Thread: Ultra Woman, the series! (plus her daughter Anya)

The Return of Ultra Woman Two days had passed while Rei learned much about the world she was about to enter as Ultra Woman. Her studious activities had served her well, but there was so much more to learn as the scholars dedicated to the studies of that world showed and explained much to Rei. Many simple things she learned, such as pushing a tiny switch that could bring light to rooms, and machines that could give her information, called such odd things as teevees, radios, and computers. Rei realized that in order to operate some of these devices, she would need to be taught by somebody in the outside. Such things as 'computers' her sisters could describe but no more then that. Much still to learn... She learned much about some of the people and institutions of the world, and city, in which she would soon be involved. That there were many men of evil nature she already knew, but she was pleasantly surprised to hear of the number of good men and superheroines that also inhabited the city she would soon defend. The learning she absorbed would touch only the surface of the world of men, but she would now be able to move about without appearing like a babe freshly from the womb. Unlike poor Deanna, a scholar had told her. She was sent with nothing more then bravery and courage. It overwhelmed our Princess in only a few days. Rei had known of at least one good man from the gossip the sisters had spread about Tania and night she had spent with a man. A certain 'Captain Liberty'. Now Rei stood within the Temple of Hera, preparing to leave on her own adventure. Her costume's gold glistened in the waning evening sunlight. The Queen and Rei stood in the middle, with the Queen's inner sanctum surrounding the pair. Among them was her mother Gabrielle. Rei could see how hard her mother was trying to act as the stoic adviser but she knew the pain she felt. Rei had arranged for many sisters, the Queen included, to spend time her mother. It might be awhile, but Rei knew her mother's inner strength would see her through. She knew because that strength had been a gift her mother had given to her. Queen Helen handed Rei a tiny sliver of metal, rounded at one end and pointed at the other, It was of what appeared to be bronze, and, to Rei, looked disturbingly like the outer world's symbol for a male. Everything out there is a phallic symbol, she thought, repressing a smile. People in a city called Toronto had even built a tower that resembled one. Silly people... This is the key to Tania's apartment, Sister Rei. Your search for our lost sister will have to start there. I would that there were more information to give you, but you must use your own resources. As the Queen handed her the key, Rei clasped both her hands around the Queen's hand. You've been most helpful your Majesty. The information and tools you have given me are more helpful then you can imagine. I'm going out there with some idea of what to expect and how to fight. Helen put her arms around Rei's bare upper back and pressed her tightly. You are my, and our, champion. As Ultra Woman you represent our people. I will not warn you against rashness, as I feel you are not of that type. Use your mind, fair Rei, but remember that there are times where only a warrior may succeed. Rei wrapped her arms around her Queen and hugged just as tight. That I know your Majesty and I know that is a reason you chose me as a candidate. I believe I remember you saying something about a scholar and a warrior. My sisters have allowed me to become both. Now, close your eyes, and think of that world, a world of noise, rush, and men. When you arrive, you will appear on the roof of Tania's building. Let not the cacophony of noises throw you, my sister, but let them pass. I know that world will appear so much different than our peaceful island, but always remember your mission and your people. I will remember and I will keep you and my sisters close to my heart as a symbol of what I fight for. I shall pray tot he gods that they may grant me swift victory so that I might return to my home as soon as I can. Queen Helen looked over the smaller, asian Amazon in her resplendent red, blue, and gold uniform. You look a treasure...Ultra Woman. Rei blushed at the Queen's kind words. I am but a single jewel compare to the treasure that you are my Queen, Rei said as she took in the tall, voluptuous Queen clad in a gown of the purest white silk. Her gold and diamond tiara upon her lovely forehead. She took in one final glance at her sisters and her homeland before closing her eyes and concentrating as the Queen had told her to do. For several seconds, nothing appeared to be happening. Suddenly, Rei was enveloped within a cylinder of white light. Her long hair blew as if in a breeze but there was none. Within a space of moments, her body dissolved into motials of that spiraled within the cylinder. The motials condensed to a fist sized concentration and zoomed up and out of a temple into the evening sky. Goodbye my daughter... Gabrielle whispered as her sisters gently hugged her close. --------------------------------- As Rei appeared on the roof of the sixteen story building, she was higher than she had ever been before. Below and around her was the blasting of horns, roaring of cars, and other excessive noises of the city. The smell was that of carbon monoxide and asphalt. For a second, she was overwhelmed by the noise and smells. Agh.... she said as she placed a hand in front of her nose and mouth. This place smells as bad as what the legends say Tartarus is suppose to smell like! How do they stand it! The only lights she was used to on her island were candle and lateens so the abundance of light from the city made her curious but also sad. I won't be able to see the stars very well as the light washes the sky of them. The roof was brick edged, with hard tar under her boots. Numerous vents and blowers dotted the top of the apartment complex, with a stairwell not twelve feet from the young Ultra Woman. I would expect that there would be an easy way down as they would have to do some sort of work up here on occasion. Looking around at the dirt and filth. And it looks like it has been awhile... As it looked the most promising, Rei tried the stairwell. The door wouldn't open when she attempted it. Just as she was about to rip it off its hinges, she remembered something about 'locks'. How silly of me, she thought. The handle had an opening of the right size so she tried the key the Queen had given her. After a few moments of fiddling with it, the door opened to a darkened opening. Rei took a deep breath and proceeded down the step, quietly closing the door behind her. Her senses alert for any thing that might try to surprise her. The stairwell was faintly illuminated by a single bulb which dangled by a long black wire. Dust and time had covered the bulb with dust, just like the rest of the top of the stairwell where few residents ever went, and hence was never cleaned. Rei's soft blue and red boots padded stealthily down the steps, raising small amounts of dust at each descent. Rei had to resist curling her nose in disgust. She knew that however dirty this was, it was nothing compared to other places she knew she would have to go. Sister Mary would faint is she saw this, Rei thought. She was always making us clean up whenever we children ever made a hint of a mess. Her sensitive ears, alert for anything, were assaulted. Through the walls she could still hear the low, steady, dull roar of the traffic, occasionally punctured and punctuated by a horn blast. Echoing somewhere down the stairs she could hear the crying of a hungry baby, the steady thump-thump of someone's stereo, and the shouts of two boys entering the stairwell from far below. I can not believe Tania could live in a place like this! I certainly hope that I don't lower myself this much. You have to have some sort of standards as a amazon. Ultra Woman curved around the bannisters as she descended into the building. At each floor she could peek through the door to the main hall of every level. Occasionally she could see someone moving down the halls, but no one seemed to notice as she continued to move down. As she turned a corner on one of the bannister, she saw a woman carrying the crying baby down the hall. Sounds like she needs to fed... she thought as saw the woman and the baby. Hey! a voice suddenly said as Ultra Woman was halfway down a set of stairs yet still glancing back to see if the woman would enter the stairwell. Looking down, Rei saw a young man, by appearances not much older than herself, with sandy brown hair, glasses, and a few odd blemishes on his face. He gawked at the Amazon superheroine his expression widened at her stunning appearance. Uh oh... Rei just stared at him for a little longer then she should have as he was the first man she had ever seen close up. I wonder what those marks on his face are? Sort sort of tribal ritual that we don't know about? He grinned as his eyes wandered all over Rei, until stopping at her breasts. Hey, Halloween ain't for another week, baby, but you look great! He leaned against the wall with an outstretched arm, effectively blocking the stairs to Rei. You live here? I ain't seen you around before, but I know I'm gonna see you again, baby. For a brief second, Rei considered breaking the man's arms as she figured she should be insulted by what he had said. Better get used to such...comments. I can't break everybody's arms for being small minded. With a quick flip of her wrist, her rope when from being attached to her belt to being around his waist. Now you will do a few things for me, Rei said as she held the ends of the rope. First, You will go about your business and forget you ever saw me. Second, in the future you will be more respectful of people and not make such comments or actions. Nod your head if you understand. Rei was please when his blank faced head nodded several times. Now go. Rei let the rope drop from his waist and watched him proceed down the stairs. I could get to like this, she said as she coiled the rope back up and reattached it to her belt. One person with a new attitude. Several million to go. Ma'am, can I help you carry your baby? she heard the young man ask in the hall beyond. Looking up and down the empty hall, Rei left the stairwell and approached Tania's apartment. A number on the door confirmed it, so the new Ultra Woman put the key into the lock, turned it to release the tumblers, and entered. Rei took a last glance down the hallway to see if anyone had followed her. Seeing no one, she softly closed the door. Closing the door behind her, Rei moved quietly into the dark apartment. She recognized the light switch from her briefing, and flipped it on. The apartment before her was trashed. The living room couches were shredded, with the cushions ripped open and thrown aside. Tables were overturned, plants dumped out of their stands and pots, television and stereo broken open. The floor was covered with debris. Past this, Rei could see the kitchen, its drawers and shelves open and empty, the floor in there covered from corner to corner with silverware, dishes, pans, food, and other types of kitchen detritus. Even the trash has been thrown on the floor. By the gods! she thought as she took in the sight. I doubt it was a result of a fight as the damage looks too systematic for that. Somehow, someone found out where Tania was living and looked for something. Rei bent over and picked up a broken framed picture of Tania and her daughter Julia. This is not good at all. Her identity must have been totally compromised. To the left was a small hallway. Stepping over the remains of Tania's furniture, the lithe heroine turned down the hall. A door was open, with shredded bedding and scattered clothing the only thing visible in the poor light. To her left was a bathroom the medicine cabinet was emptied of its contents, which were now and the floor with the linens from the closet next to it. I doubt I will find anything as whoever did this knew what they were doing. Perhaps I can find some trace of them... As Rei turned back to the bedroom, a man suddenly stepped into the open doorway. In the faint light that reflected from the living room, she could make out a full head mask that left only his chin, mouth, and dead blue eyes visible. His chest and arms were covered with a dark red and white striped outfit that adhered to his broad shoulders and ripped chest. A midnight blue belt, littered with odd compartments, was around his waist. What the! I didn't hear him! Before Ultra Woman could react, the man raised a small canister. In the blink of an eye, he sprayed a fine mist in Rei's face. The sickly sweet smell slapped Rei's senses. Suddenly her legs felt like rubber, as she felt numb all over. Hades... she thought as she struggled in vain to fight the effects of the mist. Not 10 minutes in the outside and I'm already defeated. Some champion I am... She fell first to her knees then laid the floor unconscious. The mysterious man watched impassively from behind the full head mask as the young oriental Amazon fell to her knees, then, as her violet eyes fluttered shut, collapsed onto the floor. Her arms flailed out limply to her sides and stopped amidst the linens thrown into the hallway. Rei's nose was buried in some delicate lingerie of Tania's from Victoria's Secret. Stepping out of the dark bedroom, the man came more into the light. His pants were midnight blue with a row of dark, almost gray, white stars trailing down each leg. Captain Liberty stepped over the Rei's outstretched, unconscious hand, his dark boots glowing at the fringe as he placed his toe on the glowing rope that lay splayed at Rei's hip. Now, just who the hell are you? he growled under his breath as he knelt down beside Rei. He grabbed a fistful of the hair that hid her face and pulled her up so he could see her better. Reaching into a compartment, he pulled out a small flashlight and shined it into Rei's sleeping visage. Who the hell do you think you're doing wearing my friend's uniform? he continued as his felt for her pulse. Rei moaned slightly in discomfort as she was pulled by her hair. Strong, you must be in damned good shape, Captain Liberty said as he lowered her head back to the floor. Without standing up, he moved down to her boots and felt them thoroughly. I don't suppose you could hide much in Tania's uniform, but these boots might hold something. Her legs twitched a bit as his strong but yet gentle touch pressed the smooth leather-like boots against her legs Reaching once more into his belt, Captain Liberty pulled out a small section of rope. The rope was wrapped around each ankle, then tied together to hobble her. He took each of Rei's arms and placed them behind her back, and quickly tied them tightly together with a second piece of rope. There, now to have you answer me some questions. In a tiny compartment at the back of his belt, Cap pulled out a tiny needle, and abruptly jabbed it into the arc of the curve of Rei's ass. The stimulant took effect quickly. Oh my head.... Rei moaned slightly as she shook her head to clear the cobwebs. Haven't felt like this since I drank too much at the Dionysus festival... Amazons may be more sensitive to sleeping gases but they can also recover from them just as quick. That doesn't mean they don't feel the after effects. Suddenly, she remembered what had happened and felt the ropes on her limbs. Great Hera! With a slight grunt and a tug, the ropes break into fragments. Before Captain Liberty could react to this development, Rei reached out and grabbed his ankles. With a hard pull, she dumped him on to his ass. Rei then sprang up into a combat stance but grabbed hold of the wall with a hand for support when the room spinned slightly. Must be whatever he hit me with is still affecting me, she said to herself as she shook her head again. No matter. Fight I will. As Rei got her bearings after her leap to her feet, the mysterious man jumped back up after only the fraction of a moment's surprise. He stood warily, obviously a man with some skill in fighting which Ultra Woman quickly discerned after the room quit spinning around her. The two looked at each other, each weighing the other. The man was silent, the harsh lines of his lips and cold, dead expression in his eyes, and the light movement upon the balls of his feet the only way Rei could get any reading on him. Rei's lovely Asian face was more of a mask as her mind was in its 'combat' mode, taking in every detail around her so she could figure out what and how to fight. Still moving slowly as she tried to fight off the last of the gas still in her system, Ultra Woman jabbed out with a hand. Quickly the man slapped her wrist aside, but Rei could tell his strength was only a fraction of her own. He's not as strong as I, she thought. But he's quick. Then again so am I. Swiftly he countered. Dropping down to one knee, he swept his other leg in a short arc. Before Rei, still dizzy, could react, his foot kicked her in the ankle, sending her sprawling onto her back. He reached into his belt and snatched the tiny silver canister that had done her in minutes earlier. Hades! she said as she hit the floor. Seeing him pull the sleeping gas spray from his belt, Rei quickly looked around and found what she was looking for. Her red and blue boots pinched Tania's blow dryer between them, and Ultra Woman threw the thing with her feet. The dryer smashed into the canister, sending both items tumbling back into the living room. With a kick of her legs, Rei leaped back to her feet. Never be ashamed to use items as weapons in a fight, Rei's martial arts tutor had taught her. Being 'fair' is of no use when your enemy isn't. You're only objective is to win. Again the two combatants watched each other, again waiting to react to the other. In a blur, he reached forward, grabbing at Rei's wrist. His gauntleted hand wrapped around Ultra Woman's bracelet. Bracing herself, Rei pulled at the same time the man pulled, his fist ready to strike as she tumbled forward. Using one of the oldest techniques there is, Rei redirected her opponent's force against him. Adding some of her own of course. The man's teeth grated as he, instead, was pulled by the power of the Amazon heroine. Spinning around, she hurled him past her. Airborne, he flew into the bedroom, crashing against the far wall and tumbling to the floor in a burst of plaster, wallpaper, and dust. Rei smiled slightly as she felt her head finally clear of the last of the gas. Her opponent was skilled and strong but so was she. She was also a bit puzzled. I was at his mercy and he didn't do anything to me. Why? She then remembered the Queen telling her that Tania had worked with other people while on her mission. Perhaps they are looking for her as well... He quickly leaped again to his feet, watching as the young Amazon approached cautiously. Rei was ready to counter any moves that he made as she watched him closely. I suspect you are a friend of my sister Tania. If you are, may we cease destroying her residence? If you aren't, then I shall make you tell me what happened to her. Harsh lines wrinkled the part of his face that were visible. I'll rip that halloween costume off you for mocking my friend, he growled. The man charged at her like a bull elephant. Rei grabbed his shoulders and rolled backwards to the floor pulling him down with her. At the same time, one of her legs came up between them placing the heel of the boot in the middle of his stomach. At preciously the right instant, Rei's leg gave a mighty push that sent that combined with their mutual momentum that causes him to go through the opposite wall and into the kitchen. The masked man exploded through the wall in a shower of old plaster and new wallpaper. He tumbled over the top of the bar and smashed into the kitchen table, quickly reducing it to shards and planks of broken wood. Rei continued the roll until she ended up back on her feet. She immediately sprang through the man-shaped hole to see him laying stunned on the floor between the two halves of the kitchen table that he had broken. That must hurt... Rei unclasped her golden rope and tied his wrists together with it as she held the end. Now kind sir, you will cease fighting and tell me who you are and why you're here. Just so you know, I am Ultra Woman. Now in his own fog of stunned pain, he fought stubbornly against Rei, but her Amazon power easily controlled the man's normal strength. Her magic rope lashed around his dark gauntlets as he fought to regain his equilibrium. His teeth chomped tightly together as he mentally struggled against the power of Ultra Woman's mystic rope. He looked up at Rei standing over him as if a light inside his mind were suddenly illuminated. As quickly as this expression appeared, it vanished into a well of sadness that Rei instantly recognized. I am Captain Liberty, he said without of hint of self-consciousness, and with more than a hint of pride. I am here looking for my friend, Ultra Woman. He paused for a moment, his cold, dead, almost emotionless eyes still looking up at Rei. I don't know you, but I believe I have found her. But you're not the one I was looking for. Rei's eyes widen as she recognized the name he gave. Captain Liberty was well known through the circles of gossip on the Amazon island as the lover of Tania. He certainly is the right man for an Amazon I must say. Tania had good taste. Rei groaned inwardly. Back to business girl... Plenty of time for looking at men later on. Rei looked at the rope in her hands and around his wrists. If I were to release you, you won't attack me? I have no quarrel with you. Captain Liberty got to his feet, without showing any signs of injury from the fight. I won't attack you, now that I know who you are. Rei was amazed that going through a wall hadn't seemed to injure him at all. Amazing.... she thought. You are looking for my Amazon sister Tania, Rei said in a respectful tone. I am truly sorry Captain Liberty but she has fallen. I and all of her sisters grieve for her loss. His chinline hardened. If you're here, it must be true, he says, with a subtle glance at the rope around his wrists. Although, Rei added seeing his expression. We do not know if she is alive or not. Only that someone has conquered her spirit. My Queen has tasked me to find out what happened and return her to our island. I am also to return Ultra Girl as well. The Queen is quite worried about her being here. As I am new in this place, I know I could use whatever assistance I can get. I hope as her friend, you will be willing to assist me in my quest. I came here looking for any clues as to what happened to Tania. Although from the damage, I suspect that I won't find much. You didn't cause this, did you? As the rope was removed from his wrists, he rubbed his gloves to get the circulation back. I'm not this crude, Ultra Woman. If I wanted to find something, you'd never know I'd ever been here, he said, matter-of-factly. With how well you surprised me, I'll believe it. I wonder what they were looking for. Did you find any clues as to who could have caused this? Captain Liberty reached into a crook of his belt and pulled out a small piece of metal. This belonged to the wrecking crew. I have to run tests on it first, but I've seen these before. It looks like a piece of one of Droid's toys, the bastard. If he has Tania, she may be like Mel already, the sonuvabitch. Rei sighed softly and sadly. If she is like Melania, then there is no hope to heal her. Killing her would be mercy then so she could find peace. Is there any trace of a girl named Rachel also known as Amber? She's a fighter with some powers I believe and is close to Tania. She might have some information. That is, if Droid doesn't have her as well. The cold eyes narrowed at the mention of Amber's name. There's a ponytail ribbon over there, he said with a faint nod towards the bedroom. Oh.... Rei trailed off. They both visited the island not long ago and I was told that they spent...a lot of time together. You never did meet her, did you? The Queen told me she that she was cursed by a...vampire. But that Amber was in control of that aspect of herself I might add. Still, I wasn't about to turn my back on her. Liberty's demeanor spoke volumes on the distrust he had for Amber. I never met her, and they both disappeared before I could say anything to Tania. Did she tell you people that she was being hunted? There's a man in the city looking for her. He told me something interesting things about Tania's innocent girlfriend. I never met her myself either. I can only go on what others have told me. If she is a vampire then I'm not surprised she's being hunted by someone. What did this man say about Amber? Perhaps Tania became involved somehow. Very little. We didn't have a long conversation. I knew he was up to no good, and he knew I wasn't going to let him try anything while I was around. He reached into his belt. You want to talk to him, here he is. Liberty tossed a small card onto the counter top next to Ultra Woman. He's going under the name of Bram. Rei picked up the card and looked at it. Thank you. Perhaps I will have a chat with him. Is he a vampire himself? Liberty barely shrugged. I don't know if they really exist. He stepped away from the Amazon heroine. Turning his back and walking through the kitchen, he turned back to her as he placed his hands upon the counter. This Queen of yours wants Ultra Girl returned because Ultra Woman disappeared? Are you all retreating back to your island so you'll be safe? he asked, his voice dripping with barely disguised disgust. I thought your kind believed in the good fight. Rei stood in the doorway watching him. The Queen wishes Ultra Girl to return as it was never intended for her to become this Ultra Girl. It was only to visit her... Rei stopped as she didn't think it wise to reveal that Ultra Girl was Tania's daughter. To visit Tania. Not to become a demi-champion. We have protocols on how to do things and she is not part of it. Of course this doesn't apply until we find Tania. She folded her arms across her ample chest and shot Captain Liberty a look of defiance. Truth be known sir, if it was up to me I would remove our island from this sick world so we could live in peace. I think it has been a mistake that we send our best sisters to help you. I did not wish to become Ultra Woman but by our laws when I won the tests, I took up the duties. Just so you know, my attitudes on this will not prevent from performing as best as I can. My Queen has faith in me and I won't let her down. We Amazons do believe in a 'good fight' but some fights should never be fought in first place. A smart person can avoid a fight in the first place. The snarl grew on Liberty's face as Rei's words filled the air. Let me tell you something, girl, he growled, punctuating his words with a finger that stabbed the air towards Ultra Woman, Tania and Mel did more things to help people than anyone else in this city in the last three years. Without them, there would be one hell of a lot more dead, raped, and generally fucked over people in this damned city, and most of them women. If you don't want to be here, get the hell out of my city, since all you're going to do is get killed. Rei's brow furled as she tried to control her anger at the way this 'man' was speaking to her. Sir, the word rolled off her tongue like an insult. I can not leave even though I would like too. My Queen has ordered me to take up the mission of my fallen sisters. Honor dictates that I do so and I will. Although I disagree with this idea in general I would NEVER do anything to degrade the memory of what my sisters have done. I hope that I can live up to one tenth of their memories. Also, don't point a finger at me again or I'll break it off. Along with another piece of anatomy that 'men' are so fond of. Liberty leaned down. I wouldn't try it, woman, he growled. Why not? Rei said, not backing off an inch. I take it you aren't sufficiently endowed for me to find anything to break off, right? Rei knew she was treading on dangerous ground but Captain Liberty's attitude was something she just could let slip. Seeing you now, I can't understand why Tania shared her bed with you. I would think that you would prefer whores that you may dominate instead of Amazon's who might fight back. Or is that a.... What is the phrase... Oh yes! A 'turn on' for you? White teeth bared, opening the mouth of a face slightly grizzled under the mask. Tania never shared her bed with anything having to do with me, and if you ever say anything bad about her again, I'll stuff that goddamn tiara down your throat, he said, burning with anger. Mentioning Tania's name, Rei could actually see his eyes light up for the first time. Rei knew she had over stepped the ground of courtesy with her last remarks. The man had feelings for Tania she could see and it was wrong for her to trample of them like that. Forgive me sir. I won't mention Sister Tania's name in such a manner again. Just in case, Rei prepared to defend herself in case he expressed his anger towards her in a physical manner. The fires in his eyes burned for a few moments longer before receding back into the placid pools of dead blue from which they had emerged. Tania was a special woman, is all he said before turning away and heading for the door. Captain Liberty blew by Rei as he stomped towards the door, his thick masculine musk and cologne filling her nostrils. He stopped right behind her, turned, and looked down at the smaller figure, his eyes still dead and cold, despite his words. If you're just here to get your sisters, I'll get them for you so you can go home where it's safe, but if you're here to do some damned good for the world, you come to Bradenton Park, and I'll see you. Rei stared right back at him, not giving an inch. Where is this park and when do you wish that I be there? Also why? I intend to take my sisters back home, but I always intended to fight the evil in your sick, sad world. Now I intend to do it just to show you what an ass you are! A snarl quivered at the edge of his lip, but Captain Liberty forced it back down. If you want help, show up. If you know as much about this city as Tania did, you're going to need it. I've always known that I would need help, Rei retorted. I'm not a man and therefore ashamed to ask for assistance. At what hour do you wish me to show up? I do not wish to be late and anger you further. You might take it out on some poor innocent and I wouldn't want that to happen. As Captain Liberty walked out the door, Rei caught the faintest expression of pain on the hero's face, before he disappeared into the hallway. Rei felt for him as she could tell that he cared for Tania very much. If not as a lover then as a close friend. She also felt bad for getting into an argument with him at this time and in this place. Liberty walked to the door, and, without turning back, said, I know where Ultra Girl is, then stepped out. After Captain Liberty had left, Rei took several deep breaths and tried to prevent herself from punching a wall. Insolent pig! she growled. How dare he question me. After regaining some composure, Rei closed her eyes and ran a hand across her forehead. What did Tania ever see in that....idiot. She walked over to a window overlooking the lighted city. Welcome to my new home, she muttered. The place was a disaster, even worse now after the confrontation with Captain Liberty. Ultra Woman stepped over the remnants of Tania's life in this strange world, looking for anything that might help her discover where her sister might be. The debris littered the floor. The new heroine moved across the room, pushing the foam from the couch cushions aside with the toe of her supple boot, then moving an overturned table, then another broken item from Tania's home, looking for anything that would help her. She also looked for any personal items of Tania's that may seem unimportant to whomever ransacked the place, but would be to Tania or Julia. She could figure out many of the uses for most of the items but others, she didn't have a clue. Like boots that had a series of small wheels set in row on each. Strange...Very strange... she said. Rei generally moved towards the bedroom, stepping over broken plaster from the hole in the wall, and past all the towels and linens strewn in the hall. As she moved into the bedroom, she nudged a shredded pillow aside. Beneath it Ultra Woman found a book. As she looked closer, she could see pictures of Tania in it, not in her uniform, but in the clothes of this world. She sat on the edge of mattress that was overturned on the floor. Setting the book on her lap, she started to leaf to the it. Seeing pictures of Tania in ways that Rei could not have imagined before. The picture Rei saw first was her sister, the beautiful Tania, wearing blue jeans and a plain t-shirt, holding hands with a strange, giant mouse. What on earth is that? This world is stranger then I ever imagined! Rei also saw pictures of Tania with a girl about her own age that she knew was Tania's daughter Julia. Know to the world as Ultra Girl. She also saw Tania laughing and seemingly having a good time with a pale skinned girl who had long brown hair. I bet that is Rachel or Amber. Rei committed that face to memory. With a deep sigh, Rei closed the book. Oh Tania... she whispered to the empty room. What happened to you? Sighing again, Rei stood and set the book on the matters. She spied a pillow case that would make a good sack for the things she found and placed it on top of the book. As she wondered about the room, Rei looked at some of the clothes that had been dumped into a pile. She picked up an odd looking piece and carefully looked at it. It was made from lacy white fabric with straps and a pair of deep cups. 36-D, she read from a tag on it. Rei tried to imagine what this was for. Suddenly, she realized from the design where it would be worn. Rei's face exploded in a deep blush as she placed it back on the pile. The woman out here are odd. Why restrain that which the gods have given you? Looking through the pile of clothes, she also found a pair of tights, much like her own. The difference was that while hers covered the crack between her curved cheeks, this thing had but a single strap that could only but fit inside the crack. She also found a piece, much like the other restraining device except it was made from the same green fabric as the tights. It also didn't have hooks at the end of the straps to hold them in place. Instead, it seemed that they tied together. Rei remembered a sister telling her about 'biikenes' and how women wore them to go swimming. Its going to take me some time to understand this world. They cover and restrain their bodies but at the same time, show nearly all of it off. They also must wear clothes to swim. Odd... Rei noticed an object poking out of an overturned drawer. As she bent down and picked it up to look at, she saw that it was a cylinder about 10 inches long and an inch wide. As she held it, it started vibrating in her hand. By the gods... she exclaimed as she realized its use as something similar had been used when she had been 'tested' on the Amazon island. Tania, you nasty little devil... Although Rei could understand Tania's need for sexual release she was a bit surprised that she would use such a device. It would trigger the Curse and cause the loss of Tania's powers for a time. Highly dangerous I should think... It is erotic though... Rei thought as she could feel her loins warm slightly. She smiled and set the device back down. Giving another sigh, Rei filled the pillow case with the items that she thought that Tania andor Julia would like. Giving the wrecked place a last look around, Rei slipped silently out the door leaving the place in darkness and silence once again. After a brief search through Tania's apartment, Rei was easily able to find a map that showed every part of Megapolis in minute detail apparently Tania had needed a map as badly as Rei did. Rei nimbly and easily leaped from roof-top to roof-top towards the park using her strength and agility. For her it was so easy that she didn't even build up a sweat. Back home, one of her usual morning exercises was to climb along a sheer rock face that had few hand holds and led to a 100 foot drop to the sea. The park apparently was in the section of Megapolis called Reichsborough. The park itself was along a creek that seeped in past the industrial section and into the residential area. As Rei got closer, the smell of industrialization became more manifest, almost burning the virginal nostrils of the heroine. Yuk!! Rei gasped as she held her nose. These people might need machines but they could at least try to make them blend in with the land. No wonder they have such evil! They can't live with even the land so why expect each other. She dropped down to the street level and started down a street towards the park. After literally hundreds of men, all out in the late evening hours, some smelling of Dionysus, pointed, hooted, and leered at the attractive heroine. Rei ignored them as best she could walked along the street with her held head high. As an Amazon should when among such lower classes. The park, Rei found, was covered in a fine coating of autumn leaves. It wasn't nearly as large, dotted with statuary, or with entertaining things for the kids, as the park near Tania's, the one called Shay's Park. This park looked terribly run down, with rusty swings, pits of brackish, unevaporated water in the landing pit under the swings and ladders, and with broken monkeybars with a chain link fence around it. Rei just shook her head at the amount of decay in this place. She was saddened to see how they treated their children here. No wonder so many get into trouble, she thought. With no places to enjoy themselves they naturally fall in with the more corrupting elements. Dead branches were here and there in the park, which combined with the leaves, carved-onto trees, and broken basketball goals. As Rei walked through the brown, red, and yellow leaves, her soft boots kicked them aside making a thin trail showing her movement through the dark area. She was curious about these leaves as the trees on her island were always full of life. Rei did notice that some of them were rather pretty and decided that she would have to study them when she had more time. Her sensitive ears picked up voices ahead of her. A row of bristly hedges, all wildly overgrown and long overdue for a pruning, apparently hid two voice, both male. She couldn't make out exactly what they were saying over the wind blowing through the leaves and trees, but she knew they were there. Rei slowed and stayed close to the hedge. Trying to make out what they said and to stay within its shadow. The wind moving through the crackling, dry leaves made most other sounds undetectable to most people, but the Amazon's hearing was that much more sensitive. As the wind slowed, she could pick up the occasional word, all of which made it seem that much more likely that these two voices, both male, had nothing but malignancy in their hearts. ...jump 'er bones! she heard one of the two men say as the wind died down enough for her to hear the exclamation. Continuing through the park, Rei could hear the two men paralleling her path from beyond the hedgerow not fifty feet away. Up ahead, she saw that the hedge angled until it intersected with her own path... I expect they're talking about me, she thought to herself. Up ahead looks to be a good spot for them to launch an ambush. I think I shall disrupt their plans ever so slightly. Rei moved nearly silently along the edge of the hedge until she reached the end. She bent down so as to project the smallest possible target. It would also allow her to use her legs to 'spring' out at the them. Where she go? Ultra Woman heard one man say to another. Dunno, was the brilliant response. Fuck it, I say we don't wait, just run like hell out there. She'll freeze when us two studs come at 'er! I wonder what a 'stud' is... she thought. The two men laughed. Yeah, let's go get 'er! And now it begins... she thought as her muscles tensed, getting ready for the upcoming fight. With a rush, the two men, both dark haired men with scraggly, half grown goatees, dressed in run down, nondescript clothes, leaped from behind the end of the hedgerow. The first one was empty handed, but the second hand a serrated-edged knife in his hand. Rei took in all these details in an instant. She just as quick determined that these two were most likely not a serious threat and therefore adjusted her actions accordingly. The two men looked out over the park, then down at the heroine kneeling before them. Seeing the tiara, uniform, and glowing rope on her hip, they both gaped. Uh, rope? I thought she had a flashliiiiunnghH! Rei lunged forward, her fist plowed into the second man's stomach even as her other hand chopped at his wrist, sending the knife flying into the hedges. He let out a grunt of pain as he stumbled back, bile already coming to his lips. Still dazed by the appearance of his target, the other man could only gape for the two seconds he had to react. In that time, the heroine fluidly spun around and slammed her boot into his solar plexus, doubling him over. A quick knee lift sent him flying backwards to land heavily in the leaves. Within five seconds, it was over. The two men writhed upon the ground, making painful leaf angels as they gurgled up bile from the twin blows to their stomachs. Standing over them, Ultra Woman knew these two wouldn't be getting up for a while. Rei smiled slightly as she looked at the two would be attackers on the ground. I've sparred against children who were better fighters then these two, she said in a voice filled with contempt. But what to do with them? I certainly can't leave them to go unpunished but I doubt the local authorities will have time for them. Hmmmmm... Rei stood there for several seconds tapping a finger of a hand against her bare thigh as she thought. I know, she finally said with a smile. Rei moved the two men until the laid next to each other. Unbuckling the rope from her belt, she looped it around their bodies so that she still held one end. Can you both hear and understand me? Getting a couple of grunts of acknowledgement she continued in a low, even voice. For the next...oh...for the next year every dream you have when you sleep will be you reliving each assault and crime you have committed against people. However, you will experience it from the victims point of view and you will not be allowed to waken until the dream is finished. You will know every once of terror, pain, and guilt that you have inflected upon them. You may not seek any release through drugs, alcohol, or suicide during this time. If you commit any crime, the effects of the dreams will be 10 times worse each time. Do you understand? The two men released audible gasps as the power of the rope blasted Ultra Woman's commands into their tiny minds. Each nodded numbly, with fright in their eyes. Good. Now take a little nap so you may start dreaming. Sweet dreams, 'studs'. Rei took the rope off of them and reattached it to her belt. Nudging them slightly with a booted foot, she could tell they were asleep. She smiled, turned, and walked away. The night air already beginning to be filled with the moans the men emitted from their 'dreams'. Satisfied with her handling of her pathetic attackers, Rei went on her way. She wasn't really sure where Captain Liberty was wanting to meet her, but everything in the park seemed to center around a large, deteriorating amphitheater. The concrete structure, complete with half dome to help amplify the sound of those on stage, had fallen into disrepair, with the iron rods beneath the concrete showing on the half-dome, and chunks of concrete lying on the stage where it had landed. A chain link fence surrounded the structure, with signs on each side declaiming the danger and demanding all stay out. Rei moved towards the structure carefully but quietly. Turning her head this way and that in order to scan the whole area. Also making sure to watch where she stepped in case there were any traps. When she reached the fence, Rei proceeded along it. Moving around the fence, Rei's eye caught what was apparently the door of the fence. A heavy sign was bolted onto the gate, demanding that everyone Keep Out, Danger within. What got her attention was the single red star, made of metal, tied with a plastic band to the sign. In the center was a pair of letters 'U' and 'W'. Rei's eyes widened as she saw an unmistakable sign for her. Might be a marker left by Captain Liberty, she thought. Then again, it could be a trap. 'Perfect paranoia is perfect awareness' I always say. Rei leaned in slightly to carefully examine the card for writing andor signs of a trap. Looking around the small metal plate, Rei peered carefully around the edges. She couldn't see anything like wires, unless the enter metal gate were trapped. The red plate itself was pinned onto the fence with small metal loops held by pop rivets. The U and W were painted in gilt gold, obviously by a small hand brush. Pity... she thought as she finished examine it. I was hoping for a message of sorts. Then again, it is a message in its own right. She debated for a few moments about removing the plate but decided not to. No need to make too much of mess. Just as she reached to push the gate open, Rei noticed the gate was secured by a heavy, although, rusted lock. She knew she could easily snap it in two but decided not to as it would create more noise then she wished. Rei stepped back, then in one motion, leaped high into the air. Gracefully the Amazon went over the bobwired top of the fence, then descended, until landing smoothly on the most solid spot available. Her boots made hardly a sound on the dusty concrete as she landed. Standing up straight, she could see even more clearly from the inside that the half dome of the amphitheater was truly in danger of collapse. Support struts were visible, and rusting noticeably. However, within the depths of the halfdome, she saw an old metal door, closed tight. In the middle of the door was another of the strange little red stars, with a U and W painted in gold in its center. Rei frowned slightly as she saw the markings again. This could surely be a trap but Captain Liberty wouldn't lead me into one, would he? Rei scanned the whole area around the door looking for any signs of a trap or ways to enter without going through the door. Rei walked into the halfdome, her eyes darting to and fro suspiciously. The door was rusted and aged, but the padlock looked like a more recent addition. However, as Ultra Woman got closer, she could see the latch wasn't actually welded to the door a fact that wouldn't be noticeable from outside the fence. She also noticed that some of the 'rust' appeared to be cleverly painted on. Steeling herself, Ultra Woman bent her fingers around the edge of the door and pulled it open. Despite its rusted appearance, the door swung open smoothly, without a creak or groan of the aged metal hinges. With the door open, Rei could see a set of stairs, all rough concrete, leading down. If this is a trap then it is a very complicated one... Also more detailed and planned that I would think was needed. Looking back, then down in case of traps, Rei took a few initial. A single series of small lights illuminated the stairwell. Pulling the door closed behind her, Ultra Woman headed down the steps. She proceeded silently down the steps. Always careful that there might be a surprise in the next step she took. And Rei hated surprises. The walls were smooth, with an arched ceiling. A few cracks were visible, and the metal bannister was worn and aged, but the claustrophobic stairwell seemed solid enough. Rei figured she had descended anywhere from sixty to a hundred feet when she saw brighter lights ahead. Stranger and stranger... she thought as she took the everything. There was a light coat of dust but not as much as if it had been abandoned for a long time. She could also see where some of the cracks had been repaired. She entered an underground shelter of some kind. To one side was a larger opening, more like the size of the vehicles of this world, with a black sedan parked in the opening. A small living area was straight ahead, about thirty feet away, containing a rough cot, kitchenette, and a single door beyond that. To the right was a much more expansive set of equipment, all technologically far beyond anything Rei had yet seen. Rei had a fairly good idea of what this place was. We all need some sort of safe place where we can rest. I suppose that this is his. I wonder who built it? A single man sat in a plush chair before all this equipment. Past him Ultra Woman could see a dozen monitors one showed the door to the stairwell, while the other showed the amphitheater area. He swiveled the chair around to face Ultra Woman. I was wondering if you'd show, Captain Liberty said simply.