Cosmic hero vs Mangagaga vs Psyomaster Ryuken

Story by Thomas Tuke

Part 2: New demons

The setting is planet Earth. The time is 2035, and not a pleasant time at that. One Economic and Political crisis after another has crippled humanities chances of moving forward in the prosperity and higher stages that they had so long dreamt about. Restrained by their own weaknesses, society had been the same as it had been for many decades, and Earth’s situation has only gotten worse.

Three weeks ago, the inhabitants of this relapsing world came under attack, not from one another as it had been since its birth, but from entities from the beyond of the universe. The catastrophic legions of the intergalactic warlord Xenophobia had arrived in Solar system, the 3rd planet from sun as its destination. Led by the ruthless general Gagamann the advanced cybernetic aliens hit hard in their assault on the world, the primitive Earth forces pushed back by these elite troops. And in their path of wrath and blood shedding, it was soon revealed that the fighting capabilities were such that they were toying with their prey, to draw out a much bigger fish to fry.

Coming to earth’s defence were another outer space body known only as the Galaxy corps, a alliance of other civilised beings, formed to enforce true justice in known space. The fighting went on, the combat getting tougher, the Galaxy corps taking some losses. But thanks to the courageous efforts of the skilled veterans and even their newfound rookies, in a blaze of amazement and surprise to their adversaries the armies of General Gagamann were forced to retreat, tails between their legs.

Forced out of the solar system, the so-called legions of the Gagabots nursed their wounds, but the fires of revenge were quickly burning within whatever heart they had. They had lost this battle with the Galaxy corps, the current protectors of planet, but the war was far from over. And in his disappointment, the fanatical leader of this vast regiment, the evil genius Gagamann, plotted and planned his next moves. For as demonstrated by the recent discoveries of his battalions, it was clear he had tricks up his sleeves, and few new cards to play.

As the Galaxy corps remained stationed in orbit around Earth, anticipating the next move of their foes, the anthromorphic leaders had also made some startling findings. Strange occurrences beyond them, Earth or the alien invaders had been happening over the service of the planet they were defending. Were these events hoaxes or What were they dealing were the questions but whatever their enemies were planning, or anyone for that matter, it was clear that the strife was not yet over…

Deep within the Amazonian jungles of Latin America, through wildlife firmly rooted into these lands, throughout the Aztec ruins barely even touched by the hand of man, a stranger fairly new to this dimension prowled through the labyrinth that was the jungle; a tiger on the hunt, a man on a mission. A tall armoured being, he came to a halt within the wilderness, peering at the sky through dark sunglasses. The afternoon sun was scorching, but it would take sheer amount of heat to deter his task ahead. There he stood, alone, leaning against a tree, thinking how the upcoming battles would turn out.

And as he did so, words that were his own refreshed themselves in his mind, reminding him of the clear facts that he knew.

When I’m alone he speaks to me.

Much pain have I endured in my life, both on the body, and on my pride. You’d think a man who literally has a little tiger in him would be used to it. But there’s no denying the atrocities I have seen inflicted on my people, the complete genocide of my kind.

My newfound powers were the only thing preserving my own existence, and the blood of my kin.

The Byakko Gunryu ken, the legendary killing technique forged and sought in the spirit world of our people. Inner anger like the fury I’ve pent up through the years generates its power. The essence of destruction and dark energies merge mercilessly with the spirit and body, like being reborn into existence. A terrifying style, the ultimate power, created for war, I soon believed that it was never meant for the realm of the living. I remember all too well, how in the face of the extinction of my species, how I returned the favour, by annihilating the entire cruel race responsible for their destruction, and wondered what was it that separated me from them, what humanity was left inside me after committing such an act. And as I plunge into the quest I must undertake, I don’t wonder what I had done to deserve this fate. I wonder how many more must die by my hands.

But even in the denial of my heritage of this awesome energy, I could never shake the feeling that this was my destiny, my birthright. Even before I learnt Byakko Gunryu ken, before that wonderful day when I was united with my sphinx kin before they were wiped off the Earth, in my youth when I finally tried to get away from home amongst the monsters who called themselves men, I knew then I was climbing that tower that was my path; of minions of evil, of demons and madmen, of sorcery and fighting, and treasure that always seems out of reach.

When I’m alone he speaks to me, he tells me, warns me of the dangers of life, the pitfalls within the cosmos, the sin that may lurk within men. He tells me only by harking to him, only when I give in to powers inside, will I live on, and prove my worth.

And I know then that he isn’t just a demon in my head. He’s who I’ve become.

Not far off in those jungles, two beings garbed in bio-armour, representing the Galaxy corps remained stationed on top of a small ancient stronghold looking out to the distant landscape. One wearing a red cap was green in armour, the bigger one being in red. Each one had a different style in the structure, design and appearance of their suits. Nevertheless their alliance was strong, as were the guns they gripped.

The one sporting the red cap however, whose eyes cocked from left to right, was getting increasingly aggravated with lack of progress in the task they had.

“Well this sucks.” The green Jet said. “You’d think Arthur, that we would have found something by now.”

“Count your blessings.” Arthurs voice came through his wide helmet. “I’d rather hope these strange occurrences are baloney, especially if it’s something we can’t handle.”

Arthur was a veteran in the field of warfare; he knew all the signs, hence why he often had a bad feeling about things most of the time. He had also been at it far longer than Jet, a newcomer to war who had unwillingly been plunged into the helter-skelter when he donned on an alien masked that encaged him with the newfound abilities of the bio-armour. A gift or a curse Jet wondered. Whatever the answer, Jet always made it his priority to ensure things don’t get any worse, whatever the outcome might be.

“True.” Jet answered listening to the exotic birds in the distance. “It’s just that the war isn’t over. General Gagamann and those bots are still out there. I’ll be damned if I let them tear up shit on my planet again.”

The two of them had recently raged war against the Gagabots that came down running amok and regardless of their eventual victory, the brutality had demonstrated things were far from over. However, although Arthur betted that things couldn’t be rushed like Jet wanted them to be, he somewhat sympathized in how he felt, since this was his home planet too after all. “Yeah… can’t give ‘em a single moment can we?”

For a while the two friends did not speak a word to each other as they kept a lookout. Echoes of animalistic noises seethed through the rainforest. It really did seem like there was nothing out there, nothing out of the ordinary going on. A large bird sprang forth from the trees below and descended high above the two cosmic heroes. Neither took any notice, they were too lost in thought.

Nevertheless Jet felt like he should break the ice with a little joke. “You know I’d imagine you’d be quite happy to be here.”

“Uh? What?” Arthur didn’t understand.

“I mean you’ve got your fair share of wild animals to make a new fur suit out of.” Jet poked fun at Arthur’s hidden shame. This time however Arthur wasn’t too insulted when he had a response planned. “Better look sharp yourself Jet.” He took note of Jet’s own fears. “I hear the black dude always dies first.”

Behind his visor a drop of sweat slid down Jet’s brow.

In the distance within depths beyond what the two soldiers could see, even deeper Aztec ruins had been built long ago in those deep jungles. And although the original tribal inhabitants had long died it, it did nothing to prevent new travellers from strolling across its deceased streets.

A small band of medieval warriors were on the move. One was a young master swordsman, another being female elfin mage, the 3rd was a large armoured barbarian, wielding a jagged axe just as brutal as he is. Forced along with them like a prize trophy or possession, a beautiful slave cat girl dragged along, not receiving the best treatment of the small brigade.

She let out a sigh of worry. In their superfluous quest she had only been there for their convenience, from pulling wagons, serving as bait for beasts the group, or even, sadly, giving out various sexual services for her aggressive chums, receiving little more than the occasional bruise and only scraps to eat; not the best job in the world one might think. The only other thing on her mind was how in the world did they get to this derelict monument within the jungles.

Like many recent visitors to this planet they too were far from home. One moment they were within a cave seeking another monster for meat, the next they were here and they didn’t know the explanation. They had no awareness that they were in fact in another dimension all together, and carried on in their adventure.

Watching from left to right, for the swordsman looked at the arching pyramids that surrounded him. It was clear in his obnoxious face that he wasn’t impressed in history far older than he was, and wanted to settle for a good quest, treasure, a good afternoon’s grub, a chance to put his swordsman to further test, or maybe even, a few moments pleasure with his slave girl.

“Velvet. Come here.” He beckoned her over. Snapping from her daydreaming, she reluctantly moving over to her master, her black and white tail moving from side to side. The gorgeous tigress was almost primitive in the outfit she wore; a revealing dress and footwear made out of the jaguar skin. A small bell dangled from a collar around her neck. Two small white ears like that of a white tiger, stood up from the top of her head, coming through her pink red hair, but besides that she was obviously human, if only with a feline persona. And obedience was the only thing she had for her master.

She carefully sat down on a step on the great pyramid looking up at her careless owners, awaiting instructions. The swordsman kneeled down caressing her hair with a gloved hand, then gently pulling her cheek too, generally hinting her about the fun he had in mind.

“Been a fair while since the last time ay?” his lips turned into a grin as his eyes locked with her hazel ones. And she knew full well what he was getting at.

“Ooh…please master.” Velvet looked down as her fingers tapped against one another. “Not that again.”

“Yup you got it.” He stood up straight to enchant her further, wondering if he should pull his zip down or make her do it. Behind him his barbarian friend began to jump up and down like some idiot wanting a piece of the action too. “Ooh-hoo-hoo! Can she do it to me too?”

“After me you can.” He turned around quickly to assure him before getting back. “Oh boy.” The barbarian clapped his hands like the oaf he was. The mage merely smiled at the events that were to come.

“Well what are you waiting for?” he ordered Velvet around. Velvet stood up slightly cowering a bit on the step, not wanting to go through another of these sexual services down there. “But please master…”

“Hey what did I say about no buts?” the swordsmen swung one hand around to whip her around the face. Harder than usual, the force additionally propelled her to bash her head on the stone steps. She almost dived straight into unconsciousness upon impact.

“I’m your master, Velvet. You’re my damn slave, remember that!” the swordsman started to shout in sexual frustration. “Tell me who’s your master?”

A distressful feline whimper made, she slowly gathered whatever conscious strength to turn around to face him, on the verge of crying her eyes out.

“Tell me!”

Velvet suddenly ignored his the aggravated face he was pulling in favor of the new figure behind him. A crack of the knuckles compelled them all to look around to see that tall fearsome figure standing a few feet away.

His lips spoke their fate. “You’re all very dead ducks.”

Over his tall tank-like built, the man wore black leather trousers, chain attached to the belt, large boots and kneepads covering his legs from halfway downwards. On his top he wore a shirt and bizarre necklace and over that was a sleeveless leather jacket revealing those thick muscular arms. Over his shoulders attached to the jacket were decorated pads, left being too large pieces protective plating, the right being like a shield with as sculpture of a tiger’s head poking through, as a cloth of tiger skin came down and around his right shoulder from beneath. Another chain came down over his left arm, and as the group saw him click his knuckles, they observed his hand wear; a black glove coming down along his left arm from beneath his left elbow pad and from his right arm the hand wore a black fingerless glove whilst several small spikes spouted over the silver bracelet that encased his right forearm.

The man wore earrings whilst eagle’s feathers sat firmly above his right ear. His hair was short and white in colour. For his face he wore dark sunglasses that screened over his eyes, and a slight goatee had grown on the tip of his chin, but neither of these two features buffered the look of anger that spread across his definite visage.

“Who the hell are you?” The swordsman burst out, taken by surprise. “Yeah!” The dopey barbarian was also amazed. “Where the hell did you come from?”

“Yeah, Hell.” The fighter coldly remarked. “That’s where I’ve been. And that’s where you’re going unless you give me a damn good excuse not to send you.”

As the poor cat girl Velvet looked on as her 3 masters quickly drew out their weapons ready for battle. “Bastard! Not if I have anything to say about it.” The swordsman boldly spoke out “I’ll show you, you jerk!”

The mighty fighter stopped clicking his knuckles and lowered down his hands, clenching his fists. What the rogues before him were about to do with his fellow kin was too familiar for the man, and all the more sickening.

As those eyes behind the shades took note of his adversary’s moves, the group splitting up around him, he let loose a gentle sigh, anticipating his inevitable victory. “It’s always the same with you fan boys.”

The fighter raised his fists in combative stance, an aura forming around his formidable being, gathering energy, ready to unleash that demon from within.

“Hey do you feel that?” Jet sensors picked up something.

“Yeah. An unusual energy source, coming from within those Aztec ruins.” Arthur readied his flamethrower.

“C’mon let’s go check it out.”

The two troops launched into flight off from their watch point and descended into the natural maze of the rainforest, determined to figure out what was the source of this strange power.

The swordsman was the first to strike forth, lunging with his sword. The fighter took a step to one side to avoid the slash, and retaliated with an attack of his own. The young fighter observed a large palm that was the demon’s right hand before an unseen force hammered right into his body, sending him flying a good 10 meters away. Skidding across the ground he flipped up immediately, wondering what had hit him. “The hell was that?”

The barbarian and the mage pounced from each side of their fearsome adversary, but he was already prepared. He lashed out with a bizarre spinning kick that cut them across their faces, forcing them down. The mage got up, appalled by how the experienced fighter scratched her face. “How dare you!”

With her staff she launched a fireball at the man. But with one hand he knocked it aside like a toy. Next she tried teleporting right behind him to take him off guard, but as she shimmered from one point and reappeared at the other side, she was startled to see he had already turned around to face her. Having anticipated her move, the side of his hand came down to chop into her face, breaking her nose. She fell to ground groggy, whilst her barbarian companion made another charge. The fighter was quick to ram his elbow right into the middle of his chest before he could come down with his axe. His weapon flew from his hand in recoil as a splash of blood vomited from his mouth.

The oaf fell to the ground beside him clutching his chest. Light reflecting in his shades, the powerful warrior almost dismissed his enemies as defeated until the mage and the barbarian clutched onto a leg each, trying to hold him place. “Hmm?”

“Quick! Kill him! Kill him now!”

The swordsman stampeded forth with a sword ready to dive into the body of the fighter. But with the inhuman strength that was firmly rooted in his capabilities he shook his feet up one at a time, sending the two flying and crashing into their unsuspecting companion. The 3 came crashing onto the steps of the pyramid. When they gathered their senses they turned back to the fighter to observe the ability he was now pulling off. Velvet, badly hurt from the bump on her head, was almost to the point of unconsciousness, but it felt like that as she saw the being before her, it looked like a dark red demon.

As the man’s aura intensified red smoke began to spread out from his body, his skin and his mouth, clearly strengthening his being. Beneath the dark glasses glowing red eyes cast a gaze of accusation at his dazed opponents. “First strikes were fake. Now I shoot to kill.”

For the first fearful time, the bandit trio was beginning to anticipate their defeat, and their descending doom.

“The energy is growing, man. By the truckload!” Jet remarked. The two of them plummeted through the jungle and past the trees, getting closer to the energy source.

“I haven’t seen anything like it.” Arthur’s veteran senses were going off, causing him a fair share of worry. “We’re almost there, I can see the ancient city ahead.”

Within that ancient city broken down by age and plant growth, there wasn’t anybody making a move as they tried to anticipate what was going to happen next. That moment his hands opened up and claws like that of a wildcat slid out from his fingertips. Then the tall hulking warrior slowly marched forward, the red smoke descending upwards from him. He took another out take of breath, crimson steam spraying outwards from his mouth, eyes glowing brighter. “Come to your senses.”

“Huh. It ain’t over yet.” The swordsman clutched for breath, more so for the barbarian. The 3 got themselves off from the ground and took a few steps forward, blocking the way between him and Velvet. “We know that you want our slave for yourself. You’re not getting her.”

“And what if you win? Hmm?” the demon’s eyes blinked. “Will you take her to the bike sheds, or I know; to a hotel room? Heh. The stench of lust and evil is strong within you, no matter how you hide it.”

The mage gripped what was left of her nose as the man spoke, trying to prevent further blood coming forth, whilst fearfully realizing that her days were numbered.

“See this red smoke, it’s going off at the smell of your evil. I know what you are.”

Everyone else paid attention as he came stepped closer and closer.

“It’s scum like you that have contaminated the world, scum like you that drove my kind to extinction, scum like you that made me what I am.” His voice deepened with unholy fury as his anger boiled, the amount of smoke continuing to grow. He came to a brief halt a few meters away from the abominations that were his enemies, as they wondered what sort of unearthly being was he. “Who…who are you?”

“Who am I?” The man’s eyes looked down on them, his head gently rising in disgust. “I am TST, a Hogasha demon of Byakko Gunryu Ken, and I cannot let live.”

“Grrr! I’ll show you!” The swordsman was the first run forward blade swinging, determined to prove his swordsmanship would be the victor. The beast that was TST howled with bloodlust and propelled straight ahead. The claws curved inwards in attack, shredding out the eyeballs of the swordsman’s head. He charged towards the other two, taking them by surprise. A blur of rapid claw attacks covered surfaces across their bodies as he came past between them. TST stood still a meter or so away, the red steam wearing off, his last moves pulled off.

The barbarian was the first to turn around. Claw markings suddenly made themselves known across his face. The side of his head suddenly exploded in a bloody spray of sliced meat. And before the mage could react to the death of her companion the whole right hand side of her body disintegrated violently in the wake of his assault on the senses and the body.

Slowly catching his breath, TST turned around to see he had one more man to finish. On the floor, blinded with no eyeballs within his sockets, he tried frantically to find the sword. He finally came across a handle, his hands that were scanning the floor, but a foot came down preventing him from lifting it up. His head slowly looked up to TST. Even without his natural eyesight it was within his mind’s eye that he could see the dark black demon before him, ready to condemn him for his crimes.

Screaming the highest he had done in all his life he thus he made a desperate attempt to run off.

“Jeez did you hear that?”

“Almost there.” Nearby Jet and Arthur had made it and treaded carefully through those ruins. 30 meters ahead they saw that swordsman blindly stumble round a corner run towards them, shouting randomly in a blaze of sheer terror that a demon will not catch him.

“Whoa what the heck?” Arthur remarked. Both of the high-tech soldiers aimed their guns in caution, though it was soon noticeable that he could do no harm like that. Jet tried to speak words of assurance to the man, not knowing the crimes he had committed “Slow down dude. What’s up?”

He came to a halt about 5 meters away desperately pleading for his life “Don’t let it take me! Don’t let it…”

Arthur fearfully noticed TST come round the same corner 30 meters ahead, and to his amazement, an energy blast was forming in his hand, ready to shoot off. “Oh crap! Get down.”

It was too late wait as a tiger shaped fireball hurtled through air and blast into swordsman, vaporizing his very existence. But as Jet and Arthur jumped into the air and surveyed the scene with their weapons, the attacker was nowhere to be found.

It was growing harder for poor Velvet to stay awake, the damage had taken more toll than the now deceased swordsman had anticipated, but before her consciousness fully gave way, she could just about make out TST, kneeling down besides her, analysing the blow on her head, and taken pity.

A depressing purr came forth from her throat as she finally lost herself to deep blackness. She was too far down before she felt TST’s finger rub the wound on her head, a slow sigh coming forth from his lips. “Poor thing...”

“Hold it right there!” Arthur’s voice ordered. He and Jet had just landed nearby and were not too keen on this unknown being before them. At last they had found the energy source. Not once did their guns sway away from his crouched position.

“Unbelievable power for just a human. I bet he isn’t even at maximum strength either.” Jet was amazed. Arthur warned him. “Don’t let your guard down.”

TST didn’t take much note of their words or the heavy weapons they were wielding, not even turning his head to see them. He just dwelled in his sympathy for poor Velvet; she didn’t deserve her fate he thought.

“Put your hands up where I can see them buddy.” Jet kept up the routine with Arthur; half wondering if this was the right course of action. He also couldn’t keep his eye of the damage the man had done to those bandits, and was quick to conclude who was responsible. “Yikes…what the hell did you do to them? What are you?”

Suddenly TST picked up Velvet from the ground, holding her in his arms, and turned around to face the two cosmic heroes, their appearances both fully visible.

“A bloody big bloke by the looks of things.” Arthur answered Jet.

“With a hot feline chick too.” Jet took note.

“Knock it off Jet. She’s hurt.” Arthur could have swatted Jet round the head there and then if it wasn’t for the caution he needed to take with the giant before him. “And it looks like he’s gonna kidnap her too.”

“Ew. That’s pleasant.” Jet kept his cool. “You’re not going anywhere buddy.”

TST surveyed the two men, beginning to recognise who they were. “The two soldiers of the galaxy corps. Just as he warned.” He thought in his head. “Certainly not bad people like he said as far as I’m concerned. But I don’t have time for this anyway.”

With that ponder, TST, kept Velvet’s body up with one hand, her feet on the ground, whilst his other reached into the inside pocket of his jacket.

“I said keep freeze!” Arthur demanded. TST ignored him, and to Arthur’s sudden surprise the pulled out a device that he instantly recognised.

“A teleportation control! The cheeky git’s gonna jump ship! Jet! Stop him!” Arthur ordered, since he couldn’t risk firing his flamethrower whilst there was a hostage. Jet aimed for the arm holding the control, his intention was to disable him, since they needed answers.

But as Jet fired off a shot with his rifle, to his shock the advanced high-powered bullet bounced with a spark off the intended bicep, causing no damage to TST. His powers had shielded him well. The two bio-armoured troops were quite taken back.

TST had stopped for a moment to observe his arm, then the girl in his other arm, and then to Jet and Arthur, speaking a few words to remember him by. “We’ll meet again.”

“Stop him dammit!”

But TST was too quick. In an instant he pressed the button within his hand and in a bright yellowish glow engulfing their beings the two of them disintegrated upwards, their bodies to be vault across space, no longer within the Aztec ruins, his mission complete.

Jet had tried to run forth and grab them but was a moment’s too late and instead crashed onto the ground. Groaning in disappointment, Jet picked himself up from the ground, exclaiming his failure. “He got away.”

Arthur took a few steps forward towards Jet, placing his flamethrower within its holster, scratching his head with his other fingers. “Wonder what that was all about?”

“Another crap teleportation sound no less” dusting himself off, Jet turned to his red friend.

“Eh…what do we do now?”

Arthur thought for a moment “I guess we’ll make an analysis of the shit he pulled off right now, maybe get the tech guys to help figure out where he went. See if he went anywhere in particular.”

Arthur took a pause, the afternoon often those Amazonian jungles coming to an end, marking the beginning of the evening. “Dunno who he was. He couldn’t have been human. But whoever that demon was, its clear we haven’t seen the last of him, and all those rumours could be true. I’d say we’re looking at a completely new threat here, alien to us and the Gagabots.”

“Hmm…” Jet nodded to his friend, then gazing at the distant sunset in the distance. It would appear they had new demons to face indeed.