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Chapter 9: Strange Things Did Happen Here On a rooftop of a three story building in L.A., Nekra looked out over the urban scene before her. She gently stroked the head of Mandril, who sat hunched over in front of her like a loyal dog, growling softly. Ushas and Shaya stood at attention behind her brandishing their weapons. The rooftop slowly began to be covered in darkness, and Nekra smiled as Shroud emerged from the shadows. “Brother Max. I’m sorry to interrupt your meditations, but I did hope you wouldn’t us paying a visit.” Shroud’s face was tight with restrained rage. “My name,” he intoned. “Is Shroud.” Nekra nodded, and motioned to her entourage. “As you wish, Brother. You do remember Sister Shaya and Sister Ushas?” She finished by patting Mandril’s back. “And of course Brother Jerome.” Shroud stayed where he was, and turned to face where Mandril snarled at him. “Hello again, Brother Jerome. Has Sister Nekra gotten you house broken yet?” Mandril attempted to lunge forward but Nekra tightened her grip around the nape of his neck. “There, there, Brother Jerome. Patience.” She looked back at Shroud with a smirk. “It is the will of Kali that our prodigal brother be allowed to wander for a little while longer.” “Why have you brought your damned cult to my city?” Shroud demanded. “We come to bring the blessing of Kali to the people,” Nekra proclaimed. “And prepare the way for her return. Kali has chosen this place as the site of the ultimate transcendence.” Shroud took a step towards them. “Your goddess has decided to return to the mortal plane in L.A.?” “Where better than Kali-fornia?” Nekra chuckled. Ushas and Shaya snickered as well, even Mandril growled in appreciation. Shroud simply stood motionless, glaring with sightless eyes. Nekra sighed. “As stolid as ever, Brother Max. But the point still stands. Kali believes this city will be more than fitting. Given that so many of her children are present. Kali thanks you for that.” Shroud’s hands folded into fists. “I chose to bring my agents here to unite them under one cause. To prevent the ‘blessings’ your blasted goddess from creating the chaos she wanted.” “And yet you’ve created chaos in spite of yourself, Brother,” said Ushas. “So many criminals have been killed, so much destruction.” “Kali accepts the offerings of all her children,” Shaya chimed in. “Even those that have strayed from her embrace.” Shroud turned back to Nekra. “I will not let you or your followers destroy my city. It is under my protection.” “And how do you propose to protect it, Brother?” Nekra asked mockingly. “With that band of monsters and murderers?” She paused then allowed her smile to grow. “Or perhaps with the traitorous Sister Dansen?” Shroud flinched, and Nekra went on. “Oh yes. We know you have her here. Sister Shaya and Sister Ushas have been arguing over who will get to rip out her heart.” Shroud rushed toward Nekra. Ushas and Shaya held their flail and nunchakus at the ready. Shroud stopped in front of Nekra, who stared unblinking at his masked face. “But, then, she did give it to you all those years ago. Didn’t she?” “You will not hurt her, or any member of my team,” Shroud hissed. “They are not pawns in Kali’s game. And if you try to bring her here, I will kill you myself.” Nekra’s eyes narrowed to slits. “Oh, Brother Max. You seem to have forgotten so much of Kali’s teachings. Perhaps I can jog your memory.” Nekra delivered a back hand strike to Shroud that lifted off the ground and flying towards the edge of the roof. Shroud tumbled through the air and landed on his feet, screeching to a halt. He looked toward Nekra, who was casting aside her robes to reveal a black version of Dansen’s unitard. Her muscles began to bulge, her teeth grew longer and pointed, and the calm expression on her face was replaced with a look of pure rage. OK: Ushas, Shaya, and Mandril cannot interfere. One on one, full strength, full power. Last person standing wins. Game On!