VAMPI-RA’S GIFT

The moon shone down on the small craft as it rumbled toward Castle Plundarr. It’s two inhabitants, Red Eye and Knave, had the air conditioning up and music blaring through the speakers.

"Must you keep the music that loud?" Knave asked, reclining in a chair.

"If you don’t like it, change it yourself," Red Eye said, at the controls.

"It’s not worth my effort. At least it’s my music, not yours. I can’t stand the trash you call music," Knave said.

"How dare you insult my music! Just for that I’m changing the tape," Red Eye said, reaching for the tape deck.

"Forget the music for now. Where’d that mist come from?" Knave asked, smacking Red Eye’s hand. The Lunatak from the moon of Plundarr known for its lack of light glanced up and saw indeed that there was a patch of mist hovering before the Lunattacker. Red Eye hit the breaks and stepped out of the vehicle.

"I don’t know. It’s only a small patch of mist," Red Eye said.

"It is very odd. We should contact Skytomb," Knave said, still standing in the doorway.

"That won’t be necessary Knave. I am a friend," a female voice said from within the mist.

"I don’t know. My infrared shows nobody inside that mist," Red Eye said.

"Poor Red Eye. He can’t understand what’s happening. Perhaps I should return to a more pleasing form," the mist said as it slowly came together, revealing a woman with pale skin.

"Vampi-Ra. What brings you here?" Knave asked, finally stepping out.

"You performed a service for the Ancient Spirits by bringing them Tygra. They feel it is important that such favors be repaid. I present to you this ring. It will protect you from heat of any source. Wear it well, you deserve it," Vampi-Ra said.

"Then I thank you. You’ve made me a nigh unstoppable force. Now, if you’ll excuse me, we have to pick up some stuff from those wretched Mutants," Knave said, slipping the ring onto his finger.

"We’ll get to work again some day," Vampi-Ra said, watching the Lunattacker drive away, "you can count on it."

An hour or so later Alluro was sitting in his bedroom reading a technical manual when a large wolf made its way through his door. Alluro dropped the manual and fumbled for his psyche club, never far from him. "You will cooperate. You cannot resist me. You will go away from me," he said, unsure whether the language barrier would pose a problem.

"Using your powers on the likes of me is not only ineffective, but also futile. Do you often try to mesmerize those who would try to help you?" the wolf asked.

"I don’t normally, but I don’t know who you are, or indeed whether or not you are an ally," Alluro said.

"Is that anyway to talk to Vampi-Ra, the ever living?" the wolf asked, transforming into her vampire form.

"My apologies. It would seem that my knowledge as pertains to vampires is lacking. Why have you come here?" Alluro asked.

"I come bearing a gift from the Ancient Spirits of Evil. You brought them Tygra and so they asked me to bring you something. This pendant will enhance your physical beauty. Wear it well, and think of us when you are unable to pry the women off of you," Vampi-Ra snickered softly, handing Alluro an emerald pendant. The gem spun slowly on its chain as Alluro held it before his eyes.

"It’s beautiful," he whispered, not even realizing that the woman had left.

"I can’t possibly keep this," Alluro thought, "I don’t deserve such wonder and beauty. I know. I’ll give it to Chilla. Women love jewelry. Chilla will simply adore it." Alluro placed the gem in a velvet bag and headed down the hall.

Knave stared into the little flame created by the candle in Vultureman’s lab. Red Eye and the Mutants were busy loading the Lunattacker, leaving him to his own devices. He’d settled down on a rickety stool and lit the candle. Gently he brushed his finger through the flame, expecting to feel the searing heat and intense pain that would only be amplified by his body’s need for cold. There was nothing. Had he not witnessed the event he would have assumed it hadn’t happened at all. He tried it again, slower this time, and still felt nothing. He examined the ring on his finger. It had a white band with a red image of fire on top. It was exquisite. He snuffed the candle with his fingers and returned to the Lunattacker to see how things were progressing.

"It’s gorgeous," Chilla whispered.

"Not as gorgeous as you though," Alluro said. Chilla shot him a mildly annoyed look but returned her eyes to the pendant. She draped it about her neck and hugged Alluro tightly. "Thank you. This is certainly a gift deserving some attention," Chilla said.

"Maybe we should be taking it off again," hinted Alluro. Chilla didn’t complain.

The Lunattacker pulled up to Skytomb where Red Eye and Knave disembarked. After unloading the equipment Knave agreed to park the vehicle while Red Eye went to ask Alluro where he wanted it put. The ice Lunatak/Cheetah hybrid would meet him later.

Red Eye placed the checklist of equipment under his arm and made for Alluro’s room. As he got closer, he began to hear strange sounds from within. "Oh no," he thought, "If Knave comes by and hears this he’ll blow a fuse. Nothing will be safe. I’d better stall him." Red Eye quickly ran back down the hall.

"No, I don’t want a snack. I’d rather get this over with quickly. I’m tired and need my sleep. After this I’ve got an early morning shift with Alluro followed by lunch with Chilla. The sooner this is done the better. Did you find Alluro?" Knave asked, irritated at being stopped outside the parkade.

"Uh, yes," Red Eye said.

"And where does he want the equipment?" Knave asked.

"He didn’t say," Red Eye replied.

"What use are you? I’m going to have to do this myself. Is he in his lab or elsewhere?" Knave asked.

"He was, uh, tormenting the brute men when I last saw him," Red Eye said.

"Good. I’ll go down and find out. You stay with the equipment and make sure everything is there," Knave said.

Luna tore her eyes away from the brute man lying dead at Amok’s feet as Knave entered. "Knave, what brings you here?" Luna asked.

"I’ve come looking for Alluro. Red Eye said he saw him here," Knave replied.

"No, he’s not here. When you find someone, get them to toss this useless body into the furnace," Luna demanded.

"Not a problem. I’ll do it myself," Knave said.

"Have you lost your senses? You’ll melt, and then we’ll have two bodies," Luna said.

"Trust me on this one. I can handle it," Knave said, picking up the brute man, "besides. If I do die then it’ll be one less pest in your hair."

For all of Knave’s bluster, he wasn’t at all confident. Sure the ring protected him from a candle, but a furnace was much warmer. His room nearby was bad enough. The heat could sometimes be felt through the walls if the furnace was kept hot enough. The distance between himself and the furnace began to get smaller. The weight in his arms was barely perceptible next to the fear within him. Soon he stood next to the massive device. Gingerly he opened the door and, on a whim, carried the brute man inside. He felt nothing. Not even a single bead of sweat formed on his forehead.

Luna gasped as Knave walked into the furnace. Not even her stupidest Lunatak would be so foolish. "Oh well Amok, it would seem that we’re one man short now. Better inform Chilla," she said.

"Inform her of what?" Knave asked smugly, closing the furnace door behind him.

"How did you do that? I thought you were an ice Lunatak!" Luna said.

Knave was satisfied to see utterly mystified expressions on the faces of both his leader and her steed. "Vampi-Ra presented me with this ring just a few hours ago. She said it would protect me from fire and heat. I decided to see just how far it worked," Knave replied, casually leaving the pair behind.

Alluro stretched out and felt the sheets slip slightly. He smiled at Chilla’s prone form. She looked so good wearing only the pendant he’d given her. Unfortunately he was due for work. It wouldn’t do for Knave or Luna to have to find him in his current state. Knave would no doubt have a heart attack before he tried to kill him. Luna would probably make him work in the control room without putting his clothes on first. He shuddered, because then Knave would suspect something had happened and likely encase him in ice. All things considered, not a pleasant prospect. Carefully, so as not to disturb Chilla, he dressed and headed down to the control room, and ultimately, Knave.

"You’re ten minutes late," Knave remarked.

"I’m sorry. It won’t happen again. It doesn’t really matter. You seem to be doing fine without me," Alluro said.

"That’s not the point. I’d have caught hell if Luna had come in. You and I both know it," Knave said.

"Whatever you say Knave. It’s going to be a long day, I can tell. Nothing worse than sweeping the area looking for danger. Especially since nothing is going to come this way," Alluro said.

"For once I agree. I’d much rather be making adjustments to the Ice Runner or something like that," Knave said.

"You’ve been making adjustments to Chilla’s vehicle? Without consulting me?" Alluro asked.

"Yes. With her permission," Knave said, trying hard to keep the anger out of his voice.

"Well, you needn’t bother. I’ll be doing the modifications to Chilla’s vehicle from now on," Alluro said.

"I would insult you or make a snide remark, except Chilla has asked me to be polite. Consider yourself fortunate," Knave said, punching a few buttons.

"She did, did she?" Alluro asked.

"Sector 2-1-9 is clear. Yes she did. And if you intend on goading me into breaking that vow then you will be sadly disappointed," Knave said.

"Sector 2-2-0 is clear as well. I am hurt now. You believe that I was going to try and make a liar out of you?" Alluro asked.

"I will not repeat myself. I’ve got work to do," Knave said, focusing hard on his monitor.

"Does this mean we might become friends? Do guy things together?" Alluro asked, sarcasm dripping from his voice.

"I don’t intend to go watch football with you, play poker or guzzle beer with you, if that’s what you mean," Knave replied. By this time Alluro had moved behind his chair.

"Oh come on. We could be bosom buddies, you and I. We could tell each other our greatest desires and share secrets. I know. We could form a little club with a fort and everything. I’ll be the captain and you can be second in command. We’ll pretend we’re pirates and try to avoid girls, because girls are icky," Alluro said mockingly.

"The only girl you should be avoiding now is right behind you," Luna screeched. "Knave, you may leave. Alluro will be working on his own today." Refraining from grinning Knave left the room.

"That’s odd," Knave thought. "Chilla’s either not in her room or not answering. She’s not that heavy a sleeper. Oh well. I’ll wait for her down in my room." On the way down though Knave picked up a hot coal from nearby and began examining it intently.

That was how Chilla found him at about noon. She had wisely tucked the pendant beneath her gown and carried their tray of food. "Lunch is served," she said.

"Thanks. I appreciate it," Knave said placing the now cold coal on his end table. He washed his hands in his little sink and sat down to eat sandwiches.

Vampi-Ra stretched. It was much too light outside, but inside the black pyramid it was as dark as she chose. She drifted slowly over to the cauldron. "Ancient Spirits of Evil, show me the two that I desire to see," she said. The waters rippled slightly and showed both Alluro and Knave sitting in the control room and his bedroom respectively. Vampi-Ra had no way of knowing whether they were alone or together, for the pool showed only them. "Now, to make sure my magic works," she whispered, "light and darkness show your power, evil blossom like a flower, bring to me my loyal servant with the pendant I did enchant." Nothing happened. Alluro seemed to feel nothing. She cursed quietly, not wanting to disturb Mumm-Ra. "I’ll have to look into why my magic failed," she muttered.

Many miles away Knave was discovering that Vampi-Ra’s magic hadn’t failed. Rather it had succeeded but not in the way she’d expected. The two had finished their first sandwiches when there came a glow from beneath Chilla’s clothes, a bright green light. The ice Lunatak had clutched at it and fallen to the ground. Knave rushed to her side and produced the pendant. "Where did you get this?" he asked.

"A gift . . . from Alluro," she gasped, before fading into unconsciousness. Knave felt for her pulse and was distressed to find that it had slowed dramatically.

Alluro neared the end of his extended shift, Luna had told Tug Mug to take his time, when Knave burst through the door. "You couldn’t resist, could you," Knave said, grabbing Alluro by the throat.

"Have you forgotten your vow?" Alluro asked, stunned.

"No, I haven’t. But it’s all rather moot now, isn’t it. What happened, did she refuse to sleep with you? Have you decided that if you can’t have her, no one can?" Knave asked, back handing Alluro.

"Have you gone mad? I don’t know what you’re talking about!" Alluro said, bringing his psyche club across Knave’s knee.

"What’s going on here?" Tug Mug said, entering.

"That son of a cow just killed Chilla!" Knave spat.

"Chilla? What’s wrong with her?" Alluro said, running down the hall before a reply could be made.

Knave and Tug Mug soon arrived at Chilla’s bedroom and found Alluro cradling the head of his beloved. "Tell me what happened," he said, fighting back tears. Knave calmed down and explained. "Vampi-Ra did this. She gave me the pendant for services rendered to her," Alluro said.

"You’re kidding. That’s where I got this ring," Knave said, frantically trying to remove it before he wound up like his half-sister.

"Then we’d better pay her a visit," Alluro said, "Tug Mug, get Red Eye to fire up the Lunattacker." Tug Mug nodded and bounced away.

Knave and Alluro sat in the back of the vehicle as it sped toward Mumm-Ra’s pyramid, tending to Chilla. She had stabilized, though badly wounded. "I just want to apologize, for attacking you," Knave said.

"I understand, believe it or not. I’d have done the same," Alluro said.

"We’re sinking!" Red Eye shouted as the ground swallowed up the Lunattacker. "We’re in a cave," he added, once the ground stopped moving.

"A cave, but why?" Alluro asked.

"So I have somewhere to meet you, away from that cursed sun," Vampi-Ra said, in her mist form.

"You did this? Why? What have we done that would cause you to try and kill a Lunatak?" Alluro asked.

"Talk is cheap. Let’s get her," Knave growled, being stopped by Alluro’s hand.

"Let’s hear it out," he suggested.

"Ah, so that is why my magic failed. The pendant was tuned to your life force Alluro. It would have made you my slave. I can fix that though," Vampi-Ra said, gesturing.

"So, the sole purpose of these gifts was to make us your slaves?" Alluro asked.

"That’s right. Aren’t we clever? Now my pets. Take out your companions," Vampi-Ra said.

Knave felt a presence in his mind, urging him to attack Alluro. "No. I will not. I must not," he growled, fighting hard with help from his Cheetah heritage. "No one tells Knave what to do, except maybe Chilla, and she already told me not to hurt Alluro."

"Come dear brother. Kill my lover. Yes, that’s right, my lover," Chilla said, from where she’d lain. It very nearly worked. Knave inched closer to Alluro, but held back. While Chilla’s words had hit him hard, he had made a promise to leave this man unharmed. He simply couldn’t. The warring inside his head caused his brain to shut down rather than continue to fight.

"Most interesting. It would seem that the Cheetah brain patterns are stronger than I’d expected. No matter. It will be interesting to see Alluro finished by Chilla," Vampi-Ra said, trapping Red Eye in a cell of earth.

Chilla moved closer to Alluro. This couldn’t be happening. "You’ve lost, dear friend. Your powers are useless against me, and I am stronger than you. Today you shall die," Chilla hissed.

"I’d sooner be dead than raise a hand to strike you. It wouldn’t matter if my powers did work on you. I wouldn’t use them. Do me the honor of striking quickly. End my torment here, now. Start with the heart, it’s already breaking," Alluro said, falling to his knees.

"No, Alluro. You must fight it," Red Eye pleaded.

"I can’t. To do so would be pointless," Alluro said.

"Then I will fight!" Red Eye said, blasting a missile at Chilla.

"No! Not at her!" Alluro shouted, jumping into the path of the missile.

"Heroic nonsense," Vampi-Ra said, kicking Alluro’s ribs.

"Let’s see how you fare against me then," Chilla said, ripping the pendant from her neck.

"How did you break the spell?" Vampi-Ra asked, stunned.

"You injured my brother, caused my lover to be seriously wounded, it doesn’t take much to shatter spells under such conditions. Now you die!" Chilla said.

Chilla had heard her brother explain the principle often enough. When an Ice Lunatak got angry they could lower the temperature of their breath to such a point that it made metal brittle and killed humans. She reached down deep and found the power needed for such an attack. The jet of ice crystalized Vampi-Ra’s body. Chilla then shattered the vampire with a well-placed kick to the chest.

With Vampi-Ra dead, the manifestations of her power began to dissipate. The cell that held Red Eye disappeared, and the Lunattacker began to rise back up to the surface. The two conscious Lunataks grabbed the other two and quickly threw them into their vehicle. Oddly both pendant and ring remained, though the ring had slipped off Knave’s finger in the cave. "I guess that’s the last we’ve seen of her," Red Eye said.

"And good riddance. Now we can return to Skytomb and explain this to Luna," Chilla said.

Some time later Knave and Alluro sat in Alluro’s room. "Thank you," Knave said.

"What for?" Alluro asked.

"For taking the missile meant for Chilla. Keep it up and we might just become friends," Knave said.

"You mean, beer guzzling and football?" Alluro asked, amused.

"Don’t forget the pirates and forts," Knave replied, something of a grin spreading onto his face.

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