Hate Runs Deep

  # # #

  "Well, this is...better," Deadguy asked as the Heroes poured out of the car. The raging, tuxedo-and-evening gown grand melee sprawled out before them. "At least they're not all naked this time."

  "Yet," Jill added. "I'd like to stop this before they start ripping clothes off."

  "Or body parts," DG remarked. The Heroes charged into the riots, pushing and, at times, punching their way into the concert hall. The people started getting more violent the further in they got. Our Hero was stabbed at least four time by broken chairs and other sharp implements. Valkadaidan was knocking combatants out of the way, trying his best not to stab any of them. The three Heroes made their way to the concert hall to see a behemoth of a being standing on the stage.

  He stood the better part of eight feet tall. His armor was blood red with fire orange lines tracing his arms, legs, and chest. Red orbs of hatred glowed from the thin visor of his helmet. He held out his hand to them. "Ah. Welcome, Heroes," he said, his voice booming across the concert hall.

  "I take it you're Hate Monger," Deadguy asked.

  "You are very perceptive," the monger replied. "for a fool."

  "At least I'm not the one running around dressed like an angry fireball," DG shot back.

  Hate Monger slowly clapped. "Oh, my sister did tell me of your wit."

  "He just said sister," DG said.

  "That's never a good thing to hear," Jill said.

  "Lust was his sister," he said.

  "This might complicate things," Valk commented, drawing his katana.

  "Sister. Lovely. He's out for revenge," Our Hero said. "Well, you're going to have to move on. We're not the ones that killed your sis."

  "Killed her," Hate Monger asked, shock in his booming voice. "You mean she's...dead?"

  "You didn't know," Jill asked. "We thought when her body disappeared, she was taken back to wherever you're from."

  Hate Monger let out a deep bellow. It was of rage. Of anger. Of loss. He started glowing a deep crimson. The area around him started to break and crumble. The walls and ceiling shook as this being let forth such a terrible cry.

  "I'm guessing he didn't know," Deadguy stated, moving his hand up slightly to block any oncoming debris. "I think things have officially gotten bad."

  "Thank you for that stunning report, Captain Obvious," Jill remarked.

  "Anytime, citizen," DG shot back.

  Valkadaidan charged at Hate Monger before the others had a chance to react. Blade collided with armor as the two started to fight. Deadguy charged after him as Jill moved to try and get a few shots in from her gun. The Dragon-Blooded tried slicing into the armor, but was knocked back by one of the monger's punches. Our Hero jumped in and punched his helmet. It barely budged, and Hate Monger threw him aside.

  A few bullets bounced off his arm. He turned, only to be struck by the hilt of Valk's blade. The two fought with a level of fury that few people have seen. They traded blows that would have deafened anyone that was within striking distance. Deadguy regained his composure just in time to rejoin the fight, hefting a cello. He swung it over his head and connected with the back of Hate Monger's helmet.

  The Monger staggered forward. Valkadaidan took the opportunity and went to stab him. He simply grabbed the Dragon-Blooded by the neck. He looked deeply into Valk's eyes. Into his soul. "Oh, you have so much potential," Hate Monger commented.

  A tuba to the back broke his concentration. "I've got a whole orchestra worth of weapons, Bucko,” DG announced. “Let's party."

  Hate Monger threw Valkadaidan into the orchestra seating. "I tire of this game," he growled. "If my sister does not turn up. I will drag this entire city into eternal hate." He stomped on the stage, causing the structure to collapse from under them.

  Jill ran over to the hole where the stage once stood. "Everyone okay down there?"

  "I think I landed on my keys," DG replied. There was an angry growl as Valk pushed the pieces of wood and broken chairs off of him.

  "Any sign of Hate Monger,"she asked.

  The two looked around. "Not from here," DG said. "Probably did the popular Monger Disappearing Act."

  "Need a hand out?"

  "Nope. I think I see the basement door. We're on our way up."

  The Heroes walked out of the destroyed concert hall into the warm night. They crossed the large, concrete opening as the various concert patrons were dealing with the after effects of the monger's ability. Marion ran up. She looked beautiful in her simple black and silver evening gown. She stopped a few feet away from them. "Marion," Jill said, trying to be pleasant. "Thank you for calling us." She patted Deadguy on the arm. "We'll be in the car," she said, softer.

  "Hey," Marion said as they walked off.

  "Hey," DG replied, a little uncomfortable.

  "So, the mighty Deadguy has saved the day once again," she said, trying to sound cheerful.

  He looked away. "Yeah," he simply replied. They stood in uncomfortable silence. "What were you doing here?"

  "Marion," a voice called out. She turned to see a skinny man with black glasses running up to them. He stopped once he was at her side, a little out of breath. "I'm glad you're okay."

  "...And this is," Deadguy asked, venom in his voice.

  "This is Casineb," she introduced.

  "I'm her boyfriend," he blurted out, throwing his hand out to shake.

  Our Hero took his hand and shook, gripping a little tighter than normal. "Nice to meet ya, Cas," he replied.

  Casineb pulled his hand back. "Wow, you have quiet a grip there," he chuckled, shaking off the pain.

  "I'll meet up with you at the car," Marion said, trying to sound sweet. Once he was out of earshot, she turned back to Deadguy. Her face said more than her words could, but she tried to explain anyway. "Look, I can explain..."

  "Just tell me why," he said. "That's all I want to know."

  She wrapped her arms around herself and looked away. "I can't be with someone who dies all the time. What if you die and don't come back? What if they find a way to kill you, or you decide to stop being a hero?"

  "Nothing will change me from being a hero," DG argued.

  "Are you sure," she shot back, locking her eyes with his. "Can you guarantee it?"

  He threw his hands up in defeat. "Alright. Fine. I hope you two are very happy." He walked off, never even looking back as she called out his name. He walked up to Jill and Valkadaidan sitting in the car, the windows down. He leaned on the passenger side door. "You two go on. I'm going to take a walk. Clear my head."

  "Are you sure you're okay," Jill asked, leaning over to see him.

  He gave a wry smile. "I'm Deadguy, remember? I can't get hurt." He walked off in the opposite direction of them.

  The door to the bar was kicked in. In the doorway, amid the smoky haze and the neon lights that haunted the darkened place, stood a man wearing a trench coat. A few of the drunks and grizzled bar regulars started to get off of their stools. Our Hero walked in, looking around the bar. "Hey guys," he greeted in a mock cheery tone. "I know this place is just a cover for a sex trafficking ring. I'm going to go ahead and warn you now: I can't die, and my girlfriend just broke up with me." He smashed his fist into his open hand. "and I'm really wanting to punch something." He slammed the door behind him.