Time to step up...A Zaxxon Invasion Story

She didn't think of herself as a Heroine. She was a woman on the path of vengeance, with her own war to fight. When she needed to, she could get as dirty as the enemy. Not prime hero material.

But even her obsession with revenge had to give way to reality, and when the alien ships appeared over Verdant City, and all around the world, she was faced with a choice. Continue her personal conflict with the Piras mob family, she already had them on their knees, another hard push would topple them...or put vengeance aside and shoulder a share of the burden that her powers decreed belonged to her.

The images on T.V. of the aliens capturing people, some of them the heroes and heroines who fought to defend their world, of the battles, the many losses and rare victories, meant she really had no choice at all. Even with the efforts of a new raven haired heroine called Valyn, the city was falling. Vengeance would have to wait. It was time for Alchemica to step up.

The look of surprise on Cassandra's face would have been priceless under other circumstances when she arrived at the Network's HQ.

"Alchemica? I hadn't..that is I"

"Save it Cassie. I am here to help. What can I do?"

Cassandra nods, accepting her presence and her help. Alchemica listens as the weary little Italian - American beauty brings her up to speed. The news is bad, worse than she had expected. So many of the cities super powered defenders are either missing or captured.

"We have identified a holding facility just outside the city. The USAF are trying their damndest to keep anything from taking off. If they get their captives to one of their big ships, well we can't allow that. I want you to meet someone, Valyn"

The tall dark haired heroine from the T.V. walks over. She eyes Alchemica uncertainly.

"Valyn, this is Alchemica, she is a sorceress and while not officially part of the Network", Cassandra throws a glance at Alchemica, "She is here to help, and will be taking Jennifer's place on the next mission"

Valyn's eyes widen, "A sorceress?" the tall dark haired heroine makes no efforts to mask her disdain.

Alchemica felt herself bristle at the tone, her mouth opening to say something that will undoubtedly be wise ass and insulting, but Cassandra cuts them both off.

"The mission, is simple. the execution may not be. While Valyn draws off the defenders and Jennifer helps the fly boys keep those alien transports on the ground, you will have to enter the facility, alone, and try to free the prisoners. The aliens we are facing seem to use energy based weapons and stunners, and some kind of net that disables anyone caught in it...anyone" Cassandra emphasises this last fact.

"They haven't shown any sign of psionics, at least the ones we are facing, and I am hoping that your magic will be something they haven't counted on. But Jessica...if you are in danger of being cut off or taken I want you to retreat, do you understand. We have lost too many already...I can't afford to lose you"

Alchemica nods in understanding, studying the map again. Simple plan...what could go wrong?

What could go wrong she asks herself again as she stares at the alien holding facility through a pair of binoculars, fixing the point she wants to portal to in her minds eye. She looks at her watch...any second now. On cue Valyn streaks overhead, and despite her dislike of the new heroine Alchemica has to admit she is amazing in action. She watches as Valyn decimates auto defences, bowls over the alien troops and tosses vehicles through the air like they were toys.

"Yeah...but you're still a condescending bitch" Alchemica thinks to herself sourly.

The gates of the facility open, fresh troops pouring out and Valyn gives ground, drawing them away as planned.

"My turn" the small blond sorceress whispers, opening a portal and hoping she lands on target. For once she does, arriving just outside the facility wall, hidden from the raging battle at the gates.

The small door is sealed, but with words of magic and the force of her will she opens it, and steps inside.

The corridor she finds herself in is dark, small lighting strips barely illuminating the walls and floor, ominous red lights flashing on the ceiling. Cautiously she makes her way deeper into the alien prison. She does not appear to have been detected...yet.

She moves as quickly as she feels is safe, no telling how long the alien troops can be kept distracted by Valyn. Rounding a corner she finds herself standing in front of a large door, alien writing all over it and two guards standing in front of it. Its hard to tell who is more surprised but Alchemica reacts first her words of magic toppling both guards into sleep...or hibernation...whatever these aliens did to rest.

Another spell opens the door...bright white light spills out, as her eyes adjust she sees the transport tubes, the missing heroines encased within, masks over their faces and strange circlets on their brows. Her anger rises to the surface, but before she can free them she hears a noise behind her and turns.

More guards, slowly approaching her. In her fury she doesn't wait for them but strides to meet them, her clenched fists burning with turquoise flames. her fire scatters them, tosses them aside, hammers them down to the floor. She is panting slightly as the last falls, the strain on her will beginning to show.

Bad news then when more arrive, some of them holding nets that flicker with dark green energy intermittently. Alchemica realises she cannot take them all. They will just overwhelm her with their numbers.

"Time to back off Jess" she tells herself, stepping slowly backward. She needs to get inside the cell, magic the door shut, free the prisoners and portal out.

The aliens press her relentlessly, bolts of energy strike the shield she interposes between them, hammering at it. The drain on her will is enormous and she cannot hold the shield, it buckles, then falls. A stray beam flashes past, hitting the wall behind her. The aliens jabber excitedly, sensing her vulnerability. Guns are lowered, and several of the guards start to close on her, nets held wide.

She stands defiantly in front of them, one eyebrow arches behind her mask.

"I don't think so" She whispers and as the first guard prepares to cast his net she lets him have it, two bolts of sorcerous energy blasting him before he can throw it. Even as she casts her spell she is diving backward, trying to open some space between her and the rest of the net wielders, who hesitate only momentarily then rush forward.

She runs, throwing bolts wildly backward.

"If only I can reach the door..."

Next Image:

Art by Who has done an amazing job on Alchemica

Created as part of summer art jam

Alchemica, Cassandra and Valyn are my OC's and may only be used with permission