Things are not looking good. Compared to this, I think I preferred the time Fosco Rumblehoe, the Berserker Hobbit was around.
I don’t think the Umber Hulk speaks English. However, somehow I am able to understand the creature. I think it just chooses to ignore me.
After the Umber Hulk had knocked out Terminatrix and the Wolfman, the creature wanted to feast on the defeated CSF member’s flesh. But it recoiled in confusion at the two unconscious figure’s scents. They did not smell… normal. I suppose it was because Terminatrix was a robot. I had no idea why it didn’t eat the Wolfman. Was it because he was magical?
The Umber Hulk was not very forthcoming, just saying “Not alive”.
Normally I don’t think the Umber Hulk would have been that picky about it's menu. It must mean something else. That was a mystery to solve another time. I had two important things to worry about.
First, the fact that the Umber Hulk had tunnelled right into the middle of Big City and was now hunting for prey.
“Humankind. Hunt. Feast.”
Secondly, my dice were still back at the CSF’s secret lair.
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Back at the CSF Secret Lair…
After 30 minutes of trying, Lucius Malfoy, Scaramanga and Spring-Heeled Jack finally break their way back into the chamber.
“My solar gun,” exclaimed Scaramanga. “It’s ruined!”
Malfoy scowled at his ally. “So much for your technology keeping the boy under control.”
“What happened to the guards?”
Spring-Heeled Jack springs over to the Wolfman. “The Wolman sleeps.”
“And where is Terminatrix? And the boy”, asked Scaramanga.
Jack shrugged, “Perhaps she is following the boy?”
A voice from the door startles the three fictional villains.
“She had better be, for her sake,” said Moriarty, as he stepped into the room, surveying the carnage. “I leave you alone to talk with one of our operatives and you can’t even hold one powerless boy prisoner. What happened?”
“We were just about to find out…” started Scaramanga.
Moriarty cut the assassin off. “Obviously the boy used his dice to escape.”
“Moriarty," called out Spring-Heeled Jack. “I’ve found a tunnel. Recently dug, by the looks of things.”
“Bring Grendel. He can follow the tunnel. I want that boy and his dice found.”
“I think I may have saved you some trouble, Professor.” Lucius Malfoy stood up and held out a clenched fist. He opened his hand to reveal two percentile dice sitting on his palm.
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The Umber Hulk had been hiding in an alleyway, ready to strike out at any unsuspecting prey that walked past.
“Look,” I pleaded. “I need your help. My name is Centurian – Alex. I am on a mission to stop some bad men…”
“Yes. Men are bad. Only good for eating,” replied the creature. “Now shut up.” It sniffed the air. “Good, two come now.”
Before I could continue, a woman pushing a pram walked past the alleyway. Fortunately the Umber Hulk was not quick, but the woman froze in horror and let out a scream.
“Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!”
The Umber Hulk lumbered at the woman, mandibles open wide, claws out-strectched.
“Noooooo!” I cried. Foolishly hoping my cry would stop the creature.
Surprisingly, the creature faltered. Just slightly, before resuming it’s attack.
“Noooooo!” I cried again. Willing the creature to stop.
Once more the creature faltered. But this time I used all my concentration to stop the beast. The Umber Hulk was putting up some resistance, struggling to move forward, as I mentally tried to hold it back.
The woman finally came to her senses and ran off with her baby. At least they were safe. The Umber Hulk smashed into the wall, breaking my concentration. The Umber Hulk had regained control and it was not happy.
It sniffed the air once more. “Humankind.” The Umber Hulk starts tunnelling trough several buildings, including the Mayor’s office.
Suddenly, I see Wednesday and Hybrid charge towards me. Great! Finally the JLR are here. But both are promptly hurled across the street. Both knocked out.
I notice several other members of the JLR ready to join the battle. Strange. Some of them I don’t recognise.
One of the people I don’t know, the one wearing a black body suit and cloak with a high collar and silver trimmings, yells out a command to another person I haven’t seen before. “Britannica, your Britannerang!”
This Britannica person hurls something. A boomerang, I think? But it whirls round and hits Ace, sending him crashing to the floor. The card Ace had in his hand flies off and explodes, taking out Britannica and the man in black. They are hurled back, crashing into Fused and Transneopolitan.
Chessmaster is setting out his board as the Umber Hulk lumbers over and looms above him.
“Eek”, says Chessmaster in surprise.
I can’t concentrate enough to stop it. The Umber Hulk lunges down with a sickening crunch...
“My board!” cries Chessmaster. “He broke my board!”
