From good to bad
Justice Heroes Elite
CHP 14: From good to bad
Stretching in the ring looking at the various surrounding spectators brings a grin to the face of Logan. Although he isn't quite sure why he agreed to the trip, the competition takes his mind off of any doubts he may have. Across from him is a warrior who displays blood lust within his eyes, the tarkada fighter is more than ready to begin the match. Before the announcer can step forward to clarify where the match will take place Pythena steps into the ring. It becomes a bit strange when she passes the announcer walking over to the side of Baraka; resting a hand on his shoulder and whispering something in his ear. As a response the tarkada smiles wildly staring down Wolverine with even more confidence than before! Watching on a screen in the hallway the Dark knight observes all of this rubbing his chin. What could this mean? Finally a lead for him to work off of, if there is anything Batman has learned throughout his career as a detective/crime fighter is when something big is being plotted/arranged. Pythena steps out of the ring grinning at the now suspicious Wolverine. What would a tournament host have to say to one fighter that can't be heard by the other.
"So where are we taking this bub, I'll let you choose."
Examining Wolverine the Tarkada is impressed; this guy unlike his previous opponents shows no signs of fear. It doesn't matter if he's afraid or not, the fact is Baraka will not fail; the match must end with him as the victor. Watching the area's flip through on screen; the mortal kombat fighter lifts a finger pointing to a particular area. The decision is made; both participants are transported to Hell's Solitude.
"The end of the road draws near for you Wolverine; I will have your blood!"
The X men member listens to the echoing voice of his opponent. Taking a knee Logan lifts up his mask wiping the sweat from his head. The heat within what resembles that of a volcano/mountain is beyond intense, so severe in fact that much steam flows all around through the air. Standing upright he slides the mask over his face.
"This place alone could probably defeat someone, where are you Baraka?" Yelling out he looks down over a ledge at a pit of lava, "That explains a lot."
Falling forward a miniature size boulder shatters over the head of Wolverine who barely catches the edge before falling down below to his death. Stepping forward is the Tarkada the one responsible for the attack; Logan pulls himself up ready to begin.
"Lets go bub, consider that your only freebie."
Running forward Wolverine unleashes his claws, but is surprised as Baraka lets loose his own pair of long blades. The battle begins with both fighters slashing at one another; the blades of both fighters collide up against one another. Inside the dome Shang Tsung makes himself present stepping out of a back room. Catching his attention immediately is the extreme battle on screen. Watching for a few moments brings excitement within him, this is exactly the type of match which brings so much thrill to the Mortal Kombat tournament. Looking over to advance toward Pythena he is beat to the punch. It is so fast that even she jumps a bit startled who stands in front of her.
"Ah hey miss Pyth.." Flash scratches his head looking up, "I'm sorry what is your name again?"
It is no secret that she is annoyed by his random appearance as it is displayed all over her face. What does this superhero want with her; she can't wait for the entire plan to be complete so she can be rid of these heroes! But Perhaps he has a question regarding the tourney; after all she is part of the management. Putting on a false smile she rest one hand on her waist.
"The name is Pythena; how can I help you Flash?" She asks pleasantly.
Her tone enables him to relax a bit dropping his somewhat raised shoulders.
"Well I just wanted to you to know that you're um, say ah shessh how would you say beautiful. You're so hot you've caught me on fire." Flash says biting at his tongue.
Lost for words would be an understatement, what did he just say to her? She turns from him trying to hide a blush. Wally notices this smiling, so far so good. Reaching out he moves a strand of hair from her face rubbing a hand across her ear.
"It was nice talking but I really have to be going now."
Zooming off out of sight, Pythena is left with her mouth wide open. What was the purpose for any of that, from what she can tell the Flash has a crush on her. That only makes things a bit more complicating, but it will not be a problem.
"What A strange man." Pythena utters.
Tapping her on the shoulder from behind is Shang Tsung.
"What was it you told Baraka before the beginning of the match?"
"It has no relevance so just forget it." She replies snapping a bit.
Inside the halls just outside of the waiting area Flash comes to a stop in front of a teammate. Both look around to make sure they're not being watched before speaking.
"I did just as you asked bats, I placed the device on a strand of her hair. So how sure are you that thing will not fall out?" Flash asks.
"It isn't something to worry about, when you were talking with her did you feel that she might have expected what you were doing?"
Looking up shrugging his shoulders; he believes she was completely surprised and caught off guard. Most people in that situation aren't thinking of some sort of setup.
"Nah I'm sure she hadn't a clue, thing is I think she actually digs me. So what is your purpose of suspicion regarding her?"
"You've done a good job Flash, that is all you need to know. If you are asked by anyone who may have seen anything, don't tell them a thing." Batman replies.
Shaking his head hating to be left out of details, Flash makes his way back to the waiting area. Why must the caped crusader always be so stubborn, he could have at least shared some information with him. It's no wonder he hasn't got very many friends, the dude keeps to himself far more than normal. Being pulled off into a corner a hand wrests over his mouth. He is let go turning and viewing the person responsible.
"What's going on; by the look on your face I'd say it's pretty serious," He looks the Amazon princess up and down, "Well obviously you don't want to talk, guess I'll see you around."
Turning the opposite direction Flash whistles while walking off. Reaching out Wonder Woman forcefully grabs him by the arm pulling him back.
"What is it you and Batman were talking about; please don't tell me it was nothing either!"
Oh no this isn't good, he was just told not to share any of the info with any of the team members. That's just great oh well he is the fastest man alive, perhaps he can come up with something convincing; but he had better be quick.
"Well um you know, I was just trying to hook up with this one chick and um we all know how good Batman's counterpart is with the ladies. So he just gave me a few pointers here and there." Flash says putting on a wide smile.
This doesn't last long receiving a frown from Diana causes him to gulp. It feels as though she can see straight through his lie, she's almost as intimidating as the bat!
"Whenever did you have trouble talking to women? If I can recall you've never had problems doing so." Diana says glaring down into his eyes.
Feeling as though he is pinned in a corner about to be executed, a smile of guilt forms upon his face. Thinking quickly he stands tall brushing himself off.
"Oh crap would you look at the time, I promised I'd meet Spiderman at this instance; gotta go." Flash tells.
Wonder Woman screams out his name watching him zoom off out of sight in half a second. What is up with Wally, it must have something to do with Batman; the thought of him makes her want to shove her face into a pillow and scream!
Hell's Solitude
Smashing a rock into the left side of Baraka's head Wolverine trips him lifting him over a shoulder throwing him above a ledge. The Tarkada survives stabbing a blade into the rocky like turf. Pulling himself up murmuring he runs at Wolverine swinging his blades all around.
"He has most certainly lost a lot of energy." Wolverine says to himself, dodging the reckless attempts by Baraka.
Whenever someone chooses the go ahead style of fighting it could mean one of two things; first they might feel they have no chance to win unless they score a quick KO, or two they want the fight to end. Stepping forward Logan stabs his claws into the stomach of Baraka who shouts out in agony! Slouching over Baraka puts both hands on his stomach applying pressure to the area of the wound.
"Lucky Shot, you will need a lot more of that if you expect to defeat me," The Tarkada spits blood ready to continue, "I'm curious to where you came from; I know you arrived here from another world with some friends?"
Stepping back a few ft Logan's eyes narrow, how would a typical tournament participant know about that? Bingo! It must have something to do with that Pythena women. If there is some sort of deception planned, she's definitely the candidate. Not answering the question of his chosen foe The X-men member begins his attack once again.
"Oh well I guess it's not important anyhow." Baraka mumbles.
Moving swiftly the MK fighter darts the attacks of Wolverine trying not to take even more damage. Catching Logan's arms in stride, Baraka lifts him throwing him into a wall. The blood lust fighter runs forward at bursting velocity punching ruthlessly on the defenseless Wolverine. After a few power shots to the head Logan is knocked unconscious. Of everyone watching the most astonished is Spiderman! Never in a hundred years would he have thought Wolverine would loose to some unknown like that. But unlike the normal tradition of every other match the two fighters are not brought back to the dome! Everyone continues to watch as Baraka beats on Wolverine.
"I know you probably can't hear a word I'm saying, but I told you it would take all the luck in the world for you to pull off a victory against me."
Lifting Wolverine up high over his head he walks forward looking down at two separate pits. One which is made up of spikes and the other Lava!
"Do it!" Pythena says under her breath getting energized.
Making his decision he tosses Wolverine into the pit of spikes smiling seeing them rip through his flesh. Blood pours everywhere leaving the audience and participants with a disturbing sight. Standing up from a table Green Lantern has had enough; yes it is true that he has seen many loose their lives throughout this tournament, but not quite like that. He didn't know Wolverine on a personal level very much, but the pain of loss runs through him as if an insect were trying to suck the life right out of him. It can't even be imagined what Spidy and his group are feeling. Being brought back to the arena, Baraka raises his arms up high declaring himself victor.
"Winner of this match by way of fatality, Baraka!"
The crowds applaud the winner; the Tarkada does something that he rarely ever does bowing down receiving even more cheers. Entering into the ring clapping Pythena steps in front of Baraka.
"You have done well, continue to do things my way and I see a bright future for you involving my upcoming plans. Wolverine was part of their lethal force, you have done great."
Using a finger she removes some hair which covers her eye noticing a certain someone entering. Feeling the tension and anger within him causes her to smile and chuckle.
"Hey blonde if you don't mind I'd like to have a word with you," Marching forward is the web slinger Spiderman, "I'm not sure what's going on here but I'm sure it has always been once a fighter has been KO'd the fight is over! What I just witnessed, wait let me rephrase that; what we all just witnessed was the match ended after he was killed."
Tightening his fist Spiderman stands in place wanting to hear a good answer, but for some reason feels he will be given an excuse.
"Well I'm sorry, do you want an apology?" Pythena asks with sarcasm.
Following her words she tries to cover her mouth to hide laughter but has no luck. Making things go from bad to worse she stares the wall Crawler straight in the face giggling evilly. Wow she has some nerve; what disrespect! The only thing that this tells Spidy is there is a possibility she had the match planned out from the beginning. Dashing and leaping forward he punches at Pythena who dodges and grabs his wrist slamming him onto the tile floor.
"What's wrong is the little baby about to cry, perhaps this tourney has proved to be mentally too tough for you. I'm sorry about what happened to your friend, but I had nothing to do with that." Pythena tells in disdain.
Getting up slowly Spidy turns the other way heading toward the ring's exit. His sudden surrender brings a smile to her face, she is once again in full control.
"You're a liar!"
Spiderman turns around webbing her in the face jumping up and kicking her to the ground. Running forward Baraka tries to attack Spidy, but has no luck being webbed up by his legs tumbling to the ground. Ripping the web off her face is an enraged Pythena!
"I think I should go out there and stop this before things get really ugly." Captain America sets down his shield.
Not even taking a step he is grabbed from behind. Turning around he glimpses over at the Amazon princess, who also shows emotion in her face. It's noticeable she feels for the Avenger members, the loss of a teammate always hurts.
"You wait here, I'll take care of it." Diana tells.
Cap nods holding back a tear. Inside the ring Pythena blocks the attempted strikes by the spider countering and slapping him off balance and onto the ground. Rubbing the area of his face, he realizes she is definitely stronger than that of a human. Getting up to throw a punch something wraps around his wrist.
"That's enough Spiderman, if you don't stop I'll have to take you down myself. You have reacted in the wrong way, drop it before you're disqualified."
Spidy calms his mental strain taking a few deep breaths and is surprised when turning to see that it is in fact Batman who holds onto wiring wrapped around his wrist. Without any effort at all he rips the wiring off throwing it to the side. Noticing the group of security approaching the ring, he decides to take Batman's advice.
"It would seem he is the brains of your little group, I'd take his suggestion and leave." Pythena utters.
He does not say a word exiting, what really bothers him is the terminology of Batman. Only a coward would say such things, but than again he was most likely looking out for his best interest and trying to keep a low profile at the same time. Stopping in place Wonder Woman watches from a distance seeing that Batman had beat her to the punch. Whatever the case someone has to have a talk with him, after what just happened he will need someone at Spidy's side. Back near the ring Pythena calls off all security; throwing her hair back and smiling at the fact that she has now got into the head of one of her hated enemies.
"Diana take him back to the waiting area, and don't take your eyes off him." Bats tells.
"Yah sure thing."
Bats glares at her facial tendency, she's clearly still heated at him for something which he didn't do. But that could be discussed later, right now they have bigger problems. Trying to wrap an arm around him he just shrugs her off walking past she and bats at a prompt pace. Looking back at Batman she exhales.
"Just let him go, he'll need some time to himself."
He follows her out of sight and into the back room. Just when things seemed to be going so well, little by little it seems to be falling apart. Somehow they all need to come together keeping their minds on the important task ahead. The announcer steps into the ring apologizing to all viewers in the stands for the slight interruption. After saying a few words the tournament continues on; the next fighters are called to the ring; which are Hoxz and Ironman. Trying to catch up to the wall crawler Diana stops seeing as he exits the dome.
"Hera I sure hope he doesn't do something he'll regret."
Arriving to the ring fairly quick, both fighters consent to battle within the dome a bit skeptical with all the outside interferences. Stepping out of the ring the announcer gives them the ok to begin.
"I haven't really seen any of your past matches, but I'm sure with all that Iron around your body it's hard to move. Try Dodging this!"
Ironman easily rolls off to the side watching Hoxz shoot some blast from his mouth. Taking advantage of him being off guard Tony charges up a beam blasting his opponent out of the ring and into a brick wall which shatters on impact. Hoxz stands to his feet outside the ring, walking a bit off balance before falling to the ground unable to continue.
"The Winner of this match by way of knockout; Ironman!" The announcer says stepping back into the ring.
He is applauded by many, conversations within the audience speak of his quick victory. Some have even considered changing their booth vote over to this individual. Ironman blasts off into the air exiting the ring while waving at the cheering crowds. Some hold up tea-shirts, notepads and other merchandise for an autograph.
"Look at them they just love these super powered fighters; it looks like the days guys like us were appreciated is over." Kung Lao says watching from a distance.
"That may be true but I didn't come here to loose; it doesn't matter if I win them over, as long as I'm still champion in the end. Though I will have to say the chances of that are next to none." Liu tells.
It's too bad he won't have the same chance as Liu, remembering back on the loss to that Spider guy only infuriates him. He felt for sure this year would be his time, but that is what most believe when entering; and if you don't you've already lost. Round three comes to a close with the final four matches finishing up. At this time many of the spectators make their way over to the booths, while the participants egress off the premises. Hovering above Ms Marvel spots Green Lantern side by side with Ironman flying down by their side.
"So what happened, how'd we do as a group? Will everyone be in round 4?"
Walking in silence neither of them say a word. Not receiving a reply after another few seconds she becomes worried.
"Wolverine is dead."
Ms Marvel looks over in the direction of the familiar dark voice! This is no joke, the expression on Batman's face says it all!
To Be continue