The Rise of Evil

The Rise of Evil (Part 4)

*It was a dark and stormy night in the city. At this point, the mountain village, in which the mountaineers had previously resided, was now empty. How did it become so empty? Weren't police officers occupying the complex? Unfortunately, even though the police department and national guard had won an immediate victory, the Death Ring eventually won. No sooner had the police retaken the complex that the Death Ring returned. They invaded the complex once more, killed dozens of soldiers and officers, and kidnapped the surviving ones. Among the kidnapped were the city's top officials and key witnesses. One of the kidnapped was the chief of the police, Dennis Maxwell. Along with Dennis were Angela, Sergio, and Jess. All four had been kidnapped by Death Ring members in a concerted attempt to destroy any chance of witnesses reporting the Death Ring's dastardly actions to the rest of the world. Nobody from the outside world knew of the Death Ring's vicious plan. As for Dennis and the others, they were taken to a prison just outside the city that the Ring had set up. The criminals began torturing Dennis' officers to leak information regarding the whereabouts of Max and the other mountaineers. The officers refused to give in. As a result, the Death Ring resorted to killing some officers after torturing them. One of the police officers, James, had put on a disguise to try and gather more information about the Death Ring's plans. However, his disguise failed after a while and he was captured by the Death Ring. He, and other officers that had been captured as the DR was retaking the mountain complex, were put on their death row. Dennis himself was the last in line to be tortured. Time was of the essence*

*At the torture center/prison complex*

Vasilios: We gotta hand it to you police officers, you put up a good fight. Not just that, but you, yes you, tricked us very well.
Matthew: And we don't like being tricked.
*Police officer James, one of Dennis' colleagues, suddenly laughs*
Vasilios: what's so funny?
James: oh well you know, I was just pretending to be a civilian. You guys are stuck being stupid.
*The torturers glare at James and lead him to a chair*
James: so what? You're gonna shock me to death? How weak.
Sergei: so you think we're weak? *enters the room* You may think we are weak, but tonight we will show you our true potential. *switches a lever as a machine turns on* After further examination of evidence, we found that you officers have secret operatives working abroad. We have photographic evidence of them.
*James acts nonchalent. In reality, he knew what Sergei was talking about. As the officers worked around the clock to defend the mountain complex, he had passed on secretive information regarding the Death Ring's activities. He had stolen documents from DR officials as the DR was launching their offensive. He had passed on the information to two inhabitants of the mountain complex, Marvin Preston and Johnny James. These two men had moved in order to assist the mountaineers with their construction project, building the complex itself. Now, they possessed secretive information that the Death Ring could not leak. James had passed the information prior to his discovery by the DR and had done so because Marvin and Johnny were trusted members of the mountain complex, being allied with Max and the others. He knew that Max and the others were on the run. However, passing on this information would be a big mistake because at the time of his torture, Marvin and Johnny were being investigated and pursued by the criminals*
Vasilios: sit up straight.
James: is that all you want? I could stand up and present you with the whole circus.
Sergei: you're a one-smart-mouthed officer. I shall present the evidence to you.
James: sure thing Sergei
Matthew: you talked to many people a couple of days ago. Who's your second agent?
James: oh I dunno......your ugly face. Oh no, I am terribly mistaken. It was your mommy.
Vasilios: how much power shall I put the torture device?
Sergei: go 60 percent power. *Vasili turns a knob as flames begin shooting out of the device*
Matthew: *shows a picture* did you give the documents to him? Huh?
Sergei: the spark rate within the incendiary device is reaching a rapid pace, giving the gases a reaction, causing the gases to ignite and catch fire, forcing the flames out of the device.
Matthew: *shows new picture* what about her? Huh?
*the flames begin to burn James up*
James: why do I care? I can put myself out!
Sergei: sure you can. However, after we are done with you......there will be nothing to put out.
*Vasili turns the knob*
Matthew: how about these guys? Do they have the documents? *shows CCTV photo of Marvin, Johnny James, and James.*
*James looks at the photo and his eyes widen. Sergei catches on to this and realizes*
Sergei: that's them. They have it.
Vasili: yes sir!
James: NO!

*Sergei goes on the phone with someone* Sergei: yes doctor, we believe the enemy has passed along crucial information regarding the documents. I will take care of this before he can cause any more issues. *hangs up and goes back* We are achieving great success men! Your task: find the two operatives and kill them. *turns the knob all the way up and the flames burn up James. Soon, James is dead*

*With Officer James dead, the next several officers were in line to be killed. It wouldn't be long before Dennis himself was killed along with Angela, Jess, and Sergio. The mountaineers needed to act quickly, yet they did not know what was happening in the United States. Neither did they know that they would be presented with crucial information regarding the Death Ring by Marvin and Johnny James. Thankfully for the two operatives, Bruno had also attached a tracking device to them. Bruno had done this before the encounters with the DR in order to keep the mountaineers safe in the large and often dangerous mountainous region. However, at this moment, the mountaineers had no idea that Marvin and Johnny James were going to make an attempt to reach them. Marvin and Johnny James knew where the others were and are currently on a plane to Europe after hiding out for several days. By the time they were halfway across the Atlantic, the others had met Marco and were heading off to the DR's HQ in Russia. The HQ visit would prove crucial in discovering the DR's plot and changing the lives of not only the DR members but the mountaineers.*

*As the gamers arrived in Moscow for a rest stop, Marco used his tracking beacon to see if any Death Ring members were nearby. The coast was clear. They landed next to the Moskva River*
Marco: here we are men. In Russia. The Death Ring's HQ is just on the outskirts of this city. However, we are stopping here for a rest.
Max: wow! I never realized Moscow was this beautiful! I have heard amazing things about the city.
Conner: aye! Let's go exploring! *turns around and bumps into a passerby who cussed in Russian* sorry.
*Douglas chuckled as Max glared at him* Shane: Let's go to the city center! *The mountaineers head over to Moscow's city center. It was simply magnificent and beautiful. The Kremlin building stood nearby as several street musicians played traditional Russian music* Adrian: this is simply beautiful!
Marco: indeed it is. Been here many times in the past. It's the loveliest city in the world in my opinion.
Adrian: I can see why you think that!
Marco: but let us not forget that we're on a mission. We are only stopping here for a couple of hours or so. Then, we're taking off.
Max: all right then.

*The gamers and Marco rest in Moscow for the next few hours. Meanwhile, Marvin and Johnny James had arrived in London. As they headed to a pub for a quick drink, they dropped one of the secret papers on the pub floor. A man picked up the paper and looked at it as Marvin and Johnny were ordering their drinks. The man approached the two men.*

Man: excuse me, sirs. I believe you have very important information and dropped this paper on the floor *shows the paper as Marvin and Johnny turn their heads*

Marvin: oh thank you! I didn't even realize!
Johnny: mighty thanks!
James: thank you!
Man: it is my pleasure! By the way, can we step outside to speak for a moment? Right this way please *lets them go first*
Marvin: oh? Okay?
*Johnny James is confused as well but he and Marvin step outside with the man*

Man: let's go behind this alleyway. *The three go behind the alleyway and the man takes off some of his clothing to reveal a seemingly different man underneath it all*

Marvin: wow! Did you just change your appearance? If so, you have to teach me how to do that!

Johnny James hey! Us too!

Man: Good morning my good chaps. I am D. Hugo McAvoy. I am a British Intelligence Agent working for the MI6. It's a pleasure to meet you.

Marvin: oh the pleasure's all ours! Wait......so if you're an intelligence agent, doesn't that mean you're a spy?

McAvoy: I suppose I am *chuckles* The reason why I have called you two, or three *confused by Johnny James' two heads*, is that I am on a covert operation. You see, the Death Ring has suddenly ramped up its activity across the world. They have always been one of the most dangerous terrorist groups out there. However, something tells me that they are planning something big. Something the likes of which the world has never seen before. I see that you have some documents. Documents that contain crucial information about the Death Ring.

Marvin: why yes we do! We were actually sent by our police chief, Dennis, to Europe in order to give these documents to our friends. You see, the Death Ring attacked our town the other day and we had to fight back. During their occupation of our little town, an undercover officer tasked us with giving our friends these documents, and together, we will expose the Death Ring. However, the Death Ring has kidnapped our friends and has made our mission much more difficult. We are currently on a mission to find our friends and hopefully rescue them.

McAvoy: I see. Well, you have come to the right place. Thankfully, I can assist you in finding your friends and exposing the Death Ring once and for all. However, we must explore these documents. I believe they may contain crucial bits of information that can help us expose the Ring's plans. Let's go back to the pub first and have a drink. *Puts on his disguise as the three go back into the pub and have their drinks*

*After they finish, they head out of the pub and take a taxi to the London Ritz suite. The suite had been rented a day earlier by McAvoy. According to intelligence, the Death Ring had infiltrated parts of London. It was up to McAvoy and the MI6 to arrest the infiltrators.*

Marvin: Wow! I've been to motels before, but this is just extraordinary!

Johnny James: so luxurious!

McAvoy: The architecture is quite appealing. But we aren't here to enjoy the furniture and architecture. Remember lads, we have a mission to accomplish. Every second we waste, the Death Ring will advance closer and closer to their goals. Cutting to the chase, let's have a look-see at those documents you have. *Marvin and Johnny display the documents on the round table*

McAvoy: *reviews the documents with Marvin and Johnny* Marvin, Johnny James, I believe there is some crucial information on Article XVI of the series of papers. Come and have a look at this. *The men take a closer look*

Marvin: Mr. McAvoy, do you see what I see?

Johnny James: if my eyes are not playing tricks on me.

McAvoy: It's a strange and admittedly unsettling photograph. It depicts a masked man who is talking to a group of Death Ring members. Below the photograph is an explicit description of their plan. It reads: "Our martyrs and heroes will fight to the ultimate death for our main mission. Ever since 1991, we have suffered greatly at the hands of the imperialist West. Our comrades have been subjugated and betrayed by Boris and his gang of thugs. We shall now return to our rightful place in this world. We will make a concerted attempt to wipe out Western democracies, yes. However, we will also invade these nations and establish a Russian World Order. From there, we will......."

Marvin: we will what?

McAvoy: Oh dear. It appears that the last section of Article XVI is missing!

Johnny James: missing?? But how?

McAvoy: I'm not sure. However, I think the Death Ring had something to do with this. All we know is that the Death Ring is conspiring to destroy the Western world and establish Russia as a superpower once more. This is very dangerous. We must do everything we can to stop these individuals. By the way, are you two affiliated with any intelligence agencies?

*Marvin and Johnny James shake their heads no*

McAvoy: I see. Well, thank you for showing me these documents. These documents proved to be very helpful in our mission to stop the Death Ring once and for all. They have gone too far this time.

Marvin: it was a pleasure Mr. McAvoy, but what do we do now?

McAvoy: unfortunately, due to the fact that you are civilians, I cannot take you on my mission to defeat the DR. I understand your friends are missing. However, I cannot risk your life. This is a job for the police, military, and intelligence services. You two can return home or stay here in London for more updates.

Marvin: we understand.

*Johnny James shakes their head*

McAvoy: thank you again, men. I wish you well. Cheerio! *Marvin and Johnny James leave*

*Meanwhile, in Moscow at 9:30 PM Moscow Time, the mountaineers along with Marco were launching a covert operation. It was an operation to sabotage the Death Ring HQ. Each man was given a disguise by Marco. All put on their disguises and pretended to be Death Ring members. As they approached the woods, each man prepared weapons in case their cover was compromised. The seven men approach the Death Ring Complex, wearing grey and brown tuxedos, the standard uniform for lower-ranking DR members. As they approached the main gate, a DR officer stopped them*

Officer: *speaks in Russian*

Marco: *speaks Russian back and presents to the officer several AI-generated ID cards, to which the officer nods and opens the main gate*

*The men enter the complex, undetected. The mission was a success so far. They sneak past several armed DR soldiers. Then, they enter the main complex. It was a sprawling complex with many hallways and corridors. Of course, there were DR thugs everywhere. Some were joking and chatting amongst themselves. Others were eating dinner. Some were even playing cards.*

Marco: *whispers to the mountaineers* this way......to the "Secret Operations Headquarters".

*The mountaineers follow, not saying a word. They did not want the Death Ring criminals to catch them*

*they walk past several lower-ranking DR members, dressed in the same attire as they were. They grumbled as the seven men made their way through. Marco then asked a black-suited man to let them in. The black-suited man was actually a bodyguard working for the high command of the Death Ring. He hesitated at first but agreed to let the men in after several minutes of convincing by Marco. As the mountaineers enter the planning room, Marco's criminal database system detected several powerful criminals in the room. There were, in total, four important leaders of the DR present in the room. All four men had numerous personal bodyguards in black tuxedos surrounding them. The leaders present were Dmitri, Aleksei, Sergei, and Vladimir. They were sitting at a large, oak table with their bodyguards next to them. They were conversing in English*

Dmitri: so men, as you know, we have made significant gains worldwide. We have captured and infiltrated numerous enemy bases across America, Europe, and Japan. We have kidnapped numerous threats to our stability, However, we need to go beyond just capturing enemy bases and terrorizing local populations.

Sergei: Indeed. We don't have adequate weapons though. Most of our weapons are conventional military weapons. If we are looking to overthrow international governments and establish our rule, we need powerful weapons.

Aleksei: have you talked with the Doctor yet?

Sergei: no, not yet. He's currently working on a big project.

Vladimir: that slow-coached weasel. He ought to know how important our global strategy is.

Dmitri: quiet! The Doctor is a very respected member of our leadership. Do not insult him.

*Several of the bodyguards snicker at each other, including one very tough, macho bodyguard named Alexander*

Alexander: look at the junior leader, laughing at our Doctor *laughs with the other bodyguards as Vladimir rolls his eyes*

Aleksei: so what project is he working on?

Sergei: beats me. He's kept this a huge secret, even from us. Word in the street says that he's planning to nuke the Americans.

Aleksei: what a stupid idea. They'll be sure to destroy us.

Sergei: Just a theory.

*the mountaineers and Marco look at each other with unease as they eavesdropped on the villains' conversation*

Dmitri: whatever plan the Doctor is working on, let him do it. For now, we need to find a way to overthrow the Western democracies with the current means we possess currently. We must assert Russia's power on the world stage and ensure Russia never falls behind again! Any ideas?

Sergei: can't we just wait for the doctor to finish his big project? He could help us acquire proper weapons.

Dmitri: I suppose. For now, we must terrorize the West. We cannot let them feel safe. Also, we need to capture our most wanted men, Max, Conner, Shane, Adrian, Bruno, Douglas, Marvin, and Johnny James. They have secretive documents that contain our plans. In the case of Max, Conner, Shane, Adrian, Bruno, and Douglas, they have been on the run for days. I have a hunch they're trying to uncover our plot as we speak. We should not let those American spies stand in our way.

*as the mountaineers hear this, they take for the exit. However, Alexander spots them and calls out to them* Alexander: hey! What are you doing here? This is a high-profile meeting!

*The mountaineers and Marco stopped cold in their tracks. They slowly turned their heads towards the group of bodyguards and Death Ring heads, who were all staring at them suspiciously*

Marco: *his criminal database detects Alexander's criminal records* You know Mister...Alexander, we are actually new here and we didn't know this was a high-profile meeting *points to their suit* we are most sorry.

Alexander: well hurry up then! Leave! You probably heard our plans, didn't you? Well, promise me one thing: you won't say anything to anyone else. *Stern voice*

Marco: of course sir. We won't say a word.

Alexander: good. Now leave.

*As Marco and the others begin to leave, Douglas trips on a step leading to the door. All seven men fall onto Douglas and their hats fall off. The bodyguards and leaders stare at the men suspiciously. Marco nervously smiles as the accessories of their disguises fall off and reveal their identities*

Dmitri: *gasps* it's the American spies!! *The bodyguards don their weapons and aim them at the seven men, who had little time to recover*

Marco: uh oh......

Max: Marco! Do something!

Marco: *frantically pushes buttons on his device and the group of bodyguards open fire. By a stroke of luck, none of the bullets hit the seven men. However, in those crucial seconds from the time the disguises had failed to the moment the seven men disappeared from the criminals, Marco had made a crucial mistake. He had accidentally activated the time travel device instead of the teleportation device. As a result, all seven men were transported back in time. All the way back to 1920.*

*Meanwhile, Marvin and Johnny James were in a London hotel, awaiting any updates on the pursuit of the DR and their friends. Hours pass and no updates come in. Then, they feel a buzz in their pockets. It was Bruno's tracking device! They check the device.*