The Alpha Squad: The Sword of a Warrior

The Alpha Squad

And

The Sword of a Warrior!

　

　

Prologue

　

　

It was shortly after WW2 when Jacob Cagney also known as The Dark-Rider returned to his base of operations in America. There he separated The Sword of Power into three swords. One is called The Sword of Wisdom, which is hidden in the confines of Castle Dark-Rider. The Second was The Laser Blade, which he was to wield until it was given to his successor. The third sword he put into a sheath as well as the first and took off in a plane to an Island known as Katasia.  There he met with an old teammate of his named King Leo and gave it to him to protect it until he returned with his successor. 

“But why are you giving this sword to me?” King Leo asked. He was nearly 6 feet tall, blonde hair, and built like a muscle man with the agility of panther.

“You have always been a trusted friend.” Jacob told him. “Besides this Island has been uncharted for years thanks to God’s protection. Plus if there is anyone from our team that would be alive by the time it is for me to bring my successor is you.”

“Then I shall protect this with my life.” He promised him. “Nor I, nor my sons shall lift if from it’s place.” He motioned for Jacob to follow him to a room which where their warriors trained. “This is our sacred room which we call “The Proving Room.” It is where are warriors not only train but it is here that those who wish to be of The Royal Guard that they must prove themselves to be the best by beating the best of my Captains.” He then pointed to a place where The Sword of a Warrior was to be placed. Jacob laid it down and backed away. “Where it is now, is where it shall be until your return.”

“Thank you again my friend. But I do have to ask, though your Island is uncharted why do you need a Royal Guard?” Jacob asked.

“You had found this place remember?” King Leo reminded him, “But after you explained on how you found it I had no choice but to aide you.”

“So you’re saying that there will always be the possibility of this Island being found?”

“Exactly, and the last thing my people need is a bunch of outsiders instead of extending us the hand of friendship…they would instead steal the treasures and beauty of this place.” He motioned with his right hand for Jacob to look around him as they ventured outside. “We have plenty of food to eat, everyone is clothed, roofs upon all my peoples’ heads. That to me is paradise my friend.”

“Agreed. I vow to you now that no one, until the day I return will know where this place is.” Jacob declared.

“But what of your government if they were to ask you?”

“Not even they will persuade me, I don’t answer to them, but to God and Him alone.” Jacob assured him. “And as the good scriptures, “Let your yes be yes, and your no be no.” I will keep my yes.”

“Thank you my friend.” He put his hand on Jacobs’ shoulder, “Now let us feast before you leave and give you enough provisions before you leave on your journey.”

“I am honored your Majesty.” Jacob bowed, but Leo stopped him.

“No need to bow my friend, for none of my people bow to me. For I am nothing but a man, no more than you, and you no more than me.”

After the feast, Jacob boarded his private plane that he had flown, and took off to Ireland to where he laid to rest The Sword of Wisdom.

　

　

　

　

Chapter 1

　

　

The teens had just finished their last day of school before Christmas break, and was looking forward to the time off. As they entered into The Big House, they noticed that their leader Mike Black also known as The Dark-Rider had beaten them there. As they wondered why Mike left as fast as he did, instead of meeting with them as they have done in the past. They went down into their underground headquarters and found him sitting with Jacob. “So there you are.” Erica declared aloud.

“Sorry I didn’t wait for you guys, but something of great urgency.” Mike told them. “As I was leaving, there was a burning sensation coming from my back. Immediately I realized it was The Laser Blade burning through my shirt. I had no choice but to turn invisible and fly here.”

“But why did The Laser Blade do that?” Dan asked.

“Because it is time for Dark-Rider to retrieve The Sword of a Warrior.” Jacob answered.

“But where is it?” Nicole asked.

“It is on an Island called Katasia.” Jacob explained, “It is an uncharted Island where my friend King Leo lives.”

“So I take it then we’re going on a trip?” Clara wondered.

“Yes, it is best that you all come with us…I don’t know why, but I feel that is necessary that accompany us.” Jacob told them.

“We leave within the hour.” Mike ordered, “Pack a weeks’ worth of clothes, and whatever supplies we’ll need.”

As they flew in their Alpha Jet they could see the Island of Katasia below as they began their descent. As they did so, Jacob began to worry, “I’ve tried calling them but there’s no response…something isn’t right.”

There was beeping from the tactical station where Molder was sitting, “Well we’re getting a response just not the one we were thinking of. We got three missiles coming this way!”

“But that’s impossible! They have no such weaponry.” Jacob said as he looked out the window. “I stand corrected.”

“Shields up!” Dark-Rider commanded, “Frezor evasive maneuvers.”

“You don’t have to tell me twice.” Frezor said as he motioned the stick to the left and then to the right, but the missiles’ kept following them. “Oh great! They must be heat seeking. But I’ll take care of that problem, firing Snow Globs!” Frezor pressed a button and two globs of snow shot out of the missile ports and they covered two of the missiles that ended up running to one another knocking out the third one with an explosion.

“That was close.” Mindra said in observation.

“Uh oh…we got seven more coming our way.” Molder reported.

“I don’t have that many Snow Globs.” Frezor admitted.

“Send out all flares!” Dark-Rider told him, “That should buy us more time until we get closer to the landing site.”

“Firing all flares.” Frezor reported, and as they shot out most of the missiles followed them. “Still have two on our tail.”

“Brace for impact!” Dark-Rider warned them as they were hit and the shields failed.

“We’ve lost all shields.” Molder reported, “Anymore direct hits and we’ll be playing golden harps.”

“Shieldra can you put up a shield around The Alpha Jet?” Dark-Rider asked her.

“Yes, but I’m not sure how many hits it will take before I can no longer hold it.” She told him.

“Do it.” He turned to the others, “We need to fire everything we got at them.”

“Ten more coming our way, firing defense missiles.” Molder said, “We’ve destroyed six of them four of them are on their way.”

“Beginning landing sequence.” Frezor said pressing the buttons to activate landing gear. Then the remaining missiles that destroyed their landing gear hit them.

“Everyone brace yourselves!” Dark-Rider cried as they crash-landed onto the island.

　

Chapter 2

　

　

Dark-Rider checked his surroundings as he got up. They had landed, but whether or not they were going to get off the island was another problem that would need to be solved later. “Is everyone okay?”

“I’m here.” Shieldra said weakly, and others piped up as they stood to their feet.

“Let’s survey the damage.” Dark-Rider said as pressed the door open and they exited. “Sparks run a full damage report.”

“On it.” He assured his leader as he ran around in, out and around the jet. “According to my calculations we can repair to fly again…”

“But…” Dark-Rider urged him to continue.

“It’ll take at least a week to do so, and that’s at my speed.” Sparks reported.

“We’ll get started after we retrieve The Sword of a Warrior.” Dark-Rider told him, “Jacob which way do we go?”

“If I remember correctly, it’s about ten miles north of us.” Jacob told him.

“Then let’s get moving.” Dark-Rider called everyone together, “Molder, you scout ahead, if you meet any resistance return to the group. I’ll take point; Shieldra, Blaze and Frezor you bring up the middle, the rest of you bring up the rear.” He motioned them to move, and they followed the path that Molder had left for them to follow by leaving yellow rocks.

Molder was ahead of them by five miles and saw a road leading to the main city. He poked his head out of the ground and saw a caravan of people being dragged off like slaves leading away from the city. “Molder to Dark-Rider.”

“Go ahead Molder.”

“There’s a unit of soldiers numbering around fifty leading a group of people in chains.” He reported.

Dark-Rider turned to Jacob, “Do you know what would cause your friend to enslave his own people?”

“Whoever sits on the throne is not my friend King Leo.” Jacob said defensively.

“Are they heading our way Molder?”

“Affirmative.”

“Keep up with them until we catch up with you, and then we’ll rescue the slaves.” Dark-Rider instructed, “Hopefully they can tell us what is going on.”

“Copy that, Molder out.”

“Let’s double time it team.” Dark-Rider called out and they ran towards the point where they would meet up with their teammate. Five minutes later, they met up with Molder. “Status report.”

“They’re about a half a mile away from us.” Molder told him.

“Okay, here’s the plan…” Dark-Rider started to say and told them of his plan.

Soldiers marched down the road, and before they knew it, they could no longer move for their feet were stuck in ground. As they struggled to set themselves free, The Alpha Squad attacked! Blaze melted some of the weapons, while Frezor froze them. Sparks would then use his electronic speed, knocking them out, as Star-Girl and Mindra stunned them to ensure that they were out of the fight. Dark-Rider, Light-Blader, and Metallacia cut the chains to set the prisoners free! Once they were all free, Shieldra put up a shield around them as they headed into the jungle. Dark-Rider grabbed one of the soldiers that appeared to be of high rank and followed them into the jungle.

Dark-Rider sat the soldier whom some of the prisoners had said was the captain of that unit. “You speak English?” Dark-Rider asked him, but the man answered in his native tongue. “Mindra?”

“He said, ’If you don’t release me and give me back the slaves, then you’ll have to face the wrath of Dark Dragon.’” Mindra translated.

“Ask him who Dark Dragon is?” Dark-Rider told her.

She asked him. The man answered and she translated, “He said that Dark Dragon is the Ruler of Katasia.”

“Ask him about King Leo.” Jacob requested.

“He says that Dark Dragon is the youngest son who went by the name of Prince Draco. He also said that Dark Dragon killed his father and banished his brothers and sisters from his Kingdom.”

“Where did he get the missiles and other technologies?” Sparks asked.

“He said they came from Outsiders…” Mindra started to say.

“What is it?” Blaze asked her.

“The name of the Outsiders are The Society.”

“Are they here?” Frezor asked.

“They got here about a half a day ago.” Mindra told them.

“Then we need to get to the main city!” Dark-Rider declared, “We can’t allow Superior or any of his men get a hold of The Sword of a Warrior!” Then one of the former prisoners spoke up. “What did he say Mindra?"

“That he could lead us to The Banished.”

“He means the children of King Leo?” Jacob asked her, and the man nodded.

“Tell him to lead us there, if anything they could be our best source of information.” Jacob instructed, “The Sword can’t be touched by no one but The Dark-Rider so it will remain safe.”

“Tell the rest of the people to back to their homes Mindra.” Dark-Rider told her.

“What about him?” Metallacia asked.

“Tie him up good; we’re taking him with us.” Dark-Rider answered.

After the people left to go back to their families, their guide whose name was Yancha led them further into the jungle. As they went deeper and deeper into it, the more unnerving The Alpha Squad had become. “Remind me to have simulations of jungle survival.” Dark-Rider said as he cut through the vines with The Laser Blade. As they came into the clearing animal like creatures then ambushed them.

“Those who dare enter our jungle must die!” Declared the one that looked like a lion.

“We mean you no harm.” Jacob assured them, “We are friends of the late King Leo. My name is Jacob Cagney, and this is The Alpha Squad.”

“Then you are the ones my father said to wait for.” The lion said, “For I am King Leo II. And these are my siblings we are The Banished of our Brother Dark Dragon.”

　

　

Chapter 3

　

　

Superior and the members of The Society walked through main hall of the palace that Dark Dragon had rebuilt over the ruins of his fathers’ kingdom. There they saw Dark Dragon sitting on his throne. He had dark hair with a golden crown with blue jewels within it. He looked like he was in his early twenties and had an athletic build that of a sprinter. “Welcome my friends.” He greeted them, “I hope you slept well.”

“Skip the pleasantries Dark Dragon and tell us, has The Alpha Squad arrived on this island?” Superior demanded.

“Yes they have. The missiles you provided brought them down, however they are not dead.” Dark Dragon informed them.

“And how can you be sure?” Dr. Wrong asked him.

“A unit of my soldiers who were escorting the mine slaves to their work site when they were attacked by what they called men and women with powers beyond normal man.”

“Maybe it was The Banished?” Cardania brought up.

“No, it was not them; they stay in the jungle where according to reports given is where The Alpha Squad had gone into.” Dark Dragon countered.

“Then maybe they’ll eat them for supper.” Rocko laughed.

“No, if anything they will find out that Jacob Cagney is with them and they will join forces.” Cardania told him.

“If that is the case then maybe we should send your strongest men into jungle.” Dr. Wrong suggested.

“I agree with you doctor, and with your help, I will have the great evil army in the world!” Dark Dragon declared and then saw that Superior was staring at him, “But of course they too shall be at your disposal Superior.”

“Very well.” Superior nodded, “Dr. Wrong begin your work with Dark Dragons’ scientists. I want you to be done within six hours.”

“As you command lord Superior.” Dr. Wrong bowed.

“Cardania send your Cyber-Destroyers and a unit of Cyber-Drones into the jungle.” Superior ordered, “They are to locate The Alpha Squad and The Banished but not to engage.”

“May ask why my lord?” Cardania wondered.

“My plan is this: Once Dark Dragons’ forces join up with you, and then all of you will attack them catching them off guard by your numbers. Now they are not to be killed, but I don’t mind if they are missing a limb or two.”

“An excellent plan indeed Superior.” Dark Dragon agreed. “With our combined forces my siblings and your enemies even they do work together will be no match for our combined forces.”

“I am pleased you agree.” Superior said, “Soon The Dark-Rider and two of the swords that form the Sword of Power will be in my grasp.”

“But what of the third?” Ruthers asked now speaking up.

“You dare question your master?” Dark Dragon asked in disgust.

“Silence Dark Dragon!” Superior demanded, “Ruthers is my trusted aide, this will be the only time that you will speak to her in such a tone.” He told him as he threatened his gauntlets’ towards him.

“My apologies, I had no idea.” Dark Dragon bowed.

“Apology accepted.” Ruthers told him, “But just so you know I don’t need Superior to protect me, for don’t forget who trained your soldiers to be what they are now of today.”

“Not including the technology we have given you to overthrow your father.” Superior reminded him.

“All these things I shall not forget for I am in your debt, but only until the sword has gone into your hands.” Dark Dragon brought up.

“Yes and soon it will be.” Superior said as he looked towards The Proving Ground where The Sword of a Warrior was placed.

　

　

　

　

　

Chapter 4

　

　

The Banished led The Alpha Squad into a cave within the nearest mountain where their base of operations was located. “This is The Cave.” Leo said, “Now allow me to introduce myself. I’m Leo but thanks to my looks, I am called Lion-Heart. And these are my siblings, starting to oldest to youngest: Danton who we now call Tusk because of his appearance of being an elephant. Johan who is called Batswing. Tierra who is called Tigris, and her twin sister Tara whom we have named Panthra. And our youngest sister Fiona who is called Falcona.”

Jacob introduced The Alpha Squad to them and asked, “But how did you become this way?”

“The Outsiders that our brother Dark Dragon brought to the island.” Tusk grunted.

“Was one of them of Japanese descent?” Dark-Rider asked.

“Yes.” Falcona answered.

“That would be Dr. Wrong.” Sparks confirmed.

“After Dark Dragon killed our father with the help of his new friends, they then in turn transformed us into these beasts.” Batswing began to explain. “They banished us into the jungle thinking that we would give into our beastly nature…but we have not lost all of our humanity.”

“Why is that?” Light-Blader asked.

“Because this Island has been blessed by God to give its people long life.” Jacob answered. “Which is one of the reasons why I was told to bring the sword here.”

“But now our brother is in possession of that sword.” Tigris reminded them.

“He can’t touch it.” Dark-Rider began to say, “Only I or anyone that the sword deems worthy can hold it. We have seen first hand at what happens to those who want to use it for their own evil deeds.” He then told them of what had happened to Nathaniel Cagney.

“Amazing power that weapon holds.” Lion-Heart said ominously.

“Very true, but I do not abuse it.” Dark-Rider mentioned.

“So what is the plan?” Shieldra asked, “We need to get that sword!”

“To do so we would have to go into the main city.” Panthra said, “And that place is heavily guarded.”

“This is why we won’t go through the front door.” Dark-Rider told her. “Or at least you won’t.”

“What does he mean by that?” Asked Falcona.

“It means that he has a plan…” Frezor began to say.

“This means we’re not going to like it.” Molder finished.

“I take it this happens a lot to you guys?” Lion-Heart deduced and they nodded.

“I’m going to surrender myself.” Dark-Rider said plainly, “Superior no doubt will want me to be taken alive.”

“What about the rest of us?” Shieldra asked crossing her arms.

“You guys will wait for my signal.” Dark-Rider told her.

“Let me guess, we’ll know when we see it?” Metallacia asked rhetorically.

“Exactly. Not only that, but I want you guys to position yourselves a half a mile away from the eastern wall of the city.” Dark-Rider continued.

“But why there?” Batswing asked.

“It is near where the Proving Room is, if I remember the layout of the area correctly.” Dark-Rider answered.

“And what would you have us do then?” Tigris asked.

“Just follow The Alpha Squads cue and you will know.” Dark-Rider assured her and left.

　

　

　

　

　

Chapter 5

　

　

Dark-Rider took to flight leaving the others behind. He turned himself invisible to be sure that no one would detect him until he wanted to be noticed. As he flew, he saw Cardania and his Cyber-Destroyers down below. “Dark-Rider to Shieldra.”

“Shieldra here.”

“Cardania and his Cyber-goons are heading your direction. They’re hiding at least a half a mile from The Cave.”

“Acknowledged. We’ll take care of them; you just do your part.” Shieldra told him.

“Don’t worry about me.” He told her, “You should know by now that I always come through.” He continued to fly towards the main city until he got to the front gate. There he saw a set of guards stationed to prevent anyone coming in. He turned himself visible and landed right in front of them. I am The Dark-Rider! I am surrendering myself to Superior and Dark-Dragon.” They looked at one another and led him into the throne room. There before him was Superior who was seated in the guest throne and Dark Dragon on his throne. “I’ve come to surrender myself.”

“Have you now?” Dark Dragon questioned.

“I have.” Dark-Rider said as his suit disappeared.

“What happened to his “costume”?” Dark Dragon asked Superior.

“I’ve lost my abilities.” Mike interrupted. “I will not receive them until I have gained The Sword of a Warrior.” He then threw The Laser Blade into The Proving Room and it set itself next to the other sword. “Just in case you had any ideas of trying to take it.”

“A very wise but yet foolish move.” Superior said as he started to get up.

“Stay where you are Superior.” Dark Dragon warned him.

“You dare?”

　

“Don’t forget that I am in charge on this island.” He reminded Superior, “If there is one thing I cannot go against is the laws of The Proving Room. If you want both swords so bad then you will have to fight him.” He pointed to Mike, “Therefore in the tradition of Katasia we will have a fight.”

“That should be easy beings he has lost his powers.”  Superior said mockingly, 

“My Death Gauntlets should kill him easily.”

“I’m sorry Superior.” Dark Dragon chuckled, “But the tradition calls for both combatants’ to fight unarmed and unaided.”

“You can’t be serious!” Superior stood in outrage. “After all The Society has done for you this is how you treat me?”

“It is nothing against you Superior. But I must follow the traditions of my land.” He shortly explained, “You see, I’ve lost the faith of the people, therefore I must find a way to prove to them that I am still holding onto the traditions.”

“Very well.” Superior agreed growling. He then saw Dr. Wrong coming into The Throne Room, “Have you finished your work?”

“Yes, they will soon be joining Cardania and the others shortly.” Dr. Wrong assured him.

“Excellent.” Dark Dragon stated, “Not only will we have a fight to watch tomorrow, but spectators as well.”

“Be sure to contact Cardania and make sure he is to bring them alive…if possible.” Superior told Dr. Wrong who bowed and left to contact Cardania.

Mike looked upon them as he was chained to the wall. He thought to himself, I wish I was able to contact the others. However, without my abilities, I will not be able break from these chains. I can only pray that they will survive.  He bowed his head and prayed that God would deliver his friends.

　

　

　

Chapter 6

　

　

The rest of The Alpha Squad along with The Banished left The Cave with caution. It had only been minutes since Dark-Riders’ warning of Cardania as well as his Cyber-Destroyers heading towards their direction. Molder scouted ahead and saw them, he communicated to the others notifying of their positions. Thanks to Lion-Heart and the others, The Alpha Squad was able to surround them without making a sound. Shieldra gave the signal and they overtook Cardania and The Cyber-Destroyers easily. “You think you have us outnumbered?” Cardania asked them, “Well think again!” He pressed a button on a control pad on his wrist and a group of Cyber-Drones came out of the jungle.

“All right target practice!” Star-Girl cheered and began firing her Star Bolts at them.

“You think you can out do me?” Light-Blader asked her sister, “I bet I take down more than you!” And began slicing up the drones.

“Last time I checked I didn’t know girls could be this competitive?” Sparks asked as he saw his own girl friend slice up a group of Cyber-Drones and counting aloud. “I stand corrected.”

“And they complain about us being competitive.” Molder agreed as he formed a giant cement hammer and crushed some of their opponents.

The Banished also jumped into the fight, using their animal-like abilities to take down their cybernetic opponents. Within a matter of moments they battle was over, and the only left standing was Cardania. “Well, well, well.” Shieldra taunted, “Look who’s all alone? Now why don’t you just be a good little boy and give up?”

“I think…not!” Cardania cried out as he threw an EMF grenade, which shorted out their Bio-Suits, and before The Banished could act, he threw another one, which was a DNA grenade that caused them to lose their abilities. “There that should even out the playing field.”

“What do you mean Outsider?” Lion-Heart demanded.

“Why this of course.” Cardania shrugged and a group of men jumped out of the jungle.

“Take them.” One of them hissed, “Dark Dragon wantsss them alive!”

One grabbed wrapped his arms around Tusk and began to squeeze the air out of him, “Your ssstrength is not match for that of Boa-Man!” He was right for within seconds Tusk went down.

“Just try to catch us in the air!” Batswing dared them as he and Falcona took to the high skies.

“You think that our massster didn’t think of that?” Their leader asked, “Sssea Ssserpent, Sssun Dragon, bring them down.”

“With pleasssure K-Obra.” Sea Serpent said as she and her brother Sun Dragon took off after them. It did not take long to catch up to their pray.  “Your feathered wingsss are no ussse to you if they’re wet!” She told Falcona, she sprayed water out of her mouth, the water drenched Falcona’s wings, and she fell earthward and was caught by Sea Serpent.

Batswing picked Falconas’ cry for help and he used his radar ability to find her but as he was doing so, Sun Dragon used this to his advantage in knowing that Batswing could hear anything behind him with this radar focused on his sister. Sun Dragon formed a fireball and aimed it at the left wing of Batswing and it hit him. Batswing hollered in pain and he too went down. Both siblings were caught by both of their adversaries in the air and brought down to the ground.

Tigris used her agility to keep herself from being beaten by her opponent known who introduced herself as Sand Viper who matched her agility at every turn. When she realized that she could not keep from her, she decided to claw at her, and that was her mistake. Tigris growled in pain as Sand Viper dug her fang like fingernails into her skin. “Don’t worry little one. I will only put enough venom in your sssyssstem for you to passs out until we get back to the massster.” Tigris fell to the ground and Sand Viper picked her up and brought her to the others.

“None of them can catch me in the trees!” Panthra said as she jumped onto the nearest limb and was about to jump to another tree when something grabbed a hold of her foot.

“That’sss what you think.” A voice came from tree and the female snake became visible, “For I am Tree Sssnake.” She introduced herself and she swung Panthra and slammed her into the tree to knock her out.

While the others were being apprehended, Lion-Heart pounced on K-Obra and took him down to the ground. “Who are you? You seem familiar to me!”

“We’re Dark Dragonsss best fightersss.” K-Obra told him and he kicked Lion-Heart off him and two fangs popped out of the upper part of his hands and stuck them into Lion-Heart. “We are The Ssserpent Sssquadron!”

Chapter 7

　

　

The Cyber-Destroyers and The Serpent Squadron brought their captives to the main city the next morning and threw them before Superior and Dark-Dragon. “We bring you our prey.” K-Orba bowed and the others bowed as well.

“Well done, well done indeed.” Dark Dragon applauded. “Dr. Wrong you have done quite well. Are the others ready to join them?”

“Of course Dark Dragon.” Dr. Wrong bowed, “Allow me to introduce to you Python which is the brother to Boa-Man. Night Viper, who cannot be seen in the dark. Chameleon who can blend in her surroundings. And last but not least Kamodo Dragon whose speed and strength will be a disadvantage to any of his opponents.”

“Excellent. Now chain up the prisoners!” Dark Dragon ordered, “As soon as they wake up we will begin The Proving.” He then looked at the room. “I think I want to make some changes though…destroy the outer walls and the roof. The only wall that shall remain is the one that holds the two swords.” The Serpent Squadron bowed and they went to work.

Mike looked at his friends who were now in their normal human form. They were chained up in DNA chains to keep them from using their abilities to escape. The Banished were put into a cage, “Dark Dragon had them put in there to mock them because they are what they are thanks to him. He’ll pay for this.” He looked at the others and saw that they were beginning to stir. They immediately knew that they were in trouble and decided not to fight their way out of the chains.

“So much for your plan huh?” Nicole asked him.

“Yeah so much for plan A.” He answered her.

“You mean you have a plan B?” Dan asked him, and then said, “Of course you have a plan B, what was I thinking?”

“Don’t worry about it Dan.” Mike assured him.

“So what is the plan Mikey?” Erica asked him.

“I’m still working on it.” He told her.

“In other words sis, plan B is him flying by the seat of his pants.” Erin translated to her sister.

“I knew that.” Erica said to her defense.

“So what is The Proving?” Dave asked. Mike explained to them what was to happen.

“So you have to face up against Superior huh?” Jacob asked, “I just hope you don’t make the same mistake that I did all those years ago.”

“I don’t plan on it.” Mike assured him.

“I find something interesting.” John piped up.

“What’s that?” Angie asked.

“Superior has been the one providing weapons to Dark Dragon, but yet he’s having Superior apart of The Proving.”

“That’s because he is my greatest foe thus far.” Mike added, “Both he and I must face each other with our own strengths and wits, and unaided.”

“Which means no one in The Society can interfere.” Clara cheered.

“And that means he can’t use his gauntlets’ either.” Mike added again.

“So do you have a strategy on beating him?” Lion-Heart asked him from the cage next to him.

“I won’t know until the battle begins.” Mike told him, and they all began to pray.

　

　

　

　

　

Chapter 8

　

　

It took nearly all day for The Serpent Squadron to finish their task. Therefore, Dark Dragon decided to wait until the next day for The Proving. Now being “normal” Mike Black was able to have a good night sleep, something he had not have it quite some time. However, as he dreamt he found himself in a very familiar place. The Oregon Coast he knew it so well, and now realized that he was not the only one there. “Hello Michael.” He greeted the Arch Angel.

“Greetings Dark-Rider.”

“So why am I here?”

“I’m here to make sure you know what is at stake here.”

“I’m aware of the stakes.” Dark-Rider assured him.

“You must by no means kill him. Even if the rules allow you to, you must not!”

“May I ask why? Not that I would.” Dark-Rider assured him.

“Superior must answer for his crimes by his own peers.” Michael told him.

“I agree he must be brought to justice.” Dark-Rider nodded, “But I highly doubt his peers will bring him to justice.”

“You will soon know what I mean in time.” Michael told him, “It is near time for you to awake. Remember young warrior, He is with you, even until the end of the age.”

Mike awoke and saw that sun was coming up. “Well it’s nearly time.” He muttered to himself. The others awoke and some servants brought them some breakfast of fruits. They placed DNA neck bracelets to ensure that they would not be able to use their abilities. The teens prayed over their food and ate. An hour later, they were led to the area now called The Proving Ground.

“Good people of Katasia and honored guests. This is a memorable day for today we shall have for the first time in many years The Proving!” There were scattered cheers, “But this is not a normal match up oh no. For our people were given the task of being protectors of The Sword of a Warrior. Now its “rightful” owner has returned. However, since I now am on the throne I feel that he must prove himself the rightful heir. I introduce to you The Dark-Rider.” Some more scattered cheers and boos. “And he shall face in the tradition of our people his greatest foe Superior!

“Now here are the rules: Both men must fight to the best of their ability. They are to fight unaided, anyone who dares to interfere shall be killed on sight! The winner will receive both swords.” More cheers, “And to prove that I am not too cold hearted, if Dark-Rider wins, I will release his friends and The Banished.” Boos surrounded the sound barrier. Dark Dragon motioned for silence, “Both men shall now take their places. Now for combat, both men shall be allowed to use whatever fighting skill. To win you must knock out your opponent or throw him out of the marked circle…or kill him!”

“But master that is illegal.” One of his aides of the law told him.

“I know, I am adding it.” Dark Dragon told him coldly, “Question me again and I’ll kill you where you stand.” The man bowed apologetically. “The Proving…begin!”

Superior did not waste any time as he lunged at Dark-Rider, but seeing this Dark-Rider quickly dodged and saw that Superior was getting up from the ground and kicked him in the gut. He stayed on him, did not give Superior a chance to catch a breather. He flipped him onto his back and sat on top of him started punching him in the face. Superior blocked one of the blows and using the advantage of hesitation by Dark-Rider to kick him off him. Two seconds later, both men were back on their feet. Superior went to punch at his adversary but Dark-Rider thanks to the years of experience of battling hand-to-hand blocked them and with the third block he punched Superior in the chest, and then with the other hand to the face with disoriented him enough for Dark-Rider to low drop kick him at the knees!

Superior found himself on the ground again, Dark-Rider placed himself behind him, and as Superior started to get up, Dark-Rider latched onto him with a bear hug! Dark-Rider squeezed with all his might trying to wear down his opponent. Superior could not break the hold for his arms were locked within the bear hug. He started kicking around trying to break free and after being in the hug for nearly thirty seconds he was able to kick at Dark-Riders’ knees. Dark-Rider howled in pain and he then released the hold. Superior tried to gain his breath as he was starting to feel the dizziness from the hug.

Dark-Rider rubbed at his knees very quick trying to massage the pain out of them. He saw that Superior was trying to catch his breath. “Here goes nothing!” He thought to himself. Seeing that his opponent had his back to him, he ran at him and went low with a chop block! Superior went down and Dark-Rider then kicked him at the ribs repeatedly. He picked him up, raised him above his head, and threw him down into a back breaker! He then picked him again and slammed him into the ground!

Superior got up and with renewed energy attacked Dark-Rider. This surprised him, which gave Superior the advantage! He did a multiple combinations of attacks to what seemed to be considered super human. He then returned the favor, repeated the same attacks to the ribs, back, and slammed him to the ground as well. “You can’t beat me! I am Superior!”

“Talk is cheap you Nazi punk!” Dark-Rider countered verbally, and he jumped up with adrenaline running through this veins. “Time to show you some good old American beat down!” He spin kicked in the gut, gave him a upper cut to the jaw, a heart punch to the chest, and then a round house kick that was caught by Superior who pushed him back and renewed his attack. Both men kept at for what seemed like hours. They kept pursuing one another until Superior gained the advantage and grabbed Dark-Riders’ left leg and with all of his might broke it. Dark-Rider screamed in pain and went down.

“It’s over!” Superior declared.

“Then finish him!” Dark Dragon told him.

“With pleasure!” Superior said with an evil smile on his face. He approached Dark-Rider and just as he was about to pick him up to snap his neck…Dark-Rider using his good leg jumped up and punched Superior right in the jaw. Dark-Rider landed on his good leg and hobbled as he kept punching at Superior. “How…are…you…doing this!” He demanded in between punches.

“I’m not just fighting for the swords, but also my family, my friends!” Dark-Rider answered him and landed another blow to Superiors’ head. “Something that a soul-less man like yourself will never understand!” As Superior tried to get up, Dark-Rider gave him a hand and lifted him up to the sky!

“Put me down!” Superior demanded.

“Be careful what you wish for.” Dark-Rider said with a bloody smile and he threw Superior out of the marked circle! “This match is over!”

“Not yet…finish him!” Dark Dragon demanded.

“I threw him out of the ring.” Dark-Rider told him.

“Yes you did…but I am altering the rules.” Dark Dragon said with an evil smile.

“I won’t do it. I won’t kill!” Dark-Rider said as he glared at Dark Dragon.

“Very well, then I shall declare that you forfeit and Superior shall win!”

“My master please forgive me but you can’t do this!” The young man next to him and then Dark Dragon began to choke him.

“I am King! Therefore I have the power to alter the rules if I wish!” He released his hold after he was dead. “Anyone else defy me?”

“Yes! I do!” Dark-Rider declared. “But I’m not the only one.” He motioned his hand at the crowd of people. “You have betrayed the laws of your land and of your ancestors! And since I won the match according to the laws of your ancestors than I have won the claim to the swords.”

“Oh the swords huh? How about this…you face me?” Dark Dragon offered.

“No! I have won; you are only trying to delay me from what now belongs to me as The Steward of the swords!”

“Face me you coward!” Dark Dragon cursed.

“I’m a coward?” Dark-Rider questioned. “A coward is someone who hides behind his fathers’ throne. A coward is someone who has evil men aide him in his pursuit of power! A coward is someone who banishes his siblings!”

“Enough! Will you face me or not?”

“Not!” Dark-Rider answered, “But I know someone who will face you…Lion-Heart, the true king of Katasia!”

“No! I am King!” Dark Dragon proclaimed as he jumped of his throne with sword in hand. He went to slice Dark-Rider in half….and Dark-Rider caught it! “No it can’t be!”

“Yep, I got my abilities back!” Dark-Rider told him with his eyes glowing green. He snapped the sword in half, picked up a shocked Dark Dragon and threw him out of the ring. “Laser Blade! Sword of a Warrior! IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST! COME TO MY HANDS!” The two swords came to him and placed themselves in each of his hands. “Now IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST BOTH SWORDS NOW MERGE AND BECOME THE SWORD OF LEADERSHIP!” There was a bright light, both swords merged into one, and when the glow was gone, Dark-Rider stood tall, wounds healed. He pointed The Sword of Leadership at his friends and blast of light landed on them and their abilities were restored. Dark-Rider sheathed the sword and then jumped down in front of the cage holding The Banished. He grabbed the cage door and pulled it off!

“Thank you my friend.” Lion-Heart thanked him.

“You’re welcome.” Dark-Rider said as they all assembled, “And now let’s free Katasia!”

　

　

　

Chapter 9

　

　

“Superior I need your aide!” Dark Dragon pleaded.

“Very well, but know this you are now under my command from this day forth.” Superior told him.

“I agree to your terms.” Dark Dragon bowed.

“Excellent…Dr. Wrong, give him the potion.” Superior ordered.

“But lord Superior I have not diluted it yet, the side effects could be irreversible.” Dr. Wrong protested.

“It doesn’t matter, now do it!” Superior demanded out of irritation.

Dr. Wrong handed the vial of purple fluid to Dark-Dragon and he drank it. No sooner as he did he doubled over and he began to grow black scales all over his body as he stood he everyone saw that…he had become truly a Dark Dragon!

“Uh Dark-Rider we got trouble!” Molder pointed out.

“I can see that.” Dark-Rider said and was about to leave to meet Dark Dragon in battle when Lion-Heart stopped him.

“No he is mine to battle.”

“Very well, may God be with you.” Dark-Rider blessed him. He then turned to the others, “All right teams we gotta hold off The Serpent Squadron while Lion-Heart battles Dark Dragon.” They mounted their attack on their reptile opponents. Dark-Rider and Light-Blader tagged team against K-Obra and he was no match for the sword-wielding duo, for as he popped out his fangs they sliced them off his hands. He howled in pain after they did and they bonked him on the head with the blunt part of their blades. Sea Serpent tried to spray water as she did before on Falcona but Frezor who put her on ice. Night Viper and Chameleon tried to tag of against Molder in the shadows of the building, but thanks to his ability of planting himself in the ground Molder was able to feel their footsteps and threw mud balls at them giving away their position and Mindra and Star-Girl stunned them.

　

Python and Boa-Man tried to wrap their arms around Tusk but he grabbed them by the throat and charged them against the wall of the nearest building. Sun Dragon tried to throw fireballs at Batswing as he did before but they were absorbed by Blaze. “Sorry about that.” She apologized as Batswing came out from behind him and drop kicked him in mid air bringing him down to the ground. Batswing gave Blaze a thumbs up and she in return. One by one, each member of the Serpent Squadron fell in battle, and now the only one remaining was Dark Dragon.

Lion-Heart clawed at his younger brother but the claws were no match for his scales, for they acted like a shield. “I am now even more powerful than you will ever be!”

“Is that all you care about is power little brother?” Lion-Heart asked him.

“Yes! And nothing, no force on earth can stop me!” He said and then he doubled over in pain. “The potion…something is happening to me!” He then started to grow, and grow, and GROW! He laughed evilly, “Now I am truly The Dragon King!”

The Alpha Squad, The Banished, and the people of Katasia looked upon the new Dark Dragon with startled eyes. 

“Now I know how St. George must’ve felt.”  Dark-Rider said. He then rushed to Dr. Wrong, “How do we reverse it?”

“It can’t, that is why I wanted to delude the formula.” Dr. Wrong cried, “I was afraid that this was going to happen. He has become a giant dragon!” In addition, indeed he was for he now stood ten feet tall and on all fours, with wings and breathing fire!

“Blaze absorb his fire! Molder try to sink him into the ground. Everyone else open fire!” They executed the plan to the letter but to no effect. “There has to be a way!” Dark-Rider said to himself. Then he felt a glow of power from The Sword of Leadership! He took it out of its sheath, and he knew what he had to do. “Keep distracting him! I have to pierce his heart to return him to normal!” The others nodded and he ran up as fast as he could with sword in hand. Dark Dragon tried to torch him but the flames just flowed off him like water. Using his Eyes of Truth, he could see the weak point of chest and he thrust the sword into the chest and pierced the heart. Dark Dragon howled in pain as he began to shrink to normal. Dark-Rider took the sword out of him in time for Dark Dragon to look the way he did before. He still had his scales, but he was alive. “The only way to kill evil that has grown is to pierce its heart.” Dark-Rider quoted.

“Bravo Dark-Rider bravo indeed.” Superior applauded. “But we must now take our leave, until we meet again.” Then he and the rest of The Society vanished via teleportation.

“One thing for sure they now how to make an exit.” Lion-Heart mentioned.

“Yeah they have a knack of that.” Sparks agreed, and the others nodded.

Chapter 10

　

　

The Alpha Squad stayed another day on the Island of Katasia. Sparks was able to give them Changers to disguise their animal like forms. “This will at least allow you to be able to be accepted by your people.” Sparks assured them.

“Yes, but our brother is still out there.” Leo said.

“That’s why as The Banished you will protect your people.” Jacob told him and the others.

“Just as our father wanted us to.” Leo agreed.

“Are you sure you won’t stay for Leo’s coronation?” Johan asked.

“Yes, we need to get back to Silverton.” Dark-Rider told him.

“Well my friends you will always be welcome here on Katasia.” Leo proclaimed. 

“And anytime you need assistance we will be there.”

“But I must ask how are you getting off the Island?” Danton asked.

“This is how.” Shieldra answered and pointed up in the air and The Raven uncloaked itself.

“Time to go Alpha Squad.” Dark-Rider told the others as they climbed up the ladder. “Until we meet again your highness.” He flew up to The Raven and The Alpha Squad left The Island of Katasia in the hands of The Banished!