The long row of roll-up doors that stood on the outside of the large warehouse that resided at the outskirts of the city began to open revealing armies of Clockwork standing at attention within the abandoned building.
The sound of their metal feet clanking on the concrete as they began to file out was deafening. Hundreds of Clockwork poured out of the building and began their march on Paragon City.
Both of their communicators went off simultaneously, signaling a full alert.
“Heroes of Paragon City, you are needed now more than ever.” came the Mayor’s voice from the wrist units. “The Clockwork King has deployed an army of Clockwork into the city, and they are leaving a trail of death and destruction in their path, I implore you to confront them in large groups and bring them down quickly.” he said.
Hariot turned around and began to fly back toward the center of the city as fast as she could.
The streets of the city became a war zone as heroes battled the massing Clockwork. Energy blasts ripped into buildings and vehicles, Clockwork and heroes alike lay beaten on the ground as the war around them carried on.
As the heroes fought back the Clockwork minions, they seemed to be winning the battle, then the rumbling started.
The twenty foot tall behemoth came crashing down the street, mowing down hero and Clockwork alike as it chugged forward like a runaway freight train.
“All will kneel to the will of the Clockwork King!” the giant bellowed in a cold mechanical voice.
“What the hell is that thing?” Jemima asked as she and Hariot watched the rampaging colossus tear down the street.
“That would be Babbage.” Hariot said. “He’s kind of like the Clockwork King’s bodyguard.” she told Jemima.
“Is anything going to be able to stop it?” Jemima asked, and turned away from a particularly brutal hero slaughtering, burying her face into Hariot’s body.
“Well, we have to try.” came a voice from behind them.
The pair turned to see Sue Radiance standing in a group of heroes on the rooftop they were standing on.
“It’s good to see you again Sue.” Jemima said with a smile, recalling how nice the woman had been to her when she had first registered to become a hero.
“Likewise Wet Lynn.” Sue said with a smile to match Jemima’s.
“I don’t believe we’ve met yet.” Hariot said. “I’m Half-Life Hariot.” she said.
“Sue Radiance.” Sue greeted. “These are the members of my team,” she said and pointed each member out.
“This is Fire Water,” Sue said, pointing to a buxom red skinned cowgirl.”
“Final Flame.” she said, pointing to a female dressed in robotic looking armor adorned with air brushed flames on it.
“And finally Ryver.” she said and pointed to a teenage girl wearing a bodysuit that was covered with neon blue curcuitry. “We’re the ‘Heroes of Tomorrow’.” she said.
“Well, you guys certainly look formidable.” Jemima said with a wide smile.
Sue nodded, “You ladies are welcome to join us and help out.” she said.
“I don’t kn-” Hariot started.
“We’re in!” Jemima blurted out, interrupting Hariot.
“Then let’s do this!” Sue said, taking to the air with Final Flame trailing behind her. Ryver’s suit began to crackle with electricity and she ran to the edge of the building and leapt off toward the battle. Fire Water created a lasso out of fire she conjured from her hands and roped a gargoyle statue on a nearby building and swung off the rooftop.
“I hope you know what you’re doing.” Hariot said as she picked Jemima up and flew them toward the fight.
“Me too.” Jemima said quietly to herself as they began to close in on where Babbage was rampaging.
Babbage smashed into a building as he took a swing at a hero flying near him like an insect in front of a person. The hero dove under the massive fist and blasted at Babbage with a sheet of ice. The giant stood strong against the attack, and smashed the hero between his hands.
Fire Water took her opportunity and lassoed Babbage’s hands at the wrist with her flaming rope. Ryver flew closer and shot at Babbage with a bolt of electricity, sending the titan staggering backward. Fire Water was pulled forward when Babbage went back, she tightened her grip on her fire rope and tugged hard to keep her hold on the behemoth. Babbage recovered quickly, and with a flick of his arms, lifted Fire Water into the air, and swung her into the side of a nearby building.
“No!” Ryver yelled as she watched the murder of her teammate. Fighting back the tears, Ryver summoned a massive electrical blast that lifted Babbage off the ground and sent him crashing into the building behind him.
“And stay down you !” Ryver spat.