The Chronicles of Silverwolf: The Dawning of a Hero (10 page)

“I’m going to get behind him and try to distract him,” Jonathan told Peter before leaping off the tower and landing down below where he finally uncloaked himself.

“That’s enough damage. Don’t you think?” he said to his new advesary in a stern voice.

Shadowgate then turned to him with a menacing tone and said, “Who do we have here? I’ve never seen you before.”

He raised his hands once again and shot more of his electricity at Jonathan sending him flying backwards through the air until he fell and tumbled onto the ground.

“Oh, crap. I was afraid of this,” he heard his friend say.

“What?” Jonathan asked, now in pain.

“That electricity has fried some of the suit’s nanites. I suggest you try to avoid taking anymore hits. Do you want me to send Justin to help?” Peter asked as Shadowgate starting walking closer to him.

“Not yet,” he said getting up.

“Who are you?” Shadowgate asked.

“I was going to ask you the same thing,” replied Jonathan.

“I am Shadowgate. That is all you need to know,” he scowled.

“Thanks for the confirmation pal. I'm Silverwolf. Who are you really underneath that costume?” he asked but before more electricity was released from his hands, Jonathan ran straight at him and began swinging away with his arms trying to injure any part his body that was vulnerable. Yet Shadowate had a trick up his own sleeve. When he began punching back, his hands were able to hold charges of electricity and every hit that made contact with Jonathan’s suit, more of the suit’s nanites got fried.

Luckily Jonathan was able to grab one of Shadowgate’s hands and toss him over him shoulder which sent him crashing onto one of the police cars nearby. He struggled to get up but finally managed to get off the vehicle

Jonathan fired his wrist daggers at him but Shadowgate somehow managed to dodge them. The dark figure was amazingly fast and managed to come straight at him and resume the fight. Luckily, Jonathan was able to land several blows with his fists and feet.

He then grabbed both of Jonathan hands and sent a huge surge of electricity that coursed through his body. He cried out as the pain forced him to his knees while seeing the warning message on his heads-up display. He then kneed him in the face and he fell onto his back.

Suddenly, Jonathan could hear thunder in the distance which caused Shadowgate to stop. They both looked up to see the moon being covered by dark clouds.

It was going to rain.

“Freeze! Hands in the air!” a cop, who was still on his feet, yelled from behind Shadowgate.

Shadowgate turned to him for a minute then looked back at Jonathan and said, “You got lucky this time hero. But I promise the next time we meet you won’t be so lucky.”

He then dematerialized into a bolt of electricity that sent him to the nearest electrical wiring located on the bridge close where Jonathan laid. Using all the strength he had, Jonathan lifted himself up into a sitting position as more cops gathered around and cautiously approached him with their guns pointed at me.

They had every reason to be cautious. They didn’t know Jonathan considering he looked like a stranger from a different world wearing the suit.

“I need to get you out of there before they capture you,” Peter said.

“Take control of the suit and fly me home,” he said just as the rain started to come down.

Without him doing anything, the suit lifted him off the ground and flew him back to the warehouse.

***

It wasn’t as bad as it was a half an hour ago. The electrical surge Shadowgate gave Wolf should have killed him but thanks to the suit it kept him from being burned to a crisp.

Jonathan
laid on top of the bed in one of the guest rooms at the warehouse while Sarah watched over him. He was exhausted. The fight drained the energy out of him.

The moment he had returned, Peter had managed to help Sarah get him into bed as well as disassemble the suit with the equipment he brought.

“Well, the nanites took quite a bit of damaged from the fight,” Peter said as he walked into the room.

“Can the suit be repaired?” Sarah asked him.

“Oh, of course. Remember the working nanites can always replicate themselves by replacing the ones that get damaged. It just takes some time. I’ll work on making them replicate faster for his next encounter,” he reminded her.

“He fled the moment it started to rain,” Jonathan said.

“I noticed that too. It seems he can’t use his powers when he gets wet. Otherwise he might electrocute himself to death,” said Peter.

“He’s a lightning rod,” said Sarah.

“He was fast. I need to be faster next time,” said Jonathan.

“Can you do that?” Sarah asked curiously.

“The suit is supposed to give him the extra speed so he’s not using his muscles when moving faster. That’s the theory. It’s never been tested though. The question is; can Jonathan’s body take it?” Peter wondered when Justin rushed into the room.

“You all are going to want to see this,” Justin said turning on the widescreen television in front them.

“I’m Ann Richardson reporting for channel 5 news. Earlier tonight the criminal who calls himself Shadowgate made another appearance in the city as local police tried to stop him but were outmatched again. Many officers were killed and several police cars were destroyed.

“Then someone dressed in what looked like a silver suit of armor stepped up behind him and tried to take him down but to no avail. One police officer said he heard him say his name was Silverwolf. When the storm clouds appeared in the sky overhead Shadowgate quickly disappeared just before it started raining and Silverwolf took off into the night sky. No one has seen either of them since then.

“The FBI and the chief of police have asked residents to stay inside and only to go out if necessary so further loss of life can be avoided. We’ll have more on this story as it develops,” the reporter said and Justin turned it off.

“So much for being inconspicuous,” Jonathan said.

“Don’t worry. It was bound to happen eventually. Look I’m going to head on back to the lab and make some modifications on the suit so you’ll be better prepared next time. You get some rest,” said Peter.

“I could use the sleep too,” Sarah said.

“I'll ask some of my friends and see if they know anything about Shadowgate and who this guy really is,” said Justin who then left.

Once Sarah and Jonathan were all alone they quickly fell asleep.

Chapter 18

The next morning, after a peaceful night sleep, Jonathan opened his eyes feeling healed and refreshed. Being spiritually balanced with his physical body he could heal faster than most humans on Earth. Plus, he was thankful for the suit as well. Otherwise, he might not have survived.

Suddenly, he heard a knock on the door.

“It's open,” he said.

The door opened to reveal Peter standing there.

“Good. You're awake,” he said looking worried.

“Problems?” asked Jonathan

“We have an unexpected visitor downstairs waiting for us.”

“Who?”

“The Oracle.”

“What? Oh, crap,” he said rushing out of bed and getting dressed. When he finally got downstairs the Oracle was waiting for them, dressed in her usual gown.

“This can't be good,” Jonathan frowned as he slowly walked over to her.

“Hello Jonathan. We need to talk,” the Oracle said, then teleported them aboard her ship which was hovering in a cloaked field a few miles above San Francisco.

The ship seemed gigantic from the inside. It was like a small upscale city with a huge garden much like Central Park. There was housing for many different species that lived and worked on the ship. Animals were also grown and raised here.

The two men soon found ourselves standing in the Oracle’s personal living quarters. It was luxurious and elegant. It had everything she needed. It had a bed, a place to meditate and a shower. It even had a small communications center in the corner.

“I take it this isn't a social visit,” Jonathan began.

“You know darn well why I'm here. I gave you explicit orders not to bring the suit with you to Earth and you defied my wishes. Not only that, but you fell in love with an Earth female,” she said sounding stern but not raising her voice.

“Oracle please be reasonable and do not punish Sarah for this. It was unexpected but I do love her,” Jonathan pleaded.

“I have no intention of any such thing to her. My main concern is that she is the daughter of a military officer,” she said.

“I realize that,” Jonathan said with his arms crossed. “How do you know so much?” he wondered.

“I know a lot. What if her father finds out who you really are?” she asked.

“One military officer already has,” Jonathan pointed out.

“What!?”

“I wouldn’t worry. We don't believe he has told anyone else about me. The military on this planet is very good at keeping secrets,” Jonathan explained.

For a moment the Oracle didn't say anything. I could tell she was not happy with the current situation. But it was too late for that.

“You both know the law about intervention with an evolving race.”

“I feel I'm doing the right thing for these people,” Jonathan argued.

“The right thing? Have you forgotten what happened when we directly intervened with the people of Tamos?”

“I haven’t forgotten,” Jonathan said.

“We introduced ourselves, told them who we were, gave them technology and knowledge they asked for and they ended up destroying themselves. We vowed never again to let that happen and now you seem to be on the same to path towards that goal,” she continued.

“I disagree. We're fighting an adversary here that these people can't stop. They need our help,” Peter argued politely raising his hand in protest with one finger.

“And you went along with all this,” the Oracle said looking at Peter. “You need to let these people find their own way to stop this man.”

“They tried, even after I returned to Mirach to retrieve my suit,” Jonathan explained to her.

“I told you, you could guide these people without direct intervention. What if someone were to capture you, like the Sarah’s father, and use the technology the suit is made of for their own selfish needs?”

“I've put safety protocols on the suit to prevent that from happening,” said Peter.

“Oh, have you?” she said sarcastically.

“Yes. The suit only works on Jonathan because of his unique DNA code,” Peter tried explaining.

“Look, I respect your field of expertise, Peter. Without you, Silverwolf may not have been possible,” she said.

“Besides it's not like these people haven't used alien technology before from crashed ships that have come here in the past,” Jonathan said referring to the history of this planet he studied up on when he first arrived.

“Yeah, the advancements of the circuit board and fiber optics seem to have come from more advanced civilizations anyways,” Peter added.

“And look where it's brought them. I've studied up on this planet too and those advancements have created weapons and caused destruction. Those advancements are part of the reason why most countries here hate each other. One is always trying to wipe out the other,” the Oracle said.

“This time it will be different. I promise. We can make a significant change for the betterment of mankind here if you let me,” Jonathan said sincerely.

“Well the damage is already done since you exposed yourself in the suit to the world, I suppose,” she said then took a pause.

“You know me well Oracle. I have been careful with the suit so far. These people need hope and Peter and I can give them that if you give us a chance,” said Jonathan

“Your intervention was not the only reason I came here, Jonathan,” she said.

“What do you mean?” Jonathan asked.

“The war with the Draconans has reached our neighboring galaxies, which is mostly comprised of humans. They are keeping them at bay for now but if the tide of the war turns against them the Draconans will set their sights on us and then possibly Earth,” the Oracle said.

“Why are they so interested in humans I’ve always wondered?” asked Peter.

“They feed on the human spirit after consuming their flesh and you and I both know how rich in spirit the people of Earth are. Their spirits may not be in balance but they still have spirits,” the Oracle said looking out her window at the Earth below. “If that happens when they do come, you may be Earth's only hope, Jonathan,” she said turning back to face me.

“No pressure of course,” Jonathan said sarcastically.

“It won't be easy to fight them but that is why you designed the suit. Is it not?” she said.

“So you're letting us stay to continue our work here?” Peter asked.

“I don't see that you have much of a choice now,” the Oracle.

“Thank you,” replied Jonathan.

“All I ask is that you be careful. I must now return to Mirach. I’ll return you to the surface. Good luck,” she said.

A short time later they were back in the warehouse.

Chapter 19

Night had fallen on San Francisco and not a peep from Shadowgate. Using his infrared vision, Jonathan scoured the rooftops keeping an eye out for his adversary and anyone else who might be causing trouble at this hour. Shadowgate hadn't shown himself for several days now which was good but that didn't mean for Jonathan to let his guard down.

Then something out of the corner of his eye caught his attention that seemed out of place. He looked down to see an old Shelby Mustang making a hard turn at an incredibly fast speed coming down the road he was on.

“Are you seeing this?” he asked Peter who was seeing what his friend was seeing through the suit’s pair of eyes.

“Yeah, a lot of yelling going on down there,” he noticed.

“They could be drunk.”

“You should follow them in case they do anything stupid.”

“Right,” he said and took off into the air cloaked.

“Remember, don't intervene directly unless absolutely necessary. I'll have Sarah call the police,” he said as Jonathan watched the car make another right turn and pull up in front of a small convenience store. To get a better look he landed on a roof top across the street

“It looks like they're carrying weapons,” Jonathan said zooming in to take a closer look.

“Oh, no. They're not doing what I think they're doing. Are they?” Peter asked.

Jonathan watched as one of the men got out of the car and walked into the store.

“I'm activating the sound amplifier so I can hear what's going on down there,” he said.

A few minutes later, the driver of the car got out and made his way inside the store.

“Will there be anything else sir?”
Jonathan heard a female voice say from inside the store.

“Yeah give me all the money in the register now!” one of the men yelled.

“Oh, my god! Please don't kill me!” she screamed.

“Shut up and do it!” he yelled back.

“We need to distract them so they don't shoot her,” he told Peter.

“Justin says he can temporarily shut down the power grid to that street. That should force them outside.”

“Do it. What about the police?”

“They're on their way,” Peter said.

Jonathan waited for a minute until he saw the lights up and down the street go out. A few moments later the two goons exited the store. One of them was holding a brown paper bag. He decided that he couldn't wait for the police so he flew down to street level where he was just a couple of feet away from them. To scare them Jonathan uncloaked himeslf and said, “That money doesn't belong to you.”

“Says who, shiny?” the one with the bag said while raising his weapon at Jonathan. His partner did the same and both of them opened fire. The bullets bounced off his suit harmlessly before he threw both of his discs at their weapons slicing them in half.

“What the hell are you?” the other asked in astonishment.

“Let's get the hell out of here,” the first one who spoke to me said and both of them took off towards their vehicle.

Jonathan watched as they got in but he wasn't going to let them get away. So he threw one of his disc at the rear tire as the car sped off and saw it loose control soon after. It crashed into a light pole on the other side of the street. Both men got out and ran into a dark alley way. Jonathan could tell they were now scared.

“What do you supposed that was?” one of them asked the other.

“How should I know,” the other replied as Jonathan approached them silently. They both turned to face the man in metal suit as he entered the alley that was blocked by a wooden fence. Jonathan looked to his right and spotted a chain lying next to the dumpster. He walked over and picked it up.

“Look mister. Here's the money. Just take it. We don't want any trouble,” he said placing the bag on the ground.

“It's a bit late for that, boys. Now are you going to come quietly or are you going to make this hard on yourselves?” Jonathan said.

To Jonathan’s surprise both of them surrendered and allowed him to chain them together around the pole they ran into. When the police finally arrived Jonathan cloaked himself again and flew up on to the nearest roof to watch the police take them into custody. Then something ran into him from behind and slammed him to the ground.

He turned around to see Shadowgate standing there.

“You again? I thought I had taken care of you,” he said.

“I'm just full of surprises,” Jonathan said as one of his throwing discs morphed in his right hand. He then slashed him across the chest and then kicked him off with both of my feet and sent him tumbling to the ground before he could be zapped.

He quickly sat up and released more electricity from his hands but a force field that Peter had added to the suit after their first encounter was able to protect Jonathan this time. The only question was how long it would last?

“I've upgraded my suit. You're going to have to do better than that,” Jonathan said.

Then he got up and ran straight at Jonathan. When he grabbed him, he sent them both flying across the street until they landed in second story apartment that seemed vacant. The force of their bodies sent glass flying everywhere and destroyed much of the furniture inside as well.

Using the strength the suit provided him; Jonathan picked him up and threw him against the wall leaving a big hole in his place. Grabbing the disc that he dropped, Jonathan picked it up and slashed him again causing a rip in his suit. He then fired a bolt of electricity at him that sent Jonathan flying across the room.

Jonathan landed in the bathroom breaking both the toilet and the shower stall. When he entered the bathroom he kicked Shadowgate in the gut sending him back into the living room. That's when Jonathan heard the sound of police officers making their way up to where we were.

“Looks like I got lucky again this time,” Jonathan gloated.

“This isn't over,” he scowled back and then vanished into the electrical wiring in the ceiling fan.

“You need me to fly you back?” Peter asked.

“No. I can manage this time,” he said and was out of there before the police busted down the door.

***
 

A few nights later Jonathan found himself stopping yet another crime. This one was taking place at Mission Dolores Park. A young lady was taking a stroll when a man dressed in a hooded sweater ran up to her and grabbed her purse.

“Hey! Someone stop him!” the woman yelled.

The thief began to run but didn't know that Jonathan was blocking his path. When the thief ran into him, he fell to the ground as Jonathan towered over him. He uncloaked myself, picked him up off the ground and held him up in the air. With one hand he snatched the purse from his hand and threw him back down on the ground.

“What the...” was all the guy could think to say. The shock in his eyes told Jonathan the whole story.

“I believe this belongs to you miss,” Jonathan said tossing the purse back to her.

“Thank you,” she smiled. “Who... who are you?”

“You can call me Silverwolf,” he said and then turned to the hooded thug still on the ground. “As for you I'd run home now. I better not find you stealing again. Understood?”

The guy nodded his head and ran off into the night.

Chapter 20

It was that time of the month again to meet.

After going through all of the proper security check points at Area 51, Robert Gait arrived at the meeting room and walked in.

“You're late, Robert,” Richard Gibson said as Robert approached the table full of men dressed in dark coats and jackets.

“I had a meeting at Gait Industries that ran longer than I expected. My apologies,” he said taking his seat at the other end of the table.

“We'd like to know about this Silverwolf character you ran into on the Golden Gate Bridge a few nights ago,” Gibson said.

“All I can tell you is that I've never seen a suit like that before. Nor do I know of anyone who can do the things he did,” he explained.

“But you took care of him?” another man at the table asked who looked like he was a North Korean.

“Yes. He was strong but my powers seemed to outmatch his,” Robert said.

“The description of this man in a suit is similar to the description of someone who flew into my country and averted an execution. He also started an uprising which I am not too happy about,” the North Korean said.

“A similar report came across my desk from a reliable source in Myanmar,” Gibson added.

“Not to worry gentlemen. I can take care of him permanently the next time we cross paths,” Robert said.

“I want you to do everything in your power to find out who this man is before he goes snooping around and finds out about us,” Gibson ordered.

“It will be done. I promise you,” Robert complied.

“Remember, gentlemen, the Shadowgate Society is a secret organization. We created it to establish a New World Order on this planet. We made a promise to Lord Callosaur and the Draconan Empire. Secrecy, discretion and disinformation keep us on the right path towards our goal. With Gait's power, he helps create the chaos out there so that the authorities will be forced to establish a new law to keep the people in check. And so far it's working,” Gibson said.

“Does your son know your secret?” A man who represented Africa asked
Gait.

“No and I'm keeping it that way. My son is a selfless person. He's not after power and control like I am,” replied Robert.

“Do you love your son?” Gibson asked.

“What kind of question is that?” he asked raising the tone in his voice.

“If I were you I would keep an eye on him. You have told us in the past that he has asked you questions about your absence at your company,” a European man said to Gait.

“You worry about keeping this world in chaos and supporting the wars we have going on out there. I'll supply the weapons for these wars and keep an eye on my own son. ” Robert sternly said.

“The shipment is ready for tomorrow down at the San Francisco docks,” Gibson said.

“Good. I've ordered a team to do a final check up on the crates before they're shipped out,” another man said.

“We should expect Silverwolf to show up. When he does that will be the perfect opportunity to catch him by surprise. However, let’s not kill him just yet,” Gibson said.

“What do you mean?” asked Robert.

“If we succeed in capturing him with your help Robert, we can find out what his suit is made of and use that technology to our advantage,” Gibson said with an evil grin.
 

***

Robert Gait knocked on the warehouse door the next morning and waited patiently. It wasn't long before his son answered it. He knew he had purchased it sometime ago and was using it for his own research.

“Dad,” he said sounding surprised.

“Hello son,” Robert said.

“What an unexpected surprised,” he said.

“May I come in?” he asked.

“Uh, sure,” he said letting him inside.

“How are you?” he asked, glancing around his research laboratory.

“I'm good. What brings you over to see me?”

“What? I can't say hello to my only son? Sure I'm busy running a multi-billion dollar company but that doesn't mean I don't care about you,” Robert said when he saw three unfamiliar people walk down the stairs.

“Of course you can,” Justin said.

“I'm sorry I didn't know you had company,” Robert told him as his three guests approached him.