The Midnight Sons

Adapted from Midnight Sons by Dominic Varni

All characters [Blade, Whistler, John Blaze, Daniel Ketch, Ghost Rider, Mobius,

Dr. Strange, Ming, Rintrah, Spider-man, Venom, Kingpin, Zarathos, Lilith, Black Heart, Mephisto, Frost, Blackout, Nathaniel] are the property of Marvel Comics as they are in their perspective serials [Dr. Strange, Spider-man, Blade, Nightstalkers, Ghost Rider (The Spirit of Vengeance), and, of course, The Midnight Sons]. The Midnight Sons was an audacious project taking minor loner characters with obvious community issues and putting them into an Avengers-like team, and providing them with an enemy more up their alley, in contrast from the world devourers beings set on world domination and the great host of alien empires that have graced the other serialsAvengers and X-Men, to name but the smallest amount. This is an original screenplay written as a personal homage to the character development and brilliant storylines contributed to these monthly serials, and was painstakingly crafted as to leave no character without their proper level of development, and to tip the hat, so to speak, to the perspective artists and writers who made these quirky characters into something legendary. Thanks to the writing communities that contributed to the development of these cult storylines, and their mutual respect for each other, there are very little gaps in the character evolutions. Each is well-defined and individual, thanks to over thirty years of character development, in most cases, making a great amount of upheaval in their working together. Out of respect for the work that each of these writers added to their perspective characters, I have made a great deal of angst in paying respect to their works by giving the characters as many of their attributes as humanly possible. The only thing I really did was let the characters argue as they would, or fall into step with each other as moments allowed and added Venom and Spiderman, Kingpin, Frost/La Magra and Blackheart into the mix to put my own personal signature on the work as a story of almost wholly my own creation. If the creators and writers would forgive this indulgence, I would greatly appreciate it. Besides, I thought Frost died rather stupidly in the first Blade movie, and found it to be highly anti-climactic. And as a result of his dying in the first Blade movie, I felt Frost must have some unresolved issues that would be fun to explore. By the way, if you saw the movie, youll note I also paid respect to the acting ability of Stephen Dorf in the Frost character in this script. I respected the streetwise, inner-city cunning he displayed and, well, Im just good at doing thugs who are rising into Dons. I hope you enjoy this work, and remember, if you want to change it, though I am willing to perfect it to help it better translate to a film medium, youll have to buy it, first. To Mr. Stan Lee: Sorry if that smacks of arrogance. Very truly yours, Dominic Varni
Fade In: Interior-Day CNN Newsroom Newscasters give updates of days activities.
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Newscaster 1 Shots rang out at the docks last night, in an illegal drug shipment gone wrong. It was around ten-thirty, last night when a drug shipment of cocaine and opium was apparently stolen as the buyers were picking up their shipment directly from the ship to transport to an unknown location. The theft left over thirty dock workers and gunmen dead. The police on scene have not yet released a statement, but CNN has learned that all the vehicles are untraceable, and none of the gunmen were carrying any form of identification. In fact, only one of the gunmen had any information in the federal and state criminal database, and it dated back to when he was fourteen years old. No information appears anywhere on these men after the age of eighteen. Police did comment just near one of our journalists that it was Interesting that most of the gunmen would have prison tattoos on them, but no records. There was some speculation that the mythical Kingpin may have been involved, but that theory was quickly squashed, when it was learned the Kingpin, whose identity remains unknown, was weakened by the increased attacks between Hells Kitchens Daredevil and the Punisher, who recently escaped from Pelican Bay and returned to New York. The shipment was calculated at over seventy million dollars worth of illegal drugs with a price of street sale at over three billion. Newscaster 2 In world news today, tension is brewing in Genosha, a small peninsula nation state roughly half the size of California some twenty miles off the beach of Johannesburg, South Africa. In answer to the now defunct Kelly Acts, the sovereign nation state of Genosha has formed its own answer to the alleged growing threat of mutants on the planet. Genosha Ambassador Caesar Munds had this to say... Ambassador Munds ...The mutant menace has spiraled out of control, and must be dealt with quickly and decisively. In saying this, I would like to inform the governments of the world, that we will no longer tolerate the assaults on our shores by other genetic aberrations who disagree with our governments policies in the use of mutants as a civil service resource. Their terrorist attacks on our nation state have caused great discord in our country, and disharmony in our government at the backlash other nations have taken against us on our native soils by citizens of their states, namely, the United States and Great Britain. I have been given the duty and privilege of making our case before the United Nations, here today. As of zero three hundred, this morning, our elite teams have infiltrated the bases of several mutant teams long since held out of reach under the protection of the United States and Great Britains citizenship, and have forcibly deported them to the great state of Genosha to stand trial on charges of terrorism, mass murder of Genoshan citizens and as executors of four unsuccessfully attempted Coups against the state. Their trials will last three days, and in the end, the world will see justice. Mutants will not be allowed to arbitrarily decide the lives and deaths of human kind. Let those who choose this path against our sovereign state, see and learn that they will be dealt with quickly, and their executions will be open for the public eye to witness. Newscaster 2 Great Britain has decided to ignore the infiltration and forcible expulsion of its mutant teams, which have long been a source of embarrassment to both parliament and the crown.
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The Presidents comments on these events will be televised in a National Address, at 10:00 pm, tomorrow night. Newscaster 1 In lighter news, the Avengers launched a prototype space faring vessel built and tested by Stark Industries. The launch took place at seven twenty-three, this morning and will continue throughout the week. The Avengers will be performing orbital experiments on power fields as shielding and artificial gravity without the use of craft rotation as well as the testing out Mr. Starks new Parallax Camera, which is said to give a brilliant view of the nearest black hole by using electron particles and even quarks, to make out shape, size and density to one millionth of a centimeter. The Parallax Camera can be seen in action by going to the Stark Industries Public Experiments web site for the childrens learning foundation at www.wonderchild.com. The experiments are said to run about seven days, at which point, the craft will return to earth. Newscaster2 Lets hope the mission is a success, and our heroes come back safe and sound. SoHo District Cut To: Exterior-Night Brownstone-SoHo District- 177A Bleecker Street, Greenwich Village, New York City A homeless man stood next to the steps to the brownstone entryway. Young, wealthy people walked in and out of the popular caf and brownstone lobby, past the homeless man, often giving little to no attention. The young professionals carried on without a care in the world, never once looking back at the man with the empty cup. The homeless man stared down in frustration at being so completely ignored, when a withered, burnt hand dropped several gold coins and a thousand dollar bill in his cup. The homeless man looked up to see only peaceful eyes that looked into him accompanied by a pleasant smile. The homeless man shifted under the light house eyes and was intimidated by the stare and smile. It seemed he had seen another meaning in the high amount, and stepped back from the kind man. The kind man seemed to understand the homeless mans worries, and smiled reassuringly, as he walked away. He was a youthful, middle aged man who did not cow as the others did, but strolled up to the lobby steps behind a rush of young professionals. Realizing his error, the homeless man tried to approach the kind man to apologize, and before he realized he was chasing after him. The peaceful man was walking behind a group of young professionals who were now entering the lobby. They carried on in the usual SoHo manner, completely ignoring the homeless man behind them. The young professionals stepped through the doorway. The man behind, stepped in and disappeared in a ripple of reality, as if the doorway had disintegrated his very form. The homeless man looked up in surprise and studied the doorway curiously for several moments, until the signature sound of a NYPD sirens chirp notified him it was now time to move on. The homeless man ran down to the police and raised his hands in apology, and began to move on. Cut To: Exterior-Day South East Asian Jungle
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A figure raced through the jungles, at a fast pace. His feet were sandaled, and wore a loose white robe. His hair was long and blonde, and his beard was also long, yet he appeared reasonably groomed. The feet that chased him were black bare feet with torn black leather pants. The man who fled slowed to a stride, and his eyes seemed to smile in the sun, as he followed a flock of birds to a temple ruins. The man took the sight of the temple in and grinned. He seemed to race off and blurred in a red mist, leaving nothing but jungle. Cut To: Exterior-Day Temple Ruins Several large creatures moved about studying the structure in a rush while Nathaniel, a nine foot tall, red furred demon with an impressive physique, a fair face and piercing eyes barked at the demons cruelly and seemingly nervously. Nathaniel Hurry, demons. My brother comes. I can taste blood in the air. Demon We are working as fast as we can. But the language is an amalgam. There are demonic forms written here and some Asian tongue, blended with a slight bend in the writing, making it difficult to translate. It is Sanskrit at best. At worst, it is indecipherable. Nathaniel Then find a way. Time is of the essence. My brother will take it if he can, and then your lives are meaningless to me. Twenty yards from the stone steps to the temple, a pool of blood bubbled from the ground and a form seemed to grow from it. The beautiful blond man stepped from the pool of blood and strolled toward Nathaniel. Frost Nathaniel. It is good to see you, my brother. desires? Have you found the object our mother

Nathaniel It is not here. There must be some miscalculation. It could be anywhere. resorted to studying the ruins for strategic value in the war for conquest.

We have

Frost I consigned you, this duty, to allow me to handle affairs among the humans to aid us in the coming months of strife. And in return for your services in aiding me in pleasing our mother, I promised to make you my first. No other above you, save me and the mother. You wouldnt be planning on taking the prize to the mother yourself, in order to gain favor, would you? Nathaniel I am loyal to my kin.

Frost See that that remains so. I need loyal generals, not rivals. Nathaniel Of course, my brother. Frost Now, why have you not produced the artifact? Nathaniel The temple has no entrance, we have been able to determine. Frost looked over to the seams of the wall at the top of the steps. blocked it had been shattered. Frost So? The stone that had

Realizing Frost had noticed the damage to the wall, Nathaniel stammered. Nathaniel ...An empty room... Frost scoffed a bemused laugh. Frost I see... Frost studied the demonic writing with the sharp flair of Chinese artists. He noticed the writing on the walls and on the steps left a form of pattern, that at the fifth step, the perfect center of a circle appeared. It was worn and overwrought with vines, but Frost pulled the vines away, to reveal a key hole. Nathaniel What is that? Frost A key hole Nathaniel But there is no key. Frost produced a beautiful dagger from his robe and plunged the hilt into the key hole. Frost While you sought the location, I did research, and learned the temples secrets. temple of the green dragon had a tale of a famous blade that freed the heart. The

Frost then placed his hand on the dagger and pushed down until his blood flowed down
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the blade to the cracks in the step. Frost then twisted his hand, moving the blade counterclockwise until the stone whined and rumbled. Frost A warrior came and defeated the dragon with the hilt of his grass cutting sword and with an offering of blood, was made a god. The grass cutting sword is a dagger. I tracked down the blade with minimal difficulty. The steps rumbled and dust shook from the steps as the massive stone steps mechanically moved out of the way, revealing an entrance to the heart of the temple. A downward staircase led several flights into the dark shadows below, where an emerald light danced around off the stone and gold below. Frost It was being used in sacrifice rituals by a cult in the Philippines. They now serve me, and carry out my mission. Cut To: Interior-Night Stranges Penthouse Dr. Strange sat in a plush chair as a small Cambodian man approached him. In the background, a great lumbering form walked back and forth behind a Japanese white paper border. The light on the other side seemed to give a grotesque form to the figure, not yet seen. Ming Your tea, master Strange. Strange Thank you, Ming. Ill be sitting alone tonight, if thats all right with you. Ming As you wish. Ill inform the children. Ming walked back behind the paper border and shooed the lumbering form away. The form threw its arms in protest, then relented, and marched out of the borders way, disappearing from the room. Ming followed. Cut To: Interior-Day Temple of the Green Dragon-Dark Staircase Down at the base of the steps, they paused before the former grandiosity of the room. At the far end of the room, a ten foot tall, twelve meter long golden dragon spiraled and coiled at the center of the altar. In its heart, a green crystal glowed, and its eyes burned fiercely. A green flame seemed to burn the dark floor, and hid the stone tiled walkways from view. Frost looked back at the demons, and realized their hesitance. He reached his hand into the green flames to reassure the demons. Frost made a gesture to the demon scribes to go forward. The demons turned to each other and with a smile, rushed into the temple and were cut down by massive four foot wide, and ten foot long claws, that pinned them to the walls. The demons tried to push against the golden dragon claws to no avail. They coughed foul blood and sputtered as they waited to die. Nathaniels jaw dropped.
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Nathaniel Traps. Frost smiled, and looked back at Nathaniel. Frost -Talons of the Green Dragon. Frost looked back at Nathaniel and winked a wry smile into his dumbfounded face. Frost turned away and stepped forward into the green mist, crossing the temple floor with no trap being set off. He passed the demons who struggled to push the gold dragon claws out of them, and begged for Frost to help them be free of the dragons grip. Frost did not even look at them. At the far end of the temple, knelt before the green dragon statue, and marveled at it. Its jade eyes glowed with the same light the heart had, and the eyes were arranged to bounce the light off of strategic objects to give the allure of a green fire across the temple floor. Looking down, Frost noticed an empty casing with a handle on it being supported by the talons of the dragon. He slid the case out without disturbing the talons. With the case in hand, Frost rose, and put his hand just above the heart of the green dragon. Frost I sense the power in this object. Frost reached into his long gown and pulled a golden gauntlet shaped like a dragons paw, similar in appearance to the claws that pinned the demons to the walls. He put his hand inside the clawed gauntlet, gripped the green stone, and removed it from the chest with a counterclockwise motion, quickly placing it in the case. He shook his hand, and let the dragon gauntlet fall to the ground as it melted away. He turned the case in his hand and realized he held a brilliant, shimmering lantern. Frost then turned to Nathaniel and smiled as he walked across the temple floor, again. Frost I found your overwhelming desire to please our mother would be put to better use locating and guarding the temple of the green dragon until I could come and unlock the entryway. Nathaniel eyed the ground curiously for several moments, as the words finally came real in his ears. Nathaniel You used me? Frost As you attempted to use me. It is our nature to betray each other, my brother. Frost walked up the steps, out of the temple and into the light. Nathaniel followed with an annoyance. Frost turned and raised the lantern to the temple, and the steps mechanically
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moved closed with a boom. Frost then strode regally up to the peak of the ziggurat. Frost raised the lantern, and a green light emanated from it to form a rippling green energy wall at the peak of the temple steps. The view was luxurious, and awesome. A castle courtroom, seemingly a cross between medieval and 1800s French bourgeoisie in style. Nathaniel What now, brother? Frost We go to present my gift to the great mother. Nathaniel I will have my revenge, for this. Frost That is to be expected. Nathaniel and Frost stepped through the portal and the green light faded with an eerie wave of green energy that rippled out, pulling the energy back into the steadily decreasing hole, until only a pinpoint allowed for the green wave to flow through in a cyclone and finally, ceased, allowing the doorway to close. Cut To: Interior-Night Stranges Penthouse Dr. Strange felt a flash that sent him reeling, and the growl of the green dragon rumbled through his mind. Stunned, he paused to gather his thoughts. Strange Forefathers... Could it be time? Cut To: Interior-Night Dark Corridor Strange walked curiously down the dark corridor toward the door, at the far end of the hall. Cut To: Interior-Night Stranges Inner Chamber A stack of cards that floated above an Oriental oak table constantly reshuffled. Beyond it, a closed door swung open to reveal Strange, looking nervously across the room at the deck of cards. Strange frowned and with a sigh walked over to the cards. Strange placed his open palm over the deck of constantly reshuffling cards, and closed his eyes in meditation. The deck formed and slipped underneath him in a perfect stack. His fingers brushed and slid the cards into his grasp. He pulled it to his face and opened his eyes. Strange (V.O.) Those who conspire are close to witnessing their goals fruition.

The Card of Planning.

Strange drew another card from the constantly shuffling deck. Strange (V.O.) The Card of Catastrophe. Events will shake the foundation of all life. Why must you always be drawn? I must know more... I must see who is behind these events. Strange drew another card from the deck. Strange (V.O.) The Dark Pact Card. Why am I not surprised? But who; who are the foes? Strange closed his eyes, placed one hand over his deck, and the other at the bridge of his nose. The Eye of Agammotto cracked open with a pin of gold light and his hand drew from the deck. When all the cards were laid down, he looked down upon them. Strange (V.O.) Darkness and Night Feeder formed into one card. The Shadowed Blood lust. The Shadowed Blood Lust Card on top the Blood Child Card. Strange (V.O.) Blood Child: The Nephalim Child of Lilith. Formless possessor. Both cards lay on top two other cards held closely together. them coolly, and turned them over. Strange looked down on

Strange (V.O.) The Burning Demon Card: The demon god of sacrifice. Zarathos, the soul devourer. Now the mad spirit of the wilderness. And next to it, the Succubus card: Lilith, the demon mistress of Adam. Mother to nearly all the titan demons. And lastly, off to the side of the two power cards... Strange (V.O.) The Black Heart Card: Mephistos Child, the trickster. Lost between the dark and the light, both seeking his fathers approval and attempting to thwart him at every turn. His hatred for his fathers ways nearly equals his grim distain for his assured future crown. Oddly enough his hatred for his fathers ways is separate in regard to the strong contrast displayed in his undying love for the Arrogant One. As always, he holds the keys to both the darkness and the pivotal moment of possible salvation. Apparently, salvation can never be an easy thing... Strange sat back and sighed with a reserved annoyance. Then spoke gently to the deck of cards. Strange Cards... Who will stand against them? Tell me where the key cards are.

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The cards began to move, and Strange followed them to the room of cards. The cards on the floor began to shift, and move to allow the new cards to fit with them on the floor. Strange studied the cards carefully. I remember this order. Strange Gods... Has it been so long?

The cards on the floor pulled themselves from the deck and arranged themselves in mirror to the arrangement of cards of Catastrophic Planning. Four cards flipped into Stranges hand, causing him to wrinkle his brow as he interpreted what the cards were trying to tell him. Strange (V.O.) Four Cards Joined. The Alchemy card, The Bat Card, The Blood Quenching card, and The Weak Soul of Hell Card: The despairing vampire. I've seen this amalgam card before, though I never thought I would draw this card on the salvation deck. Strange drew another card, and eyed it studiously. Strange (V.O.) The Fire Warlock: Johnny. Its been too long. Though I fear your resentment toward me may cause you to feel it was not long enough. Strange drew another card. Strange (V.O.) The Cast-Out Card and the Demon in Flames... but is it Zarathos, or the other? Strange picks up The Spider Card and the Shadow Card. His hands glow, as they move together. He watches with an amazed horror as the two cards become one. Strange (V.O.) The Shadow of the Spider: This is the problematic card, the Trickster in the deck. Its' form and the webs it weaves are warped in comparison to its' true shape and form. And it changes with the cycles of the sun in the day. Inspired by bravery and easily bored. And until its bloodlust for its perception of wronging is quenched, will never truly be able to stand as a hero. He simply grows mad. Strange looked down on the last card on the table. He flipped it over and brought it to his face. Strange (V.O.) The Blood moon entwined with the sun. I know this one. They whisper his name in the darkest corners of the night. They call him Daywalker. Strange sat back and was stunned by the cards chosen by the deck of fates. he grew resolved in the rationale of the choosing. Strange (VO) Only a motley assortment could hope to challenge such a crew. With a nod,

And this is as dark a

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brood as ever I have drawn from the deck. So close to the edge of shadow, they almost dance with the demons they war with. I must perceive the outcome of this conflict... I must consult my books. Cut To: Exterior-Day Southeast Asian Jungle The vibrant colored birds flew from the trees in an explosion, marking the spot where a predator struck. Down at the edge of the river, wet clothes drifted down the current. And a tribal dialect clicked and sputtered, scattered between low growls, and the sound of wet rips. Pygmy hunters from a mountain tribe, apparently turned by a wandering vampire fed on young girls who washed their families clothes at the river. The girls struggled and kicked, sending a few of the warrior pygmies flying into the sunlight. They burned and rushed out under the thick canopy of leaves. Cut To: Exterior-Day Southeast Asian Jungle: River Surface In the clear water of the river, a black creature of some kind swam under the surface toward the vampires. Long tentacles swayed behind it as if a squid were swimming in reverse. It moved at a fast pace to the edge of the still water pool. The girls struggled and pleaded in their dialect until their legs merely twitched. The pygmies merely giggled and chattered as they continued the feeding. A deep plunking sound was heard at the rivers edge, and the warriors were on guard for a fight. One pygmy caught what seemed to be ten toes vanishing under the water surface into the still washing pool at the edge of the river bank. He sniffed the air, and growled as he cautiously investigated the sound while another snuck cautiously behind him. The two vampires drew to the edge of the sunlight, and peered out at the water. The vampire closest edged toward the still pool of water next to the river that fed it, looking curiously at the bubbles that rose from the edge of the pool. The closest vampire leaned skeptically toward the water, while the other who trailed behind began to pull on the others arm nervously, sensing a threat. The water exploded inciting screams from the two pygmies at the start and then fell in a burst of flame leaving only two silver spikes. Blade rose from a still pool of water connected to the river and held his sword and throwing blade. His beard and hair was long on him. His hair was dredded and hung heavy with river water down his mid torso. He exploded from the still water to stand in the vampires midst on the shore, under the canopy of leaves that blocked out the sun. He stood barefoot in the soft mud of the river bank, and only wore torn and blood stained, black leather pants. With no armor hiding his tattoos or weighing him down, his motions were quick and deadly. After the last that stood against him fell to his assault, he scanned the bush horizon in search of the others. All he saw was the rustling of the wild green foliage marking the escape of the handful of vampires fortunate enough to be outside Blades reach. Blade turned his attention to the girls who lay by the shores edge. He grabbed his pack from the muddy water, and used the rest of his antidote on the girls. Out of the six girls, he managed to inoculate five of them. He had none left for the last girl. For a brief moment, he held her forehead and spoke to her in her own dialect. His words were soft, sad and reassuring. Blade (In Laotian Dialect) Hush, child. Everything is fine. Youre safe, now. In the morning, when you wake, all the world will be right. And no sickness will grip you. Hush now, time to sleep. Close
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your eyes, dear. Go on, now. Close them and sleep. I promise, you will suffer no more. Blade put his hand over her eyes and effectively closed them. He slipped his sword out and muttered a prayer as the blade angled over her chest. Blade (In Laotian Dialect) If there is a god and a heaven, I will pray you wake there. And may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest. Blade pushed the sword down and applied pressure enough to pierce and drive it through the young girls heart. She struggled under the blade, and grabbed the hilt, so close to her chest, as her other hand futilely struggled to pry his hand from over her eyes. She moaned, wept and struggled until she had been successfully bled out. Then he leaned back and wiped his eyes. Blade (In Laotian Dialect) This shit's getting too hard. Blade shivered, and grabbed his head groaning low and hard. He shook, and eyed the sky for some sign of direction or meaning to it all, then doubled over in pain, gripping his head in an effort not to cry out. A whisper went through his mind of English words almost like a mantra of sorts, from a, to z, the meanings of those words, translated into tribal Laotian, and back. A low growl escaped him as he rolled on the ground, with English words growing from a muttered accent to a closer accent of an American speech pattern. He sweat from every pore, and writhed in the underbrush until finally, the pain eased. As the pain subsided, Blade wiped the sweat from him, and began to rise, slowly. Strange (V.O.) Blade, I believe. Blade turned around to see a goatee sporting middle aged white man wearing black cuffed Armani slacks, a white dress shirt with the long sleeves rolled to his elbows and a red Asian style cape shaped into a sort of elaborate kimono/trench coat with gold decorations adorning the edges. The man stepped on the surface of the river, and walked toward Blade with his hands in his pockets. Strange You'll forgive the intrusion. Your thoughts were tribal and chaotic, and my South East Asian language skills are not what they used to be. Consider it a quick Remedial English Class. I saw Xavier do that once telepathically, and was quite intrigued. Although my heart went out to the poor soul on account of the migraine they suffered. Are you well? Blade gave a hard stare to Strange and then relaxed with a dismissive shake of his head. His words were slow, as his accent returned to proper English speech pattern. Blade
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...Can't be a vampire. Strange Oh, so? Blade Exposed sunlight... You'd be fried. Blade Besides, not many have the capability of levitation. What are you supposed to be, the devil? Strange I've been called worse. I am Strange. Blade (Said with a scoff) That you are. Strange You misunderstand. Doctor Strange. Blade I think I got it right the first time. Since you're not a vampire, you hold little interest to me. Have fun playing Jesus. Blade turned away from Strange with annoyance, picked up his sword and stepped toward the tree line, leaving him glancing at the water flowing beneath his feet. Strange grew annoyed, and a wave of energy rippled through and around him. Strange Hold. With a wave of Stranges hand, Blade was paralyzed. Blade What... did you... do to... me? Strange Silence. Astral projection is a taxing effort... as is most of the arcane... You will do me the kindness of remaining silent. Agreed? You are Blade, the Daywalker. You assassinated Frost some years ago, and then spent the better part of three years tracking down your partner, whom you had assumed dead. All the while, whittling down the numbers of your enemy and wiping out the vampire elite. You spent another six years after the murder of Eli Demascinas, wiping out his European covens and safe houses. Five years ago, you acquired good intelligence informing you that incredible as it seems, Frost is actually not dead. That he is very much alive. Wandering, and massing numbers under him by sharing his Dark Gift; if you'll excuse the Rician term. You recently tracked him to Thailand, missing him by a mere matter of hours, and have since traveled through
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Vietnam, into Laos, and now the mountains of the Hmong. Blade So that's where I am? Strange Tracking and killing those fed upon, by Frost. Blade He's proving difficult to track. The forest is so thick, the sunlight never penetrates. Strange He travels both night and day. Blade (scoffed, incredulously, as if the statement was all too obvious) Thanks for the tip. Now if you'll excuse me, every minute I waste on you, is a kilometer I have to push harder through. All the while, bringing him closer to another victim. Strange This task of yours must be put to the side, for now. I have a mission, for you, of greater precedence. Blade Fuck you. Frost is my mission. Call Spiderman. I hear he's big on pointless causes. Strange I'm afraid you miss the point. Frost is but a small part of a larger equation. Blade Fine, you deal with the higher mathematics. I'll handle Frost. Strange No. You won't. There is much at stake. And time is of the essence. I have arranged your transportation. Follow the girl. Blade What girl? The girl he had killed took a breath, and rubbed her fingers over the sealing wound gently. She laid there for a moment and breathed deeply as she counted her heartbeats. Blade was awe struck as he watched her sit up, and look over to him. Blade She's dead. Strange A degree in doctoral medicine, you have? Blade I killed her.
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Strange No. You merely damaged her heart. All she needed was a good doctor. And any good mystic must first be a healer. Although my hands are not what they used to be, you'll find the tricks to this trade I am all too familiar with. Blade Damn you. She's still goin' to turn. And I'll have to come back and kill her, again. Strange No, you won't. I have cast a delaying spell. Slowed the change. I just spoke with Whistler. He's mailing the antidote to the village medical clinic as we speak. They know what to do. And her father already knows the code word to use when the doctors ask what is wrong with his daughter. All is well. Go with her. She stood, smiled, and stretched out her hand. Blade looked at Strange, but he was gone. He took her hand and followed, turning periodically to see if Strange was there. Blade Man. I got a feeling this is gonna be a bitch of a homecoming. Cut To: Southeast Asian Country Side Blade rode on a bus in jeans, shoes and a buttoned shirt staring out the window at the countryside. POV: Blade staring out the bus window Blade Narrated as the country side passes by: Blade (V.O.) The view passes by at a quickened pace. I remain unchanged. Half a days bus ride to the airport. I hate being around others. Not moving. Remaining still as the world rolls by. A man of motion... Merely sitting amongst people with foreign tongue and ways of thought even more distant from me than their slang. All of them complatient as the bus goes crawling over mud roads. I could move faster than this on foot. Avoid the traffic jams caused by the meandering water bison altogether. I should go back to the jungle and finish off the vampires I encountered at the waters edge. I should. But I don't. Something in that mans tones and words. His mannerisms were calm and free. But the words he chose. The tones he said them... Something waits for me back over there. Something... Dark. I almost feel he chose this form of transportation out of apology for what will come on the other side of the Atlantic; a moments respite, for the man on the move. A chance to reflect on the road behind, the community I now find myself surrounded by... To laugh at the jokes they play lovingly on each other. To pretend I am just a man... Just a man. To ignore the future and my destiny for a little while, at least. How I wish I could. Cynics never can enjoy the moment. They have their view of the world. And nothing can change it. My views are set. And no one tries to change it for me. The sheep remain ignorant. The wolves prey. The sheep act as wolves only with those who seek to free their vision to the brutality of it all. The world is chaos. Violence and acts of love prove to be little more than acts of passion. In the world I
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walk, hunger plays a large role in that; both mine and theirs. My rage tempers my hunger. Hunger clouds their judgment. I see their blood. They sate their appetites off the blood of others. Seeing theirs is enough for me. I've seen so much blood; enough to drown the world. It sickens me to see it. I want more, they crave more. In the end, it's our avarice and gluttony that joins us. I look forward to the day when the last of them have either reverted to human, or the last of them is dead. For that is the day I can make my choice; to make my way in the world of man, instead of merely walking among them, or to breathe my last. Until that moment, only my actions... my mission define me. Here I am, dancing to anothers tune. Again. I keep getting distracted from my goals. This can't go on. I gotta change the sheet music. New York... A world away from this place. Where the children seem like playful sprites and the people breathe a constant sigh of relief that the world passes them by. Leaving them almost completely unchanged. Here, my view of the world could truly change. Ironic how the blood suckers follow even here. Such a mystery is whispered in this land. Back home, there is no mystery. Vampires walk comfortably indeterminable from the other predators. No mater where I go... my footsteps always lead me back there. New Orleans Cut To: Interior Dark Room: Modern Torture Chamber Blackout Tortures a man who betrayed him. Strapped to a metal coronary examination table, Connor struggled to free himself, as he saw his naked young wife, his nine year old daughter and six year old son strapped to coronary beds propped against the wall hanging vertically. Connor watched as Blackout ran the edge of a blade across the young wifes throat affectionately. She wept. Connors children were frightened by this, and began to cry with her. Connor had been tortured for the better part of a day before his family were introduced to the room. Weak and rasped, he pleaded for his familys safety. Connor Please. Just let them go. Blackout My dear Connor, you miss the point of torturing you; If they are sent away unharmed, I only cause physical pain. Now, watching your wife, daughter and son cut, taunted, raped and murdered slowly... That is torture of the physical and the psychological. I intend to stop only after your death. Not before. Unless I get bored, of course. Lackey Sir, the shipment's coming in. Blackout Good. Now all that's left is the offshore accounts our dear, Connor, scattered the laundered money across. Connor If we're all going to die, why should I tell you anything? Blackout
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Well, pretty soon the money won't do you any good, now. Will it? But if you need persuasion... While your wife and children are put through the paces, consider this. You can all die in a minute, or a month. Cut To: Exterior-Night Expansive Technologically &Architecturally Modernized Plantation House The lawns were deep green, and lights stationed throughout sections of the plantation property to offer illumination for the night workers. The trucks are unloaded by workers on the docks on the Bayou. Guards walk the perimeter. Johnny Blaze and a man in a motorcycle helmet study the perimeter. The Guards passed by. The man in the helmet leaped and kicked the guard in the back of the head. Blaze shot the other two. Blaze Good, Ketch. Let your motions be fluid, efficient. Like a machine. Control your breathing. Let your lungs control your heart. Not the other way around. Daniel What does this have to do with controlling the spirit? Blaze Your mind races, your thoughts are scattered. It's not your fault; you're just another product of the A.D.D. Generation, another random victim of MTV. But the thing you should remember is this: Focus. Focus brings clarity. Daniel What's so important about clarity? Blaze If you can't even control your own body and mind, how can you even hope to control Zarathos? Daniel We don't even know if this is the spirit you had. Blaze I do. I remember seeing him every time I passed a mirror. Trust me, son. I was scattered. But I had a hell of a lot more focus than you. An' that demon was nearly the death of me. Twenty guards filled the plantation grounds and fired at Daniel and Blaze. Daniel Twenty more to go. You ready? Blaze I'm the one with the shotgun, remember? Daniel
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Yeah. But it's not loaded. Blaze fired his shotgun and the blast threw the guard back in pain. Blaze Tell that to those scumbags that got hit. Let's go. Cut To: Interior-Night Plantation House-Torture Room Blackout stood over his lackey and watched as the lackey typed in the pass codes and account numbers. The lackey grimaced, looked up at Blackout and shook his head. Blackout walked toward Connor with a playful dance. As he walked, behind him was the blurred image of something violent happening between three large men, and Connors wife and children. Connors bed was repositioned to allow him complete access to the view of his families attack. He came to the bed of Connor, and looked down with mock pity. Blackout Now Connor; the numbers do have to be accurate in order to spare your family these indignities. Connor No, wait. The last digits aren't 5445. It's 5454. Blackout In all of them? Connor Yeah. I arranged it that way. Blackout Your parents dates of birth? How sweet. Now, let us discuss the others who betrayed the Guild. Lackey Sir. Blackout What is it now? Lackey We have visitors. One is Blaze. The other is wearing a motorcycle helmet. We can't make a positive I.D. Blackout Ghost Rider. Lackey What are your orders?

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Blackout Have the help attack. That's what their paid for. Lackey Very good, sir. Blackout And prepare the boat. Lackey Yes, sir. Blackout It seems the pleasantries will have to be cut short. Pity, I was so enjoying myself. Blackouts teeth grew long and sharp. them. He lunged at Connor as the darkness enveloped

Cut To: Exterior-Night Plantation-Yard Blaze ducked behind a concrete post to avoid being shot. Blaze Woah. We really pissed this hornets nest off. Dan? Dan knelt with his head at attention. Blaze Get down, ya damn fool. The helmet's Kevlar, but you can still get a concussion. Blaze tried to pull Ketch down. Ketch did not move. Blaze Dan? Ghost Rider Fear not, Blaze. Daniel Ketch sleeps. Stay down. I have work to do. Ghost Rider rose and walked toward the gun men. The bullets riddled him, but he did not fall. An orange/red light flickered from the bullet holes as fine flames trickled up from them. With a wave of his arm, he swatted a gunman into the air, and continued toward the main double doors. The gunmen placed themselves strategically to maximize their damage on Ghost Rider, then opened fire on him. Ghost Rider grabbed the chain that strapped across his chest, and gave a tug as two red pinpoints burned under the visor. Cut To: Interior-Night Plantation House-Main Lobby The main double doors which had barred access to the main lobby flew off the hinges as
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Ghost Rider strode to the marble expanse of steps. His right hand played with the chain briefly, then yanked on it. Cut To: Exterior-Night Plantation-Yard Blaze walked toward the front door admiring the chain which had assumed the shape and strength of straight steel rods. The chain jutted at helix angles across the lawn, impaling each guard, bending, and piercing another. The chain flew out of the men and into the mansion, almost tripping Blaze as he made his way through the temporary structure of steel chain links. Cut To: Interior-Night Plantation-Main Lobby Ghost Rider strode into the lobby. His arms flung the remaining fragments of the door away as he walked, and shouted indignantly. Ghost Rider Blackout! Come forth! Ghost Riders chain came back to him, and took its uniform place on his body across his chest, and around his waist. Ghost Rider rode the expansive winding steps up to the second floor. Blaze poked his head into the massive lobby to see the destruction his partner had caused. Blaze Jesus, Dan. Blaze raced to the winding steps to catch up with Ghost Rider. Cut To: Interior-Night Plantation House-Second Floor Hallway Over Lobby Ghost Rider walked on toward the office wing of the plantation with a confident stride. Blaze reached the top of the steps, and turned toward Ghost Rider. The office double doors exploded as ten armed men stepped out and opened fire on Ghost Rider. Blaze jumped back to the steps, barely avoiding the spent rounds that perforated the walls. Ghost Rider was riddled with bullets as he fell to the ground. The armed men approached with a military efficiency and ease. Quickly. Silently. Two rounds to the head shattered the Kevlar helmet, revealing the burning skull. Armed Man What the fuck? Ghost Rider reached up and grabbed the gunmans weapon. The gunman aimed directly at the burning skull set the pistol on automatic and emptied his magazine into the face of the Ghost Rider. Over the sound of the reports was the mad laughter of the Ghost Rider. Blaze listened to the laughter and peered out at Ghost Rider.

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Blaze I know that laugh... The men screamed as Ghost Rider rose and fought them. The gunmen backpedaled and fired, as Ghost Rider picked up their Comrade and threw him at them, knocking them all down. Blaze crept up behind Ghost Rider and aimed the shotgun at the back of his head. Blaze (Thinking) What about Daniel? Ghost Rider stared down at the nine stunned men and his eyes grew dark as red pin lights began to grow. Ghost Rider You have killed many in your lives. But I will not kill you. Look into my eyes. None of them would look. Ghost Rider LOOK! They looked up at him with a mounting fear in their eyes. Ghost Rider stared down on them as their eyes burned. They screamed in pain and shuddered as if attacked by some unseen enemies. Ghost Rider Let each of you live the last and most violated moments of your victims, and remember their pain as your own. So wills the spirit of vengeance. Behind them, their comrade regained consciousness. Armed Man Fuck, my head. Ghost Rider rose, and cracked his neck. The Armed Man grabbed his neck and looked up to see Ghost Rider. He tried to grab his pistol out of his holster. Ghost Rider charged him. Armed Man Oh, shit! Cut To: Interior-Night Plantation House-Office The Armed Man flew through the office to the far wall, and impacted with it. Cut To: Interior-Night Plantation House-Torture Room The Armed man flew through a secret door behind the wall paneling, and slid up to the bodies hanging from chains like meat. Ghost Rider stood before the bodies of Connor and his family. All had their throats ripped out.

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Blaze Zarathos! Ghost Rider -Is not here. And Daniel sleeps. Blaze An argument for another time, demon. Where's Blackout? Ghost Rider He is gone. I have failed. Blaze He can't have gone far. Let's look for tracks to follow. Ghost Rider He cannot be tracked. You know this well. Blaze Maybe you can't detect his presence, but he's still human. Humans fuck up. He is too cleaver. Ghost Rider However, I will follow. Daniel trusts you. Learns from you. So will I. Blaze Whatever. Ghost Rider cringed and convulsed. The flames brightened, and then dimmed. Blaze Ghost Rider, what's happening? Ghost Rider A presence of great power... Summons... Daniel... Ghost Rider's flesh generated on the bones as the flames died, and slowly, a boys human face took form. Daniel wailed in pain as his body reverts to normal. Strange Mr. Blaze. A word? Daniel John, who's that? Blaze Not now, kid. Strange... Wish I could say it's nice to see you, again.

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Daniel looked back into the hallway and saw his helmet shattered. Daniel Aw, shit... Not another helmet. CHRIST! Strange So. This is the new one? Blaze Yeah. Strange And you think he is bonded with your... previous malignancy? Blaze Well; I'm not in the divining department. You tell me. Strange Why bother? You would not believe me. Blaze You'd be right about that. So, what's the story? You tryin' to bring the Defenders back? Something tells me you'll have trouble getting McCoy and Worthington. Strange Nothing so nostalgic. However, I have come with a mission. Blaze Yours always deal on too many levels. I'll pass. Being your pawn twice was enough.

Strange This is a dark hour coming, John. A threat of cataclysmic proportions. Blaze Call the Avengers. Me an' Dan are busy tracking down a psychopath almost as much of a Machiavellian megalomaniac as you. Strange You, as the others chase the pawns, while ignoring the king. And I'll leave the king to you. out a Bishop for you. Blaze I'll take my pawns. Hell, if it strikes my fancy, I'll take

The room warps and twists around them as it fades to blackness. Only Strange, Blaze and Dan remain. Cut To: Exterior-Night
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Outside Plantation- Road Asphalt appears beneath their feet, and the moon dimly reveals overhead. As the world comes back, the wind blows, and mist rolls at their feet. Blaze and Dan stood outside the Plantation yard, on the other side of the wall separating the yard from the road. Their bikes rested next to the road. Strange As always, I am but an overseer. My role is that of universal balance. I watch the threads of fates tapestry. It is you, who must rally the others. It is you who must stoke the flame. I have placed you on the road. I watch. That is enough. Blaze All you ever do is place the pieces. You never act. which would you mourn more, them or the game? If the human race was wiped out,

Strange I would mourn each individual intimately. And I would continue to protect what is left of the tapestry. You know your mission. You hear the call. You may dislike me. But you are needed. Will you turn away? Strange faded into the night. Blaze I hate that guy. Daniel Fuck him. Blaze No. Daniel Why? Blaze He's never wrong. Which is probably what I hate most about him. Daniel What now? Blaze We go to the rally point. Daniel Where?

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Blaze Brooklyn. Daniel What about Blackout? Blaze We'll find him later. They mounted their motorcycle, and Daniel realized his helmet was reformed. He stared at it for a moment then studied it. He held it up to Blaze in questioning. Blaze shook his head. Blaze I fuckin' hate that guy. They fired up their motor cycles and peeled out. Cut To: Interior-Day New York-Whistlers Garage Blade returned to the warehouse and entered the garage. He entered his sleeping area. It is covered with a dusty plastic sheet. The furniture beneath the canopy is covered with dusty white sheets. A cloud of dust rose as his duffel bag hit the floor. Whistler Well, that's a new look. Decided to give up the GQ grunt look for something more hip? Blade waved Whistler off with a groan of exhaustion. Blade Not now. Whistler I see you were going for the grunge Rastafari look. Blade Just because I now look like a double negative photo of you, doesn't grant you free license in the insult department, Whistler. Whistler And I see after five years abroad, English is still your first language. Blade How's the serum? Whistler Shipped off to Cambodia. A buddy o' mine from 'Nam'll pick it up and deliver it to the village clinic in the Humong Mountains.
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Blade That's pronounced Mong. The H is silent... sorta. Whistler Yeah well, when I was a kid during the draft, they weren't exactly teaching human relations at basic. Blade Least of all to Marines, I assume? Whistler It was sort a trust no one except your C.O., your M-14, and your buddies in the bush. Blade Any other hot tips? Whistler To quote our on base Medical Officer: Don't bang any gook whores, unless they got T.B. Blade No wonder you lost. Whistler I wouldn't talk. You got the same odds. And even fewer allies in the field than we did. Blade True. So... you got any word on our new ghost? Whistler His name's Strange. Blade I got that much. Whistler Used to be a doctor o' some sorts; a surgeon. Lost his wife an' kid in a car accident, and did a stretch in the pen for D.U.I. and two counts of unintentional manslaughter. Anyway, his career was over, and his hands were pretty much burned an' pulped in the crash. Started studying magic, and traveled the world, disappeared for about a decade or so. Came back, and was professed to be a master of the arcane. And from what I saw, I believe it. That guy could give Siegfried and Roy a run for the money. Blade Yeah. Well I didn't see any smoke or mirrors. Besides, something told me he wasn't big on an audience. Whistler You got that right. Word is, he's only left his brownstone a handful of times in the last ten years.
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Blade Brownstone? Whistler Yup. Your new friend is a local. Resides in Manhattan... 177A Bleecker Street, Greenwich Village, New York City... He owns the brownstone. Lives in the penthouse. Blade Looks like we may have to pay a visit. Whistler I assumed as much. I filled the tank. Blade What would I do without you, Whistler? Whistler Starve, I gather. I got the Costco card. Cut To: Exterior-Night Stranges' Manhattan Brownstone POV: across the street, from Blades car. Blade watches the building closely. There are no signs of life from the building, and it seems to be an oddity in the neighborhood. It seems to bend floor to floor, and the stained glass window of the penthouse gave an odd similarity to the Manhattan Cathedral. Down the street, an old Cambodian man walked up the street carrying groceries. Blade gave him no notice, until he realized the man was walking up the steps and searching for keys to unlock the main entrance door. Blade stepped out of the car and entered as the door closed. Cut To: Interior-Night Stranges' Brownstone-Lobby Inside, the steps were dark and empty. Blade looked for the old man, but saw nothing, but dilapidated walls and stained carpets. Blade Looks more like an abandoned building than some rich guys pad. Whistler, I'm gonna kill you if this is bum information. Whistler (V.O.) The intel's sound. Just keep yer eyes peeled, an' look out fer white tigers handled by gay guys. Blade Well it feels like I just walked into an Anne Rice novel.

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Whistler (V.O.) Just keep yer eyes peeled. You can critique the interior decorators vision later. Blade Right. Talk to you when I talk to you. Out. Cambodians POV: Middle of the room. The lobby also functions as a living room. The room is bright, with idyllic and Corinthian columns against the walls as support beams, while surreal statues seemed to offer both welcome and warning. Some stood on guard, others seemed comparative likenesses to angels. While still others seemed more like fertility gods or goddesses. Bright crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling. The vibrant red carpet stretched to the extent of the hard wood floors, and ended in four feet of white fur at the borders. The Cambodian man sat at an antique wood table set three feet above the floor with gold edge work next to his daughter, his wife and son on plush red velour pillows. A large green Minotaur stood with a tray of cookies a tea pot and cups. They all turned from the small table to stare at Blade as he stared at the staircase. If not for the community gathered around the small table surrounded by pillows, the room would seem to be a luxuriously empty museum. The environment seemed to welcome the dwellers and guests. Blade did not look at them. He did not even know they were there. Rintrah The master calls him. Ming So it would seem, my friend. Blades POV: Blade stared into the deep blackness of the dilapidated stairwell. He sensed people were close, but could not focus to locate them. The Cambodian walked past the top of the steps. Blade stepped toward the stair case, and began to walk cautiously with his hands on his weapons. Rintrah stepped toward Blade, but Ming placed his hand on his powerful arm. Ming No. Rintrah He draws. Ming He is cautious. This is the masters house. Very few have the power to challenge him here. Rintrah laxed his arms, and stood at ease with a snort. Blade followed the Cambodian up to the top of the stair case. Blades POV: Blade followed stealthfully behind the Cambodian, keeping him just within the reach of his eyes in the blackness. The Cambodian walked down the long hallway,
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and turned a corner. Blade turned the corner apprehensively, to the realization that the old man had vanished. Only a dim glow through the outline of a door could be made out at the far end of the hallway. Blade pulled his sword and gun out. The dim light at the edges of the door flared and lashed out violently. Sparks bounced off the walls down the hall and struck Blades' hands. Instinctively, he caught the gun and sword before they hit the floor and was braced for a fight. Stranges voice reassuringly echoed in his ear, and down the hall. Strange (V.O.) You will not need those, here. The door at the end of the hallway glowed dimly, and the brightness intensified subtly as the door opened. Stranges voice was quiet. Inviting and ominous. Strange (V.O.) Step inside my house. Blade put his weapons away and approached the door. Cut To: Interior-Night Strange's Brownstone-Loft-Study He stepped inside to see Dr. Strange sitting Indian style five feet above the floor. The edge of his red and gold cloak played with the hard wood floors below him. He read from a book also floating comfortably in front of him. He adjusted his spectacles to make out the transcriptions, and reflected for a moment, playing with his goatee. Blades head tilted slightly and he mouthed the words "What the fuck...?" Just then, the door closed gently behind him. Blade almost turned to look back and then sensed they were alone. Please, make yourself comfortable. tea. Strange I'll only be a minute longer. My servant is making Blade Thanks. I'm fine. Strange Are you sure? It's earl grey. Honestly, I have no idea how you survive on injections of the serum alone. The body was made to take food in through the mouth and digest. Blade I've come to find out what your game is. Strange No game. I'm busy trying to balance space time. I can't be bothered. An alliance has formed to gather a demon army, and everyone else is busy. Besides, you and the others lie closer to the arcane than science. You and yours are better suited for the threat.

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Blade See, that's what pissed me off back in the Hmong Regions. Do you realize how many people I've killed because they had been turned against their wills? And with a wave of your hands, she was cured. Do you have any idea how dysfunctional you proved my mission to be? With a wave of the hand. Strange All plots are dysfunctional to a certain degree. Your mission in required. Your goal is impossible. Your function is not to wipe out a species, rather to keep the vampire race in check. Vampires are merely natures solution toward the whittling down of the human species to a more manageable number. Blade So you just allow the creation of monsters and murderers? You allow their activities at the expense of human lives? Strange Not at the expense of human lives, at the relief of the scales. Blade ...Scales? Strange Humans survived because they learned to put aside territorial tendencies to pool resources in an effort to survive in an inhospitable environment. They could no longer survive in trees, and predators could easily enter caves. Their only tool for survival was greater numbers. That is what kept the predators at bay. It was the fear of killing one animal for food, and being killed by many animals before even enjoying the fruits of their kill. Humans built walls to safeguard their territory, and manipulated the lands to yield food and resources toward a greater protection of their supplies and populations. One thing to learn about disease; if humans are solitary animals, they have less contact with others, and often live nomadic lives. Disease, in this case, is often an accident. But in stagnant environments, that is where disease thrives. The problem with disease is the mind of man. Man has a way of solving their own problems. Eventually, all diseases will be cured. Blade What's wrong with that? Strange Without disease, how will the balance of man and the rest of nature be maintained? The societies of the world are quickly doing away with war. How will we deal with overpopulation, do you think? The ecosystem is a fragile thing. Destroy enough of it; man will become its own plague, leaving nothing to feed upon but Soylent Green. Vampires are needed. They check the human race from over populating to the point that they can no longer be fed. Besides, most vampires commit suicide long before they become dramatic threats to unbalancing the ecosystem. Blade
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You make no sense. You claim to have the power to save a human life from the other side of the planet and force another to learn English in an instant. You claim to have the power to perceive monumental threats to humanity, and yet you rally soldiers to fight your wars. If you have the power to play with the things you claim to, why can't you deal with this? Strange In truth, I already have. You merely need do your part. Blade What exactly have you done? Strange Diminished their power enough that you might more easily deal with them. Blade Why not neutralize them altogether? Strange Don't take this personally. I don't have the time to explain it to you. But I will tell you this... Each foe you fight is necessary. They must live. Until they die. If I were to simply as you put it neutralize them... Those who they would kill will live. Those who would live may die, and in that, upset the destiny of all creation. So... With that, Strange nodded in agreement with his own explanation of things, adjusted his spectacles, and returned to his book. Blade What is that supposed to mean? Strange You're asking the wrong questions. Blade What are the right ones? Strange There is a tool you must acquire. One you will find quite formidable, and direly needed. Blade Okay. Where do I find this tool? Strange Wilson Fisk is acquiring it as we speak. Blade Fisk... The Kingpin?

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A crude but apt moniker.

Strange He has earned titles far grander and far, far more perverse.

Blade I wasn't aware Fisk was into the whole helping your fellow man bit. Strange The Kingpin is unaware he is aiding us. He acts of his own accord, for his own profit. He has made several enemies outside the superhuman realm. He wishes some of them to meet with untimely demises. He might even use them against those who cut deepest into his illegal profits. Blade Like Daredevil... The Punisher. Strange To name a few. Your prize will not be easily acquired. Blade How, then? Strange You will need another ally to assist you. The black spider. Blade Spiderman? Strange No. His nemesis. Venom. Blade Isn't he psychotic? Strange All that, and more. He requires no company, for he is literally two entities. He is most decidedly a loner. Blade So am I. Strange Ah, but all of you have worked with others quite successfully in the past. All of you have proven merit in team settings on countless occasions. And all of you have issues yet to be resolved. All of you would profit just as much as you have lost and might yet lose by the journeys end. I am asking for you to step forward because you are needed. I am asking that you place yourselves in harms way for the sake of countless others. Heroes are those who sacrifice so that others may not be called upon to do so. You are a hero. I only ask that you redirect your focus to where it is needed most. You will find your true adversaries there.
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Blade Forgive me for appearing annoyed. It just so happens that I am. But who the fuck are you to be pulling me away from my mission, getting me to come all the way across the world to stand here and be psycho analyzed, badly? You arrogant little shit! Do you have any idea how much I resent this half answer, double talk, bullshit? I came here to learn whether or not you cost me time and aggravation for some purpose or if I should just kill you now for adding countless lives to my roster to either take, or avenge. Strange And you are asking me what, exactly? Blade I'm asking you if you can give me a good reason to tell me whether or not I should just kill you right now. I'm asking you if there is an actual purpose to my return to New York. I'm asking you if there's a reason to all this. And I want you to prove to me you truly know what you say you know. Strange There are two purposes to your return to New York, Eric. One is to confront a malevolence more dark than any you have ever known. The other is because you will truly gain insight to your own origin, the origin of your entire race and some of your potential destinies. Blade So you're trying to help me? Strange As for whether or not you should kill me... you can't. You have neither the power, nor the desire. I am not a vampire. Nor am I one who preys on the weaknesses of others. You have one last request of me. You may ask the Eye of Aggamoto. Blade stared incredulously at Strange in his last comment. He sensed a power in his words. A gift to be offered. Blade felt a choking in his throat as the words came almost unwillingly, shamefully with tears. I want you to make me a believer. Blade I wish to believe in my mission, as I once did.

A fine light appeared at the dividing line in the closed eye medallion on Stranges chest, and grew brilliant as the candles flickered and grew several inches before blowing out. Strange smiled, lovingly on Blade. Strange As you wish. The Eye of Agamotto opened wide, and the light pushed the shadows to the corners of the room. Blades hair blew on a powerful wind and his face became at once, illuminated and his shadow flickered and played off the wall. Blade felt himself pulled away to a field of white. Within it, a floating fire hovered before it. Blade stared curiously at it. The
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flames grew bright, and rushed past him. He saw himself at the age of twelve and witnessed his first feeding. At thirteen, he witnessed his first meeting with Whistler. Blade relived the pride he felt in studying under Whistler and shame he felt for feeding on humans and his desires to become the best vampire hunter. He witnessed the first vampire he killed, and how he smiled the first time Whistler told him he was proud of him. And the dark years he spent hunting for Whistler. Blade (VO) You heard me, you blood sucking bitch! Where's Whistler! I know you know! He listened to the screams the tortured vampire made when she refused to answer his questions. Vampire (V.O.) I know nothing! I know nothing! He felt a bliss come over him. Of an acceptance and pleasure as his body changed around his soul. Of an intense sensation of euphoria coupled with a deep shame. He saw the Brooklyn Bridge grow hazy with flames, and an army of demons and vampires marching on New York. He saw a battle in Queens that made its' way clear to Harlem. Blade (VO) For the first time in my life, I feel whole. Complete. Why do I feel so weak? I've betrayed everything I am... He saw himself trying to kill Whistler. The entire time begging Blade (VO) Please, help me! I can't stop myself! Run! And Whistler stretching out for him screaming out his encouragement. Whistler (VO) Fight it, kid! You can do this! Don't give up now! Then he heard gunshots, and fire rushed before his eyes. Red rushed over his eyes, as his vision blurred and tilted to the ground before the blackness took him. The entire time, he heard Strange chanting, and felt a light traveling through him. He knew he was protected. Blade That chanting. It was you. Why were you there? Was that my future? Strange Quite possibly, you will have difficult choices to make in the days to come. I know not why the cards chose you, other than that the powers that be know you will be pivotal in the coming conflagration. You are shrewd in decision making. Cold. Impersonal. However, in the next few hours, you will be confronted with very personal and inviting
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attacks. Your foes will offer you safe haven. For the first time in your life, you will feel as if you are coming home. Your allies will offer you a choice. Remember... The difference between the good and evil you will face is that the darkness does not let you choose. You will either be manipulated to doing their bidding, or be offered something more precious than the materialistic. Blade What is that? Strange Ah. When you learn that, it will all be over. Ming will see you out, now. many things I have yet to accomplish, before this night is through. Blade Thank you. Strange I doubt you will be very pleased to see me, when next we meet. open invitation to you. Come whenever you wish. However, I extend an There are

Blade I just may resent your part in this mission. But I will return. Strange Very good then, good evening. The door closed behind him, as he left. Blade looked bewildered by the vision and what Strange said. He confessed nothing, and told all. Cut To: Interior-Night Strange's Brownstone-Hallway outside Loft Blade walked outside into the hallway to see the Cambodian standing before him. Blade walked down the steps in a haze. He followed the pleasant old Cambodian with a lost sense of grounding Ming Are you well, Blade? Blade My world's been ripped away and force fed to me more times than I can count. I always dealt with it. No problem. This was... unsettling. I always felt with purpose came clarity. There is none from these revelations. Ming Each of us must face the universe with an open mind if one is to truly grow. A closed heart and a clenched fist offers nothing but closed doors. Blade And?
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Ming The doors we seek open roads that lead to avenues of insight. You must uncloud your heart. You must find peace. Blade Peace... There's no such thing. Blade almost walked into Rintrah, an eight foot, two inch tall muscular, hooved, green minotaur creature. Blade recognized Rintrahs pose as threatening, and fought the haze to respond with equal force. Rintrah Ming... All is well? Ming gave a harsh eye to Rintrah, and waved him off. Blade Hey, Green thing. What are you supposed to be, a mutant? Rintrah I am Tauros. The masters apprentice. Blade Looks like the Hulk fucked a cow. Rintrah I am a beast of both the arcane and science, little black vampire. Ming The Daywalker is a guest, young one. You will be a proper host, and prepare some tea. Mings look conveyed a deep annoyance at his confrontational pose to Blade. recognized this, and grimaced, as he stepped out of the way. Rintrah

Rintrah My.... apologies. Ming is right. You are a guest of the master. I merely objected to your weaponry, and your inclination toward using them. Please accept my apologies. Blade I do have an inclination toward using them. An' if you don't step out of the way, it's Sunday at the park, and it's barbecue time. Rintrah flexed, and then caught Mings eye. Rintrah put his hands up submissively, and backed away. Ming placed his hand gently on Blades shoulder, and directed him toward the chair. Blade fell into the chair disoriented and confused. Ming hushed to him, and Blade could only comply to the kindness of him. Rintrah brought over a fine china tea cup and saucer, and handed it to Ming. Ming accepted it with a nod, and Rintrah stumbled sheepishly away. Ming handed the tea to Blade, who sat uncomfortably with it in his hand. He recognized how odd it was for a man like him to be sitting down for tea
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so peacefully, at attempted to relent. Ming Relax, Daywalker. All is well. Take this moment to regroup your thoughts. apologize. Tauros is merely overprotective of the master. Ming (continued, with a cold glare of annoyance to Rintrah) He is young and brash. Forgive me. I should have raised him better. Blade No. I should apologize. My head's still swimming from the visions. Ming Do not worry, so. You will struggle and falter on this path, but in the end you will do fine. The master has foreseen it. Blade I hope you're right, Ming. I could use an upside to this. 'Cause all I see is blackness. Blade looked uncomfortably at Ming, and glanced down at the expensive tea cup and saucer. Ming nodded, and accepted the tea back from Blade. Ming Quite right. Come, Blade. You must hurry. The time of the gathering draws near. Blade When? Where? You will know the hour. you can lead them there. Ming The place where you stand is where the blow will fall. Only I must

Cut To: Exterior-Night Stranges Brownstone-Street Blade walked back to his car in amazement and drove off shaken. Cut To: Interior -Night Strange's Brownstone-Community Living Room Ming, Tauros and the others sit quietly sipping tea and staring at the rice balls sitting in front of them. Rintrah Do you think he will truly do well? Ming Sometimes one needs only be reminded of the correct path to find and resume his place on it. Rintrah I put less stake in his martial abilities and aptitude for survival, than the need for this group
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of loners to find their way as a unit. I fear if they cannot stand together, the battlefront will be removed from the gateway, and resume here. In our very midst. Ming Have faith, dear Rintrah. The master has predicted the invasion. He has predicted the assault. Rintrah And he has predicted one of us will die. I do not fear death. I fear those I cherish dying while I persevered. Ming I fear death. I fear I would miss this world too much if I were to leave it prematurely. Rintrah Then for both our sakes, let it be me. Ming Don't worry yourself so. If I am to die, do me a favor. Rintrah Name it. Ming Have some plumb wine. Celebrate. Rintrah What shall we celebrate? Ming Life.

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Cut To: Exterior-Night Highway Blade drove in a haze around New York. Cut To: Exterior-Night Coven Hostel Blade studied two men get off their bikes and enter a hostel near the darker part of the city. They entered peaceably, paid their nights worth, and stepped onto the elevator. Several foreigners walked in and out amid a few more studious loners. The loners were aware of their surroundings, and stepped with a grace of hunters. Blade watched through binoculars as the elevator doors closed on the two bikers. Blade Damn. Cut To: Interior-Night Hostel Room Daniel took off his boots, and sighed as he let his toes wiggle. Blaze cleaned the barrel of his shotgun. Daniel So, how long do we plan on staying here? Blaze Don't know. Something's supposed to happen here. Just don't know what, yet. Daniel Oh. Alright. Just let me know when it does, alright? Blaze You'll be the first to know.
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Daniel laid down, and noticed a flier on the pillow. The flier was a free pass to a members club. Daniel Oh, cool. Blaze What's up? Daniel They got these fliers for a party downstairs. Blaze ...Amazing... Daniel Sensual Meetings Proudly Presents: Members Only Basement Rave! Rhythmic, Psychedelic Trans provided by D.J. Saint... Cool... Ladies night, tonight! No age limit. Flier admits party free. First drinks free. Party starts at 10:00pm. And keeps going till' you drop! Blaze ...Will wonders never cease? Daniel Do you have to be so condescending? Blaze Let me let you in on a little secret about the big bad city, Danny. When the first drink's free, whatever the second drink cost's gonna be a bitch. Daniel Come on, can we go? Blaze Alright, but you gotta promise you'll keep it cool, alright? Daniel So we can go? Blaze Sure. Besides, I'd like to see you get carded. Daniel Dick. Cut To: Interior-Night
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Basement House Party Entrance Daniel and Blaze walked down to the house party in the basement. A muscular bouncer stood uncaringly with sunglasses on in the dark hallway. The bouncer raised his hand with a stone face frozen with annoyance. Blaze raised the pass to the bouncer, who took it, and jerked his head toward the door. Blaze pushed Daniel into the club, holding the shoulder in a seeming gregarious way. Blaze studied the room as they walked. Daniel was oblivious. Cut To: Interior-Night Basement House Party The interior was dark, with strobes and prismic lighting systems flashing and illuminating the room from one moment to the next. The underground Trans music pulsed against the walls, and motivated the dancers to even more explicit moves. Blaze put his hand on his forehead and scoffed. Blaze Aw, Jeez. This is not my scene. Daniels eyes widened in excitement and he jumped like a kid in a candy store. Daniel Cool... Can I? Blaze laughed to himself and motioned to the room. Blaze Go, have fun. Daniel ran out to the dance floor and mingled with the girls. One in particular found her way to his side. She stared at him with an utter fascination, and smiled a big toothed smile seductively to him. Daniel smiled back, and Blaze leaned against the bar to observe. Cut To: Interior-Night Hostel-Lobby The clerk watched two girls leave with a knowing wink. The girls waved, and walked out. The clerk turned to his phone, and spoke into it for a brief moment, agreeing and nodding. He did not hear the two girls scream, or see the sudden bursts of flame outside the door. The clerk grabbed his keys, and made his way toward the front door. Blade walked into the front doorway of the hostel, walking directly to the clerk. Desk Clerk Hey. We're full. Find another place to sleep it off. Blade studied him for a moment, with a knowing grin that quickly widened to a smile. Cut To: Interior-Night Hotel-Lobby-Elevator Doors The elevator doors parted, and Blade stepped on, turning to face the lobby with a grin.
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Blades POV: As the doors closed, the last thing he saw was the silver spiked Clerks' bones burning on the desk counter. The flames finished burning the clerks bones away, leaving Blades silver spike stuck halfway through the desk counter.

Cut To: Interior-Night Hotel-Basement-Rave Entrance The bouncer at the door stood against the wall feeding on a teenaged girl. He looked up as the elevator bell sounded announcing someone was coming. The bouncer dropped the girl and licked his fingers clean as he wiped his mouth with the clean hand. The elevator door opened, and Blade stepped off. Bouncer Hey! The Raves closed, bitch. Get on the elevator, an get the fuck out of here. Blade cracked his neck, and frowned at the bouncer. Blade If you had any idea how monotonous this shits become for me... Cut To: Interior-Night Hotel-Basement-Rave Admission Door The bouncer flew through the rave admission door and slid across the dance floor up to two pairs of feet with a silver spike in between the ribs. Blade appeared in the doorway with his guns out ready to level the field with silver bullets, when he looked up in disbelief. The charred bouncers bones had now burned to the ash, and Blade pointed his gun at the two, who turned around to face him. Blaze and Ghost Rider stared back at Blade uncaringly. Blade stared out at the room with shock. All around them were burning skeletons, and frightened hostel visitors standing among a few corpses of feeding victims. Blaze fired his shotgun at the speaker, and it sputtered to silence, leaving only the screams of horror from the surviving human Ravers who tried to stifle their own cries for fear of the three beings before them. Blaze flicked the flier in the air. It landed at Blades feet. Blaze Daniel was right. The first drink was free. Blade kept his gun trained on them as he picked it up. Blade read it, and then discarded it, and glanced at the fresh corpses. Blade put his gun back in his holster. Blade Nope. Not free. Cut To: Interior-Night Whistlers Garage Whistler limped to the computer with his receiver ear piece in. Blade talked to him over the radio. Whistler
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You found the two, Strange sent you out to find? Blade Looks like it. I think we're gonna be in way over our heads on this one. Whistler Join the club. Been in it for nearly thirty-three years with those odds. Blade Yeah, well... I'm not lookin' forward to this one. fuckin' dreadin' the next step. Ever since I met Strange, I've been

Whistler Yeah, well... It's about to get a hell-uv-a-lot worse. Blade Talk to me. Whistler Our Doctor sure knows his stuff. Seems Edward Brock, AKA Venom, broke out of prison last night and is now in a knock down drag out with Spiderman. Blade Jesus not that guy, again... Whistler (V.O.) Fraid so. Blade So, where to? Whistler You got the back up with you? Cut To: Exterior-Night Manhattan-Freeway Blade drove his car through Manhattan, with Blaze and Daniel following on motorcycle. Blade Got them in tow. Whistler Fight started out in Queens. It's now nearing the Banking District. Cut To: Exterior-Night Manhattan-Above the Bankers District Spiderman swings after Venom.

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Cut To: Exterior-Night Bankers District-Building Rooftop Venom landed on a rooftop and grabbed an antenna rising out of the roof. Spiderman cleared the edge of the rooftop, and let go of his web line to land. As his toes barely touched the ground, Venom hit Spiderman squarely in the chest with the antenna and sent him back to the edge of the building. Venom Tag! Spiderman looked down to see the traffic below then threw himself back to the roof. Spiderman saw Venom at the far end of the roof waving back at him and jumped over the edge. Spiderman Brock! Spiderman jumped to the far end of the rooftop to see Venom swinging away. Cut To: Exterior-Night Above the Bankers District Spiderman jumped and swung after him. Venom tried dodging, and was speared in the back by Spiderman. Venom fell precariously to the street trying to shake off the blow. Cut To: Exterior-Night Bankers District-Building Flagpole Spiderman webbed a flag pole and swung to land on it. Cut To: Exterior-Night Bankers District-Street Intersection Venom hit the front of a cab, destroying the engine. Venom Fuck, our back. He looked up at Spiderman and rose. Spiderman crawled down the side of the building, then hopped down to the street to face Venom. Spiderman You want this? Let's do it! Venom We'll smear you against the wall. Spiderman and Venom traded blows in the middle of the street. Spiderman was winning.

Spiderman You really thought I was gonna let you hurt her? You really thought I wouldn't cross the line for them? What makes you think I wouldn't do anything for them? My strength!
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My will! My life! How would you feel if I came after you like that? How long would you stand by as I hurt the ones you loved? Venom smacked Spiderman and sent him flying. Venom Don't even think of it! Not ever! Spiderman caught the corner of a building and looked back. Spiderman Okay, Spidey. You might've pissed him off with that one... Venom webbed the wall and pulled himself up into the air after Spiderman. jumped away and Venom pursued. Spiderman

Cut To: Exterior-Night Manhattan-Traffic Jam at Intersection Night traffic stopped at a red light. People stopped and looked up to see Spiderman swinging by, and pointed in terror as Venom swung behind him roaring like a lion. Cut To: Exterior-Night Edge of Manhattan-Rooftops of the Warehouse District Spiderman landed on a warehouse rooftop by the Hudson. He is breathing hard. Venom laughed as he landed. Venom You gonna keep running? Spiderman Venom, you gotta go back. Venom To prison? We don't think so. Spiderman Eddie, why are you doing this? Venom Because it's fun. Now stand still so we can eat your brains. Venom lunged forward and was knocked back by a shotgun blast. Venom landed with a thud with two silver spikes sticking out of his chest. Spiderman turned to see who shot Venom, and saw nothing. Spiderman What the fu... Where'd that come from? He turned, and Venom was gone.
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Spiderman Aw, man. Whoever did that, stop helping! Blade(V.O.) I'd be accepting help from just about anyone who offered, right about now, if I were you, Spiderman. Spiderman turned around and saw Blade standing in the middle of the rooftop mere feet away from him. Spiderman How the hell did you get so close to me without me realizing it? Blade Training, experience... Whatever. I'm just good at this shit. You? Spiderman Nice digs. Let me guess: Bob Marleys evil twin? Cute. Oh, right. me... Blade No, just ensuring you don't get killed today, while we take Venom. Spiderman Well, unless you're gonna take him to prison for

You wanna take Venom.

Blade Not likely, no. Spiderman Oh, well. In that case; stay outta my way. Blade Fair warning; he's coming with us. You can get outta the way, or chalk up your corpse to acceptable losses. Spiderman You wanna threaten me? Take a number and get in line. It starts with Venom, and goes around the block. Twice! Like I said, stay outta my way. Spiderman launched a line and swung down the warehouse street. Blade sighed. Blade Well, that went well. Blade clicked on a radio in his ear.

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Blade Whistler: Tell the rest of the team, if we want Venom, we're gonna have to take Spiderman down. ...Hard. Whistler (V.O.) Tell 'em yourself. They're on the line. Cut To: Exterior-Night Manhattan Warehouse District-Dark Alleyway Blaze and Daniel stood in shadows. Spiderman landed at a manhole cover, and picked at the slime and symbiot residue. Blaze clicked on the radio. Blaze That won't be necessary. A mere show of presence, and a brief dialogue should suffice. I see him wiping some green slime off of a manhole cover. I think our target's in the sewer. Cut To: Exterior-Night Manhattan Warehouse District-Manhole Access Blackness. In the center of field of view, the sound of metal clanks hollow as the manhole cover is lifted, letting the light of the streetlights and the moon into the sewer tunnel. Spiderman poked his head down into the tunnel to look around for signs of Venom in the vicinity. He smelled the air, and jerked back, groaning with disgust. Spiderman Does he always have to go into the sewer? Spiderman groaned and crawled into the hole. Cut To: Interior-Night Manhattan Warehouse District-Sewer-Tunnel He crawled on the ceiling, and maneuvered to the wall, moving in a straight line. He placed his hand on a slimy wet patch, and put his hand to his face with an unflattered groan, as he shook his hand vigorously with a disgusted gesture. Slime flicked from his fingers as he shook. Spiderman Oh, man! Hey Brock! These costumes aren't easy to explain at the dry cleaners, you know! Spiderman looked around and crawled on. He reached a tunnel walkway, and peered downward to look inside. Seeing nothing, he stepped over it, and continued along the side of the wall. He grumbled to himself to help with his growing fear and frustration. Spiderman Gimme the Green Goblin any day... Gimme Sandman... Gimme Hobgoblin.... Hell, gimme Carnage... Well let's not get carried away. Green Goblin and Hobgoblin'd be fine.

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Spiderman did not notice the black wall of the tunnel walkway. He did not notice it move as he reached over it. He traveled down the wall of the sewer tunnel completely oblivious to the slimy smooth black surface dripping out of the walkway, and the large black blob that followed it. Two large white eyes grew from the blob, and a set of teeth formed a jack o' lantern grin as it rose from the liquid black ball. It twisted and warped as two legs stood. The small splashes it made brought Spiderman to full attention. He listened to the sound, and a shiver went trough him. Spiderman Not good. Spiderman jumped out of the way of a large pipe that pierced the pipe he had crawled on. On the other wall, Spiderman stared back at Venom, now facing him. Venom grinned. Spiderman Jeez! You're psychotic, you know that Brock? Venoms' mouth opened, and the tongue wiped drool across his face. Two tendrils grew from his ankles, and stretched downward into the water. Relax. Venom We just wanted your attention. We want you to see this coming.

Spiderman tensed for the fight, and stared down at Venom. Spiderman Bring it. Venom grinned. Two black tendrils shot through the water and grabbed his legs, pulling him under the water. The water churned violently with black tendrils and blue and red. Venom giggled as Spiderman started to drown. The water then grew bright, and bubbled. Venom screamed, and the tendrils recoiled back into his body. His eyes grew small and his grin became a hideous scowl. Spiderman rose from the water coughing violently with a magnesium flare burning brightly in his hand. Spiderman Still can't stand fire, can ya? Venom We're gonna eat your brains. Every last bit. Spiderman Hey Brock. I saw Night of the Living Dead when I was four. The second time I saw it, it wasn't that scary. Your lines were old, when you first said them. I got an idea. You wanna impress me? Quote something from Shakespeare. Hell, Tennessee Williams! Quentin Tarantino or any guest on Jerry Springer, for that matter; just stop sayin' the same shit over an over!

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Venom We don't need to impress you. We just need you dead. Spiderman We've danced this dance too many times, before. Way I see it, you always end up losing. Unless you're actually gonna be a man about it this time, and stick to one target, I see this ending up the same way it always does. You in a cage an' your other in a petre dish. You know what real strength is? It's being able to think for yourself! But you were always a flunky, Brock. Even as a journalist, you were slime. And an original, creative idea was never anywhere to be found between those two ears. Look at you. You're still a fuck up. Between the both of you, you still can't plan a decent revenge scheme. But you at least had control enough to discern the difference between a good plan and an act of jealousy. Venom Jealous of what, your stupid powers? I have that, and more. Your job? I was a Journalist. You just took pictures. I was a salary man. You were the freelancer. And as far as your pretty wife is concerned, she was the most effective way to get to you. I was appreciative of my others' point of view. Spiderman How much denial can you go through? Now you're lying to yourself. The symbiot doesn't care about revenge. You do. It's jealous that I chose a woman over a thinking suit that was feeding off of me. Your desire for revenge only suits its purpose of eliminating the things in its way. Mary Jane was in its' way. That's why it was pushing you to try and kill her. Venom Now, who's in denial? You had your chance to be together with the symbiot, and you blew it. We are one, now. You will never be with it again. We are one. If that's the best you can do to win, through manipulation, you've lost already. Spiderman I fought long and hard to get that thing off of me, Brock. That was a plague on my life that I am glad is removed from me. I don't want it back. But it wants me back. And we all know it. If I called out to it, it would jump from you to rejoin me. But hey, if you need that kind of attention... if you're that desperate for a date you'd take the slimy slug over a woman, then hey, good luck. Mazeltov. Personally, I just think you were tired of pornos. You can't really kiss yer right hand good night after you finish taking care of yourself. That's your problem. You need someone there, all the time. You're so fuckin' lonely; you'd be with a black slug if it said nice things to you. And you'd do anything it took to make it happy; like removing its' perceived obstacle in getting me back. So please tell me... Who do you think's gonna lose; the confused and frustrated guy who can't think for himself, or the man willing to give up his life defending his wife and family? Venom Let's end this.

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Spiderman Now, we're on the same page. Spiderman and Venom charge each other in a bitter rage. Both jumped at each other with all their might. Venoms mass and power however, carried him over Spiderman, and slammed him into the sewer water in the middle of the tunnel. Venom giggled as Spidermans head dipped beneath the water, and his fang drew close to Spidermans Adams apple at the break between the costume and the mask. Spiderman kicked Venom up into the air with a strength he rarely employs. Venom made a dent in the steel ceiling, and fell to the sewage in the center of the tunnel, as Spiderman gripped the wall and stared back down at him. Venom looked up and growled back at Spiderman. Spiderman stared down and nodded. Spiderman It ends, now. Venom lunged toward Spiderman, and Spiderman let go of the ceiling. he turned his head and stared at the darkness. Spiderman What theSpiderman spun violently. Venom was struck by shotgun blasts, while Spiderman dodged a flying blade. Cut To: Interior-Night Sewer-Tunnel-Center Blaze, Dan, Blade and Whistler stood at the edge of the shadow in the sewer, looking down on Spiderman and Venom. Spiderman Blaze? Is that you? Blaze Hey, kid. Spiderman Hey, thanks for the save. But you better back off. Venom's pretty unpredictable. Blaze Sorry kid, can't do that. Spiderman You're not going to kill him, are you? Blaze No. Just that instant,

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Spiderman (Apparently shocked they werent about to) ...No? Blaze No. We got use for him. Now if you'll excuse us... Spiderman No. I won't. Venom escaped from prison, just to come back to Manhattan and tear the place up. He's going back to prison. Blaze Spiderman, we don't have time for this. We're here for Brock. That's it. Strange say's he's necessary to completing our number for some mystic suicide mission. Venom's coming with us. Spiderman ...Doc. Strange? Blaze I see you've heard of him. Spiderman Okay. I'm officially bugged. Venom's supposed to save the world? Blade You got a problem? Take it up with Strange. Spiderman Thanks, I'll pass. That guy seriously creeps me out. Blaze You an' me both, but we can't just draft 'im. So how about it; you wanna have the fight of your life, or what? Venom Let's see... Lockdown wing, or a good fight? Community showers, or blood bath? Mystery meat, or brains... Do we get to kill? Blaze Looks like it. Venom -The enemy is wicked? Blaze -As bad as they come. Venom We do so love the community showers... We'll do it. we go free. On the condition when we win,

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Spiderman No; Unacceptable! Blade tensed, and got in Spidermans face, staring him down. Blade Spiderman, you're starting to push my buttons. Spiderman turned to look at Blaze for a voice of reason, while pointing at Blade. Spiderman WhatBlade -Shut up! Venom snickers as Blade eyed Spiderman. Blaze Yer on, Brock. I got no problem with you. Just don't become one for us, and you got a deal. Venom You hear that, Spidey? We're a hero, now. Blade folded his arms, and stood before Spiderman like an enforcer. Spiderman gripped his head as if a headache were beginning. Spiderman This is crazy. Blaze Like my surly friend said, kid. Got a problem, you take it up with Strange. You can go now, Spiderman. Thank you for respecting our agreement. Spiderman Alright, fine I'm gone. But do yourselves a favor; don't turn your backs on him for a second. He's just waiting for the opportunity to betray you. Blaze That may be. But if he betrays us, the deals off. Venom bowed low magnanimously, in mock subservience. Venom We are your loyal followers. Blade stared down on Spiderman and spoke coldly.
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Blade Spiderman, thank you, for leaving. Spiderman stared back at Blade for a moment and his muscles coiled. Blade cracked his neck. Finally, Spiderman waved him off and walked away. Spiderman Hey, I can take a hint. Spiderman walked up across from Venom, and stopped as he heard Brocks laughter escaping through his nose, and his shoulders twitching from the attempt at control. He paused next to Venom. Spiderman Eddie... If you ever come after Mary Jane or Aunt May again, I swear to God, I'll fucking kill you. You got me? Venom blew a kiss at Spiderman and snickered under his breath. Venom Okay Petey, I luv ya, buh-bye. Spiderman back tensed. His hands went into fists, and with a deep breath, he managed to walk into the shadows to the opening. His muttering echoed through the tunnel. Cut To: Spiderman Spiderman stomped through the sewer water with his hands in fists trying to maintain his composure. Spiderman If I wanted to be brutalized, chastised and ridiculed, I'd go in to work. Fuck this. He's their problem, not mine. Jesus. Getting chastised by the Hells Angels reject, the body armor wearing Rastafari bouncer and their bitch. If I'm lucky, Venom'll get himself killed, and stop bothering me. Cut To: Midnight Sons They listened to his muttering echo through the tunnel back at them. The sound in the tunnel made his every muttered work soft and perfectly audible. Each responded to his opinion of them. Spiderman reached the hole in the ceiling of the tunnel, and with barely a twitch, jumped up through the manhole into the night. John Blaze shot Blade a hard glance and shook his head. Venom Awww... He loves me. Blaze Well... He took that better than I thought. Blade (said with a scoff)
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He was out numbered. What choice did he have? Blaze Spiderman has a few tricks up his sleeve. Back when I last saw him, when it came to strength, speed, agility and raw determination, not many can say they could even hope to match him. Even those of the superhuman persuasion. And back then... He was a lot less beefy. Trust me. He let us off easy. Let's just hope he goes to clear it with Strange, and likes what he hears. Otherwise, we can expect to see him again by the end of the night. Blade He comes back; he'll get his ass handed to him. Blaze Don't go making promises you can't keep. Spidey can take care of himself. He's survived dances with Thor, the Hulk an' Wolverine. Hell, he's danced with the Juggernaught more than once. An' they're in a whole different league from us. Blade Well from what I saw, we got the stronger of the two. Venom Oooh, complements and high praise all around. We must work to live up to your expectations. Daniel Does he always have to speak of himself in the plural? Venom We could refer to ourselves in the singular, if you like. Daniel Please. Venom I was wondering if we could go straight to the fight. We want to get some killing in before sunrise. Blade We could go back and get the wall crawler. He's sounding better all the time. Venom We will not speak. Cut To: Exterior-Night Queens-Outskirts of Dumping Area Midnight Sons stationed themselves at the rooftop of a water and power generator station. They watched in silence, waiting for the Kingpins entourage to arrive.

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Blaze Is this where we're supposed to be? Yep. Blade I don't see anything.

Blaze That's why I'm asking you all these questions. Blade Look, Strange said you'd know where we were needed to be, and that I'd know where the fight was going to be when we arrived. Venom Everybody down, I hear something. Blaze I don't hear shit. Blade No. The slimy thing's right. Sounds like cars and trucks... Lots of 'em. Daniel Wait, I hear it too. There's the headlights. Blade I see 'em. Blaze Both directions. Blaze grew perplexed. Blaze (continued) Kingpin doesn't usually play it this way. Blade What way? Blaze Look at this place. Usually he has it crawling with enforcers before a transaction. He's pretty much on the ball about his business. Daniel Yeah. He's right. Me an' John've had a few encounters with Fisk before. This feels too easy. Behind them, the sound of a rifle cocking. Rifleman (V.O.)
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You'd be right about that. Cut To: Exterior-Night Outskirts of Dumping Area-Dirt Road Kingpin rose out of his limousine to greet the contracted couriers. Rocco, his right hand man put his finger to his ear and nodded. Rocco turned to Kingpin, and leaned over reverently. Rocco Our bogies have been located, Mr. Fisk. Awaiting instructions. Kingpin took the radio from Rocco and spoke into it, uncaringly. Kingpin Kill them. Rifleman (VO) Affirmative. Shots rang out in the distance. Kingpin listens and waits. Rifleman (V.O. Radio) Targets neutralized. Blade has his hand on the mans neck. His other hand has the wrist holding the rifle. Venom has his tendrils all around the man squeezing the riflemans trigger finger. Venom Four shots, for four men. And not a shot needed for this tender morsel. Blade Drop the gun. Ditch the techs. Lie down, an' don't make a sound. Venoms tendrils strip the man, and kept him restrained. Venom Ooh, his brains smell so tasty... Let us taste them? Blade Do 'im. He was going to do us. Daniel I'm gonna be sick. Blaze Watch yourself, vampire. Not on my watch. My mission; my rules. Let him go, Brock. We need to work as a team, let's pretend to be a human one. Bind and gag him. That's the deal.
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Blade You may not have noticed, but none of our uniforms come equipped with rope and gags. Blaze Fine. Blaze punched the man in the back of the neck, and kicked him in the side of the neck, sending him across the roof. He took off his bandana, and tied it in his mouth. Then pulled the unconscious mans arms out of their sockets and broke his right ankle. Blaze He won't dance again, but he'll live. That's more n' I can say of your alternative. Venom And he thinks my way is inhumane? Cut To: Exterior-Night Outskirts of Dumping Grounds-Tall Grass The four moved through the tall grass silently. grass too violently or loudly.

Each takes their time not to disturb the

Blade We're gonna have to kill a lot o' these guys now, Blaze. You know that. Blaze Yeah. No one is left to suffer. Venom We promise... quick an' painless. We'll try not to chew too loudly. Daniel First drop of blood brings the other, guys. Blaze Remember that. We got a spirit with an attitude with us. Let's do this quickly. Blade Whatever. Blaze Put on your helmet, kid. That flame'll mark us for a lotta concentrated fire. Daniel Right, good call. Blade grabbed one of the snipers in the tall brush and broke his neck. Venom snapped the necks of four with his tendrils. Their bodies were dragged back to him. Venom
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snickered as the bodies reached his hiding place in the dark. All they heard was the sound of Venoms slathering tongue, his teeth chomping accompanied by a low pulping sound, and what sounded like branches breaking inside full water jugs. Daniel twitched and cringed to avoid crying out as flames licked up from underneath his helmet for an instant. The next action was an eerie calmness. He was still. Daniel rose to one knee, and turned his head almost mechanically in Venom's direction. Blaze looked up at Daniel for a moment, and tried to pull him back to the camouflage of the tall grass in an effort to avoid alerting the riflemen of their presence. Blaze Dan? Dan? Blaze stared in disbelief as he realized Daniels posture, and realized a rage was building in him. Blaze (continued) Oh, shit. Ghost Rider. At ease. They're on our side. Ghost Rider -They kill. Blaze Keep your voice down. Whisper, god damn it. It's necessary. Our mission is righteous. Relax, and hold back until we get stationed. And whatever you do, do not take your helmet off. Ghost Rider Daniel trusts you. I will trust you. Blaze -Whatever. Cut To: Exterior-Night Outskirts of Dumping Area-Dirt Road Kingpin stood before the gangsters. Juan Hey, man. It took a lot a' work to get this to ju. Fisk I never said it would be easy. Juan I lost two of my cousins pullin' this one. Fisk I'm sure you got a few hundred others. Juan
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I'm not playin' wit'chu. We wanna extra five for aggavashun, an' distress. Plus, we wan' chu tuh gib an extra hunned g's to each o' my cousins families. Fisk That won't be necessary. Juan Wut-chu-mean dat won' be nessary? Fisk It would be far more cost effective to merely kill their families. A forty cent bullet per body for all their immediate families alone would probably cost a little over one hundred forty dollars. Juan What da fuck? Fisk I could always invest five grand to simply pack the house gas manes with semtex and eliminate the needless worry over survivors testimony implicating me. Juan You mutha fucka. Fisk To put it plainly, I don't care about your worries or woes. You were contracted to do a job that entailed some risk. Some of your... posse did not survive. That is of little concern to me, and has no bearing on our business arrangement. You signed up for the deal, you assumed the risks for all of your men. Crying about it and demanding more money is not an option when I can have you all killed with a nod. Would you like me to nod? Cut To: Exterior-Night Outskirts of Dumping Area-Tall Grass Snipers lay unaware of the enemy at their backs. They activate their laser sights, narrow down their sights and aim for head shots. Cut To: Exterior-Night Outskirts of Dumping Area-Dirt Road Juan sees the multiple red dots all across the black edge of the night. Juan pulls out a pistol and aims it at Fisk Juan Your boys shoot, you die you fat fuck. Fisk I do not think so. Have you ever heard the phrase... information is everything? I didn't think so. I held onto a piece of information that I thought might come in handy in case such duplicity on your part arose. Do you remember the Sante Carlo hit about five years
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ago? It seems a man rose up to lead his entire army after his passing. How would your loyal followers feel about you if they learned the very killing that made you, was executed by you? Ernesto What? Fisk Juan, here. He killed Enrique Sante Carlo. The man who raised him, and most of you like sons. For five grand. Ernesto Tell us he's lyin', holms. Juan He's lyin, man. Why would I kill the Don? He's lyin! Fisk I think it fair his only real son be the killer of his fathers murderer. That, I believe would be you, Ernesto. The army of thugs turned back incredulously to stare at Ernesto. Ernesto was stunned. Ernesto How did you know? I thought nobody did. Fisk As I said, information is everything. Besides, you'd be amazed what a blood test could solve. As I had done by one of my retainees on the nightly doctors pool at the Queens Salvation Emergency Room when you opted to give Alicio Martinez the blood transfusion after that failed drive by hit left him merely paralyzed. Results were 99.98 percent if I recall correctly. And as you know, blood tests, like polygraph are rarely one hundred percent conclusive. Juan Ay yo, I'll confess, man. I did it. But Fisk paid me ta do it. Fisk Everyone knows that, Juan. It was a legitimate hit. Besides... I'm a made man. Etiquette demands I be left alone. The contract out is not for the man who ordered the hit. It's for the man who executed it. In a cheap motel, with a prostitute no less. Airing all that unnecessary dirty laundry for the Daily Bugle to print. How did they title that article? ...The Don gets Done while being a John. You couldn't have killed him before the motel? Or even wait for him to be driving home? I think Ernesto has a duty of honor to perform. And to show there is no negativity between our families, I will give the exact amount requested by Juan for his... aggavashun and distress... as well as for his cousins families on top of the contract for the hit man who executed the revered Don Enrique Santo Carlo. I leave the exacting of justice in your capable hands.

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Juan Guys, please don' do dis ta me! We's family! Ernesto We wuz family, bitch. Ernesto shot Juan nine times in the face. Some blood flew on Ernesto's face. Kingpin walked over and handed him a silk handkerchief, then turned to stare down at Juan before turning to walk away. Fisk And that's aggravation and duress, you illiterate, illegitimate shit. Fisk walked back to Ernesto stood and smiled to him. Ernesto Mr. Fisk, I'd like to turn this box over to you, now. man you contracted. I'll consider the matter closed. And my thanks for giving up the

Fisk Good. We've had enough unpleasantries, tonight. Now, I believe you have an item for me? Ernesto signaled the men by the truck to bring the package over. They held a large luggage case about five feet x four feet x three feet. It was locked, with heavy chains wrapped around it and heavy padlocks. Cut To: Exterior-Night Outskirts of Dumping Area-Tall Grass Blaze and Blade watched as the box was brought out. Blaze What's in the box? Blade Strange said there was a weapon in there that could turn the tide in the coming strife. Daniel What kind of weapon? Blaze What exactly did he say? Blade He said theres some weapon we needed to acquire. Something formidable, and direly needed. That the Kingpin was acquiring it for his own purposes. He wishes some of his enemies to die. That this weapon could do it.

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Blaze He said that? Blade Yes. Blaze looked directly at Blade emphasizing his need for the exact terms. Blaze -Exactly? Blade glared back at Blaze with annoyance. Blade -That's what I said. Blaze Strange doesn't usually work this way. He usually presents us with the items needed to overcome a threat. This is slightly more cloak and dagger that he usually plays it. Cut To: Exterior-Night Outskirts of Dumping Area-Dirt Road Fisk's Entourage stood facing Ernestos men. Fisk Is the package inside intact? Ernesto Yup we got it in there, and used the knock out gas you gave us. That fuckin' thing's sick. He ripped apart five o' my guys just getting 'im in there, even after we gassed it. Cut To: Exterior-Night Outskirts of Dumping Area-Tall Grass Blade and Blaze watched silently. Blaze grew perplexed. Blaze They gassed a weapon to make it manageable? Blade Yeah. That doesn't sound like no tool description I ever heard. Cut To: Exterior-Night Outskirts of Dumping Area-Dirt Road Fisk's Entourage stood surveying Ernesto as his men brought the box to the edge of the van, and waited for Fisk's men to bring the suitcases of money out. Ernesto came forward.

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Ernesto Aait. Let me see the cash an dope. Fisk No dope. That was ripped off. So I doubled the amount of finance. That should prove acceptable. Extra money to hold onto while we wait for my next shipment to come in. Ernesto That wasn't the agreement. Fisk If I thought I was about to be ripped off, I would have doubled my men at the docks. As it is, I lost twenty good men, and when we arrived to reclaim my lost drugs, we witnessed a large bonfire. Someone burned the entire shipment. Ernesto You gettin' weak? Fisk No. I will kill each and every surviving conspirator in the theft. I have already begun. But I have sold all my product. My next shipment is in two days. You may accompany me to the docks when it arrives if you so desire. Ernesto Sounds like the way my grampa died. Fisk Yes it is. Ernesto You had him killed, too. Fisk Your family line has a nasty tendency toward betraying me. I trust that will not continue. Ernesto As long as the moneys good, and our word's better, we got no problem. Fisk Interesting; your father said the same thing to me, once. Not long before his death. Cut To: Exterior-Night Outskirts of Dumping Area-Tall Grass Blaze and Blade stared out at Kingpin and his crew from the safe cover of the tall grass. Blaze grew perplexed by Blade. Blaze What was that?
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Blade Nothing. Blaze You said it was a weapon. Blade Yeah. Strange said it was "a powerful tool that would prove quite formidable at a pivotal point." What's the difference? Blaze Idiot! We're all tools to Strange. Tools. Pawns. It doesn't make a difference. We're "all useful tools at maintaining the great machine that is the universe." Christ! That means whatever is in that box is probably alive. A man or a mutant or some kind of superhuman. What the fuck is it? Blade What's it matter if it kills our enemies for us? Blaze With Strange? Believe me, it matters. Damn it. As soon as Whistler told me you were with him, I knew I should have gone there. Blade Well, no sense cryin' about it now. What do you think's in that thing? Blaze I can sum it up in three words... No-Fucking-Idea. Blade Great. I got a feelin' it's gonna be like that with this group. Y'know... We gotta work on our communication. Blaze No shit? Cut To: Exterior-Night Outskirts of Dumping Area-Dirt Road Fisk and Ernesto stood next to each other coolly. Fisk smiled brightly, and encouraged Ernesto to accompany him. Fisk Shall we open our cases? Ernesto I'll open these. You open that one once we're gone. Fisk The gas'll have it sleeping for hours. But if you are nervous...
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Fisk raised his hand to signal his men it was time to examine their prize. Armored men came forward with shock sticks and tranque guns. They stood around the cases while the others tried to find which key went where. Fisk Shall we examine our prize together? Ernesto Seein' that thing once, was more than enough, man. I lost too many homies just getting close to it. I dont need to see it again. Fisk My dear Ernesto, you have not lived until you have seen your defeated enemies laid out at your feet. Ernesto You crazy, man. Fisk (grinned, and scoffed a growl to Ernesto) You would do well to remember that, my boy. The men working on the case fumbled with the keys too long. Fisk This is taking too long. Rocco. Cut it. Rocco Yes sir! Rocco pulled out a portable power saw, and went through the chains at a fast pace. The last few chains began to flex and grow close to breaking. Green gas began to flow out of the trunk. As the air and the gas mixed, the case seemed to yawn, as a dazed and dreary growl rumbled from it. Cut To: Exterior-Night Outskirts of Dumping Area-Tall Grass Blade seemed to jump back from the binoculars with stunned eyes. Blade Jesus. What the fuck is that. Blaze I don't know. I don't think I wanna know. Blaze starts loading shells into his shotgun. Blade looked over at him confused. Blaze Just in case hellfire alone doesn't do the job.
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Blade nodded and then loaded his shotgun and pistol with silver spike magazines. Cut To: Venom Venom crouched in the tall grass, watching the large chest with the green smoke billowing out. Venom (sighing a word long and low like a child) Cool. Cut To: Exterior-Night Outskirts of Dumping Area-Dirt Road The soldiers stepped in with their shock sticks, and as the last chain stretched to its' breaking point one of the men jammed the shock stick into the hole. A terrible scream broke the night, and a tranque gun unloaded into the opening of the case. The lid fell, and Rocco finished cutting the last chain off. He backed off, and a soldier flipped the lid up. The green mist held over the edge and spilled over and dripped down past their feet. The mist stirred. Fisk Ernesto. Ernesto Yeah... Fisk Remember our discussion of your newfound reign? Ernesto Yeah... Fisk I hope you enjoyed it. I've decided to end the mistakes of the past in dealing with your tainted bloodline by simply killing you and taking over your fathers empire for myself. Fisk pushed Ernesto into the trunk, and turned to walk away. Ernesto What the fu... A white hand gripped him and pulled him into the sloshing green mist. Ernesto Oh shit! Ernestos screams echoed through the tall grass fields as Fisk walked away from the trunk. All that was left was the Blood splattered across the armored men. They cringed in their suits, but did not turn away. As Ernestos forces began to fathom what had just
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occurred, they drew their side arms with a dozen overlaying insults. Fisk stared out at the red laser dots in the dark, and nodded to them. Many of Ernesto's newfound army was ripped apart by bullets fired by unseen snipers. Cut To: Exterior-Night Outskirts of Dumping Area-Tall Grass Blaze and Blade braced themselves to engage both armies as they turned on each other. Ghost Rider stood motionless. Blade So whaddaya think, Blaze? We jumping in this or what? Venom What does it matter? Let them kill each other. Less work for us. Ghost Rider The cannibal is right. Less is the need for vengeance for all their transgressions once this chapter has ended. Better to let them deplete their own numbers, than give them cause to form a truce of immediate need. Blaze I think we're all in agreement, then. Cut To: Exterior-Night Outskirts of Dumping Area-Dirt Road The remaining scattered throughout the road to fire at the muzzle flashes and hope their aim rang true. The sniper ended the firefight at a rapid pace. Fisk stood with a cool authority. He examined his cuticles closely, and turned briefly to the armored men. Fisk Gentlemen... prepare the package. Consider the money a bonus. Rocco Mr. Fisk. Some of our snipers are not reporting in. Fisk Most likely killed by stray bullets, or lucky shots. Rocco Sir, permission to send out a scout team to ensure the area is indeed secure. Fisk I need your men here in case the armor proves ineffective. Call those who are responding in to help secure the package. Anyone who reveals themselves in the tall grass afterward is to be considered a threat, and dealt with extreme prejudice. Rocco Yes sir.

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Rocco recalled all the snipers in to the perimeter around the trunk. Eight men came out of the bush. Armored man Jeez. You lost that many? Rocco Les. What happened to the other twelve? Rifleman 2 What other twelve? Rocco The other twelve that called in. Rifleman 2 This is all we saw. The others were stationed in the east perimeter. Rocco Where? Where in the east perimeter? Rifleman 2 No. The east perimeter. The entire east perimeter. Rocco Get as many men as you can afford to cover that area. Do it now. Rocco turned to Fisk with a sense of immediacy. Rocco Mr. Fisk Fisk Yes, Rocco. Rocco Mr. Fisk, we have a problem. The east flank is completely compromised. Let's get you to the North end. Fisk Will it shut you up? Rocco It would put my mind at ease. Yes sir. Fisk Very well.

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Cut To: Exterior -Night Outskirts of Dumping Area-Tall Grass Blaze watched the snipers moving toward their area, and seemed to study the tall grass. Blaze's eyes grew wide, and his face turned pale. Blaze Guys, we gotta move now. Blade Way ahead of you. Blade clicked on the radio. Blade Whistler! Where, the fuck, are you? Whistler (Over Radio) Sorry. The grass is fucking with my leg brace. I'm at the generator shed. Where are you? Blade Twenty yards on your twelve from the door to the shed. Whistler (Over Radio) Gotcha. Whistler ran low in the tall grass, and limped along carefully in an effort to avoid disturbing the grass. He barely ducked in time to avoid a snipers laser sight. Blaze Brock. Come in... Whistler fell down next to them. Whistler What'd I miss? Blaze Brock, I'm not fuckin' around! Come in! We are going. You there? Venom snapped the neck of the last of the snipers. license. Venom Carlos... Jr...? Venom grinned and clicked on the radio. Venom Don't bother us. We're eating. Blaze
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He grinned when he saw his drivers

Brock, get your ass moving. We go on three. In the background, a rumble grew near. Blaze What the hell is that? Oh, shit. Dan? Ghost Rider Neither Dan nor Zarathos are here, Blaze. My steed comes. Blaze looked back, and saw a light burning on the water. He pulled his binoculars out. POV: Blaze's Binoculars: Ghost Riders bike's burning wheels scorch the water, sending up a mist. Blaze Well, I guess that counts for a three, two, one count.... Go! Cut To: Exterior-Night Outskirts of Dumping Area-Dirt Road Kingpins Men looked back to the East Perimeter to see the movement in the brush. The Gunmen fired into the tall grass. Cut To: Outskirts of Dumping Area-Tall Grass The gunfire cut three feet off the grass. Blaze poked his head out and stared at the men. He fired a single shot and nailed four men. Blaze then dove back into the grass disappearing from view. Cut To: Outskirts of Dumping Area-Dirt Road The Kingpins men fired heavily into the tall grass, and Fisk watched as the mist from the water grew more violent and the roar of the water grew deafening. The surviving gangsters from Ernestos gang began shooting the riflemen in the back. The firefight between them once again ensued. Two gangsters ran out of ammunition and took to knives as they charged the armored men. One got a face mask off cutting at the Gun mans throat before being shot five times. The gangster sat at the edge of the trunk, and examined the bullet holes in his chest. Gangster 2 Fuck. A white hand came out of the trunk and dragged him into it as the body of Ernesto was tossed from the trunk. Kingpin watched the body fly into the brush by the riflemen who hunted in the tall grass. Black tendrils ripped out of the grass to choke and disarm the two gunmen, and two other tendrils ripped out two long objects into the air before pulling the two riflemen into the bush. Fisk stared in disbelief as the arms flailed wildly in the bush and two eyes and a wild smile grew from behind the tall grass. The two objects struck the truck behind him with an awesome force as two corpses slammed into the trailer and left deep red streaks as the two dead riflemen fell to the ground

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Rocco Mr. Fisk, we have to go, sir. Fisk Idiot. Don't you think I can see that? Just then, the mist parted to allow a burning black metallic object to pierce the water and become airborne. The Ghost Rider jumped and caught the handlebars of the upside down motorcycle as the bike righted itself, flipping him to the seat as it landed on two burning tires to a hellish scene. Fisk gripped his cane and pointed it at the Ghost Rider. Fisk Any man with a gun. Fire! All immediate men in the area turned and fired headshots at the Ghost Riders Kevlar bikers helmet. His head flew back and hit the back of the bike. He pulled himself back to a seated position and rose on the bike as the helmet cracked and collapsed. It crumbled from him leaving only a skull on fire. Its' mouth opened in an enraged display, the flames seemed to grow more vibrant, as it kicked flames and dirt into the air and into their faces as he did doughnuts on his motorcycle. Fisk Rocco. Get the car. Rocco Yes sir. Fisk Now! Cut To: Exterior-Night Outskirts of Dumping Area-Tall Grass Venom entered the fray in a vengeance, throwing corpses at the men who tried to get a clean shot at Blaze or Blade, all the while, giving food to the beast in the trunk. The beast would reach out and grab a body nearby, pulling them into the box, and the box would shake violently as those still alive struggled with the raging creature. Cut To: Exterior Outskirts of Dumping Area-Dirt Road Rocco pulled out his desert eagle and aimed directly at the Midnight Sons. Rocco That will be just about enough of that, heroes. Blade I don't think so. Rocco
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Do you have a death wish? Blade Do you? Rocco I'm the one with the gun. Blaze No. I'm the one with the gun. You're the jack ass standing too close to the trunk. Rocco The paralysis gas will keep that mongrel from crawling out of its' box. Believe me. Cut To: Exterior-Night Outskirts of Dumping Area-Dirt Road-Foot Locker Trunk The last of the chains bent and snapped like cheap plastic pieces, as the monstrous figure freed itself from the gas chamber and rose like a wraith. It hovered with his toes just dipping inside the paralysis gas flowing from the mouth of the trunk. The creature stared through burning red eyes at the melee in progress, and its vampire bat like nose twitched at the onlookers as if smelling them all at once. Its' teeth were long and jagged from its' mouth, and seemed made for a different beasts mouth than his. Its' white skin and black hair contrasted each other and its' clothes were thrashed and ribboned from a dented and pierced black armor with red silk adorning the empty spaces. Its' fingers were an oddly thin length, and his nails became like talons. It roared like a beast declaring both dominance and frustrated rage. Its' call was filled with agony, and an unending sadness that belied the ferocity and gave an unstable element to its' wail. Both ally and enemy ceased their strife to turn and stand before the ominous figure that floated on air. Kingpin did not flinch. He narrowed his vision at the beast and called out with a calmness that wavered only slightly. Fisk Rocco. Rocco I'm on it, sir. Snipers, hydro shock. Drop that thing, now. Eight snipers walked up in a straight line on the monster and loaded clips into their weapons. Rifleman Double tap. Fire! The snipers fired as one. The rounds riddled the monster center mass. There was almost no reaction after it was thrown. Its toe talons scraped at the dirt until the kinetic force subsided. Ten feet later, the monster dropped to the balls of his toes and lurched toward the riflemen as a low growl rolled from the beast in his contempt for the assault. Rifleman
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Full auto. Fire! The snipers fired as one. The monster was riddled and thrown. Its' feet touched the ground, and its' nails dragged until it stopped. It stared at its' assailants with a cold glare and a low growl. The riflemen dropped their magazines as they were spent, and reloaded. The creature sucked the blood from his own mouth with a seeming discernment from the blood of his victims, and his own. Rifleman Take your shots when you find 'em. Let's show this bitch how we do things downtown. The creature saw the riflemen raise their weapons, and ran directly toward them. Shots rang out repeatedly, and the monster danced in between them. The riflemen staggered their line to allow for free movement in the firefight. Each shot wounded the beast. In the end, there was no question which side would prevail. The monster held the last two by the neck, as he fed on one, while trailing his thumbnail across the others jugular. Rocco called out to the man being fed upon. Rocco Lorenzo! The monster eyed Rocco with annoyance, and snapped both mens necks. Rocco pulled out his gun, and aimed his weapon between the eyes with one quick motion. Blade swatted Roccos firing hand up with his elbow and gave a hard glare at Rocco. Blade Muthafucka, you crazy? Rocco was about to point the gun at, and shoot Blade. Blade gave him a look that seemed to say Bitch, please. Fisk shook his head in disappointment. Fisk Rocco. Stand down. If they want to try and take the monster, let them. Rocco But sir? Fisk Rocco, do as I say. You are a valued commodity, but one that can be easily replaced. Your friends family will receive the bonus plus a sufficient gratuity. Rocco looked at Fisk as if he had a third eye. He put his gun back and blew off Blade. Then shut his eyes, and wiped his brow.

Rocco Fuck it. Do whatever.

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Blade turned away and stared at the monster. Blaze You sure you know what you're doing? Blade It's a vampire. I've been killing 'em nearly all my life. Whistler I don't know, kid. Ain't no vampire I ever seen. An' I got nearly thirty years on you. Blade Really? Might be a descent enough workout to make the night worthwhile, after all. Blade walked up to the monster, who eyed him all the while. Blade pulled his hair back, and put it in a pony tail, then eyed the creature back as he stripped his leather coat and body armor off. The monster growled, and chittered its' teeth as Blade leaned forward and smiled. He raised his arms out and waved the monster on. Blade Come on. The monster seemed to know what he meant, and roared back his reply. It lunged with a powerful swoop of its arm, and Blade moved his leg out of the way. The monster took a handful of soil back. Blade hit him three times in the face. The monster growled, and roared as it lunged again. Blade dodged, and was able to hit him only twice before it raised its' defenses. The third time, it tagged Blade in the midsection. Blades' every shot was blocked. Then a back hand came out of nowhere sent Blade in a flip. Blade recovered, and stripped off the last of his armor. His eyes yellowed over, and his teeth grew. Blade Come on. They moved so fast, their moves could not be measured or catalogued. The two slashed, cut, kicked and hit each other in a fury. Blade swept its' leg once. The beast looked as if it were learning from him and swept both Blades legs five times. Each time Blade attacked, the beast became even more impossible to attack. Each time he defended, the beast found new ways to invade the holes in his defensive styles. Blaze This does not look good. Whistler Ya think? Kingpin sat in the back of his limo watching through the open window. He played with his cigar and nodded his approval of the fight.
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Fisk The education programs are working well... Rocco Sir? Fisk Alright. I've seen enough. Rocco. End it. Rocco Right, sir. Handlers, in tight. Bring that thing down. Handler 1 But, sir. They're still fighting. An' there's a few of em who want this thing pretty bad. Rocco Would you like to come to the car an' explain this to our benefactor personally? Handler 1 N-no, sir! Rocco Take 'im down, now! Handler 1 Yes, sir! Rocco Sorry, about that, Mr. Fisk. It won't be long now. Fisk As always, you leave me with nothing but anticipation with your reassurances in the face of the ineptitudes displayed by those in my employ. Such is the problem with hiring tugs. All they know is the street. All they can profit from is there. And they know if they fail me and live, they can make out a living preying on the weak, for a time, before I find them. For some people, thats enough. Few have your heart; to prove themselves to themselves, and maintain a code of perfection in duties to earn an exceedingly descent wage. Sometimes I wonder why I keep you on. I will have to recall nights like this. Handler 1 Uh... Sir? Rocco Yes, Handler? Handler 1 We'd like to comply, but...
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Rocco -But what? Handler 1 The two old men with the shotguns are telling us that if we go to restrain the item, it will have an adverse affect on our... uh, lives. I think they mean to shoot us in the backs, sir. Rocco Oh? And why would you draw that conclusion? Rocco turned and glared back at them from the car window with an annoyed stare. Cut To: Exterior-Night Outskirts of Dumping Area-Dirt Road Fisk's Entourage stood divided between the Midnight Sons and the beast in the trunk. Handlers are on their knees with their hands up. Blaze and Whistler stand behind them with guns pointed down at their backs. Handler 1 Uh... Just a hunch, sir. Rocco FUCK! Mr. Fisk, I won't be a moment. Let me just handle this small foul up. Fisk Don't worry, so, Rocco. I'll always have need of you. Besides, there are many uses for Oscorp. This was just one I had a personal interest in. They very nearly have what they want. It will merely fall into my possession later, rather than sooner. Now... Let us be off. Rocco But sirFisk Rocco... You know how I hate repeating myself. I will say this once, and I wish you to remember this, the remainder of your service. If you die, while you are on scene with me... Who will drive the car? Now... start the engine, and put on something nice to listen to. Rocco ...Yes, sir. Cut To: Exterior-Night Outskirts of Dumping Area-Dirt Road-Limousine The car started up, and casually pulled off, leaving the handlers kneeling with their hands in the air. They all watched the car pull away.

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Whistler So, what... Do you think we should go after 'im an' plug the fat pig? Blaze Naw, we have what we came for. Let's let 'im go home an' contemplate his failings, an' leave it at that. All it costs is ammunition. another breed ta me. Whistler I could care less either way, you know; just a vampire o'

Blaze I'm sure Kingpin's made enough enemies in life to not be due for much longer. someone else have his name on their conscience.

Let

Whistler Conscience, hell. Tattooed to the chest. Killin' a twisted manipulative fuck like that'd be a fuckin' badge o' honor! Blaze Another day. We're on a schedule. Besides... One o' these guys might realize they've just been fired. Once they realize they fucked off a nights worth for nothin' they might go lookin' for Kingpin themselves to see if they might catch him slippin'. Whistler Idealists. They never read the news right. Cut To: Exterior-Night Outskirts of Dumping Area-Dirt Road Blade and the monster ripped even more violently at each other than before. They moved so fast, it seemed to become an aerial display. At one point both had left their feet, yet they continued to kick each other, as if they seemingly used the others feet as stepping stones to run up. Blade flipped back, and the monster kept climbing. Blade landed and flipped his hair back to glared defiantly at the monster as it streaked down at him. Just as he had nearly reached him, a streak of black passed overhead, and Blade followed it with a stunned annoyance. Venom jumped on the monster and bit and clawed at it. Bending it one way or the other as its' defiant rage in the face of a powerful enemy mounted. Venom restrained each limb with a tendril until the beast was immobilized and then opened his mouth as wide as it could. Venom -Brainzzz. Venom placed his opened mouth around the monsters head, and nearly bit when the shotgun muzzle was placed against his head and cocked. Blaze It seems you forget the nature of our intervention, Brock. The monster is to be our ally.
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Not your main course. Do you understand? Venom stared nervously at Blaze, and was unsure if he moved Blaze would fire on him. So he did not move. He didn't even take the monsters skull out of his mouth. Venom (Muffled) We do. Blaze Good. Now let go of the head. Leave the rest restrained. Just bind the arms and legs... and if he gives you too much resistance, one around the neck to remind him that his life's our blessing. Venom rose, and lifted the monster effortlessly into the air. He carried him following Blaze and Whistler to the car. Ghost Rider and Blade followed. Ghost Rider My role in this is done. Blaze Fine. Let Daniel come out n' play. Blade ignored the transformation and turned to Blaze, as Daniel transformed behind them. Blade Where to? Blaze Your place. Blade Don't you have a bat cave or sumthin? Blaze Sure. Back in New Orleans. Daniel Uh, that got blown up last month, John. Blaze Ah, glad to have you back. How's the fever? Daniel Not bad this time. It's this headache that's killin' me. Did I get hit by a truck again? Blaze Not this time.
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Cut To: Interior-Night Strange's Brownstone-Private Study Spiderman lowered in through a skylight and hung upside down from the ceiling. Spiderman Doc. You got a minute? Strange Not really. I know why you're here. Brock is necessary for more reasons than you yet know. Spiderman let his feet off the web line, and let his feet touch the top of Stranges' throne seat. He crouched on the top of the head rest with his hands and feet. Spiderman Well, try to make time and explain this to me. I'm a busy man too, but I'm here. Now. Strange Your Uncle Ben really worked that sense of responsibility into you pretty deep. he? Didn't

Spiderman stared in stunned silence at Strange. Strange just smiled back, and gestured apologetically.
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Strange Oh, don't worry. I'm not in the habit of sharing my knowledge. I prefer my privacy. So it goes without saying, I would respect the privacy of others. Spiderman ...Thanks. Strange My apologies, I am unaccustomed to the secret identity thing. I see it as being on the same side. Loners often see the sides and numbers always changing. A friend one day... An enemy tomorrow. Spiderman Sometimes it's hard to figure out where to stand in the beginning of the day, or where to hang yer mask, at the end of it. Strange Sometimes, yes. Still, for others the lines are very clear. Believe me, Peter. If I showed you where the lines were, and the enemy faced in this conflict, you would understand.

Spiderman Thanks, some other time. Listen. You seem to have a talent for knowing things. Often frighteningly so. Just tell me... Why a sociopathic schizo like Brock? Because he has the suit? If I thought the suit was the cross to bear... Strange I know. You would take the suit back to make a difference. It is not required. You are very important to the world, Peter. You are needed in it. That is why you live through countless fights that others would surely have died in. That, and the nurturing of your sense of responsibility. It invigorates the fighters' spirit in you. However, the symbiot is also needed. Venom is required. Spiderman But why? If the world is in danger, I got more power than most on your list. Strange In war, one needs soldiers. In battles we need Commanders, and warriors. Warriors with the capacity of becoming berserkers. Venom fits that profile. You do not. Spiderman Hey. I'm pretty good in a fight, in case you haven't heard. Strange Brock has certain attributes that could allow his survival. Attributes you do not possess. Spiderman
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Like what? Strange Brock doesn't need to breathe. Spiderman What? Strange Believe me. He will come to rely on this attribute before this conflict has run its' course. What, you never noticed your extended lengths of time without air in the suit? How long can you hold your breath, now? Ten... Fifteen minutes? Spiderman I had moments in the black suit when I realized I held my breath for a longer time than I had ever been capable of prior to the symbiot. It came in handy against Hydro. Held me under for nearly an hour. I was just waiting for him to tire out. I fought him again last month. He'd teamed up with Sandman. They nearly killed me. I slept for two whole days after that one. Strange How did Jameson describe that look? The Spider Ninja Costume... Spiderman One thing you can say about Jameson. Original, he ain't... Which brings us back to my carbon copy-cat killer; whats to stop me from joining their little party, anyway? Strange The world always has a thousand wars on it. When one stops, another begins. Such is the way of things. Even now, two stop. One is on the verge of awakening. The other I leave to you. Spiderman What; keep the spider distracted so he won't fuck up my mission? Precisely. Strange But even with that knowledge, can you afford the blood on your conscience? Spiderman Where is it? Strange Hells Kitchen. Spiderman That's Daredevils turf. Strange
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Murdock is having a problem with Castle, again. reason.

Tonight, they'll both need a voice of

Spiderman Jesus. What's with the Punisher? Strange The same as Murdock. They seek a little girl who has become involved with a slave trade ring. Both seek to stop the ring. However their methods are colliding. Many will die tonight. And two heroes will collide. Spiderman I wouldn't call the Punisher a hero, Steven. He kills for kicks.

Strange No. Francesco Castiglioni does not kill for perverse enjoyment. He kills for revenge and to prevent other families from suffering as his has. He will not stop until the entire empire that was responsible for his familys murder is dead. It's amazing how neither the District Attorney, nor the papers ever questioned how he only executes members of the mobs who work with and under the Kingpin. Also, what is the driving factor to both of them; the girl they seek to free looks exactly like Castles daughter. She sounds and moves exactly like a young Electra. Spiderman Electra... the assassin? Strange Both will not be happy until they know she is safe. Both will not be happy until they are the only one who knows where she is. And neither will be able to live with that. Alright. I'll go play rooftop referee. Spiderman But it'll have to wait. I got something to do.

Strange Mary Jane knows. She's with your Aunt May, at the hospital. Aunt May had an anxiety attack, and fainted. She is fine, and will make a dramatic recovery within an hour or so. By morning, she'll feel like a woman of thirty, and desire to spend time sipping tea at a sidewalk cafe. Spiderman I'll see for myself, thanks. Strange By all means. Would you like the phone? Or will you go to the Queens hospital? Spiderman
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... She's fine? Strange My servant has already made preparations to cover the medical bill in light of your recent... financial situation. Spiderman Fine. I'm out. Oh, an' do me a favor... Strange From now one, I will use the costume names for all the New York heroes, and will not speak of their private matters as if we are steadfast friends. Spiderman Yeah. Cause that shit's rude. I mean, it's in the super hero rule book 'n everything. Besides, that shit really creeps me out. Strange Of course, Spiderman. You're right. Spiderman launched a web out the open sky light window and waited for it to hit the building across the street. He pulled the line to a satisfied sigh and turned to Strange with a smile in his voice. Spiderman Alright. Bungee time. Spiderman leaned back on the line, and stretched the webbing. Then let himself sling shot through the open sky light.

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Cut To: Interior-Morning Whistlers Garage-Blade's Private Quarters Blade stood in his private quarters, and changed out of his body armor and clothes to rinse off the blood and inject himself with the serum in seclusion. Whistler How's the serum holding up, kid? Blade Not at all. The craving's unbearable. Whistler Well, hold on. Our doctor friend is working on a new batch. pissed off you haven't taken the cure yet. Blade That'll have to wait. Whistler Yeah. That's what I keep tellin' her, but she gets pretty ornery about it. An' I'm not as young as I used to be. She's got that look like she's gonna beat my ass, an' I'm startin' ta thinks she's got aWhistler (continued) -shot at doin' it. Blade Yeah well... She's a tough girl. Whistler Yeah. You sure know how to pick 'em. Blade smiled with both pride and sadness. Blade Yeah. I guess I do. Whistler
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Although she's pretty

Hey... This is none of my business, I know. But... Hurry up an' retire, will ya? She's gettin' older, an I don't think that you can finish off your mission before I die. Let alone, her. Blade You're right. It's none of your business. She can wait. Whistler I don't think so. She's seein' this guy. . Blade Karen's seeing someone? Yeah. Whistler Smart guy. I like 'im. It's not serious, yet. But it has prospect.

Blade An' when were you going to tell me this? When it was serious? Whistler Forgive me for reminding you, sleeping beauty, but you were out of country for a few years. An' for a while you were so far gone on your South East Asian safari, you almost completely forgot how to speak English. You were calling me speaking one Laotian dialect or another so well; I thought I was talking to an operator. You're so far gone on your own trip; you aren't reliable for a relationship. Don't get me wrong; if anything happens to her, you're great in a firefight. And you're top on the list when it comes to back up. But you met Karen when she was what? Twenty-nine? She's forty one, now. I think if you can't get yer act together an call it quits, he's a good man. An' you should let her get her life goin'. I know it's a lot to throw at you, son. So I'll back off an' leave you alone. I better check on our guests. Whistler patted Blade on the arm and walked out of the seclusion room. and looked at the meditation Gohunsun with annoyance. Blade Great. Cut To: Interior-Day Whistlers Garage- Main Area. Whistler How's our guest? Daniel Freaking out. Blaze We've gone through four sets of steel restraints, and eight shots of hell fire. This is one
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Blade sighed

ornery cuss. Whistler No shit? Maybe electrocution'll work? Blaze Worth a shot. He's not susceptible to silver or irons. He just tries to pull it out an' use it as a weapon. Whistler (Whispers to Blaze) What's with kid? Blaze (Whispers to Whistler) He's still pretty pissed his Kevlar bikers helmet got shot all to hell. Whistler The things kids get bent outta shape for, these days. Hey kid! Stop cryin', an' maybe I'll buy you an ice cream cone! Daniel FUCK YOU! Whistler (laughing to himself) Oh. I don't think he liked that. The monster began growling a horrid chant. Blaze What language is that? Whistler Nothing I ever heard. Daniel (Said with a Scoff) Transylvanian? Both Blaze and Whistler glared at Daniel annoyed. feet. Then Whistler thought better, and nodded. Daniel grew timid and shuffled his

Whistler If it is, he's from either Hungary or Romania. Blade! We need your language expertise, out here. Blade What is it now? Whistler Sorry, but duty calls. Blade
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What is it? Whistler Our boy here is speaking a modern language. I only know the old ones. What do you hear? Blade He's Romanian. Transylvania. You win, kid. beer from the fridge. Whistler Now stop moping about yer stupid helmet an' get me a Daniel Can I get one for me, too? Whistler & Blaze You 21 yet? Daniel Jesus fuckin' Christ... Blade Nearest I can tell by accent, he's from the farming regions. ...Wealthy class by how he rounds the vowels and rolls his consonants. Family probably owned a lot of land. Mobius muttered to himself with a severe intensity. Blade struggled to understand what he was saying. Blade He's not making sense. He keeps talking about... thought. He's talking chemistry. Blaze Chemistry? Jesus. His family's richer than I

Daniel (said with a scoff) How can you tell he's rich? Blade They don't have schools that teach advanced principles and methods in that part of Europe. He had to've gone to school abroad. Probably states' side, by some o' the advanced methods he's breaking down. That's why I say he must be rich. He can afford an international education. An' from that area, it's rare. Daniel (said with a competitive tone) Really... How rare? Blade (with a cynical tone)
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He probably grew up in an area similar to yours. Must have a Kennedy in his family, somewhere.'

'Look, his car's only ten years old!

Blaze Alright, you two. Break it up. Blade Was I talkin' to you? Whistler Alright, everyone shut up. I pay the bills, here. Blaze, handle that kid before I drop his drawers and take a belt to 'im... Blade, stick to this, I think it's important. What's he talkin' about? Anything we can use? Blade ... He's breaking down the DNA helix molecule by molecule. More specifically, the part I know by heart. He's describing the corroded and amplified codes in the augmented helix of a vampire. Some of these changes, I never heard of. How long has he been doing this? Daniel Since we locked him down. Venom We thought he was praying. Blade He's afraid, that's for sure. But I know what he's doing. Whistler What's up, son? Blade He's doing what you taught me, old man. He's reminding himself what makes him more than just an animal. He's visualizing his differences from a normal man, and willing himself to take on the appearance of a normal man. Daniel What kind o' hokey shit is this? Blaze Quiet, Dan. Blade shot a glare at Daniel, and his teeth slipped a little longer as his eyes flashed a different color. Blade Do you think my teeth are supposed to be this small? That my eyes are always this color?

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We change. Whistler taught me I can become what I want. all I had to do was remember I was human. Not an animal.

If I wanted to be normal,

Whistler Calm down, Blade. Kid's havin' a bad day, s'all. Blade It's about to get worse, in a minute. Boy; you better check your boy, John. Whistler put his hand on Blades back, and rubbed his chest in a football gregarity. Daniel waved his arms to contest the unfair treatment. Blaze looked at Daniel, and put his finger to his lip. Whistler What do you think we can do for him? Blade I don't know. He's pretty far gone. Whistler He looks it. Blaze How far? Whistler See the scars? He's spent time in a test tube. Daniel Test Tube? Venom An embryonic fluid filled cylinder. He's been experimented on. Whistler Right. How did you know? Venom (Human voice growing more alien) You think they kept us in general pop? They researched many things from my symbiot. They studied our susceptibility to sound, fire... How to kill us, or merely incapacitate us... What benefits they could glean for their super soldier program... for a better, stronger, more malleable Captain America, we suppose... All with the stamp of being "Humane." The government is wicked, we tell you. Blaze Quiet down, Brock. Whistler, what are the scars from? Whistler
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Right?

The umbilical chord gives certain nutrients to the body. It regulates the central nervous system and programs the DNA, augmenting the helix by making certain dormancies active, and certain attributes, dormant by administering special hormones and amino acids. Without the umbilical, they make their own. Daniel Who? Whistler Whoever... Probably Kingpins crew. He has the resources. Could've been Norman Osborne for all we know. Kingpin just bought out his company, and that's a likely place for experimentation. And Osborne loves war applications for his technologies. He probably didn't want Kingpin to have that experiment, and made it disappear. All those guards waiting. Kingpin was pissed. Someone's been ripping him off. He wanted what he lost back. If I was to venture a guess, I'd look to Wilson Fisk. Monster Fssk... Whistler leaned close to the creature. The beast lashed out and Blade yanked Whistler away as a tooth barely scratched the edge of his skin. Blade put a stun stick to its' chest, and shocked him into unconsciousness. Afterward, Whistler knelt next to the creature as his eye rolled back under his eye lids. Jesus, kid. you? Whistler It seems we walked the same road, for a while. How long they fuck with

Blade looked on with some degree of jealousy, as Whistler placed his hand affectionately on the creatures head.

Cut To: Interior-Twilight Strange's Brownstone-Loft The creature was laid out on soft pillows laid strategically on the floor over an extravagant red rug. Blaze He's pretty far gone. Maybe too far to be reached. And at least too far to be any good to us. Strange All these gifts and still they doubt themselves... And each other...
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Strange walked over to the rug the creature was laid out upon. and waved his hand in a soothing motion over him.

He knelt next to him,

Strange Dr. Mobius. Greetings. I am Steven Strange. Blaze (whispered) Oh, shit. Mobius? Daniel What's going on? Blaze (whispered) That's Mobius? Daniel Who's Mobius? Strange turned and glanced with dignified annoyance at Daniel. Blaze, Blade and Whistler responded for him. Blaze, Blade and Whistler Shh! Daniel was stunned, and waved his arms in protest. Blaze put his finger to his lips. Strange turned his attention back to the patient before him. Strange You are my guest. Do you understand? You are safe. I merely wish to give you what was stolen from you. Will you allow me to return your humanity? Mobius began to cry, as he nodded. Strange placed his hand on Mobius' forehead. His other several inches over his abdomen. Strange closed his eyes and his third eye opened. A gold light burned from it, and his hand on Mobius' forehead to smoke. The connection was but a moment. Yet in that moment, a mirage effect danced vibrantly between his right palm and Mobius, belly. His right hand let a burst of energy flow out in a jolt, and it snaked into the body of Mobius. The room grew dim, and Strange rose, closed his eyes and with a nod, made a gesture with his palms to the others. Almost as if saying a silent Ta-dah. They stared at Strange incredulously, and glanced down at Mobius. Close Up On Mobius His teeth pulled back, and the hair on his arms, legs and head retreated to reveal pale bluish white. His eyes returned to the white, and his face grew more human. His shredded garb revealed tears and blood stained holes, as his mass decreased. His facial hair was a stubbled fu-man-chu and long hair styled back. Blaze
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Jesus. Mobius opened his eyes, and his deep brown pupils scanned the ceiling. He stared at his hands, and wept. Mobius You said you would make me human. Strange grew annoyed, and scolded Mobius. Strange You are human. I restored your mind and faculties. You no longer huff around on all fours. This, however, is how you are meant to be. Your DNA, and fate played a role that day in the lab. But this is as you were meant to be. Now, instead of slumping back into a manic depressive state and ripping at the world for your perceived woes, why don't you do something to benefit humanity? All the people you've had conflict with prior to this are all suffering from their perceived handicaps. It's their will to overcome and fight for their principles that marks these ailments as attributes... Or superhuman... You might want to think about that the next time Spiderman tries to help you, before you attack him. His life's far more difficult than yours. Yet like a spoiled, temperamental child, you slap the only hands that are extended to you lovingly. Mobius Please... Strange Silence. As a child you wished to be of benefit to the world. You admired the statues of angels in your village's cemetery and wished to continue their work on earth. You had forgotten that for so long, for some time afterward, all you saw was your work and research. You developed a healthy competition that drove you to revolutionary, though insane means to achieve your ends. Your research is brilliant. It always was. But that path is barred from you. A great threat seeks to overwhelm and conquer humanity for the purpose of sating appetites of grandiosity and worse. They use armies of vampires and demons as foot soldiers in their conquest. Without each mans aid, the world will fall. Your role in this matter is clear. They cannot defeat this threat without you. Just as you cannot without them. It is time to become a man of action, as you once dreamed to be. Will you shirk away from your duties to humanity, yet again? Mobius' head sank in contemplation and shame. My servant has fetched your uniform. shortly. Strange It should be prepared to the needs of the mission

Cut To: Interior-Night Stranges Brownstone-Jacuzzi/Sauna Room Mobius doused himself in steam and hot water. He slid on his black leather garb, and fastened the straps. His tattered gliding cape caught the breeze as he walked.
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Cut To: Interior-Night Strange's Brownstone-Community Living room Mobius I do not understand the need for all these straps. Strange Believe me, my good Doctor. When the time comes, you will understand why this armor requires these straps. Blade So... We went through the trouble of retrieving another vampire for this mission. Two touched by hellfire, two vampires, one old man and a psycho with an alien parasite. Without someone saying and a partridge in a pair tree, the question's been begged to death... What now? Strange Very well then... Strange made a gesture, and bent inward, pulling his hands into his stomach, before retuning his fist to the view of all. He made a gesture with his hand, as if throwing dust, and a flame appeared, floating before him, as he dotted the air in front of him with six small flames to flicker in the open air before him. Strange (continued) The time has come to make your way into the wilderness and meet the first of the coming legions. Your mission is to defeat the Generals, and those who employ them. Each of you will encounter your greatest desires and greatest fears. Each will be put to the test. Some of you will die. But the reward is great. Venom We get paid too? ...Bonus Strange No. Something you all require more than that. Something that indelibly links you together. Each of you seeks to put old issues to rest. Each of you wishes to right past wrongs. Each of you wishes to overcome the very things that hinder you. Some of you will find it in yourselves. Others will find it personified in a single foe. The light embers floated in front of them and burned bright white, before their foreheads, mere inches in front of them. Strange (continued) You will end old conflicts and begin new, more dangerous ones. But in the end, for those of you left, Honor, Pride and the Preservation of your Mission will continue. I have gathered you because you are all touched indelibly by darkness. I gathered you all because your paths have been destined to cross. In the very near future of an alternate reality, the sun sets, and never rises. A blackness penetrates the sky, and all the heroes on
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earth save a handful will fall. The Avengers, forever barred foothold on earth would end up members of the Shi'Ar Royal Guard. The Fantastic Four would be slaughtered in the Negative Zone by the legions of Kang, trying to return home to find the doorway sealed by a mystical barrier that I would be unable to break. Spiderman will be killed, and in doing this, sparing this reality from the freeing of a demon feared by both Mephisto and all the Legions of Angels. Venom smiled to himself at the thought. Venom Spiderman dead? Cool. All turned to glare at Venom. Strange The mutants will form an underground established by Magneto and Apocalypse shortly after the murder of Charles Xavier by the coming despots. They are malevolent beings with impossible foresight. They knew Xavier had the ability to deal with them expediently. With Apocalypse and Magneto squabbling amongst themselves for control of this or that, the despots would have more time to reinforce their strongholds, and retaliate. The legions of mutants under the command of both would be demigods will commit wars for the next three generations. After the death of Magneto, Apocalypse will continue the struggle until the demons ultimate defeat. Afterward, Apocalypse would then begin an Age unlike any other; one where humans would pray to the demons as angels. Praying for their divine intervention as Apocalypse commits himself to the genocidal butchering of the remaining humans a hundred fold more severe than any suffered at the hands of the soul devourers. It will be an alternate reality, because I refuse to allow this to take place. Not when there is so much left to accomplish. My taking direct action, is forbidden. But, as in all things, when one knows the laws, it is only a matter of time and research before you find clauses and loopholes to suit your needs. Each of you in the alternate reality would individually attack and greatly weaken the resources of the great enemy I place you against before dying painful and solitary deaths; no one to come to rescue you, no ally to hear you scream. We stand at the precipice of the great lasting night. Only the most noble that walk the midnight ways can stand before this undertaking. Of them; only six can walk the path. Because out of all the possible realities, only you six brought the armies of the night to near defeat. ...Alone. Together; you have the greatest chance of defeating them. Only the sons of the darkness can bring the light into the heart of hell. Only you can persevere, because you are all in your own time and way granted aid by both the light and the dark. I have gathered you to dispel the darkness. The floating flickers of Stranges flames darted in front of them in blurs of light, before launching into them, and the ripples of flame crackled around them, before fading. Blade and Venom studied themselves and each other, curiously. Strange (continued) I have granted each of you a small ember of my light to add to your own. I send you out into the darkness to conquer the enemy of light with hope and heart, and perseverance.
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This is my wish. This is my hope. This is the mission I consign to you... My Midnight Sons. Strange's cloak opened and danced as if alive as the eye of Agamotto opened wide with a gold light that grew around and through him. The light stretched through the room and before Strange appeared gold light in the shapes of words forming a brilliant, intricate circle in Chinese, Hindu, Islamic, Hebrew and Egyptian symbol. The circle passed through them, and the room was dark on the other side. He waved his hand dismissively. Strange Now, it is time to go. Blade, the portal will open soon. Lead them to your collective destinies. Go [beat] and defend the light and the dark against the abominations that seek to spit in the face of both. Stranges cape dropped low, and the light around him faded, as he collapsed back into his throne, heavily. He held his head as if he had drained himself considerably. The Midnight Sons looked at Strange so weak and grew cold and grim. Venom frowned, and shrugged. Venom Is it just us? We don't feel inspired. Blaze & Blade -Shut up, Brock! Whistler (scoffed and gave a shrug with a wry grin) Well, I'm psyched. Daniel That's a joke, right? Mobius I've lived a life in a physical and psychological hell. I have no interest in seeing the real thing. Consignment or no. Blaze Going into Hell, is not the sunniest part o' my life, kid, but I'm goin'... you in, or out? Mobius The road to redemption is a hard one. And any vampire has miles to walk still, at death, if they lived a saintly life. Whistler You got that right. So, when's the tour starting, Blade? Blade (scowled, but hid it through a cold efficiency) Whistler. You an' Mobius are getting chummy. You take him in the car. I'll take the bike out.

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Whistler (studied Blade skeptically) I don't think I like that comment or tone, much, but I thought you might want the bike. It's already gassed up at the loft.

Cut To: Interior-Night Whistlers Garage-Blades Private Quarters Blade ripped the white sheet off the bike. It had attachments on the sides and front. Blade What's the sheet doing over it if you prepped it? Whistler Didn't know if you were actually gonna use it. But I started working on it after I mailed the package off. I decided to play it like Q from the James Bond movies. Be careful what buttons you press until you need it. Don't worry. They all shoot something nasty. Blade Anything in particular? Whistler Two modified mini-mini Vulcans firing, expelling and reloading five magazines of mini silver spikes for our nocturnal playmates, at three hundred forty-seven rounds a mag. Two flame throwers... You might wanna be stationary when you launch em, though. Just to keep the flames outta your face. Blade Nasty. What else does it do? Whistler Well... that button there, releases a gang o' mini Molotovs I modified from the Green Goblin grenade designs using napalm. Very combustible. When you let em go, make sure you're flying. One o' those made a fireball so big filled the experiment room. I lost two inches off my hair.

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Blade So that's what happened with the hole in the ceiling? Whistler Yeah. I forgot about that petroleum barrel. Four years. I thought the damn thing was empty. Anyway... spare clips are in the top sides. One manual reload of a five magazine case. Drop an' kick the front case off, and the springs'll move the back in place. Also... thirty shots of nos. Just in case they got fast friends out there. Also; you're not intercooled, and you can't go in reverse anymore. Don't give me that look. Had to make room for more power- horse and otherwise. There's so much firepower, fuel and nos on this thing that the whole thing would most likely blow up in your face. If the engine runs too hot, or the guns burn too long, everything's so close to each other, the whole thing could go. But I think you could live with a little danger in your life. Also... I got you a Kevlar riding helmet; got that on E-bay. Blade An' to think... It's not even my birthday. Whistler We can blow out some candles soon enough, Princess Di. Let's get moving. Blade looked at Whistler with a pleased grin, and revved the engine, letting it roar. The sound squeezed a comradic smile out of them.

End Act I

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Cut To: Exterior-Night Brooklyn Bridge The Midnight Sons rode the Brooklyn Bridge in silence. As they came to the far end of the bridge, the signs notified the drivers of Brooklyn exits. They past under it, to the realization nothing had changed. At the end of the bridge, Blades' motorcycle touched the metal strip that marked the end of the bridge, and the beginning of the concrete road. Blade looked perplexed that his intuition had failed him, shifted gears, and kicked the engine up with annoyance. At that instant, his bike disappeared with an electric charge, and a liquid ripple. He disappeared into the air. Blaze and Daniel traded a look, and revved up and through. Whistler sighed. Whistler Here we go, kids. Whistler floored it, and hit the portal, vanishing instantly. Cut To: Exterior-Day Hellish Landscape-Red Clouds rolled past mountains on the Horizon Whistler hit the barrier, and dropped a foot to red earth. He noticed Blade, Blaze and Daniel had stopped up ahead, at the edge of a cliff, and slammed on the brakes. They looked back three feet to see the bumper, and looked up at Whistler. Whistler raised his hand apologetically and with a nervous smile. Whistler Sorry... They turned away from Whistler, and looked out on the horizon. Whistler cringed, and rested his head on the steering wheel. Venom grabbed the drivers seat and pulled it playfully, yanking Whistler with the seat his seatbelt attached him to. Venom That was cool! Let's do it again! Whistler Does this look like a fuckin' amusement park, to you?

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Venom Yes. Whistler Well, ask a stupid question... Mobius opened his door and stepped out. Venom pushed the side seat up and lurched forward, his head hitting the back of Whistlers. Venom S'cuse me. Venom heaved himself out of the car then peered back in with a childs Cheshire smile. Venom You coming? Whistler I'm getting too old for this shit. Whistler opened the door and climbed out to stare out on the horizon. Whistler Shit... Blade Everyone cool? Blaze This can't be hell. Daniel What d' you mean, can't be? Whistler If it ain't hell, where the hell are we? Mobius The gate. This entire region wails the answer to you. woe... Venom smiled like a child, and stared out in amazement. Venom ...Disneyland... Everyone turned back and stared at Venom. Blaze turned to Blade and shrugged.
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...I am the doorway to the city of

Blaze It's your show, Chief. Where to next? Blade Do I look like a Thomas Guide to you? Whistler Easy son, he's just sayin' what we're all thinkin'. Strange made you the compass for this voyage, were just along for the ride. Blade An' I'm tellin' you. I got no fuckin' idea! Blaze Well, that's not good enough. You led us to the portal. How'd you pull that one off? Blade I just started driving around aimlessly. Whistler Then let's get in the car and start driving. It worked before, it'll work again. Venom Maybe, we thinks we go to that heavily fortified castle over there? Everyone turned back to look at Venom. Venom pointed off to the right. Cut To: Exterior-Day Hellish Landscape-Citadel on Horizon The castle emerged from the red clouds. They followed his finger to the castle, then turned to him and stared incredulously. He looked up innocently at them and shrugged. Venom Maybe? Blaze pulled out a pair of binoculars from his pouch and stared off at the castle. pulled the binoculars away, and stared at it in the distance. Blaze Pretty well fortified. What d' you think, Whistler? Whistler took the binoculars and put them to his eyes. He jerked back for a moment and glanced with surprise at Blaze, nodding his complement by gesturing with the binoculars. Blaze nodded his acknowledgement of the appreciation. POV Binoculars A blue field revealed the castle with shades of dark to off white blues. The red and white
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He

arrows marked the castle at the center of field, and dictated compass and altitude differences. Whistler zoomed in on the parapets and towers. He zoomed in so close, he saw the sentries in the towers. POV Without Binoculars Whistler stared at the speck of a castle on the horizon. Whistler That'll be a bitch to get into. Blaze C'mon. We'll figure something out when we get there. Blade Figure something out... How about setting up a strategy, here? Now. Blaze I appreciate the need to be prepared. Normally I'd agree. But let me ask you this... Do you happen to have a working blueprint for that place? Do you know of any place on earth that'd have one? Mind you, we're no longer on earth. Also, just to express my desire to survive this; does it stand to reason, that if we can study the castle from a great distance... It might be possible for them to be watching us? I'm all for a planBlade You've made your point. We move on. I'm thinking that canyon there'll provide some cover. Are we in agreement? Blaze We are. Blade Fine. Once we hit the canyon, we go slow to see if we can come up with some kind of plan before we get there. Agreed? Whistler Suits me fine. Let's get to some cover. Cut To: Exterior-Day Citadel-Parapet POV: Castle to Valley Small specks move stirring up a cloud of dust heading toward the canyon. A guard stood at the roof of a tower. It stared out with a massive eye at the horizon. It moved its' glass eye from its' face to reveal two small eyes and chittered in a bizarre language to a smaller, bug eyed demon.

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Demon Contact the messenger. Have him give word to Lilith. There are intruders in the realm with machines from the point of conquest. They seek to take cover in the Giants Walkway. Cut To: Interior-Day Citadel-Throne Room of Lilith Lilith sat at her ornate gold throne, reclined on the soft red cushions admiring the architecture of her aristocratic room. Lilith was beautiful beyond measure. A being seemingly carved from marble, her skin was a polished stone merely centimeters thick, containing vast energies. The energy glowed from her shell through her eyes, as a small amount traveled from the top of her head, and rolled down like hair. Next to Lilith, Frost stood in white robes with gold accessories defining him as both a great warrior and a man of wealth above all the other children of Lilith. Nathaniel, another beautiful faced child of Lilith wearing a black and silver armored loin cloth and brown fur over an impressively chiseled body, knelt with a proud subservience, as he made great efforts to shame Frost before her. Frost looked on with cold eyes behind the bemused smile. Nathaniel Great Mother, the new fortifications enacted by my brother did indeed appear strong. However, the response time to a full frontal assault proved the weakness and oversight to the Citadels impregnability. This oversight was minor, and easily remedied. I have taken the liberty of enlisting several of your other children to hold the gates at key positions. This should eliminate the faults in La Magras strategies quite nicely. Lilith Very good, Nathaniel; you are proving quite invaluable in your cunning and understanding of strategy and basic planning. Maybe one day, you too, may prove noble enough to earn the title of my most favored. Nathaniel Great mother, I live only to serve you, better. I live for these duties, and as always, vow to die for them. Lilith Hush, child. Your flattery is pleasing, but it is your efforts to overcome the obstacles that bar my path that will distinguish you as truly invaluable. Is that not correct, La Magra? Frost Yes, great mother. And if it pleases you, I was wondering if Nathaniel would care to enlighten us, in the faults to my strategy? I would find it truly an honor if someone as great in strategy as he has proven in the past could point out in specificity the weaknesses to my plans of castle fortification? Nathaniel Great Mother, is it truly necessary to describe the exact nature of my corrections? Frost I would appreciate your insight.
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Nathaniel My insight? Frost If there is any. It has been my understanding that your abilities on the battlefield have proven your worth as a strategist time and again. For a young pup, such as you. Who with your wealth of knowledge in the art of war employed a strategy that seemed quite brutal and unbeatable when you laid assault on the Chateau of Lord Baruam with overwhelming numbers, and yet returned in utter defeat with a loss of over ten thousand children of the great mother. A loss that, as I recall took months to replenish... If Im not mistaken. Nathaniel My beloved brother, I have no idea why you would speak of me so, when all I sought do was aid you in your application of strategy. Frost And I thank you for that. I thank you for supplying our siblings with mead and meat to lay in the paths of my sentries as they ran out to their posts, as I would thank our siblings who devoured my fast runners to slow my chain of munitions and men. I thank you for proving your lack of seriousness in the mission of protecting the mothers interests in your effort to gain my duties for yourself, and more importantly, my position. Lilith Enough. I have heard all I can stomach. Nathaniel; your deception is not tolerable. You will prove your import to me, eventually. However, La Magra fulfils his positions duties and exceeds them. You must prove yourself beyond his abilities if you are to stay in my graces for the position my beloved La Magra holds. Now go. Return to your studies. You will have ample time to prove your worth to me with the war for conquest, so close at hand. Nathaniel Mother, forgive me. Lilith There is nothing to forgive, my love. I will meet with you, later. A smile stretched across Nathaniels face with the knowledge Lilith would walk with him, later. Nathaniel -Until then, great mother. Nathaniel rose and turned to leave the room, and Frost blocked his path. Frost
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Dont ever embarrass me in front of my mother, again. Nathaniel And the same words from my mouth to you. Frost and Nathaniel glared at each other for a moment, before returning to smiles as Lilith scowled at them. Just then, a slave made her way into the courtroom of Lilith with a lowered head and a submissive expression as she passed Frost and Nathaniel to appear in the presence of Lilith. Slave Milady Lilith What is it, slave? Slave A band of mortals have pierced the barrier between this world and the one we wait to conquer. Lilith leaned her head back, and her fine nose made long slow passes above her. Lilith Ah yes. I taste the stench of hellfire, and an old blood. Such a motley crew to assemble against my forces. The Guardian of that reality must be spread quite thin to assemble only five to his cause. I so hoped to meet all their heroes. The fall of them all would have been more to my liking. Slave They have the touch of enchantment on them, milady. Lilith As one would expect from one as manipulative as Strange. I sensed his machinations the moment I realized my powers were halved. As must my co-conspirator have noticed in these affairs. Strange is a formidable foe to court. He will be the first to fall. Then it will be a simple matter of counteracting the spells to invigorate and restore our reserves. But first, we must deal with the token victims of the coming slaughter. La Magra! Frost Yes, mother? Lilith My beautiful son. You, of all my children have not failed me, short of death. I have a task for you. Frost You have only to ask, mother. All in my power I will commit my considerable resources to. Lilith
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A handful of invaders have crossed the barrier between this world and the one we amass our forces for conquest over. Frost Fools must they be indeed, to challenge you, mother. Lilith Fools, they must be. But unprepared they are not. Have your most trusted man dispatch them immediately. Frost Any threat that causes the great mother to take note, is a vengeful hand from her son. Lilith looked at Frost with a reserved annoyance. Lilith You misunderstand. They are not a threat to me. I am annoyed by their gall. Frost Forgive me, lord mother. No implication of weakness was intended. Lilith Weakness? The thought had not entered my mind. Had I thought you would be so disrespectful, whelp, I would have ended your existence before you could have even sought to pacify. But since I now recognize your presumptuous insult, I will punish you for it later. Now... go. See to my wishes. Frost By your leave Cut To: Interior-Day Citadel-Great Hall Nathaniel looked up as the doors opened, and Frost appeared with a tone of discomfort. Nathaniel grinned at his brothers frustration. Frost walked outside with a shiver of annoyance in his voice. Blackout stood nearby. Blackout Frost. Are you well? Frost How did you address me, lackey? Blackout Forgive me, lord La Magra... I forgot myself. Frost No. It seems you forgot my self. But this is a matter for another time. need of you. Now, I have

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Blackout I await my orders. When do we march the troops back into the world we know? Frost Later. Your mission is to dispatch the mortals who have invaded the valley below. They come to challenge our plans. Blackout Who would be that stupid. [beat] You don't suppose the Avengers... Frost I do not know. I do not care. I wish you to solve the problem. Kill them all. Bring their heads to me. My mother would be pleased with me. And as such, I will call you most favored. I wish for blood. I wish for torture. I wish you to commit them to their darkest moment. Can you do this? Blackout Killing is my art. A shadow developed around him, and stretched until he was engulfed in it. The blackness had dimension, and in it, he smiled. Blackout And darkness, my specialty. Cut To: Exterior-Day Citadel-Promenade before the Main Gates Blackout walked defiantly out into the yard. demonic beast and called out to the soldiers.

He mounted a strange, dark winged,

Blackout Those with blood in their dreams, who like me, grow impatient with waiting for the great battle to come! Hear me! I need one hundred warriors to my side, NOW! A band of intruders seek to challenge our lord and lady. They will die long and horrible deaths. Those with steeds, mount them! Those without, follow! Listen on these words, and prepare. 'Tis better to lead the charge in the names of our lord and lady, than be slaves and fodder in Hell! The demons and vampires gripped weapons and cheered as they mounted Neanderthal boars and wolves, stretched their wings or filed out behind the beasts. Blackout OPEN THE GATES! RIDE! The soldiers followed at speed behind Blackout as the metal gate rose, and the remaining demons pushed open the gates.

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Cut To: Exterior-Day Valley below the Citadel The Midnight Sons rode at a slow pace to avoid footfalls or stones on the path. Daniel looked from one wall to the other with a growing impatience, as the bend revealed another long distance, and another bend. Daniel How far away do you think it is? Blaze Pretty far. Looks about twenty miles. We'll reach our objective within the hour. After that... I don't know. Blade Strange isn't really good with road maps, is he? Blaze Strange believes in the journey, more than the destination.

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Blade Well all romanticism aside, I want to make a formal complaint. should open inside the castle. 'Cause the scenery sucks. Whistler I'll second that. Mobius Take heed. Something comes. In numbers.

Next time, the portal

Blaze Hold up, everyone. Alright, Mobius... What do you hear? Venom hasn't made a peep. Venom Don't need to hear. Feel. Whistler Hold up a sec. Whistler struggled with his leg brace to kneel. Everyone turned to watch as Whistler placed his cheek to the ground. Daniel cracked a wry grin and pointed in the opposite direction. Daniel Uh, Whistler... Mecca's that way. Whistler Someone put a pacifier in that kids mouth? Blaze Not now, Dan. What d' ya hear, Whistler? Whistler Sounds like... Fuck. A pebble laying on another rock on the ground began to vibrate. his cheek and stared off in the horizon. Daniel What? Sounds like heavy horse. pace. Whistler rose, wiped

Whistler A whole gang o' heavy horse, an soldiers marching at a good Blade Calvary. Venom
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Whistler... If the beats go from slow to fast, does that mean what we think it does? A pebble laying on another rock on the ground began to bounce, and soon the stone the pebble rested on began to vibrate and move. Whistler They're close. An' they're at full gallop. Cut To: Exterior-Day POV: Aerial View The road they walked was protected on both sides by sheer rock walls. On the far side of the right wall, only ten feet thick, the horde of warriors rode around to close off their exit, and come up behind. Cut To: Exterior-Day Road-POV: Midnight Sons Blaze lit a cigarette, and wiped his brow as he contemplated their chances of survival. Blaze Whistler Whistler Yeah. Blaze Do you have any military experience? Whistler USMC. '68 to '74. Blaze Are you familiar with the term cluster fuck? Whistler ...Yeah. Every Marine that made it through the Tet Offensive is [beat] They're closing off the way we came. Now the only question is: What's deeper in the hurt locker [beat] What's ahead...? Or where we came? I'm thinkin' we're fucked either way. Blade I say we keep moving an' fight our way through.

Behind them, the sound of stampede and laughter grew louder and louder. Daniel Uh guys, I think our options are gonna get knocked down considerably. Blade The kid's right. We're gonna have to pick. I say forward. Horses can't outrun a juiced
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cycle for longer than a few seconds. We go. Now! Daniel, Blaze and Blade mounted the bikes, as Mobius and Venom piled into the car. Whistler shooed them into the seats and revved up the engine. The car and all the bikes fired up and peeled out as one. The shadows of the beasts and demons played on the walls as they made quick distance on them. Cut To: Exterior-Day Sky above the canyon Winged demons strafed overhead, and assaulted the bike riders. Cut To: Exterior-Day Canyon-Road Blade took out his sword, and cut the wing off a demon. It tumbled uncontrollably, and Whistler caught it under the car with a hard bounce. A demon flew down on Blaze. Three shotgun blasts later, they retreated. Daniel received the worst of it. They twisted his handlebar, and caused him to tumble across the ground. Blaze stopped and fired shotgun blasts at them until they retreated. Blade dismounted, and ran up to Daniel, who rose slowly from the ground, dabbing the blood from his head. Blade Kid! You okay? Daniel Yeah. Just pissed. Blade Look kid, I know you got heart. But that was a pretty big fall. tumble like that over eighty an' dust themselves off. Daniel You never rode with John Blaze, before. Blade I gotta give you credit. You're a regular energizer bunny. Blaze Stop makin' friends, already! We're on the clock! I never saw a guy take a

Daniel I know! Hey, If I cut myself, do you think Ghost Rider'd get on the fuckin' ball? Blaze Not likely. Need I remind you of the Calvary? Daniel Right.
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Get on the fuckin' bike, already!

Daniel fired up his motorcycle, and nodded to Blaze and then to Blade. Blade grinned. Blade All heart. Daniel Humans 've gotta start with something. Blade I heard that. They peeled out, and the winged demons came in low around the corner. Blaze Alright, guys. Round two. Blaze pulled his shot gun out and fired, while Blade took the right side, and started pressing the forward buttons on his handle bars. The spikes started firing and creating a wall of silver that was too thick for the demons to dodge. One tumbled up onto the hood of the car and flipped over. The poor beast had a stunned look one gets from getting the wind knocked out of him after a groin injury. Whistler Hey Brock. That one looked like a relative o' yours. Venom( Human Voice) Cute. Whistler So that's what you look like. I never paid attention before. Venom You thought I'd be ugly? Whistler Thought you'd be prettier. Venom Cute. Whistler What the fuck happened to your nose? Venom Spiderman broke it. Whistler
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Looks like you're used to shit days. That's good. Venom And why's that? Whistler 'Cause today is shit days' mother. An' she's a real bitch. Venom(Alien Voice) Good. We wuz getting bored. Whistler grew perplexed and adjusted the rear view mirror toward Venom. Venoms face was back to the black and white. He looked innocently back at Whistler and shrugged. Venom ...What? Cut To: Exterior-Day Canyon-Top Left Cliff Blackout stalked the flat of the cliff and laughed as the car and bikes rolled around the distant turn. He laughed to himself as he patted vampires on the shoulders. Blackout Just a few hundred yards more... Cut To: Exterior-Day Canyon-Road Blaze dropped back firing hellfire over Blades head to keep the demons from swooping down on him from overhead. Meanwhile, Blade plowed the field. The magazines emptied, and Blade jumped up to kick off the dry clips, while flipping the rear mounts into lock positions. Then continued firing. Blaze and Daniel traded looks. Whistler got on the radio as they neared a turn. Whistler Blade. Blade What is it? I'm kinda busy. Whistler Just to let you two know... We run into rocky terrain, up here... We're fucked. They cleared the corner, and slowed to a stop before a fifteen foot sheer rise to another level. Blade You were sayin'?

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Cut To: Exterior-Day Citadel-Lilith's Throne Room Lilith sits alone at her throne, speaking to the shadow. Blackheart Lilith. Lilith Welcome, Blackheart. Your throne room has been prepared for you. Blackheart Material things hold little interest for me. The lantern, I assume, has been procured? Lilith All is proceeding as planned. Blackheart The intruders? Lilith My men are dealing with them as we speak I don't want them dealt with. allowed to enter. Blackheart Provide resistance. Those with strength of heart will be

Lilith They are touched by Strange. They have proven to be a threat. Blackheart They will not be a threat when they enter here. I have already seen to it. Even as they approach, a growing sense of dread, and mistrust infects them. They will not function well together, and they will fall. Lilith You have the abilities to cancel out the enchantments of Strange? How? How can you overcome the bonds that hold my powers so firmly? How can one as young as you even claim to match me? Let alone, outmatch me?

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Blackheart You forget, I am the son of the one you wish to overthrow. Upon birth, my powers dwarfed even yours. And still, my powers are brought down in scale. But any child of magic understands the need for manipulation. I do not wield my powers as abruptly as you and our other partner. I prefer to cast spells. The spell that surrounds this palace is one that will cloud the reason of action and thought. You seek to overpower your opponent. I prefer to see how they fight as individuals. As fighters that do not trust in their allies. My enchantment overwhelms their senses below. As they draw near, they will fall away from each other. Those who survive alone will be welcome, because they will prove themselves survivors... and useful. Lilith Why not simply kill them now? Why perform such enchantments, when the power of the rod serves sufficient use? Blackheart Do not test my patience. Those who survive will have proven themselves to be fortified. If they fail to reach the gates, they prove their uselessness to me. Do not be a fool, Lilith. You do not hold a position of power, yet. That throne is meaningless if you cannot control yourself. Remember this [beat] There is one more ally in this compact. His is the sin of Gluttony. Without indulgences, his sin is Avarice. You will need pawns to play against his. If they prove themselves, they will be ripe for use in this arena. Lilith Yes. You have made your point. Blackheart Good. Lilith But if I should not trust him, why should I trust you, any more? Blackheart You shouldn't. Blackheart faded, and the corner brightened. Lilith recognized she was alone.

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Cut To: Exterior-Day Canyon-Edge of the Giant's Steps Midnight Sons gathered at the six foot high steps and noted how they rose out of the canyon toward where the Citadel should be. Blaze Alright. We're gonna have to climb, from here. Blade Works for me. It's about time we exercised a little stealth. A full frontal assault on a fortified castle with superior numbers and the advantage of higher ground slants a little too close toward suicide, in my book. Whistler Yeah. That's about the gist of it. So, what's the game plan, John? Blaze Six men, traveling heavy with armor and weaponry, short three bikes and one car, stealthfully scaling a massive wall on giant steps. Taking into consideration three super humans... three humans, one with a gimp leg, no offense... Whistler raised his middle finger, and cupped his crotch plate over his jeans. Whistler None taken. Blaze And one without any martial training, let alone super human abilities, save a fire demon of vengeance that only deigns to show at the most extremely inopportune moments. I'm thinking; full frontal assault on a castle with the advantage of higher ground and exponentially superior numbers. Blade ...I thought as much Whistler To say all that to us dead pan, like that... You sure can pick yer spots. Blaze Calls em likes I sees em. We don't have any blueprints to research for this architectural monstrosity. An' we don't know of any secret passages. Daniel
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Why don't we look around? We're bound to find something. Blaze Kid, does this look like a Tolkien book ta you? I'm not gonna look all over waiting for the sun to set and the thrush ta knock twice. Not only that, we're on kind of a schedule, here. We don't know when this invasion's gonna take place. It could happen now, it could have already happened. We need to act now. Blade Well, I'm not going for that. I'm thinkin' we wait for the darkness to provide support, an' we sneak in. You guys can try to keep up if you like. Whistler No. Blaze's right. Blade Whistler, what are you doing? Whistler Blade, I'm not in the habit of contradicting you. So if I am, it's for a good reason. First off, we got light, an no sun. We dont know if there even is a night, here. We need to get up this cliff, now, an' we gotta move, quick. You might not have noticed, but we got eyes on us. An' we're sitting ducks out here. I say we move on, an' take our chances at the castle. Remember, we still have the Calvary riding up on us. Blade Point taken. Let's move. Cut To: Exterior-Day Canyon-Top Left Cliff Blackout laid against the edge surveying with binoculars watching the Midnight Sons below. His Lieutenant laid next to him in wait for his command. Lieutenant Sire, we are ready to engage on your command. Blackout Wait. This world without a sun allows us to march in the day. But we need darkness for full strength. Lieutenant I don't understand, sire. Blackout Those demons are cowards. They ride because they think the prey is easy. But with each corpse they make for them to ride over after these men, their strength dissipates just that much. Just think what would happen if we turned out the lights before they committed. They'd turn tail so quick! Lieutenant
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We can handle them without those filthy cowardly beasts, sire. Believe in us, please! Blackout I do. But I need you all together before I can aid your assault. Summon your men to drive them back into the canyon and pin them down. That is my order. Lieutenant Yes sire. Cut To: Exterior Giants Steps-Edge of the first Ledge Blade stood at the top with Venom pulling the others up. Mobius. Blaze What's wrong? Mobius Something is amiss. Blaze What, the Calvary? Mobius They are close... something else. Blaze What? Venom dropped back to the canyon, and let the black ink tendrils cover his face. A tendril touched the ground, and Venom looked up uneasy. Mobius turned his head slightly as grains of sand and dust fell between two cracks in a great rock overhead. Mobius pointed up, and Blazes eyes followed. Cut To: Exterior-Day Canyon-Left Cliff Blackout studied the Midnight Sons with an intrigue that grated at his Lieutenant. Blackout stared with a studious gaze at the humans interaction and teamwork, while the Lieutenant began to twitch with annoyance, as the archers and vampire infantry shook with pensive demeanors. Lieutenant Sire? Blackout Let's get them back in the canyon, shall we? The lieutenant sighed with relief, turned to the archers and made a hand gesture. The
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Blaze turned to look at

vampire soldiers in the distance nodded and pulled back on their bows. Cut To: Exterior-Day Giants Steps-1st Ledge Blade scanned the edge of the two walls for signs of danger. Cut To: Exterior-Day Canyon-Left Cliff Blackout nodded to his lieutenant. vampires released their arrows.

The lieutenant signaled with hand gesture, and the

Cut To: Exterior-Day Giants Steps-1st Ledge Blade turned to listen to the sound of shafts splitting air. He caught one, and three planted into his armor. Daniel and Whistler dove back into the canyon, and Blade drew his sword running toward the bluffs. He was pinned down behind a rock at the wall. Cut To: Exterior-Day Canyon-Floor Whistler and Daniel hid behind stones in the canyon, as Blaze and Mobius studied the walls for snipers. Cut To: Exterior-Day Canyon-Left Cliff The Lieutenant turned to Blackout with excitement, pointing past him, down to the curve in the canyon corridor. Blackout waved in annoyance, without taking his eyes off the Midnight Sons. Lieutenant Sire! The heavy beast lines have arrived. Blackout Good. Hold. Lieutenant Sire? Blackout Prepare to send in a wave to block off their escape on my command. Station them level by level. Lieutenant Sire. Blackout Watch as the hands of the beast close around you, Blaze. Venom stared as a pebble vibrated on a stone. Then the stone began to move and shake.
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And the dust began to unsettle around their feet. Venoms face parted to reveal the face of Eddie Brock as he shouted in his own voice. Venom (Human Voice) They're almost right on top of us. Blaze Blade! Get back down here! We need every man in the trench. The fits about to hit the shan! Cut To: Exterior-Day Giants Steps-1st Ledge Blade tried to scan the walls for snipers. Arrows drove his head back down into the rocks for protection. Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw snipers repositioning. Blade Fuck it. Before today's over, a few arrows will be the last o' my worries. Blade charged the edge of the bluff and dove into the canyon. Arrows landed all around him. Cut To: Exterior-Day Canyon-Floor Blade landed and took cover next to Blaze. Blade looked up to Blaze and shrugged as he acknowledged him. Blade 'Sup. Blaze 'Sup. Blade seemed in control, but slightly dazed by it all. He grabbed his gun and began scouring the peaks of the walls for overzealous archers. Blade Anything happen while I was gone? Blaze Usual. All hells about to break loose. Blade Is that all? Blaze For now.

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Cut To: Exterior-Day Giants Steps-1st Ledge Snipers came out and took up stationary posts behind stones to aim into the canyon itself. Some discarded their bows, and pulled daggers. Cut To: Exterior-Day Canyon-Floor Blaze looked at the vampire snipers with a cynics glare. Blaze Oh look. Looks like the snipers are comin' out to play. Blade So much for escaping up hill. What now? Blaze Fuck it. Brock! Venom (Human Voice) What's the plan, big guy? Blaze You an' Mobius ready for some mayhem? Venom (Human Voice) I'm always into a decent fight. You? Mobius nodded with a hard stare, and cracked his neck. Blaze Let's see some team playing out there. Venom (Human Voice) You got it. Blade Kid! Nowd be a good time to do the burning man thing! Daniel I know! Blade Blaze! Why doesn't he change? Blaze It doesn't work that way. Ghost Rider comes when he deems it necessary. Not the other way around.

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Blade So what happens if one of us gets killed in the meantime? Blaze He'd probably come the instant one of us expired. Just pray it's not Daniel. Why do you think he was so pissed when he learned his Kevlar helmet finally caved? Blade looked down at his Kevlar helmet. Blade Kid! Take this! Blade tossed the helmet to Daniel. to Blade. Daniel fumbled for the helmet and raised it in salute Daniel Thanks! Daniel then stuffed his head into it, and folded his arms in wait. Blade Good kid. Blaze I like 'im. Blade So, just so I know... Do we got a plan? Or is this where we all go rogue and it's every man for himself? Blaze Every man for himselfll probably sound like a good idea in a minute. But not yet. All this has been pretty much playing it by ear. Strange likes to leave loopholes here an' there. That's why he always fucks with the tapestry. A few tugs here or there, an' no one really misses the hole he made in the overall pattern. Blade What's with this fuckin' tapestry shit I keep hearin' about? Blaze Ask 'im, sometime. He never showed me. But he might show you. Blade What makes you think that? Blaze He likes you.

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Blade He likes me? Blaze He hasn't tried to kill you? Used his magic to rip your soul apart? Blade Nah! Blaze He likes you. Blade We're gonna have to talk that one out, after this. Blaze I saw that one coming. Blade We doin' this? Blaze After you. Blade What; on three? Blaze Fine. Three. Let's go. Blade Right. Blade, Blaze, Venom and Mobius stood out facing the hordes just as they turned the corner eight in a row backed all the way around the corner. The demons halted, and stared at the four who stood against them. The demons wore helmets and chest to waist armor, and armored shin pads. They rode on the backs of massive demonic boars and wolves. Blaze Say nothing. Just stand at ready. Pick your targets, and keep em. If one of us falls, or has to adapt to a change in their strategy, the nearest man takes on his responsibility as well as their own. Everyone clear? Blade Good plan.

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Venom Works for us. They chittered and laughed. They roared and let out battle cries as they waited. The four stood silent. Waiting. Many of the demons grew curious and silent. They merely waited. When all the demons grew silent, the boars groaned under the weight of the masters, and the wolves yawned and whined. Blade cracked his neck. Blaze shook his shooting hand. Venom rotated his hips and cracked his back. Mobius did not move. He stood perfectly still. The demons looked back at each other nervously. Finally, they started talking to each other, and some started laughing. One demon dismounted, and pulled his sword. None of the four moved. The demon was bolstered by the crowd to taunt the four, and he made threatening gestures. The demon charged and retreated. The demon ran about four feet from Blade, and raised his sword. Blade looked down at the demon, and took a step toward it. The demon fell back and retreated to the laughter and chiding of the group. Cut To: Exterior-Day Giants Steps-Three levels The vampires had stationed themselves three levels high, allowing a wide array of assault troops and covering fire. The vampire snipers had pulled out daggers and mutilation spears in wait for the first signs of attack. They looked up at their lieutenant for the word. The lieutenant never gestured. Cut To: Exterior-Day Left Cliff Blackout stood staring down between two rocks on them. Blackout Interesting. Lieutenant Sire? Blackout Yes? Lieutenant The word? Blackout The word is wait. I'm enjoying this. He's actually devised a plan of intimidation through silent threat. And he's actually undermining the demons courage. Lieutenant Sire, forgive me. But I would be remiss if I did not remind you our duty is to slaughter these invaders. Expediently. Blackout
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Are you questioning my orders? Lieutenant No, sire. Blackout These demons were rallied so they could die, lieutenant. The intruders will engage the demons, and the demons will tie them up. In the process, leaving themselves exposed to my elite vampire assassins. Word will spread that my men stood at ten percent of the demons number. Yet the demons suffered severe losses, while my men came out unscathed. I will be a general. I will be most favored. And if you cease to question me, you will be my most favored. Cut To: Exterior-Day Canyon-Floor Blaze, Blade, Venom and Mobius stood still. Other demons dismounted, and made other attempts at intimidation. A few grew complacent with the idea of hitting them with rocks. One rock came close to hitting them, and traveled past Blaze and Blade. Blade These guys are startin' to piss me off. Blaze Yeah. Let's end this standoff. You ready guys? Brock stood with a bored expression. The blackness traveled up the sides of his neck, and his eyes filled white, as black trickled into his nose and mouth. Brock grinned a hideous expression, as his voice turned scratched and alien. Venom We want their brains. Blade Alright. Hey Brock... Bon apetit. Mobius tensed, and his lips grew uncomfortably bent as if his mouth were full and sharp jagged teeth protruded from his lips. Blade made a gesture with his right arm letting it go straight and long as it traveled out and up toward the sky, all the while, his left hand moving behind his back. Blaze gave another few flicks of his right hand. Venom smiled and popped the muscles in his neck. Blaze On my mark... Four demons ran forward with stones in a mock attack, and others raised their weapons in mock bravado. The demons stretched their throwing arms back, and were hauling the weight over to hurtle the stones directly at them.

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Blaze ...Now. Blade's left hand pushed his scabbard up, allowing his right hand to grab the hilt and remove the sword in a swift motion and split one of the stones. Blaze reached over his right shoulder, and with a twist, flipped the shotgun out, and blew away one of the stones. Venom reached out and grabbed two of the stones, and a hideous smile took his face, as his tongue stretched out, and he pulverized the stones in his grasp. His face became engulfed by the black. The demons fell back, and stumbled to the comfort of the group. Mobius growled, and parted his lips, revealing his elongated fangs, as his body contorted and snapped as he grew in mass and length. Still somewhat human in appearance, the straps gave play, and allowed the growth. Blaze stepped forward, and quick stepped to the right, as Blade ran round the left side. Mobius launched into the air, as Venom charged low like a bear. The demons scattered. Venom and Mobius slashed and hacked their way into their midst. They pushed the mob of demons back, and divided their forces. Those that fell toward Blade and Blaze in an effort to avoid the threat were taken out by sword and hellfire. Cut To: Exterior-Day Left Cliff Blackout leaned back from the binoculars, stunned. He peered back into the binoculars to take a second glance. The lieutenant, all the while, stared at Blackout in disbelief how he handled his own assault tactics. Blackout My God. Lieutenant Sire. Blackout Brilliant. Lieutenant SIRE! Blackout WHAT? Lieutenant They are routing the forces! Blackout I can see that! Lieutenant The word?

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Blackout What?? Lieutenant THE WORD! Blackout glared at the lieutenant for a brief moment. Then with a scoff and a wave of his hand, he spoke more to quiet the annoyance than out of actual want. Blackout The word is given. Lieutenant Thank you, sire. The lieutenant made a hand gesture, verifying the command was given to engage. Cut To: Exterior-Day Giants Step: 1st Level The vampires on the first tier ran in. Cut To: Exterior-Day Canyon-Floor Daniel was well hidden in between the two stones. Whistler fired at the vampires with his converted shotgun. Blade heard the shots, and turned to give aid. Blade Oh, shit! Blaze! Blaze I see it. Yo, Brock! Venom We're busy! Blaze You an' Mobius cool? Venom (Half Human) Time of our lives! Blaze We gotta pull back to watch our asses. You pull back and keep the wall at bay. Venom ...Fine... Blade cut into the pack of vampires and pulled the corpses off Whistler.
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Blade John! Sensing Blade's desire to check on Whistler, Blaze committed to holding the wall of vampires on his own. Blaze You got it! Blaze opened fire on the demons at full auto, and made a constant wall of hellfire. Blade attended to Whistler. Blade Whistler! You okay? You bit? Whistler No. But if you waited a second longer... Blade Cool. What about the kid? Where's the kid? Whistler Beats the fuck outta me. Where's the med kit? I got a small problem with a shiv, case you hadn't noticed, kid. Blade Kid! Whistler Blade! Find the kid, and the med kit! Hows 'bout that? Blade Right! On it! Blaze Daniel! Where, the fuck, are you? Daniel (Low and Rasped) Over here! Blade followed the sound of Daniels voice to a space in between two rocks. A vampire knelt over him, and fed. Blade stabbed the vampire, who disintegrated instantly, and Blade quickly turned to find Daniel bleeding, and grabbing his neck. Blaze What happened? Blade
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He's been bit! He's losing blood! Blaze Shit, kid. Not again... Blaze turned back to the charging vampires and returned to firing on them as he scoffed his disbelief to himself. Whistle tossed the medical kit to Blade, and Blade turned to Daniel to bandage the wound. Blade Hang in there, kid. Be cool. Daniel I'm fine. Don't worry about me. Take care o' the others. Whistler looked at Blaze with surprise. Whistler Kid's got guts. Blaze Tons. Been there, done that. Y'know? Whistler Has he ever been bit by a vampire before? Blaze Once! Whistler Well? Blaze Remember the Son of Satan killings? Whistler Yeah! Me an Blade were huntin' that one, almost had him once or twice! Fuckin' psycho was killing off a ring of Satanist pedophiles who were selling their snuff films to the highest bidder. The killer was draining blood outta those sick ass fuckers an' burnin em! Why? Blaze Even as a vampire, he's a self righteous son of a bitch! Whistler looked back at the kid in shock, and rolled his eyes. Whistler Shit! Glad this guy's on our side!
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Blaze Tell me about it! Blade nursed Daniel behind the rocks, shooting vampires that came up on them. Blade Come on, kid. You're gonna be fine. Believe me. Blade prepped an injection of the antidote for Daniel. Daniel Get away. Changing... Blade Don't worry, kid. It takes a day or two to change. Daniel No... don't unnerstan... Blade Shit, kid. You're burnin' up. Blade turned and barked at Blaze in frustration. Blade (continued) Blaze! Blaze What's goin' on? Blade Kid's got a fever! Blaze grew perplexed. Blaze Fever? Daniel can't get sick. The demon protects himBlaze looked up in understanding, and turned, shouting at Blade. Blaze (continued) ... Blade! Get away from him! He's gonna burn! Blade What?! Daniel started to scream, and flames shot out of the helmet and his neck. Blade jumped
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away, and pulled his gun. Blade Oh, damn! Blaze shot at the vampires, and shouted over his shoulder. Blaze Talk to me, Blade! Blade Burned leather, and singed dreds. That's about it! Blaze Something tells me you were about due for a haircut, anyway. Daniel! Talk to me! Ghost Rider Daniel sleeps. He has the blood hunger sickness, again. powers will be halved. We need to cut down the vampire threat. Venom an' Mobius. My body fights it. My

Blade That's your responsibility.

We're goin' after

Ghost Rider It will be done. Blade Alright, then! Blaze! Whistler! We need every gun on the demon line! NOW! Whistler Right behind ya! Whistler grabbed his shotgun, and limped over beside Blaze as he tried to reach Blade's side. Ghost Rider turned his back on them, and walked toward the tiered bluff. At the front line, Mobius roared viciously. Venom grinned as he killed his prey maliciously. Blade, Blaze and Whistler stood together facing the twitching corpses of the demons. Blade Ready? Blaze Yup. Whistler Let's take some!

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The three unloaded their weapons into the field, demonstrating their marksmanship by not hitting Venom or Mobius as they slashed and thrashed about. Cut To: Exterior-Day Giants Step- 1st Level The vampires all rallied and came down to the field. Ghost Rider stood still. He placed his hand on his chain, and with a flick, it speared their entire number. They all burned and fell as dust. The chain returned to him, and he looked up at the walls on either side coldly. His tone indicated he had dealt with their kind before, and had long since grown bored with them. Ghost Rider Vampires. Cut To: Exterior-Day Canyon-Left Wall Blackout stared down in stunned amazement. Blackout Ghost Rider? Lieutenant Sire! He just took out the first two waves! Blackout We have three left. Have them commit to the field on my command. But first, get those demon hordes in closer! Lieutenant Sire! We need them in the field, now! Blackout You will do as I say, until I need you no longer! Understood? Lieutenant Yes, sire! Blackout Good! Signal the demons and command them to push in, under threat of death. Lieutenant They'd be dead either way, sire! Blackout Yes, but my way in the dungeon takes longer. Give the command! NOW! Cut To: Exterior-Day Canyon-Left Wall Blackout raised his hands and the blackness in his aura extended over the span of fifty
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yards. In the midst of the blackness, nothing could be seen more than a few feet before them. The lieutenant stood there trying to make out the shapes. Cut To: Exterior-Day Canyon-Floor A thick shadow descends on the field, and blankets the Midnight Sons. The demons running in grew uncomfortable charging into the shadow, and slowed down while the bolder of their numbers charged into the blackness. In the shadow, they heard their comrades wail and scream in agony and terror. They halted their run and cowered before the shadows. Cut To: Exterior-Day Canyon-Left Wall The lieutenant fumbled with his binoculars, and strained in the shadows. nowhere to be seen. Lieutenant I see nothing, sire! Blackout But only my victims see nothing. Lieutenant Yes, sire. But I still see nothing. Blackout No matter. You've done well, lieutenant. You've fulfilled my every command [beat] eventually. You no longer have to do as I say. You are no longer needed. Lieutenant Sire? Blackout lunged from the darkness and plunged his long teeth into the lieutenants neck. He shook the man violently, and drank deep. As he did, the blackness extended sixty yards farther. Cut To: Exterior-Day Canyon-Floor The shadows ran at the demons in a wave of the ether. From the shadows, Venoms hand lashed out and grabbed another demon warrior. The demons jumped with a yelp as their colleague begged for help. Their comrade vanished into the shadows screaming in agony. Demon Leader We cannot let our kinsmen die like this. Men, we're going in there to free our countrymen. Venom and Mobius leaped out of the shadows at the demons. Mobius dug his teeth into the leader of the fifth wave and drained him dry in a matter of seconds, then roared to the
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Blackout was

others who followed. Venom fit his mouth entirely around another powerful demons head, and with a powerful chomp, crushed the skull in his mouth to a pleased grin as the grey matter escaped the sides of his jaws, oozing down his cheeks. Behind Mobius and Venom, the shadow wave ran up to swallow them again, and flooded past the demons. The demons began retreating in terror, as the blackness grew. All that could be heard were the terrified screams and chatters in an unknown language as the wall of demons moved back onto themselves violently. Cut To: Exterior-Day Canyon-Floor: Edge of the veer in the canyon wall The demons fought their way through the rears ranks and screamed in terror, speaking a chuttered foreign tongue. Demons of the Front Retreat! Retreat! There are monsters in the dark! They eat our brains and drain our blood and laugh at our blows! Run! They'll kill us all! Demons of the Rear We see nothing but the black! Demons of the Front They hide in the black, and feed on us! They rape our corpses! cannot see the enemy until it is too late! They kill us all! Run! Tis madness! We

Cut To: Exterior-Day Canyon-Floor The shadows subsided subtly. They watched as the demons ran out into the light and collided with their own numbers, running like little girls. The Midnight Sons watched in disbelief as the demons killed their own men as they climbed over them. Whistler scratched his head and rested on his good leg. Whistler Do I see this shit right? They're actually retreating? Blade Looks like it. The front's trampling the rear to get away from us. Venom laughed like a giddy child as he watched the demons crushed their own men. Mobius sighed as the blood lust left him. Blaze stood silent. He collapsed, and sighed, then straightened up. Blaze Let's get moving. Time is short. Whistler Don't mean to be the killjoy, here. But how the fuck're we gonna get the transportation up there?

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Blade We don't. We go on foot. Whistler Oh, this just get's better an' better, don't it? Blade You're welcome to stay here and watch the car. Whistler Oh, yer all heart. Cut To: Exterior-Day Giants Steps-10th Level The car and motorcycles are little more than specks in the vision as they moved at varying paces to rise out of the canyon. Whistler tried to heave himself over the ledge, only to be prevented by the stone jutting out of the sheer that caught his leg brace. His grip slipped, and almost went over. Ghost Rider grabbed Whistlers hand, and yanked him up so his head cleared the floor of the next level. P.O.V. Whistler: Blade and Blaze sitting in wait for him, as Mobius sniffed the air, and Venom studied the horizon. Cut To: Exterior-Day Whistler at the Edge of Bluff Whistler let out a sharp yelp, and tried to pull his arm hard away from Ghost Rider. Whistler Let go, ya stupid fuck! My leg brace's caught on something! In compliance, Ghost Rider let go, and Whistler disappeared over the sheer edge, followed by a thud, an instant later. Cut To: Exterior-Day Whistlers POV: looking up to see Ghost Rider peer over the edge Ghost Rider Are you well? Cut To: Exterior-Day Ghost Riders POV: staring down at Whistler Whistler laid there staring up at Ghost Rider, shouting back at him. Whistler No, ya fuckin' ditsy ass matchstick! I just fell five feet onto a sharp rock! How 'm I supposed ta feel? Ghost Rider
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One would assume not well, if not for your anger. Hey, Ghost Rider. back out! Blade You gonna stick around an' get in the way, or is Dan gonna come

Ghost Rider Daniel has made it clear I am needed. He does not want to return. Blade Fine. For future reference, the idea is to help only when asked. Ghost Rider No offense was intended. Blade Man, go over there an' do something. Put your head on some wood an' make us a fire or something. Whistler came over the edge, with an angry expression on his face directed at Ghost Rider. Ghost Rider was oblivious. He climbed the next level to assist the others. Blade You okay, old man? Whistler With the human torch's biker bitch corpse over there helpin' out? Hell no! .Blade He's fine. Whistler Like hell! Fuck, my knee! Blade stretched his hand down, and lifted Whistler up to the next level. Blaze Good. Cause it's just gonna get worse from here, guys. Get ready for hell. Cause it's coming. Whistler Well, if they're all gonna run like pussies, like before, I don't see how! Blade No. He's right. The demons were surprised. They didn't know what to expect. merely caught them off guard. It's gonna be worse. Venom
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We

How worse? Mobius The battle, past, and this arduous trek are the graceful moments. Where the flowers seem warm and inviting. Where the vines have grown over and skew the words of warning emboldened on the gates of the inferno. Venom Translation, please? How worse? Blade Like a muthafucka. Mobius rose, and leapt up to the cliff top, arriving next to Ghost Rider. Venom climbed behind. Blade How much longer you figure? Blaze Can't say. Each time I think we're there, another peak appears. open road. At least the signs are clear. Blade True. Venom popped his head out from the edge of the cliff. Venom (Human Voice) You might wanna come up an take a look at this. Blade What's up, Brock? Venom scaled down the wall head first to them. Mobius jumped from the cliff, and landed next to Blade. Mobius We are at the Gates. Cut To: Exterior-Day Giants Steps: Between 10th and 11th Steps Blade scaled up ahead, as Blaze tried to keep up. By the third step, Blade had cleared the peak. Blaze Fuckin' vampires make this shit look too easy. This is why I prefer

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Mobius (V.O.) I heard that. Cut To: Exterior-Day Great Gates-Edge of the 11th Step Blade scoffed, as he looked back to the edge of the cliff. Cut To: Exterior-Day Giants Steps-Sheer Cliff between 10th and 11th Steps Whistler Don't worry about it, John. You get used to it. Blaze Really? Whistler I don't see you flinching when the kid turns all burning man on ya. Blaze Yeah [beat] But that's a little different.

Whistler How so? Blaze You wouldn't understand. Not like you were a vampire for a minute. Whistler Don't go leaping to assumptions, red. I walked that path. Blaze You're a vampire hunter, who used to be a vampire? Whistler Ask me that question later. Blaze No better time than the present. Whistler Well there better be. Blaze An why's that?
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Whistler Cause I smoke too damn much, an' talkin' ta you is takin' all the wind outta me! So shut the fuck up an' climb. Blaze reached the peak, and flew over the edge in an unnatural speed that made Whistler jump, and then went back to climbing. At the peak, Blade extended his hand, and lifted Whistler up. Blade Come on, old man. Cut To: Exterior-Day Citadel-Main Gates Whistler landed on the 11th step with a jolt. He cringed in pain, and nursed his arm. Whistler Fuck! Between you an' Ghost Rider, my arm is gonna be worse than my leg before long. Blade Sorry about that. Look, things are about to get sketchy. I'm gonna need you as my back up if things get too fucked up in there. You with me? Whistler I'm not a fuckin' invalid, kid. I can still do my job. Blade Good. Cause between you an' me? I don't trust these muthafuckas all that much. An' I sure as hell didn't like havin' ta put my back to 'em in that canyon fight. Whistler Wasn't too long ago, you were real buddy buddy with one or two as I recall. still teamed up an' put yer heart into it to beat a mutual enemy. But you

Blade Mutual enemy aside, I'd prefer if you were closer to my back than our allies were. With me? Always. Blade... You alright? Stranges. Whistler You've been acting funny since you got back from

Blade I don't know. Just something he showed me. Make sure this job gets done right. Word?

I just need to take more precautions.

Blade put his fist out. Whistler stared at Blade for a moment and then pounded his fist on top.
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Whistler Word. Ghost Rider stood before the gates, with his hands on the walls, his eyes searched the rooftops for sentries, and the wall for foot holds. Mobius stood near a stone, and grimaced, as he craned his head up to see the tops of several demons heads looking off to the canyon in the distance. Venom picked at his teeth with his tongue, spitting out demon parts caught in between them. A piece of demon flesh landed close to Whistler, who stared down in disgust. Whistler Oh, damn. Is that what I think it is? Venom Not too well endowed, that one, was he? Blade Whistler! Whistler What's up? Blade Those Molotovs. How powerful are they again? Whistler You saw what one did to the test area. We talkin' a little D & E? We've heard of B & E. We've done it. What's D & E? Venom Convicted four times for it. Twice acquitted.

Blade You're familiar with Breaking and Entering... Good. Sometimes you gotta make a bigger statement in the Entry. That's where Demolition comes in. Door won't open up, blow it up. Blade and Blaze finish arranging the Molotovs in a tight ring, then propped some heavy rocks on top of it, against the wall. Venom used his tendrils to hold down the stones over the Molotovs. Blade sat behind the boulder with the rest of the team. Venom sat patiently for the others to implement the next stage in the plan. Blaze Alright. Let's get the show on the road. Blade What's with the constant road references?

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Blaze Sorry. Carnie talk. Blade Whistler? You want to call it out? Mobius Wouldn't that compromise our position? Blaze I think the explosion'll do that, Mobius. Whistler FIRE IN THE HOLE! Blade pressed the remote detonator just as Venom realized the full extent of the plan. Venom Fire? The explosion blew a ten foot hole in the wall, sending a large amount of the burning fuel into the Courtyard. Venoms burning tendrils flung back to him as he wailed in agony. They stepped out from behind the boulder and stared at the hole. Whistler Nice. Blade Never doubted you, old man. Mobius charged the hole to meet with any resistance. Blade ran in behind him. Ghost Rider strode into the Courtyard. Whistler limped ahead of Blaze and Venom. Whistler Come on, you two! Get the lead out! Venom gave an annoyed look to Blaze. Venom You should've told me. Oh, buck up. Jesus. Blaze Seven Molotov grenades, and you didn't think you were gonna get burned.

Venom eyed Blaze as he ran into the Courtyard. Cut To: Exterior-Day
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Citadel-Courtyard The courtyard was a massive expanse of common grounds with several large stone buildings meeting up into one magnificent central tower. The walls housed a large number of soldiers who filed out from the hundred foot walkways to the circular staircases down to the courtyard below. More filed out from the stables where the wolves, bores, dragons and horses resided, while a large number came directly from the tower itself. Many just cheered while the more lustful soldiers tried to sate their taste for blood before the invasion. Vampires and Demons rushed the field, and attacked them as they stood. Each stood alone. Each fought without desire or expectation of support. Ghost Rider turned to fight off the hordes. His motions were cold and efficient. He never spoke. Blade stood off the vampires who charged out to challenge the Daywalker. He sneered, and pulled his sword. Venom devoured the ones who came close to the hole in the wall. Blaze and Whistler caught sight of Mobius slashing through a number of demons, and decimated the numbers charging from the great doors. Blaze and Whistler followed, and entered the Hall. Cut To: Interior-Day Citadel-Great Hall Inside the Hall, demons and vampires rushed around in a frenzy. Blaze fired hellfire at them, and sent them scurrying. Blaze Mobius! Contain that shit, and clear them out. They don't wanna leave, bleed 'em. Mobius roared as he went off after the demons and vampires. thrashed at the demons and vampires. Vampires Oh no. The Daywalker! Demons Not much of a tan for a Daywalker. The demons and vampires laughed, and attacked without knowing who they were attacking. Mobius slashed into them, and ripped the throats from three of the attackers. The vampires and demons quickly adapted a healthy fear for Mobius, and skulked in wait for an opening, or a moment of weakness. One of the demons speared Mobius from the side, and Mobius turned to bite his jugular. The vampires and demons attacked as one, and ripped into Mobius' back, piling on top of him. Four bursts of shotgun hellfire, and the vampires and demons were down, and the wall behind them exploded. Mobius struggled to rise to his hands and knees with a groan. Whistler Mobius! Mobius! You alright, kid? Mobius Hurts... Whistler
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Mobius ripped and

C'mon, kid. You'll be okay. Whistler sensed movement behind him, turned and fired his shotgun at the demons. Blaze took out the last of the vampires. Blaze Come on, Mobius. Playtime's over. You can nap later. We need a maximum body count. Mobius roared at Blaze and snapped his teeth at him. Blaze jumped back. Whistler Woah, alright there, kid. Look, we need you. We need you to watch our backs. Something's goin' on in this room, an' we need you t 'make sure no one sneaks up behind us. Can you do that? Mobius I can do that. Whistler I trust you, kid. Mobius Thank you for treating me like a human. I won't forget this. Whistler Blade gave me practice. Mobius He's very lucky. Vampires raced around the corner, and charged them. Mobius roared, and disappeared from Whistlers lap. Across the room, he ripped into the vampires. Blaze We done here, yet? Whistler Back off, red. Let's see about this room. He's got it. Blaze Never doubted him. Just needed him to get to work. Whistler Well, he's workin'. Cut To: Interior-Day Citadel-Temple of the Soul Devourer Without the demons and vampires worrying them, Blaze and Whistler strode up to the
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altar, firing shotgun blasts at attacking targets. Cut To: Interior-Day Citadel-Temple Altar Priests faced an altar where a speck of gold floated in the center of his view, and glimmered. They all wore black robes with white sashes with black writing on them. Kneeling, they faced the speck of gold light in mid air, and chanted in unison. Blaze I don't like the looks of that. Whistler Neither do I. What do you think they're doing? Blaze Invocation ritual. I've seen it before, a long time ago. It's kinda like E.T. phoning home, except the response is a bitch, and immediate. Whistler Not too comforting. What the fuck are they saying? Blaze Enter, the great one. Enter, our lord. Enter, the Master... I'm not waiting to see who they're summoning. Blaze cocked his shotgun and stepped toward the monks. Blaze I'll handle this. Watch my back. Whistler On it. Whistler spun around, and fired a single blast at a vampire that slipped past Mobius. Blaze fired at the priests who ignored him even as he killed their comrades. One died, the others prayed harder. Blaze Dedicated little fanatics Whistler Something tells me if Camp David was that dedicated to their meditations, Waco would've been over a hell-uv-a-lot quicker. So what're you waitin' for, an engraved invitation? Kill the fuckers. Blaze Excuse me if I'm not accustomed to killing men on their knees.

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No one worth a damn ever is. that?

Whistler But do you wanna deal with what's on the other side o'

Whistler pointed to the shimmering gold pentacle that grew defined, and began to spin faster. Blaze sighed. Blaze Fuck it. Blaze started executing all the priests at almost full auto. Blaze Let's see how you fucks like live rounds with your hellfire. Blaze finished loading the gun and killed the last three. At that moment, the center of the altar grew bright as gold rays of light marked a golden circle with intricate writing on and around a gold pentacle. A deep blackness engulfed the pentacle, leaving the edges distinct. Finally, the wall behind the pentacle was dimly seen. It was then, that a hand stretched out of it, and then a foot. Lastly a head. Blaze stared stunned as the figure stepped out of the pentacle, appearing out of thin air. The demon rose from the burning gold pentacle an awesome specimen. He stood near seven feet solid in frame and stature. His armor was a dark, black leather and his leather cloak flowed from the edge of his shoulders down to his powerful calves. His face was a demonic skull engulfed in a deep flame that began at the breach in the armor at the base of his neck and extended two feet above his head. Mannerisms grew more from the flame, though his skull was fleshy enough that it moved to great articulation. Blaze stood before the mammoth being, and stared in awe. His eyes widened behind his sun glasses and his face went pale as his jaws went slack. The recognition was instantaneous. The realization took a moment longer. Blaze Zarathos... Blaze stood in amazement at his grandiosity and struggled to keep his knees underneath him as his shotgun grew heavy in his hand. Zarathos, hearing his name whispered with such shock and amazement, turned to stare in the eyes of the speaker. Zarathos' face contorted into a hideous scowl. Zarathos ...You. Blazes' knees locked, and the muscles in his legs tensed and coiled. His shotgun lifted off the ground. The corner of Blazes' upper lip twitched into a sneer as his eyes narrowed behind his sunglasses, and cocked his shotgun.

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Cut To: Exterior-Day Citadel-Courtyard Ghost Rider dispatched the last of his enemies, and turned to see Blade close by finishing the last of his. Venom fed on several demon corpses as the demons stood close by shivering as Venom continued his snack. Ghost Rider looked down in contemplation, then up to the sky as if writing appeared on it. Blade Yo, GR! Keep yer eyes on the enemy! We're not done here! Ghost Rider My steed comes. I am needed elsewhere. Blade Oh, hell no! You are not leaving two to fight an army! Ghost Rider Of course, you are right. I will not let you fight these odds alone. I will fight until my steed comes.

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Cut To: Interior-Day Altar of the Great Hall's Temple Zarathos walked casually toward Blaze with no small amount of amusement as his contempt for Blaze rose to the forefront of his mind. Zarathos I must offer my gratitude and service to either hell or heaven for providing me with this fortuitous moment. I thought I would have to track this one down, before I found peace of mind. I must savor this time presented before me. A most splendid gift. One often never finds the opportunity to lay assault on the prison that kept them. Blaze So I take it you're not happy to see me? Zarathos On the contrary, Johnny Blaze. I intend to enjoy every drop of blood you spill as but another brick of mortar from your foundation. I will dismantle you oh, so slowly. Blaze In that case... Blaze gripped his shotgun Blaze Let's see how the old tricks work on you... Blaze fired his shotgun in short repetition directly in the face of Zarathos. Eight shots. The last two were pure hell fire. Zarathos took a step back dazed from the force. Blaze then pulled the iron spike from his belt and stabbed Zarathos between the ribs. Blaze stood defiantly against the demon who he had been cursed with for so many years, and grinned at his ability to cause Zarathos pain despite the odds against his survival. Zarathos leaned against the altar and looked down on the iron spike. The region around the metal burned a blue fire in direct contrast to his orange white flame. Zarathos attempted to remove the spike from his chest. It caused Zarathos some pain, and he shook his hand at first as if burned. Then gripped the blade and yanked it from his rib cage. Blaze saw Zarathos place his hands on his face and grew unsure of his odds. Zarathos wiped his face now charred with gun powder. The holes from the pellets were massive, but already healing, reassembling into his hideous skull. Zarathos stared back at Blaze, and his eyes narrowed at the human. With a jerk of his head, a horrendous sound echoed across the altar; the sound of bone cracking, like popping all your knuckles at once, only much louder. Each pop was akin to snapping a tree branch in a filled beer barrel.

Zarathos
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Johnny Blaze... If that is the best you can do... Assaulting one composed of living hell fire with hell fire. The devourer of burning souls, no less? Blaze Aw, fuck this is gonna hurt. Zarathos back handed Blaze across the room, only to land hard against the altar. Blaze cried out at the sensation of a rib dislocating. He coughed hard, and a fine trail of blood trickled out the side of his mouth. All the time, Zarathos strolled over to where Blaze had come to rest. Zarathos Down so soon? No, dear John. This cannot end like this. You must live. I will ensure this. I will make this true. There is so much of pain I have yet to teach you. Zarathos grabbed Blaze by the throat with his left hand and slammed him into the marble altar, sending shards of stone every where, and Blaze toppling over the altar. Zarathos' grip never released Blazes' neck. Zarathos Fight all you like. I wish to enjoy this. However, if the only thing you can offer as assault are hellfire and iron spikes, you had best lay your head on the chopping block and pray it falls within the coming decade. He held Blaze's throat firmly, and let his right hand glow a brilliant flame. Blaze ignored the hand, and noticed his broken bones. Blaze (Muttering Ironically) Jess Chrs... Zarathos Pray to whatever deity you choose, John Blaze. No intervention will come. Blaze watched as Zarathos' right hand melted his sun glasses off, and the tip of the finger brushed his cheek, leaving a burn scar. Zarathos Long, have I waited to drink your life force and toast to the demon children in their triumph over the dark one. By the end of today, both these things will happen. Your torture, your pain, Mephistos' fall and my first sip of your eternal manna and memra. I will horde your suffering as my finest drink. Cut To: Exterior-Day Courtyard Blaze, Venom and Ghost Rider killed the last of the demons and vampires in the courtyard.
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Blade Everyone cool? Venom Time of our lives. I've never been so full. Ghost Rider My steed comes. I must go. Blade Handle your business. We're going to join up with the others. Ghost Riders motorcycle races through the hole in the Gate wall and streaks past Blade. Ghost Rider grabbed the bike, and was flung along with it. The bike didn't drop below eighty. Ghost Rider Meet you there. Blade Alright, Brock. Just you an' me. Let's get to the others. Venom One problem. Venom gestured with his thumb behind him, as over a hundred vampires and demons flooded into the courtyard. Blade Fuck.

Cut To: Interior-Day Temple of the Great Hall-Altar Close Zarathos' hand on the neck of Blaze Zarathos etched the tip of his index fingers talon into the neck of Blaze, allowing supernatural energies to flow into the air as an electric form of ether. Blaze gasped for air, and his eyes burned with hellfire as he struggled to contain his energies.

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Cut To: Interior-Day Altar - Behind Zarathos. At the very instant a spark of Blazes essence entered the mouth of Zarathos, The front burning wheel of the Ghost Riders motorcycle speared Zarathos in the spine, sending him over the altar, and Blaze out of his grasp. Ghost Rider Retreat, John Blaze. I will deal with this accursed one. Blaze scrambled out of the way, and quickly reloaded his shotgun. landed on the altar as it flipped over, pinning Zarathos to the ground. The motorcycle

Ghost Rider . No harm will come to the heroes, demon. This I swear. Zarathos Who is fool enough to pray for death at the hands of the soul devourer? Zarathos threw the altar top off of him, along with the motorcycle and Ghost Rider. Ghost Rider landed like a cat, and the cycle drove itself to his side. Zarathos paused in shock to see the small spirit in black leather and the burning bike. Blaze lay propped on his elbows watching as the devil he knew and the devil he thought he knew stood facing each other in a stand off. Ghost Rider I am the Spirit of Vengeance. I have no name. Yet those who walk the earth have come to call me the Ghost Rider. You are Zarathos the soul devourer. I have been compared to you far too often, fiend. I am here to end your days. The blood of multitudes demands satisfaction. Zarathos (with a growing rage) What form of cosmic joke is this? Ghost Rider You have killed many today. I am not laughing, Demon. The stench of blood is thick and acrid from you. Old death, I sense. You have killed for centuries. Zarathos Millennia. Your death, however, will be the second most pleasurable I have ever committed. Blaze occupies the prized position. You, I would rip apart merely to free myself of a former nightmare. Ghost Rider Come then, worm. Face the pain you've wrought in the souls of others. Zarathos roared like a lion and charged the Ghost Rider. Ghost Rider pulled his chain off and pierced Zarathos through the chest. Zarathos roared in pain and rage.
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Cut To: Interior-Day Citadel- Great Hall Zarathos hand gripped throat of Blaze tightly. A hand reached out and took his arm. Blaze slipped, rolled and pointed his shot gun up at Whistler. Whistler Thought you could use a hand there, friend. Blaze Much obliged. Whistler Seen many a thing in my line a' work. Never seen anyone with that much balls to face off an' go toe to toe with the devil. Blaze Yeah, well... Zarathos isn't the devil. Just some demon more arrogant than even Mephisto. That, there little bit of tension goes between us way back. Whistler I can imagine. Blaze Can you? Whistler It always does. Blaze An' here, I thought I was special. Whistler Come on. Let's get you out of here. Blaze Don't forget the pack. Whistler Oh... let's just say I got a better idea. Whistler held up a remote detonator and winked to Blaze. The two limp off to the hole in the wall. Cut To: Interior-Day Main Gates to the Temple. The gates flew open, as a beautiful, celestial woman walked into the temple with a team of powerful demons and vampires. Blaze craned his head back at the woman and her entourage in disbelief. She walked past the two as if they weren't even there. Only the
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glance and smirk announced to them she was aware of their existence. barely paid any attention to them. Whistler Who's the chick? Blaze Lilith.

The monsters

Mobius barred their path to protect Ghost Rider. He roared his warning, and snapped his powerful jaws at her. Lilith looked over to Mobius and waved to her monsters. Lilith Nathaniel. A beautiful and powerful, light brown furred monster rose behind them, and stared coldly at Mobius. Nathaniel Yes, mother? Lilith Handle that. Nathaniel grinned, revealing his sharp teeth, and the monsters that flanked him roared and attacked Mobius as one. Mobius was bit as much as he bit, was ripped as much as he ripped, was bled as much as he bled them. They toyed with Mobius out of sport. Their demeanor in their treatment of him told that much. Blade and Venom intervened to back him up. Blade noticed Ghost Rider being evenly matched and gasped in amazement, then engaged the children of Lilith. Cut To: Interior-Day Battle between Ghost Rider and Zarathos Zarathos struggles with the iron chain links warped into iron rods. pierces. Ghost Rider stood just outside of reach. Cocky.

He has multiple

Ghost Rider What ails you, demon? The taste of iron is not palatable to you? Zarathos roared his indignity to the wound and slashed across Ghost Riders chest, stripping the leather from his frame, leaving the burning rib cage exposed. Ghost Rider stepped back, to nurse his wound, and then gripped his fist. In that instant, the chain links broke from each other, became like shuriken and stretched out at the points into rods in all directions. Zarathos wailed in agony and rage as he reached out to grab the Ghost Rider. He remained always a foot out of reach. Zarathos launched a burst of hell fire from his hand and assailed the Ghost Rider. Ghost Rider hit the marble floor on his shoulder with a snap as it dislocated, and he slid back to his Motorcycle. Ghost Rider grabbed the foot rest as the bike launched away. He slid comfortably into the seat as his shoulder snapped
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back into place and began zigzagging past the blasts. He skidded out and glared back at Zarathos. Ghost Rider It appears I have underestimated you. It will not happen again. Zarathos broke the rods, and removed them from his body with a great exhale. Zarathos As you say... Zarathos fired multiple bursts of hell fire at the Ghost Rider. Ghost Rider slipped past them all. His patterns seemed erratic, until the bursts wiped out one quarter the nephalim children of Lilith. Mobius looked back at Ghost Rider, and nodded his complement for the aid, then returned to slashing at the nephalim. Enraged, Lilith struck down Ghost Rider with a powerful blast that disassembled the bike into black pieces of burning metal that slammed into a wall with the Ghost Rider tumbling with them into it. Liliths eyes burned brilliantly with a white fire that trickled up the corners of her eyes. Lilith Zarathos! You are killing my children! I will not condone this puerile attempt at demonstrating mastery of an enemy at the expense of those I have bore and suckled! Zarathos Away with you, succubus, I would make sport of you, were it not I prefer to select my offspring through the characteristics of the mate. Lilith recoiled at the dismissing comment, and the flames in her eyes grew brilliant. Lilith Have a care how you treat those you intend to rule beside. Zarathos grew cruel and shocked as if the statement was abhorrent to him. Zarathos BESIDE?!!! Then subsided into a role of compromise. Zarathos ...Of course. Your children should not become entangled in this affront to my honor. My thanks for your assistance; I can finish this from here. With that, Zarathos turned and strode away from a jilted and suspicious Lilith. Lilith (to herself) What is it you hide, devourer?

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Just then, a bomb blew out a wall and sent her children flying. Lilith Children, discover the cause of that assault. Five demonic vampires nodded and growled, before turning and running toward the rubbled wall. Zarathos walked toward him with a determined gait. His right hand began to burn. Ghost Riders flame was dim, and he rose slowly. At full height, he looked up to see Zarathos. Zarathos gripped his throat, and slammed him through the wall. Cut To: Interior-Day Great Hall Blade and Venom watched through the hole in the crumbled wall as Zarathos held Ghost Rider suspended by the neck against the wall; his feet kicking in air. Blade Alright. We all got our jobs. I got the vampires and lesser demons to deal with. Ghost Rider's in trouble. Do something, Brock. Venom He's made of fire. Fire does not bode well with us. Blade Eddie, you're starting to make me regret not killing you and pulling your red and blue sparring partner in this shit, instead. Venom You might not have noticed, but we kept a comfortable distance between us and the demon we know. Now, you wish us to pick a fight with big brother? If we may use Ebonics to drive the point home... Nigga are you outta yo damn mind?! Blade Either get in this, or get outta the way. Venom We'll be the best cheerleaders you ever heard from here, thank you very much. You're a waste of a life, Brock. equal a man. Blade It's pathetic. There are two of you, an' you still don't

Blade hopped the rock wall and charged into the fray of vampires and short stocky armored reptilian demons riding large wolves. Venom Win one for the Zipper. Behind him, Whistler came up and shot two flying demons. Venom jumped at the shots,
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and threw the two bodies off of him as they landed. Whistler That's Gipper. Win one for the Gipper. Venom Whistler. We thank you for your timing. Whistler Whatever. Listen up, Sybil. I don't give a fuck about your part in this. But I pretty much raised that kid over there. And I would be in that fight myself if I thought I could last a second. So I'll make you a deal. Whistler reached into his pack and removed a Molotov and lit the fuse, then gripped his shotgun out of the way as he waved the Molotov at Venom. Whistler I won't introduce you to my special brand of cocktail, and you jump in there and start ripping apart the bad guys. Remember... Freedom comes after we win. Point taken. Venom But tell me... What's to stop us from eating your brains? Whistler Not much. Just two friends o' mine. Venom They would probably be only appetizers for me. Whistler Actually, the whole course. Venom So, where are these fictitious friends of yours? Whistler Come on down an' find out. Whistler threw the Molotov grenade seemingly directly at Venom. Venom leaped at Whistler, as the grenade went off behind him. Venom landed on top of Whistler in a fury. Whistler shoved his shotgun in Venoms mouth as he fell back. Venom gagged on the gun and put his hands on the ground to keep himself from swallowing the barrel. Whistler Eddie, let me introduce you to my two friends you're currently deep-throating. Smith and Wesson. Take my word for it, their kids are a bitch. Mr.s

Venom patted Whistler passively on the shoulder, put his hand on the barrel, and pulled
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the gun from his throat and mouth with a gagged exhale. Venom I've met them before; very uncomfortable. You seem to be quite the motivational speaker. I'll take my chances with the demons. Whistler Good call. Now get off me and watch your step. Those two demons who tried to kill you are still cooking. Venom turned to look back, and saw the burning demons twitching amid the broken glass from the Molotov. Venom turned back to Whistler and grinned. Venom Oops. Guess we owe you two. Whistler You do that. Venom leaped through the hole in the wall and jumped into the pack of wolf riding demons. The blood curdled shrills of the demons as they fell was all he heard Blaze (V.O.) You handled that well. Whistler What are you doing up? Blaze Same thing you're doing fighting on a gimp leg. Anything I can. Your spare leg brace'll come in handy. Whistler Ain't we a pair? Hopefully it won't be needed Blaze We both know that's not the case. We're needed. this thing. Whistler On three? Blaze Who counts, anymore? Blaze and Whistler jumped through the hole into the throne room. Cut To: Interior-Day Center of Temple Blaze and Whistler fought back to back until running into Blade. So let's stop wasting time and get in We'll remember that.

Blade cut with his

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sword in a blinding speed, dismembering several enemies at once. Whistler jumped into the hole Blade had made, and greeted him, leaving Blaze to back the demons and vampires off with hellfire. Whistler Well Christ, kid. Where the fuckve you been? Blade Working. After this, remind me to take Brocks nuts off. I don't want that slimy piece o' shit reproducing. Whistler Don't worry about that. I read him the riot act. He's in this shit. Blade Oh, cool. Haven't seen him yet. Whistler He's the big black thing that keeps tackling the bad guys in the hall. Blaze fired a shotgun blast at the last vampire then turned to see Blade and Whistler greeting each other. Blaze walked up to them with a determined stride. His tones were filled with a darkly wry irony as he glanced between them with annoyance at being abandoned by Whistler before superior numbers. Blaze Blade. Glad to see you made it. Now that you're here, I'm goin' to bail out Ghost Rider. Whistler Go on. We'll be fine, here. Blaze then went off on his own to check on Ghost Rider. Blaze disappeared into the hallway, and faded into the shadows as he plunged deeper inside the Citadel. It was then, that reinforcements rallied and charged the yard. Blade looked out with a glare of monotony. He tossed his shotgun to Whistler, and scoffed at the vampire and demons numbers. Blade Back to back. Call your shots. Whistler Seems like old times. Blade Oh, that's why I feel like putting my feet up. Whistler Still working on that sense o' humor, I see.

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Blade I think learning to laugh is a positive extension toward a kinder, gentler me. Keep working on it. Whistler Just don't get all flower child on me til after the mission. Cool? Blade Don't worry. I got your back. Whistler I hope so. Whistler and Blade traded a grin while still shooting. They never paused once. The pile of the fallen were trampled by the rear. They fought until their magazines were coming up short. Blade and Whistler fired at the largest demonic vampires, and finally dropped them. As they fell, Blade grew rigid and still. Blade Frost. Whistler kept firing, but did not realize Blade had left his side. Blade walked toward the figure before him with disgust in his eyes. Whistler ended up in the midst of Demons with no one watching his back. Whistler What the fuck? Blade stood before Frost inside the eye of the battle. No vampire or demon crossed the imaginary line. It remained a perfect circle. Whistler fired full auto into the crowd that tried to lift him off his feet. The bodies fell as the rear climbed over the corpses toward him. Frost The Daywalker, I presume? Blade studied the empty circle around them and suspecting duplicity looked at Frost coldly. Frost You need not worry. My children and brothers will not harm you. I wish to speak with you. Blade How nice for you. Let's cut the bullshit. Frost You have fought long and hard to oppose my children, and spit on my lineage. A bloodline we both share. Out of respect for my kin, I offer a treaty between us. I, the father of a nation and you, the solitary member of your independent government. I will
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speak plainly. You have a military aptitude which would serve me well. Bow down and serve me, and I promise you legions to command as my general. Blade Fuck you. Frost I must warn you. Do not spurn me. I am vengeful. Blade Come get some. Frost smiled, and stepped back as the tide of vampires rushed in to close the comfortable circle he stood in. Frost Some other time. Blade fired his weapon following Frost through the crowd. He killed many demons and vampires, however, Frost escaped at a casual stride. Blade heard a gurgled, strained groan, and turned to see the demons and vampires laughing. Whistler was being stretched into quarters as the two species argued over who got the old man. Blade cut through all the demons and vampires, and caught Whistler. Blade Whistler! Whistler, you alright? Whistler Where the fuck you run off to? Blade Sorry, old man. I got sidetracked. Whistler So I suppose watching each others backs was more of an altruistic statement, then? Blade What? Whistler I watch your back when you need it, then when I need it my ass is in the wind. Blade Look, I'm sorry. I'm here now. Stop bitching at me right now, alright? Whistler Oh, I'll stop bitching, alright. Next time you bitch about your fucking serum, don't come cryin' ta me.

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Blade shot a vampire in the groin and head and then turned to Whistlers back. Blade Bitch, what? Behind them both, three demonic vampires charged them. Mobius lunged out of nowhere, and tackled them. He ripped hard at the bellies of the beasts. Blade looked at Whistler disgusted. They both turned away to shoot at the vampires and demons Blade We'll talk about this later. Whistler Bet yer sweet, Mary Poppins ass, we will. Cut To: Interior-Day Citadel-Center Temple Mobius slashed at a demons throat, and bit deep into its' neck. Behind him, two demons speared his back. Venom lunged in to take out the two. Behind him, nearly twenty vampires and demons charged and piled on top of them. Venom stood over Mobius, safeguarding him while he caught his second wind. Venom ripped one demon with his left foot claws, gripped a wall with is right foot, crushed two skulls with his hands, and sent his tendrils in all directions to stab and wipe out his enemies. In the space made by Venoms tendrils, Blade and Whistler had a clear path to the altar. They looked on in surprise that they were so close to where Zarathos and Ghost Rider fought. Cut To: Interior-Day Temple-Altar Blaze was pinned to a wall by a vampire who toyed with him as he snuck up behind Zarathos. Blaze fired his shotgun twice, and burned the vampire away. Then snuck up behind Zarathos. Two demons tackled Blaze and pinned him to the ground before the pentacle. Blaze pulled a plastic, serrated blade. He shived one, and kicked the other in the groin. The one, who was stabbed, staggered away. Cut To: Interior-Day Temple Battle field Blade looked over to Whistler with concern and pulled him on. Blade Come on, old man. Whistler Right behind ya, kid. Cut To: Interior-Day Altar The demon who choked Blaze would not move, no matter how hard he kicked. Finally, Blaze put his hands on the demons face, and burned him with hellfire. Blade held his hand
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out to Blaze. Blade Come on. Break-time's over. Blaze Perfect timing. Could 'a used you five minutes ago. Whistler That's been going around. Cut To: Interior-Day Fight between Zarathos and Ghost Rider Zarathos backhanded Ghost Rider, and sent him flying. Ghost Rider landed against a marble pillar, shattering it instantly. Zarathos down the altar steps cockily. Zarathos Yield, and I will merely wipe your soul from existence. Ghost Rider I will not yield. Zarathos Then fall. I am bored with you. Zarathos' hands burned a brilliant flame that traveled down to engulf Ghost Rider completely. Blaze and Blade stood next to each other in shock to listen to Ghost Rider scream in agony. Zarathos absorbed his flames back into himself, and took Ghost Riders with his. Ghost Rider convulsed as the flames that burned in him, extinguished. He fell, a collection of leather, chain and bones. Zarathos looked up at Blaze and rose from his knees to stand at full height. Zarathos Now, for his allies... Blaze felt a pull deep within him, and knew Zarathos would kill them all. Blaze Guys! We leave, now! Blade What about the kid? Blaze He's gone! We gotta leave, or we all die now! Go! Whistler Blade! Come on, Kid! We're goin'!
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Blade Right! Venom I wonder if it's too late to break myself back into The Vault? Mobius stood facing the Nephalim that toyed with him. He stood off the children of Lilith while his team mates retreated. When the last of the Midnight Sons had retreated, Mobius turned and glared at Nathaniel. Mobius I'll see you soon. The Nephalim smiled, and scoffed. Mobius jumped through the hole as Zarathos blasted the wall apart, caving it in with rubble. Zarathos My first step toward ruling an entire dimension, and all I feel is how incomplete this moment is.

Cut To: Interior-Night

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Dungeon Blackheart stood in the corner and watched as Zarathos sat on a dark and ominous luxurious throne, and reveled in the pain he had caused in the fading light of Ghost Riders Bones. Three powerful red skinned, leather garbed demons applied the torments under Zarathos' thoughtful instruction. Ghost Rider had been crucified and tortured. His flames flickered as Zarathos taunted and toyed with him. Zarathos Blackheart, why don't you find some activity to occupy your time? Blackheart It seems you've seen to all the ugly details. Your troops hunt the intruders to bring them to you. One can only imagine what you will do with them. Hang and nail them next to their comrade, most likely. Zarathos Something to that effect, yes. Amazing how this body reacts to hellfire; transforming it into his own form of lifes blood. Drinking it in like some form of blood sucking nephalim. Blackheart So similar to you... Hauntingly familiar, is it not? Zarathos Nothing like me. Nothing but a soul mutilated by Mephisto as some form of cosmic joke. Blackheart A melody so often recanted by you. Humors of the cosmic. Zarathos Have a care how you court me, spawn of my enemy. Your manipulations are but a pale shadow of your fathers. You are nothing but a spoiled prince seeking a crown before the kings passing. I have no interest in such things. Blackheart None? What do you desire? Zarathos To do away with the past. To become as I was before your father made me an instrument of his own humor. To increase my power to greater than even he could fathom. To overthrow his kingdom, and lay waste to it. To welcome its refugees to my new Hell. Blackheart Ah... That is why you relish causing this spirits pain... He wears your face. Zarathos shot a hateful glare to the shadows and spat. Zarathos
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Yes. Blackheart And yet you do not kill it. On the contrary, you let it live, and cause it pain; this image of yourself. Zarathos Say what you will and go, whelp. I am otherwise occupied. Blackheart Oh, I see how occupied you are with your work. I will make my point and be done. My point is this... You do not do away with the past. And this is why. You love it too much. Often the cruelest of rulers enjoy being tormented; A deeper, darker form of Sadomasochism. Yes. Be busy letting it live, then. Blackheart laughed maniacally. Zarathos cringed, and burst from the throne, swatting the torturing demons away. Zarathos tried to grab Ghost Rider by the scull to crush it. The flames grew bright and with a flash, threw him back to the throne. He rose to stare at the flames of the Ghost Rider that had burned and stunned him. Zarathos managed to drain the Ghost Rider, only slightly. Zarathos What sort of Hellfire is this? More a dimmed and violent form of divine light. Let us see if the old hamperings of my former shell apply equally to you. Shall we? Zarathos took two iron double edged blades and stabbed both eye sockets. Ghost Rider screamed painfully, and the flames grew violent and bright. Zarathos pulled his arm away badly burned. They all looked at the Ghost Rider in surprise. The last of the flames had licked away, leaving only the charred bones and leather garb. The chains grew limp. Zarathos See? O' son of the fallen. The past means nothing to me. Blackheart So I see. And what now? What will you do with the corpse? Zarathos Lackeys... Take this thing to the Citadel Walls. Let those who would oppose us see the evidence of their folly.

Cut To: Exterior-Night Great Walled Entrance Ghost Riders bones were then hung by his own chain, and left to dangle from one of the spires facing the Hell scape of New York. A figure stood off in the shadows as the demons hung the bones and walked away. Lilith stepped out of the shadows. Lilith
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Damn... I will need allies to secure my position.

He would have done nicely.

Lilith turned to her slaves and gestured toward the bones of the Ghost Rider. Lilith Take him down. Her two sons took Ghost Riders bones off the wall, and laid them before her. Lilith I find this unpalatable. Blackheart And why is that; because he is, as you say, a lesser demon? Lilith It is an abomination; A mere mirror of Zarathos as he was in captivity. Blackheart Ah, so you too wish to wipe away his enslaved likeness? Lilith It is a wild spirit. It wanders the wilderness preying on the fallen; feeding on our servants spirits. Blackheart You needed allies. I give you one of noble sentiment. One who is utterly adherent to the dictates of his life. He will obey the command and commit it to his lifes work. His function was the disseminator of vengeance. To find the wrong doers who had escaped punishment and bring it to them. Lilith Still, the thought of touching this one... It is unclean. You will make it clean. Blackheart You will bring it to you, and it will fight as one of your greatest. Lilith There must be another. Blackheart There is always another. But expedience is essential. Let me ask you this... trust Zarathos not to betray you? Not to seize the throne for himself? Lilith Is there something in the wind? Do you know of something I should fear? Blackheart Just this: Before our partners enslavement as the lowest demon, his crime was gluttony
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Do you

of the highest order. Before that, it was avarice. Zarathos will feed. That's what he does. He will grow. That's what he desires. He will dominate. That is his end. Lilith looked down on Ghost Rider and was torn between her desire to be untouched by the unclean, and her need for fortification.

Cut To: Exterior Astral Plane Daniel and Ghost Rider argue with each other on the astral plane. Daniel (V.O.) Come on! Get up! Ghost Rider (V.O.) I cannot. I have failed. Zarathos defeated me. Daniel (V.O.) So that's it? The bad guys kick yer ass an' that's it?

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Ghost Rider (V.O.) Leave me, Daniel. I wish to be alone. Daniel (V.O.) Leave- What the fuck do you mean leave you? We share the same fuckin' body! Where the fuck can I go? Ghost Rider (V.O.) It matters not. I am not fit company, now. Daniel (V.O.) And you never were. At least before, it was cool. We had a mission. Now you say we're dead. But we're trapped inside my body. That means, I'm still alive. An' Blaze needs me. We got to get out of this. Ghost Rider (V.O.) Fine. Save yourself. I will stay here. Formless. Alone. Daniel (V.O.) GR, yer startin' ta piss me off. Ghost Rider (V.O.) I was killed, Daniel! Zarathos dispatched me. I cannot go back. Neither can you. Wander the ether if you wish. I will contemplate my folly as I wait for the end of things. My only prayer is there is no reincarnation. I do not wish to go these ways again. Daniel (V.O.) Fine. I'll do it on my own. Ghost Rider (V.O.) You cannot Daniel (V.O.) I know I can't do it alone. But you aren't gonna do anything. One of us has to. Ghost Rider (V.O.) What can you do alone? Daniel (V.O.) Just as much as you. But together, we can do a hell of a lot more. Ghost Rider (V.O.) What do you mean? Daniel (V.O.) You need a body, but don't understand much of the real world. Every time you get out there, you try to do the right thing, but you hurt a lot of innocent people in the process. An' yer so fuckin' unpredictable, sometimes I have trouble figuring out if yer gonna show
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up at all. Sometimes you come out only at night, sometimes when blood is spilt. When innocent people are hurt, or when bad guys are hurt. Ghost Rider (V.O.) What are you trying to say, Daniel? Daniel (V.O.) Blaze's been teaching me to survive while you decide to show up. I got an edge, now. I know how to take care of myself, and I can protect someone else at the same time. And I've been thinking. You want to do the right thing. I got a better handle on what the right thing is than you do. So here's the plan. We both know our souls have been fused to the same body. Until I die, we're stuck with each other, right? Ghost Rider (V.O.) You make that sound truly unpalatable. Daniel (V.O.) Hey, I roll with the punches. Ghost Rider (V.O.) No. Daniel (V.O.) No? Ghost Rider (V.O.) We share the same mind; I know what you're planning. I cannot let you do this. Daniel (V.O.) Why not? Ghost Rider (V.O.) It has never been done before. We do not even know if it would work. Daniel (V.O.) Look, normally I would think two heads are better than one, but we only got one with two souls. It's not gonna work unless both of us decide to do it. But I think it's worth a shot. Ghost Rider (V.O.) Merging? Daniel (V.O.) It's not like a marriage. Basically, we'll both become one person. Daniel looked at the burning skull, and noted that Ghost Rider displayed no mannerisms whatsoever. Daniel (V.O.) You want me to get on one knee?
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Ghost Rider (V.O.) This is foolish. I cannot let you do this. Daniel (V.O.) We don't got much of a choice. Your soul's fading. I'm watching you die in front of me. Ghost Rider (V.O.) Rest assured. Your body will not be affected by my passing. Daniel (V.O.) Maybe. Maybe not. Just the same, I just started to like you. I don't feel like watching you die. I'd miss you, you asshole. Daniel, I appreciate your words. It would be wrong. Ghost Rider (V.O.) More than you know. But I cannot ask this of you.

Daniel (V.O.) We do good work together. I'm not interested in pissing that away. We're meant to live, to prevent needless death. I say, we do it. Besides, we won't be arguing out loud anymore. One voice, one spirit. We can do it. Ghost Rider (V.O.) I am sorry, Daniel. I cannot accept. Ultimately, it would destroy you. Ghost Rider looked away in shock. Daniel felt something, but grew confused. Daniel (V.O.) What's happening? Ghost Rider (V.O.) I do not know. It feels as if... Daniel (V.O.) What? Ghost Rider (V.O.) I'm being invoked.

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Cut To: Exterior-Night Base Camp Blaze and Whistler sat making a fire. Blade Where's Mobius? Blaze Out on perimeter. A demons gurgled cry on the horizon. Whistler An' it sounds like our boy found another scout. Mobius' howl bellowed from the darkness away from the campfire. Blaze That one was close. The sound of bones breaking and whimpered pleas followed by the sound of bones crunching, and powerful jaws chewing echoed from the shadows. Whistler grinned and raised his flask to the darkness. Whistler
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Bon a petit. Blaze You're enjoying Mobius, aren't you? Whistler Never thought I would enjoy a vampire's presence short o' killin' one. But I gotta admit... It sure is nice to have one on your side. Blade scoffed his insecurity away, and forced himself into a business mindset. Blade How many scouts? Whistler How many screams have we heard? Eight? Blaze Between Mobius and Venom... nineteen. Venom belched loudly in the distance. Blade sneered mockingly. Blade Seems Brock's got the higher efficiency rating in the kill department, than our vampire recruit. Maybe. Blaze But remember, Mobius relieved Venom only six minutes ago.

Venom yawned loudly. Venom Oh... We're beat. Whistler Mobius seems the most efficient at perimeter work. Blade Interesting assessment after only seven minutes. Looking for another favorite? Whistler I think there's something to be said for a killer that doesn't play with his food. Venom enjoys this too much. At least Mobius has a code. Blade I don't trust him. Whistler
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I think

Of course you don't.

He's a vampire.

Blaze Of a sort. Blade Meaning? Blaze You don't know anything about him, do you? Heard about him. Blade That's all. Enlighten me.

Blaze What you're admonishing is one of the best and brightest in the realm of chemical and radiation researchers in the field of blood and blood related diseases. Dr. Mobius was quite the sensation a few years ago. Handsome guy. And with that European accent... All the ladies were fawning for the good Doctor. He was in all the papers. Even put in time as a research speaker at CNN. He was big on solving the genetic ailments of the age. And was ravenous about the concept of epidemic. Our boy, Mobius was the first man to try direct access to the DNA helix to find a way to counteract HIV. He researched White Tip sharks for their immunity to all diseases in application to human vaccines, and vampire bats to see if there was any way to use their blood diet by purifying their breed through radiation exposure to be immune to all disease. Blade What I want to know, is what happened to the man? Blaze He was a workhorse. From what Spiderman told me, Mobius was a victim of his own schedule and determination. Mobius was used to working until he fell over. One thing you learn about working hard like that... You can fuck up real quick when you're running on empty all the time. Which is probably why all his high profile relationships had the propensity toward burning bright, and crashing hard. Not only that, his work pace led to a few fuck ups of a more chronic kind. And working on blood experiments and radiation... Well... I'm not a scientist. Webs didn't tell me everything. Just the basic jist. Blade And that is? Blaze That he fucked up, and it cost him. So you're right. He's a vampire in the sense that he feeds on blood and he has an allergy to Ultra Violet rays. But his physiology would be far from yours. Mobius is a different kind of animal all together. Blade seemed unmoved by the tale, and merely listened to the demons screaming in the distance. Blaze looked at Blade incredulously. Whistler stared at the fire.
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Whistler Looks like we need to throw another log on the fire. Blaze Normally I'd send Dan to get the wood... Dan... Whistler It wasn't your fault. Blade Whistler's right. Soldiers often die, in wars. Blaze Y'know, you could've raised this kid with a little more emphasis on etiquette and subtlety while you were training him to exterminate his own kind. Blade looked coldly at Blaze. Whistler waved him off. Check on Brock.

Whistler Why don't you take a walk, Blade. Rebuffed, Blade shot an irritated glance at Whistler.

Blade Yeah. I'll do that. Blade walked away annoyed by his treatment. Blaze Sorry about that, Whistler. I was out of line Whistler Don't be. Kid's gotta learn to be more respectful. We often don't share good company. Even allies, in this line of work aren't the kind you wanna share a table with. Besides, if something happened to Blade, I would a probably shot ya for offering me some cornball statement like that. Blaze Yeah. I could see that. Whistler He might still be alive. Blaze We both know Zarathos would kill him just to wipe the reflection of himself and what he was away. Whistler
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Yeah... Blaze What's frustrating me... I was born with a pretty high sensitivity for the supernatural. I used to get visions as a kid, an' everyone I loved came to me in visions the instant they died. Like those kids in Fatima, France. They were walkin' around plain as day to me. Everyone I ever cared for after I turned nineteen... was taken by a Devil or a higher demon at one time or another. An' I never heard a peep. Souls to those types are just food in cages. Whistler leaned in, and nodded knowingly. Whistler I hooked up with Blade nearly twenty years ago. He was draining the homeless addicts and thugs in Harlem. When I first came up on him, I nearly staked the kid right there. He was a vampire born. Meaning he was born from either one or two vampires. Grew up in foster care, until he turned twelve. Started changing, then got all fucked up. I had a choice to make... Take the kid in, or take 'im out. The first few months, I thought I was given the perfect tool to end the vampire race. I was gonna make him a double agent assassin. Started teaching him the language, an' how to act. He used to wear this little necklace for about a week that I gave to him. Told 'im it was his birthday. Kid smiled and hugged me. Wouldn't let me go. A week later, I took the necklace back. Kid thought I didn't want 'im anymore. Kept tellin' me he'd be good. He'd never do it again. I had to buy him another necklace just to shut him up. Sometimes... things in life change your sense of purpose. Once, I was a veteran with nothing left to live for after I watched my entire platoon get wiped out, while I hid under their bodies as I tried not to shake so violently. Felt so pathetic, I couldn't believe God could make anything beautiful, anymore. Then I met my wife. An for two years thought she was the most beautiful thing alive, until she gave me two girls. I thought that was my life. That was my reason for living. Then, one day, a drifter came into town. I'd called my wife from the refinery mills when he came to the door an' asked if he could be invited in to use the phone. We were a Christian family. Good Samaritan an' all that shit. So anyway, I came back from work, an' walked into Hell. It was a weird night. I got to the door, an' the lights just went out. The room was so fuckin' dark. I could barely see my hands in front o' my face. The vampire tried to kill me, an' I got lucky. Guess my wife tried to hit him with the wooden rocking chair. I figure that cause he went to work on her worse than the others. He busted me up pretty good, when I wouldn't play along. The drifter just threw me down on the living room floor right on top o' that broken wooden leg, an' with his hands on my neck, I went to work on 'im. I must've got 'im pretty good, too, cause the next thing I know, he was off my chest, an' I could hear him runnin'. Hollerin'. Made a real mess about leavin', too. He jumped through my living room window, an was gone. I lied there like a kid waitin' for dad ta beat me for breakin' somethin'. Waited till I heard the bending of the wheat and corn fields go to a whisper. Waited til his voice faded in the distance. I didn't fuckin' move till I knew I was alone. What had me scared were the footsteps after I knew the guy was gone. All casual, like someone strollin'. Heard the door open, close, an' nuthin'. Anyway... I called nine-one-one like an idiot, waited for em, gave em the best description o' the guy, I could. 'Bout six foot, two hundred pounds. Strong as an ox, smellin' like musty coco butter an' blood. Tole em I couldn't
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see his face or race on account o' how dark it was. Then I noticed the full moon, an' it occurred ta me how bright it was. An' then got arrested for killing my entire family on a satanic/vampire rape an' murder rap. Everyone in town knew I had problems from the war. It just made sense ta folks. Blaze How'd you get outta that one? Whistler Ever been in a Mid Western jail? Blaze A few times, yeah. Whistler Back then, you know, they didn't lock the cell doors. Everyone knows the doors are unlocked. They're on the honor system. So... I waited till everyone was asleep one night, made sure I heard the night duty clerk snorin' an' walked out the front door. Twenty minutes later, I was on a bus outta town an' I went after the guy. Caused a big stink in my old town. I heard the Governor made a law that all the cell doors would now be locked. This was a bitch on the drunks sleeping it off, cause there was only one toilet an shower for the whole block. Down the hall. Blaze This wasn't Pertwilla County, was it? Whistler You been there? Blaze I gotta say fuck you, then. I got arrested on a DUI an' assaulting a cop a while ago, an' they locked me in an' walked away. I tole em I had ta take a mean leak, an' they tole me ta hold it, an wait till mornin'. Did another three days for indecent exposure in the cell. Whistler Well to you, an' all the other rabble that got bit in the ass by my cheap version o' a Houdini act, I apologize. Blaze Dick. They traded a comradic laugh, and lightened the dim mood for a moment. When the laughter had died, the mood was grim and uncomfortable. Blaze You ever catch the fucker? Whistler Naw. Blade did. I remember him burning, an' smellin' that musty coco butter on the breeze o' ashes. Afterward, I tole' him about it, and he apologized. He said if he'd
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known, he would a taken his time with him, and settled the score properly. Blaze Your boy don't play. Whistler No. I don't think he ever learned how. What about you two? How'd you an' kid hook up? Blaze Jeez... Pretty much the same ... I had a demon in my closet that put me on a mission. I heard about someone else, who had the same mission after I finally found a way to ditch mine. 'Bout eleven years ago, I met the devil in a pretty brutal way. You ever met a woman you thought you'd sell your soul to the devil just ta know her? Whistler Katie. Blaze Well... I had it worse. When I was a kid, I lost my parents. My fathers friend raised me as his own. Me an' his daughter loved each other even then. I would a done anything for her. I would 'a done anything for him. When he got diagnosed with cancer, it shook us pretty hard. He couldn't even ride, it got so bad. The wedding got put on hold, and we waited. No one wanted him to go. There's a lot a carnie can learn on the road. I studied Santeria, Satanism, incantations and spells... I had no idea what I was gettin' myself into. I did the spells like stereo instructions an' to this day, I've no idea if I wanted to see the devil, or if I would've been satisfied with just the ritual. But the next moment, it didn't matter. I actually summoned the devil. Mephisto tole me he didn't want my soul. That he only wanted my service to help him come up with a suitable punishment for an arrogant pup of a demon. He wished to torment and abuse the one demon who thought he could depose his master and seize the ruling position in hell for himself. This demon would share my life, and be subject to my wishes. He would commit acts of justice and vengeance on the wicked. He would be a hero. He said this would be a fitting punishment for one who destroyed so many souls in his search for control of the ruling house. Mephisto had me feeling like a Marine. Like this was a noble duty and function I was performing and my payment would be my uncles cancer eradicated, and his daughters hand in marriage. Like a stupid kid, I accepted. Guess you could call it rape. I was violated on a purely spiritual level. Fucked up my soul in the worst kind o' way, an stuffed Zarathos into the part of it he damaged. My uncle had raised me my entire life, and I wanted him to be with me an' my wife to see my grand kids. A week before the wedding, he had crashed his motorcycle in a stunt he did all the time. Burned to death as he went through the ring o' fire. He did that stunt a thousand times. No way could heve died like that. I suspected it was my other, and summoned the devil, again. Mephisto laughed and informed me the contract stated clearly he was taking away the cancer. Nothing about immortality was ever stipulated. He told me to handle my demon myself, and tole me not t' summon him again. After we buried my only father figure, my fianc tole' me it was too painful being with me because I reminded her so much of her father.
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She left that night. Never saw her again. Over time, the demon started gettin' cocky. Saw my remorse for my uncle and the loss of my one love as comedies. He started hating me for acting as his prison an' his warden all in one. I was pretty arrogant back then. Thought I could pick a fight with a demon 'cause we shared my body. I learned to the contrary that nothing I could do to him would come close to Hell. Demons are used to not having bodies. His retaliation to my commands he was forced to obey were on my psyche. So I tried to kill him. Strange tole me if he died, I died. Put me on a mission that nearly killed me. Tainted me even worse than before, but it did free me. Zarathos was weakened near the point o' death, and banished to Hell to suffer in pain as the lowest entity of the hierarchy. That's where I thought he'd stay. So, eight years later, I hear about the Ghost Rider being back, an' he's terrorizing criminals. First time I met Danny, he was following this guy named Blackout. I was hunting the kid. Tryin' to figure a way to kill the demon, or send him where he came from. Zarathos did such a fuck job on me, I didn't want someone else to go through the same thing I did. But I had to figure out what kind of a man he was; if he was an accomplice to the demon, or just a pawn. When it became apparent that they had an understanding of sorts, I figured the worst, and went in for the kill. Ghost Rider handed my ass to me. So I went to plan B... Wait until he was human, and then kill him. Daniel was no pushover. He wanted to find out why, and asked some real zingers of questions. He fought me man to man, an' lost pretty bad. An' when I talked to him, I thought he was just some stupid kid, like I was. I wanted to save me... him from himself. But Ghost Rider actually listened to him. They were actually working as a team. A little more Sybil in appearance than Venom, at times... Like me, he'd become complacent with his place in the scheme of things. He wanted to avenge the spilt blood of the innocent. An' I could tell... He would fight Mephisto himself to make a point. I'm not worried about Danny. That kid's a fighter. I'm worried about his soul. Whistler Yeah... Blaze Whistler, Blades' necklace... Whistler ...C4 mixed with garlic. Detonator and battery were under the crystal. take the heart and head out. Blaze I was thinkin' something along that line. Whistler Like I said... Sometimes... things in life change your sense of purpose. Blaze What convinced you? Whistler Sunshine
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Just enough to

Blaze What? Whistler You know... Sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are grey... The song. Blaze What about it? Whistler Blade kept singin' it. It was my wifes favorite song to sing to the kids. My girls always annoyed me with it. Singin' it over an' over again. Never used the same words twice. Could a wrung their scrawny necks over it... Anyway, he sang it... I thought o' my wife tellin' me Sometimes, things in life change your sense of purpose. An' I asked for the necklace back. Blaze Lucky break, kid. Whistler Lucky fer me. I would 'a never known I could get a second chance at life without Blade. That's my boy. No ones taking him away from me. Cut To: Exterior-Night Aerial view of camp fire Blaze and Whistler lay next to the fire looking up at the night sky as they fall asleep. At the edge of the shadows, vampires and demons crept up on the two only to be intercepted by Mobius, who killed them efficiently, to leave the twitching corpse, and run around the light to attack another vampire or demon who tried to leap into the light of the fire. Cut To: Exterior-Night Mobius stood ten yards from the camp fire. Mobius fed on a vampire that almost made it to the camp fire circle. He shook the body like a pit bull, demanding compliance with his death under threat of pain in the transition. A dark clawed hand reached for him, and Mobius released his teeth from the corpse as he flipped to face his new target. Venom pulled his hand back and smiled. Venom Oops. Sorry. Didn't mean to scare you. Mobius What do you hope to accomplish by stalking up behind me? Venom You're killing our prey. It's our shift. Time for you to sleep.

Mobius stared at Venom for a moment then turned toward the camps to lay by the edge of
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the firelight. Venom smiled as he walked until a movement distracted him. He reached out and seized a vampire, and cracking its skull. Venom continued to twist the body, moving the head sixty degrees one way, one hundred degrees the other, then one sixty degrees the other. He smiled as the vampire cried out and struggled. Venom broke his arms and legs. Then he noticed the three others. He struggled with them in a playful glee. He looked up in the distance and smiled. Cut To: Exterior -Night Fifty yards from the camp fire Blade stealthfully maneuvered the rocky terrain to the peaks that rose and fell to the citadel. He approached on the far side to avoid detection. Cut To: Exterior-Night The Citadel Blade entered the citadel over the parapet, snapping the necks of the guards. Blade (V.O.) When entering a stronghold, the key is to be undetected. Not seen, no bodies. If you have to kill a few, try to kill all the guards that might be able to see the bodies. Or just make sure no one knows their men are dead. Blade tossed the corpses over the edge. He crept across the parapet to the storage room, and made his way past the guards, and slipped into the Citadel. Blade (V.O.) Stealth is the key. As strong as a body can get, theres always a way to take it down. Yours included. Remember that. Use the shadows. Silence and lack of visibility are your greatest assets. Cut To: Interior-Night Citadel Blade made his way along the walls and leaped from the high beams of the ceiling. He made quick work to the central walkway. Seeing there was no one in this area, he jumped to the ground, and crept down the long corridor. The walls changed as he walked. The rooms grew from grey mortar, onyx and shadow, to sparkling white marble, soapstone and brilliant gold light. Blade looked around the room, and noticed the walls warping. Blade Oh shit. He scoffed, and pulled his gun. Blade (continued) Alright, I know I'm caught. Let's do this. The gold light filled the room, and left it white and clean around them. From the depths of the white, Lilith appeared like the Venus portrait with the qualities of the Lady of Guadalupe. She was brilliant, beautiful and demure. Blade felt different before her;
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comfortable, drawn. Open. Lilith Eric? Is that you? Come, child. Come closer. Hearing his name mentioned in the house of his enemy sent a jolt of awareness through him, and he reverted to normal. Blade pointed his gun at her head and smiled. Blade Thanks. I'm cool right here. Lilith Poor, poor child. Such a hard road you've walked. Is there no love in you?

Blade What? What the fuck's that supposed to mean? Who are you? Lilith I am the first wife of Adam. Who bore his children, and loved him so [beat] So very long ago. Blade Oh, man. If you say you're supposed to be Eve, I'm outta here. Lilith No. Eve was the human who took my husband from me. completely in the heart of my one true love.

The one who replaced me

Blade Alright, my Sunday School's a little rusty. Wasn't Adam married only once? She seemed to grow, or come closer, though he did not move, and her garments blew on an ethereal wind. She spoke matter of fact, almost cold with pained memory as she dispensed her tale. Blade felt himself open before her. He tried to resist. Lilith History often tells a different tale than ours. It leaves our greatness, our heroics, even our names from the teachings to the descendents of my husbands children. Blade Well. That was enlightening. Now if you will just turn the lights off and point me in the direction of my comrade, I'll be leaving. Lilith Eric, please. Stay a while. The Spirit you seek is safe. He sleeps. I have come here, for you, little angel. I have seen to it.

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Blade Something tells me you've strayed from my position on the scale of light and dark my more than a few degrees. Lilith Because you kill? Many men kill. It is not an indication of sainted or sinner. What offers merit, is within you. It is the journey that brings that nobility to light. Not cast in darkness by the tasks you perform on the way. My child... You are so beautiful. So important. So lovely. Blade Stop saying that. Lilith It is true. And it pains me to be the first to say such things to you. Such beauty should be affirmed, and reaffirmed. Yet so unused to hearing. No comfort in affirmation. How very sad. Your beauty brings me to the verge of weeping. Blade I do not know why you say such things. I am an instrument of war. Nothing more. An ugly tool.

Liliths eyes pulsed a beautiful gold light that grew to bright white and faded as a heartbeat. Her hands moved seductively, in swaying, hypnotic gestures. Lilith It is in your dedication to your cause, in your acts that armies are inspired to fight on when all is lost... In your self sacrifice for those who would not risk so much as you, you bring beauty to the battlefield. Your spirit is a light on the battlefields that drive generals to their knees, and ravaged peasants to elation in your rescue. That is why your title is so hushed in speech by your enemies. They fear you to be a spirit of vengeance... as real as your comrade you wish to rescue. They fear invoking you. Such power in your arms comes from your heart and eyes. Your beauty is without equal, in all these long years I have searched. I have never seen your equal. Blade Please, stop. I am not beautiful. That is something I have never been. I am ugly. I am beyond such words. Lilith My child... What brings you to say such things? Blade I cannot stand the sight of blood, anymore. I have seen too much. This war is too heavy on my heart. I don't think I can go on... Liliths gestures became subtly more erotic and motherly at the same moment. She was an object of desire. She was a pleasant smile and peaceful eyes. She was a nurturing figure.
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Blades mannerisms changed from standoffish to raw emotions, barely contained. His eyes searched the ground, and his arms fought his sense of composure to hold himself as his knees attempted to touch the ground. Lilith What ails you, my child? Blade looked to the ground and seemed conflicted between pity, anguish and rage and it rang in his voice. He shivered violently, to maintain his composure as strong, but the weakness showed in his eyes. Blade So much ugliness. So much pain. So many who seek to prey upon the weak. It moves me; spurs me to fight on. But it's never enough. I can never do enough. I am not strong enough to complete my mission. I will never be strong enough to defeat them all. And they breed. They continue to plague the world, and will do so long after I've gone. A moments hesitation is ultimately ten years more on the battlefield. And I have seen too much of war. I have seen too much of death. I have seen too much of this chaotic ugliness that wraps me in shadows. And an animal howls within me and welcomes the shadows as an armor. Seeing only pain. Seeking only blood. I cannot halt it. I can only redirect its focus. And in that, I am weak. You see, I am not beautiful. I am not strong. I am not noble or dedicated. ...For I am nothing. . Lilith I see you as beautiful. And I can make you see it. I can make you see your beauty. Your strength... Your prowess... I can make you see within you that rare gift that inspires the foot soldier to fight on. To sacrifice in the name of the cause and the lord you fight for. That they may weep in the battles lost because they would feel they failed you. I can make you see these things within you, Eric. I can make these realizations real. Blade looked up to Lilith like a wondering child to a mother. Blade How? Lilith By offering the one thing I have. My love. Blade And at what cost? Lilith Is love so hard for you to give? Has all the hate and blood you've seen washed over you so much you cannot see what I offer to you? My heart I do not give lightly. I do not love easily. I offer you my life. Will you deny me? Blade
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I don't give my heart easily either. Lilith Then let us build a tower in each other. Let us fortify that structure by joining them. Blade Don't fuck with me. Lilith Come to me. In my arms, you will be remade. Unafraid. No longer alone. No longer fearing the animal. No longer possessing a hunger that you need to fight. Strengthened by your love. Not weakened. The room grew bright white. Lilith grew brilliant before him, as bright white wings stretched out from her back. Her open arms, an invitation. Blade at last crumbled to his knees, as her arms folded over him. He came into her embrace, and wept in that first touch. As the room yielded to dark, hundreds of demons growled and gripped weapons in the dark. Lilith waved them off, and held him close, her wings folding over to give security to the embrace. Lilith My child. Receive in me the love you have received at only arms length. Within me, find full measure. Accept me love with all my heart and two closed arms making a full enduring hug. Lilith looked at the doors with a hateful glare, and the doors shuddered and shut, leaving the demon soldiers on the other side. She stretched out her wings, and streaked through the citadel to the depths of her chambers. Blade was disoriented. He noticed movement, but could not focus. Blade floated with her through the field of white, his clothes stripped away. Lost in her. Engulfed by her. Her legs wrapped around his, as she floated, and their legs entwined in an embrace that conveyed the ultimate in intimacy. Lilith (continued) Do you accept me? Blade ...Yes Her wings folded around him, and he drifted in the warmth. She moaned in pleasure. Blade sank into her skin, and was engulfed by her. Blade was gone. Only Lilith remained, floating in the warmth in apparent rapture. The brightness faded from the walls, as the room returned to the cold mortar and shadows, until even Lilith was dark. Only her belly glowed, and grew. In the dark shadows of the gray mortar and onyx throne room, Lilith stood dark and alone, holding her full belly. Lilith My son

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Cut To: Interior-Night Citadel-Great Hall La Magra watched from the door, and gritted his teeth as he stared at Liliths stomach with disgust. It glowed and stretched. La Magra He receives equal footing to me. In the back of La Magras' mind, an itch began to burn as a gleeful whisper filled his ears. From the back of his soul, a voice began to speak to him. Frost (VO) Such arrogance. La Magra The enemy of my children is to be my equal. Frost (VO) Life's a bitch. La Magra Stop pestering me, wraith. Frost (VO) What are ya gonna do, kill me? La Magra In my dreams. Frost (VO) In your dreams. You can't kill me without killing yourself. La Magra If he becomes most favored, it would become palatable. Frost (VO) Well don't get all Harry Karri with my body just yet. problems, my friend. La Magra A lobotomy? I might have a solution to your

Frost (VO) Cute. More like an abortion after the third trimester. Interested? La Magra Mildly amused. Continue. I find this intriguing. Frost (VO)
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We make mom hate her new son. La Magra The great mother, manipulated? And you apply arrogance to the Daywalker? be done. Frost (VO) It can, but not by you. La Magra Speak quickly. Your voice annoys me, and your distastes in mentioning the name of the revered mother offends me to the point of murder. Frost (VO) No offense, but yer not all that good at manipulations anyway. In front of mom over there, you get downright silly. You turn to jelly. You just sit there like a glob in front of her, and wait for her to give a kind word. I can make her love you. Only you. La Magra How? Frost (VO) Let me come out an' play. La Magra You must be joking. Frost (VO) You know what the difference between you guys and the Vampire Nation? Organization. Manipulation on a grand scale. They're good at it. You guys ain't. As far as Organization and Manipulation, the only one who's got a handle on that is mom. The rest o' you? It's just a game o' compare an' contrast between Titus and the Osbornes. Now, me; I had the Vampire Nation jumping through hoops before I checked out. Just think what I could come up with in this unorganized mess you call family? La Magra Have a care, whelp. A great and noble lineage you spit upon. You will show my family the proper respect it deserves. Frost (VO) In time. Right now, I want to tell you my plan. See, I don't just wanna come out. wanna stay out. An' you can make that happen. Without ever giving up control. La Magra And how could that happen? Frost (VO)
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It cannot

By merging us. La Magra You can't be serious. With you?

Frost (VO) What? Don't like the body? I worked hard to chisel those abs. Bet you get laid more now, than in the old days. And what's really wrong with me, anyways? I'm smart, cunning... manipulative on a Machiavellian scale. Plans within plans. I'm always working one end to feed the other. And at the same time, working both against other end and the middle. You'd get all that with me. You'd be able to truly rule. You'd be able to impress your mother with all you have attained for her greatness, and be doted over for your cleverness in being able to attain greater status and wealth. La Magra Your simple outlook on paper representing gold and silver in trade for goods and services will have no part in this new world order. Frost (VO) Don't knock it till you tried it, my boy. You have no idea how easy the transition will be if you keep the system of checks and balances, encouraged business, trade and employment. An' you have no idea how much a team like us could prosper in that environment. We could throw money at families to give us their children as food. We could breed our own cattle from them before we bleed them. There's no limit. An' by securing a route that affords the good mother to wrest and keep control over the planet, who do you think she's going to give her affections to? The one who handles business. The others quibble among themselves over who mom really smiled at. She loves the one who is self sufficient. She gives praise to those who take care of themselves. Each parent only wants to be proud of their child. If they don't, they get her scorn. All you have to do is stop seeking her affection, and make an empire. You don't even need to know how. I can give you that. All you gotta do is make us one. An' we can set up a whole new world for mom. An' she will show such favor to you, you won't know what to do. We share the body as one consciousness. I will retain my avarice and those ugly little manipulative aspects to help secure our position as moms favorite baby boy. You will be truly hated by your siblings. Because mom loves you best. La Magra There is more truth in you than I would have ever given you credit for. Frost (VO) So, we got a deal? La Magra smiled, and shivered as his head leaned back in a form of ecstasy. His hair grew short, and his facial hair retreated. His eyes grew arrogant, as a Cheshire smile took his face. La Magra opened his mouth to speak.

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Frost Hell, yeah. Cut To: Exterior-Morning Base Camp Morning. Whistler woke to see the fire dwindling. He yawned and looked across the horizon. Whistler stretched, and then cringed in pain and took to massaging his knee. It was then that the realization hit him. Whistler Wait a minute... Whistler looked up and his face grew long. turned in a complete circle. Eyes grew from disbelief to horror as he

Whistler Shit... Blaze slept soundly. Whistler shook him to awareness. Whistler Blaze. Wake up. The wall of corpses in a perfect circle around the fire. The fire was now a thin stream of smoke around charred wood, and dwindling embers. Blaze Jesus. Mobius' been busy. Venom Mobius began. We finished. It seemed the beginnings of a castle foundation. merely wished to assist the artist. Blaze Whatever. Alright... Lets' cook up some K-rations, and then let's get moving. a lot to do today. Whistler Let me check on Blade. Whistler stood at the edge of camp Blaze What's goin' on? Whistler I can't find Blade.
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We

We got

Blaze Well, he's goin' t' be around here somewhere. Just stay cool. Whistler Yeah, I know. An' I'm used t' him goin' off half cocked, but not when he's needed. Blaze Alright, let's pool resources. Mobius! Rise n' shine, kid. Blaze swatted him to motivate. Mobius growled for a moment then rose slowly, gripping his head. Mobius All is well? Whistler Blade. Did you see him while you were patrolling. Mobius I saw nothing. However, I only perceive immediate threats when feeding. Whistler So he just walked right past you? Venom Actually, he walked past us. He left just after shift change Blaze Where did he go? Venom Toward the Citadel. Probably to save your student. Whistler Gone out after Frost, more likely. Venom Most likely, yes. Blaze You didn't stop him? Venom We thought about it. But we all must make our own ways, if we are to live free. Whistler grabbed and cocked his shotgun. Whistler
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Brock, you've about outlived your usefulness to us. Mobius No, wait. All must live. It is the way of Strange to use those who must test themselves as much as strengthen the group, is it not? All of us will take something away from this. He must live. Whistler Yeah! And if anything happens to Blade, Brock'll take a halo an' a matching pair o' wings away from this shit, cause I'll be taking his corpse. Easy, Whistler. back his play. Mobius' right. Blaze Without the team, this war is already over. Whistler Back to the castle? Mobius Back to the gate of Hell. Venom Sounds good to us. Some killing before day break means some fresh meat for breakfast. Cut To: Exterior Main Gates of the Citadel The lights flickered in the charred pit of Manhattan, surrounded by the Hudson filled with flowing mantle. Mobius There's a battle in the distance. Blaze Doesn't look good. We gotta

Whistler Look, I know we're supposed to take out the big boys at the citadel, but... Where the fuck are the Avengers? Fantastic Four? Hell, the X-Men. Blaze Avengers are off planet. F.F. are in that place Dr Richards is so proud he discovered; the negative zone. The X-Men are political prisoners in Genosha. Something about charging them as genocidal and politcidal terrorists. Doesn't matter anyway. This isn't really earth. This is a halfway point. Kinda like purgatory. This is where the demons attack from. Regroup. Refill their reserves. This is where the fight'll begin. If we all lose, it will end when the gates open on earth.

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Whistler So this is technically another dimension? Mobius Fascinating. As a scientist, this is something that would set my blood on fire. Since the change, I can only have cold analytical outlooks. Whistler Well don't beat yourself up, Doc. I'm still human. An' this shit scares the fuck outta me. Blaze's head jerked back as if hit in the jaw. Whistler John, you alright, over there? Blaze Forget the Citadel. Whistler What? Blaze Strange needs us. The fight's at his loft. He needs back up.

Whistler What about Blade and Daniel? They can wait. Blaze This is something unexpected. this. I think even Strange didn't calculate for

Mobius It would seem impossible unless we retrieve Blade first. Need I remind you we need him to jump the barrier? Blaze That won't be needed. Alright. Whistler I'll bite; If the fight's in the loft... And the loft is on earth, how do we get in?

Blaze Strange is aptly named. His place is on earth, and it's not. It's everywhere. There's a loft in every dimension. He just chooses to open the door and step out in Manhattan. Whistler I want to get my kid back.

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Blaze So do I. But it's gonna have 'ta wait. We're fighting for a lot more than you know. Whistler Don't lecture me, John. I know the score. I just want to get Blade out of there. Blaze Without Strange, there is no hope. He's already cast his spells to give us equal footing if we act together. If Zarathos and Lilith take out the Brownstone, they can counter all the spells Strange has cast. We have to join the fight. Mobius Without Blade and Daniel we will be short handed. Blaze That's how it's gotta be. You up for this, Mobius? Most definitely. Mobius For the sake of all, there's no more noble a way I can fathom to die. Blaze Brock? Whistler Where the hell is that waste o' sperm? Blaze Not within one hundred meters, that's for sure. Whistler Brock! We don't got time for you to take a shit right now! Get yer big freaky ass out here so we can finish this! Blaze Mobius? Mobius I hear nothing. Venom is gone. Blaze Fuck 'em. We'll deal with him later. Let's get to Stranges. Whistler Knew he was worthless. Blaze revved up his Harley, as Whistler and Mobius got in the car. Then peeled out to Manhattan. Venom changed colors from the color of rock to his original black and white.
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He turned and revealed his true face. Venom spoke as if they were right next to him, but they were already near the rubbled road. Have fun, guys. Venom (Human Voice) I'll get Blade and the kid, an' meet up with you later.

He turned to continue climbing along the side of the cliff. His face went black and white. Venom I spy, with my big white eyes... Venom scaled to the sheer of the cliff below the Gates, and saw the tunnel hundreds of feet from the valley floor. He grinned, as he climbed into the tunnel, and blended with the shadows.

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Cut To: Exterior Strange's Brownstone Massive fight of magic and war cries as two armies of demons and vampires stormed the Brownstone. Whistler Jesus. This looks like where we came from. Blaze Yeah. This doesnt look good. Whistler Alright, Mad Max. So, you got a better plan than walking up to the front doors, this time? I dont think I got enough Molotovs for all these fuckers, over here. Blaze Actually, were gonna go right through that sewer pipe, right there. Whistler The sewer pipe? The one with all the green an brown water pouring out of it? Blaze Yep. Whistler An me without my WD-40... Any particular reason why were doing this, or do you just feel like fucking with my leg brace? Blaze Rule of Thumb on magic. If you have something you really want to keep hidden, make sure for all intents and purposes, it appears the most inhospitable. The trick is to accomplish this, without actually hanging a sign out. Whistler And what the fuck is that supposed to mean? Blaze Fortification means valuables inside. Weaponry, guard dogs; these are things that are put
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up to ward thieves off. Unfortunately, it usually has the opposite effect. Magicians know this, and make their fortifications more subtle. Strange is using the environment to tailor make his illusions. Whistler So...? Mobius stretched his arm out, and the water sparkled and rippled with electric energy as if it were a thin sheet of rubber. Mobius The sewer pipe and the water is an illusion. . Blaze and Mobius stepped through, leaving Whistler to stand there, gawking at the magic trick. Whistler Well, color me stupid. Siegfried an Roy... Blaze stuck his head through the illusion at Whistler. Blaze You comin or what? Whistler stepped nervously through the barrier. Cut To: Interior Hidden Doorway to Strange's Brownstone. Blaze, Whistler and Mobius enter through the portal to the loft. The loft is virtually destroyed. Blaze Strange! We're here! Mobius It seems the battle is over. If Strange was here, he is most likely dead. Whistler I agree with Mobius' assessment. Blaze Strange is one of the hardest men to kill. Believe me. I've tried. Behind them, a powerful form darted out from the corner of the room throwing Mobius, and slapping Whistler down. It grabbed Blaze from behind, and squeezed hard on his chest, moving the dislocated rib. Blaze slipped through the grasp, and jumped free. He tried to kick the beast as he pulled his shotgun, but injured his knee against the dark creatures groin. He screamed his contempt to the looming form.
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Blaze AH! Mother fucker! I'm gonna rip you a new one, you fuckin'The dark beast halted, and stared unknowing at Blaze. Rintrah Johnny? Blaze was stunned and stared at the dark beast. An instant later, his dark black sheen faded to reveal the green fur. Blaze recognized the beast, and relaxed as he gripped his rib. He spoke as if exhausted. Blaze Hey, Rintrah... didn't recognize you. Rintrah And I, you. Fortunately, you still use such guttural terms when angry. Blaze Seems like you've added a few pounds to your workout bench. Rintrah A density spell. It increases my strength five fold. My speed only one fold. I have yet to determine why. I did not hurt you, Johnny. Did I? Blaze I don't think so. My rib was already outta place, but now my knee's killing me. Rintrah I will prepare a healing spell. Blaze Later, for that. Where's Strange? We got the call. Rintrah Ah, that is why you are here. I did not know. We safeguarded the masters retreat to his sanctum. He has many valuable tools of the apocalypse, there. He will disperse the items among his many safe houses, then return. We merely wished to ensure his homes integrity while he was gone. He loves this place, so. Blaze So the battle never went beyond the front door? Rintrah They made their way all the way to the very door of the masters inner sanctum. We used many spells. Yet mostly, blows sufficed.

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Mobius The horizon is dotted with reinforcements. How many troops can you rally? Rintrah We drove them off once before. Mobius How many soldiers do you have access to? The enemy is too many to count. Rintrah Just us two. Whistler You and someone else drove them off? Rintrah Of course. Whistler You carrying a howitzer somewhere on you? Rintrah You must be friends with the little black vampire. Whistler What the fuck's that supposed ta mean? Blaze Yeah. He is. Mobius How could two stand against such a massive army? Rintrah (scoffed with a heavy air) It wasn't easy. Whistler stared out the door at the hordes gathering in wait for the command to attack. A general sat defiantly on the back of a demonic winged horse with fire hooves. The dark warrior wore black boilerplate armor with a heavy helmet that was welded to the body armor, and seemed one piece. Black spikes adorned his shoulder pads and boots. A long black cape flowed over the back of the horse and nearly to the ground. He sat proud on his black, fire hooved steed, and the demons ran back and forth fetching their weapons of supplies as they waited for the command to attack. Whistler Who's Mr. Sunshine, over there? Rintrah
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Some big muk-a-muk. They call him Death. Blaze Charming. Whistler Well, the horse ain't all that pale. I'm gonna go out on a limb, and say that's just a name. Mobius Regardless, all signs point to one truth. He is the head of this snake. Crush him, and the body will coil and die. Whistler Sounds like a working plan. Mobius I'll handle Death. You deal with the armies. Whistler Oh, gee thanks. Taking that weight off my shoulders makes me warm an' fuzzy all over. Mobius If this Death proves easier to kill than his name implies, I will return to aid you in your defense of the brownstone. You will need, though, to offer a small degree of trust. Blaze I trust you, Mobius. I do. But we need you here. No one goes off alone. We need a strategy. Whistler And a hell of a lot of shotgun shells. Blaze I heard that. I'm gonna need my knee and rib reset. Is Ming here? He's good with the Mr. Miyagi bone resetting thing. Ming Yes, Johnny. I am here. Tea is almost ready. Whistler & Mobius Tea?! Whistler You got an army of demons and a general named Death at the gates. So you make tea? Ming My apologies. We drank the wine earlier. Whistler
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Are these guys for real? Ming I am one of five survivors of the communist raids that wiped out my village. My tribe. My family. Only two of my nine children survived the exodus. Since I have come into the service of Steven Strange I have seen many wondrous and horrid things. When you see enough of the ugliness man has to offer, you learn to appreciate the peaceful moments. If I am about to see pain and suffering, I wish to enjoy a peaceful moment. Mobius Blaze, we must strike soon. They will attack before long. We will lose advantage. Whistler The vampire's right. We need to attack. The fortification's weakened by the first assault. The secondll bring the roof on us. Rintrah That will not happen. Whistler Do you have a degree of engineering stuffed in your pocket next to the howitzer? Because the supports look like they've been shot to hell. I don't see any way these walls could hold up to a fart, let alone a rock. So tell me... How could this house offer fortification regardless of my strategic assessment? Rintrah This is the house of Steven Strange. It will withstand the assault. Whistler Talking to him's like talkin' to a wall. Blaze Believe me. So's fighting him. Mobius I think you should look to the horizon. Whistler What? Demons and Vampires? I've seen it. I'll be there in a minute. Blaze Guys, listen to him. Something's happening. Cut To: Exterior-Day The peak of a stone and dirt mound across the street from the Brownstone of Strange In the distance, Lilith rode a bright winged steed with a mercurial appearance. It seemed
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to flow with a static charge. She rode her steed with pride along side another general. He rode the back of a black dragon with fire red eyes. Its' wings shuffled with the ground, and it seemed to slither if not for its' hind legs. The lanky, black skinned warriors' straight black hair was ceremonially braided in sections. He wore a sectioned black boilerplate armor over his silver chain mail and a demonic black iron mask that his fangs protruded from. Powerful bare arms held out the reins as long metal talons like jointsectioned mutilating rings protruding from his gauntlets fiddled with the leather straps. Whistler groaned, and leaned his head down. Blaze stared at the sight indignantly accepting the ominous sense of humor the universe deigned to chide them with. Whistler Another one? Blaze Yup. Whistler Figures. I hate this shit. Rintrah The other general has returned, hasn't he? Whistler There were two generals? Rintrah And two armies. Yes. Whistler Does this one have a cutesy little name, too? Rintrah Famine. Whistler And you were planning to tell us this, when? Rintrah I had no idea you would even be here. You should be killing their masters as we speak. Blaze Everyone! Enough! Rintrah; how do you know this is a general? Was he here before? Rintrah Since two hours before the sunrise. They have been assailing this house for the past five hours. All I know is one cried out, and half the horde attacked. Then retreated. After, the second general screamed, and the other half attacked. They chanted Death. The one before chanted Famine. Each army that chanted, the one who ordered the attack
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seemed to accept lamentation. Cut To: Exterior Lilith Lilith waved her arm to the dragon rider, and he bowed his head low as she rode out to the general. She offered a loving gaze and embrace to Death. Then nodded to him. The General straightened up on his steed and roared to the legions as he pointed to the brownstone. Blaze Heads up, somethings happening. All the demons turned and raised their weapons and in one unifying battle cry charged the home of Strange. Whistler Everyone pick a weapon and get ready. First one that hits the door goes out backward without a head! Whistler slapped his drum into the shotgun and cocked it. Blaze Looks like we're gonna have another running firefight. Rintrah That wont be necessary. Everyone turned to look up at Rintrah. them. Rintrah calmly stared at the soldiers running at

Cut To: Exterior Main Entrance to the house of Strange The warriors ran with weapons raised as they screamed their contempt at the men who stood against them. At the door, the demons ran into an invisible energy barrier. The forces behind crushed the demons in front to force their way through. Whistler What's happening? Rintrah The shield holds. Whistler What shield? Blaze Magic.

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Whistler I don't see him waving his fingers. Rintrah I am only able to access the energies by using both verbal keys and through gesture. This is true. However, the spell is not mine. The master cast it before he left. Unfortunately, as he access' magic for his own purposes, he must take his reserves from other places. Soon, the barrier will fall. And I will have to conjure my own spells. Be ready. These hordes are not to be taken lightly. Whistler I've already danced with these little cusses' before. Rintrah Do not let their stature fool you. The ants as one can lay waste to lions and dragons. And populate deserts with bones as the only evidence there was ever a forest there. Whistler I'll keep that in mind while I make a wall of bodies. Mobius Whatever deity you worship, I pray your prayers are short. The barrier falls. The barrier gave way, allowing the hordes to invade the domicile again. The demons forced their way into the lobby, and charged the defenders of the house of Strange. Rintrah chanted and raised his fingers in gestures that left trails of energy all around. He grew dark with mystic energies and with gestures threw whole platoons against the pillars, pulping the demons with satisfying cries accompanying the slams. Mobius was first into the fray. His talons grew long and his spine broke and stretched. His feet became animalistic, and his fangs stretched to horrid mutilating tools. His eyes reddened over, and his nose took on a more pronounced vampire bat snout. He placed himself before the doorway and lunged forward. Whistler and Blaze pulled back. With Mobius in the way, they could not get a clean shot off. Whistler What the fuck! Blaze Mobius! You're gonna get shot! Get the fuck outta the way! Mobius turned and snarled his contempt at being ordered, and turned. Whistler I think our little friend doesn't like being ordered as much as he lets on. Blaze Well then move! I'm trying to keep you from getting shot!

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Mobius growled again, and then nodded. A demon ran up with a spear and stabbed him in the rib. Mobius howled and turned to the demon and snapped at him. The demon took a step back and Mobius took a step toward him. The demon ran, and Mobius charged into the armies. Mobius followed the demon into the midst of the horde, found his assailant, and ripped across the demons back. When it fell, Mobius climbed over it, and fed. Demons stabbed at Mobius and threw him into a fury. Mobius dove at the demons on the sidewalk with a ferocity that chilled even the most hardened demon. Cut To: Exterior Lilith In the distance, Lilith seemed momentarily frightened by Mobius' transformation and assault, then seemingly aroused. Famine watched the change in Lilith with a mounting jealousy. Cut To: Interior Main Lobby of Strange The defenders of the house of Strange fought off the demons forced entry with everything they had. All the while, the room warped around them, and in some sections, seemed to fold like origami. Blaze and Whistler fired their weapons all around at the demons. The demons fled both their weapons. Blaze You notice the room shifting? Whistler Yep. You think it's the big green guy? Blaze Seems like Strange set a trap for a broken arrow scenario. We may have to leave in a hurry. The more heavily armored ones are shifting to your side, while the fire types are coming here. Whistler Wanna switch? Blaze That'd be nice. Whistler I'd say on three, but who counts anymore? Blaze NOW! Whistler and Blaze spun around and changed targets to the painful cries of the demons. Cut To: Exterior-Day Mound Before House of Strange
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Lilith called to her other child, Famine, and he came with a crack of the reins. The dragon launched into the air, and flapped at the ground sending dust everywhere as it rose. With a swift swoop, the black dragon pulled up and landed near her, then slithered over to them. Lilith ran her hand along the arm of Famine, and delicately following the edge of his horrid mask, touched his cheek affectionately. Come, my child. Lilith Death has had his fun. Now we must finish this nonsense. Famine Yes, mother. Lilith nodded to Death, and gestured encouragingly. Death slumped in his saddle, and put his hand to his head. Lilith Did you not understand me, child? Withdraw your troops! Death ...Yes, mother.

Cut To: Interior- Day House of Strange-Lobby Rintrah fought valiantly with sword, magic and powerful punches and kicks of his hooved feet. Blaze and Whistler fired on full auto, and were still being overrun. Whistler was being strangled while another demon tried to take his shotgun away from him. Blaze was struck in the back of the head, and he fired multiple times at the monsters that grabbed at him. Cut To: Exterior-Day House of Strange-Doorway Death could be seen on his horse with his sword raised high. Death called out a booming cry, and the troops retreated. Blaze and Whistler fell to the ground as the demons let go of them and ran out. Rintrah kicked and hit them as they ran. Whistler What the fuck just happened? Rintrah The General has recalled his forces. Blaze This can't be good. Rintrah It's not good. Famine's army is rested. They will fight.
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Cut To: Exterior-Day Mound across from House of Strange The last of Deaths army has retreated, and the field between the house and them is ripe with carrion. They twitched in the street. Cut To: Exterior Sidewalk in front of Stranges Brownstone Mobius bit the neck of one of them and drank. His eyes never left the generals. Cut To: Interior Main Entrance of Stranges Brownstone Mobius and Famine locked eyes. They did not flinch. Even as the two were distracted by their allies. Blaze Mobius... Get yer ass in here! Now! Whistler Mobius! There're dead demons in here, too. Plenty o' blood to go around! Mobius rose from the carcass and backed into the brownstone. Never once breaking eye contact with Famine. Only Mobius' head disappearing behind the wall deprived them of their glare. Cut To: Exterior Mound across from House of Strange Lilith sat tall on her steed, watching the last of Deaths troops retreated. Lilith Very well, you did well. But I do not like repeating myself. Need I remind you, you merely bear the name Death? It can all too easily become a reality, you realize. I am disappointed with you. Still, theres no need to be so demanding a mother in front of your men. I will deal with you, later. Death shook slightly, and seemed to wheeze before responding. Death ...Ysss... m'th'r. Then he shook violently, as if being pinched awake. For a moment, Lilith stared at Death curiously then thought better of it. She turned to her other son, Famine, and crooned over him. Lilith It's alright, my son. You'll be fine. Go on, go on. Make me proud.

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Famine I will, mother. Famine clicked his heels against the soft of the black dragons back, and it slithered forward a few yards, before Famine pulled the reins to halt the beast. Famine pulled a long sword out of his steeds sheath, and the demons ran out into battle lines. Neat. Organized. Not at all like the guttural way that Death had run his hordes. With a loud cry, Famine commanded his forces front line to charge the defenses of Strange. Cut To: Interior Brownstone Lobby Blaze and Whistler held the front door, and Mobius held the field before the entrance. Rintrah chanted and conjured, while Whistler and Blaze laid a suppressing covering fire allowing Mobius to charge back and forth cutting the numbers and routing them. Whistler and Blaze stepped down the steps and kept a closer watch for any sneak attack as they covered Mobius. Cut To: Exterior-Day Mound across from House of Strange Lilith Look at my beautiful son. So talented. See how he organizes his assault so methodically? See how each line has a different purpose? The army columns were ripped and slashed at by Mobius, while Whistler and Blaze fired repeatedly at the demon warriors. Rintrah moved his arms and chanted spells that caused explosions, bolts of lightning and great winds. Famine looked out at Mobius with a shiver of rage. Death sat on his demon horse with a matter of fact tone in his voice. Death See how easily they are routed. Famine looked back and then quickly turned back to the army to direct the second wave. Death let out another wheeze, and shuddered. He doubled over in agony, and tried to right himself. Lilith was so angry, she neither noticed nor cared. Lilith Have a care how you speak to me, wretch. I could easily have vanquished you back there. You can be my son, or be my enemy. The choice is yours. Death ...N-m-e? Death studied the field of battle, Famine, and Lilith with a bleary shudder. Lilith glared at Death with disgust, and waved him off as a mere slave. Lilith Make yourself useful, wretch. Bring me that beast that, as you so eloquently announced,
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routes my most favored's forces. Bring him to me alive. Death ...No... Famine turned back and stared at them in surprise. scowl took her face. NO? Liliths eyes burned, and a hideous

Lilith You dare to deny me? Death I dare?

Famine raised his hand to Lilith and gave her pause. Famine No, mother. My brother is right. Lilith You, most favored must deny me as well? Famine It is my strategy being bested. I will deal with this beast that offers such an impediment to my plans. It suits my purposes, well. I wish to test my reserves. Lilith leaned back in a bemused surprise and waved Famines attention to the troops with a growing pleasure. Lilith ...By all means, most favored... Famine dismounted, and Lilith shot a cold glance to Death. Death stared straight ahead and did not notice her. Famine strode through the hordes to Mobius. In a loud voice, Famine called out to the beast, and his talons stretched out sharp and deadly. Mobius, with a flash of his eyes and a snap of his jaws accepted. Mobius lunged at Famine, and found two strong arms holding his wrists at a comfortable distance. Famine threw him down and ripped across Mobius' chest. Mobius struck at Famine with his toe talons, and jumped to his feet. Famine slashed Mobius across the mouth as he landed and turned. Mobius nursed his wound, and glared at Famine with a moment of recognition. The fighting style was faster, more powerful. In his mind, Mobius watched Blade make the same motions. Mobius grew lanky and beast-like, before Famine. He glared a murderous promise, grit his teeth and hissed his contempt. Mobius ...Traitor...

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Famine nodded, removed his black leather cloak, revealing chest plate armor that stopped at his collar bone and cracked his neck. His fingers dangled low, and stretched out. Mobius growled, and lunged at Famine. The two used an odd fighting style seemingly animal rage blended with martial arts. Blaze and Whistler stared on from the doorway. Blaze Do you see what I see? Whistler Seems like Mobius has his hands full In the next moment, he recognized the movements. Whistler What the fuck? Blaze This is gonna be a mind-fuck of a day, I know it. In the fight, they watched as Famine moved, and were amazed. Both Famine and Mobius were evenly matched. Strength and speed paralleled each other. Their rage fuelled by pain and betrayal. Famine moved in quick motions, and the two blurred as they struggled in the fight. Mobius slashed at the leather straps above his collar bone, slashed Famines throat, and cut the armor off his form. Blaze and Whistler watched as the armor fell away. Famine dropped to the ground, and his hair fell on either side of his cheeks, brushing the ground. Blaze and Whistler stared at the exposed back of Famine and noted how his back was adorned with Blade's tattoos. Whistler Oh, God. No. Death ran up behind Mobius as he went for the killing blow, and grabbed him. Deaths hands burned Mobius as he threw him. Mobius slammed into the brownstone and laid still with a groan, as if counting the broken bones. Death took to Famines side, and cradled him with a great affection. Death Brother! Answer me! Famine Away from me! I am bested... Let me breathe no more! Death You can still escape. Your mother will be disappointed in you if you die like this! You must rise! Famine MOTHER! I HAVE FAILED YOU! DO NOT TURN YOUR EYES FROM ME! LET ME DIE KNOWING I AM LOVED!
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Mobius crept behind them. Mobius It's never wise to turn your back on the enemy in a fight. Without a word, Death raised his hand and burned Mobius with hell fire to the face. Mobius roared in pain, and lunged at Death, tearing his helmet off to reveal a massive and vampiric Ghost Rider. Blazes chin dropped at the site of Ghost Rider being alive. Blaze Danny... Ghost Rider struck at Mobius with an awesome blow and sent Mobius to the ground unconscious. Ghost Rider picked up Blade and carried him toward Lilith. Lilith had started off without them. Uncaring. Ghost Rider looked back at Mobius, Blaze and Whistler, then cried out to Lilith. Ghost Rider LILITH! Lilith turned to look back on them. Ghost Rider lifted the half conscious Blade out to her. Ghost Rider Save your son! Lilith waved her hand at them, and their steeds raced to them. Blaze, Mobius and Whistler watched as they mounted their demon beasts, lifted into the air and escaped together. The fire trails that the demon horses hooves made rose up to meet the dragon and they rode side by side into the air all the way to the citadel. Cut To: Exterior-Day House of Strange- Sidewalk Blaze Jesus. Whistler Looks like its' back to the citadel. Blaze I'm not looking forward to this, anymore. Whistler You think I ever was? Blaze realized the massive movement to his right, and cocked his shotgun as he stared in shock.
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Blaze What the fuck? Demons put their hands up, and knelt before them putting their hands down in utter submission before Mobius. Mobius growled at them for a moment suspecting treachery, and then studied them. A growing confidence swelled within him and he roared to state his dominance. Rintrah Mobius bested their generals. They wish to serve the winning side. Whistler Ain't this about a bitch... Rintrah Mobius is now the Alpha Male.

End Act II

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Cut To: Interior-Night Citadel-Dungeon Frost stood next to a contingent of vampire soldiers who traded uncaring looks to each other and disgusted looks to the demon guards as they waited on Liliths call. Lilith stood in the dungeon with light burning from her eyes and bolts of energy from her hands. The sound of electric surges and screams echoed through the dungeon. The energy drew back into her hands, and her eyes grew dark, as she spat at the Ghost Rider. He was chained to the wall and hung slumped. Burn marks were charred on his skull, arms and ribs. The flames from his bones flickered and varied in brightness from moment to moment, as if a wind threatened to blow it out altogether. Lilith balled her fists and lowered them to her sides as she roared at the Ghost Rider. Lilith Insolent pig! How dare you deny me? What manner of lower demon are you to reject my decree? Ghost Rider appeared to trail off in thought for a moment, somewhere between consciousness and dream. His voice was weak and rasped as a dying mans. Ghost Rider Bitten by a vampire of the first order was the poison I needed to build immunity to the disease. Although, I admit I did not think it could assist me in countering the spell of a demon of such a high order as yours. A strength seemed to possess the Ghost Rider, at that moment, and he rose to his full height. He stared directly into Liliths eyes and waved her off as he spat his words at her. Ghost Rider I have no desire to see you again.

Be gone, sow.

Much less, love you.

Lilith If you will neither serve me, nor aid me, you will not be allowed to aid or serve anyone. Lilith raised her hands and her palms grew bright white. Two lightning bolts exploded from Ghost Rider, and funneled into her palms. Ghost Rider cried out in agony as his flame faded for the last time. Lilith stared down at the collapsed smoking bones of the Ghost Rider, and spoke over her shoulder her contempt for his betrayal. Lilith Return him to the parapet overlooking the barren lands. Let those who display defiance against our rule be met with this symbol of the measure taken against those who seek to
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spit in the face of their betters. Frost Yes, mother. Lilith grabbed the lifeless bones of the Ghost Rider and shook it maddeningly. The skull bounced around to the point it nearly fell off. Lilith (continued, to Ghost Riders bones) And if your spirit ventures down the dark ways we managed to claw our way out of, I will see it made manifest, that you live out your eternity as the bitch of the lowest and most embittered of our kinsmen. Lilith threw the bones away as if disposing of trash, and two vampires lifted and walked out carrying the lifeless bones of Ghost Rider. Frost walked behind them with a scoff, and a shake of his head, as he contained his amusement. Cut To: Interior-Night Citadel-Parapet Frost stood by the edge where the two vampires placed the collection of bones back on the crucifying post. He lit a cigarette, and looked at the cold charred bones and torn black leather. Frost He could a been a contender. What a waste. Fuck im.

Cut To: Interior-Night Citadel-Throne room of Zarathos Lilith comes before the throne of Zarathos. Zarathos sat there, uncaring and scornful. I hear you've been... busy. Zarathos Tell me... How many times must I kill a body before they
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stay dead, Lilith? Lilith He will trouble us no more. Zarathos Wench. If I thought I could use that demon shade, do you think I would not have employed him myself? Do you think I lack vision? Lilith No. Do you think me such a narcissist I would be so preoccupied with myself, to not sense the winds of betrayal? Zarathos ...No. But one must play the game, regardless. You know full well the measure of trust you can afford to give me. The measure of trust to ensure our continued partnership. Lilith And what measure is that? Zarathos None. Constant diligence. Plans within plans. And alternate plans with ulterior motives within each ulterior motive. That is what will keep the balance of power between us until we can overwhelm Blackheart and focus on securing the rule for ourselves. Lilith Why must ruling next to you as equals prove so... Taxing? So... Time consuming?

Zarathos waved Lilith to come closer, and seemed almost loyal. Trusting. Zarathos Conspire with me. Recruiting and establishing superior forces are essentially needed to establish an unassailable throne. Diligence, manipulation, vigilance, displays of vengeance against our transgressors [beat] this is what it takes to keep it. We are beings of arrogance, Lilith. If we did not desire to rule we would never have come to each other. Alone, we were defeated. Together [beat] we conquered this dimension, and could raze the next. Lilith This is a barren wasteland, and hardly worth counting as a realm we can declare a conquest. Zarathos Yes. But you miss the point. With time, word of our sanctuary has grown. Refugees from the pits come at steady speed throughout each days passing. And each has proven themselves in going to considerable lengths to reach haven, and defend it. As they grow comfortable, they also grow bored and blood flows in their dreams. Ripe, for recruiting.
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They nurture dreams of growing fat and wealthy on the humans plane, as we speak. In time, we could establish a rank of demons and mutations from the offspring of brutal rape that would prove sufficient a force to storm Hell with. Ultimately, Heaven would not care. They know we have no desire to rule there. Merely to visit. Tourists in Paradise, Rulers in Hell. When we return; you, myself, our special benefactor... Mephistopheles will truly know fear. As never he had known in the hands of Michael, or at the end of his spear. Until then, I will continue to play the game. Until I can subject HIM to the same injustices he so enjoyed plaguing me with. Lilith You are mad. You would assail the presence? Zarathos I am far more arrogant than Mephistopheles. But the presence does not interest me. I wish to make the ruler of Hell quake as the lowest slave in hell. I will be satisfied with nothing less. And I will wait patiently for that day. Manipulating all the time to ensure it comes soon. Lilith I was wrong about you. Arrogance is only a by product of your character. Your life's sole purpose is to spit in the face of the one being who kept you hungry and held meat before you all the time. To slap down the one who prevented you from sating your voracious appetite. Vengeance rules you. Zarathos sat in his throne burning with hatred that seemed to boil from the words of Lilith. Zarathos glared with disgust at Lilith and turned away, with a scoff. Lilith walked out quietly. Disappointed.

Cut To: Exterior-Night Citadel-Parapet over main Gate A dark shadowed figure walked toward the skeleton of Ghost Rider, and stared out at it. Blackheart You fought well. Your mother would be proud. Though you died all too quickly. Dying twice in a day. Quite an accomplishment. Alas, I have use of you. The destinies of many turn to look upon you, little ember. And I, more importantly, still have one to shame. Though quite a few will feel the sting of hubris, I know my father all too well. He will not care. So it comes to this. Your struggle within yourself must be hastened. We cannot afford to deal with this squabbling amongst the both of you. Two souls share one body. A body whose spark will soon be extinguished. I will instruct you in only
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this... Look through each others eyes, and clench one fist. Stand on two legs, and with one voice, cry out as you march against the armies of the fallens slaves. Blackhearts' finger glowed with a small flame that was infected by blackness. And a small ember began to burn at the center of the skull. Deep inside the skull, a small light began to glow. Blackheart Little flame... Blackheart vanished, leaving the hanged skeleton on the parapet. A black, clawed hand quickly jumped into view, and began to gently remove the skeleton from the chains that bound it. Venoms eyes peered from the edge of the parapet. Venom We thought he'd never leave. Cut To: Exterior-Night Citadel-Wall of the Parapet. Five hundred feet above the ground, Venom gripped the wall with his finger and toe talons, as he reached up to catch Ghost Rider as he slacked the chains. Venom hung the skeleton over his shoulder, and used his claws to grip the wall as he scaled back down to the hole in the wall to the sewers. He moved speedily like a spider as he made his way to the hole, and disappeared into it.

Cut To: Exterior-Night Valley Below the Gates Whistler and Blaze poured gasoline into their tanks, waiting for Dawn to attack. Whistler looked back to see if the demons still marched alongside Mobius. There seemed to be even more than before, as those of Deaths armies defected to join with Mobius' army. Whistler Do they have to follow us all the way? Blaze They wish to fight on the winning side. Can you blame 'em? Whistler Watching Mobius gear up for a fight and seeing him walking hand and hand with the
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armies of the damned...

This shit's startin' ta freak me out. Most men

Blaze We've lost half our number, and now we got an army to replace three men. would look upon this as providence. Whistler Well this man sees this shit as sick. Whistler turns back at the mob behind them.

Whistlers POV: One of the lieutenants began barking in some bizarre language and pointing to Mobius' face. Mobius looked back and growled. Cut To: Exterior-Sunrise Citadel-Main Gates Blaze and Whistler rode right to the main gates while Mobius led an army of hundreds behind them. Blaze fired hellfire at the Molotovs he launched from Blades motorcycle, blowing the wall down. Cut To: Exterior-Sunrise Citadel-Gate Promenade The demons scattered as the wall collapsed from the impact hole all the way to the parapet walkways, leaving a fifty foot space between the two support columns. A wave of dust rolled out to swallow the demons, who screamed in terror. As the smoke cleared, the demons listened to the sounds of machinery in the distance. Blaze hopped his Harley through the hole. Whistler hit the debris and bounced with a thrashing sound through the hole. Whistler bounced in the car, and hit his head against the roof of the car. The car began to rattle as a small smoke began to come out of the cracks in the hood. Whistler Jeez, I hope Blade didn't see this. Cut To: Interior-Morning Citadel-La Magra's Throne room Frost sat at his throne, and smiled as he wiped the blood from his face. A demon girl, obviously raped before fed upon lay at his feet. One slave girl poured water into the dead girls mouth. Two other demons tended to his needs. Frost grinned at the attention they lavished on him, wiping the blood from his chin and lips. Frosts eyes stayed fixed on the demon slave girl who poured water into the dead girls mouth. Frost Water to Blood. You demons are rich with ways to spit at the Bible, you know that? Blackout threw the doors open and strode up to him. Jesus Christ, Blackout. Frost Can't you see I'm eating? If this is Cajun custom, to kick in
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doors while yer boss' handling business... Blackout Forgive me, La Magra. Frost Frost, is fine, pal. Blackout Master, I beg yourFrost There'll be plenty o' time for begging later, pal. What the fuck is so important that you couldn't wait till I got me some dessert? Blackout stared at Frost nervously at first, and then courted him curiously. Blackout Frost? It is you. Frost Yeah... Will wonders never cease? HEY! Is there a reason for this interruption? Blackout Oh. Uh... The intruders are back, man. Frost The intruders? Blackout Yeah. Square biz, boss man. Frost Send a team to get in their faces, cut their dicks off, an' drain em. Jesus Christ. A fuckin redneck gimp, his younger twin an' a bio engineered version o' Eli Demaskinas' guard dog. Yer actually wasting my time with this shit? I hired you 'cause you were supposed ta be tough. Blackout Frost, man... You know I can handle my business. But this shit's escalated. Frost Oh, this should be good. It's three, now. Right? Unless something's changed, why the fuck are you wasting my time with this shit? Kill them. Bon apetit, mother fucker. Now get the fuck outta here! Frost turned from Blackout, and waved toward the door.

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Blackout Frost, man. Frost You're still here? Blackout Would you shut the fuck up an' let me speak, god damn it? Only after, did Blackout realize his transgression, and backed away with his hands up in feigned submission. Frost stared in shock, and approached Blackout affectionately. Blackout was unsure if Frost was serious, teasing him, or lulling his defenses to kill him. Oh, shit. Sorry. How ya doin'? Frost This La Magra thinking is really fucking with me. What's up, man?

Blackout Frost, I'm serious. Liliths new projects? They lost their armies. Frost Alright, yer not makin' any sense. Blackout I'm tellin' you. They're marchin' behind the pale vampire, an' they're takin' his orders. Frost stood perfectly still for a moment, as the words sunk in. suppress a laugh as he spoke. Frost Shit... Frost patted Blackout on the back in apology that he then converted into a laugh sharing hug and then pulled Blackout toward the door in a jocular mood of curiosity. Frost Let's go. Blackout stormed out with Frost who then paused, and turned to look back at the demon slave girls. Frost Ladies... I'll be back. Keep each other warm for me, cool? The demon girls giggled, as their dead friend sat up and they all waved goodbye. grinned and idled for a moment. Blackout stared in disbelief. Frost He vainly attempted to

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Frost It's good to be king. Come on, let's go. Cut To: Exterior-Morning Citadel-Main Gate Promenade Blackout took Frost to the parapet to look down on the fight. Frost saw Whistler driving through the demons lines, and Blaze firing his hellfire shotgun at the rest. Blaze rode his Harley in figure eights, skidding out to throw sand and stones up in a dust cloud to keep the demons at bay. Frost Damn. I see what you mean. Fuck. That's a good show o' Detroit muscle, down there. Blackout What do we do, Frost? Frost They knocked. Let's open up. Send out our little projects. Blackout Which ones? Frost Send out Crimson and Black brigades. Blackout Cool. Frost An get me some troops down there to tie those mother fuckers up, okay? Blackout Already taken care of. Frost Already, huh? Where the fuck are they? Man this is what I was talkin' about. Handle your businessThe sounds of hundreds screaming battle cries echoed through the halls behind them. Frost grew silent as he saw the massive columns fly from the doors in full armor. Blackout looked annoyed at Frost. Frost Oh. My bad. Play on, playa. Cut To: Exterior-Morning Citadel-Courtyard
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Whistler drove his car through the forces, as more troops filed out and filled the field. There were so many on the field, they were pushed into the waves of debris that flew into their faces. Several demons caught the front bumper of the car, and managed to hold it so the wheels spun deeper into the dirt. An array of arrows filled the chests and sides of the demons, and they fell in pain, as the car lunged forward and ran them over. Whistler looked to see where the barrage came from to see Mobius pointing with authority at demons, and the archer demons launched another volley. Mobius led his demon army through the hole in the wall of the Citadels' Halls. The demon army collided with the others like a crushing wall that allowed some to mingle with the other armies. The wall grew thick and many soldiers from both sides, were crushed in the middle. The soldiers were so tight; they could not get a clean stab into another. Whistlers car plowed through and mowed the Citadel demons down like grass. Whistler stopped near Mobius, and shouted to him. Whistler One good turn deserves another. Mobius grinned, as Whistler peeled out to run over some more soldiers. The field opened up by half, in under thirty seconds, as the demons ran to get out of the way of the car. Mobius' troops pressed on toward the Main tower, and pressed the remaining soldiers back into the hallway. Blaze stopped to watch for a moment, and then noticed the body armored vampires on the parapets. Some held crossbows, while others gripped daggers, spears, axes and swords as the prepared to jump from the wall towers. Blaze Mobius! Take cover! Mobius turned to look at Blaze questioningly. Blaze pointed into the sky Blaze Incoming! Mobius looked back questioningly. Four arrows buried into his chest, and he fell to the ground as the armies pressed on. The red and black armored vampire brigades lunged from the parapets to the ground below. Mobius' lieutenants carrying him to a defiladed corner. Whistler plowed through the lines of red and black garbed vampires who took advantage of the arrow barrage. The vampires tried jumping on the hood of the car and punched their hands through the windshield to rip at Whistler. More jumped on, until Whistler could not see. He drove into a wall, crushing a team of demons and vampires, throwing the vampires off the hood to collide with the others against the wall. Most impaled themselves on each others weapons and armor spikes. Whistler got out of the car, he surveyed the damage and sighed. Whistler Damn. Blade's gonna be pissed. The black and red brigades flanked the demon defectors army and closed in to wipe them out with arrows. Black brigadiers ran at the defilade to kill the lieutenants. Mobius
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stormed out of the hole and ripped at the black brigadiers, as their comrades and the red brigadiers closed in and surrounded him and his lieutenants. Mobius is mobbed by vampires and is bitten and ripped at until he is overcome by sheer numbers. Whistler Mobius. Whistler ran to help, only to be stopped by Blaze. Whistler What the fuck are you doing? Blaze Shut up! Look! Mobius ripped his way out, clawing and biting all the way. Mobius then dove toward the reinforcements and roared as he cut into them, driving them back through the great doors into the Great Hallway. Cut To: Interior-Mid Morning Citadel-Great Hall Mobius stood inside the great doors of the citadel, and roared like a lion at the vampires and demons of Lilith and Zarathos. Behind him, his lieutenants and their soldiers ran in crying for battle, and ribboned on his flanks to engulf the great hall with sword and spear. Behind them, Blaze and Whistler stepped over the dead demons and Black and Red Brigadiers who twitched on the ground. Mobius turned to cut through the wall of vampires to see a dark figure that barred its way. The long haired, ebon vampire exploded into a rage, and leaned its head back to howl with its talons to its side. Blade stood before Mobius, shirtless, in free fitting black leather. His tattoos seemed to have been added on in a tribal print that pictographed the blood games of warriors. Some tattoos marked his forehead, nose and chin. Mobius roared back, and the vampires made a wide circle to watch the contest. Whistler Oh shit, Blade. What'd they do to you? Blaze Come on, we got no time. Keep moving, and maybe we'll make it out of this. Whistler Do you really believe that shit? Blaze Not at all. But if we don't complete our mission, someone else will have to come back here and do it for us. They ran in the center of the battle flanked by Mobius' lieutenants. Mobius' lieutenants barked orders at the soldiers to offer more resistance to keep the majority of the forces off
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the friends of Mobius. Blaze fired his shotgun to clear the way, as Whistler stabbed vampires with long silver stakes. Whistler Which way? Blaze looked over to a series of geometrically shaped holes in the stone walls. Several of Mobius' troops jumped into them to avoid the black and red brigades. Blaze Follow the defectors of Mobius' defectors. Whistler I didn't see that coming. Blaze and Whistler climbed into the chutes, and rode a dark tunnel sewer water tube dove, twisted and turned all the way down to the sewers. Cut To: Interior-Day Citadel-Underground Sewers Mobius' defectors pulled Whistler out of the sewer water to the concrete shore. Blade had just finished coughing up sewer water, and turned to help Whistler get his footing while he began to cough up sewer water. Blaze You alright? Whistler What now? Blaze Follow them. They obviously know where they're going. The demon deserters studied a sign and argued with each other. Whistler What do you suppose they're doing? Blaze I think they're lost. See the way they're reading those signs? the best route. Must be trying to figure

One demon pointed toward a red symbol and pointed adamantly, then walked into the tunnel. Two others walked after. A monster came out of the hole they went down, and ate three of them. Whistler and Blaze fell down as the remaining deserters ran down the other hole.

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Whistler Apparently that sign read danger. Blaze Guess the ugly little buggers can't read all that well. cautiously. Whistler Best plan yet. Cut To: Interior-Day Citadel-Great Hallway Blade stood before a group of vampires, accepting the lamentation of the audience, as he strode toward Lilith, who stood before him with open arms. Mother! victory. Frost My black and red brigades routed the deserters forces, and assure me our Lilith Where are the bodies, La Magra? Frost The survivors have retreated through the catacombs. A thousand deaths await them, down there. Just the same, I have sent my most trusted men to find them in the bellies of beasts if they have to. If they live, they will not live long. We will find them. Lilith See that you do. Then bring them to me. I want proof your men were actually effective. Frost Yes, great mother. Lilith stood and looked over the blood on the floor. Lilith This is the blood of the one called Mobius, is it not? Frost Yes, mother. Lilith Did you kill it? Soldier No, great mother. Daywalker did! Lilith looked over to Blade. She seemed angry.
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New plan.

We follow more

Lilith Eric. I made it clear the Mobius creature was not to be harmed, did I not? Blade Yes, mother. You did. Lilith Then why did you kill it? Blade It offended me. Lilith But your disobedience offends me, my son. Why did you disobey me?

Blade Because I chose to, mother. I refuse to allow the mongrel to live. Its' existence offends me. Lilith I decide who lives and dies. I am not interested in your desires to pacify your small ego. Blade But motherLilith Enough. Come, my child. We must go. Blade Yes mother. Blade walked alongside Lilith like a kicked dog. Frost grinned, as he watched Blade and Lilith. His mind seemed to race for a moment. Then his face grew cool. Frost walked amid the bodies of all the soldiers, lifting the head of a dying lieutenant. Frost scratched the demons language, and the demon seemed to curse him. Frost broke the defiant defectors neck, and sighed. Frost No bodies means there's no evidence they're dead. Blackout What up, Frost? Frost Take your best men, and have them hand pick their own teams of the meanest mother fuckers you got. Kill those sons o' bitches. Blackout
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Blackout.

I thought you already sent a team to deal with the survivors. Frost looked up coldly at Blackout, saying nothing. Blackout senses how close he nears his own death. Blackout nodded coolly, and walked away, summoning men to him as he walked. Blackout You got it, man. Soldier La Magra, my lord. Frost What is it? Soldier We found the albino vampire you requested. Frost Fuck the albino. I want the black one. Daywalker. dead? Did you at least find the white one

Soldier No, my lord. He suffers in the temple of the lord Zarathos. Frost Have him brought to the dungeon. Wait an hour and then inform my mother. Soldier Yes, my lord. Frost I want time with this one.

Cut To: Interior-Day

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Citadel- Underground Sewers Venom crawled along the ceiling of the sewer way as he made his way toward the dungeons in his search for Blade. Venom Must be some party up there. Feels like I'm walkin' under a nightclub. A strange rodent made its way toward Venom, and shocked him as it snarled at him. Venom yelped, and blinked astonished for a moment, and accidentally let Ghost Riders body slip through his fingers. He gripped the skull, and pulled it to him. The body fell off and sunk into the sewage that floated stagnant beneath him. Venom Oops. That's gotta suck. Venom looked at the skull and smiled into eye sockets. Venom Alas, Ghost Rider... I knew him... not all that well, really. The flames kinda got to me... Always smelled like brimstone, dirty sweaty leather an burnt dog hairs. Venom wrapped Ghost Riders chain around the skull to keep his fingers from burning. The skull began to burn more, and Venom looked around to revel in the illumination. Venom This looked a hell-uv-alot better in the dark... You know, I never thought I'd ever crawl through a sewer worse than New Yorks'... Venom looked down at the Ghost Riders body floating in the sewer water and paused to contemplate touching the water. Venom Do you really need the body? I mean... you are dead, right? Ah... we'll cut you a break. Venom stared at the body under the stagnant pools and noticed a foot that did not sink. Venom Do you mind if we just drag the body? Venom grabbed the boot with his tendrils and dragged the body through the sewers. He held the skull at the end of the chain, and used the skull as a lantern to light the way. His hand and feet gripped the ceiling easily, and he moved. He finally came to a portal that showed the dungeon. Venom peered through to see if Blade was there, but only saw two vampire soldiers dragging Mobius. Cut To: Interior-Day Citadel-Dungeon The vampires dropped Mobius at Frost's feet. Venom watched as Frost taunted Mobius.
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Frost How ya doing, Casper? You must be Mobius. Mobius growled a warning, and rose to his elbows and knees. Frost kicked Mobius in the face, and sent Mobius on his back. Frost (continued) No, don't get up. I wanna enjoy this little talk. Seems like you an' Blade had a little disagreement, back there. Got a little tension between you. That's good. That's what's keeping you alive. See, you an' Blade got this thing between you. Both of you hate evil. But you judge it by different standards. See, Blade could walk past a rape and murder because the rapists and murderers weren't vampires. You, on the other hand... You'd be in that shit. Feeding on the wicked, and sparing the innocent when you could. An' you really go to work on your victims. No stake through the heart. No guns, no swords. You make sure these people really suffer on the way out. I like that. I respect it. See, my mother wants you because of your beautiful ferocity. I don't really give a fuck. She's not really my mother. But the, oh how shall we put it... bodily displaced person I now share this body with? Well, let's just say he's kind of a mommas boy. Anything for mother, an' all that crap. Personally, I think he an his siblings got some serious fuckin Oedipus Complexes to work out, here. "No one touches momma but me," an all that shit. See, I just wanna rule. For a while now, though, I've been locked in the basement, so to speak. No chance of getting out... Ever. An' apparently, Blade gave me quite the opportunity. See, I kinda lost control of my own body for a while; left to my new friend to play second fiddle. But my new pal, La Magra? He really hates Blade. More than you an' me, if you can believe it. Blade bein' the new second fiddle put him in third. An' he was so pissed off, he was willing ta do anything. Anything at all. Like marrying my soul to his. See, I'm not half Frost, half La Magra, anymore. I'm not a subconscious voice, barely heard and quickly disregarded. I'm Frost. The great fucking La Magra. An' I'm gonna be a mother fucker. No pun intended. Mobius Why am I still alive? What do you want with me? Frost Cut to the chase? I like that. I'm thinking of releasing you. I want you with me. I want Blade to suffer for killing me with that anticoagulant shit. That fucking hurt. I'm still pretty pissed. See, the time is coming, soon when Pandoras Box is gonna open. An all the fucking demons are gonna come out to play. The bible calls it the apocalypse. I call it a good fuckin' time. An' me an all my friends are gonna come out to play. Me an my friends are gonna be princes. Untouchable. Insatiable. We're gonna be forces o' fuckin' nature. An' the first thing we're gonna do is kill all our enemies, and take everything we fuckin' feel we deserve. So... you wanna be my friend? Mobius stared at Frost for an uncomfortable moment, before craning his head up to speak close to his ear. Mobius
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Before this day is through, I promise you... Frost Yeah? Mobius -Pain, unimaginable. Intercut To: Interior Citadel-Underground Sewer Venom snickered at Mobius' defiance toward Frost. Intercut To: Interior Citadel-Dungeon Frost stood over Mobius with suppressed rage, quickly transformed to a smile. Frost Short. Sweet. To the point. I like that.

Frost nodded his acknowledgement. Then picked up a steel rod and smiled. Frost Unfortunately for you, this soul merging shit leaves me with two painful side effects. Mobius And that would be? Frost struck Mobius in the face with a steel rod, and kept beating him, until the blood covered his face. Frost A real short fuse an' a fuckin' hell storm when I'm rejected. Intercut To: POV Venom Frost continued to beat Mobius against the head until his legs twitched.

Intercut To: Interior Citadel-Underground Sewer Venom studied the wall and let his legs take most of the support as he braced for punching the wall in. It was then, that the tunnel became unnaturally dark. The skull of Ghost Rider began to burn a brilliant light in Venoms hand, extinguishing the dark. Blackout Well, look what I found. Venom saw a figure move in the dark, and lunged for it. The shadowed figure
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sidestepped, leaving Venom to fall in the sewer water. He rose disgusted from the slime to stare at the shadowed figure. Venom roared, and tackled the humanoid silhouette; impacting into and through the wall he had originally planned to bring down. Intercut To: Interior Citadel-Dungeon Frost looked up with shock as the wall exploded, and Venom and Blackout spilled out amid the shards of stone and mortar that flew out like shrapnel at him and Mobius before they were swallowed by Blackout's shadows. Frost Blackout, chill on the black light. Yer fuckin up my fun! The shadows dispersed to reveal Blackout subduing Venom on the ground with a spear. Venom twitched beneath the pole, and struggled against the blade that pierced him, and penetrated the stone beneath him. Frost looked with surprise that quickly grew to bemusement. Spiderman? You've been working out. Frost Seems you've been loading up on the carbs.

Venom looked up and growled. Then looked at his feet and smiled. Frost looked down to see why Venom was smiling, and was shocked. Mobius was gone. Frost Jesus, Blackout. Could you be a little less thoughtful? Cause it's really starting to fuck with me. Jesus. An' my sentry just sent for mother. Venom Aww... Is mommas boy in trouble? Venom snickered at Frost, not attempting to rise. disgust, and made a mock smile. Frost looked down at Venom with

Frost Yeah. Momma's gonna be a little pissed with me, now. play thing.

On the bright side, I got a new

Frost began to stretch his Cheshire grin and ripple. Blood droplets floated from him, as dots in the air around him, as his flesh became red liquid. Venom stared at the collection of animated blood droplets imitating Frosts body perfectly. Down to his Cheshire smile.

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Cut To: Interior-Day Citadel-Dark Catacombs Blaze and Whistler walked with the surviving defectors in search for an exit. Whistler I'm tellin' you, we should a made a left back there with the demons. Blaze They walked down a corridor with the same symbol that marked the one that monster walked out of. Whistler Yeah, but they looked positively petrified when they read the inscriptions over this tunnel. Blaze Whistler, trust me. The dread I felt in walking down this tunnel is nothing compared to what I felt from the other. There's power here. I'm just not as worried.
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Whistler That's comforting. Cut To: Interior Citadel-Catacombs-Ancient Dungeon Come across a solitary cell. Within it, an old man, long of beard was chained there. Around his head, a halo of sorts glimmered dimly in the dark with eight fine star specks. Whistler Jesus. Blaze They're starving him to death. Get some K-rations an' water out. Whistler Alright, but K-rations would probably kill a civilian. Blaze Hurry, he doesn't look like he can last much longer. Merlin Not so, my child. I am merely old. Blaze God... What happened to you? How did you get here? Merlin Have a care, Johnny Blaze. Your need to demand answers and fight to preserve what you believe is just and proper is what brought the arch fiend into your midst, when you were so very young. God answers nothing. He merely is. But his nemesis... He will tell you anything. Whistler How bout who the fuck are you? Is that a good one? Merlin Ah. So the Whistler speaks? Odd, you dont whistle, any more... Quite right, introductions are in order. I am Merlin, once the guardian of this reality. Now, merely protector of the dragons stone. Yet, I remain a servant of man. And as for your wondering over how long I have had the company of stone and shadow, I can only say it has been millennia. Blaze Why? Merlin Mine was the same sin as my newest replacement; for daring to speak against the order of
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things. I, much like your Strange played with the tapestry once too often. I was to be punished by my betters, who after seeing me rush about far too often in my arrogance, began to hold a distain toward me similar to my enemies. And I was chained here. My powers were stripped from me. Only my vision was left to me. And, like a man who loses his hearing, sees all the more clearly... My minds eye has watched the world drift by in a maddening detail. Blaze You know Strange? Merlin Personally? No. But we have met before. Blaze I don't understand. Merlin My child, the universe is far larger than even you have knowledge of. For you are the master of roads. But some who walk the roads see the doorways to new roads you have no perception of seeing. A mage of my order sees all time stretched out before him. He can witness the beginning of all things, and its end; the time when even all souls will perish. Strange has walked the world in the light of my younger years, as I have walked in his. Sometimes, we have even noticed each others existence in our passing. It is usually understood that each mage has reasons for consuming the energy required to make such journeys, and they are left to their own accord. One who knows the way needs no help on the journey. More often than not, assistance would only aid in their folly. Blaze Well one thing's for sure... You sure talk like Strange. Whistler I was just gonna say talks strange. Merlin Your outlooks will change in time. And my words will ring true in those moments. Whistler and Blaze traded a look. Whistler MerlinMerlin I understand that time for you, and an infinite multitude of others, living and not yet born, is of the essence. I have a gift that will serve you well in the next coming hours, but you must swear to deliver it to Strange the instant you return. It is of great import. Blaze Uh, sure. What is it?
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Merlin I have owed a debt of kindness due to a favor Strange's master attempted to perform. A young and respected mage who once paid visit and offered water. It was long ago. And I have no need of food or drink. But I appreciated his kindness. So childlike... Strange has done an admirable job. However he must take care. He errs close to meeting with similar fortune as mine. However, I fear he has accomplished far more through manipulation and deception than I had through my arrogance. Come forward, Johnny Blaze. Blaze stepped forward, and knelt before the kindly face. cloth and produced a six inch by two leather pouch. Merlin reached into his loin

Merlin I must consign upon you yet another duty, noble Blaze. I must appoint you with the task of delivering this item to the hands of Doctor Steven Strange. Only he will know what to do with it. Only he could wield it justly. Blaze opened the pouch, and let the content fall into his hand. Merlin eyed him knowingly and nodded with silent awe. Merlin (continued) Yes... you feel the flame of the dragon within it, don't you? Such is the dragons heart. Its very blood burns. Blaze... you are a living entity tainted with hellfire. The stone will be grateful to you, for the warmth you provide it after so long from the sun. The stone is the founding rock of my powers. Without it, I can finally fade to the realm of dreams. It will aid you as you near the final stage of your trial. Your journey. Blaze But what is it? Merlin Light in the dark... Light in the dark... Blaze tucked the pouch into his pocket. The stars around Merlins head began to fade, and flicker in the dark, and a resigned smile took his face. Merlin (continued) Now go. My time is done. Now. A single arrow pierced Merlins chest. Merlin doubled over, exhaled harshly as he died. Blackout stood near them, flanked by vampire soldiers. He laid the crossbow over his shoulder. Blackout Truer words were never spoken. Take them. The vampires rushed them as the blackness stretched over them.
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Cut To: Interior-Day Citadel-Chamber of Lilith Lilith I consigned you with one duty. One mission: To safeguard my wishes. To uphold my decrees. A mission which short of death, you have never failed in... Until today. You found the creature Mobius alive, yet you did not bring him to me. Worse, you lost my prize. Have you any explanations? Frost Mother, I did as I was told. I found him, and took him to prepare him. To make the torn and bloodied beast more presentable to the Queen of the Realm, and the Realms to come. Lilith But you didn't, did you? You failed me. You have proven your worthlessness to me, and I see my fondness for you above all my other children has made you weak. I can think of no greater punishment for your transgressions than to remove you forever more from my sight. Frost You think I care? I don't. Blade stepped forward and put his hand out, barring Frost from Lilith. Blade Hold your tongue when you address my mother, brother. Frost Shut the fuck up, Blade. We can do this right now, if you want. But even now, you still can't touch this.

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Lilith Come, most favored. Let the insolent whelp weep and rail at the loss of love. Listen and revel in his defeat as you are raised above all others. Blade returned to Liliths side, and sat with a kingly dignity. her off. Frost scoffed, and waved

Frost Mother, your children may fawn for your attentions, but it is my handling of your business affairs, not my devotions that has earned my keeping of the seat and position I hold. I have duties yet to attend to, and missions currently underway that I have not yet seen brought to fruition. I intend to keep my seat of power by any means necessary. Blade stepped forward with determination, and was stopped by the wave of Liliths hand. Lilith stared down on him in a feigned broken hearted rage. Lilith You dare speak to me so? Your own mother? The one who gave you life? Apparently you forget the old adage the one who gives life can also take it back. Frost That won't happen. You need me. None of your other spineless children would know the first thing about the duties I perform, daily. They would fumble around like blind rats in the dark and do more damage than aid. Your new most favored is already a failure on the battlefield. Your great house would grow dilapidated and barren without me. Kill me out of pride and rage if you wish it. We both know you can. And you would have the right for my insolence. Love me, dont love me... It matters little to me. But my duties are clear to me. And protecting this great house is my first responsibility. So I will squeeze information out of any I choose to if it brings me closer to the answers I believe are there. I believe Mobius has information to an assault that has not yet taken place. I will track down the albino and torture him until he gives me the information I know is within his mind. Lilith But if he becomes my kin, he will give me this knowledge freely. Frost Will he, now? Has Blade? Oh, I'm sorry... Famine. I've fought Blade before. And the body I inhabit has intimate knowledge on his capabilities. I believe he is capable of leading armies to victory. Yet he was routed by one vampire. I've seen this one vampire before being augmented defeating entire armies with no aid. Blade What do you accuse me of? Frost Sabotage. I do not believe you are at all loyal to the mother of us all. I believe you will betray us the first chance you get.
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Blade stepped forward and struck Frost across the face with a back hand slap that sent blood from his mouth. The blood droplets froze in air, and quickly returned to Frost. Frost began to grow red and liquid when Lilith rose and raised her hand in anger. Lilith Stop this, both of you. This subtly veiled attempt to fight over the position of most favored will not be tolerated. Not at least when my prize is out there. Free. Three invaders infiltrated our Citadels defenses twice in the past few days. And you have done little more than Famine, La Magra. You are quite right in this, however... Both of you have failed me. The question remains, what will I do with these failures? To punish one, means to punish the other. The main doors to the chambers of Lilith flung open, and Blackout strode in with three files of soldiers. Lilith What is the meaning of this interruption? Blackout My apologies, great mother. La Magra had informed me to bring the two prisoners to you after being perfumed to suit your discerning tastes. Lilith And what two prisoners would these be? Blackout The crippled warrior Blade assists and the apprentice of the Ghost Rider. Blackout snapped his fingers, and the black brigadiers carried the unconscious Whistler and Blaze to the feet of Lilith, where they were dropped. Lilith looked up to Frost with a troubled surprise. Blackout La Magra, my lord... Your gift has been presented. I will return to my search in yours and the great mothers name. Frost Carry on, General. Blackout bowed, clicked his heals as he saluted as a Nazi form of Roman centurion and walked out of the room in a proud gait. Frost tried to cover his amusement. Lilith Why were they not brought to me at once? Frost They were battered from interrogations. They needed quince peel salves from the great tree to heal. Looking upon blemishes is nothing for the mother to see.

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Lilith And the information? Frost Only enough to further my suspicions. They raved in a madness. Impossible to discern beyond a moderate degree. For the moment, your most favored is free from my critical eye. Lilith La Magra... I am at a loss for words. Frost Great mother, as I said. My duties are paramount. For without these chores I perform, you would enjoy your greatness little, being mired by the bureaucracy. I could not bring myself to introduce my gift prematurely. I did not wish it to be assumed I laid these wretches as an excuse for perceived failings. Lilith La Magra, you shame me. Frost Not at all. It is my love and devotion that drives me to act. Receiving praise means little to me. So long as my increasing power allows me to better serve. My manipulations will be better put to use providing you wealth in the world of conquest than in the interpolitics of sibling rivalries. It matters little to me, this childish contest for petting. Lilith Had I a thousand sons as steadfast and devoted as you, I would still be diminished without you [beat] my most favored. Frost Great mother [beat] if you will excuse me, I still have one to extract information from, and another to hunt. Lilith Go, my child. Go and serve my name. Without another word, Frost held his head low in a bow, and strode out of the Hall of Lilith. Blade gripped his chest in pain, and shuddered. Lilith (continued) Come now, Famine. Enough, with your pains. Come to my bosom, and be healed. You are still my second favorite. Blade collapsed into her bosom, and kissed her breasts. Lilith seemed to swoon at Blades kisses, and held him closer with a surprised ecstatic thrill. Lilith (continued) There is much you could learn from La Magra. But in this form of devotion, I confess,
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you have no equal. Lilith put her head back in ecstasy, and pulled Blade deeper on top herself. Blade (V.O.) For the first time in my life, I feel whole. Complete. betrayed everything I am. Why do I feel so weak? I've

Cut To: Interior-Day Citadel-Great Hall Frost walked toward Blackout with an angry look on his face. Frost stopped before him and stared darkly into Blackouts eyes in a rage. Blackout smiled widely. Frost burst out laughing, and they pounded each others fists in a jovial dap. Frost ...Crippled Warrior whom Blade assists...? Blackout ...Carry on, General...? Frost Nice performance. Blackout Why thank you, my lord. Frost Thanks, man. You really saved my ass in there. Blackout Nigga, its all good. Frost Cool. Just do me a favor? Blackout Sup? Frost Next time, a little less Nazi in the salute. Blackout You think that was over doing it? Frost I almost peed in my dress, back there, trying not to laugh. Blackout
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Sorry, bro. Frost We found Casper, yet? Blackout Not yet. Y'know, for a pale ass mother fucker he's proving real hard to find in shadows? Frost Well, keep at it. If Blade gets him first, I'm gonna have to find another way to secure position as top dog. Blackout Word. Frost Call me if anything comes up. Blackout Where'll you be? Frost Slave girls. Good to be king. Frost walked down the hall with a skip in his step. Blackout grinned wryly at Frost, then waved to his guards, who followed him down the hall.

Cut To: Interior-Day

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Citadel-War room Lilith walked into the war room to see Zarathos sitting, and Blackout standing at his area. Lilith took her throne and leaned forward toward the circular stone table they stared at. Zarathos sat on a saddle seat staring above the stone table. Before them, a transparent sun seemed to form. Through it, they watched as the earth manifest in the fires to startling clarity. They watched the cities and nations with a studious mood. Zarathos The time of battle arrives soon. How are preparations? Lilith My nephalim children reach a stock of legions, each commanded by a one who proved Alpha and most favored. Their largest ranks are vampire foot soldiers and demons. The fight will be swift, and the populations overwhelmed within a matter of days, thanks to the gateway. The population by months end will unleash millions to ravage the cities and country sides. Blackheart Do not become over congratulatory before even the first volley has been sent. Zarathos Honored partner... Do you have something to add? Blackheart Our first point of conquest is a waste. Manhattan? All we will do is irritate the Government of one nation, while many remain. Our war will be guerilla at best. Zarathos We have bodies a plenty to throw at them. Let us begin against the nations by taking deep root in their soils. Lilith Yes, I agree. Though I feel the capitols are the keys. Zarathos What do you propose, co-regent? Blackheart Wipe out their militaries, yes. But I feel Genosha should be laid to waste, first. With the majority of heroes off the planet, our main threat will be posed on that island. Zarathos The human mutations? You feel they will be a threat? Lilith My children would make fodder of them. Blackheart Some hold powers that would bring the Celestials to pause. It is there, the first strike
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would be best placed. Zarathos Sound in reason. Yes. But Manhattan has proven to be the heart of the greatest nation of that sphere. Without the heart, the brain is confused, then dies in seclusion. I feel our presence will be best felt there. Blackheart I feel the planning is flawed. Remember, we seek to take an entire dimension. Not only one sphere in it. You are planning the attack on a city. Not even a nation. And note; humans prove more resilient than you give credit. Attack their militaries as one. Open the gates directly inside their fortresses, and commit to slaughter. Without the planets militaries, there will only be civilians, unskilled in war. All the easier to mollify. Zarathos I wish to secure my throne, first. And it will be there. My citadel, built on the corpses of my enemies. Those I once fought along side, when the will of Mephisto still held sway over me. My desire is to take the stronghold of Strange, who formed the Defenders. To spit in the face of the protectors of the sphere, and give a real reason for the Watcher to take up attendance. From there, attacking where we please will be merely a matter of choice. From this, I will not be moved. Lilith It should only take a day to achieve sure control of the island. From there, the rest is easy enough. Blackheart I disagree. I believe your arrogance will commit you to untold losses. And the needless depopulation of our combined forces. However, I respect this union, and it is clear my opinion and tactics have been out ruled by a majority to the contrary. Since my voice goes unheeded, I will simply observe from the side lines. Have your way. Zarathos rose and beckoned Blackheart to join him in his stride toward the massive crystal double doors. Zarathos Blackheart... Son of my enemy. Come. Zarathos stepped out through the great glass doorway leading to the luxurious balcony. Cut To: Exterior-Day War Room- Balcony A great balcony oversees the forming gateway to the human world. The legions stand at ready, as more near the gates. Mages stand with the troops. One per legion. Zarathos Do you think I would be unprepared for such eventualities as combat? Do you think I would plan to assault an army only to arrange my own defeat? I have prepared for each eventuality well in advance. Each result carefully plotted to recover for the expense to be paid to my pride. Do you understand how much power it takes to breach the realm of
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Hell? Considerable. These mages are capable of performing grand scale craft. They are quite capable of protecting my legions from the crude ballistic weapons of the humans. Blackheart It would seem you have planned well for every countermeasure at the expense of your pride. I am humbled by your scope of vision. You have stretched farther than I would have given you credit for. Blackheart turned away, and said no more. His words praised, though a chuckle escaped. Zarathos admired his troops, and whet anticipation kept him from noticing Blackhearts irony. Lilith Before this undertaking commences, I feel I would be remiss if I did not demure to the old ways for a moment. Zarathos, remember when we were once young, and sacrifices were offered to the gods on the eve of battle? Fellow lords. I would like to present a gift for sacrifice I feel would please quite nicely. Zarathos looked past Lilith and noticed the servants of Lilith forcing Whistler and Blaze to their knees in the throne room. Zarathos Lilith. I am set beside myself. I agree. These are ripe and fine sacrifices. Ones befitting the gods of war. Lilith Your praise pleases my ears, Soul Devourer. Sacrifice this soul to any you choose. To war, or to yourself. Zarathos Always, myself. Let us prepare the ritual.

Cut To: Interior-Day Loft of Strange-Study Strange sat Indian style, floating three feet above the floor, as cards floated on the air just within his reach. He flipped through the cards of Destiny. Rintrah entered behind Strange, limping and bruised. Rintrah My master... The time draws near, and the chosen ones verge on folly. Strange Have faith, my apprentice. The day has not yet faded to night.
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Rintrah Should I go to that realm and give aid? Strange No, your time is done. Theirs is just beginning. Rintrah But the little black vampire... The others... Strange I have already summoned my countermeasures. It is merely time to remind the other players to participate. Strange uncrossed his legs, and allowed the tips of his toes to touch the floor. stepped forward and left the cards floating in the air to consult his crystal ball. moved his hand over it, and shut his eyes. Strange (continued) Leave me. I do not wish you here. Rintrah As you wish, my master. Strange breathed deeply and closed his eyes. The crystal orb began to swirl and glow. Arcane Voice Why have you called me? Will you serve me? Only me? Strange You know my answer. Arcane Voice Then do not summon me. Strange ... It is time... Arcane Voice ... I will do my part. As for your use of the Eye of Arkaan... A fine crack appeared through the heart of the crystal ball that sent a shock through Strange, and he shook a pain out of his hand. Arcane Voice Do not use it again. Unless you choose to serve me... The crystal ball shattered. A small black dot pulled wind and all manner of objects into it,
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He He

until the shards of the crystal ball collapsed into the small dot and vanished. Strange fought his own fear, and managed to retreat into a reserved manner, letting only a tear to show his life threatened fear was even present. Strange Well... That went well. Strange shook the sensation back into his hand as he walked to the edge of a pillar, lifting his legs from the floor and folding them Indian style, once again. He rested his hands on his thighs and rose to the top of the pillar. The top of the pillar was polished and smoothed out, with a pentacle engraved with Arabic and Hebrew symbols on and around the design. Strange floated over the pillar, coming to a rest three feet over the pentacle, and three feet below the ceiling. With a dismissive wave of his hand, the ceiling faded away to space, and a swirling aurora energy spun around him in a sphere, protecting him from the harsh environment. Strange raised his hands in front of him, and a spark of light began to flicker before him. Strange (continued) -Now to allow the chosen ones their time to complete their duty to the light. Strange took a deep breath, and began to chant a mantra.

Cut To: Interior-Day Citadel-Ceremonial Hall In the room of bloody sacrifice, at the last floor in the tallest spire of the citadel. The room was dark and made of a blue and grey coal like stone. Chiseled stone and black metal shaped out mutilation scenes using corpses as actors on the walls. Demonic shapes were chiseled on the pillars in subservient positions before the thrones. Before the thrones, were grey stones polished and sanded to allow the perfect shapes of human ankles, knees and feet indented into the ground before them. It was there, that Blaze and Whistler were chained to the ground. Pinned before the thrones before them. The room was set up completely based on perception. From the lords, where they sat, the world seemed right. From the slaves and sacrifices, the room was perceived differently, solely based on where they stood, and what position they were in. The subservient demon pillars seemed to threaten the sacrifices, and smack their lips in hunger and anticipation. Zarathos and Lilith stood at their divisions preparing their individual sacrifices with a joy they seldom feel. Zarathos (In a Chillingly Gleeful Oration)
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Long, has it been since the name of Zarathos was known to the realm of man. Long, have they walked without fear of the night. The cattle have prospered in my absence. The herds have multiplied and made themselves the dominant species, as the jinn sought. But even the jinn abandon the humans. Even the presence is little more than a whisper in the wind on their plane. Something barely felt and quickly dismissed. Their new ways are nearing a great abyss [beat] An abyss they will be herded into [beat] An abyss breathing nothing of hope for them [beat] A great fall where even the immortal soul will breathe no more. It is from the abyss, I laugh at them. It is from the abyss I open my mouth wide and accept their sacrifices. The cattle will return to their original purpose... The sating of my appetite. And all begins with the first... The first of many I will drink. Blaze, my most hated brother... My most despised prison... It is your soul I will drink with the most relish. So sweet a nectar, I will never sup again. I would keep you a thousand lifetimes as men horde grape wine. But I will be satisfied in knowing my prison is forever leveled to the rocks it once rested on. How I will enjoy this drink... How I will enjoy the world to come. How I will enjoy the painstaking efforts to reshape the very look of the earth to a more fitting place for the Arch Duke of the city Dis. I will make ashes of the former Eden. I will break the populations into a dull witted subservience that even the jinn will rebuke. I will break the spirit, torment the physical, and drink the manna. I will do this daily. Eden will burn at my hand. And beneath my iron fist, it will yield only soldiers and food for my armies. It is from the plane of Eden that we will march into Hell. And we will obliterate it. Mephistopheles was correct. There can only be one hell. So I will destroy his, and remake my own. And I will rule it. Blaze knelt chained by the throat to the sacrificial altar in a daze. He jerked his head back to cognizance and looked over to Whistler. Whistler knelt slumped into an awkward sitting position, his matted hair hanging to the floor. Blaze Whistler. You still with me? Whistler Unfortunately. Look, Im pretty fucked up, here. Im just gonna chill here, and wait for the bitch to kill me. If Im really lucky, I earned a lot of brownie points with the man upstairs, and Ill be fucked to death. Blaze Whistler, will you shut up, and listen for a minute? I need you to focus. Can you see anything? Door, a key, a weapon you can use? Anything... Whistler Too dark, or too dazed from the fuckin beatings. Either way, I cant see shit. Blazes face seemed enlightened, and he quickly turned to search himself. Blaze Light in the dark, huh? Blade reached in awkward positions, fighting to reach far enough, despite the restraints as
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he searched to find if the dragons heart was still in his pocket. Whistler looked at Blaze with annoyance. Whistler What the fuck are you doing? Blaze Seeing if thisll do. Whistler Well, Marvin better notve been jerking us around. With a heavy sigh, Blaze pulled it out from his duster pocket, and held it in his hand. Blaze Merlin. And hes not the type to lie. He was an aggressive man. He actively sought to reshape the universe to a better place. He played the same game as Strange. He just did it with a baseball bat. Blaze craned his head back, trying to see if the stone bore any sign of power. All it did was pulse a low light. Nothing extraordinary. Nothing impressive. Whistler put his head down and groaned. Whistler Its not working. Blaze Its gotta work. It better work. Whistler Im just gonna wait to die, now. Wake me when its over, okay? The double doors to the ceremony room opened with the groan of stone. Whistler looked up with a battered and bloody face to see the vampire guard standing in the doorway. They parted, and a file of priests walked the bones of the Ghost Rider to the balcony, and arranged them in a pentacle over his leather garb and chains, with the skull facing the scene of ceremony. Whistler This is really gonna suck. [beat] Blaze Where the fuck is Mobius and Venom? Frost Funny you should mention Venom. Blaze and Whistler looked up at Frost, who smiled as he brought their attention to their left. There, a wide pool of blood made a perfect circle, and did not break. With a raise
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of his palm, Frost made the pillar reach near the ceiling. As it rose, the pillar grew slim, and within it an object became more and more apparent as the blood pillar pulled even tighter around the object in the center. The cylinder stretched into a twenty foot tall, four foot wide column of blood. In the center of it, Venom floated lifeless. Whistler and Blaze put their heads down. Blaze This is really gonna suck... Blaze gripped the dragons stone tightly, and in his hand the center of the blood stone began to grow a low deep red that slowly increased in hue to a lighter tone, with each pulse of the stones energy. Cut To: Interior-Day Loft of Strange-Study Strange chanted his mantra with a growing intensity and power he rarely employs. The field around him seemed to grow more and more luminescent as he squeezed his eyes, and the eye of Agammoto opened wide and burned a star on his chest. Cut To: Interior-Day Citadel-Ceremonial Hall Lilith sat upon her throne before the altar, next to Zarathos. Frost stood authoritatively next to Lilith in fine imperial robes representing a warrior of noble lineage, as Blade skulked like a dog by her feet. The priests before them chanted, and moved their hands in beautiful patterns leaving arcane energies following their motions like the prismic tails of comets. They watched as the energies seemed to attack Whistler and Blaze. They seemed pleased as the two men groaned, and coughed blood from their lungs. Smoke poured from them, and wounds appeared as if they were assaulted by powerful beings. All that was seen was the ripples of energy, like blankets in the wind, giving only the silhouette of an attacker on the other side, and the shape of an arm or a foot made by the cloth bending around it. Cut To: Interior-Day Ceremonial Hall- Great Doors. The double doors slammed open, as Blackout strode into the Hall bringing two files of soldiers who carried Mobius into the chamber for Frost to deliver to Lilith. Frost saw this, and waved his hands, silently ordering them to leave. Lilith looked back, and saw Mobius, beaten and cut. Lilith (Silently Stunned) What is this? Frost slapped his hand to his head, and lowered his head in annoyance. Frost Oh, shit... Lilith (Soft annoyance rang in her voice)
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La Magra, I ordered no harm to the Mobius creature. Frost feigned a smile, and raised his hand in mock appreciation to Blackout that quickly faded to disgust. Frost Thanks, man. Lilith La Magra, why is the Mobius creature damaged? Frost put his head down, and scratched his cheek to think of an answer. think to do was joke. Frost (said with a scoff) ...He was probably talking shit. All he could

Blaze looked from Mobius to Frost in a dizzy state. As his eyes neared Frost, he noticed movement within the column of blood. Venom seemed to blink and smile. Blaze looked back in disbelief to see Venom appeared unchanged. Dead in every way. Lilith (a curious song quivered in her voice) And why have you been speaking like the humans, lately? What transformation have you been undergoing? Listening to the sound of Liliths voice in her berating tones and innuendo grated Frost to the point he cringed and eyed the ground in annoyance. Lilith spat her words like a hushed disgust. Lilith (Spat in a whisper) So secretive. So distant. It was in that moment, that something in him snapped. Frost Aw, fuck it. Thats because I am human, honey. Yer kid decided he didnt wanna deal being away from you, so he bonded with me because he knew I didnt give a shit about you. He wanted to stop the pain. Ya fucked up, psycho ass, bitch! Blade looked up in a slow disgust for the master who spat at his mother. Frozen by a mounting rage, Blade tensed every muscle like a cat warning a predator, and hissed, showing all his teeth, his whole mouth, and down the back of his throat. Lilith (feigning broken heartedness) You dare speak so to me? Your own mother? Frost Not my mother, sister. She died in the fifties. Dont get me wrong, I enjoy fucking you, but your son; he needed a pair between his legs. So, he chose to marry me. Were one body, now. And hes been enjoying the fuck outta it. I think its the first time he ever
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really enjoyed fucking the slave girls, you had him so whipped. Lilith (Hissed in a building indignant rage) How dare you speak to me, so? Frost Yeah, Im talkin to you this way. So fucking what? You got everything you wanted, and I got it for you. Not only that, I know why Im the most favored. Out of all the pussies trying to get the title, La Magra had the most balls. You marry outside the family, youre gonna get children with more balls than that. Me? I got the biggest balls in town. Im not worried. Now lets get back to business. I got shit to do. Lilith (Hissed with Scorn) How dare you, speak to me this way? Frost Angry sex? Im down with that. Lilith (Coldly) La Magra, I cannot afford the time to deal with your intolerable behavior. But you will most assuredly be punished. Like none before you. Frost Aw, gee... Dont take the pussy away; thatd just kill me. Liliths eyes glowed a flaming white. Lilith (Calm Rage) Kill you? What an excellent idea. Mobius roared and snapped like a wolf, causing all to turn to glare at him. Mobius No! Let me! Frost Sorry, mom. He promised me pain unimaginable, earlier. You wanna piece o me, take a number. Ill be a minute with this. Frost walked up to the center of the great room and gestured to Blackout. Frost Yo, Blackout. Cut the freak loose. Lets see what hes got. Blackout Uh, Frost, man... You sure about this? Hes kinda a handful. Frost
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Thanks for the concern, but let the freak go, and leave the room. I got this. Blackout ...Aait... Lilith raised her hand. Lilith No. Frost, Blade, Whistler, Blaze, Blackout, Mobius, and Zarathos No? Lilith Neither death is palatable to me. Lilith walked in stride toward Mobius and neared Frost. Zarathos looked on with disappointment, as if preparing to wipe a chess board clean from the lack of a challenge his opponent presented him with. Lilith (continued) Mobius will be brought before me after the ceremony. La Magra will be punished in other ways. Frost What, no boom-boom? Lilith turned to Frost and grabbed him as if she were a vampire herself. A white light burned from her eyes into his and Frost jerked back and away from her. A white flame traveled from his mouth and into hers. Frost What the fuck was that? Lilith You wish to be most favored? You must now prove your worth to me. Frost Havent I already done that? Lilith La Magra has, time and again. As you have already claimed, however, you are a new entity. You must prove yourself. Only then will I grant you power. Frost With your kids? Thisll be easy. Bring em on. Frost grew dizzy and swooned. Frost (continued) What the fuck?
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Frost heard drops of liquid. He turned to see the blood column warping and bulbing into a circular blob that threatened to break, altogether. He strained, and raised his hand to keep the column of blood solid. Lilith Your powers will diminish until I deem you worthy of salvation. And then, you must prove yourself worthy of ruling. That is my decision. Your task begins... now. Zarathos I grow weary of this inter family quibble. Kill them, spare them. It matters little to me. Let the ceremony continue. I hunger... Lilith I agree... I trust there will be no more interruptions? Frost (said quickly) No, mother. Frost gestured with annoyance to Blackout who held his head low, and with a shrug chained Mobius to the wall to witness, then turned away to hide his laughter. Lilith Together, then? Zarathos What a fine idea. Lilith smiled to herself, and Zarathos seemed to return the affection of a gaze, then turned to stand over Blaze with a determination in his voice. Lilith stood over Whistler with a knife, and cut him across the cheek making a similar declaration with a solemness in her tones. Zarathos Let this offering appease the embodiment of hunger and rage. Of avarice and eternal death. The god of war, rape and murder. Let it appease me... Lilith Let my offering be made by my will and manna. Let it appease whatever spirit would aide me. If there is none, let it give me strength. If not strength, let it give me satisfaction. Zarathos raised his hand over Blazes head and the hand began to glow. Again, Blaze grew weak, and seemed he would fall over. From Blaze, a seeming figure of light seemed to fight the hand of Zarathos. Zarathos seemed pleased by the fight in the soul of Blaze. Frost watched the soul fight to stay within Blaze with a twisted pleasure. Lilith looked over at Whistler, and smiled, wickedly. Lilith Famine... This one displeases me. Drain him dry... Devour the rest.
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Zarathos hand pulled back, just as Blazes soul seemed on the verge of surrendering to the oblivion of Zarathos grasp and slipped quickly back into his body. He fell down panting hard, as a sweat poured from his efforts. He scarcely noticed the stone burning ever brighter in his pocket. And no one noticed the flame that grew from the bones of the Ghost Rider. Zarathos turned from Blaze to watch how Lilith chose to sacrifice her lamb. Zarathos watched in silence as Blade rose, and tested his footing in an apparent effort in killing Whistler. Zarathos The devoted son murders the father... Lilith, I had no idea how vicious and cruel you could be. Zarathos stared on in shock and then nodded his approval contemplatively. Zarathos (continued) ...I approve. Lilith grinned as Blade made his first steps toward Whistler. Cut To: Interior-Day Loft of Strange-Study Strange chanted his mantra, and did not open his eyes. Over the chanting, a whisper came from the mouth of Strange. Strange Eric, Awaken. Cut To: Interior-Day Citadel-Ceremonial Hall Blade stood at a predators stance, and let his teeth grow long and fanged. His fingers grew wildly long, and taloned, as did his toes. In his animal mode, he seemed to pause, and whined as a dog confused between two masters. Lilith Wretched cur, did you not hear me? Slay the aging crippled one. Cut To: Interior-Day Loft of Strange-Study Strange chanted his mantra. Over the drone of the spell, Stranges eyes opened and grew hard and stern. His voice was more a command. Strange Eric, Awaken. Cut To: Interior-Day Citadel-Ceremonial Hall Blade tensed, and seemed dazed. As if waking from a nightmare in even more frightening
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surroundings. Blade exhaled hard, and whispered out of breath, as he searched himself in a sweat to discern what he was actually going to do when he reached Whistler. Blade I cannot. Zarathos grew skeptical, and Lilith sensed his disappointment in her abilities. Zarathos turned away. Liliths' eyes glowed, and burned into Blade. Lilith You, my most favored, deny me as well? Blade I cannot kill this one. I refuse. Mother, let me kill the fire haired one. Lilith But I do not wish him dead. I wish him to fulfill the need of Zarathos' bloodlust. You need to feed, do you not? Is this one too old for your pallet? Blade I refuse to kill this one. The light in Liliths' eyes trickled up past her forehead as she scowled at Blade. Blade's legs moved against his efforts to restrain himself. Blade seemed amazed, with every determined step he took. For all who witnessed, he seemed vicious, cold and rabid. His eyes and how he cried out were the only shards of evidence to the contrary. Zarathos and Frost seemed to smile as they watched the display. Lilith This is not a request, wretch. This is a command. slaughter him. You will obey me. You will feed on him. You will

Blade seemed a monster stomping through Tokyo. He swung his arm down and tore across Whistlers face. The next blow hit Whistler with such force, Whistlers chains snapped, and he was sent across the floor. Blade (Whispered) ...Please, help me... Blade seized up and began to shake from the effort of restraining himself. Blade Whistler! I can't stop myself! Run! Whistler rose to his elbows, and craned his good eye to Blade. Whistler stared at his legs and realized he could not run. Nor could he fight.

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Whistler Ah, shit... With a sigh, he looked up at Blade and screamed out his encouragement. Whistler Fight it, kid! You can do this! Don't give up on me now! Blade seemed to swoon, and marched angrily toward Whistler. before slamming him to the ground and choking him. Blade throttled Whistler

Whistler You can do this, kid. I believe in you. Just try. I'm dyin' here, kid. Hurry the fuck up an' try. A tear rolled down his cheek as his teeth elongated. Blade ...I'm sorry. Cut To: Interior-Day Citadel-Loft of Strange Strange looked up from his chanting and began to grow bright gold. Strange My presence is needed. I must go to him. Wait... I sense something. I sense... Light? Cut To: Interior-Day Citadel-Ceremonial Hall Blaze squeezed the dragons heart stone, and he seemed restored. His eyes revealed a focus and his breathing was calm. The light from the stone went into him and traveled through the very floor to all in the room. To Zarathos and Lilith who scarcely noticed, to the bones of the Ghost Rider, to the column of blood, to Mobius, Whistler and Blade. Frost seemed disoriented for a moment. He leaned against a wall, and noticed a drop of blood escape his nose. Frost What the fuck was that? Behind him, the column of blood wavers again. It splashes against the ground and floods the room, washing against everyone. Venom was not seen in the flood of blood. Zarathos looked down at the blood and eyed Frost. Frost Hey, I dont fuckin know, ask my fuckin mom!

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Blade threw Whistler across the room, where he landed head first into a marble column. Blade charged, and reached out for Whistler. Blades face grew long and sharp as his eyes yellowed over. His mouth opened, and his teeth were far longer than they had ever been. Lilith saw Venom seemingly materialize behind Blade out of nowhere. Lilith Famine! Blade let out a roar, and lunged at Whistlers throat, only to be restrained by black tendrils. Venom appeared next to Blade with a wry grin. Venom Pardon me... But would you like some Grey Pupon, with that? Venom grabbed Blade by the shoulder, and removed Whistler from his grip with a yank that squeezed a squeal out of Whistler. Venom threw Blade across the room, into the back of Zarathos. Lilith barked to the doorway, and rushed to Blades aid. Lilith Guards! Whistler dropped to the ground, only to be caught by the black tendrils, and eased to the cold coal stone. Whistler grabbed his neck and checked for holes, then groaned his fright away. Whistler Fuck; that was close. Venom stood over Whistler, with a protective manner as the alien face parted to reveal his human face. Venom (Brock) One more save and were even, old man. I hate owing people. Whistler I can live with that. The great double doors blew open, and guards filed in, moving toward Venom and pulled their spears and swords out. Brocks face disappeared beneath the black ooze and the alien face returned. Venom Ooh! Playtime. Twenty vampire soldiers raced to Venom, who walked toward them playfully. The soldiers came from the front, while others raced up the side of the walls and over him on the ceiling. Venom watched as the vampires stalked him and established a perimeter around him.

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Venom Decisions, decisions... Whos first? Zarathos turned to Blade, and gripped him in disgust, as he struck him. his hand and manifest the soul stealing flames from his hands. Zarathos Clod! It matters not whose child you are! Lilith No! He was assaulted. Let him redeem himself! Zarathos Your children mean nothing to me, next to my appetite. Keep your brats from my reach, and I will not deplete their population. Zarathos threw Blade across the room to Liliths feet, and raised Blaze up by the throat. Zarathos (continued) Since your children have not the ability to control the simplest of matters, I will devour my meal elsewhere. Zarathos turned and dragged Blaze toward the great doors. He walked past the balcony. On the balcony, the last of Ghost Riders bones have snapped back into place, and the leather garb refits around him in a slightly different pattern. He seemed to throw something. Zarathos noticed a fine metal object fly past him to cut the chain and embed itself in the wall behind Mobius, freeing him. Zarathos followed the trajectory of the metal star back to where it came. Ghost Rider stood in the doorway. He was hunched over, and seemed to breathe heavy. Zarathos was stunned, and stared in disbelief. Zarathos You... Ghost Rider pulled his leather gloves tighter, cracked his neck and stepped forward. Frost noticed that Mobius was free and stood apart from his mother. He walked out and checked to make sure. Frost Well, aint that a bitch. Mobius looked up in a fury and dove into Frost. Zarathos dropped Blaze to the ground, and faced Ghost Rider with disgust. They roared at each other and charged. Zarathos sent out a force wave that sent Ghost Rider back, and closed the doors behind him. Ghost Rider slammed into the massive balcony doors and shook off the assault to gain footing, again. Mobius and Frost lunged and met in Zarathos path for an instant. Zarathos lowered to a bulls charge, and made no gesture of pause. Mobius, having more power in his leap, knocked Frost back, ripping and cutting as Frost returned his cuts in kind. Zarathos collided with Ghost Rider.
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Cut To: Exterior-Day Ceremonial Hall-Balcony Ghost Rider shattered the stone and glass of the balcony doors and slammed into the stone guard railings on the balcony. He leaned forward off the railing, reaching for his chain across his chest when Zarathos slammed into him, sending him through the railing around the balcony and they both fell from the tower in a fury (Zarathos clawing Ghost Riders face, as Ghost Rider punching Zarathos in the face repeatedly), all the way to the massive balcony at the Great Hall, below. Cut To: Interior-Day Citadel-Ceremonial Hall Lilith cradled Blade in her arms. She lifted him to her breast. Lilith My son, I forgive your past transgressions to my bloodline. And all you need do to forever be most favored is serve me, now. Across the room, by the shattered doors to the balcony, Mobius and Frost slashed into each other in a fury. Mobius charged and overcame Frost, slashing at his throat, and drinking from his neck. Frost smiled. Frost Youre mine, now. Frosts wound healed instantly, and he back handed Mobius, sending him over onto his back. Frost rose, and stood over Mobius, who gripped himself, and moaned in surprise. Frost Fool. Do you have any idea what the La Magra is? Frost kicked Mobius in the face. Frost ...Well: The blood god, yeah. But more than that. Hes the first vampire... The first to create the bloodline. The father of all vampires. All the blood suckers on the face of the earth under... me. See, you opened my vein, and drank from me. That makes you mine. Giving me power to control whether you rise in power and status, or... Die. But the trick of it is; you gotta beg me to give it. Frosts right hand transformed into a collection of blood droplets perfectly imitating his hand and Mobius veins bulged all over his body. Frost I believe you got something that belongs to me, now... Just like the old days in mob collections... Im afraid Im gonna have to charge a little interest. Mobius wailed in agony as the veins began to burst, and blood spread as red bruises on the field of white. He rolled onto his stomach and clawed the stone floor.
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Frost Yknow, all this could a been avoided, if you only took my hand. But, no... You had to take the high road. Ah well... Its like they say, kid. Lifes a bitch, and then you knock one up. Frost kicked Mobius in the nose, and sent him on his back, again. Mobius roared in pain, and then panted, as his veins went down to normal size. Frost was stunned as Mobius regained control of his body. Frost What the fuck? Mobius sighed with relief. The next instant, his eyes were on Frost, and as red as his. Frost struggled to focus on Mobius, but Mobius had already charged and ripped into him. Frost fell back in stunned disbelief, and looked up at him. Mobius flicked his hair back out of his face and looked down on him. Mobius Now, where were we? Mobius grew more feral in appearance and charged into Frost in a frenzy. Across the ceremonial hall, Lilith placed her hands against Blades cheek, and held her breasts close to Blades lips. Blade seemed to take comfort from Liliths breast and became submissive. Lilith Famine, your task is not yet finished. Dispatch the cripple. Blade lingered at Liliths breast for an instant, and then rose with a rage. Blade Yes, mother. As Blade reached Whistler, a shotgun pointed at the side of his head. Blaze Sorry, kid. I don't think so. Blade tried to turn to bite Blaze. All Blade heard were gunshots, and fire rushed before his eyes. Red rushed over his eyes, as his vision blurred and tilted to the ground before the blackness took him. The vampires attacked Venom from the front, and Venom broke their necks with powerful twists. The other soldiers on the walls and ceiling lunged while the quick ones darted around behind him and lunged. Black tendrils ensnared every vampire soldier who sought to kill him by the throats, and Venom snapped every neck with a look of glee. Two vampires raced at blinding speeds. Venom snatched them by the throats and yanked, and their own momentum broke their necks. The soldiers were bodily thrown to the hallway, and Venom slapped his hands together to signify the chore was now done. Blaze stood with his back to Lilith, looking down at Blade with an
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intense focus. Lilith glared at Blaze, and a growing rage seized her for his killing Blade. She roared in a fury and charged at Blaze. A red energy field traveled around him, and she stopped dead in her tracks in amazement. Lilith No wonder Zarathos wanted to feed on this one with such relish... Blaze moved with a slow grace and a facial expression that revealed both sadness and clarity as he turned and pointed the shotgun at her. He fired and the blasts knocked her back. She rose with the smoke from the energy blasts rising off her marble skin. Lilith I know this energy... Lilith studied Blaze, and noticed the red stone in his hand. Lilith He wields the dragons heart. Blaze fired on her, and Lilith moved like a cat up the wall, and down to the great double doors. He shouted to the guards, and they filed in as she dropped among their numbers for shields. Lilith retreated from the ceremonial hall with disgust, and marched along the corridor. Spotting Blackout, she summoned him before her, ordering him to follow down a massive spiraling staircase. Lilith You! What is your rank? Blackout General. Lilith Excellent. Take command. Deploy the troops to through the portal. By command of the great mother Lilith. Inform my son Nathaniel to come to me, and bring his little brothers with him. He has never failed me, before. Blackout What about Fros... I mean, La Magra... My lady. Lilith La Magra is lost to me. As is Famine. My two newest children are failures, and my most beloved will not survive the day. Inform Nathaniel, his success will prove he is worthy of being most favored. Blackout By your command. Lilith Go. Time is of the essence.
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Cut To: Interior-Day Great Corridor One of the vampire lieutenants walked next to Blackout in the pack. Lieutenant What transpires, my lord? Blackout Betrayal. Bad business. It seems well have to step up our plans. nephalim to deal with Frost and the others. Lieutenant So? Blackout Send a man to notify the nephalim of Liliths message. The Lieutenant waved to a soldier, who nodded and raced off. Lieutenant Done. The troops? Small change in plans. Blackout Ill handle it. Just back my play. Lilith wants the

Lieutenant Always, my lord. For the coming Frost. Cut To: Exterior Low Balcony Over Staging Ground Blackout appears. He raises his hands before the troops, who turn and cheer. Blackout Our time has come. Remember, it is better to serve in Paradise, than to be a bitch in hell. The place where I dwell is a fuckin Eden next to this shit. In your own way, you will all rule. My lord will see to that. But you will be subject before the master. The great partnership has fallen. But the time for war is here. Kill our enemies and step forward, an army. United. We are dedicated for one purpose and one end only. That all must move in cycle. The fall is here. And winter comes. We are the harbingers of the cold. We fight for the one who will wipe the impure from the stock, and leave only the pure for harvest. For the greater glory of the coming Frost. Cut To: Exterior-Day Citadel-Staging Ground The soldiers are divided between confusion and nods of understanding. Half the army kills the other half. Four mages are left. They reorganize as the vampires feed on the
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fallen. Cut To: Interior-Day Citadel-Ceremonial Hall Venom stood with his back to the others, staring at the empty doorway, and studying the silence. He seemed to crane his head as if listening to something curiously. Whistler held the nearby wall and tested his footing as he watched Blade with uneasiness. Blaze was half risen, pointing the smoking barrel of his shotgun at Blade in wait for his movement. Blade laid on the floor for a moment, in convulsions. In Blades mind, he drifted in a white void and a mantra comforted him in the warm light. In the dark reality, Blade howled in his madness, and began to shrink until his howl was a humans cry of utter desperation and rage. Blaze lifted the shotgun away in realization Blade was returning to his normal self, and Whistler let go of the wall, letting himself collapse to his side. Whistler held Blades head and shook him gently. Whistler Blade? You there? Talk to me, kid. Blade, stay with me. Blade Hey, old man. Whistler Jesus. You look like shit. Blade Feel it. You okay? Whistler Hell no, Im not okay, ya dumb ass! Ya beat the shit outta me! Blade Ill make it up to you, old man. Whistler Just dont go all Sybil on me, again, an well call it even Blade Done. Blaze Hows yer head? Blade Getting better. What was in that shot you gave me? Blaze Dragon fire, courtesy of an old friend.

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Blade I kept hearin this singin. Chantin. Felt myself changing, felt the pain [beat] But it was overwhelmed by somethin else... I felt... peace. Like bein a baby again. Strange (V.O.) Were all infants before the angels, Eric. Blade Strange? Strange walked up with a smile on his face. He shrugged, and smirked. Strange You were expecting Harry Potter? Cut To: Interior-Day Great Corridor Frost retreated down the hallway toward the Hall of Lilith. Mobius pursued. Mobius would lash out between the soldiers who constantly blocked his way, and often ripped guards in half to strike at Frost. Frost would turn and slash back. Then continue toward the hall of Lilith. Mobius was always right behind. At the great double doors to her hall, Mobius found his place to strike, and pounced on him, driving him into the doors. Cut To: Interior- Day Hall of Lilith Frost and Mobius crashed through the doors and fell into the Hall of Lilith. Frost divided between striking at Mobius and tracking his mother while Mobius hunted with undivided focus. Frost Mother! Cut To: Interior- Day Hall of Lilith-Inner Sanctum Lilith changed her apparel as servants prepared to deliver the doorway lantern on the softest, red velour, pillowed tray. The sound of the battle in her Hall was scarcely noticed. Lilith Make haste, children. And then come to me. Cut To: Interior- Day Hall of Lilith Mobius dug his claws into Frosts back, and Frost turned lashing out with a blow across Mobius face that sent him against the wall. Mobius landed on his feet and charged like a wraith, as vampire soldiers flocked to protect Frost. Frost
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Where are you? Cut To: Interior- Day Hall of Lilith-Inner Sanctum Lilith finished adorning herself with clean robes, and looked away from the arcane lantern. Her servants corpses laid all around in subservient postures as the last of her attendants, a young slave girl, no older than fifteen, held Liliths jewelry out on a pillow. The slave girl watched with a submissive gaze, childish smile and complete acceptance of her destiny, as Lilith took the jewelry from the pillow. Cut To: Interior- Day Hall of Lilith Frost stormed in his stride as Mobius reached through the column of vampire guards and bit his leg. Frost kicked Mobius away, and he hit the wall again, only ten feet higher. Mobius quickly planted his feet on the wall, and streaked downward toward Frost, only to again be swarmed by loyal soldiers. Frost Answer me! Cut To: Interior- Day Hall of Lilith-Inner Sanctum Lilith dropped the young girl she had been feeding on and glared at the voice of Frost with distain. She did not even bother to wipe the blood from her mouth as she rose to walk out of the inner sanctum. Cut To: Interior- Day Hall of Lilith Mobius tackled Frost, and Frost slashed from his back as Mobius slashed down on his face and chest. Lilith appeared and scowled on Frost. Lilith What is the meaning of this outrageous intrusion? Mobius bit into Frost and growled like an angry dog as he pinned him to the ground. Mobius shook Frost like a kitten in a pit bulls mouth. Frost fought his grip, and a mist of white froth and blood flew from his mouth. Frost Mother, Im dying! Lilith Yes, I know. Frost What did you do to me?
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Lilith You failed me. You have until the end of the day to right this terrible error you have made in planning the houses defenses. Her words caused a sudden disgust in Frost, who then reached behind him and produced a dagger, which he instantly plunged into Mobius, across his throat. Mobius choked and gargled as he fought to retrieve the dagger from inside his neck, and Frost kicked Mobius off of him. Rolling away, he stood up and barked at his mother, continuing the argument. Frost Youre blaming me? Youre the one who wanted everyone to live so you could torture them! I learned my lesson. Its quicker and easier to kill someone, than simply break them and hope they learn to see the world your way. You wanted them to live long enough to figure out whether or not you wanted to fuck them or not! I just wanted to kill them and be done with it! You brought down your own house without any help from me! I just tried to give you a parachute. Lilith looked over and noticed Mobius on his knees and elbows, struggling with his throat. Mobius removed the dagger from his throat and coughed blood out his mouth, nose and the hole in his throat. Mobius wounds began to heal, and he held his throat in wait for the wound to close, as he efforted to breathe. Lilith looked back at Frost and spoke coldly. Lilith Speak quickly. Frost The union is broken, but I have saved half of all the legions. The ones not under my command and all the priests loyal to Blackheart and Zarathos are dead. You have your army. And I have already established estates in the world of conquest. Except this time, we will overcome and rule from within. Lilith Why should I trust you? You are not my son. You merely bear his talents and skills. Frost Because I am half him. Which means I serve and love my mother. And I live and die by her whim. Only hers... Lilith stared at Frost for a long moment, and spoke not a word. Finally, she raised her hand and Frost stood taller as blood droplets rose from the floor to him and his wounds closed. Frost (continued) Thanks. But I cant be any good to you, if you keep giving and taking away, like that, mother.
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Lilith What I give you now; I cannot and will not take away. Frost So, Im gonna live? Lilith My faithful son... You will not die. I promise you. Mobius took his hand from his throat, and wiped the blood away from his sealed wound. Rising to his knees, he attempted to stand. Mobius That is where you are wrong. Lilith did not acknowledge Mobius. Her loving eyes stayed fixed on Frosts. She raised her hand and a force emanated from her, blowing Mobius through the wall and into the hall. Mobius did not move. Frost looked back to the mother and grinned.

Lilith Let no desire for another come between us, my faithful child. Go and serve my name... my first and only beloved son. Frost Yes, my mother. Frost then turned, and exited the hall of Lilith. Lilith turned and wandered back toward the inner sanctum. Cut To: Interior-Day Citadel-Great Hall Frost stepped into the hallway, and looked down at Mobius body lying there. Frost Lifes a bitch, until you get fucked by one... Then its a motherfucker... Frost walked away from Mobius, toward the corridor leading to the staging grounds. Cut To: Interior-Day Hall of Lilith-Inner Sanctum Lilith raised the doorway lantern and gazed on it as a prized jewel. Blackheart appears by Liliths side. Blackheart In full retreat, are we?

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Lilith What is the meaning of this? You faded from existence only to return at the instant of our unions folly. Blackheart Your allegiance was a failed one from the start. I merely joined your rebellious band to watch. I found it... enlightening. Lilith Betrayer Blackheart I did not betray you. You betrayed each other. I merely did not tell you what my true motive was. I now have my weapon within reach. There is no need for my forces to commit to your foolish struggle. Liliths eyes burned a brilliant fire, and her nails grew long and sharp. Blackheart (continued) Do not seek this fight, with me. You will find only folly, here. Cut To: Interior-Day Great Corridor Several Nephalim in the hall and corridors stopped and turned to race toward the Hall of Lilith. Cut To: Interior-Day Citadel Entrance-Great Double Doors Frost strolled to the great hole where the double doors once stood, leading to the staging ground. He smiled and nodded to Blackout and seemed as if he had all the time in the world. Frost stopped dead in his tracks, and his eyes glowed white. Frost ...Mother Frost turned on his heels and raced to the Hall of Lilith Cut To: Interior-Day Great Spiraling Staircase Blaze and Whistler held the way they came by firing rapid fire shots at the nephalim that attacked from behind, while Venom had the time of his life, slashing, biting and killing as he slowly made progress against the armies advancing up the staircase. Blaze Strange, if you got a plan, youd better do it, quick. Were holding on by the skin of our teeth, here. Whistler You know, your arrival an everythings appreciated only if you either get to the magic, or pick up a gun! But you walkin around like a fuckin tourist is real fuckin annoying.
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Strange Give it a moment. The armies advancing up the staircase, led by Nathaniel followed with a passion crying out In the name of the Mother as they threw themselves into the arms of death at the hands of Venom. Whistler Give what a moment? You know, Ive just about had it with your fuckin help! Do you realize I almost lost the only son I got, today? Do you have any clue? Blade looked up at Whistler in surprise, and turned away to continue firing at the nephalim who made it past Blazes shots. Nathaniel cut and clawed at Venom across the abdomen and the face, sending him back. Strange Whistler, now is not the time. Whistler Well, when would be a good fuckin time? Cause Id be dyin to figure out when that is. A nephalim lunged at Whistler, and Strange raised his hand. The resulting shockwave sent the nephalim back into his comrades, knocking them down. Strange glared at Whistler and then appeared momentarily weak, as he faded to immaterial and then returned to solid. Nathaniel raised his sword to cut Venoms head off. Venom reached up, grabbed his sword hand and glared at Nathaniel as the symbiot coated over his injuries, pulling his eye and his intestines back in. Venom growled, leaned forward and roared at Nathaniel in a fury. All the nephalim looked up in a start and their eyes glowed white. Venom noticed the nephalim had all paused for an instant, and studied them curiously through a scowl. Blade looked up quickly, his eyes white. Blade Mother... Strange gripped the bridge of his nose in order to regain focus, and Whistler grabbed him. Whistler Jesus Christ, you okay? Strange Get against the wall, and get down. Nathaniel and his siblings attacking Venom, up the staircase held in their tracks and turned to retreat. The nephalim attacking from behind stormed downstairs past them in a frenzy. Blaze and Whistler pinned themselves against the walls to get out of the stampedes way. Blade took a step to race with them and then put his head down, ignoring the call.

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Blaze What the fuck was that? They had us! Whistler Thank heaven for small favors, right, kid? Blade Yeah [beat] Lets get the fuck out of here. Whistler Sounds good to me. Strange watched in silence as Blade passed by, and nodded solemnly to Blade, making a gesture implying his heart went to him. Blade let a single tear fall and then grew cold. Blade You coming? Blade turned and marched down the steps with the others. and sighed. Strange So much pain... Cut To: Interior-Day Hall of Lilith Lilith stood before Blackheart, her eye trailing over his shoulder to the door. Lilith Why betray us? Why must the union fall? Blackheart The union cannot endure. Two wish to rule by themselves, and wish only time to gain greater forces and power bases to challenge me and then each other. There is only one reason for my joining your union, at it is within my reach. And all you need do is surrender it to me. You cannot defeat me, Lilith. Whatever game you are playing, you will be the only one who loses. You must know. The doors burst open, and the room filled with the nephalim of Lilith. Lilith And yet, the game must be played. The walls and portions of the ceiling exploded as powerful giants stepped in to assault the seven foot tall shadow demon. Lilith leapt out of the way, and sent a power blast to Blackheart, that traveled through him, killing three of her children. Blackout was seemingly overwhelmed by the army of nephalim varying from demon to vampire to giant. A black light flared, and sent everyone back. Blackout paused, and sank into his own
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Strange put his head down

shadow, reaching down into it, and pulling out demons and imps of all sorts to attack the nephalim. He sent his shadow across to large groups of nephalim and shadow hands seized them, and pulled them into it. Lilith watched in horror as the nephalim were overwhelmed by Blackheart. With a wave of his hand, pentacles appeared on the floor and ceilings around him, and pillars of fire opened filling the space between, burning large numbers of the children of Lilith. Frost raced into the room and called out in a booming voice, and charged as the last of the children of Lilith were slaughtered. Frost Mother! Blackouts sharp elbow spine cut Frost in half, and he became a blob of blood, that Blackout contained in a black sphere of shadow. Lilith called to Frost in horror. Lilith La Magra! Blackheart Who will you send to fight me now, wench? Lilith turned and in a rage, sent out her most powerful blasts from her hands which Blackheart easily deflected with a wave of his hand. The blast crumbled one of the walls behind him, and the ceiling collapsed in sections of the room as soot, sand and dust poured into the room. Blackheart You cannot fight shadows, my dear. What will you do, when the enemy can touch you, but even your prided armies of children fall far short of achieving your ends? Lilith I will not stop until one of us is dead, betrayer. Blackheart Normally, I would accommodate such an offer. However, considering your import to the balance of power in the near future... Blackheart raised his hand, and Lilith stopped dead in her tracks. She screamed, as her power bled from her, and she froze into a living statue. Blackheart studied her for a long moment and then turned from her. Cut To: Interior-Day Circular Staircase Venom led the others down the steps, slashing and cutting the demon and vampire soldiers of Lilith. Blaze walked behind with Strange, and Blade carried Whistler. Blade stumbled, and sat down in pain and grief. Whistler
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Are you alright, kid? Let me walk. Youve been through enough, today. Blade No. Im fine. Just saying goodbye to a part of myself I didnt really need. Whistler I got something to say about that. But thatll be later, kid. Blade I know... Whistler helped Blade back up, and then leaned against him to hop down the steps at a quicker pace. Cut To: Interior-Day Hall of Lilith Blackheart opened a circular shadow hole, and blood poured out. The blood took shape, and Frost shook his head at being alive to the world. Blackheart I have use for you. Frost That call... so powerful... Wheres my mother? Blackheart She is not dead. But she will be removed from you. Does that cause you pain? Frost ... No Blackheart Excellent. I will call on you in the future. You will serve me. That is the payment for your immortality and your freedom from your [beat] mother. Is this acceptable? Frost Sure. Blackheart Then it seems we have a bargain. Prepare yourself, slave, for when I come to collect. Blackheart stretched a shadow out for Lilith, and the shadows pulled her into it. Blackheart then faded, and vanished. Frost studied the space where Blackheart was, then scoffed as he turned to leave the room. Frost Whatever.
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Cut To: Exterior-Day Hall of Zarathos-Balcony Ghost Rider and Zarathos attacked each other with burning fists, and a rage neither had ever felt. Both seemed surprised by the depths of their rage. Both attacked and did not relent. To the naked eye, it was more than a battle; it was a street fight between two powerful demons. Bones broke, and were reset. They collided again and again, without fear of the pain the other caused. They rested with ease in a brutal insanity and fed off of it. Zarathos ended it with a blow so hard, Ghost Riders neck broke, and his jaw flew from him. Ghost Rider collided with the door, and blew through it. Zarathos roared his victory. Cut To: Interior-Day Citadel- Level Four-End of Spiraling Staircase Venom charged off ahead, and Blaze, Blade and Whistler followed. Strange stopped in his tracks. Blade turned to Strange in bewilderment. Blade Strange? What is it? Strange Ghost Rider has fallen. I have not the power to fight Zarathos. It must be all of you. I have just enough energy to transport you there, but not much more. Hold to me. Blaze will know what to do. Follow his lead. Cut To: Interior-Day Hall of Zarathos-Balcony Zarathos stood defiantly over Ghost Rider. He picked up the burning skeleton by the skull and looked into the eye sockets, squeezing the skull so tightly, fine cracks stretched along it. Zarathos Insignificant wretch. Did you truly think you had the power to contend with me? Did you truly believe there would be hope for the pure of heart this close to hell? At the gates, only the most cunning and vicious of the lowest pits can even dare to dream of coming as far as I have. Your war was a failed cause in its inception. And now, your manna will feed me. Just then, an explosion sent a hole through Ghost Riders chest, and into Zarathos head. Zarathos fell back in a daze, dropping Ghost Rider. John Blaze stepped over Ghost Rider and bend down, to slip something in his jacket. Blaze Sorry, Dan.

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Zarathos shook off the shotgun blast and glared at Blaze. Zarathos Johnny Blaze. Blaze Zarathos, I didnt call you Ghost Rider, did I? Its just Blaze, these days. A forty something year old man with a name like Johnny, doesnt go over all that well, in the Midwest. Besides, I hear its a marijuana reference, now. Zarathos So, youve come to surrender your essence to me, then? Blaze Nope. Not really. Zarathos You cant possibly think youll win, do you? Blaze Nope. Just one last fuck you, before I check outs the way I figure it. Zarathos Come to me, then. Blaze fired repeatedly into Zarathos, and Zarathos actually fell screaming. Zarathos It burns... Differently. How? Blaze A little residual affect from one of the prisoners in the dungeon. Zarathos ...Merlin. You found the cell of Merlin? Blaze Pucker up, bitch. Blaze aimed, at Zarathos head. Zarathos No! Zarathos fired a blast of hellfire at Blaze, knocking his aim just enough to miss the shot. Zarathos tackled him, and began to wail punch after punch on him. Zarathos cringed, and pulled back, as Mobius bit into his back. Mobius eyes were deep red, and his teeth and talons glowed with the same energy. The energy seemed to bleed and trail from him
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as he moved. Mobius instantly let go as his mouth burned. Zarathos swatted Mobius. Mobius flew and hit the throne, and slumped down, flipping over the back of the chair. Next to the throne, Blade stood still. Blade Lets try this shit again. Blade pulled out his gun. Zarathos saw the red energy bleeding and trailing from the gun and raced away as Blade fired at him. Mobius rose with glowing red eyes, and roared in a rage. Mobius jumped, and flew at Zarathos, biting and slashing at him, Blaze fired from behind, while Blade fired from the other end of the room, walking casually closer. Mobius was hit several times by both Zarathos and friendly fire, but refused to fall. He kept jumping at Zarathos, biting and clawing. Whistler Where the fuck is Venom? Strange Hes gone. Whistler Right when we need every man in the fox hole, he runs. When I catch him, Im gonna cut his nuts off. Strange No. I sent him away. His job is done, here. Hes needed for another task. One you will finish for him, later. Whistler Shit. Whistler fired his shot gun repeatedly at Zarathos. At the far corner of the room, Ghost Rider glowed through the tears in his uniform and seemed to breathe a black/red flame. Cut To: Exterior-Day Citadel-Staging Ground Frost marched out onto the fields, and the vampires and demons were changing into human garbs. The mages were performing spells, transforming them into human forms. Frost walked toward them stripping off his royal robes and garb. He let his armor fall off as he walked, and in the end, wore black slacks, black leather shoes and a wife beater tank top. Blackout Yo, heads up! Blackout threw him a bag with a nicely cut white Armani, long sleeve shirt. Over that, he put on his black leather car coat.

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Frost Thanks, man. Blackout Another minute an youd have me shittin kittens, here. Howd it go? Frost Pretty much according to plan. The troops ready? Blackout Ready, and raring to go, Frost man. Frost Alright, lets move em out. In the background, several banners were unraveled. frowned. Blackout glared at the signs and

Blackout Man, I know youre the boss n all... But Queer and Proud? Frost Look, man... There are a few thousand of us. The portals going to Manhattan. So, can you think of another way to get an army of thousands of men to march into the New York streets and not draw attention? Just lead em to the Village or SoHo, quick, an well be fine. Besides, it might be fun. Frost looked back at the sign, looked at the men, then turned back to shout to Blackout. Frost Just to be on the safe side, though... Better not tell the men what the signs say, just yet. Blackout looked at Frost with a wry grin and a nod, then turned to the army. Blackout COMPANY! FORWARD! Frost Come on, guys. Lets go! Chop-Chop! Venom walked up behind the troops, and his costume pulled back to reveal Eddie Brock, and the symbiot transformed into tight jean shorts and a pink tank top saying queer and proud. He walked up to Frost and smiled. Frost looked back and tried not to laugh at Brocks outfit. Frost Play on, playa...
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Frost walked away laughing. Brock smiled, until Frost no longer looked at him, and gave a stern look to Frost. He muttered his response. Brock Same to you, pal. Frost adjusted his crisp white collar under his jacket, and walked through the gateway, and the army moved through with him. The massive army entered the portal, and it vanished in a ripple behind them. Cut To: Exterior-Day Hall of Zarathos-Balcony Mobius was backhanded to the ground, and rendered unconscious by Zarathos. Zarathos stared out to Blade and charged past Blaze, Ghost Rider, Mobius and Whistler (all of whom were already defeated). Blade fired repeatedly as Zarathos charged and knocked the gun out of Blades hands. Blade fought Zarathos with a speed and power that blurred, and was devastating to Zarathos. Zarathos grabbed Blade by the face, and a powerful energy burst sent him back into and through the throne. Blade shivered as he rose. His legs quivered and buckled, but he continued to rise. Zarathos swung a powerful upper cut under Blades chin, followed by a roundhouse that connected with Blades chin in mid air, sending him to the balcony, where he slid to a pair of expensive shoes. Blade looked up in a daze. Strange stood there, chanting low to himself, and manifesting spells with his hands in trails of arcane energies. Zarathos raised his arm in disgust, and it burned a deep flame. Zarathos On this day, I lose a battle in my personal war, but I gain favor in the eyes of some of the most powerful princes on three planes of existence. Zarathos aimed his hand at Strange, and the flame grew bright as he prepared to fire an energy blast at Strange. Blaze darted out of nowhere, and tackled Zarathos arm. Blaze No! Blaze managed to move Zarathos arm just enough to cause him to miss his target. The shot blew out a hole in the balcony floor mere feet from Strange, and sent debris out, pelting Strange in the face and body. Strange ignored it, and continued manifesting magical energies in front of, and behind him. Blade pulled his sword and prepared to charge. Strange glared at Blade as a mere annoyance. Strange Dont worry about me, Eric. Get them out of the way. Blade Whats going to happen?

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Strange He knows. Blade Zarathos? Strange gave a look to Blade that commanded obedience, and implied that time was of the essence. Strange No. With that, Blade understood he had to make haste, and raced past Zarathos and Blaze to get the others. Zarathos tossed Blaze behind him effortlessly, and turned cockily, to watch Blaze hit the wall. A black ripped leather hand reached out and grabbed Blaze, holding him in midair, as his feet dangled mere centimeters from the wall. Zarathos eyes seemed to grow wider, as a jaw bone slid across the floor, and flew into place in the skull of the Ghost Rider. Ghost Rider held Blaze firmly, allowing him to gain his footing again, and Blaze used Ghost Riders shoulder for support as he shook off the blows of Zarathos. From the shadows on the wall behind Blaze and Ghost Rider, a massive red dragon curled down to roar behind them and a red flame flooded the floor around them. Blaze looked up with recognition as Ghost Rider seemed to treat him with a delicate hand, and stared directly into his eyes. Blaze Dan? Ghost Rider Even better, John. Blaze made a wry grin, and stepped back from Ghost Rider. Ghost Riders flames turned a bright deep red, and he reached his hands out, sending flames down to burn his own feet, legs and torso. The tattered and shredded clothes he wore reshaped around him and took on a new configuration. Ghost Riders right boot became a spiked clubbing weapon, and his left arm became a spiked gauntlet. His knuckles had spikes on them, and his chains formed in a new pattern adorning his black and grey leather suit. His suit sealed, until only his collar allowed for his skeletons flames to escape. The dragon behind them faded, and Ghost Riders flames returned to his yellow and white. Zarathos What sort of witchcraft is this? Blaze grinned at Zarathos. Blaze Hes all yours, guys. Ghost Rider
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Stand back, John. Ive got work to do. Blaze No argument her, Dan. Ghost Rider stretched out his hand, and a massive fire stretched out. As the flames cooled, black metal fragments appeared, and floated in the air, to assemble into a new modified version of his motorcycle. Ghost Rider mounted his bike and the cycle flash burned, leaving the wheels as rings of hellfire, and the engine seemed to wail and scream with the low roar of the dragon humming under it all. Ghost Rider let the motorcycle squeal all the way to Zarathos. Ghost Rider sent a bolt of energy out at Zarathos as he passed him, and skidded to a halt on the far end of the room. Zarathos shook off the blast, but was staggered. Ghost rider revved and charged again. Zarathos raised his hand and sent out an energy beam to destroy his bike. Ghost Rider and the bike turned into flames, and traveled straight through Zarathos, appearing whole on the other side, unharmed. Zarathos growled his contempt for the Ghost Rider and beckoned him onward. Ghost Rider grabbed his chain, and it moved on its own from his uniform for purpose. Ghost Rider roared as he spun his chain like a mace and whipped Zarathos as he passed. Zarathos caught the chain, and tried to pull Ghost Rider from the bike. Ghost Rider wheelied and 180d back to Zarathos, kicking him with his mace boot. Zarathos dropped to one knee in pain, and seemed to wait. Ghost Rider 180d and raced back to assail Zarathos. Zarathos smiled. Blaze Danny, look out! Ghost Rider wheelied up to Zarathos, and prepared to kick with his mace boot again, when Zarathos slammed his fist through the bike, grabbing Ghost Rider amid the explosion. Ghost Rider was thrown into the far wall and hit the ground, which gave way. Ghost Rider fell to the next floor, below. Blaze was stunned to see Ghost Rider fail. He stared at Zarathos in disbelief. Zarathos It appears all the shade is now, is more fashionable. Now for the real threat... Strange conjured a spell, causing the arcane energies to fluctuate in color and form. Strange Hold, demon. By the eye of Agomotto, this sphere of influence protects me from your limited power. Zarathos Parlor tricks. Zarathos grabbed Strange by the cowl, pulled him from the sphere and back handed him down to the ground. Zarathos (continued) Human thing [beat] you are nothing before me. I have been crafting grand scale magic
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since before the universe began. But what galls me even more than this, is your arrogance exceeds even mine. To think you could actually manifest a spell that would cause me harm... In my own realm. Because of your nuisance, and because of your ignorance, I will slay you as I would a mere piece of cattle. The great Steven Strange... heir to the magus arcana... Heir to the title protector of the tapestry... And instead, I find you to be a fool and a fraud. For no mage could possibly be as ignorant as you. Zarathos raised his hand over Strange, and the flames burned below his palms and traveled past his fingers. Zarathos sent his energy beam out only to have it deflected back at him by Strange, as Ghost Rider raced in between them. He fashioned his gauntlets into jagged burning blades, and faced off with Zarathos. Ghost Rider continued to move to his right, until Zarathos back was to the balcony, and Strange was safe behind Ghost Riders back. Ghost Rider How does it feel to know that the shade outwitted the nigh omnipotent Zarathos? Zarathos swatted him away. Zarathos Of little consequence. Zarathos stared down on Strange, who gripped the ground, and chanted with his eyes shut and his facial muscles tensed. Sweat poured down his head.

Zarathos (continued) Thats right, Strange; cower before me, your destroyer. Tremble as you pray to whatever deity one despised by the three realms would dare pray to. Strange smiled. Strange Before you, there is only death. That is why any man with sanity prayed before your hunger. And were I actually here, I probably would tremble. Stranges smile grew wry and mocking, as he grew transparent. Strange (continued) ...Were I actually here. Zarathos, now sensing the magic at work, turned to face the star pattern in the middle of the energy ripple where Strange had once stood casting spells. Zarathos eyes widened in stunned disbelief as the pattern churned and hummed violently, exploding in fire and filling the space of the doorway to the balcony. From the center of the wall of fire, the eyes of Mephisto opened and peered from the red circular doorway to hell. Zarathos turned on his heel and raced away from the portal with a yelp. From the flames, a hand stretched
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out, and ensnared Zarathos in its grasp, pulling him into the gate. Blade dragged Mobius next to Whistler, as Ghost Rider and Blaze jumped out of the way and the Midnight Sons gathered together watching as the gateway faded to empty space. Ghost Rider handed the dragons heart back to Blaze. Blaze nodded, and put it back in his pouch. The Midnight Sons stared off as the residual gateway became like stirred water with silver flakes in it. They breathed easy, and sat to count their blessings. Cut To: Interior-Night Hall of Blackheart The room was dark and ominous. Black and coal grey stone paved the floor, and dark stones climbed the walls like stalactites and stalagmites meeting each other into bizarre pillars, between the open windows revealing a dark mist with demonic birds of prey flying with slow beats of the wing in the distance. A shadow appeared on the ceiling, and a black ooze dripped down, forming Blackheart. He stood for a moment, and the room changed, revealing large shadows that produced forms. In the distance, a demon figure chattered its teeth at Blackout and wheezed a sickly language. Blackheart Have no fear, imp. I have moved these matters to the next phase, and have amassed an army that will produce itself exponentially into legions before long. Now be gone, I sense my father, near. A circular stone floated near the ceiling. Stone thorns seemed to come out of it like the fingers of a great beast, curling back toward the circle. In the middle, a red flame stirred, and two great eyes fixed on Blackheart who stared back into the eyes of his father. Mephisto So, you have come home, to me, my son? Blackheart No. I remain in my own hell. Mephisto All of hell is mine. The place you reside is nowhere. Blackheart Which is where I prefer to be. Mephisto This gift you give is a fine one. Blackheart All I give, I give freely to you, father. Mephisto And yet, I wonder what youve kept for yourself. Blackheart
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Nothing of any import to you, rest assured. Mephisto You are cunning. You do a father proud. Blackheart I am glad you approve, father. Mephisto I will send a gift. Blackheart Never you mind, father. I have all I need. Mephisto We will speak of these dealings with Strange later, my son. As it is, I must return to give my full attention to my guest. Blackheart Take your time, father. Blackheart melted to shadow, and slinked his way to his throne. As he passed, the statue of Lilith stood frozen in the distance. Blackheart reclined on his black bone and wrought vine seat with a demurred nature, and raised his lantern to gaze upon it. Blackheart (continued) I have all I need. Cut To: Exterior Hell-Dark Burning Fields Mephisto held Zarathos in his grasp. Mephisto You actually thought you could defeat me, didn't you? I must thank my errant son for this boon. Though I surmise his betraying you is but the first step in a far more elaborate scheme. How I adore my son. Zarathos How? Master, tell me how? Mephisto You call me master, and ask me how I defeated you in one breath? Very well. The torment you will soon suffer merits some explanation. How I defeated you? I did not need lift a finger. You have always proven quite capable of destroying yourself. Your avarice has always crippled you far more than your enemies ever could. An avarice I intend to use as a form of treaty between my dimension and the one I once sought to rule. You will do nicely in your new role. Yes. You will.
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Zarathos Master, I beg of you, if punishment is deserved, I must know... Mephisto But it is deserved. And I know your question. I will answer it now. Do you remember the Great War that sent us to the shores we now occupy? When next you choose to rape an Archangel on the battlefield, kill her. The child borne of angel and demon is one ostracized by both realms. Your need for satiation has always overcome your common sense. Your goals have been thwarted by your own offspring, fool. Your child of that rape is fuelled by the flames of both dimensions. That is why it fights so valiantly and so viciously. That is why it defeats you; your shortcomings have been cancelled out by the purity of its mother. You will learn from him. The son will teach the father. I have already seen to it. Zarathos No. I would rather be wiped from existence. Mephisto That can be arranged. Yet nowhere near as entertaining. You will become not Ghost Rider. That road is barred. Ghost Rider is more, fit to a Spirit of Justice. A defender, as it were. Both realms have agreed on this. So, I will make you Vengeance itself. Zarathos I refuse! Erase me! I will not comply. Mephisto Neither did your son. That is why his memory was erased. As will yours be. Zarathos NO! Mephisto Sleep now, Vengeance. When you awake, it will be as a new borne babe. Gabriel and Michael will see to your programming. This is far more cruel. Far more fitting. And just plain comedy. Cut To: Interior-Night Strange's Brownstone Strange and Blade sat at the tea table speaking to each other. As usual, Blade left his tea sitting. He stood, staring out the window, as the breeze blew in. Blade The wind is fine. Strange
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Yes, it is. It will be a pleasant evening, tonight. Relatively speaking. Blade (said with a scoff) Relatively. Blade glanced at Strange, periodically, as if daring himself to speak. Strange nodded with a smile, and stared at him curiously. Strange Something bothers you... A penny for them.

Blade Whats been bothering me is... Why did you need to put me through all that? Shake me up an spit me out... I understand, now, why Blaze hates you. Strange I dont think he hates me. I just think he is passionate about life. He thinks me callous and cold. I just have a higher order of details to follow. He is reactionary. Im more proactive. Its just the way we are; perfectly different. Blade Yeah, well. We both got the same problem with you. while we get fucked. We both feel like you sit back

Strange What's the point in fighting and overcoming the obstacles placed between us and what we desire if we cannot learn about ourselves and our place in the scheme of things, in the process? What's the point of struggling against an oppressor if we cannot appreciate freedom after we are declared independent? And if we cannot even learn to love ourselves, just a little bit... What's the point of living at all? Blade Well, I understand. I just wish you couldve given me just a little bit of a warning before the mind games started. Strange If I had, Lilith would have found another way. If I aided you, you would have never known if you were truly strong enough to overcome such a powerful spell. Blade Do you actually believe that, shit? Strange Do you? Blade
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All I know is; the first time I ever worked with this team, we almost got killed at every turn. Strange But you didnt. Blade And that was blind luck. This teamwork shitll get a man killed, in this line of work. Always has, always will. Way I see it, Im better on my own. Strange A team is instrumental in the ultimate outcome of a task. Individuals can fall all too easily. And far too quickly. In this line of work, we seem to stand at the edge of a great abyss. A team can do one of three things. They can push you over the edge, pull you back or keep you from falling in the first place. You have fallen in on a number of occasions. Sometimes you fought your way back, other times you needed help. This team suits you. You have your own lives, and your own missions. But you will be needed again. Sometimes I would call upon you... Other times, you would stumble across each others paths and find your mission the same. You will all help each other fight your ways back to the edge. Together, you can accomplish far greater things than alone. Remember that. Blade stared down and nodded as he weighed the words of Strange. And with a glance out the window, became cold and grim. Blade Its night. I must go. Strange Eric, its a pleasure to know you. Blade Likewise. Strange Feel free to ask for help if you need it. My door is open. Though, next time, leave the gun and sword in the car. Blade sighed hard, and managed a wry grin. Blade Old habits. Cut To: Exterior-Night Strange's Brownstone Strange watches as Blade approached his bike. Strange stood with his back to the sidewalk, and never saw the figure come up behind him.

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Strange Hello, Johnny. Blaze scoffed, and smirked with an acceptance of Stranges unique foresight Blaze ...Strange. Strange I never thought I'd ever see you at my doorstep, what with your feeling toward me. Though sometimes I feel your contempt for me is deserved. What brings you here? Blaze I have a delivery for you. Strange Really? Where from? Blaze You really don't know? Strange I'm not a god, Johnny. Im just extremely well read. I have no idea what you have for me, or where it came from. Although I do sense great power. What is it? Blaze A gift. From Merlin. Strange Merlin? Blaze He told me to use it to save our asses, then give it to you. Strange Merlin instructed you to deliver it to me? Blaze Yeah. Why? Strange I never thought he liked me that much. Blaze Yeah. That's going around. Strange Thanks.
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Blaze No problem. Strange John... Blaze Yeah? Strange It was nice seeing you again. Blaze Nice working with you. Doctor. Blade seemed to grin as he revved up his motorcycle. Blaze walked up to his bike and noticed the grin. He gave a glare of annoyance to Blade. Blaze Shut up. Blade blew a kiss to Blaze. Blaze kick started his bike and they roared off, leaving Strange to examine his new item. Strange walked back to his doorstep with a slow gait to his step. He tossed up and caught the dragons stone like a boy with a baseball, and stepped into his Brownstone, as the sounds of the Harleys faded in the distance. Cut To: Exterior-Night Brooklyn Bridge Blaze and Blade rode up to meet up with Ghost Rider and Whistler. Ghost Rider put his hands out with his palms facing the ground around Blaze and Blades bikes and a burst of flame shot through his hands down to ignite the ground beneath them. Blaze and Blade were consumed with hell fire for an instant, and through the flickers of the flames their bikes and uniforms were augmented by the hellfire. Their bikes became sleeker and their tires became thicker. The thick wheels ignited with hellfire, and their bikes roared an angry cry, before lowering in pitch and volume to a mere whisper. They rode off into the night, riding against the sides of buildings, or burning the air as they rode into the night. Cut To: Exterior-Night Whistlers Garage Doors. Whistler scoffed, and lit his cigarette as he walked back into his garage to prepare new weaponry and turn on the radios. Whistler Huntin' vampires just got a hell-uv-a-lot more interestin'.

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~END~

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