Fiction Challenge #3:
A Limit of Midnight
by Phactorri

The air was cool, that feeling of chill that tends to cut through the clothing, but only leaves a small remembrance as to what it¡¯s doing. Causing the goose flesh to rise on the back of your neck then slowly retreat from your surface. Those kinds of night, the weather almost weak, sounds almost too distant, but as many of the citizens of Patriot city know far too well. Danger is never that far away-- Sometimes leaking just under the tattered street corner shops. Places that are condemned to the fate of the wrecking ball. Though two Figures loom above, such a place, as though it was the sort of place one would want to hang out at. As the night Lamp looms and flickers the hooded man bends in forward, his eyes are that of a piercing gaze of brown, features though spattered with yellow and red paint is dignified. A smooth face of a youthful man, yet in his eyes sheltered the eyes of wisdom-- An ageless knowledge that goes unchecked. A Tongue runs over his soft lips as he speaks, his voice slow dignified and full of the grace of his people. "Alchemiss, thank you for meeting with me. I trust you got my letter. Out of all the heroes in Patriot city, you with the love of Gaia would most likely listen to what I have to say. Well you and one other. One who is not blind of towards the swirls of the Mystic arts, yet at the same time is true to his word."

"Well Totem, you bet your Sweet hooded Tush I'd be coming here. When someone speaks of the rising of the dead, Alche-miss wouldn't miss it for the world. But your letter was the worst bit vague. But I'm sure if I told the others I was comming all the way out here, to meet some guy who I aint ever seen face to face, that I'd be getting tailed by one Spicy Latino Fire wielder!"

"Yes, I do suppose that would be right. Though I thought I heard on the news that El Diablo, and The Ant were in Africa, dealing with some trouble there." Totem says in a rasped voice as he draws a little closer. His face is striking in its detail. Features handsomely detailed and strong-- Yet a strong swelling of weakness. "As you know in the letter I sent you Alche-miss I spoke of a great Danger. An ancient Artifact that was found, but someone you know quiet well... The Shadow." Totem's voice Drops off a moment. "The Artifact is, most commonly called the Chalice of the Rot, the item, holds many mystic properties through the ages. It is said to have been the cup that Hades drank the very souls he collected with in Greek Mythology."

"By the Goddess!" Alche-miss exclaimed suddenly, "Sugar ah don't reckon your telling me, that you honestly believe this Chalice is real, and truly can raise the dead? I mean The Greek Pantheon, that¡¯s all just a bunch of Rubbish."

"Rubbish?" Comes a strong voice over head as a man glided down, towards the other two assembled Heroes, as the third flew in. The Great Titanium, and very old looking shield was held to his arm yet one could see right through it as though it was some sort of ghost apparition. His costume unlike Totem's was very flashy, almost flashy enough to be horrible. One would think that it was just thrown together and in many ways it was. The Mask this new comer wore, looked like a motorcycle helmet hacked to curve, with his dark hair curling down it, the spandex suit he wore seemed to have old armor in parts, and his armbands they seemed to be worth the most and shined in a pristine manner. Though they did not match the costume especially the fingerless gloves. As the new comer's feat landed with a soft thud the shield faded out as though it truly had been a ghost.

"Alche-Miss, allow me to introduce to you, Templar." Totem mentioned spreading a smile. "I've worked with him once before and I do believe that if anyone should be involved it is the living embodiment of the Spartan soul." Quickly Totem padded Templar's shoulder. The taller yet mildly smaller hero nodded.

"Well, I guess this is going to be another boy's club. Oh and forgive my rudeness, its a pleasure sugar. With all that maskin' and metal you remind me of Man-Bot. And I mean that in the most dearing of compliments. Being as to how that hero has my heart. I suspect for a long time yet."

Templar smiled under his mask as he slipped a hand forward, in a sheath of spandex and metal gliding over muscular forearms. "I have read, about you. I have not seen you all in action, but I do suspect you all are something of a few Celebrities." A Timid voice came, from behind this strange mask. Yet was this man truly the spirit of warriors? Templar was not as well known as a hero of Patriot City, but he was familiar with El Diablo, for like the fire-hero, Templar usually kept himself in the seeder parts of town, to defend the weak from the gang violence. More so, Templar's alter Ego Rhys Taegrin, and some of his friends had been accused of being Communists, with only the thought of anti-capitalist opinions. Though now was not the time to speak of things like this, for truly if he got in a rant it was true that Templar would prove he was the spirit of the warrior.

"So now that we've all been all introduced all propah' like. How about ya'll tell me about this Cup? Alche-miss asked as she let go of Templar's hand. Her smile quickly fading. Though why was that voice sounding familiar? As she wondered this, deep within the recesses of Rhys' mind he too remembered something about this Alche-miss's voice. Something that truly spoke home-- Though neither of them would realize that they had been in the same English Ligature Class this semester, as they both attended Patriot City University.

"Well you tell stories better Totem." Templar reminded his Navajo friend as his head turned to the hooded man.

"Of Course, Templar, always with the kind words."

Deep under the streets of Patriot City, Last Night...

Shadow, sat on her throne of dirt and garbage, hair laced down her face as her hands did a patter pattern on her knee. Her voice sighing as a few of her creatures paced around her throne. Many of the others were doing chores, gathering rubble, yet her eyes were well contained. Shadow's own mind wheeling in deep thought. It was only after ten minutes of silence that the door to the chamber opened. Slowly three figures stepped from the light. Foot falls chased over the rock floor as they walked in towards her. Shadow's face looks up slowly, the candle light washing over her face, a flawless face lined with a single scar. The Three figures varied greatly from one another, the one two the left was a large form, even before he came into view the Red Star was ever present. To his left, was a thin form, who's body seemed to almost ooze as it walked, as the second form came into sight, it was sure a new face was he amongst the rogues of Patriot city. This new form wore a burette and all black, and white stripes, his face was chalk white and seemed to contrast the two faces of his comrades-- Especially now as chilling and screeching voice came in as the three men stopped in front of shadow Strange why three of the big names of Patriot city were together. Though they had a plan, a plan that would give them Patriot City. Or so was the whisper amongst them now. The great form of Nuclear Winter turned behind the group as his piercing eyes met two of his guards that stood near the door. "§°§ã§ä§Ñ§Ó§î§ä§Ö §ß§Ñ§ã §Ü §Ò§Ú§Ù§ß§Ö§ã§å, §­§ð§Õ§ñ§Þ." came the Russian suddenly from Nuclear winter that sounded rather natural almost as though for the first time his voice enjoyed something. If only for a moment. The Two Soldiers nod as they slip out of the doorway. A moment passes, as the last pair of boots padded out before Shadow came to look over her own Servants.

"Go, my pretties, and do something beautiful, just not hear. I must speak to these upsides!" Shadow's own voice came, that seemed to cascade the realm of all that was heard as echoes as that was all her voice was. Though strangely enough, Shadow's, grace already had the look of acceptance among them men. "Now then, Gentleman... please I do think I see a new face, and before we began perhaps some introduction is in order...¡± Shadow smiled as her eyes came to the man with the barrette.

The strange chalk white man stood forward as his hand came up his face, his fingers congealed like snakes as the came up to his lips, the fingers easily snaking over them as he smiled. It is as he does this a second deejay-vu formed putting a hand on this new villain¡¯s shoulder. "Though rather new to Patriot City's league of Crime, may we introduce Mr. Mime? Yes his body stretches far and wide; he is truly on our side. Though he is rarely is amiss he lost his tongue to the Energy X kiss." As the two Deja-vu's voices laugh the Shadow's body stands up straight. Shadows, lithe fingers sliding over her masked face as she scowled beneath

"Well I'm sure his place in the planning has merit and he's not just another strange freak, to add to our plan. Though as long as the Chalice is in our hands before Midnight Tomorrow then what little problem do we have? There will be enough wealth and wreckage for each of us. And this time Freedom Force will not be in out way I can assure you." Shadow smiled as she pointed to the back of the wall as the shadows spread apart to show a screen, a wide screen as suddenly a golden goblet appeared on the screen. "Now then, this is the chalice, at the Patriot city Museum. Right now, one of my darkones is fetching it devoid of their infernal security precautions. But soon... oh very soon it will be ours all ours!" Shadow smiled giving off a wicked laugh. Nuclear winter's brow arched as he looked almost clueless.

"Vell dat is good vinch all. But Why did you call on us? I particularly don't see the value in such a gain. It just adds more power to those that vich to have it." The Russian super villain looked perplexed as to how the greed of the American villains was off base when they were just fueling that which he hated.

"Well My communist friend,¡± Shadow said with a smile, "The Power of the Chalice is great for with but one hand it would surely severe the spirit into the ether realms. But with all four of us we'll be able to summon the spirits bodies free and animate those causing unknown horrors! And cripple the city to our very own gains!"

At that same moment, near the Patriot City Historical Museum....

A very unfamiliar face slipped from the Chock o beans, one of the coffee establishments in Downtown Patriot city. The Thin youth smiled as he looked up to see two of his friends coming out after him. The Dark hair rested over the young kids face crowning his forehead and he heard his friend say something, "Well good Golly, Rhys I didn't know you were so angry at things!" The Blond haired boy rounded his fingers through his hair as Rhys turned around, his dark hair falling over his face.

"Well ye should right know that there are a lot of things that are wrong with the state of affairs, I just thought it was slam night so I did what I usually did, and I just read some poetry." Came the welsh accent from the boy; it was no wonder that Rhys Taegrin was not American, or a native of Patriot city. His green eyes almost glowed as he turned to see the other who came out beside his friend Collin. As soon as Rhys' eyes caught the sight of Dwight Arrow his face slumped to the floor. Dwight Arrow was a hero to Patriot City, as a vet of WW2 and an excellent Airplane pilot. What he expected was the same old diatribe from the older patrons of the city.

"Well I reckon we all got rights to our own opinions, kiddo." Then the rural drawl of the hero, "Jus' cause he doesn¡¯t agree with the suits in Washington DC don't mean that he doesn't respect our liberties. Jus' wants to see something better. Aint a damn thing wrong with that if ya ask me." Dwight's hand patted the boy's shoulder, "Tell ya the truth I wish more people quit pointing fingers and calling everyone commies and look at what they can teach us. But then again I'm just another man."

Rhys' face looked up at war hero, his smile spreading as he held out a hand to slide into Dwight¡¯s, "Like right-on, that¡¯s about as Close as one would get in the upswing, you aren¡¯t as square as they say Mr. Arrow, totally beatific my man." The Welshman¡¯s voice came, as the war hero stepped back.

"Well can't say I understood what you said, but I should go. Keep on fighting, because I got to bullet....¡± and in a blink of an eye the war hero just well... disappeared.

"Well good gravy, I think Mr. Arrow caught a bit too much shrapnel in the head." Collin said, as he turned back towards the door, "Well see ya tomorrow in class Rhys." Collin announced, back to the Welshman.

"Yeah see ye Collin, keep on trucking." Rhys says idly as he turns his head and begins to walk towards the university. His head was bent down as the mood struck his mind for a moment. Only for a moment something felt strange in the air. Almost like the hair rising off his shoulders. Rhys shrugged and thought nothing of it, as he pushed the bag he wore back up along his shoulders. That¡¯s when he heard a sound. Was that gun fire? The gun fire was followed by what sounded like a scream. The Welshman¡¯s eyes looked up towards the Museum. "Well it looks like the Templar should have a look see." Rhys mentioned to himself as he took off down the alleyway. Like many superheroes, The Templar had his own sort of clich¨¦¡¯s one was to get changed in Alleyways. It helped with his image, he fashioned himself as the protector of the weak. Those who needed a warrior, and like he had been told many times, he was the true spirit of the warrior, even if as Rhys Taegrin people didn't understand, some day he'd be a lawyer.

Sitting the bag down, a slender hand goes to unzip the bag he wore. Inside he was his gauntlets, the source of his power. The helmet was fashioned, also from what Rhys could find. Slowly he rose up the armlets sliding up his shirt sleeves to expose finger less gloves he slid the armlet up over his balled fists, then the other. Sitting in the cool air, he brought the armlets together the metal clashing in a thunder clap. The active energy X in his body began to pulsate, as this went on, with new need of the Energy X deep with in the metal of the armlets. Strangely enough few people knew that without the armlets the hero known as Templar was nothing but a weak 19 year old college student, but with the armlets. Well... the great form of Templar reached down as he slid the helmet over his face... "The Templar Walks once again." Came a rough sound from his throat.

The Museum...

The strange small creatures snarl at the guards who point guns toward them. One of the six dark ones has a golden goblet in his hand... "uplanderssss killll theeeemmm." came one of the strange creatures voice. Three of the Dark one's launched onto the guards. The two guards gulped as they began to step back. As they did the three Darkones pushed at a glass case the case coming down hard. The Two guards closed their eyes, knowing they'd never see their families again. Or so they thought. Suddenly a great crash sounded-- The glass raining to the ground. As one of the guard's opened his eyes he saw a man crunched over in front of them. It took a moment for him to realize the owner of the yellow and black spandex. The Shield was tightly clinched against his hand or so it appeared as the case broke. It was a moment of silence before the hero stood up. Slowly the Templar turned his head towards the guards. Like usual the Templar was silent, yet there was an air of confidence about the hero.

"Go, quickly." was all the hero said to the guards as his head turned to the dark ones. His mind calculating the best strategic entry place. As to take them all out. Though even as he watched them just standing there facing him. Templar knew there was only one objective. The golden cup. Thinking rationally was his downfall, something he'd later hit self over. Quickly his eyes peeled as two of the three who launched the glass moved to the left flipping to the feet nearing his position. Quickly he switched his stance to the side as he threw the ghost shield towards the one who was holding the chalice. As soon as it was thrown he made a back roll towards the two where turning bout to face him his hands went flat as he landed. Using the weight of his torso he moved around his left hand coming up to spin around. Templar's two feet, launching forward into the bodies of the two dark ones. the darkones go flying into another glass case. The Templar¡¯s eyes looked up to see the dark one turning to the side, to avoid the shield and make a run towards the hole they had burrowed. "Stop" was all he could muster as he stood up his body springing to catch the ghost shield. His eyes looked peeling towards the burrow as he slid the ghost shield back to his forearm but it was too late. Sighing as he saw the others going for the hole. Though he had no idea why he'd soon find out. Grabbing the two who were now picking themselves up the hero turned to them. His gaze piercing. They'd not see under the mask the big grin he had plastered on his face. "Tell me, why dae ye want dah cup?" it was a simple question, yet one that proved almost fearful.

"Master wants shiny cup." one of the dark ones mentioned to the Templar.

"aye, who's Master, and tell me why."

"Shadow is our master, and cup will raise the dead. Take over the above world, spread hideousness." Came the answer. The Templar was silent a moment before he brought his fists around slamming into both of them... "Aye suppose I should speak to Totem."

The Present...

"So you see Alche-miss, he came to me and spoke of this. Now why today is still a mystery to me." Totem's voice came, as he pondered the situation more. Though Totem had no idea, about the religions of the Judea spirit realms. To the Navajo spirits of humans was unknown. Though Alche-miss, knew something that Totem did not.

"Well sugar, rest easily, ole Alche-miss can answer tha' for ya!" A large smile came over her face as she took her eyes from Templar to Totem, "All hallows eve, is the day when the spirit realm's barrier is the thinnest, so she will be able to use the powers to... well she'll be able to raise the dead."

Templar's head looks over at them, ¡°So where do ye all think they will strike? Any ideas?"

Totem smiled as he walked towards the other two heroes, "well if I'm thinking right, and if what Alche-Miss says is true, I would say before midnight, for when midnight comes the veil would again be closed."

"Makes sense, but then what would be the point, if only a few hours to cause any havoc, what would be the point?" Templar asks.

"Well, I have had a dealin' or two with old, scar-face, and well she usually wants to make everyone ugly, has thing with beauty. I'm sure The Ant could give ya better insite. But I'm thinking her plans are to somehow defile the world."

"I suspect there is only one way to find out. That is to meet up with them."

"You know where they are gonna be Totem?" Templar asks sort of perplexed

"Well if they are to raise the dead, there is only one place they could be... The Patriot City Graveyard... Alche-miss if you could do the honors."

"As ya wish Honey-buns." Alche-miss grinned as she raised her hands, a round pink orb forming in her hand. " Sands of time do not incite, but instead it is but space that is our Plight. By the hands of Relation we do command to get us to a new Destination. We promise to you my goddess to stand on guard as we are transported to The Patriot City GRAVE YARD! ¡°And as the words are said the pink orb expands to surround all three heroes... as we watch the orb with the three heroes fades from the rooftop.

Patriot City Graveyard...

The Four figures stand outside the grave yard eyes scoop around the area, as suddenly, Shadow holds the cup forward. Suddenly from her mouth comes a strange incantation. " Eyoti yan voti clein Triet vabotin Frail, deit nonaba vot ten proth with these words I call the dead to walk forth!" As the words are sung there is nothing for a moment. Nothing at all but silence. Then suddenly a cold finger slips around shadow's face, as Mr. Mime pulls her around roughly. As he pushes her back, he grins. Shadow's eyes go wide as she looks at the mysterious figure, his eyes going wide and wild. Deja-vu and Nuclear winter begin to walk forward, though as they do. The ground begins to shake. Hands thrusting from the ground. The two villains feel the cold hands come up from the ground. As they begin to step back both jaws going slacked.

"I can talk, Shadow... but my tongue is not as you'd like to think." His voice was raspy like steel rubbing against steel; his face was death white, wrinkles slacking down as his hands rasped hard against the villianess's neck. She looked wide as his tongue lashed out at her, its own mouth opening wide.

"AHHHH¡± came out the voice. Three heroes heard it as they passed through the trees that lay out the edge of grave yard. The three heroes watched in amazement as more of the dead corpses pulled themselves out of the ground. Templar looked at Totem then To Alche-miss.

"We have to save them don't we?" Templar asked with almost a perplexed voice.

"Well I don't reckon we'd be heroes if we did not."

"Figured you'd say that." Templar mentions as the three of them run towards the scene. As they near the villains what they saw was almost enough to cause all three to drop their jaws... Hundreds of the Dead surrounding two of the villains the third-- Shadow, was on the ground beneath the feet of this new and very strange man. The new comer¡¯s face turned to look at the heroes with a grin.

"I can tell in your heart you'd rather leave... but I do believe you've seen too much already." Suddenly as though he said it the creatures turned towards the heroes. The heroes had little chance to react. Quickly Templar was the first to fully turn round and send a shield bashing towards the corpses his shield smashing a few of them back. Alche-miss and totem were back to back. Fists and kicks shattering bones in almost trained precision. Yet soon the heroes learned that as much as they feel they came back too. The three heroes began to back against one another. Doing what they could to subdue the cold fingers and fists of bone. . Templar turned his head quickly as he slammed an elbow into another of the creatures.

"I don't know who you are... but you will pay!" He mentioned.

"Oh yes I'm sure I will... I will see you on the other side." Mr. Mime laughed as the creatures pressed the heroes closer together their numbers multiplying forcing the heroes despite the struggle closer to the soggy ground. The Heroes felt hands sticking into their lips and eyes. Templar's armlets being pulled. Fingers slipping over flesh. The heroes fell to their knees and backs kicking and clawing screaming each one. It was going dark. Yet each hero could not give up. The pain the struggle. That's when under his mask Templar had an idea. Quickly, with all the strength he could muster he focused on his shield letting a blast form on the base as he did the blast struck over the shield sending a few back. Though he knew that more would come sending a shoulder into a few more, he clinched his teeth, a fist smashing into a jaw, a knee busting into a rib suddenly with as much might as a warrior had his shield ruptured a hole. His eyes narrowed to the Chalice, and in one... desperate, throw the shield flew through the air, the ghost of a time long gone collided with the chalice. The gold relic falling from Mr. Mime's hand. The villain¡¯s eyes went shocked. As he looked to the sky. Suddenly the sky went bright thunder crackling as the corpses fell quickly towards the ground, dissolving. The heroes pushing themselves aside looked to the one Called Mr. Mime.

"Well it appears you all have outwitted me, but to late for you to do anything about it... for it is...." Suddenly he form began to fade as though he was a ghost... "Midnight."

And the heroes were left alone... with three unconcious villans... and of course silence.