Disclaimer: This story is a work of fiction. It has no intentions of resembling any real persons dead or alive. This is entirely from my imagination, with a little help from already established sources. This story is based loosely on the comic book character "The Punisher" from Marvel Comics. Other characters may appear from Marvel comics as well as DC Comics.
Punisher and all related characters copyright Marvel Comics.
Blade and all related characters copyright Marvel Comics.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel copyright Joss Whedon, United Paramount Network and Warner Bros. Respectively.
The Vampire Chronicles and all related characters created by Anne Rice. Copyright Anne O'Brien Rice.
I have written another story on nifty entitled "Tales of a Real Dark Knight". It is in the Celebrity/Boy Bands section. Batman may appear in this story once or twice, as the Punisher may appear in "Tales of a Real Dark Knight". Any comments may be sent to authorjames2002@yahoo.com
Thank you and enjoy.
Chapter 5 New Venues
The next day came with Whistler, Blade, Michael, Johnny, and Tandy watching their friends depart. They gave Davey and Harris a "good luck" before departing and a "hope you learn a lot" for Ty.
Once the planes were in the air, Blade turned to Tandy. "Sorry things didn't work out the way you planned with Ty."
"Well, it wasn't going to last, really. I mean, I shoot out light and he swallows things into darkness. How good a mixture is that?"
Blade looked over at the Punisher and said, "I know what you mean."
The group headed back to the mansion, with Tandy riding with Blade and Whistler, Michael and Johnny in the Suburban. As they headed back, Tandy asked Blade about what he's been doing at nights.
"I've met someone," he replied.
"Really? What's his name?"
"HER name is Tia."
"Oh, sorry. I keep forgetting you swing both ways. How did you meet her?"
"At the Pub, two nights ago. I was sitting by myself and she asked to sit with me."
"Since then you've been going out with her every night? Geez, is everyone having sex but me?"
"We're not doing that. I've been helping her look for her brother. He was in the area a few months ago, as far as what she's said, and she lost contact with him."
"How is that going?"
"Very slow. But she and I are getting to know each other. She seems nice."
"That's good. Do you need any help looking?"
"No, you'll have to get back to your training and slaying. Punisher and Ghost Rider will have to go with you. With Ty and Davey gone, we're going to need muscle and magic replacements."
"Michael's tough, don't get me wrong. But he's nowhere Davey strong."
"Yeah, but we have to take what we can get."
When they arrived at the mansion, Whistler asked Tandy to meet him in the study.
"Close the door," Whistler said as Tandy entered. "Have a seat."
Tandy sat down on the couch feeling as if she were called to the principal's office. "What's going on?" she asked.
"Don't be so damned scared. It isn't bad news."
"Yay?" she said questioningly with a smile.
"It's about what happened the other night with you and Ty."
"Oh great, am I going to get a lecture on sex, too?"
Whistler's eyes crinkled. "I was referring to when you sensed the presence of the vampires."
"Oh. Then let's just forget that sex part."
"Gladly," Whistler said as he picked up several books and sat in the chair near Tandy. "I've been doing some reading on the subject as far as Slayer's were concerned. There are only a handful who have been able to do what you've done."
"The light daggers?"
"The sensing, Tandy, the sensing. Focus, damn it."
"Sorry."
"Now, as I was saying, there have only been a few Slayers ever to reach that point in their abilities. It could mean you've tapped deeper into the source of a Slayer's power. Either that or your mutation is evolving. Remember, the light daggers have the effect of showing an evil person the possibilities of being good, as well as making them feel remorse for the wrongs they have done. A vampire might not be exempt from that. Granted, they are soulless demons, they also possess a human's body as well as the memories that come from the person. We are going to have to monitor your abilities when you go patrolling tonight."
"Oh, yippie," she replied unenthusiastically. "At least I get out for a while and beat things up. That should cheer me up."
"That's the spirit," Whistler said as he stood up. "Meanwhile, I want you to read the pages I've marked. Study how the Slayers described their experiences and see if it sounds like what happened with you."
Whistler walked out of the study leaving Tandy with her reading.
While Tandy met with her Watcher, Blade asked Michael and Johnny downstairs to talk about the changes happening within the group.
"Since Marvel Boy and Cloak left," Blade said, "we're going to rely on you two more than we did before."
"You never really relied on us at all," Punisher said. "How many times have we actually fought demons with you guys?"
"Once or twice," Johnny answered.
"Regardless of how little you've done it before, we're going to need you more so now. Johnny, your mystical abilities are going to come in handy on patrol, as well as your supernatural strength."
Blade turned to Punisher who spoke up before the Daywalker could speak.
"That leaves me out."
"What do you mean?" Johnny asked.
"I don't use magic like you or Cloak. I don't have supernatural strength, like Marvel Boy, Tandy, and our friend Blade, here. So where does that leave me? Out. It doesn't matter. I don't mind. There are plenty of human scum for me to punish while you do your important 'save the world' shtick."
"You are important," Blade said to Punisher trying to sound convincing.
"You saved me," Johnny replied.
"And you blew up Sinister's database. You are very important."
"I think you misunderstand me," Punisher replied. "I don't give a flying fuck if I contribute to your cause or not. My main purpose is the same as it was before I met the Super Friends, to punish those who exploit the innocent. Whether I accomplish my goal by helping you or going my own way, my goal is still my own."
Michael turned and walked out of the room.
Johnny turned to Blade. "He's been back and forth ever since I was freed of the spirit's control. One minute he's loving and happy to have me back, the next minute he's worried about his goal, his 'mission' as he calls it. Honestly, I don't know which one he loves more, me or punishing others."
"I know he loves you," Blade stated. "Right now he's in conflict with which one to take precedence over the other."
"I wonder if he will pick me or not."
"I don't know. All we can do is hope he gets his priorities straight."
Johnny nodded in agreement.
The airplane landed in Orlando, Florida as the sun was setting. Harris's mother, Harris and Davey disembarked and went through security with their bags. Once the bags were retrieved, they headed out to the taxis that were waiting for the young singing men. Davey, Harris and Ryan climbed in the car.
"I'm so happy to be here," Ryan said. "My friend is here already. He came right from our home town. I volunteered to help out with the other auditions. I thought it might give me extra points in the competition. Plus, I can't forget the opportunity of meeting hot guys!"
Harris's mother as well as Harris rolled their eyes at Ryan's comment. Davey said nothing.
The taxi ride to the Marriott Orlando Hotel in downtown Orlando took about 20 minutes. When they arrived, they were ushered to the lobby to get their room assignments. The two young men were to stay in a room together, with Harris's mother staying in a room down the hall. She was reluctant to let the boys stay alone, but one of the directors said they would be getting up early and coming in late some times and that it wouldn't be fair for her to be disturbed. She agreed and let the boys do their thing.
When Harris and Davey entered their room, they were awe-struck. The rooms were lavished with full amenities.
"Oh...my...God..." Davey said as his jaw hit the floor.
Harris's eyes widened in disbelief. He dropped his bags and ran to the window spreading the curtains and gazed at the view from the 12th floor. Davey came over and looked out as well.
"I'll bet Batman has an awesome time here," Davey muttered.
"What?" Harris asked.
"I said 'I bet Batman has an awesome time here'."
"Batman?"
"Yeah, I met him in New York during the whole 11th thing."
Harris's eyes widened. "There is a Batman? And he lives in Orlando, Florida?"
"You better believe it," Davey smiled.
"Have you seen him with his mask off?"
Davey nodded proudly. "But I'm not at liberty to say who he is."
"Does he know Justin Timberlake and Lance Bass? I think I remember you saying they were in New York, too."
"Of course he does. He probably protects them from nut jobs." Davey knew that Batman was the same man married to Lance Bass. But he wouldn't divulge that information to anyone. It wouldn't be right to spread another man's secret.
A knock came at the door and Harris went over to answer it. Ryan stepped in and looked at Davey ignoring Harris. "Meeting in the Expo Center in ten minutes." Then he turned and left.
"That was rude," Harris stated.
"What?"
"He completely ignored me. He's being a shallow ass."
"Are you sure? He seemed fine to me."
"That's because you're a hottie. He probably can't understand why someone gorgeous like you wants to be with an ugly, fat guy like me."
"You are not ugly, Harris. And it doesn't bother me that you are overweight."
Davey walked up to Harris and kissed him. "Now, let's unpack and get downstairs. I can't wait to see what is going to happen."
Ten minutes later, the two young men entered the Expo Center. They found a place to sit, Ryan was saving them for the two, and waited as the director came out on the stage.
"Hello, gentlemen. We would like to welcome you to Orlando, Florida, and the final competition for the formation of the all-gay boy band." Cheers rose up in the room. It took some time before the youths calmed down, and the emcee continued. "You will be split off into smaller groups, as there are around fifty of you, where you will practice and train. In two nights, you will perform solos and then you will be weeded down to twenty-five. From there, you will be assigned groups every two days and perform until we get the right combination for the band. In your rooms you will find itinerary for the next few days as well as your song assignments and times and locations of training. The rest of the day is yours to acclimate yourself to the area. Don't wander too far off. Enjoy!"
Talking burst forth in the room.
"I'd like to introduce my friend to you two," Ryan said. "This is Caleb."
"Nice to meet you," Davey said shaking his hand.
"Definitely," Caleb replied.
"Pleasure," Harris said reaching out his hand.
"I'm sure it is," Caleb stated half smiling and reluctantly taking the boys hand.
Harris's spirits fell just a little bit more.
"We were thinking of going shopping for a while and then hitting the clubs tonight. Want to come?"
"Sure, we'd love to," Davey said grabbing Harris's arm.
"Um, okay," Ryan said.
Dagger, Punisher and Ghost Rider suited up for patrol. Ghost Rider mounted his motorcycle while Dagger rode with Punisher. The two vehicles went out into the night searching for the demons that stalked the night in search of victims. It wasn't long before they saw a group of youths in need of rescuing.
A small, young man was running down High street near Ohio State University with a group of youths behind him. Ghost Rider was the first to respond. He accelerated his motorcycle and headed after the youth. He shot right past the group and grabbed the young man and hoisted him onto his bike.
"You're safe," he said.
The boy looked up and screamed when he saw Ghost Rider's face, or lack thereof.
"I won't hurt you," Ghost Rider said trying to reassure, but the boy wouldn't listen.
Ghost Rider pulled over and released the boy as he was struggling against Ghost Rider's secure grip and trying to jump off the motorcycle. Ghost Rider watched the direction the boy went. He turned toward the group that had been chasing the boy and saw two split off running down a side street in the direction the boy headed.
"Perfect," Ghost Rider mumbled and headed after the boy.
"Don't run them over!" Dagger said to Punisher as he headed for the gang. "Pull up along side them!"
As he moved his Suburban closer, Dagger rolled down the window and climbed upon the door. She maneuvered her legs around and, as Punisher neared the gang, she leapt off tackling two of the hoods. Punisher shot ahead of the group, spun the vehicle around and stopped. He swung the door open and climbed out, weapon in hand.
To Be Continued...