Thunder City

For most people, death isn't something they know closely.

They rarely, if ever, have to deal with the passing of a loved one. And none of them have ever died themselves.

They all know it will happen, eventually. But they don't really fear it... it's a distant thing. Something not to be thought about in the here and now.

But for a soldier... death is always there. The spectre of the reaper looms large on the horizon. Surrounded by death, the corpses of both friends and foes...

On the battlefield, death is a very real thing.

Daniel Page surveyed the battle that was waged around him. The MBL, full of new, inexperienced recruits, and the armies of Hell. One trying desperately to reach and destroy the MBL's headquarters, and one trying desperately to stop that happening.

And death filled the air. Daniel could barely look anywhere without seeing the corpse of a Leaguer.

And he didn't have the power to save them all.

Daniel caught a glimpse of one of the new recruits. Kid Karma, or something like that. He didn't know much about the boy, other than what Gooz had told him.

Young hero. Inexperienced. But enthusiastic, and with a good heart. Potential MBL material one day.

And, in the split second that Daniel glanced at him, Kid Karma was being leaped upon by three ugly red demons.

Daniel tried to save the boy. To throw the demons off him telekinetically.

But a strong demon fist connected with Daniel's face as Kid Karma's face was smashed into the concrete ground.

Daniel heard the boy scream as he desperately tried to throw his attacker off. This... thing... this demon that had attacked Daniel... it wouldn't give him a chance to concentrate. To use his powers.

Daniel was thrown to the ground. He looked across the battlefield, and saw three demons laughing over the mutilated corpse of Kid Karma.

Daniel closed his eyes, and screamed. He rolled over, and flew upwards. He barrelled downwards, towards a demon. It might not have been the demon that attacked him. It might not have been one of the ones that killed the boy.

But it probably killed someone. Death was all these creatures seemed to think about.

Daniel rammed into it's chest, crushing it into the concrete.


"Gooz..." Daniel said telepathically, "We're not going to win this one. We're outnumbered. We need help here."

A black spot suddenly appeared on the horizon, headed straight for the city. It was the carrier ship, carrying the troops of TOMB and MAN.

"Please let that be help..." Daniel said quietly.