Red Light Slayer

This is what always happens. It always comes back to us meeting in this abyss. The dash of crimson which you so lovingly took care of and adored moving with each step you took. Our swords clashing, the sound reverberating through the once silent realm.

I need to stop you.

But why?

You need to get past me.

That much is certain when you try to ram your sword through my neck. But i was too fast for you.

I slammed you on the ground, hoping that if I could snap your neck under my heel, it will all be over.

But like clockwork you dodge it, driven by love and desperation.

You came at me again and this time I shove my sword in your heart, I'm sure of it.

You stop but only for a moment. The blood dripping off my blade and into the black ocean below us.

Then as if you were given strength beyond comprehension by some unseen force, you punch me in the face, shattering my helm.

And you don't see it, you don't see who i really am. I could only chuckle at this. Of course, why would you? Or maybe you didn't want to. 

All that truly mattered to you was getting back to her.

Saving the light in your life that made you believe that you can be more than what you currently are.

It was very understandable, so i don't hold anger for you in that regard.

You cut my head clean off. It was just like you to not waste a advantage. 

I'm cast into darkness. As you slowly arose into the billowing light.

....

And thus I'm here again.

The Slayer fell and fell into the seemingly black abyss. The last thing he remembers was breaking that angel's ribcage with a punch after he was shot with a strange gun. He look around at his environment as it blurs past him at dizzying speed. There was one part of him that worried about the young lovers as he gazed into the cold and uninviting waters below. But he knew that they will be alright somehow. 

"That angel could not even kill a diseased baby if his life depended on it." The Slayer thought of the now deceased Sazael.

"Hmm...figures." He said to himself as he learned about Sazael's brutal death at the hands of Hera.

"Now that i didn't expect." The Slayer thought in surprise at learning that the seemingly gentle client that hired him could display such brutality using her newly awakened arcadia to make insects and arachnids of all types feast on Sazael from the inside out. 

"....." The Slayer didn't even have to respond to this. Now that he was thinking more upon it, He always had a feeling about her. From the first moment he lay his eyes upon the blonde hybrid.

"A deep rooted rage, festering inside her like a illness. Hope that she finds peace within herself. I hope she doesn't turn out like me." The Slayer thoughts went out to her as he realize with a encroaching annoyance that he should have been hit the cold and unforgiving waters by now. Which can only mean-

"Hi my darling! What a exciting story that was! I mean who would've thought that Hera would awaken to her latent powers? Although some who may be witnessing this story may be confused by who Hera and her succubus consort is, have they not viewed the previous adventure prior to that one." Eris spoke as she dived next to him, her arms wrapped around his ice-cold armor in a twisted parody of a lover's embrace. He didn't bother trying to pry her off.

"Which by the way, you have some more exciting stories to take part in." Eris cooed in The Slayer's ear, the sentence went into his mouth like a slimly tongue and he held it together, he refuse to show weakness now.

"Bye bye for now my precious Slayer." She told him with a gentle voice.

He hit the water with a loud and resounding splash that could be seen from the boat parked miles ahead at the dock of a seedy looking city. He felt his neck snap and shoulders break at the impact as a feminine and warm voice that could make flowers bloom call out to Eris, calling her horrible names. Well horrible by her standards at least as she wrapped her arms around him in a beautiful display of love.

The Slayer smiled, his neck popping back into place. He felt her lips upon his.

The soft voice asked if he was alright and he nodded.

It could be nothing more than a delusion, but it was a damn good one that kept pushing him forwards. 

He could barely see, it was most likely night. He looks around and see some unusual fauna swimming around. He recognized some of them due to previous battles where he had to go after the creature or foe he was pursuing in the deep waters.

There was large amphibian creatures that swam past the Slayer, reminiscent of Labyrinthodontia or four-limbed tetrapods with a large body size for those not familiar. It seem that they were terrified, but not of the Slayer.

He swam up to the surface, the murky water leaking from his helmet as he arose from the deep. He saw in the distance a city that was tall and foreboding. tall black skyscrapers that would have been camouflaged by the night sky if it wasn't for the garish neon lights doing it best to compliment them. Like two different designers had to compromise because neither could tell the other that their idea was bad. 

But what also drew his attention was the large harpoons that seem to be automated and stationed at the docks, the docks was made of solid steel, there was spikes sticking out of the pillars. There was some soldiers wearing a garish parody of a Maritime officer uniform. The colors a stark black with blue undertones. All of them holding a weird type of rifle, one of them smoking a cigar as the others kept a fierce lookout for any danger. Not only that, there was also high-powered missile launchers located near the docks just in case. 

"This look to be a trade city of some sort, There multiple boats heading towards the docks. Each of them carrying goods of some sort, there a large cruise ship. The S.S We come up with a name later?" The Slayer thought to himself as he continued to analyze the situation as he swam through the waters. He wasn't the strongest swimmer, his wife was better than him in that category.

Hell the only reason he was able to swim this well was because she taught him on a hot summer day in what felt like eons ago. He couldn't help but smile to himself at the memories that flooded his mind. 

"I think that Hera might have rubbed off on me." The Slayer theorized in amusement, usually these thoughts would bring him great pain and sorrow. The Maritime officer that was smoking a cigar was looking at the mini-sonar that was on his phone, his cigar fell out his mouth when he saw the approaching calamity.

Suddenly the alarms started to blare. The officers on the docks began to ready the harpoons and weapons as they scrambled to combat the oncoming threat.

He already notice the giant swarming monster behind him as it open it huge gaping maw to swallow him. He could tell that this creature has been a trouble for the locales for some time. He let the beast devour him and as he slide down the large and spiky tongue he pulled out his sword and impaled it into the spiked tongue, causing the monster to roar in absolute pain as the sword easily split the creature's tongue in half. The cries of the beast reaching all the way to the inner-city, terrifying the inhabitants.

As it thrashed around wildly, it begin to vomit it corrosive stomach acids up through it throat, this is a technique for the creature for when it was too tired to chase after it food.

The aroma of the stomach acid alone can knock out a regular human with ease. So direct contact was enough to melt the brains and senses of similar amphibians or snacks in this particular case within a second. It was also used to fend off various predators like those pesky humans and Amorphians (humanoid animals for the uninitiated.) 

The Slayer took this as a minor annoyance as he dived deep down into the throat with his sword and made sure to cut everything he saw, from the vocal chords, to the major arteries, which sprayed him with a brilliant amber colored blood.

Then he splashed into something putrid.

"Stomach acid i'm assuming." The Slayer could tell from the melting of his eyes and flesh that was quickly repairing itself just as fast.

As he swam through the burning acid, something caught his foot. The Slayer turned his blade to see a Amorphian with half it skin melted off and twitching violently as it dived into him, bringing him further into the deadly pool.

"Still alive, these Amorphians have will power i give them tha-" The once complimentary thought died as he saw that he was surrounded by many different victims of this horrific sea monster. All of them twitching violently, they attacked him. A frenzied bum-rush in order to take him down, make him one of them.

He grunted in annoyance.

The Slayer cut the head off of a former Maritime soldier who unfortunately didn't have a great first day on the job as he lunges for the warrior's neck. He then grabbed the throat of a lizard Amorphian and ripped the head clean off as the body crumbled to the pool of acid. He swung his sword, cutting straight through the middle of a well-suited (Or was well-suited if the now ruined and half torn vest and dissolving dress shirt was anything to go by.) man whose arm was missing. The Slayer split him up through the head. He too fell into the stomach acid and dissolved slowly after that.

The warrior look around, he knows that he need to take care of these zombified victims. He couldn't help but express his sympathy this way.

"I'm not sure if these poor bastards will even still be moving if i cut open the stomach of this beast. So just in case." The Slayer as he tore through the poor bastards swiftly and efficiently. Can't have these zombified victims dragging unknowing people down with them into a watery hell. 

He could have just cut open the stomach of the monster and escape like that. However once again, thanks to his wife's kindness and altruism infesting him like a friendly virus, he couldn't leave without making sure the people in the city didn't have to deal with such a terrifying monster or it unsuspecting and unfortunate victims. 

After decimating them some more, which include slicing their heads vertically and chopping off various body parts, he felt the stomach acid begin to rise, He took his sword and proceeded to cut open the stomach with a little difficulty. It was like a machete going through a thick stack of papers, but the waters rushing in was showing progress. He dashed around, the sword splitting apart the stomach as water continued to rush in, the roaring from the creature became deafening as the alarms continued to blare, just barely audible over the violent and now mangled cries of the creature. The Slaver dived into the ocean that now occupied most of the stomach.

Various sounds filtered through his mind. The impaling of harpoons against flesh, the various shouts and whoops of the Maritime officers and a loud popping noise. And maybe he heard the souls thanking him for putting them to rest.

"Don't thank me. Thank her." He thought as he swam into the blood-infused waters. 

"Come now. How many times do i have to tell you that you're a hero?" He could hear her softly asked him. He chuckles, bubbles arising from his helm.

He emerged from the waters covered in viscera , he saw that he was closer to the city. The neon sign that welcomed all who come to this city that shined against the black skies.

"Hodia: WHERE DREAMS COME TRUE."

The Slayer just shook his head at this. He saw the giant towering onyx statue of a beautiful naked woman with horns and long beautiful and bejeweled dreadlocks draped across her back. Her arms outstretched towards the skies as if to welcome all to her paradise. 

"Yeah, i can already tell where this is going." He said to himself with a heavy sigh. He approaches the city.

----------

Two colorful women was walking on the sidewalk, they could see the ocean from here and it made for a beautiful sight. If only those horror beyond comprehension didn't roam those waters like they own the seas. They both jumped at the sound of the alarms along with the wailing of the notorious Mauvilla, the giant sea creature that been terrorizing Hodia for centuries. they both agree silently to stay clear from the docks tonight. Putting their plans of earning extra money from the Maritime officers on hold. The People walking past them pay little attention to the alarm and roars, they just knew to stay clear. 

Even from where they were standing they could see the giant waves splashing from the erratic movement of the beast. Eventually the roaring ceased and the women can both breathe a little easier and went back to what they was doing.

But the fragile peace didn't last for long (when had it ever?) as they were then scared by a loud and encompassing pop! They could hear the shouts of Maritime soldiers and a few cheers as well.

"YEAH!!! CAN YOU BELEIVE IT?! NEVER IN MY SEVEN YEARS OF PATROLING DID WE EVER THINK WE COULD'VE ACTUALLY DONE IT!" One of the elder Maritime officer yelled in jubilation as he high-fived his fellow officer.

"Thank the Titan that boat came before the Mauvilla showed up." Another Maritime officer said in relief. 

They both look at each other with a sense of relief and awe, believing that the soldiers have at least taken care of the problem. Maybe they scared the Mauvilla away? Or quite possibly killed it? It seemed unlikely considering even the strongest bombs couldn't stop it. And that not including people with special abilities who made a brave effort in the past.

One of the women was holding a meager wad of grey bills that seemed floppy and rigid at the same time, she flicked through the wad every couple of seconds while licking her lips. 

"We did pretty good this time." A short and curvy woman with black long hair in springy pigtails that was orange at the end said to herself with a grin. She had freckles and bold orange eyes, she wore orange short-shorts and a black comfortable open hoodie with a tight orange shirt underneath it. She had a skip in her step as she continue counting the rather unimpressive amount of currency.

But to the short woman, it was considered a good haul. Considering the amount of business that had been stripped away from them and the fact that they couldn't get regular jobs even if they wanted to.

So let her have this.

The Woman next to her was taller, she had wavy spring green hair that went down her back, she was a little thinner than her friend. She had on baggy dark green pants and wore a oversized green jacket with a emblem of the number 34 on the arm. She had on a fishnet shirt showing off her white bra.

"Yeah i suppose." The taller woman cladded in green responded as she looked depressed. Like 3 am and you thinking about the state of your life depressed. 

"Heeey...what the long and pretty face for?" The short woman inquired, making the tall woman chuckle. Bringing her out of the dumps for just a little while.

"I'm just been bummed out recently. Look at today collections of Sperlans, that barely enough to get something to eat." The emerald-haired woman noted with a pout. They were in the main commercial area of Hodia where tourists would flock to from time to time. Meaning jacked up prices for things you can get cheaper in the more...well let say less-developed areas of the steel island of indulgence.

Neither of them felt like making the trek to Deviro, just so they can go into the More for less store to pick up a decently priced six pack of ramen. Damn they were getting tired of ramen, and none of them had the ingredients necessary to jazz it up because the last time they had hot sauce and spices or hell even a cabbage was all the way back when they first moved into that crappy one bed-room flophouse. It was already there in the fridge, the other guy forgot it. And they used that up within a week. Damn Laura and her penchant for eating hot-sauce soaked chips. 

And before you inquire, no they didn't have a microwave. They have to ask their neighbor to use their microwave instead.

The shorter woman turned to her with a grin.

"Well good thing, i already swindled that poor sap into giving us a bundle of burgers and fries that we still have at the crib." The shorter woman mentioned with a proud grin.

"Mia, that shit is three weeks old." The green-haired woman said with annoyance as they quickly went into another alley to avoid some familiar well-dressed and handsome men that was just down the street. Including one man in a stylish black and white mask that covered their whole face.

They both silently agreed earlier in the year to stay away from these areas that was already controlled by this group of well-dressed asshats. Their survival was more important than any amount of money.

"Oh fuck off, everyone know that Red Rocket burgers last for ten weeks or your Sperlans back! Stupid!" The short twin-tailed woman named Mia fired back at her with a defiant glare. 

Laura didn't care about that, She didn't much care for Red Rocket Burgers, she didn't like the way their burgers look. It look like it was hashardly thrown together, but it kept them fed for this long. There was no complaints there.

Laura did have other complaints however.

"Yeah the same Red Rocket that never have a proper ice cream machine working, despite it saying on the front of the restaurant, RIGHT BEFORE YOU WALK IN MIND YOU (Mia:Keep your freaking voice down bitch!) That our ice cream machines are 100% fully operational or your money back." Laura argued back as they walk down the winding slope of a sidewalk, passing by the few natural trees this city had. Across from them, three wonderful geysers of artificially colored water was shooting up into the air from behind the railing. 

They could have stood there and watched that for the rest of the night and forget their troubles. But they had to get a move on.

"Who the hell go to a burger joint and get ice cream? Use your head Laura." Mia had to ask because she was tired of the complaints about that ice cream machine never working. Just some left over PTSD from when she was a cashier there for about two months before getting fired. That when she found out the limits of her special ability that day. If she not within range then her ability peters out.

"Especially since there is a really good ice cream place known as Snow Queen just three blocks down." Mia noted exasperatedly. 

"It not the same Mia, it not the same and you know that! It like drinking coffee that you made versus drinking coffee from a fancy restaurant!" Laura retorted with a smirk.

(Mia scoffs at the comparison.)

"Because your coffee taste like ass and not in the good way." Mia told Laura who gritted her teeth in barely restrained anger.

"Well maybe if you haven't cheaped out with the coffee brand and gotten Morning Dew like i told you to get, maybe my coffee would taste better." Laura accused as she adjusted her jacket.

"Ok honey, the coffee brand isn't the issue, it you. (Laura let out a offended gasp!) Rising South may need better marketing, but it perfectly serviceable as a coffee if you didn't botch it this morning." Mia retorted with annoyance clear in her voice as she remember the debacle earlier this morning.

"Bitch you brought the K-cup version instead of the instant version, what the hell you wanted me to do with that shit other than put the only clean towel we had over two Red Rocket plastic cups, rip the tops open which by itself took a couple of agonizing minutes and then spread it over the towel and then carefully pour hot water that i had to ask our neighbor for! (Laura gripped Mia by the shoulders and glared at Mia like she wanted to break her arms.) Do you know how embarrassing that was for me?" Laura asked Mia, seething in her barely restrained rage.

"Ok, ok, i get it-" Mia tried to placate Laura but the taller woman wasn't having any of her half-ass pity.

"All this effort just because you sold our coffee maker! (Mia: We had to pay the rent somehow, and not like we was using it to begin with.) Mia i swear to-God damn(Laura got down on her knees, Mia worriedly got down on her level as well as she placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, gently rubbing it.) I HATE BEING BROKE!" Laura cried out to the night skies. Not giving a damn who was in hearing distance. Praying for a reprieve from their dismal luck.

They received nothing.

"Yeah me too." Mia mutter in sympathy. Laura bounce right back up and deeply sighs as she relaxed her tense muscles. Mia didn't look her in the eyes. 

"I'm sorry Laura." Mia said slowly, her voice thick with emotion.

"you know what forget about that, back to what i what i was going to say about the ice cream. Their machines are always broken." Laura stated with anger.

"Then why would Red Rocket sell it at all?" Mia asked of Laura, swallowing the guilt she felt.

"Because they don't care about the people and would rather tease us with things they know we can't have but we keep coming back anyway because we're fools." Laura stated seriously.

"Maybe, but we're still alive so that got to count for something." Mia tried to a positive spin on this. Laura could only smile because it was true, yes they were still alive. Broke as all hell but still alive. And that has to count for something.

It better count for something.

Mia was glad to have Laura calmed down, she has seen her friend angry before and she never want to be on the receiving end of a Laura rage breakdown. She watched with her own eyes what Laura did to that one asshole.

She still get nightmares sometimes, about what could have happen if Laura didn't make it in time to save her sorry ass.

"And Red Rocket have ice cream to diversify the menu obviously, besides you be wanting ice cream at inappropriate times like 9 pm, our lives are not that sad that we're eating fast food ice cream at 9 pm." Mia told her.

Laura look at her with such a blank stare that can make even the most seasoned warrior uncomfortable.

"I stand by my statement." Mia said with about half as much conviction as she did previously, not backing down.

"Ok miss i'm so above it all, when should we eat ice cream then?!" Laura asked her friend.

"I don't know, 9 pm just seems wrong to me?" Mia offered weakly.

"All the things we do for some measly Sperlans and that seems wrong to you?" Laura asked incredulously. 

"Shit take it as you will." Mia told her with a shrug. Laura kicked a rock and watched it bounced off the wall. Mia bit her lip.

"Now, now. Let be positive. Just because we didn't make a lot right now doesn't mean there isn't something right around the corner. I tell you, we run this town." Mia told her gently.

"It certainly doesn't feel like it at times. I'm sorry Mia, i know i bringing the whole mood down." The jade haired woman said sadly.

"You're not the one who got us into this situation." Mia thought sadly.

"Oh Laura, don't worry about that, we all get like that at times. Me especially." Mia admitted somberly.

"Seriously? You?" Laura asked incredulously, rubbing her hand through her long and wavy green hair.

Mia flashed her a crooked smile.

"I know. I don't show it right? Just another showcase of my amazing acting! But yeah i do get down sometimes. But then i remember that i'm me! And not only that, i got a amazing and equally sexy partner in crime with me. And that no matter what life throws at us, we always rise again. Hell you were the one who told me that little tidbit." Mia explained as she pinched Laura's cheeks on her cute and beautiful face, her little speech lifting Laura's spirits. 

Hell it was the least Mia could do for her. 

Laura remembered telling Mia those words that night they were on the run. They were hiding in the forests on the outskirts of Hopdia, one of the few places not torn down by the rampant industrialization.

"I promise, i will get us out of this situation." Mia remember saying as she look at the hopeful smile on Laura's mascara-streaked face. 

They walked past some stores, Leather and Luxury. Big Bang Tacos. Beer and Loathing in Lost Vegas, a popular bar for the elite and the average working drone alike. 

Mia and Laura eyed them, the night wasn't over yet. They just needed one more unlucky rube. Hopefully this rube will have a little more cash on them.

"Besides with my fat ass and your banging looks, we can have the world eating out of the jam between our toes." Mia said confidently, raising her fist towards the ever expanding black abyss. 

Laura groaned as she heard the unsurprising thing that flew out of Mia's mouth.

"Don't you mean palm of our hands?" Laura asked with a chuckle.

"I know what i said." Mia replied, she went back to counting her money. 

"We might have enough for some tacos." Mia said to Laura who grinned widely. She can go for some tacos right about now. But the grin slowly disappeared as she realized how much was in Mia's hands.

It was about 20 Sperlans, which was the equivalent of fifteen dollars in the other realm. The grey Sperlan bill is worth one dollar. The Golden Sperlan bills being valued at 100 dollars. With the bronze coins known as pups being valued at around fifty cents.

"Mia that barely enough for the value menu at BIG BANG Tacos." Laura noted, staring at the meager wad of sperlans with disdain in her eyes.

"Oh cheer up, we can split our order!" Mia stated with a smile.

"Two tacos are not going to be enough!" Laura angrily told her.

"It also come with a bag of Nacho blasters and a drink! ARE YOU STUPID?!" Mia had to ask because how the hell was her cute friend not seeing the potential of this reasonably priced deal.

"I'm going to be hungry thirty minutes later and you know that!" Laura clapped back at Mia who rolled her eyes.

"All that eating and yet my ass is still fatter than yours!" Mia teased the emerald haired woman grumbled and place her hands in her coat pockets.

"Whatever, either way we need some more Sperlans and fast." Laura told Mia seriously as they continue their stroll on the sidewalks.

"Yeah i hear you, i'm sure we come up on some poor sap to gank sooner or later." Mia offered Laura in the chance it would give her....what was that word?

Oh yeah, hope.

"I hope my wife is doing ok at home. Boy oh boy i can't wait to show her what i got for her!" A energetic and high-pitched voice said not too far from them.

They both turn their heads to the cartoon mouse who was happily walking down the other sidewalk in front of them.

Laura looks at Mia who was staring wide-eyed at the diamond necklace the captain mouse pulled out to inspect. IS HE STUPID?

"Jackpot." They both utter at the same time. 

Mickey found himself walking back towards his hotel. The damages to the cruise ship wasn't too major, he had to thank that red-eyed mysterious woman and her blonde and pink-haired friend later. He made sure to get no crumbs on his black and white captain uniform, accented with a bright red bowtie that his wife brought him. He finishes his delicious hot dog and properly dispose of it in the waste basket. He smiles to himself after that meal, you can never mess up something so simple and delicious. His big smile dropped when he heard a short scream coming from one of the dark alleys. 

He steeled himself and went into the alley. Armed with only his fists and good heart. Sometimes that was all you really need to do what was right. 

The came across a beautiful (but not as beautiful as his precious wife) woman who look scared wearing a baggy green jacket and fishnet shirt with a white bra underneath it. Mickey was floored by this fashion choice, it was very unique and make him wonder if he could pull off a fishnet shirt. He would have to ask his wife. 

"you alright miss?" Mickey asked, his floppy ears curling in concern for the young woman.

The woman look at the mouse and blinked, a subtle smile made it way across her face before she quickly wiped it in exchange for a relieved expression.

"I'm so glad i found someone who can help! It my friend!" She said as she grabs the mouse's big gloved hand and lead him to a abandoned lot. The first thing Mickey laid his eyes on was a single washing machine that look out of place. Not only that, the fact that there was pair of thick legs that was wearing black and orange striped stockings as the legs kick back and forth on the ground, her wide hips cladded in orange shorts-shorts swaying enticingly. 

"Golly. What happen here?" Mickey asked, very confused at the set-up and what could had led to this situation.

"My friend was trying to rescue a lost kitten that hid itself in a abandoned washing machine, but she got herself stuck too!" Laura explained to the mouse as she slapped Mia's ass with a resounding smack!

Mia moaned and decided to put her acting skills to work.

"Help! I sure hope some kind stranger can get me out of this jam. I will be ever so grateful." The trapped woman said with a raspy voice, she started to exaggerate her hips swaying. Her fat butt cheeks clapping together. Laura just shakes her head and covered her smile with her hands at Mia showing off.

"Oh she sounds like a swell girl! I help her out!" Mickey told them with a warm smile.

Laura walked behind Mickey and slowly pulled out her phone, she make sure to record everything. 

"Sorry Mr.Captain, you seem really nice but girls got to eat after all. And also do laundry tomorrow. That also important." Laura thought with a stifled giggle. Her mind racing with what she was going to order at Big Bang Tacos. 

The Captain Mouse got behind the woman and grabbed hold to her hips.

"Oh my! What are you doing?" Mia asked with mocking innocence. Her heart beating fast as she can just imagine that despite the high-pitched voice, he was packing something serious in his pants. Never judge a book by it cover and all that.

"Men are so easy to manipulate-" The thought Laura had immediately died out at the sight before her. 

Mickey easily pull Mia out with no problem. 

"Are you alright miss?" Mickey asked politely with a smile to the now completely baffled woman with the orange and black pigtails.

"Uh yeah. Thanks?" The orange and black woman said awkwardly.

"Was you able to rescue that cat?" Mickey asked as he adjusted his cap.

Now the pigtailed woman had to think on her feet...or knees in this case.

"Oh it just jumped out right as i went in there, must've scared the poor thing." Mia lied easily as she now had to think of a new plan on the spot.

"You really are a amazing man....mouse." Mia awkwardly complimented as she traced a finger down Mickey's chest. 

The Captain felt uncomfortable but knew she meant well.

"I always like to help." Mickey stated with a nervous smile that did...things to Mia. She eyed him like a Tiger would a Deer.

"I wonder do you whimper, oh what am i thinking? Of course you do." Mia thought with a grin.

"I bet you can help me and my friend out in another way as well." Mia drawled, as she hugged the Captain of the S.S We Come up with a name later.

"Oh uh, listen ladies, you both seem really swell but i'm married." Mickey show the ring on his finger. It was underneath his glove, evident by the bulge on his ring finger.

Mia put that finger in her mouth and sucked, scaring the pure bejeezus out of mickey as he tried to pull back but to no avail. 

Laura stared wide-eyed, no matter how long she knew Mia, she would always be impressed by her suction. 

"Please let go!" Mickey pleaded with the short woman.

Mia rolled her eyes and opened her mouth with a wet pop as the mouse scrambled back from the two women.

"Listen i don't know what going on but-" Mickey then realize something was wrong.

His ring!

Mia now had a smug grin as she opened her mouth, the diamond ring resting neatly on her tongue.

Mickey and Laura was astonished as Mia somehow sucked the ring through the Boat Captain's glove! And his glove was perfectly fine! HOW IN THE NAME OF EVERYTHING THAT IS WRITTEN WAS THAT EVEN REMOTELY POSSIBLE.

"I be taking this.(Mia slide the ring off and tossed it to Laura who caught it with a wide smile.) Laura, look like we can eat and go clothes-shopping too!" Mia told Laura with a toothy grin as Mickey rolled up his sleeves.

"Ladies, i understand that you may need money. I'm willing to give you Sperlans just please give me the ring back. That ring symbolize the love i have for my wife and the life-long comm-" Mickey was cut off by Mia who laughed at his pleading.

"Oh blah blah, we get it, you're a good husband. You know what? (Mia turned her back to the Boat Captain Mouse and smacked her fat ass.) If you wasn't such a goody two shoes, you coulda hit this and kept your ring. All we had to do then was blackmail you into paying us so we don't leak the footage onto the Great Nexus. But now look at you, unlaid and broken. Fitting for someone who look the way you do. You probably didn't have a cock because you're so cartoony and kid-friendly." Mia insulted the mouse as he was about to give this mean and crass lady a piece of his mind until his eyes wandered behind her. Mia was confused at what Mickey was looking at and turned around, maybe Laura? Can't blame him because Laura fine as hell-Oh that not good.

Laura had a syringe needle just inches from her neck, her eyes wide with fear as a gloved hand held her tightly by the waist.

"Well, well. Talk about the mother of all coincidences. We were just looking for you two." A well built and lean man said close to Laura's ear. He was wearing a unsettling but stylish black and white mask and had on a dark red dress shirt that was complimented by a dark grey suit vest and dark grey pants.

Mia eyes widened, goosebumps broke out on her skin at the sound of his smooth sounding voice. She took a step back, the fear evident in her eyes as she felt her confidence dwindled away into nothing. Mickey was very concerned at the sight of the masked man and the syringe in his hand.

"H-hey , how are you doing?" Mia lamely asked, keep him talking and find someway to get Laura away from him.

"Why mister, you let go of her right now!" Mickey told the man angrily, rolling his sleeves up as Mia was surprised at Mickey coming to Laura's defense. 

The man before the scared duo was named Mikhali. And he was enjoying every second of this.

A giant humanoid and extremely muscular hamster emerged from the shadows behind the masked man. The Boat Captain was now a little scared but he wasn't about to back down. Not when he had something in his now rolled up sleeves. 

"Get your disgusting hands away off me." Laura stated through gritted teeth.

"Disgusting? Well you two would know all about that. After all, blackmailing innocent and vulnerable men like this mouse." The Man look at the mouse that stood before him.

Mickey took a step forward as Mia squatted down and shot her arm out, blocking the mouse who now look at her in confusion.

"What are you doing? Stay out of this and run." She said through gritted teeth.

"Why would i run? There are two women in great danger." Mickey told them seriously.

"You should listen to her. Your wife would be awfully worried if you didn't make it back." Mikhali informed with a smile behind his mask.

Mickey's eye twitched.

"And what is that supposed to mean?" Mickey asked with a edge in his voice.

"Just get the hell out of here, Both of you!" Laura yelled at Mia and Mickey for their own safety before a swift blow to her stomach knocked the air out of her. The masked man lowered his fist, feeling some form of satisfaction.

"Laura!" Mia screamed as a muscular and admittedly quite handsome police officer come into the scene wielding a gun. The sound of drums made it way to Mickey's ears, he look behind to see the dryer from earlier was now gone and was baffled.

"Sir, let go of the woman." The officer said calmly to the masked man.

He look at the police officer in his blue and unfitting uniform and back at the duo of Mia and Mickey. He smirks behind his mask and snaps his fingers.

The muscular hamster grabbed the head of the officer and crushed it, the body disappearing into a fine mist. At the same time, blood splurted out of Mia mouth as she held her head with a grimace that turned itself into a amused smirk. Mickey pulled out a handkerchief from his coat pocket and offer it to her with a look of concern. She takes it with a nod of appreciation towards the boat captain.

"Yeah, figures you see right through my trick." Mia said through gritted teeth, she wipes her mouth off with the handkerchief. 

"It not like you were ever particularly clever Mia. How else would you find yourself in your current predicament?" The Masked Man asked of Mia who flipped him off. He chuckled. Same old ignorant Mia.

"Oleg, can you take care of this sow so i can have some personal one on one time with precious little Mia here?" He asked of the furry muscle that stood behind him.

"Fuck...you.." Laura said through gritted teeth.

The tall and very muscular hamster named Oleg did what he was to, although he did it with reluctance which Mia noted as he gently picked up Laura who didn't want to have her back broken in half like a bat so she didn't put up much of a resistance. 

"Well at least you still care." Mia thought, she can probably use that to her advantage.

"Hey there buckaroo, you must have forgotten that i'm here too. You are not going to lay another finger on these women." The captain mouse said with a stern voice.

"I honestly think your wife would be fine with us dying if it meant you got back safe." Mia tried to explain to Mickey, try to show him the reason he shouldn't throw his life and his wife life away by trying to play the hero for their dumbasses.

"Mickey? Was it? You should listen to Mia, i know that she practically mentally impaired but...how did that quote go? A broken clock is right twice a day? Besides if we had to take care of you as well. Well then we had to go inform your wife and comfort her." He informed Mickey as he slowly digested the words. Mia winced and Laura felt a pit in her stomach.

"And of course, she might feel that your house, the home you two so lovingly shared just bring too many painful memories. So she might need a change of pace, apartments and houses around here are pretty manageable when it come to prices. Then she might find herself in need of a job, lucky for her, we have a new position available. I'm sure our clients would be quite intrigued in a lady like herself. They can also surely....comfort her as she would be in need of it." He said slowly, making sure the mouse before him understood.

Laura wanted to vomit.

"Sick bastard." Mia muttered.

Mickey slowly walked forward. His face betraying no emotion.

"No don't-" Mia started but the words died on her lips.

"Come on now Captain, don't be stupid. You're risking your wife's life as well here." Mia thought in anger and fear.

"NOW YOU LISTEN HERE BUSTER!" Mickey screamed.

Mikhalli crouched down on his knee and put a hand to his ear.

"I'm listening." Mikhali responded with a dung-eating grin behind his mask.

And just like that, a cartoony black and white tool box with black shoes and little metal arms with white gloves sauntered next to Mickey, catching everyone off guard except for Mikhalli.

The toolbox opened itself up and Mickey reached into it. He then in a instant pulled out a cartoony megaphone and yelled into it, directly into Mikhalli's face.

"YOU ARE NOT GOING TO LAY A SINGLE FINGER ON MY WIFE OR THESE GIRLS DO YOU HEAR ME!!!!!" Mickey roared into the megaphone, it caused Mikhalli to hold his ears in pain as Laura and Mia look on astonished. Especially Laura as the hamster dropped her on the ground and he pretended to hold his ears in pain, he nudge his foot towards Laura, signaling her to get to Mia's side.

"So the captain has a Martial Art as well? Well lucky days." Mia thought with a smile. 

"If he also have a martial art, i should be thanking him for not letting that megaphone affect us as well, even though we totally deserve it." Laura thought as she scrambled next to Mia.

Mikhali chuckled, his right ear now bleeding. He clapped his hands in respect.

"Well Done Captain." He said with enthusiasm. Without warning he delivered a swift kick to the ribs of Mickey, a sickening crack was heard as Mickey crumpled to the ground as the toolbox ran behind Mia and Laura. It form slowly flickering.

Mia tugged Laura's sleeve, a secret signal that meant "Let get the hell out of dodge!" But Laura didn't bulge. 

"I'm so freaking tired of living in fear." Laura muttered, bringing Mikhali's attention back to the duo, with one final kick, Mickey was sent flying to the brick wall. A short scream tore itself from the captain's chest as he fell to the hard concrete floor, black blood leaking from his lips as he look at Mikhali in anger. His cartoony eyes struggling to stay open.

Mikhali walked forward and Laura got into a fighting stance. Just because she didn't have a Martial Art doesn't mean she didn't know how to kick ass.

"Stay away from him!" Laura said through gritted teeth, fighting her rising fear.

Mikhali laughed as he approached the not so terrible trio. He was reveling in this.

"Go on Laura, try to stop me. It won't go like last time." He told her with a deadly edge to his voice as he was mere inches away from her.

"Damnit, i rather die than let this freak touch Laura or Mickey or his wife whose name i never got!" Mia thought as she used her martial art to summon a knife, all she could really bring out at the moment since she expended her energy conjuring the washing machine and the police officer. 

"I can't do anything too crazy, but this should be enough." Mia thought to herself as she bum rush Mikhali with the knife in her hand.

"Laura grab that mouse and run!" Mia yelled at Laura as she ran with all her remaining energy.

Mikhali side-stepped the pitiful attempt by Mia and elbowed her in the temple, knocking her to the ground, he slams a foot on her stomach. A grunt of pain forced it way out of Mia's mouth as she stab the knife into his leg, it made a shallow cut. Mikhali look down at her and just chuckled as he kick the knife away, the blade disappearing into the thin air. 

Same as last time.

"Runnin low on energy Mia?" He asked, teasing the woman underneath him as she flipped him off, earning her a reward of another boot to her stomach.

Mickey got to his knees, a searing pain spread through out his ribs as he reached out to tug on Laura's pants, she look at him, her face enraged.

"Laura, get out of here and get help, i will take him on and protect Mia." He told her weakly, he got up on one knee. He will do

"I already said it before, i'm sick of running. Besides, no one coming to help us." Laura stated as she saw the toolbox about to check on Mickey.

Laura grabbed the cartoony toolbox who flail in her arms for only a moment before calming down.

"I wouldn't do that if i were you Laura." Mikhali said with a grin behind his mask as he places his foot on Mia's throat.

"Run...damn...it..." Mia said through gritted teeth, tears running down her face. Her air cutting off as she felt the pressure of Mikhali's boot on her windpipe.

Oleg tensed up. His mind conflicted.

She open the toolbox and reached in. She pulls out a cartoony pistol and aimed it at a unimpressed Mikhali as the toolbox ran to Mickey and reach into itself to pull out a bottle of liquid painkiller. Mickey took it and slowly drunk the black cherry flavored medicine.

Mikhali held the syringe, he was entirely relaxed as he stared at Laura who hand was shaky holding the pistol.

"What happen to the woman who was so brave that night i decided to put Mia in her place?" Mikhali had to ask her out of curiosity. 

Laura said nothing, her face enraged.

"Let her go!" Laura yelled angrily. 

"Alright. I will do as you ask. In exchange, you come back to us, back under her appreciative gaze. And we forgive everything, she misses you, you know?" Mikhali told her calmly as he increased his weight on Mia's throat.

Laura shot the pistol at Mikhali's face, giving him his answer.

The bullet caused Mikhali head to tilt back violently. Laura rushes for Mia.

Too bad for the Jade-Haired woman that he regained his senses.

His foot then proceed to crush Mia's throat, the smoking bullet embedded in his mask. Laura screamed out in anguish as Mikhali proceeded to backhand Laura hard and sent her flying to a nearby dumpster.

"That enough!" Mickey roared as he pulled out a hammer and got in front of Laura. His voice full of rage and sorrow.

"Still haven't learn your place on the hierarchy?" Mikhali asked of the rodent that stood defiantly before him.

"There is no hierarchy, just a monster who needs to be put in his place." Mickey said angrily as he rushed Mikhali who shrugs at this, Mickey toss the hammer at his mask and Mikhali dodge it, he grab the now struggling Mickey by the collar and thoughts of the ways he could torment the rodent until a sharp and blinding pain hit him in the back of his head.

Mickey kicked him hard in the ribs as Mikhali let go, the hammer dropped onto the ground. Having been bounced from the wall on the other side and hitting Mikhali in the head like a boomerang. Mickey grab the hammer by diving under the masked man. Mikhali didn't have time to deal with the rodent as Laura kept firing her shots at the masked bastard.

He dodge to the other side, the bullets hitting the walls and then he scrambled to move as far away as possible as he is pretty sure those bullets might have the same properties as the hammer that whammed him in the back of his head. Call it a theory, one he didn't feel like being the test subject of.

Laura then realized with frustration that the gun was empty, she decided to use it as a club. She swung it with all her might at Mikhali who kneed her in the gut and then back kicks Mickey in the face, sending him flying once again. He sidestep another swipe of the gun by a enraged Laura before punching her in the ribs multiple times, each hit like a brick thrown softly at her ribs. He toss her on her ass, she landed unceremoniously next to the dead body of Mia. 

He chuckled at the sight of Laura on the ground next to her dead friend. 

Oleg watched on as Mickey did his best against the superior Mikhali. He swung his hammer with all his might, he managed to land a few blows against Mikhali, Mikhali moved faster. Oleg could tell he was grinning behind that mask as grab Mickey by the collar of his captain jacket and slammed him into the wall and delivered another patented kick to his face, sending the rodent bouncing across the rough asphalt. 

Tears sting Laura's eyes as her vision landed on Mia. Who despite some bruising look like she was just sleeping. By everything in the night Laura wishes she was just sleeping.

"Mia...i'm sorry." Laura sobbed silently she dig her fingers into the asphalt.

And that when Laura saw Mia's chest subtly rise.

Could it be?

Laura crawled to Mia. She was still breathing? SHE WAS BREATHING?! 

The emerald haired woman look at her friend's neck. It was not bruised or damaged at all.

"Mia, i'm going to beat your ass later." Laura thought as she felt a extreme relief at the passed out form of Mia. She noticed that Mia's fingers was broken and winced at the sight. 

"That was one hell of a gamble." Lauren thought as she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turn to see Oleg and she almost flipped out but she saw that he had a knife in his paws, he had the handle pointed at her. She grabbed it without hesitation and nodded at Oleg. 

She charged at Mikhali and managed to stab the knife deep in his lower back before ripping it out and then stabbed it in his shoulder, causing him to grunt in pain as Mickey followed up with a hammer to his kneecap.

It was turning into a pure jump fest. Mickey swung the hammer hard as he can with each blow he thinking of his wife and the thinly veiled threat Mikhali made to him.

"You know Laura, i have to thank you-" Mikhali told her as he dodge one of her high kicks and proceeded to deliver a devastating punch to her stomach, causing the air to be knocked out of her lungs. He followed up with a sharp knee to her ribs. But Laura wasn't about to fall yet as she drove the knife straight into his ear, eliciting a sharp grunt of pain from Mikhali. He disarmed the knife from her and elbowed her in the nose, staggering her as she took a few steps back.

Mickey charged in again, only to fall flat on his face, his legs suddenly tied up. He felt a sharp stinging sensation in his legs.

Laura recovered and was about to stab him in the throat only to find her arm tangled up, she look at her left arm that was now restrained by glowing red and black barb wire with long jagged spikes, tearing at her sleeve and digging into her skin.

He reveled in the pained expression that was on Laura's face.

"When you left me broken and laying there in a pool of my own blood, a revelation came to me." Mikhali tighten his fist and the crimson and indigo barb wire tightened around Mickey's legs and Laura's arm, drawing more blood that slowly healed his injuries. 

"You fuckin bastard!" Laura roared at Mikhali as she tried to kick him in his testicles like she did that one night. Mikhali dodge it and another rope of barb wire wrapped around her leg, digging into her skin. She felt her anger slowly drain. No not only her anger, she felt like she was losing her sense of self.

"Perhaps i was being too...nice. I learned from a early age that kindness get you no where in this world." Mikhali told them both, he landed a sharp kick to Laura's head, not too hard as to knock her out, but enough to make her see stars. And to teach her a important lesson about respect. 

"Of course when i realized that, i tried so hard not to let that get me down. So when i found out that your precious Mia was planning to steal the money that we all worked so hard for-"

Mikhali dodge the gun that was thrown as hard as Laura could throw it with her right hand and caught the hammer that Mickey threw at him and patted the palm of his hand with it as he continued.

"WE WORKED FOR THAT MONEY, NOT YOU!" Laura screeched at Mikhali as she tried to kick at him only for her left leg to be tied in the spiritual barb wire as well. Mikhali took another opportunity and dropkicked Laura in the chest and flipped off her as the air left Laura's lungs for a second time. He landed perfectly on his feet as the barb wire continued to drain them of their will.

"Ah potato, patato. You were working under me after all. Both of you were. I'm the one who made sure you two had a decent apartment and comfortable beds to sleep in." Mikhali stated with a crooked smile behind his mask.

"Fucker, you were taking eighty percent of the profits, hooking us up with dangerous clients who could have killed us!" Laura retorted through her clench teeth, the disgust pooling in her and threatening to rise up through her throat. The memories flooding into her head, some of their clients have been especially rough. She was lucky Mia and that muscular hamster was there as well, they always made sure the clients didn't overstep their boundaries, Mia with her newfound powers was able to do most of the heavy lifting. 

"We can't afford to have our merchandise broken after all." Mikhali explained to Laura and Mia as he introduced Oleg to them after a incident. 

"Since when did you have standards? Besides, you two was not only making good money. But you were under her protection as well." Mikhali said, bending down to Laura's level, he didn't want to get his suit dirty, not for these waste of spaces.

"You remember right? How she was very intrigued by you two and say that you both was shaping up to be her favorites." Mikhali reminded the jade haired woman with something resembling resentment in his voice.

Of course she remembered, she remember drinking something with Mia while meeting with a tall woman who was wearing a elegant and sexy outfit and next thing either of them knew, they were standing before the Titan of Lust herself. She easily towered over them, it was like they was standing in front of one the skyscrapers in Hodia. Her golden dreadlocks draped across her shoulder, her neck dressed in beautiful diamond and pearl necklaces. Her shimmering red dress cut low showing off her very impressive cleavage.

Mia's words came out before she could even think. 

"Wow those are some massive tit-t-t-t-hair! hair! Beautiful golden hair!" Mia corrected herself in a panic as Laura just sighed, dread setting in. Well their life may have been short but- 

The Titan laughed and pointed at Mia and said that she made her laugh in a voice that made them feel all warm and fuzzy inside. She then placed her well manicured finger on Mia's forehead. Mia convulsed and fell on the floor, her body flailing around like crazy. It was like she became a ragdoll in Garry Mod (One of Laura's favorite games). Laura remember getting on her knees and trying to help her friend only to be restrained much like how she was now.

"Now, now. It rather rude to interrupt someone before their climax." The Titan of Lust whispered against her neck as she held her closely like one would their own lover.

"What happening to her?" Laura found herself asking, her fear and concern for Mia overtaking her natural preservation skills of getting out of there.

"She just...becoming something more." She said close to Laura's ear, her strawberry scented breath tickling it. For some reason, Laura's eyes begin to feel heavy and she fell into the waiting arms of the Titan of Lust who look down at her with nothing but pure amusement in her eyes. 

Her face suddenly shifted to that of a three eyed goat with sharp teeth. Laura couldn't feel herself anymore, it was like her senses was striped away, all but her sight. She was forced to stare into her eyes and all she could see was herself. Naked and trembling, and yet she made no attempt to cover herself before the other Laura. 

"You're not ready yet..." With that, the other Laura softly kissed her, sending into a peaceful slumber.

They woke up three hours later, their clothes was still on so that was good. 

That how Mia gained her Martial Art. A ability that is unique to the person and their personality. This is also called Arcadia in the mystical realm of Mount Mammoth. With time and experience this ability can evolve into something more powerful.

"Desire Manifest. That what i'm calling it. What do you think of the name?" Mia asked of Laura as she summoned a copy of Laura doing a provocative dance on the real Laura." 

"This is amazing!!! All this from that giant woman touching your forehead?" Laura excitedly asked, her hands roaming over the copy of herself, it was so amazing! It was like there was really two of her! She had heard of Martial Arts before but assumed that was for people who followed the Gods. Which technically they do now. Or Titan in this particular case. The copy of Laura kissed the Real Laura deeply. Laura wasn't about to complain and she kissed her back, she really was a good kisser, in your face Mia.

"Yeah and surviving the seizure afterward. I swear it was like my soul was getting massaged, tickled, fucked, jumped, and hugged all at the same time." Mia would go on to describe it to Laura who broke the kiss with her copy after hearing this. 

"That...an description." A worried Laura said in response, as the Laura's copy slowly disappeared.

"Hmm, i might need some time to work on this skill, wonder what else i can manifest?" Mia questioned herself as her theoryzing was cut off by Laura hugging her tightly.

"I'm just glad you're ok." Laura stated as rub her hand through Mia's hair.

Mia felt all warm inside and chuckled.

"Of course Laura, here to a bright future." Mia told her as she hugged her back.

Laura felt a sharp kick to her hip, bringing her back to the harsh reality as Mikhali lowered his leg and wagged his finer.

"Going through memory lane in the middle of me talking is very rude. How do you have worst manners than Mia?" He had to ask as he used the barb wire to slam Mickey into the wall.

"Let her go!" Mickey roared, struggling against the barb wire cutting his skin. The cartoony toolbox trying it best to cut at the barb wire with the wire cutter it pulled out of itself.

Mikhali felt the pain of each wire being snapped.

It was exhilarating. 

"Oh come on Captain. (Mikhali fixed his hair and brush the dust off his shoulders.) if only you knew who these women truly are. I wonder if your wife will appreciate you giving your life away and leaving her all alone for two worthless con artists?" The Masked Man asked as Oleg gripped his paws, he was about to knock away Mikhali temporarily and buy time so that the two of them could get out of there until something moved past him. The wind that followed chilled Oleg to the bone. Laura and Mickey also felt it.

"But i suppose i should give you something for your misplaced nobility." Mikhali said, a crazed grin appearing behind his face cover.

It happened within a second of Mikhali ending his sentence. Laura was now wide-eyed at the sight before her. 

The simple looking blade protruded through his stomach, blood now staining his freshly laundered pants. His shirt and vest now ruined much to Mikhali's annoyance. The blade penetrated from the back. Mikhali coughed up blood against his mask, the warm liquid pooling around his formerly chiseled chin.

"And we got someone trying to play hero. Fantastic." Mikhali thought to himself in anger, he had wanted to go home early tonight with Laura in tow.

The blade was pulled out swiftly, causing more of the blood to be spilled to the hard ground and before Mikhali could even turn around, he was grabbed by his collar and flunged into the brick wall, the air leaving his lungs on impact and the once spiritual barb wire that was wrapped around Laura and Mickey disappeared slowly. A grunt of pain escaped his lips as he fell to the ground.

A armored warrior dressed in a crimson cape appeared before them all. His demonic looking armor covered in viscera of the slain Mauvilla.