “Hey,” I shouted, rushing towards her. But even though she was only walking, she was able to keep me at bay with her speed power.

  I finally reached her as Epic’s plane was starting to land. She crouched behind our make shift bunker, where we would lay in wait until the trap was ready. I jumped in but she shot me an angry glance, as if I should leave her alone.

  Like an idiot, as I always do when I’m nervous or unsure, I joked.

  “You wouldn’t happen to know a good costume maker, huh?” I said, mocking the fact that I was wearing my second shirt of the day, and my pants were torn and dirty. She, on the other hand, wore a true super costume, and while it was partially damaged, it had fared much better than my off-the-shelf clothing.

  She glared at me but slowly her face softened. “As a matter of fact, I do.”

  “Well, when this is done, we need to exchange numbers, you know? Because this whole ‘fighting almost naked’ thing is getting old,” I said motioning to my body.

  Her smile was forced, and she didn’t bother looking at me, instead gazing at the landing craft. The ship extended her landing gear, and gently touched down.

  “Madelyne, if you have any power over yourself, and you want to take this opportunity to escape, you should.”

  Apogee shook her head, and I could tell she was fighting back her tears.

  “You didn’t betray them,” I said, trying to follow her thoughts. “It was Zundergrub that-”

  “It wasn’t Zundergrub.”

  I sat back and nodded.

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be,” she said, crouching at the lip of our bunker, her gaze intent on the landing craft. “Whenever I’m near him, he has some sort of hold over me, I don’t understand it. Even now, I feel his will upon me. And yes, when he told me to help you, it was an order I couldn’t...”

  “You don’t have to explain,” I started.

  “...that I had no way to avoid. But his power runs deeper, Dale. It’s something...”

  “I’ll get him to end it,” I promised. “I’ll crush his fucking skull if I have to.”

  She shook her head, tears flowing down her cheeks. I came closer, to hold her, to consoler her, but she changed her posture, stopping me in my tracks.

  “Even through all that,” she continued. “I knew that I had to get to the bottom of what you guys were up to, of what Retcon was up to. That was my mission, and Zundergrub’s power couldn’t stop me from that. But in spite of all that I stayed for another reason, Dale.”

  Madelyne closed her eyes, and wiped her tears, then gazed at me in a way I couldn’t fathom, nor explain. She held me with her green eyes, gently, like one would a baby.

  “Like you, I was becoming something...” she paused, struggling for the word.

  “Dark?”

  “Ugly,” she corrected. “And it wasn’t just Pulsewave’s death. It was something from before. I was becoming like them. Like Epic and Superdynamic. Arrogant and pompous...and empty.”

  I nodded, knowing exactly what she meant.

  “And now it all comes full circle,” she said. “I have to face them, you see?”

  I nodded, “I feel the same way.”

  Apogee looked back at Epic’s ship, which had now landed and the main hatch was swiveling down, turning into a stairwell for the Superb Seven to debark.

  “San Felipe, you said?”

  I laughed.

  Chapter 28

  It took Epic almost five precious minutes to debark and start up the hill. He and h
is Superbs came towards our position as if on a Sunday stroll, more concerned with the cool group walk than whatever they were facing.

  While they weren’t expediting, I noticed that they were no longer “Seven” (or “Six” since Apogee had crossed the line). Epic had replaced Apogee with four others, three that I recognized and one that was a stranger to me. He wasn’t all that clever, and for certain not in a hurry, but Epic wasn’t stupid. We’d handed him a terrible loss, on live television no less, and now he intended to come out on top.

  The newcomers were Hotstreak, a guy capable of propelling himself at incredible speeds in a column of fire; Amethyst, a flyer with the ability to harden her body to rock-like hardness; and Nerfhammer, a muscle-bound fellow with indestructible skin and that swung around a steel-mattock with deadly accuracy.

  Epic’s final addition was a small fellow that wore flowing black and red robes with golden sigils that glowed with power and wielded a staff topped by a red crystal. He had effeminate features, and a fine groomed mustache and beard.

  I looked over at Apogee and gave her one final chance.

  “At least go back with Cool Hand,” I offered. “I got this.”

  She winced, a pained crack from her otherwise emotionless mask.

  “You think I’m going to turn you over?”

  I shook my head, “You’ve had a million chances.”

  “Now would be most apropos. But don’t worry, I’m a big girl.”

  And she stepped forward.

  I jogged a few steps to catch up, and we began down the hill.

  Epic and the others spotted us. He barked a few commands to them. Mirage and the new wizard guy moved back as Epic, Superdynamic and Nerfhammer stepped forward. Gamma Demon, FTL, Amethyst and Hotstreak rose up to the sky, hovering near the others, flashing their powers in preparation. And Atmosphero joined them, his face twisted with seething rage, lightning and thunder erupting from his form. I guess he still thought there was something to prove. But my issues with Atmo were done and settled in New York. Despite a few paltry tricks, he wasn’t in my league, and my attention was exclusively on his boss.

  “That’s close enough,” Epic said as we closed within twenty paces. “Apogee, come home, baby. You’ve done your job.”

  I looked over at her, awaiting the betrayal, that inkling of doubt still eating at me, but Apogee was true to her word. She had meant it all.

  “I’m done with you Epic, and with the Superb Seven. I’m through with all of it.”

  Epic’s face was pained, and then I realized that there was a more complicated history between them.

  “Come on, baby,” he pleaded. “Whatever Zundergrub and this asshole have done to you-”

  “Isn’t your concern any more. I’m done with super hero work. I recommend you and your people get out of here if you know what’s good for you.”

  I felt the burning gaze of ten supers turn to me, and Superdynamic spoke for them all, “You’re gonna be in a world of hurt for this, buddy.”

  Apogee cast a quick glance at me, with a half-smile as we both remembered our previous conversations about Superdynamic.

  “He’s got nothing to do with it, Jeff,” she replied softly, using his real first name to try to get through. “There’s something going on here that’s more complicated than you realize.”

  “Dr. Retcon is involved,” Epic said, his voice softening to almost a pleading tone. “This guy and his cronies broke him out of prison this morning. Whatever they’re up to-”

  “You haven’t seen what I have,” she said, her jaw clenched. “You haven’t been where I have been. Retcon is right this time, Epic. You have to trust me, if you ever did, that I’ll make sure it comes out right.”

  “Epic,” FTL shot in with a heavily modulated voice. “I’m getting readings from one of the nearby structures that are off the charts. Some sort of energy generation the likes of which I’ve never seen.”

  “See? He’s up to his old tricks, and they’ve mind controlled you, Apogee. This guy,” he shot his finger at me like a bullet, “and his buddies are in league with Retcon. There’s not much more to discuss.”

  She shook her head. “That’s the problem, you see? You won’t stop to listen. You won’t give the man a chance merely because he’s what you think he is. I felt that way too, and it horrifies me to think that I was so closed-minded. You jump to conclusions and punch out the nearest bad guy. Today, you’re the bad guys; you’re on the wrong side. If you stop what’s happening here-”

  “Madelyne, baby,” Epic interrupted. “You’re talking crazy. Can you even hear the crazy stuff you’re saying?”

  “He must have some sort of device on him, that transfers Zundergrub’s mind powers,” Superdynamic said motioning to me.

  Epic nodded. “Alright, enough of this. Release her, Blackjack, or we’re going to break you.”

  “Man, you sure got a pretty costume,” I jested and crossed my arms.

  “You’re alone and outnumbered,” FTL threatened.

  “How about this: you and me, winner takes all,” I pointed to Epic.

  “Last warning!” he roared.

  “Come on. What’re you scared of?”

  He ignored my taunt. “Diamond Magus!” he shouted, and in an instant Apogee was gone from my side, and popped right beside Superdynamic, who took her into a full head lock before she realized what had happened and was strong enough to keep her there.

  “Apogee!” I shouted and took a half step forward, but Epic, FTL and Nerfhammer stepped forward and the others closed. They circled around me and over me. Behind them, Apogee struggled against Superdynamic, but she was helpless in his powerful grasp.

  “She’s back where she belongs now,” he spat.

  Apogee fought Superdynamic’s grasp and her resistance was genuine, but he was far stronger in his powered suit. Between Apogee and I was a super group full of angry.

  “Did the villain get sweet on her?” Epic mocked with a toying voice. “Is he in love?”

  A few of them laughed.

  Madelyne’s struggle had ended, and her eyes were set on me, and I guess she was waiting to hear me say it. I looked at her and smiled.

  “Man,” I said finally. “I’m really going to enjoy this.”

  Then I did what none of them expected.

  I charged.

  * * *

  I went right at him, as fast as my legs could carry me, and I saw surprise, and dare I say it, fear? He wasn’t expecting me to come at him. I mean, who runs at Epic?

  Well, I did.

  Epic back-pedaled a half step back, as did a few of the other Superbs. Superdynamic also inched back and I heard him mumble, “What the fuck?” as I neared. The aerial guys scattered, in particular Atmosphero who had seen my bag full of tricks at their deadliest.

  The timing had to be perfect, but I had Mr. Haha’s computerized mind on my side, and when everything blew up around me, I had to trust in his planning and measurements.

  I had to get to the right place at the exact moment I needed to be there, but Apogee wasn’t. She knew what was coming, so I had to trust her to weather the blast.

  Because a moment later, the whole world blew apart.

  I almost reached Epic, almost grabbed his face to crush it in my hands, when Mr. Haha’s charges exploded. There were charges behind me, amongst the buildings, more to my sides, some as close as ten yards. None was bigger than a stick of dynamite, but there were dozens upon dozens spread throughout our battlefield. Behind and through the Superbs more charges exploded, as if the very ground churned to life, spitting upward shrapnel and gravel in every direction. The sheer savagery of it surprised me, almost shaking me senseless despite being ready for it, and I was tossed about by each succeeding blow. The eruptions weren’t all at once, in some sort of concerted order, but rather in a chaotic staccato, each explosion more powerful than the last, until no one stood, not even I nor Apogee, who were braced and ready. Through the cloud of dusty smoke, I discerned Epic, struggling to
come to his feet, a few steps away.

  I didn’t hesitate, rushing right at him. If the plan held, Zundergrub would unleash his black imps to cause havoc upon the whole bunch, and I could already imagine a the bouncing black blur of dozens of tiny demons charging through the haze of dust and ash, of Cool Hand speeding amongst the fallen Superbs, looking for his first target.

  Everyone had a target. Except Epic. He was mine.

  Coming upon Epic, I hurled myself in the air at him and landed knees-first into his abdomen as he lay on the ground. Without waiting to see the effect of my brutal first blow, or for Epic to rise to his feet to stand up to me, I lifted him by the hips and hurled him face first back into the rocky terrain. A shock wave detonated from the impact, bringing everyone who was coming to their feet around me back to the ground, and gouging Epic deep into a massive circular crevasse formed by the impact. He was still dazed by the explosion, and by my follow up attacks, so I didn’t give him a chance to get his breath. Again, I hurled myself into the air, bringing down my heavy right boot on his forehead, drilling him deeper into the earth, and making the pit even more profound.

  I jumped into the air again, visions of Bruce Lee in Enter the Dragon swimming in my head, intending to land with both my feet on him. One on his stomach, to draw the air out of his lungs, make him double over, and the other into his smug, handsome face, slamming it down into the dirt. As I landed on him, Epic was ready and brought both of his brawny arms to cover his face, easily fending off my blow. My other boot caught his stomach straight on, though, and he groaned, grabbing his aching midsection. I stepped off and kicked him in the face, then leaned down and grabbed a handful of his perfect blonde hair. I reared back my fist to pound his face into a pulp, but someone grabbed me from behind, and I felt a blow across my face that tossed me a dozen yards away. When I looked up, FTL was helping his woozy team leader to his feet.

  And there went my advantage out the window. My only hope to beat Epic was surprise, and FTL was now giving him a chance.