Back to GatefoldIssue #4 by John Cheese
December 2017 |
Flintlock heard her teammates warning seconds before a stinging sensation stabbed through her thigh and caused her to collapse onto her knees. As pain infiltrated her body she saw security tackle two women in the crowd, before a palisade of bodies clustered around her multiple voice asking multiple questions; was she okay, did she know how brave she was, did she know who would take a shot at the Vice President of the United States.
“Play along for now.” Ana’s voice whispered over the team’s radio-link. “Hannigan is working on a switch.”
“What happened?” Flintlock groaned, as a first aider placed a cloth against her shoulder.
“I don’t know, we’ll review when everyone is back at base. Burn your equipment and we’ll see you in a few hours” Ana replied as Rachel tilted her head slightly and jettisoned the ear bud, before nodding and smiling as the first aider said something that she wasn’t really listening too. One thing was rattling round her head, why hadn’t Silver Scorpion stopped the gunwoman from taking a shot at her?
# # # # #
Rosetta Stone stepped out of the rented Holden, her armour jettisoned and replaced by a smart business suit, as she parked the car outside the house the agents of Project Argent were rented. It hadn’t taken a lot to convince the Australian police that Mira Sells, Silver Scorpion’s undercover alias, had simply been an observant eyewitness. Since Ana had insisted that ‘Mira’ not be too hard-core, just in case she was arrested, it had only taken a little cash to bail out Jenifer.
“Well we’re back.” Stone sighed as Jennifer reluctantly pushed open the rear passenger door, a sorry look on her face and a bruise on her cheek.
“I screwed up, I got Flintlock shot.” Jennifer replied as she shot the open road a desperate look, before walking towards the door. “I should have planned for this, should have factored in a fourth gunmen.”
“What are you psychic or something?” Stone asked as they walked into the house, before entering the kitchen and walking down the steps into the garage where Zawadi was standing, her hand running over a map spread out across the table. “You couldn’t have known there was a fourth attacker until Sable told you.”
“The fact that the intel came in so late suggests bad planning.” Zawadi replied as she walked over to a rack of knives, before removing a curved blade with a purple ribbon wrapped around the hilt. “An operative is only as good as the spymaster who supports them.” She added, as she went back to the map and ran her free hand over the area around Circular Quay.
“I still should have known, I’ve been doing this for years I should have considered it.” Jennifer stated as she Stone picked up a box full of drawing pins.
“Blame yourself or don’t.” Zawadi told her as a door slammed from upstairs. “The assassins failed and even better ‘Cuda and Laserworks are in custody as is the woman who shot Flintlock. Nobody died today, that’s a plus.” She added, as Flintlock walked down the stairs, anger spread across her face, followed by Hannigan, her shroud flowing around her. “Everything okay?”
“I had a bullet pulled from my ankle.” Flintlock stated coldly as Scorpion turned and looked at her from the other side of the room.
“I’m sorry.” Jennifer whispered, as Flintlock and Hannigan clustered around the table. “I’m so sorry.” She replied, in a louder voice. Glaring at her, Flintlock threw a punch at Jennifer, the blow breaking her team-mates nose. “I’m so…”
“Apologise again and I’ll kill you!” Flintlock snarled, as Jennifer backed off a little. “You were meters away from the shooter, you knew she was there and you fucking froze! I can guess why nobody wants to work with you if you have a meltdown every time people rely on you!”
“Okay that’s enough both of you!” Zawadi snapped as she slammed the knife down into the map with a thud. “We have enough unfinished business relating to this mission without us attacking each other. Sarah, please tell me that the Vice President is back to being herself and in an Australian hospital.”
“She’s back where she needs to be, both physically and mentally.” Hannigan replied. “She should have no memories of her abduction or anything until she ‘took a bullet’.”
“Should have?” Stone asked.
“Strong minds have a habit of shedding off any mental restraints put on them.” Hannigan explained as she levitated the pins out of the box Stone was holding and fired them into the map at various points around Sydney’s CBD. “I assume the other ‘business’ involves Ghost Maker and the trail of bodies he has left in his wake?”
“It is, apparently Ghost Maker has the ability to return from the dead which is more bad intel on Ana’s part.” Zawadi announced as she removed her knife from the table. “As evidenced by the fifteen casualties he left behind after Flintlock blew him up. Judging from the location of the victims not to mention the mystical energy signature that Hannigan has been tracking, it looks as if he’s taking refuge in the Botanical Gardens. While our mission here is over, I don’t feel good about leaving him unchecked here, so anyone who wants to take him down is welcome to join me.”
“Sure, I need to punch something anyway.” Flintlock hissed as she shot Jennifer a withering glare. “If not her, then I’ll settle for that stupid green ninja.”
“Anyone staying here should start packing up the equipment for the flight back to Colorado.” Stone ordered as she walked over to the far side of the room and started putting on her armour.
“I can manage that.” Jennifer whispered, not daring to look at anyone.
“Can you!?” Flintlock snapped. “Or are you going to have a panic attack again and freeze?!”
“Enough, save some anger for Ghost Maker.” Zawadi stated, as she ran her hand over the section of map containing the Sydney Botanical Gardens.
“Not too much anger though.” Hannigan hissed as she shouldered a duffel bag over her shrouded shoulders. “There is more at work here then four assassins simply deciding to take a few pot-shots. Somewhere in either the criminal underworld or, more likely, its literal counterpart some demonic force set this in motion. I would dearly like to know who it is, and bring their mechanisations to the light of day.”
# # # # #
The sun had set by the time the agents of Project Argent had crossed Circular Quay and headed into the expansive grounds of the Sydney Botanical Gardens. With the scents of the city filtered out by the trees and plants around her, Zawadi quickly picked up the scent of Ghost Maker, and together with Hannigan’s ability to track the demonic energy that had permeated, not only him but his partners as well, they were soon hot on his trail. For his part, Ghost Maker was not making the hunt easy but eventually he came to a stop at a gazebo in the middle of the gardens.
“Set up containment, “ Zawadi whispered to Sarah, as she dropped her bag soundlessly onto the ground and levitate four engraved wild boar tusks and a large blue candle out of it, “Flintlock, Stone and I will engage.” She added, as Sarah sat on the ground and arranged the tusk in a diamond around the candle, before reaching into her bag and removing two jelly snakes, which she spread along the cardinal points of her diamond.
“Loa, bind my prey and hold him fast, keep him trapped as long as this flame doth last.” Sarah whispered as she blew on the candle, the wick catching alight, the flame consuming the jelly snakes immediately. “I will keep the flame alive and support you if I can from here.” She added, as her teammates ascended the path towards the gazebo, the moonlight glinting off Ghost Maker’s armour and katana as he stood facing away from them.
“I sensed that you were coming.” Ghost Maker stated in a flat cold voice. “I can find any who I have fought against in the past.” He added as something in the bushes stirred seconds before a figure dressed in white with glowing red eyes stepped out into the open, followed by eight followers dressed in similar uniforms. “I see you needed some additional help to take me down.”
“Uh we didn’t invite these guys.” Flintlock gulped as Zawadi drew her knife ready for a fight as the newly arrived figures encircled the agents and their quarry, the dim light and their costumes making them appear like phantom wolves, as well as revealing the array of firearms and blades they had all ready for action.
“Thief of Wakanda, throw down your weapons and surrender and your friends will be unharmed.” One of the ‘Men in White’ ordered as Ghost Maker drew his katana and turned to face the women of Project Argent.
“So who are these guys?” Flintlock asked. “The Wakandan White Dogos?”
“They are the Hatut Zeraze, Wakanda’s Secret Police.” Zawadi stated coldly. “They are tasked with hunting down the enemies of the Black Panther both at home and abroad.”
“Wait you are trying to arrest her!” Stone snapped as she stood between Zawadi and the leader of the Hatut Zeraze. “When one of the assassins who attacked the G20 conference, a conference where the Wakandan Finance Minister was attending, is standing right there!” She hissed as Ghost Maker flipped a throwing knife round in his hands and smirked from behind his mask at the enemies surrounding him.
“Remove her.” The captain commanded, as one of his subordinates opened fire on Rosetta Stone, the sonic blast emanating from his assault rifle and sending her flying. For a second everyone was still, and then the sounds of battle erupted as the three parties clashed. Taking the opportunity to gain revenge Ghost Maker threw his knife at Flintlock, his mercenary target shooting the weapon out of the air, before firing a shot at her opponent only for the assassin to duck and roll under the blast. Closing the gap to his opponent Ghost Maker was caught in a salvo of gunfire as two of the Hatut Zeraze opened fire on him. Casually he threw a pair of throwing stars backwards without even looking at these additional attackers, the projectiles slashing through their throats and sending their bodies flopping to the floor.
“You are not worth my time.” Ghost Maker told them, as Flintlock slipped a pair of shells into her pistol. “I promised to shape your ghost woman, this will be the place where I do it.” He added, as he drew his katana and slashed towards his opponent. Standing her ground until the last moment, Flintlock leapt aside just at the right time, her leg held out to trip her opponent, the blow sending Ghost Maker rolling into a crouched position. Before he could get back up Ghost Maker felt the barrel of a gun rest against his head, as Flintlock kept her weapon trained on him. “Please hero, you’re no killer.” He sneered as he dropped his katana and reached for one of his throwing knives. His only answer was a gunshot, one that blew a hole through his skull.
“You don’t stay dead though.” Flintlock replied, as she looked over to where Zawadi was fencing with two of the Hatut Zeraze, the vibranium of the three blades clashing causing sparks to fly. Turning her attention to the nearest of the Wakandan attackers, she felt something impact solidly with her chest as the captain of the secret police fired a concussive blast of sonic energy at her, the impact akin to taking a heavyweight’s punch, sending her sprawling backwards to where Stone was lying.
“Hurts doesn’t it.” Stone grumbled as she pushed herself into a standing position just as a knife wielding Hatut Zeraze came running, his charge terminated as she fired an energy net at him. “Let’s see how they like it.” She grumbled as two more of the Hatut Zeraze aimed their weapons at her and Flintlock, sonic blasts striking the Rosetta Stone armour before being amplified and reflected back at them, the backlash sending them crashing back into the undergrowth.
“How?” The Captain swore, as Zawadi skilfully disarmed one of her attackers of his knife, before doing the same to the other a few seconds later. “Wakandan technology is beyond even what Stark can muster.”
“Perhaps, but I have had three-thousand years to improve my armour, to counter whatever comes my way.” Stone replied, as three of the remaining Hatut Zeraze rallied from their defeat and stood behind their captain. “Compared to that, your weapons are akin to spears and slings. Surprising, painful even, but ultimately let down by their primitive nature.”
“So speaks the arrogant outsider.” The Captain hissed as he and his men drew their knives, the blades flashing under the moonlight, before stalking forward in a rough box formation, their intent to trap their opponents obvious. As they took their positions, the one nearest Ghost Maker’s corpse screamed, as the assassin resurrected and lashed out with a knife of his own.
“Crap Ghost Maker’s back on his feet!” Flintlock swore under her breath, as Ghost Maker picked up his katana and the vibranium dagger from the Hatut Zeraze member he had just slain, before throwing the later and striking down another of the Wakandan police.
“Which of you wishes to have your spirits shaped first?” Ghost Maker asked, as the Captain of the Hatut Zeraze stepped forward, his blade flashing as he thrust towards the assassin, the blow cutting the underside of his enemies shoulder. Responding Ghost Maker smashed his opponent in the face with the pommel of his weapon to gain some additional space to strike. Bringing his weapon down, he watched in surprise as the blade of the Captain met his katana, before slicing through the steel with ease.
“You killed my men!” The Captain yelled as he thrust his blade towards Ghost Maker’s throat, only for the assassin to grab his arm and redirect the attack into his damaged shoulder. “You and your allies will pay for this crime!” He snapped before being punched in the face by Ghost Maker, the pair of shurikens slotted between his knuckles leaving long slashes in the mask the Captain wore.
“Ghost Maker will rip him apart.” Zawadi stated as the remaining member of the Hatut Zeraze tried to track Ghost Maker’s presence in the fight with his commanding officer. “You lower your weapon, you’ll never have a clean shot!” She ordered, her commanding tone causing the soldier to comply if only for a few seconds.
“Ghost Maker only wins because he doesn’t have to worry about death.” Flintlock added, as the officer pinned to the tree wriggled free from his confinement, burn marks spread across his otherwise snow white uniform.
“Then let’s make sure his next death is his last.” A voice hissed behind them, as Sarah flowed like a cloud of mist towards them. “Bring me Ghost Maker and I can do the rest.” She ordered as the aforementioned Ghost Maker kicked the captain to the ground, a dagger clutched in his hand. Flipping her own knife over Zawadi threw her blade, the weapon knocking Ghost Maker’s weapon out of his hand. Taking the chance to retaliate the captain lashed out, his telegraphed blow causing his attacker to dart left towards the Agents of Argent and straight into the butt of Flintlock’s shotgun. Stunned as he was, Ghost Makers managed to reach the chainchook on his belt before Sarah’s cold hand caressed his face.
“Stand and be judged!” Sarah boomed, as twin glints of yellow emanated from her veiled head. “Grigori Sovchenko I Damballah the judge of the dead find you guilty.” She continued, except the woman was no longer speaking, instead the voice came from the giant serpent that was coiled round her, its scales glowing in the darkness with an unnatural light. Looking around, Ghost Maker saw no surprised or horrified looks on the faces of those he had been fighting but a second ago, and summarised that this show was just for him.
“I fear no Voodoo God, lest of all a low worm such as you!” Ghost Maker hissed back, only for Damballah to lash out with his forked tongue, venom dripping down the assassins face.
“Then you will face me as a man, you are no longer protected by the Hand’s corruption and will die as all men do!” Damballah stated as his form resided. “Now be of the flesh and know fear, run and be shamed!” It added, the words leaving Sarah’s lips as she let go of Ghost Maker, his body collapsing to the floor. Getting to his feet he looked at his attacker before bolting towards the lights of Sydney Harbour.
“Let him go, he won’t hurt anyone else tonight and we have other enemies on the field.” Sarah wheezed, as Flintlock and the Hatut Zeraze agents made a move to restrain Ghost Maker.
“You do.” The Captain stated, “But this field of bodies is not the place for battle.” He stated as he gestured at his dead comrades. “I will tell our leader of this battle and we will be prepared for you and your allies Thief of Wakanda.” He added, as his remaining men helped their wounded to their feet.
“So does this mean it’s over?” Flintlock asked. “That the mission is over?”
“No we still have the one behind the assassins, the demon master facilitating their actions.” Sarah replied as she looked sadly at the bodies strewn across the field.
“Great, today a threat assessment by Wakanda, tomorrow eternal damnation.” Flintlock moaned as Zawadi crossed herself and folded the arms of the nearest corpse across his chest.
“Not tomorrow, this team that Ana assembled, its components are broken.” Zawadi replied as she moved onto the next body.
“Yeah the parts called Silver Scorpion.” Flintlock snarkily replied.
“No all the parts, we all have pasts we’re hiding.” Zawadi stated. “To beat three assassins is nothing, if we are to beat a demon we need something we don’t have, we need harmony.”
“Play along for now.” Ana’s voice whispered over the team’s radio-link. “Hannigan is working on a switch.”
“What happened?” Flintlock groaned, as a first aider placed a cloth against her shoulder.
“I don’t know, we’ll review when everyone is back at base. Burn your equipment and we’ll see you in a few hours” Ana replied as Rachel tilted her head slightly and jettisoned the ear bud, before nodding and smiling as the first aider said something that she wasn’t really listening too. One thing was rattling round her head, why hadn’t Silver Scorpion stopped the gunwoman from taking a shot at her?
# # # # #
Rosetta Stone stepped out of the rented Holden, her armour jettisoned and replaced by a smart business suit, as she parked the car outside the house the agents of Project Argent were rented. It hadn’t taken a lot to convince the Australian police that Mira Sells, Silver Scorpion’s undercover alias, had simply been an observant eyewitness. Since Ana had insisted that ‘Mira’ not be too hard-core, just in case she was arrested, it had only taken a little cash to bail out Jenifer.
“Well we’re back.” Stone sighed as Jennifer reluctantly pushed open the rear passenger door, a sorry look on her face and a bruise on her cheek.
“I screwed up, I got Flintlock shot.” Jennifer replied as she shot the open road a desperate look, before walking towards the door. “I should have planned for this, should have factored in a fourth gunmen.”
“What are you psychic or something?” Stone asked as they walked into the house, before entering the kitchen and walking down the steps into the garage where Zawadi was standing, her hand running over a map spread out across the table. “You couldn’t have known there was a fourth attacker until Sable told you.”
“The fact that the intel came in so late suggests bad planning.” Zawadi replied as she walked over to a rack of knives, before removing a curved blade with a purple ribbon wrapped around the hilt. “An operative is only as good as the spymaster who supports them.” She added, as she went back to the map and ran her free hand over the area around Circular Quay.
“I still should have known, I’ve been doing this for years I should have considered it.” Jennifer stated as she Stone picked up a box full of drawing pins.
“Blame yourself or don’t.” Zawadi told her as a door slammed from upstairs. “The assassins failed and even better ‘Cuda and Laserworks are in custody as is the woman who shot Flintlock. Nobody died today, that’s a plus.” She added, as Flintlock walked down the stairs, anger spread across her face, followed by Hannigan, her shroud flowing around her. “Everything okay?”
“I had a bullet pulled from my ankle.” Flintlock stated coldly as Scorpion turned and looked at her from the other side of the room.
“I’m sorry.” Jennifer whispered, as Flintlock and Hannigan clustered around the table. “I’m so sorry.” She replied, in a louder voice. Glaring at her, Flintlock threw a punch at Jennifer, the blow breaking her team-mates nose. “I’m so…”
“Apologise again and I’ll kill you!” Flintlock snarled, as Jennifer backed off a little. “You were meters away from the shooter, you knew she was there and you fucking froze! I can guess why nobody wants to work with you if you have a meltdown every time people rely on you!”
“Okay that’s enough both of you!” Zawadi snapped as she slammed the knife down into the map with a thud. “We have enough unfinished business relating to this mission without us attacking each other. Sarah, please tell me that the Vice President is back to being herself and in an Australian hospital.”
“She’s back where she needs to be, both physically and mentally.” Hannigan replied. “She should have no memories of her abduction or anything until she ‘took a bullet’.”
“Should have?” Stone asked.
“Strong minds have a habit of shedding off any mental restraints put on them.” Hannigan explained as she levitated the pins out of the box Stone was holding and fired them into the map at various points around Sydney’s CBD. “I assume the other ‘business’ involves Ghost Maker and the trail of bodies he has left in his wake?”
“It is, apparently Ghost Maker has the ability to return from the dead which is more bad intel on Ana’s part.” Zawadi announced as she removed her knife from the table. “As evidenced by the fifteen casualties he left behind after Flintlock blew him up. Judging from the location of the victims not to mention the mystical energy signature that Hannigan has been tracking, it looks as if he’s taking refuge in the Botanical Gardens. While our mission here is over, I don’t feel good about leaving him unchecked here, so anyone who wants to take him down is welcome to join me.”
“Sure, I need to punch something anyway.” Flintlock hissed as she shot Jennifer a withering glare. “If not her, then I’ll settle for that stupid green ninja.”
“Anyone staying here should start packing up the equipment for the flight back to Colorado.” Stone ordered as she walked over to the far side of the room and started putting on her armour.
“I can manage that.” Jennifer whispered, not daring to look at anyone.
“Can you!?” Flintlock snapped. “Or are you going to have a panic attack again and freeze?!”
“Enough, save some anger for Ghost Maker.” Zawadi stated, as she ran her hand over the section of map containing the Sydney Botanical Gardens.
“Not too much anger though.” Hannigan hissed as she shouldered a duffel bag over her shrouded shoulders. “There is more at work here then four assassins simply deciding to take a few pot-shots. Somewhere in either the criminal underworld or, more likely, its literal counterpart some demonic force set this in motion. I would dearly like to know who it is, and bring their mechanisations to the light of day.”
# # # # #
The sun had set by the time the agents of Project Argent had crossed Circular Quay and headed into the expansive grounds of the Sydney Botanical Gardens. With the scents of the city filtered out by the trees and plants around her, Zawadi quickly picked up the scent of Ghost Maker, and together with Hannigan’s ability to track the demonic energy that had permeated, not only him but his partners as well, they were soon hot on his trail. For his part, Ghost Maker was not making the hunt easy but eventually he came to a stop at a gazebo in the middle of the gardens.
“Set up containment, “ Zawadi whispered to Sarah, as she dropped her bag soundlessly onto the ground and levitate four engraved wild boar tusks and a large blue candle out of it, “Flintlock, Stone and I will engage.” She added, as Sarah sat on the ground and arranged the tusk in a diamond around the candle, before reaching into her bag and removing two jelly snakes, which she spread along the cardinal points of her diamond.
“Loa, bind my prey and hold him fast, keep him trapped as long as this flame doth last.” Sarah whispered as she blew on the candle, the wick catching alight, the flame consuming the jelly snakes immediately. “I will keep the flame alive and support you if I can from here.” She added, as her teammates ascended the path towards the gazebo, the moonlight glinting off Ghost Maker’s armour and katana as he stood facing away from them.
“I sensed that you were coming.” Ghost Maker stated in a flat cold voice. “I can find any who I have fought against in the past.” He added as something in the bushes stirred seconds before a figure dressed in white with glowing red eyes stepped out into the open, followed by eight followers dressed in similar uniforms. “I see you needed some additional help to take me down.”
“Uh we didn’t invite these guys.” Flintlock gulped as Zawadi drew her knife ready for a fight as the newly arrived figures encircled the agents and their quarry, the dim light and their costumes making them appear like phantom wolves, as well as revealing the array of firearms and blades they had all ready for action.
“Thief of Wakanda, throw down your weapons and surrender and your friends will be unharmed.” One of the ‘Men in White’ ordered as Ghost Maker drew his katana and turned to face the women of Project Argent.
“So who are these guys?” Flintlock asked. “The Wakandan White Dogos?”
“They are the Hatut Zeraze, Wakanda’s Secret Police.” Zawadi stated coldly. “They are tasked with hunting down the enemies of the Black Panther both at home and abroad.”
“Wait you are trying to arrest her!” Stone snapped as she stood between Zawadi and the leader of the Hatut Zeraze. “When one of the assassins who attacked the G20 conference, a conference where the Wakandan Finance Minister was attending, is standing right there!” She hissed as Ghost Maker flipped a throwing knife round in his hands and smirked from behind his mask at the enemies surrounding him.
“Remove her.” The captain commanded, as one of his subordinates opened fire on Rosetta Stone, the sonic blast emanating from his assault rifle and sending her flying. For a second everyone was still, and then the sounds of battle erupted as the three parties clashed. Taking the opportunity to gain revenge Ghost Maker threw his knife at Flintlock, his mercenary target shooting the weapon out of the air, before firing a shot at her opponent only for the assassin to duck and roll under the blast. Closing the gap to his opponent Ghost Maker was caught in a salvo of gunfire as two of the Hatut Zeraze opened fire on him. Casually he threw a pair of throwing stars backwards without even looking at these additional attackers, the projectiles slashing through their throats and sending their bodies flopping to the floor.
“You are not worth my time.” Ghost Maker told them, as Flintlock slipped a pair of shells into her pistol. “I promised to shape your ghost woman, this will be the place where I do it.” He added, as he drew his katana and slashed towards his opponent. Standing her ground until the last moment, Flintlock leapt aside just at the right time, her leg held out to trip her opponent, the blow sending Ghost Maker rolling into a crouched position. Before he could get back up Ghost Maker felt the barrel of a gun rest against his head, as Flintlock kept her weapon trained on him. “Please hero, you’re no killer.” He sneered as he dropped his katana and reached for one of his throwing knives. His only answer was a gunshot, one that blew a hole through his skull.
“You don’t stay dead though.” Flintlock replied, as she looked over to where Zawadi was fencing with two of the Hatut Zeraze, the vibranium of the three blades clashing causing sparks to fly. Turning her attention to the nearest of the Wakandan attackers, she felt something impact solidly with her chest as the captain of the secret police fired a concussive blast of sonic energy at her, the impact akin to taking a heavyweight’s punch, sending her sprawling backwards to where Stone was lying.
“Hurts doesn’t it.” Stone grumbled as she pushed herself into a standing position just as a knife wielding Hatut Zeraze came running, his charge terminated as she fired an energy net at him. “Let’s see how they like it.” She grumbled as two more of the Hatut Zeraze aimed their weapons at her and Flintlock, sonic blasts striking the Rosetta Stone armour before being amplified and reflected back at them, the backlash sending them crashing back into the undergrowth.
“How?” The Captain swore, as Zawadi skilfully disarmed one of her attackers of his knife, before doing the same to the other a few seconds later. “Wakandan technology is beyond even what Stark can muster.”
“Perhaps, but I have had three-thousand years to improve my armour, to counter whatever comes my way.” Stone replied, as three of the remaining Hatut Zeraze rallied from their defeat and stood behind their captain. “Compared to that, your weapons are akin to spears and slings. Surprising, painful even, but ultimately let down by their primitive nature.”
“So speaks the arrogant outsider.” The Captain hissed as he and his men drew their knives, the blades flashing under the moonlight, before stalking forward in a rough box formation, their intent to trap their opponents obvious. As they took their positions, the one nearest Ghost Maker’s corpse screamed, as the assassin resurrected and lashed out with a knife of his own.
“Crap Ghost Maker’s back on his feet!” Flintlock swore under her breath, as Ghost Maker picked up his katana and the vibranium dagger from the Hatut Zeraze member he had just slain, before throwing the later and striking down another of the Wakandan police.
“Which of you wishes to have your spirits shaped first?” Ghost Maker asked, as the Captain of the Hatut Zeraze stepped forward, his blade flashing as he thrust towards the assassin, the blow cutting the underside of his enemies shoulder. Responding Ghost Maker smashed his opponent in the face with the pommel of his weapon to gain some additional space to strike. Bringing his weapon down, he watched in surprise as the blade of the Captain met his katana, before slicing through the steel with ease.
“You killed my men!” The Captain yelled as he thrust his blade towards Ghost Maker’s throat, only for the assassin to grab his arm and redirect the attack into his damaged shoulder. “You and your allies will pay for this crime!” He snapped before being punched in the face by Ghost Maker, the pair of shurikens slotted between his knuckles leaving long slashes in the mask the Captain wore.
“Ghost Maker will rip him apart.” Zawadi stated as the remaining member of the Hatut Zeraze tried to track Ghost Maker’s presence in the fight with his commanding officer. “You lower your weapon, you’ll never have a clean shot!” She ordered, her commanding tone causing the soldier to comply if only for a few seconds.
“Ghost Maker only wins because he doesn’t have to worry about death.” Flintlock added, as the officer pinned to the tree wriggled free from his confinement, burn marks spread across his otherwise snow white uniform.
“Then let’s make sure his next death is his last.” A voice hissed behind them, as Sarah flowed like a cloud of mist towards them. “Bring me Ghost Maker and I can do the rest.” She ordered as the aforementioned Ghost Maker kicked the captain to the ground, a dagger clutched in his hand. Flipping her own knife over Zawadi threw her blade, the weapon knocking Ghost Maker’s weapon out of his hand. Taking the chance to retaliate the captain lashed out, his telegraphed blow causing his attacker to dart left towards the Agents of Argent and straight into the butt of Flintlock’s shotgun. Stunned as he was, Ghost Makers managed to reach the chainchook on his belt before Sarah’s cold hand caressed his face.
“Stand and be judged!” Sarah boomed, as twin glints of yellow emanated from her veiled head. “Grigori Sovchenko I Damballah the judge of the dead find you guilty.” She continued, except the woman was no longer speaking, instead the voice came from the giant serpent that was coiled round her, its scales glowing in the darkness with an unnatural light. Looking around, Ghost Maker saw no surprised or horrified looks on the faces of those he had been fighting but a second ago, and summarised that this show was just for him.
“I fear no Voodoo God, lest of all a low worm such as you!” Ghost Maker hissed back, only for Damballah to lash out with his forked tongue, venom dripping down the assassins face.
“Then you will face me as a man, you are no longer protected by the Hand’s corruption and will die as all men do!” Damballah stated as his form resided. “Now be of the flesh and know fear, run and be shamed!” It added, the words leaving Sarah’s lips as she let go of Ghost Maker, his body collapsing to the floor. Getting to his feet he looked at his attacker before bolting towards the lights of Sydney Harbour.
“Let him go, he won’t hurt anyone else tonight and we have other enemies on the field.” Sarah wheezed, as Flintlock and the Hatut Zeraze agents made a move to restrain Ghost Maker.
“You do.” The Captain stated, “But this field of bodies is not the place for battle.” He stated as he gestured at his dead comrades. “I will tell our leader of this battle and we will be prepared for you and your allies Thief of Wakanda.” He added, as his remaining men helped their wounded to their feet.
“So does this mean it’s over?” Flintlock asked. “That the mission is over?”
“No we still have the one behind the assassins, the demon master facilitating their actions.” Sarah replied as she looked sadly at the bodies strewn across the field.
“Great, today a threat assessment by Wakanda, tomorrow eternal damnation.” Flintlock moaned as Zawadi crossed herself and folded the arms of the nearest corpse across his chest.
“Not tomorrow, this team that Ana assembled, its components are broken.” Zawadi replied as she moved onto the next body.
“Yeah the parts called Silver Scorpion.” Flintlock snarkily replied.
“No all the parts, we all have pasts we’re hiding.” Zawadi stated. “To beat three assassins is nothing, if we are to beat a demon we need something we don’t have, we need harmony.”