From: hutch@ibeam.intel.com (Steve Hutchison)
Newsgroups: alt.pub.dragons-inn
Subject: [DQ] Week 13 ShockWave: Fire on the Mountain
Date: 9 Nov 92 19:37:36 GMT
Organization: Intel Corp., Hillsboro, Oregon

SunStorm scowled in anger.  It was obvious that he didn't appreciate
ShockWave's speech.

But ShockWave paid no attention to him.  After all, ShockWave held much more
experience than the giant, so obviously he should have more to say.
"...And somethinks I wonder if you're just too lenient.  You should let me
 take control some battle.  I'd show you --and them!-- what fighting is.
 After all..."

SunStorm sighed, and interrupted.  "Aaah, if only there WERE a couple Demons
here, to make him SHUT UP!"

Suddenly ShockWave's senses perked up.  Just up ahead, and approaching at
inhuman speed, he detected an all-too-familiar scent.  "Well, SunStorm, it
seems you'll get your wish!"  Then ShockWave spotted the menace, "ALRIGHT,
DEMONS! Let's fight!"

SunStorm wasn't as confident.  "Uhh, but there's over a *score* of them!"

In ShockWave's eyes however, the choice had been already made.  "Well, if we
make it through this, at least this will make for a MEMORABLE fight! Or at
least you, uh, WE go down the honorable way!"

"I'm sure I'll remember more about the pain..." SunStorm argued.

ShockWave ignored the comment.  For him, the fight was the thing.

And quite a "thing" it was.  The demons swarmed: "SSSS, die NOW, Giantssscum!"
ShockWave sliced through them -- feeling pleasure at "tasting" the ichor
inside them, destroying their life essence -- as fast as possible.  But it
wasn't good enough -- there were just too many foes.  One raked SunStorm's
arm, causing him to lose his grip on the DiamondSword.

ShockWave hit the ground with a thud and a small curse.

Meanwhile the Demons bragged and tortured SunStorm, rather than outright
kill him.  That was about the only positive thing about the situation.  They
obviously thought there was no chance for the good side.  And although that
was essentially the truth, ShockWave also knew that one moment of distraction
on the demon's part could turn the tide.

Suddenly, a form could be seen in the sky.  Definitely a distraction, although
not by any means the kind ShockWave had expected.  "Yo, stupid Demons, don't
look now, but there's someone behind you."

The Demons turned to see a silver dragon.  ShockWave used the opportunity to
shimmer and "mysteriously" appear in his owner's hands.  The Demons immediately
tried to flee, but death found them all, largely due to the dragon's breath.
If he had had hands, ShockWave surely would have applauded the display.

"Hello.  I'm TrueSilver.  Seemed like you needed a little help..."

"Well, honorable beast, I'm ShockWave, and the guy here on the ground is
SunStorm".  ShockWave didn't even bother commenting on their need, somewhat
refusing to admit his weaknesses.

"graah...  huhhh..  hhhaarg.  Pleased to meet you.  Hack." SunStorm said, still
trying to recover.

"Brilliant conversationalist, he is.  While he tends to his wounds, how about
you and I talk a bit.  Perhaps about past exploits?"

ShockWave and TrueSilver swap information for quite a while.  SunStorm is not
exactly enthralled by the conversation, but ShockWave couldn't be happier,
after finally finding someone willing to listen to him.  The first such
being in too long a time, as far as he's concerned.

* * * * *
"Intriguing seeing HIS view of things," the Dark Master announced.  "And
ironic who is mentioned again."  He looks over at the huge, shadowed figure
behind him.  "Right, my pet?"

The figure only nods its head and gives a toothy grin, since that seems to
be what his master wants most.