by Sergio Black
Winsor puts the spectacles back on his face. Lisa Ann has a sketch of timidity portrayed on her face. “So, what’s next, then?”
Winsor looks to Lisa Ann. “Well, above all else, at the moment, we must retrieve the Book of Fate, My Starkeeper, Nefarious, your Spear of Destiny and the other Instruments of Fate, all the while reuniting the Superior Knightz. Then along the way we may meet a few friends who could possibly help. I have my sights set on some powerful Superiors who I know for a fact to be imprisoned with our Notorious One.”
Lisa Ann looks at Winsor Magnus a bit startled at his mentioning of her Spear. “How’d you know the Spear was mine? You weren’t there.”
Winsor Magnus smiles his gummy, hearty grin. “No, I was not, but I know who your mother was, and well, they were there the day you claimed it.” Winsor Magnus tilts his head, hinting to the Maned Wolves. Lisa Ann looks at Fang who just sits staring, no disagreement is conveyed through his eyes. “But how-” Winsor Magnus chortles.
“Bah! Don’t ask me. Them wretched beasts have learned a thing or two about many things, among them being stealth. I mean, look at them, they couldn’t just waltz around, they had to have found some ways to hide in plain sight. But on to other business. Lisa Ann rise and stand with me.” Lisa Ann stands and walks forward until she is shoulder to shoulder with little Winsor. “Lisa Ann, your Starpower is wholly exemplary in the fact that it commands your feelings and differs from Nefarious’ Eye of Vergina and any other array of power. You see, with Nefarious’ God’s Breath, he has to be given life by the breath of words in order for its existence to be validated, whereas you have to just feel a certain way, your vitalities will react to your state of being and the thoughts forming in your mind. It can also act of its own accord and will protect you even if you yourself are not aware of present danger. You and Nefarious could not be more opposite, whereas, your spiritual talents are derived from pure elements and Nefarious’ is a derivative of Darkness. Lisa Ann, you have the ability to do the one thing Nefarious cannot. You have the means to raise the dead. Nefarious is too lost in his own demons to see anything clearly, let alone administer new life.”
Lisa Ann looks down at Winsor for clarity. “You mean-” Winsor cuts off Lisa Ann and finishes her question.
“Yes, Lisa Ann, you have the power to bring from abroad the non-living, but be warned, Lisa Ann, they may not be in the same state of being as where they once came. Meaning they could have defects or even worse, not remember who you are, or who they were, or have possibly an altered personality. Every time you use this forbidden technique, you will lose a piece of your own soul until there is nothing left. Simply put, you will not die, but you would be a psychopath like Andrew here, completely void of feeling or empathy. So, you must use this gift wisely and responsibly. Now, you inherited this great ability when your predecessor died, by default, it was rolled over onto you, which is a very rare genetic trait shared only by the Superior Knightz. Reviving is no joke, and must be taken seriously. I cannot stress enough, how much this will mentally exhaust you. You will find resuscitating some things are easier than others by the simple fact that DNA complexity plays a huge role in the sum of focus and Starpower you will have to exert. And until you’re ready, I won’t teach you to use it on human life.”
Lisa Ann is lost for words and feels like she has forgotten how to breathe. Fluttering her eyes rapidly she can only think of her father and his untimely demise and how she could possibly tempt fate. She blinks away the formation of tears that well beneath grieving eyes, “Understood, so what’s next?” Winsor nods in satisfaction then begins to paint a picture with his hands.
“Good, you’re proving to be a better listener than Nefarious. Look to this forest, Lisa Ann, you see how it’s damaged, burnt and scarred like a seemingly great battle took place from which the dying forest never recovered?”
Lisa Ann can see through the pitch darkness with near perfect vision. “Yes, I see everything just fine.” Winsor nods approvingly.
“Very good, Lisa Ann. I want you to think back to your happiest moments and let go. Immerse yourself in total bliss and feel what drives your passion and let it flourish through your soul and blossom into new life.”
Lisa Ann thinks back to her childhood. She thinks back to an adolescent Nefarious, the boy who was jinxed to be a super-villain through harsh circumstances and a cruel world who turned him out without the slightest hint of commiseration. Remembering the pledge, she made to him as young kids, and the promise she had made to herself to save him from his own eternal darkness he had seen himself destined to live. She thought back to her father and the way he held onto her for hours after the kidnapping. He often times kept her home from school and the never-ending apologies, his tears of joy wept when he woke up in the hospital and found she was safe. Lisa Ann felt an instant rue for taking for granted what he never had. Holding both eyes shut, Lisa Ann can feel radiancy jump-start her soul and bombard through her like a rogue 12 tsunami, the energy flowing faster and faster until… Lisa Ann throws both arms forward and a blue orb shines between her hands, chirping loudly with a sound that imitates a thousand singing cicadas, the pressure blowing her hair out of place, and debris kicking around her center point. Until… the blue light shoots forward and shrinks to the size of nothing more than a bouncy ball, setting itself into the middle of the scarred trees, the illumination bursts into blue flames, shining so bright everything is engulfed in a bed of fluorescence.
Winsor Magnus smiles so wide it seems the corners of his mouth will bleed into his eyes. He hops up and down pumping both fists. “Yes, Lisa Ann! That’s it! You’re doing it!” The dry shrubs and malnourished grass among the woods flourish wildly in all directions seeming to tower over the tall trees. The trees and other dying vegetation are healed, turning greener than Winsor has ever remembered. The light slowly dies down and the blowback is extinguished with the blinding luminescence. Winsor turns to Lisa Ann, grabbing her shoulders.
“My child, you’re absolutely amazing. A sensational child and your predecessors would be so proud. I could hear your thoughts so loud in my head and the things in this world you’re passionate to reform. Just know, you’re not alone in your loss. Sometimes we need to experience loss so that we may grow as individual beings and understand the pain of others. You’re not wrong for thinking you can save Nefarious, either. I, too, feel he can be saved and find redemption. Understand, Lisa Ann, Nefarious is the way he is because of how he grew up and the atrocities he was exposed to at the hands of cowards. He cried for help and the world turned its back on him when he felt he needed compassion and love the most. Nefarious is one of those rare people who are the very definition of an empath, those rare specimens who can feel everything. But that which made him sensitive and loving is the very thing that turned him to the darkside of vengeance and hatred. Could you imagine not being able to trust anyone, not having anyone to teach you, or to have parents to tell you they love you? He feels so much sorrow and regret, I think it eats him alive. He knows nothing else, so he hides behind his raw emotions. He feels it would be safer to live that way than to ever feel the kind of pain he felt when he lost his both his mother and father. Oh, Lisa Ann, just like you. I have felt his misery and its scars run deep. On the inside, he is still that child who was abandoned. If anyone can save him from himself it will be you. Of that I have no doubt.”
Lisa Ann looks to Winsor. “So, is it true then? Is he really my childhood friend from long ago?” Winsor reluctantly nods.
“Yes, Lisa Ann, that is the boy you knew so long ago. I cannot tell you what his real name is. He will tell you, when he learns to trust you again.” Lisa Ann just stands, giving no response, she stifles a sniffle before beginning to cry and finally, she lets go, sobbing hard.
“I-I could have saved him. I-I-I could have been there for him.” Winsor hugs Lisa Ann.
“Lisa Ann, you need to pull it together. I have a plan. I’m pretty sure we can save Nefarious. It won’t be easy but I feel it can
be done with the help of Andrew here.”
Lisa Ann wipes her tired eyes, looking to Andrew who just stares with hostility.
He breathes out then speaks, “Guess I don’t have a choice now, do I?” Winsor gives Andrew a relentless stare.
“No. Of that, you haven’t any choice.”
Lisa Ann stares at her feet and sighs. “But wait, we can’t leave without the rest of the pack.”
Winsor smirks. “My dear, they’ve been here for the last 5 minutes or so; they’re in the shadows or should I say they’re one with the night. No way would they miss this moment in time.” Lisa Ann smiles.
“I guess, what about Sparky though?” Winsor blinks and stares.
“He got here a while ago. I sent that wretched beast on a reconnaissance mission. He’s gathering intel on the N.S.W.P. in Texas. Not to worry, he’s safe and quite invisible with the rapid materialization of his atoms.” Lisa Ann shakes her head then laughs.
“You know, this is a little out of left field but I have always wondered where did our better skills come from?” Winsor bellows and turns his back to Lisa Ann, and begins limping to where the brown vines get thick at the bottom of the jagged grey mountain base that leads up to his secret cavern. Winsor bends over and reaches out, grabbing a mass of neatly folded materials, he yanks hard, struggling to pull free whatever items he'd hidden prior to Lisa Ann’s arrival. Winsor carefully picks up what looks like a bundle of white clothes and hobbles to where Lisa Ann stands.
“Lisa Ann, don’t you know?” The day God’s ashes rained from the heavens, everyone got gifts. Well, some from the Dark God, but even he had to come from somewhere. In one way or another, good or bad, we’re all God’s children…” Winsor carries in both hands a white uniform, set on top a gold tiara, bearing the insignia of a howling maned wolf. “Lisa Ann, I have in my hands your mother’s prior uniform. The gold tiara you see here will help regulate and focus your starpower. The uniform is a different matter, it will change colors with heightened stages of your emotions, it’s made from pure Sinatonium, making you impervious to most damage you’ll incur during battle. I know you’ll wear it with pride. Now change your knickers, in the weeks to come we undertake two tasks, the first and foremost is to further install your training, and the second, we aim to set Nefarious free. For tomorrow we begin Phase Two of our plans.”
End of Transmissions...
MR. BLACK’S UNIVERSAL GLOSSARY
All Heaven- A place where all Gods live.
All Hell- A realm where all pagans live.
Almighty Superiors- Superiors who have high ranking abilities.
Amenadiel- Soldier of God.
Apocalypse Ring- Grants the wearer immunity from all energy based or formed attacks, nullifies any type of reality warping.
Ascending- A human who ascends into a Superior when a near death crisis is at hand, or when their body has fully developed to support their Superior-Ability.
Ashes of Eden- Breaking Benjamin
Beast and the Harlot- Avenged Sevenfold.
Blood Moon- The chosen was said to ascend under this Celestial phenomenon.
Book of Fate- Universal book of knowledge that seems to have a mind of its own.
Calling Card- Grants the owner the power to call upon an Immortal.
Damora- The grandmother of Nefarious.
Darth Vader- Sith Lord
Deadeyes- Superior Souls tormented by a violent death.
Dear Agony- Breaking Benjamin.
Degeneration- A body that is in a state of decay either from dark corruption, or a severe output of power that decays the vessel from within.
Desolation Row- An off the books section that houses some of the most dangerous, well connected Superiors known to man. This is the place where death is certain, but not before they test on you, with the intent of pillaging your Superior-Ability. (Also See My Chemical Romance)
Devil’s Blood- An ascension drug made by the man on top.
Devil’s Immortals- Supernaturally powerful Superiors created by HIM.
Devil’s Magic- Not many things are known about this type of energy. Anyone who has come across it, describes the wielder to be all powerful.
Eden- Mother 2 Nefarious.
Einsatzgruppen- Death squads who are the strongest amongst the Neu Superior Weaponization Teams.
GLOSSARY
Einsatzkommando- A kill squad, who is the weakest unit of the four Neu Superior Weaponization Teams.
Elizabeth Bathory- The Countess was a Hungarian serial killer. One of the very first of her kind.
Eye of Morningstar- Grants the user control over Hell's beast and minions.
Eye of Vergina- Grants the user control over the Six Eyed Raven, the abilities of the Olympians, all 4 earth natures, Ocular Prowess that allows user to see the second souls of any Superior; also grants the wielder a power of a thousand suns.
Excalibur- Sword of King Arthur.
Fountain of Youth- Grants the chosen an immortal vessel of their own standards. Careful if you’re not chosen, it could drag you to the pits of hell! :)
Gaia- Earth Goddess.
Gestapo- Secret Police of Nazi Germany.
God’s Breath- Allows the user to make words his reality.
Halagrim- A crow-shaped device that projects Holograms.
Heaven’s Scythe- Weapon made from Sinatonium that held onto a pure essence.
Helios- Sun God.
High Heretic- A pope who guides religious practices within Neu Germany, his influence is substantial.
House Animals- Beasts of fable belonging to a specific person or group.
Illuminati- An order comprised by the Roman Senate to usurp Julius Caesar, was fabled to have crumbled long ago. Rumors are rumors.
Killian Killstar- Father 2 Nefarious
Kissing Curse- A condemning but unfateful spell that places misfortune on the user.
Knighting- The act of naming one after a Star.
Knightz of Olympuz- Almighty warriors who served the Olympians.
Legendary Superiors- A superior who has power that can rival the Gods.
Lisa Ann- Raised by Neu Americans, but something about her isn't all what it appears.
GLOSSARY
Lucifer Morningstar- Lord of All Pagans and rightful owner to the Eye of Morningstar.
(The Mad Doctor) Andrew Rush- A human who is highly manipulative, cunning and a fast thinker.
Ordnungspolizei- Police Force who fall to the 2nd strongest amongst the Neu Superior Weaponization Teams
Maned Wolves- House animals that once dwelled in Hell. Once protectors of the fallen almighty Lucifer. Each wolf is unique and possesses an ability of its own that can be shared with its master.
Minutemen- An order created by Killian Killstar as an underground resistance to fight against tyranny.
Morghan King- Female Olympic Lifter
Morningstar's Rebellion- A war in which Lucifer attempted to dethrone God, but failed; a sealing curse was then placed on his body, trapping him in Hell.
Nefarious Warstar- The villain of the story who may find redemption through uncanny circumstances.
Neu America- Superseded by Neu Germany after the Reich's victory.
Nazi Bank Notes- Currency that replaced U.S Dollars, upon Neu Germanys victory.
Neu Germany- Neu Germany usurped the Third Reich to become the Neu Reich and seized control of the world, ushering in a new dawn of tyranny.
N.S.W.P.- The Neu Superior Weaponization Program run by the Mad Doctor, Andrew Rush. This place stands for the sole purpose of extracting Superior Souls in order to weaponize Neu American Soldiers or high-ranking parliaments of Society.
N.S.W.T.- Neu Superior Weaponization Team are mercenaries belonging to the N.S.W.P.
Order of the Eye- Led by unknown persons who control the inner workings of all the events in the World.
Ordnungspolizei- Police Force who fall to the 2nd strongest amongst the Neu Superior Weaponization Teams.
Panic Rooms- Som
e Superiors are kept here because it incites fears of their wildest imagination.
Panhandle Ripper- Demented Killer.
Petrified Forest- A woodland completely made up of former people.
Plague Doctors- Doctors who wore beaked masks that literally aided in fighting the plague.
GLOSSARY
Reaper Scythe- Weapon made from Sinatonium that is corrupted by Sin.
Regimocracy- A regime or person controlling Governments.
Right Hand of God- Grants the user the power to control the cosmos and Fallen Angels.
Ronnie Radke- Falling In Reverse!
$chadenfreude- One who derives pleasure from sickening acts.