TavernTales 18: Elemental, My Dear

[Swan]

.....Or Earl forgot

[BreakABone]

Originally Posted by Swan

.....Or Earl forgot

I can assure you of one thing Mr. Swan, if I put it in there, there is a reason that was plotted out long before it happened.
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3
The Trio struck first. Raged once again encircled the heroes in a pit of fire, and before Swan had the opportunity to put it out Magus sent two giant stone slabs at them once again. They barely dodged it when three air blasts cut through the fire and was directed at their noggins.

“If I didn’t know any better friendos, I would think they were trying to kill us. At least, one of them doesn’t want us to get ahead.”

“Really Swan? Is now the time!”

“Hey if I got all sad and mopey every time we faced certain doom, well I would have been in a heavy state of depression today.”

“Fair enough, but we need to find some way to go on the offense. Any ideas Bond?”

“How much pain can you tolerate?” Bond asked Fox.

“I don’t like where this is going, but I am not quite sure.”

“Only one way to find out.” Bond forced Fox’s hands into the pit of fire that now surrounded them. His hands began to harden.

“Wow that didn’t hurt at all.”

“I calculated as much, I couldn’t be certain, but now we know you can break through. And with this new hardened hand cause some damage up close and personal”

Fox broke through the ring of fire and went straight for Raged who barely had time to react when the first blow landed in his midsection. The next blow landed in the swell of his back, knocking Raged to one knee.

Raged grabbed a hold of Fox’s legs and attempted to burn the flesh off his bones, but found that it had a little effect. He then felt the feet come up across his face. He fell backwards this time. Fox nailed him with two more blows to the face, and this was enough to put Raged out of commission.

“That’s one!” Fox yelled over the roar of the dying fire.

Swan turned to Bond, “I guess that means it’s my turn.” Swan surveyed the two major opponents that faced him. He turned to Magus, “I am going to take out the punny guy first.”

“Bring it, Mr. Plastic.”

Swan hurtled towards Magus who sent a rock slide after Swan to slow up his advance. It gave him enough time to place a boulder over Swan’s head and drop it down on him. “That was a lot easier than I thought.”

Swan slid from underneath the giant boulder, “Yeah, a lot easier than you thought, but one benefit of having no bones you don’t feel as much pain. Though, I have to tell you I did not have a rocking good time.”

Magus this time sent a boulder towards Swan’s abdomen, but Swan saw it coming and tried a daring move. He leaped onto the boulder and transformed his legs and arms into wheels and directed the boulder back to Magus. While the move was speculator, it took a while to set up so Magus dodged it easily.

However, Swan had accounted for that as he only needed to get in close. As soon as Magus landed, Swan wrapped his hands around Magus’ and stretched his body over so that Magus slammed hard into the ground. He repeated the process twice more until he was certain Magus was out cold.

“That makes TWO!” Swan now shouted to Fox.

The Professor did not like where this was going so he sent Flunkie and Aladuf after Swan and Fox. “Go help out Geo. Bond is mine now!”
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[Fox 6]

Bam! Piff! Ka-Pow!

[Swan]

High five for us!




It just goes to show, in the face of danger, be Canadian

[BreakABone]

Originally Posted by Swan

High five for us!

It just goes to show, in the face of danger, be Canadian

you are starting to sound like you belong in a certain Coalition...
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4
The two men locked eyes across the beach.

“So it looks like after all of these years, we will settle it in the most barbaric of manners.” The Professor scoffed.

“It’s only fighting though that men of our intelligence find a way to settle it beyond our own realm of thought. This will be the ultimate game of chess.”

The Professor began to remove his out jacket, “Indeed it will be, but before we begin this duel,” Swan and Fox paid little attention to what was being said, but thought it was the most civil way they had ever seen a brawl begin, “I have to know Bond. Straight from your mouth. Why?”

“Why?” Bond was confused by the question.

“Why did you not have the courage to come to me man to man and tell me no. Instead, you ran off and I had to put it all together.”

“Do you really need an explanation? You were… are a mad man and your whole system, your secret organization, would not benefit any but you.”

“You may feel that way, but you should have manned up back then and told me. Now let me ask you something Bond, how are we so different? We both lead organizations that have a singular purpose which is the betterment of mankind. We both have loyal agents who will stick with us until the end. And as today showed, we will both go to any extremes to see the other one eliminated.”

“You make a good case. However, the difference… the biggest difference is that we do not impose our will against those we feel superior to. We do not look to change the world by ruling it.”

The Professor let out a rare laugh, “Don’t fool yourself Bond, you may think you aren’t imposing but you rule by fear just like we do. You have hundreds of armed guards inside a building that towers over all near it. It casts a large shadow along the world, and you don’t find that imposing!”

Bond did not have a clear answer for that, but it was not for a lack of trying. He could feel a strange presence messing with his thought process. What was it?

“Ahh, I see my former student is at a loss for words. This is why I am the Professor, and you simply a student. I have to admit you were one of my favorites. As much damage you have caused my organization recently, I am willing to look past it and do something I never do. I am willing to give you a second chance.”

There was a long silence as the Professor awaited Bond’s response. Bond wanted to tell the Professor where he could place his offer, but the sensation in his head would not allow him to utter those words.

Instead, a voice sounding very much like his own, and even coming from the same source responded, “Professor, I would be honored to join your organization.” Bond attempted to cover his mouth, but the words just came straight through.

The Professor turned bug-eyed at Bond, he did not expect this, but it was good… very good. “Well then, I want you to prove it. Bow down to your new master, Bond.” The Professor figured this show of humility would weed out any psychological tactical Bond may be imploring.

Bond knew he would never bow to the likes of the Professor, just like he knew he would never join his organization, but once more there was a presence that was compelling him to bow to The Professor.

Bond fought with all he had against kneeling before The Professor, but he could feel his will breaking. He lowered slowly to the ground. The Professor gawked at him as one knee hit the ground. Bond could not believe he was actually doing this. He could never look at his agents again if he bowed to a person like The Professor.

He had to fight the urge. He had to regain control. He had to think about all those who looked up to him. Bond slowly got off his single knee; it was taking all the mental energy he could spare. I have to do this. I have to do it for me. I have to do it for Jeepnut. I have to do it for all of those who lost their lives today.

Bond jumped up to his fight. Now feeling in complete control of himself, “I will never bow to you! And I will never join your organization! The only way you will ever make it big is over my dead body!”
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This chapter is growing longer and longer. There was another section attached but haven't had the time to finish it. So may post later tonight.

[BreakABone]

Well work is starting to be a pain in the arse so I got a little busy. Anyhow, here is the second part and this chapter is getting REALLY LONG.
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5
Dylflon attended to his fallen partners. They appeared to be in pretty bad condition, but he needed them now. More than ever, he feared. Fear, it was so long since he felt that emotion. Now that he thought about it, it had been a long time since he felt a lot of emotions. As he reflected back on some of them, he realized he didn’t miss them. They made him soft. They made him weak. They made him care.

Now, he just cared about causing others harm. It was a good feeling. It bought him all he needed in life. All the things except for companionship which he found in The Coalition. Dyne and Typhoid had become like brothers to him, closer to him than his own family. Then again, some of the things he did to his own family were pretty damn funny, he thought.

He could not imagine a world without them, no matter how much they bickered or how cold-hearted a bastard he wanted to be.

Before he could become too misty-eyed at the thought, he caught a whiff of a unique aroma in the air. It distracted him from his task, he had to have it. It was a mixture of regret… no doubt… no acceptance. Not something he found in the air often. It was mixed with that sweet smell of confidence; he enjoyed breaking that more than anything. There was also a faint scent of eagerness. This was like a dream cocktail to him. He simply had to try it.

Dylflon locked onto the scent and allowed his mind to wander as it tracked the origin. He laughed silently to himself when he found the source. Of course, those heroes always so fool-minded and forgetful, his mind was as open as window in the summertime. In Bond's earnest to spar with his former Professor, Bond had lessened the defenses of his mind. What was near impossible for Dylflon mere minutes ago was not a simple walk along the beach.

Dylflon simply walked in and waited for the right time. He listened in to the conversation through Bond’s brain. He chuckled, why was it evildoers always spoke so much, he knew he himself was guilty of such a charge.

Now, he could feel the moment building up. The moment one dreamed about for years. He would humiliate Bond. Force him to kneel before all that he hated, there was no way Bond could ever rebound from it.

He could feel Bond fighting against it, but his mind was still too fixated on The Professor, it would only strain him. Making him more vulnerable to Dylflon's influence. Dylflon became giddy; Bond was doing all the work for him.

NO! He felt a stronger presence as door began to close around him. Bond's will power was stronger than any he had ever faced before. Dylflon just had to hold out until the deed was done. Bond was already getting down to one knee, a few more moments and it wouldn't matter.

The walls began to close in faster on Dylflon. Bond really did have a unique brain. It's strength only grew with his determination.

Dylflon found himself back at the bay next to his friends. He could hear Bond shouting at The Professor. He had failed again.
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This chapter is really getting long. And sorry, if this is weak was never in the story, but was such a cool idea, felt had to explain.

[BreakABone]

This will probably be the longest chapter in the whole first book. As I still have a section or two to go after this one. Which itself is long.
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6
As Bond stood erect, The Professor’s eyes burnt a hole into him. Disgusted that his final appease to Bond had failed, The Professor now set his mind on complete destruction. It would be he imagined short and brutal.

“Hurry to your feet old friend,” The Professor growled. He wanted to finish Bond, but he wanted to make sure his former pupil stood toe to toe with him before he did. He wanted to experience the look of contempt that would fill Bond’s eyes. He wanted to enjoy his last glaze before he watched his eyes roll back into his head. Yeah, it had been a long time since anyone called him Strangler, but he remember all too well why he had picked up that nickname.

Bond slowly rose to his feet. One in hopes that he would be able to regain some mental strength after his struggle, and two he wanted the Professor to wait. He needed to formulate a plan of attack and part of it was throwing off Professor from any form of attack he had.

“While you get to your feet, no doubt trying to buy yourself some time, do not take me for a fool Bond. I have always admired your intelligence, your cunning and your ability to think outside the box, but remember who was your professor. Remember all the things I taught you, now imagine the stuff you skipped on. And if that does not frighten you, just think of all the things I kept close to my chest.”

“You mean like your old murderous ways, Strangler.”

When Bond called him this before, it shook him, but now he was remember to embrace that side of himself again. “Ahh yeah that nickname you love to bring up. Bond, my dear former student, it was something you should have kept to yourself. Sure, it shocked me at first, but now it has awakened a monster that has remained dormant in me for so long. Now, I remember things that well you will find out soon enough. Now to your feet, I will not make many mistakes so stop looking for an opening.”

Bond knew he was correct; The Professor was on his game today. Bond reached his feet and locked eyes with his former mentor. “Audaces fortuna iuvat.”

“Going to your Latin, Bond? You really disappoint me. Have you reached the end of your rope?”

Bond had come up with another plan, and he prayed that the Professor did not see past it. “Maybe or maybe, I wanted to give myself a bit of a reminder of what I am about to do to you.”

“Have at you!” The Professor began to remove his overcoat. The Professor’s suit hid an exquisite form. His cover in the school served him well. However, he still worked out daily just in case he ever needed to defend him.

“I see you made decent use of the school’s money.” Bond remarked. He did not expect The Professor to be so physically imposing, but he had to block that out of his mind right now. Bond removed his protective layer. They would slow him down too much, and he knew the Professor would exploit any minor mistake.

They slowly closed the distance between themselves, neither wanting to rush in and make the first error. The Professor thought about blasting Bond a bit was unsure if his powers were still tainted. Bond thought the same about taking out his guns, but he could not kill no matter who the target was.

Now the distance between the two men narrowed to striking distance, but once more neither wanted to make the first move. Then Bond caught something in The Professor’s eyes was he signaling someone. Of course! How could Bond be so foolish, one of The Professor’s pupils had snuck on Bond.

Bond turned around to face him, but found himself greeted by no one. He turned around just in time to feel the Professor’s fist across his face. He had made the first mistake, the Professor had used his surroundings to his advantage. Soon Bond found himself pummeled by repeated shots to the face. He did his best to cover up and create some distance for himself.

Bond finally created enough room between himself and The Professor to duck underneath one of his vicious punches. He countered by ramming his shoulder into The Professor’s midsection. This took the breath out of The Professor and forced him to retreat a bit.

Now Bond went on the offensive, he wrecked The Professor with a left jab and quickly followed up with a right hook. The Professor attempted to block the next left jab, but felt the thump of Bond’s right fist against his neck. Bond had anticipated the Professor’s move before he made it.

He followed up the blow to the neck with a knee to the face. He continued to pound on The Professor with heavy rights and lefts. Occasionally he would throw in a kick or a knee to keep The Professor guessing. Now he worked only on instincts and rage, if he did not know what he was doing his opponent would be unable to guess as well.

Finally, The Professor had enough and fell backwards after a vicious blow to the face. Bond felt that the fight was over. He went over to cuff the Professor, but he had been too fool hearted. If he had turned back on his brain, he would have seen the trap that the Professor had set for him.

The Professor faked being unconscious and as Bond drew close he prepared a blast to knock him off his feet. He had gained enough strength from the abuse Bond was laying. Bond realized he had walked into a trap too late. As The Professor sent the shot in his direction, Bond only had enough time to try an evasive roll.

The shot caught his leg burning off a big chunk of flesh. The knock back the Professor felt was minimal as he was already on the ground.

The Professor slowly got to his feet because he wanted to revel in the pain that his former pupil was going through. He saw the pain and suffering in Bond’s eyes as he slowly made his way over to him.

“You know, I imagined a bit less blood when this happened, but nonetheless. It is what I wished for. You writhing in pain while I stood over you like your merciless god. Do you have any final words?”

Bond had to force his mind to block out the pain. At least for now. He could see The Professor hovering over him. His left leg almost useless to him, but his right would be all he needed. The Professor sauntered over to Bond enjoying his victory. But he like Bond made a fatal mistake. He thought that his opponent was defeated because he landed a final blow.

When the Professor was close enough, Bond swept out his legs with his good leg. The Professor hit the ground hard and Bond crawled over to him and began to brutally hit him time and time again. This time he would not stop until he drew blood.

Finally, when he felt the Professor was out of commission; he hit him two more times to be sure.

“Yeah, you have never seen this one-legged man in an ass-kicking contest.”

Bond laid down in the sun for a second. His leg would need to be looked at, but it appeared he had friends in need now.
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This chapter goes out to Teuthida.