Regulus was excited. For the longest time, ever since the emergence of the first super, Scion, all supers have been limited by their creativity. Though each of them was granted great power, their trauma made it all but impossible for them to innovate and use them in the most effective way. The awakening process left deep scars upon the psyche and it was very common for supers to lash out at the world with pure instinct. Even the smart ones who built entire emirates around themselves, like himself and his fellow Lords, didn’t want to look within their own being in fear of what they would see. Now, after nearly 80 years since the birth of Scion, the human spirit had finally overcame it’s latest and biggest obstacle. Itself. With his power combined with Luke’s and Vivian bridging the connection, they have achieved something beyond the bounds and restrictions of individual powers. There was just one problem. 

“My power’s range can’t reach the surface.” Regulus reported to August. “I can sense up to a kilometer away, but they’ve locked us over 8 klicks underground. Even with Sam giving me a boost, I can’t reach the outside.” August closed his eyes, frustrated. Vivian and Sonya looked on in concern, Hercules grunted in disappointment, while Kayden, who already knew the backup plan, merely braced herself for some hard work. “Alright. We can still get out, but now the plan has changed. I will construct a vessel with my power which Kayden will power and using the nuclear energy I provide, she will blast us out of here. However, that will leave us completely exhausted and it will be up to you, Vivian, to direct the battle, and you two, Regulus and Hercules, to spearhead the vanguard. Sonya, you’re on healing duty, but you may participate in the battle if you wish.” August took a deep breath. “Sam, boost me. I’m going to turn this prison into our greatest weapon. The rest of you, gather the men. It’s time to make a speech.” The other lords, along with Kayden, obeyed the command and swiftly went to carry out their task, realizing how essential time was. Although August was powerful, even he couldn’t hold such a massive vessel together by himself for long. August concentrated and did a rough scan of the prison once again, this time with Sam boosting him. His effective radius thus became a mind boggling 1 km, and as he observed the prisoners of Tartarus making their way towards him, he decided to indulge his theatrical side. 

August began to sway to an unheard beat, his arms dancing through the air like a conductor. Around him, monoliths formed, the ground sunk, hieroglyphs etched themselves into pillars and walls, and grand stage was erected beneath his feet. The descent shaft had been transformed into a massive throne room, with banners of repelscent gold and shining silver decorating the massive hall. Just as the room settled, the grand stone doors groaned open, and Kayden led the gathered army of supers into the domain of their new king. “Welcome, all.” August’s voice echoed around the hall, causing many to shuffle on their feet nervously. “As you all know, you are now part of my organization, the Underworld. However, I have no doubt that most of you do not comprehend the significance of your induction.” Sporadic mummering broke out amongst the crowd. August spoke over them, his voice drowning out all others. “Some of you may see it as a path to greater power, others as the chain which binds them from their ambitions. The Underworld is none of these things.” The mummering increased. “8 years ago, I established Underworld in San Francisco, taking over the local gangs one by one, until we grew to control he criminal elements of the entire city. But, like many of you who are sentenced here, my ambition did not stop at simply a single city. The Underworld spread like locusts across the North American continent, and I soon clashed with the Order of Twelve.” Here many people angrily hissed, some spat on the floor, while others went unnaturally still as they tried to control their rage. “Like many of you, I crushed their squadrons with ease, yet the more I proved my might, the more hapless idiots they sent into the meatgrinder. I commanded the deaths of hundreds of talented supers, and personally killed dozens more. All for what?” Confused muttering enveloped the crowd. “So that the petty bureaucrats and politicians who pulls wool over the eyes of the world may maintain the last vestiges of their power, in a world that no longer belongs to them!? So that corrupt businessmen and drug peddlers and petty criminals may keep their slice of the world?!” August surveyed his army. Their anger was simmering for now, but while it may not be a raging inferno, it ran deeply within each of them. Why would it not, when Tartarus was home not to mass murderers or rapists, but visionaries, rebels, and warlords. Each of them sought to make the world a better place in their own way, and were treated worse than monsters who lost their humanity. “You would think with the descent of superpowers, humanity would transcend it’s shackles and reach for the stars and beyond! And yet, the world has not changed. Tens of thousands die daily to the cartels of South America! Africa and the Middle East are torn aprt by warlords fighting over diamond and oil! In China and Russia, communism spreads like a rotting tumour, destroying the livelihoods of over 4 billion humans! And when we, visionaries who foresee a better future for the people under our rule attempt to make change, why is it that we are always stopped?” At this point, that simmering anger had reached a boiling point. For only those who had the potential to change the world for the better were subjected to Tartarus. Not Jason Mozik, who raped over a hundred women and children in El Savador and was merely sentenced to life in a supermax. Not Walter White, who had propagated the drug/neurotoxin Hypnocil in the west coast, who even now enjoyed a life of luxury in Germany thanks to his cousin the Senator. Not Lisa Anderson, whose company had ruined the lives of millions of people in India with pollution and exploitation. But people like Regulus, who breathed new life into the ghettos of New Delhi, Vivian, who had brought mental illness to an all time low in England, Sonya, who worked miracles for the people of Australia, were all sentenced to what was considered the worst place on earth. Seeing that his words struck a chord in all the inmates, August decided it was time to wrap up. “We have all struggled hard for the sake of humanity, yet these corrupt parasite who cling onto our species hinder us at every turn. Well no more. Today is the day we take back what is rightfully ours! Today, we shall return from the depths of hell, stronger than when we were thrown in! Today ladies and gentlemen, is the day which shall spark our revolution!” The crowd erupted into cheering. Finally, their plight was heard. Finally, someone would help them fulfil their vision. Vivian, Regulus, and Sonya made an example for their men and saluted, and the rest followed. With a wave of his hand, the crisp black and gold uniforms appeared on everyone. Steadily, a chant of “August! August! August!” began to rise in volume. As the chanting reached a crescendo, August and Kayden, who had been connected by Vivian along with the rest of the Lords, finished their preparations. A monumental shaking erupted beneath everyone’s feet as August pointed his hand straight up. “ARISE, NEMESIS, GODDESS OF RIGHTEOUS RETRIBUTION!” Around them, panes of glass formed and seats rose from the ground to accommodate everyone. As the inmates and even the other Lords watched with disbelieving eyes, the section of the ground outside the glass started to rise from it’s earthly prison. A blindingly bright light erupted from the front of the triangular construct, a beam of nuclear plasma so hot that it burned straight through bedrock. Nuclear fission and fusion created massive explosions which tore apart the earth. The massive airship, reminiscent in shape to the famous star destroyer from the pre-super era series Star Wars, began it’s ascent from the earth’s crust with a mighty rumble as hot lava splashed harmlessly onto solid titanium. An upbeat, intense, battlesong reverberated through the passenger hall, courtesy of Sonya, who provided the song choice and speaker.

As the Lords and their men watched in wonder, August spoke urgently directly into their minds thanks to Vivian. “Everyone, prepare for battle. The Order of Twelve will surely have been notified of the disturbance. Kayden and I will man the ship and provide cover, but all of you must work together to throw them off our tail. The Remnants of Underworld on the outside world will also be notified of our escape and will await us in the birthplace of this great organization, in San Francisco.” August paused and stared deeply into the crowd, giving the illusion that he was looking into each individual’s eyes. “Your duty, should you choose to accept it, is to help your brothers and sisters aboard this ship stay alive and resist the Order’s assault until we reach Home. Do you all understand.” A resolute and determined cry of “Yes, Your Eminence!” rumbled through the throne room as each and every new soldier of Underworld prepared to take the reigns of their destiny into their own hands. August smiled, a viscous, teeth filled grin, yet somehow it inspired nothing but confidence and righteousness in his men. “Then go forth, my brave knights, and show the world your resolve!” Regulus, Sonya, and Hercules each led a contingent of men to the 3 corners of the ship while Vivian plopped down and worked to maintain the psychic connection between everyone. Around 20 stayed behind in the passenger hall with August and Kayden as their powers were not combat suited. Meanwhile, August gave Sam a tactical map of the ship that he had scrambled together and pointed him towards Vivian. A little known fact about Sam was that he is actually an idiot savant who specialized in strategy. It was why August’s residences were always filled with strategy games. While most assumed August was a tactical genius, it was actually Sam who gave the Underworld’s military it’s edge while August excelled in logistics and management. Soon enough, the light of plasma and lava was replaced by the light of the sun. Every inmate looked skywards in wonder. For many of them, it was the first time they saw the sun and sky in many years.

Deciding to give his soldiers one final boost, August tested the psychic connection. “My people, this is what we fight for! For the brighter future of this beautiful world!” As soon as August finished speaking, warning klaxons sounded over the airship. Sam looked questioningly towards August. It took him many years to gain the confidence to use his gift, and he had repressed it once again in Tartarus with no military to command. Giving his friend an encouraging nod, August transferred command to Sam. “Eeryone, Sam will be in charge of Commanding this battle.” Sam, now reassured although still nervous, decided to take the plunge. “Everyone, the Order is approaching from the west! Lord Hercules’ contingent, hereby codenamed battalion 1, will be making first contact with them! Lords Regulus and Sonya’s contingents shall be 2 and 3 respectively! Contingent one will halt the enemy advance at the bow of the ship! Flyers will take to the skies immediately in groups of 3! Your task is to thin the herd before they get to Nemesis Actual and redirect the rest towards contingent 1! The rest of contingent 1 will pick of anyone who makes it past the flyers! Contingent 2 and 3 will wait on standby! The enemy has great numbers and will likely try to Encircle us! Keep alert and do not engage unless your lives are at risk or until you are commanded to do so! Lord August can modify the ship at will so do not risk your life defending it! The primary objective is to stay alive and weaken the Order as much as possible! Lords, your duty is not only to command your troops but also to take on any apostles that arrive! Everyone, prepare for enemy contact in 3, 2, 1!” A massive explosion rung off a few hundred meters ahead of the Nemesis. The first wave of Heroes had arrived.

“Confirm, Confirm, Apostle Number 9: Shiva eliminated!” “Apostles 8 and 12 approaching from the stern, Lord Regulus en route to intercept in T-minus 12 seconds!” “Contigient 2, intercept the Las Vegas branch! Flyers, take out the jets and attack choppers!” “Sir, this is 2-B13Z, the Order is teleporting in with the help of the mercenary teleporter Scanner!” “Acknowledged 2-B13Z! Vivian, central connection! Everyone, keep an eye out for the teleporter Scanner! If we can take him out, we can cripple the Order’s mobilization!” The battle erupted, and chaos reigned upon the ship. Hercules had engaged and swiftly dispatched an Apostle before retreating back to the ship to make sure none of his men died. Meanwhile, Regulus quickly sucked the air out of the other two apostles lungs. Unfortunately for him, his concentration was disrupted when he had to defend himself against a pair of laser eyes. Lashing out with claws made of air, Regulus roared savagely and bisected the laser eyed hero as well as the 12th Apostle. In the sky, dark clouds began to gather, both a result of Regulus and many other supers who manipulate air. In the distance, thunderbolts struck down before being deflected by glimmering shields. On the other side of the ship, Sonya was working overtime keeping up with the injuries that had appeared, quickly reversing them. Any enemy foolish enough to get close to the time manipulator were quickly reduced to ash or unborn fetuses. Seeing that another Apostle was approaching, she used her power in the most destructive manner she knew of and turned him into a half baby, half rotting skeleton, undead zombie thing. “This is Sonya, Apostle 4 eliminated!” “Regulus here, Apostle 12 is done, but the eighth is putting up a fight!” As reports poured in, Vivian strained herself to the max to keep the flow of telepathic communication open and organized. Having received Regulus’ message, August opened up a vent near the site of the fight which was directly connected to the nuclear fusion chamber that powered the ship. Kayden directed a massive blast of energy out of the vent towards the 8th apostle, sensing the odd energy which kept cancelling out Regulus’ air blasts. As Regulus lashed out again with a pair of air blades, the massive energy blast swept past him and burned the Apostle into nothing but ash. The energy blast went onwards and eliminated the entirety of the approaching New York Legion, save for the 3rd Apostle. Speaking into her earpiece, the Apostle suddenly retreated. Unrelenting, Regulus blasted a massive amount of air blades towards the women, but they all splashed harmlessly against her shield. Soon, she disappeared from view.

“Everyone, form up! The enemy is retreating to regroup! Lords, to the bow! Flyers, patrol the edges of the ship! The enemy plans to trap Lord Hercules in force fields and take the front of the ship down! Keep alert and notify me of any changes to the situation!” “Everyone, this is August. Stay away from the tip of the ship. I am turning it into an energy cannon to soften up the enemy vanguard! Once the cannon has been fired, Contigient 1, will charge into the enemy ranks and slaughter as many as you can. Lords, do not get into long engagements and prepare to run interference against the 8 remaining apostles. 2 hours until we reach Asphodel base.” The battle raged on. Occasionally, August and Kayden would coordinate to launch massive attacks from the front cannon that would wipe out entire legions. After another 10 minutes, the first casualty appeared amongst the Underworld forces. One of August’s own men was mowed down by a pair of twin lasers, which carved their way through the entirety of the ship’s hull without even being slowed down. The Order’s forces simultaneously pulled back upon the sight, giving Underworld’s army some time to regroup. Four Supers of the Order suddenly flew up towards the cloud layer. “What are they doing?” Hercules questioned confusedly through the psychic link. “Great. That arrogant narcissistic asshole is here.” Just as August was about to ask who Sonya was talking about, a small section of clouds broke apart, letting through a ray of sunlight, adding a splash of colour to the gloomy battlefield. Descending from the ray of sunlight, was a man dressed in white, blue, and gold. His blue cape fluttered dramatically in the artificially calm wind no doubt generated by one of his lackeys. The 1st Apostle, Leon Ramsis, AKA the superhero Transcendence, had arrived at last. “You guys probably wouldn’t know since he didn’t have much of a reputation even a year ago, but this bastard loves the sight of himself. The fucker even had the nerve to gel his hair and take a selfie in the middle of our fight last time!” Sonya grit her teeth, enraged at the sight of her old enemy. 

Seeing that the enemy commander had appeared on the field, August immediately snapped out of his daze. “Based on the database, his power is the classic ‘superman’ package taken to the extreme. Superstrenth, superspeed, flight, laser vision, and regeneration. Plus the addition of being able to defy physics with his body and anything he touches, and example being swinging around a lighthouse like a sword without it breaking. Can any of you beat him?” Hercules grunted in displeasure while ‘No’s echoed around. August tried to dissolve the man, but it seemed that his regeneration was able to counteract August’s power. “Damn. Kayden, he’s all yours. But make sure you only engage and kill him when I give the word, alright?” August didn’t want Kayden to get into the fight, both out of worry for her and because he would be in for a hell of a time supporting the ship by himself. Physics dictated that the ship should be falling to the ground in pieces, and it was all he could do to keep it from doing that. “Hercules, can you keep him occupied for a couple of minutes?” Hercules licked his lips. “That I can do for ya, boss.” “Good. Sam, overboost me.” August clenched his teeth in preparation. “But boss, that would tear you apart!” Kayden turned her head in alarm at that. “It’s fine. I can take it. Just do it!” Hesitantly, Sam nodded, knowing that their chance of winning the battle while ensuring everyone stayed alive were low at this point. “Well, alright.” Closing his eyes, Sam suppressed the urge to scream as his power went into overdrive. Gritting his teeth hard, he sent all of it towards August. The moment the boost was transferred, Sam collapsed bonelessly onto the ground. Simultaneously, August nearly collapsed in pain as the full force of his boosted power took it’s toll on his mind. His perception range had increased tenfold. Doing his best to ignore the pain, August began to scan through the battlefield. 

Meanwhile, as soon as he’d spoken, Hercules leapt off the ship and hurled himself right at Transcendence. The force behind the leap dented the ship’s hull and broke the sound barrier. Hercules turned into a golden streak as he shot through the sky, fist readied to deliver the mother of all haymakers. Unfortunately for him, Transcendence was no ordinary hero. Even August had a hard time affecting his body due to the odd regeneration that he had. His only recorded defeat had been at the hands of Kayden. Looking down at the approaching fist condescendingly, Transcendence cocked back his fist and met Hercules in a clash of pure strength. The resulting shockwave pulped the super holding the clouds apart as well as the one maintaining the breeze that bellowed his cape. Hercules was sent hurtling back towards the Nemesis while Transcendence’s cape was torn straight off. The strongest hero frowned, displeased that his appearance was marred by what he saw as an ant. “August Presalis, I know you’re here. I give you this one chance to surrender before I crush all of you like the insects you are.” 

At the same time, August’s eyes suddenly snapped open. “Found him!” Although Hercules got absolutely bodied, he bought enough time for August. With the slightest exertion of his will, the teleporter Scanner was disintegrated into sand. Immediately, panic spread through the enemy ranks as their only means of escape was taken. It should be known that if it wasn’t for Scanner teleporting people in and out of the battle as they were injured, the casualties on the hero's side would be more than 10 times higher. “Kayden, NOW!!!” Looking at August with worry, Kayden nonetheless departed to kill Transcendence once and for all. August let go of Sam’s boost and kept his focus purely on keeping the ship together as it endured the full force of nuclear fusion. Kayden blasted off from the ship’s command room, not even bothering to go to the hangar as she wanted to kill Transcendence as quickly as possible to help August with the burden of keeping the ship together. As the hero in question was questioning one of his subordinates about the sudden panic in the ranks, Kayden charged like the fist of god straight at him, coated in so much energy that she resembled a miniature star. The air in her vicinity had started to ignite, turning the entire area around her into a massive fireball. Going nearly as fast as light, Kayden arrived before Transcendence in the blink of an eye and grabbed him with both hands, his subordinates having disintegrated from the amount of energy Kayden was outputting. 

Panicking at the sight of the wrathful women, Transcendence made a fatal mistake. He unleashes his only ranged weapon, his laser eyes. Unfortunately for him, Kayden effortlessly took control of the lasers from him and sent it right back into his eyes. Even as lasers hotter than the surface of the sun bore into his brain, Transcendence’s regeneration kept him alive. Seeing that her power wasn’t enough, Kayden began to pour more and more power into the beams with a scream of determination. Just as Kayden felt as if she was reaching her max, Transcendence’s head exploded like an overripe watermelon. The excess energy turned into a massive fireball that threatened to engulf everything within 10 miles. Snapping out of her victory high, Kayden quickly redirected all the energy towards the scattering enemy who were now trying to run after seeing the death of their teleporter and leader. With that single massive attack, Most of the Order of Twelves forces was wiped out, including another 3 Apostles. 

Kayden wanted to pursue the rest, but the psychic link suddenly came online. It was Sam, who had woken up from overusing his power. “Boss lady, you gotta get back quick! Boss is uh, well he’s groaning and stuff. It looks really bad!” Kayden was startled out of her bloodlust and after taking a moment to decipher Sam’s words, she quickly turned around and flew back towards the Nemesis at breakneck speed. Soon enough, she arrived within range of the ship and retook control of the fusion energy that was running rampant within the ship. As she landed back ont he command bridge, she saw August collapse into a heap on his throne. She rushed up and kissed him, afraid that he would disappear if she let him go. “Honey, are you alright? Did you strain yourself too hard?” August desperately clawed at her back, trying to catch his breath in her tight embrace. “Kayden … Air!” Realizing her mistake, the white haired women blushed and released him from her embrace. After catching his breath, he spoke again. “I think I’m fine, but I’ll have Sonya rewind me just in case later.” Taking another breath to calm himself, he decided to address the soldiers. 

“Vivian, connect me to everyone please.” Vivian, who also looked quite drained, nodded tiredly. “Live in 3.” After a few seconds of letting the sound of static run through the connection, August spoke. “My brave soldiers, today, we have won a hard earned victory. The forces of the Order of Twelve are scattered to the winds, 8 apostles are dead, and only 3 of our brothers and sisters have fallen. They will be missed and mourned, when the time comes. Everyone, please gather back in the throne room. A rotating sentry schedule will be made. In the meantime, celebrate, rest, and recharge. This battle was hard, but we have prevailed, as I knew we would. I am proud of all of you. August, over and out.” August finished his address with a tired sigh, gesturing at Vivian to take a break and catch a break. The psychic woman dragged herself to a seat and collapsed on her back, asleep within seconds. Finally able to relax, August smiled softly at the fact that they had actually won with so few casualties, and brought Kayden back into a tender embrace. The two stayed like that for a while, resting their bodies while their minds worked in harmony to direct the ship.