Project S.T.A.T.I.C. Part 4: Worlds Apart

Beth sat on the sofa near the dining room beside Pam. Jason had sat down on the arm, but all three of them could feel the mounting tension in the room. The reason was evident as the imposing presence of Emily Brunswick, Voidfoot, sat at the table with a triumphant smirk on her face. The sadistic interdimensional monster had managed to infiltrate their home without any of them realizing it. If she was here then that meant the others were most likely in trouble. Had they already been dealt with? If so, what became of them? What did that mean for the rest of the city?

“Good to see that you three have some semblance of control over your pathetic instincts and emotions,” Voidfoot chuckled, setting her cup down, “The temperament of Elizabeth, the passion of Pamela, and the hatred of Jason are universal across dimensions and time. But then fear is a powerful motivator, isn't it? A touch of fear can bring sense to even the greatest and most emotional fool. It's funny how that works, isn't it?”

“Come here to hear yourself talk?” Jason asked, his tone carrying extra venom, “What have you and your freaks done with our friends?”

“Always so hostile and aggressive, Jason,” Voidfoot said, “You know something, your happiest existences are when you're serving as a slave to Goth. The ones where Jake was dispatched and you're all she has left leave you happy and fulfilled.”

“Don't sit there and patronize me,” Jason glared, “Your bullshit mind games won't work on me.”

“I've looked across countless timelines and dimensions, Jason,” Voidfoot smirked at him, “I know you, all of you, Jason. Every version of you craves to be owned, to be dominated, and to be abused. That, little man, was one thing that you shared with Jake. You can sit there and hide behind your aggression and hatred, but you know that I speak the truth.”

“Tough talk for someone stalling,” Jason scoffed, “She’s buying time, but the question is why?”

“Wrong again, dear boy,” Voidfoot chuckled, “Stalling implies that I need time, but all your little friends have been successfully dealt with. If they haven’t, then they are being handled as we speak. The end is nigh for your little group. My being here is for my own benefit. I am here because I wish to be here, and because I wish to see your pathetic faces as you realize that you have lost.”

“What have you done to them?” Beth asked.

“You’re afraid I’ve scattered them to another world, how sweet,” Voidfoot smirked, turning her attention to Beth, “No, Elizabeth, those peons will serve another purpose. You three, though, you exist to serve me. You will be my personal playthings to keep me entertained. However, I should answer your question, shouldn’t I? I haven’t done anything to them. The halfbreed whore and the cowardly badge are now the property of Amelia. As for the others, they're on their way to an important doctor's appointment. All in all, I'm disappointed given the stories I'd heard of the fight you all gave Goth. Then again, stories are full of embellishments and false heroes.”

“You bitch!” Beth snapped, drawing her gun and getting to her feet, “Don't you dare-”

“Beth, stop,” Pam cut in, speaking up after moments of tense silence, “We can't…we can't win like this. Shooting now wouldn't do anything other than hasten our deaths.”

“Hmph, it seems someone has been paying attention,” Voidfoot grinned at Pamela, “It's no wonder you two work so well. Elizabeth has never been one to think things through. It's what makes her such an easy toy to play with and manipulate. We haven't been formally introduced, have we, Pamela?”

“I know who you are,” Pam replied, “You're the creature that Rebecca scrubbed from the record books. A being that was removed from the anals of history and meant to be forgotten.”

“And why do you suppose that is?” Voidfoot asked, “I'll tell you, Pamela. It's because your Goddess knew enough to fear me. Her power was but a shadow of what I possess, right, Elizabeth?”

Beth's hands shook as she kept her gun trained on Voidfoot. She hated this feeling, but she hated that condescending tone even more. As much as she hated it, she knew the level of power that Voidfoot possessed. Her bullets had already been shown to be virtually useless against her. It was more unnerving than anything to see Pam as shaken as she was. Her girlfriend hid it well enough, but Beth could hear it in her voice. The fact that she’d used her name rather than her pet name was proof enough. It clearly wasn’t lost on Voidfoot either. She maintained her glare and kept her pistol raised despite losing the desire to shoot.

“A voice of reason in the face of stupidity,” Voidfoot chuckled, watching Beth, “How refreshing it is to see. That sense is another reason I’ve come here, Pamela. Your whore will fall and become the slave she is deep down, but you…you are an exceptional case. You have power that rivals that of your Goddess, an ability to see beyond the small scope, and the potential to become something truly great with proper tutelage. Why don’t you join us, Pamela? Goth scraped the surface of what you’re capable of, you’ve learned this since you’ve been away from her, but I can give you power beyond your wildest dreams.”

“You want to offer me a  job?” Pam asked, frowning, “Why would I ever accept something like that from the likes of you and your miserable little sister.”

“Eva is the eldest, let’s be clear there,” Voidfoot began, her smirk never leaving her face, “I am offering you a path to thrive rather than simply survive. You have promise, and my sister and I can recognize that. There are some within our ranks that might not be thrilled at first, but they, like everyone, will fall in line. You defeated Ingrid, eviscerated Abigail and her drones, nearly single-handedly brought down your mentor, and walked through the underworld dimension unscathed. You have proven yourself more than capable, and I think you could become a true asset to our new organization and world.”

“And what sort of world are you building?” Pam asked, her tone impassive and even.

“Pam, you're not seriously considering this, are you?” Beth asked, glancing back at her girlfriend.

“A smart woman weighs her options,” Voidfoot chuckled, leaning forward, “We envision a world where those with power reign supreme. The masses are but sheep that need a firm hand to guide them. We are that hand, Pamela. You will be well compensated for your efforts, I assure you. My dear sister will see to that.”

“You think money is my concern?” Pam scoffed, “Finances come and go, so you'll have to do better than that to sway me.”

“Of course that's the case with you,” Voidfoot chuckled, “I should have known that wealth wouldn't be the deciding factor with you. No, you are more like me than the others. Power and control are what you crave. I can give you that which you most desire. Lost love, revenge, and the power to bend the cosmos to your will can all be yours if you simply say yes.”

“Hmph, what's to stop you from crossing me down the line?” Pam asked.

“Pam, think about this,” Jason warned, although he still hadn't moved from his spot, “We are talking about a couple of women that play with lives like they're fucking toys here.”

“Be silent, worm,” Voidfoot snapped, “Your betters are speaking, and if I wish to speak with a corpse I'll call the Tellar girl!”

“Your fucking sister is the reason I'm here!” Jason snapped.

“Yes, a failed experiment to try to bring life back from the eternal void,” Voidfoot scoffed, “You are nothing in the grand scheme of things, and if your physiology wasn't an interest to our fair doctor, you wouldn't still be standing. Were it up to me, I'd scatter you across the void for that hateful tone. I was going to offer you a chance to live out your dreams, but your denial and disrespect are grating on my nerves, boy. Keep quiet while the adults speak. None of this concerns you.”

“How dare you-” Jason started.

“That’s enough,” Pam cut him off, her voice carrying considerably more venom than usual, “I’m the one she’s speaking to, not you, Jason.”

“Pam,” Beth said, looking back at Pam, “Tell me you’re not really considering this.”

“Out of the three of you, she has the most sensibility,” Voidfoot smirked, “I would advise you to keep your little mouth shut, Elizabeth. Make no mistake, whatever courtesy I show you is because of this woman here. You belong to her, and I still need to speak with her. Were it not for Pamela, you would be sitting under my boot.”

“Do not threaten her,” Pam warned, narrowing her eyes, “Answer my question, but you will not speak to her in such a manner.”

“Attachments are the basest form of weakness,” Voidfoot scoffed, “You will learn this in time, Pamela, but you are still human. That humanity was the reason you broke away from Goth, but it will be your ceiling and your cage. I will teach you how to see beyond those bars and how to shatter through the barrier. Now, I believe I owe you an answer. Your concern is perfectly valid, but we aren’t without honor in our ranks. What greater promise can you receive than that of a God? Unlike your previous teacher, I don’t simply wear the title. I am the true definition of a being that has risen beyond this pathetic plane of existence. I have broken through the heavens, and I have seen all that lies between this world and thousands of others. My sister has devoted her life to achieving true greatness. When we make a promise, we will always keep it.”

“Is that what you two did with Isley?” Pam asked, “Letting her fail was all part of your plan?”

“Ingrid was given an opportunity, but she failed to deliver,” Voidfoot shrugged, “She was given everything needed to succeed, but you out maneuvered her. You thwarted her plans with sheer power and ambition. Her fate was that of her own making, but she was given a test not a promise. She failed to prove herself, but you…you have shown us that you are more than ready to take the next step towards achieving true greatness.”

“Everything comes at a price,” Pam shook her head, “Women such as yourself and Eva don't extend offers like this without a catch.”

“Astute as ever, Pamela,” Voidfoot chuckled, “The only price we ask is unwavering loyalty to us. Our orders must be followed and carried out without question or objection. A small price to pay for something as monumental as this, wouldn't you agree?”

“That depends on the order,” Pam replied, “There are lines that shouldn't be crossed.”

“The moral high ground will always collapse on you, dear girl, you'll learn this eventually,” Voidfoot shook her head, “Clinging to the notions of right and wrong will only lead to your inevitable downfall. Ask Jake how it worked out for him.”

“Keep his name out of your filthy mouth!” Beth snapped.

“Silence!” Voidfoot exclaimed, the apartment quivering as her frustrations spilled over, “My patience is wearing thin with you worms! This is a conversation that excludes insignificant peons such as you!”

“If you want me to listen, then you'll choose your next words carefully,” Pam warned, her hand beginning to glow.

“Then silence your pet so that we may continue,” Voidfoot growled.

“Hold your tongue, Beth,” Pam ordered, flashing Beth a stern look, “Let me handle this.”

Beth hesitated for a moment, but decided to trust Pam. The last year had built trust between the two of them, but she couldn't get a read on her girlfriend right now. She hadn't agreed to any terms, but then what was she playing at? “Hmph, it seems you've trained the cat well,” Voidfoot smirked at Pam.

“Back to business,” Pam said, steering the conversation, “What exactly were you two planning for Jake?”

“What makes you think we had any care for that broken bird?” Voidfoot asked.

“The fact that your forces pulled back shortly after his demise speaks volumes,” Pam replied, “Your plans were skewered, but the question remains as to why. What did you want with him?”

“I wanted to see him suffer,” Voidfoot shrugged, “Eva wants a pet, not unlike you.”

“You expect me to believe she wanted to keep him for herself?” Pam asked.

“She had no intention of showing him the same kindness you've shown the stray you found, I assure you,” Voidfoot answered, “How much do you know about the Brunswicks and what the Blackridge family did?”

“Enough to know you and your short-sighted sister feel slighted by them,” Pam crossed her arms.

“Then you know only what that pathetic beta has told you,” Voidfoot frowned, holding her hand out, “Watch and listen, girl, as I show you the truth. Long ago, this city was little more than a small port town. It wasn't until five families gathered here with dreams, ambitions, and means that the idea of Metropolis began to truly take shape. Of those five families, two were my ancestors and Jake's. The Brunswicks brought the monetary means and connections to supply the construction alongside the other three families. The Blackridge family brought an ability to rally the people to our cause. Through cooperation and patience, the foundation was laid for what would eventually become a thriving city built upon greatness and hard work. Our ancestors brought in machinery to begin mining below the surface of the surrounding areas, create infrastructure that would pave the way for the future, and to give purpose to the impoverished and poor.”

A sphere had taken shape in Voidfoot's hand. Within the cloudy bubble, faceless workers and people of wealth and power moved in the bones of the past. Distant echoes of conversations about the future of Metropolis, ideas for the new city, and more filled the room. The smokey sphere rotated as time continued to progress. Voidfoot waited until the beginnings of the city could be seen in the older districts before continuing.

“It was nearly two decades later when the first discovery was made underground. My great-great grandmother was leading a mining operation beneath the surface of the city. She came across an unusual ore that emitted strange frequencies and properties. The workers who came close to it either became sick, or began to show strange characteristics. The men who touched the stones grew sick, but the women on her team grew stronger. It was the first instance of the supernatural that the world had seen and had concrete proof of. She told the others of her discovery, but the Blackridge family deemed it too dangerous. They ordered the operations be brought to a halt, despite the potential promise for something more. It led to the first of what would become many disagreements between the two families. My ancestor saw the potential for evolution, but Jake's family only saw the danger in their short-sighted minds.”

“You're telling us that there's some sort of magical rock beneath the city?” Beth asked, having never heard anything like this before.

“Here and the surrounding areas,” Voidfoot nodded, “Have you ever wondered why so many people here in the city demonstrate higher than average capabilities? The answer lies within my story, Elizabeth, so hold your tongue and listen well.”

“Azmandium,” Jason sighed, “That damn rock that was used to bring me back. There's more of it under the city?”

“You spent time in Ravenfalls reading and researching, I see,” Voidfoot smiled at him, “I shouldn't be surprised. Yes, that very same mineral is beneath Metropolis, Ravenfalls, and Citiville. My great-great grandmother continued her endeavors against the wishes of the Blackridge family in secret. The azmandium flowed like wine under her direction, and she was shown things that regular mortals could only dream of. A vision of the future was born in her over the course of the following year, and she began to formulate a plan to change the course of humanity. A future where the strong survive, and the weak serve for the betterment of all. Metropolis was meant to be the epicenter of the great change, but the Blackridge family caught wind of it before she could make her dreams a reality. It was then that things came to a head between our families.”

The scene within the sphere changed to a fight erupting between two groups. A heated argument over right and wrong that quickly escalated. The two groups began shouting at one another before one drew a gun. A gunshot echoed in the apartment and then silence fell over the room. The scene changed again to a woman crawling away clutching at her bleeding stomach. It was soon followed by the same woman hiding in a desolate and abandoned building giving birth. It shifted again to a large group of people holding torches and lanterns outside of massive gates that were soon closed and locked. The mob of people disappeared as the scene changed to the city they knew as it was slowly built up.

“You're telling us that Jake's ancestors murdered yours?” Beth asked, clearly skeptical, “I call bullshit on that.”

“Not murder, but wounded and cast out,” Voidfoot corrected, her tone grim and solemn, “Our great-great grandmother survived the gunshot, and she gave birth to our grandmother. She vowed to someday take revenge against the Blackridge name, and she instilled that vendetta into our mother. The gates to the old mines were sealed, but our grandparents clawed their way back to the top from the scraps left to them. One by one, they seized control of the other families assets to amass power and control. They used those connections to reopen the old mines in secret. With the advances in technology, they were able to refine the azmandium into usable minerals for various projects that bridged the gab between science and magic. All was going swimmingly until that whore that was Jake's mother took it upon herself to destroy our labs here. A minor setback, in the end, but one that caused all of our hard work to be brought to the publics eye. The smear campaign that was led against us was used by Jake's father to absorb our company, but my sister and I continued our work in secret. Cast out again, and forced to hide our efforts, we resolved to finish what began years ago. I am the product of over a century of research and development, and the very suit I wear is forged from the ore found here in the very beginning. It is the only thing that can contain the powers that I now hold, but it also the key to unlocking the true potential within someone like yourself, Pamela.”

“Why tell us all of this?” Pam asked.

“Hmph, have you forgotten your original question, my dear?” Voidfoot asked, “Our intention was to force Jake to watch as we achieved a dream long denied. He would be reduced to the outcast and worm that his ancestors made ours while we remade the world in our image. A fate fitting for someone like him, and we intended to ensure his suffering was paramount until such a time that we grew bored. Courtney Tellar, the damned fiend, took it upon herself to end him before we could achieve our goals, but that was one step in the grand scheme. She still serves a higher purpose, but it will take time before she is ready to join us for good. I have shared a great deal with you this evening, Pamela, and I hope you understand the trust that comes with this. The time for talking is at an end, I'm afraid. Make your choice now. Join us and have everything you could ever want, or resist us and face the wrath of a God. Choose, now, girl.”

“What becomes of Beth and the others?” Pam asked.

“Pam!” Beth exclaimed.

“Elizabeth is part of another transaction, but there are others you can claim,” Voidfoot replied, “My sister doesn't break her word, but I can find you another plaything should you so desire.”

“Pam, think about this,” Jason said, “These women are the definition of evil. They're idea of a perfect world is a slave-state where they hold all the cards!”

“What has humanity done except bring about destruction, chaos, and war?” Voidfoot asked, “In order to ensure the survival of this world, people of vision need to be in control. It is the only way, and we will not be stopped. The sooner you realize this, the happier you will be.”

“Get fucked, bitch,” Jason spat, “I've lived that life already, and there's no peace that comes with it.”

“Choose, Pamela,” Voidfoot stood up, “I won't tell you again.”

“I won't abandon the woman I love,” Pam said, having made her decision, “No promise of power is enough to sway me on this. I lived life alone long enough, and I won't see her taken away from me. If I have to kill you, I will.”

“Then you have chosen death,” Voidfoot sighed, “Very well, but know that your fate is your own making. You are prey like the other worms.”

Voidfoot raised her hand and her crimson glove began to glow and hum. A beam of celestial energy shot out at Pam, but Pam raised a barrier before it could hit her. It stopped the beam, but it was shattered in a second. Beth opened fire while Voidfoot was distracted, but her bullets richocheted off of her suit. Voidfoot glared at Beth before crooking her fingers at her. Beth was seized by an unseen force and thrown to the ceiling before slamming back down to the ground. Pam growled as she let out two of her emotions and sent them at Voidfoot. Rage and Courage charged in at her, but Voidfoot merely laughed at their efforts. A green blade was shattered against her forearm, and Rage coiled around her like a viper striking its prey. Voidfoot plunged her hand through Courage's chest, and she grabbed Rage by the throat. The sizzling sound of metal heating up could be heard as she snapped Rage's neck and sent both emotions back at Pam.

“You would dare to challenge a God?!” Voidfoot shouted, lifting off the ground, “If you wish to stand against me, then perhaps we should see what you're truly made of! You choose this Feral animal over us, Pamela?! Allow me to show you just what this miserable insect can truly be! No one is above corruption, not even would-be heroes!”

Voidfoot raised her hand and clenched her fist. A large tear in the fabric of reality opened up, and a vacuum began pulling at Pam. Pam tried to withstand it, but the vortex only grew in strength. She screamed as she felt her very being begin to pull apart the longer she stood, “Beth, run! I'll find you, I swear it!”

“Empty promises built on the lie of love!” Voidfoot cackled as she forced the tear further open, “It's pathetic! To think I thought you worthy of joining us! Begone, worm, and learn the true meaning of misery!”

Pam screamed as she was finally pulled into the vortex, “I love you, Beth!”

“Pam!” Beth screamed as she tried to chase after Pam, but the doorway was closed as their fingers touched a final time, “No!”

“Heh, how pathetic,” Voidfoot chuckled as she lowered herself back to the ground, “Let's get you to your new master, shall we?”

Beth shook with rage as a tear rolled down her cheek. “You think I'm going with you?” she asked, her body beginning to emit a blue steam, “You think after what you've done I'll just surrender?! You took her away from me, you sociopathic freak! I'll kill you!”

Jason watched as a strong gust of wind ripped from Beth's body. A brilliant flash of white enveloped the area as she got to her feet. “What is this?” Voidfoot asked as Beth stood up holding a spectral katna, “Don't be a fool, girl!”

“Shut up!” Beth screamed as she disappeared and reappeared in front of Voidfoot, “Shut up and die!”

Voidfoot's eyes widened as she felt the sting of a cut across her chest. She looked down in shock at her suit. Beth had managed to damage it with a clean cut. She stepped back and extended her hand to send of a wave of force that knocked Beth back. To her surprise, Beth twisted in the air and managed to send herself flying back at her with incredible speed. She barely managed to dodge an incoming attack aimed at her throat, but she could feel a slight trickle of blood from the backlash of the attack. Beth stopped at the table, and kicked off of it and into the air. She was over her, and she swung her sword in an arc that sent a forceful wave of energy out at Voidfoot. Voidfoot held up her hands to shield herself, but the force of the attack caused the floors to cave in beneath her feet. She was falling before she could stop herself as the floors fell through. Beth screamed as she unleashed a flurry of swings that sent more and more blasts out of her sword. Her rage and hate was at an all-time high as she threw everything she had at the monster that had taken her love from her.

Beth landed just outside of the crater she'd made in her home. She grit her teeth and waited for the inevitable return of her enemy. Goth wouldn't have been defeated by such an attack, so she knew Voidfoot wouldn't be either. Within seconds, Voidfoot burst from the rubble with a stern and hateful glare. She was bleeding, and her suit appeared damaged by the look of her. Voidfoot growled as she sent beams from her fingertips at Beth, but Beth deflected them with ease. “Hey, watch it!” Jason shouted as he dodged the richochets.

“Miserable little cat!” Voidfoot screamed, “You've actually managed to hurt me! Who are you to harm a God?!”

“Do you ever stop talking?!” Beth growled back, leaping into the air and surprising Voidfoot with a stab through her stomach, “Go down and stay down, freak!”

“Ugh!” Voidfoot growled as she was impaled by the spectral blade, “If this is the way you want it, then so be it! Away from me, little worm!”

Voidfoot grabbed the hilt of Beth's sword and held her in place. Beth tried to rip the sword free, but Voidfoot was too strong. Blood trickled down from her mouth as she held out her hand and opened another doorway. Beth locked eyes with her and held on as best she could to keep from being sucked in. She jerked her sword to the side and ripped it out as she was suddenly pulled into the abyss. As long as the monster was dead, she would accept whatever fate awaited her beyond that damn portal. She watched as Voidfoot fell to the ground, but her heart sank as she slowly got to her feet. Even with everything she had, it hadn't been enough to fell that horrible beast. She couldn't stop herself as she was hurled into the unknown and felt her body twist and writhe in pain.

“That was…unexpected,” Voidfoot panted as she clutched her side and closed the portal, “The little harlot managed to wound me…now, what to do with you, Jason? There's been enough complications this evening, so why don't you be smart and surrender yourself to me?”

Jason took a step back and looked at the window, “No way in Hell am I gonna do that. Kill me if you have to, but I'm not abandoning this fight.”

“This is tiresome,” Voidfoot scoffed, wincing as she stood up, “I've already lost two assets, but they can be recovered later. Eva is going to he pissed when she learns we lost our bargaining chip, but you are expendable. Fortunately for you, I'll make this quick since I'm hurting. You and this entire building will cease to exist!”

“Fuck!” Jason shouted as Voidfoot began to glow, “Not today, bitch!”

Jason took off for the window and threw himself out of the pane. Voidfoot's body continued to glow as the fabric of reality shook. Jason shattered through the glass and grabbed his grappling gun from his coat. He fired it at a nearby rooftop and swung as far and fast as he could away from the disaster that was coming. He could hear the building folding in on itself as Voidfoot created an implosion that began to swallow the whole of the the apartment complex. He landed on a nearby roof and continued to run without looking back. He knew what was happening, but he couldn't bring himself to look back. All those people in there were swallowed by the miniature and concentrated black hole created from Voidfoot. It was gone in seconds, but Jason didn't stop running.

Beth, Pam, Jake, Kait, Sam, Zoey, Sally, and Addy were all gone. They'd either been killed, captured, or sent to another world entirely. He was on his own again, and he didn't have a clue how to fight such monsters. He'd have to be smart about his next moves. Worst of all was the fact that their only remaining hope lay with Goth. In all his years, he'd never thought that he'd place anything other than disdain with that woman, but here he was. As much as he hated it, Goth was their one ace in the hole. Voidfoot and Eva thought she was dead; hell, he'd thought the same until today. However, even her chances were slim considering where she'd gone. He couldn't bank on her alone. He had to keep fighting in case she didn't make it, but he could hold onto that distant hope that maybe she would. She was the Goth Goddess, after all, and if anyone could walk through the fires of Hell and live it was her.

“Placing hope in the woman that robbed me of my life,” he muttered to himself as he ducked into a fire escape to climb down, “What the fuck is the world coming to? Strange times make for strange bedfellows, I guess….”