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The Race
by Hilara
Our favorite salesman Sal had encouraged Ares and Sov to open a bike shop together. As
we start the story all is not going well.
Sal stood in the middle between Sov and Ares. Not by choice mind you. Sov was grasping his
collar from behind and Ares had a hold of his toga in front. The truce between the two of
them was not holding up well. They kept bickering back and forth about their tools and
whose machines were the hottest. And of course it was not sitting well with the god of War
that so many of the amazons had chosen to be Sov's Biker Babes.
"I am going to kick your sorry blasted butt all the way back to Olympus. You can
crawl back to Hera, whimpering like the little mamma's mutt you are." Sov threatened.
"Oh yeah, pretty boy you haven't got the moxi. I took care of you once before and
I can do it again. There won't be enough left of you to send home to your universe. And
who knows, since we are not in the nether world, perhaps I'll get the added benefit of
doing in my step bro-HerK at the same time. Yes, life is sweet" was Ares response.
"I'm sorry to interrupt here, but this is not the way to achieve customer
satisfaction. A commanding voice said behind them. "Not him"
Sov growled.
Ares smirked. "You know I actually don't mind you" he said to the new
arrival. "You're a true warrior, fierce
in battle. But this is none of your concern, and if you try to interfere, I'll make you
regret it."
"That's kind of you Ares, to acknowledge my skills." King Kull replied.
"But I'm not looking for your endorsement. And I'm not here to cause trouble. You two
could do each other in and it would be know skin off my nose. Except HerKuleS has been a
good friend to me. And I will not see him or his friends put at risk." Kull said as
he quickly and easily freed Salmoneous.
Sal whispered "Thank you for rescuing me. But Hilara, Chantal and Freya are going to
kill me anyway. I promised I'd keep the peace between these two maniacs. What was I
thinking?"
"Leave it to me" Kull suggested kindly.
"Gladly" Sal said as he slunk out of the shop.
"Now gentleman" Kull began, "we are in here in this fascinating new world
at the behest of the amazons. And I sincerely doubt either of you, would want to incur
their wrath and perhaps risk banishment. So I suggest a comprise."
"I’m not big on comprises" Sov growled.
"Neither am I" Ares added.
"See there is already something you two agree on" Kull said with a big grin on his face.
"What did you have in mind, Kingy?" Sov asked sarcastically."
"Well I was watching that box with pictures in the main store a few minutes ago.
And I saw the most interesting thing. They were racing these contraptions he said pointing
to one of the bikes. Sort of like they do with horses. I suggest a race to perhaps settle
some of your differences."
"What would you get out of the deal?" Ares asked Kull.
"I told you part of it. I want to ensure my friends safety" Kull responded.
"In addition the amazons, are bound to be grateful to me for keeping you two from
killing one another. And they do tend to show their gratitude in the most delightful ways.
And one more thing, I want access to your shop to build one of these for myself for free.
They make a most interesting steed. What do you say?"
Ares and Sov sneered first at each other and then at Kull. And reluctantly nodded their
acceptance.
"A race it is then" Kull said clapping his hands.
"There's just one thing we need to request of you though" Sov informed him.
"What's that?" Kull asked.
"Don't say "free" around that little Sal man. He's almost more psycho than me, at the mere mention of that word" Sov said.
"It's not a pretty sight." Ares added.
"Wow you two just agreed again. Is this a new trend?" Kull asked.
"Don't push it" the black clad warriors snarled at the same time.
Kull merely smiled and said "I'll inform you when I get the race set up. "With that he was gone.
Melite, Ap, Zareta, Rabbit, Aphrael stood watching a hard working, King. They were truly
devoted subjects. Kull was honing his machine. The craftsmanship was exquisite. The
motorcycle wasn't bad either. It was tiger striped. When KalliSta had heard that Kull was
getting into the motorcycle act, she had quickly offered to design him a special leather
jacket bearing the tiger symbol. Of course it was going to entail some personal sessions
in order to get his measurements just right. SHerK was pouting a bit, but KalliSta
promised him she would be happy to measure him too, when she finished with Kull. She asked
him to think of what symbol he wanted on his jacket.
Several of the amazons had suggested that Kull enter too. He was reluctant at first. But
the ladies had worked there magic on him and he had agreed. And a line to join Kull's
Angels was already forming. Ap was proudly wearing a new medallion with the words
"Kull's Cycle Kitten" engraved on it. And Aphrael's application to be his
"Hip Hugging Biker Babe" had also been accepted.
Sov had indeed caught Freya once again trying to sneak into another camp. Once he'd pulled
her back to him with the chain, he'd thrown her over his shoulder and taken her home. Sov
proceeded to show her all the benefits of being on his team. When Sov was asleep, Freya
grinned wickedly. She wondered, if she could convince any the other alphas to sign up for
the race. Freya just loved the lengths the Sov was willing to go to, to keep her a Sov's
Biker Babe.
Freya was also right about Sal. He had been taking bets already. The action was fierce,
especially since Kull had
been added to the field. Hilara had asked HerK, Iolaus, GHerK and Rober't and several
other alphas to act as race officials. She knew without question that neither Sov or Ares
were planning on making this a fair race.
No one knew exactly what race day would bring. But excitement definitely building.
A regular Sorbo-land fair had sprung up at the race track. And best of all, the profits were being donated to charity. As everyone knew that is the way HerK would want it. Hestia was busy supervising the cooking at the food booths. Someone, accidentally on purpose had given Falafel the wrong directions. PHerK had just tasted one of Hestia's sumptuous treats. "This tastes delicious" he praised. Then he leaned down and gave her a very thorough kiss to show his appreciation. "And so do you" he whispered.
Embarrassed HerK had just bought Aphrael and the Harpies some cotton candy. She kissed him
sweetly on the cheeks and he blushed. Iris, CJ and Toireasa were sampling LHerK's Lemon
Smoothies.
DHerK, Irish HerK and their lovely assistants Astrild and Julie were showing off the
hottest new trends in dance upon the stage. Right now they were doing the Island Fling.
Atlantis HerK was twirling a smiling Kevfriend in the enchanted audience.
Wet and Wild HerK was the star at the Dunking Booth. Whom ever dunked him the most, won
the privilege of having private swimming lessons with him afterwards. Danaan was the first
in line with a wad of cash.
Forge HerK was educating the public about his craft. Baucis was making sure he stayed cool
on this mighty warm day. She had cool, clear water and a sponge and applied them when and
where necessary.
Bondage HerK was offering kisses to the amazon, who could come up with the cleverest new
knots. Becca was taking no chances. She had gotten Autolycus to coach her. She was now in
the lead. But Celticwolflady was running a close second.
Nude Navigating HerK was spinning the wheel of fortune. The lucky ladies, whose number
came up got to enjoy a private cruise on his ship over the next holiday weekend. Mystalia
and HerKite had several numbers covered.
A confident Sov was giving rides to some of his biker babes. Shait's face was glowing in
exhilaration as she held on tight to his back. Chantal was giving Ares, a massage in his
private tent. Kull was doing some stretching exercises with Ap and Zareta helped to get
him psyched for the competition ahead.
YIolaus and Castalia were patrolling the woods surrounding the track. Not to mention
sharing some tender moments along the way. Hygea and Uniformed Pilot HerK were surveying
things from the air. Josee was accompanying HerK on his rounds. So far things looked calm
but no one was taking anything for granted.
As if to punctuate that thought, two beings in two separate universes watched the
proceedings with interest. Two equally maniacal laughs issue forth.
Dusk was falling. A strong breeze was blowing the dust swirling upon the track. Race time
was drawing closer. The carnival was winding down.
Ilaya and Intrigue clung tightly to Kissing HerK as they made there way off the
Tilt-A-HerK. There senses were whirling and not just from the ride. Marine HerK and Cokie
emerged from the submarines wearing identical smiles.
Worrying HerK and Megaera had gotten stuck up on top of the Sorboland Ferris Wheel. He was
concerned that they would be late for the race. Meg embraced him tightly and reassured him
that they would still have a perfect view.
Valient HerK helped Rheana climb the bleachers. She mentioned it was a bit chilly. Even
though it was still August a touch of fall could already be felt in the air. They sat down
and he took out a light blanket. Snuggly wrapping it around their entwined bodies.
Voluptua listened enraptured as Brilliant HerK explained the ergonomics of each of the
contestant's machines. ~DHerK was sitting next to Shauna. He whispered in her ear that he
sensed dangerous undercurrents in the atmosphere. She shivered and he pulled her closer.
Astrild and KalliSta gathered several of the other alpha's together. They sent Mellow and
Moody HerK up to the announcer's box. And then began handing out the flags. Obliging HerK
took the red one that would signal the start of the race and S.HerK proudly had possession
of the checkered flag.
Hilara nervously paced the sidelines as Rober't tried to assure her that everything would
go smoothly. She appreciated his effort but knew that look on his face too well. He was
just as concerned as she was. Little did they know, they had good cause.
Hera watched the happenings at the race track with great interest. Her son Ares had
come to her with a master plan to win the amazon's allegiance back from HerKules. Of
course she didn't trust her partner, he was his mother's son, after all. But she was
willing to form a mutual alliance against a common enemy. She didn't know precisely why
Ares wanted to win this "motorcycle race" so badly. But one thing Hera did know
was that she would do anything she could to help him win. If only for the sake of
humiliating HerKules and all the Alphas.
Alt. Zeus jumped around excitedly. He had wondered where his son the Sovereign was and had
finally located the boy. He was sitting on some sort of contraption. Alt. Zeus wondered
what it was, he'd never seen anything like it. But then he hadn't had the opportunity to
see much, since he was often locked in his chambers. But he tricked his captors. He was
free and it was time he visited his son. Thunder rolled beneath him and lighting shot up
towards the sky. Alt. Zeus hopped through the opening portal into the other world.
Meanwhile Ares, Kull and Sov lined up at the starting line. Chantal, Apollena, and Freya
gave the guys one last kiss for luck. Then KalliSta helped S.HerK wave the starting flag
and the racers were off.
Kull took the initial lead as they rounded the first corner, Sov came up on the right and started to try and drive the King of the track but Kull wasn't having any of it, he crowded the Sov right back. Ares blew past them.
"Eat my dust" he yelled.
"Dream on god of War" shouted Kull as he quickly moved to catch up.
"You can both watch my backside" Sov roared for everyone to hear.
"Hey wait a minute, that's our job", Danaan and several other Sov's biker
babes yelled from the front row of the grandstand. The Sov flashed them a wicked grin and
put the pedal to the medal. He shot into first.
HerK and Iolaus were standing on the sidelines. Herk look worried so did Iolaus. He'd bet
a king's ransom on King Kull to win. He wondered, if Sal would take an I.O.U. HerK just
had a sixth sense that there was going to be trouble and that same sense warned him to
look skyward. Hera's haunting eyes appeared in the sky.
"Things are about to get ugly", HerK said as he tapped Iolaus on the shoulder and pointed upward.
"Yeah really ugly" Iolaus agreed.
King Kull had taken the lead. He looked so majestic with his mane of long hair flowing in the wind. Sov was a strong second. The man assuredly was in command of his machine.
Ares was bringing up the rear. His cockiness, however, hadn't abated. "Let them
enjoy there all too brief moment of glory", he thought. "This is the last time
these pesky upstarts would ever dare challenge the god of War." The amazons were as
good as his. As if to punctuate that thought he heard the engines of his competitors
cycles begin to sputter. Suddenly balls of flame leapt from their engines. "Thanks
Mom", Ares snickered. King Kull and Sov were both forced to make an unscheduled pit
stop.
The King looked around anxiously for Mechanic HerK but he was no where in sight.
Frustrated, Kull called his name. Danaan's head poked out of an SUV parked in the repair
area. Her hair was a bit mussed "He'll be right out", she said sheepishly. Kull
tried to be cross with her for distracting a member of his crew but he just couldn't. She
looked so adorable with the little smudge of oil across the bridge of her nose.
Mechanic HerK emerged from the vehicle seconds later. He expertly extinguished the fire
and made adjustments to the engine. It was soon purring like a kitten. Rabbit and
Missferal rushed up to Kull. Rabbit offered him a cool drink of water while Missferal
quickly bathed his forehead. Melite appeared and handed him a lucky talisman. Merlin had
heard about the race and had decided to drop in. He said that the Sov and Ares had the
power of the gods on their side and it was only sporting to even up the odds for Kull.
Kull accepted the talisman gratefully. He snatched a kiss for luck from each of the
amazons and soon he was back in the race.
Sov was no fool. He had come prepared for sabotage. One didn't achieve his position in
life without being able to anticipate his enemies' every move. Sov had no doubt King Kull
would play fair. It would be the barbarian's downfall. Ares was another story. He was
almost as conniving as Sov himself, but almost wasn't going to cut it in this race.
Freya rolled out a second cycle. "It's primed and ready to go", she assured him.
"So am I", Sov informed her. "But that will have to wait until after the
race." He grabbed her and devoured her lips." He mounted the bike. Julie and
Nani gave him a pat on his firm bottom as they pushed his bike back onto the track.
"I'll be back", he vowed. He revved up his engine and was off.
Ares was laughing gleefully till he looked behind him. Kull and Sov were right on his
tail. "Damn it. This wasn't supposed to be happening. "Mother", he
bellowed. "You were supposed to take them out of the race permanently."
A voice came down from "Olympus" but it wasn't the one he expected.
"Hercules and Iolaus have detained her with a little help from me", Zeus
informed his son. "You’re on your own my boy. Didn't I tell you once before
that you had to play fair." Ares started to protest but Zeus cut him off.
"Your wasting precious time my son, Kull and Sov are with in a hair's breath of
taking back their earlier positions." Ares muttered but had no choice but to turn his
attention back to the race.
But alt Zeus hadn't had his say in the matter of the race yet.
None of the three competitors were giving an inch. Ares, King Kull, and the Sov were
now in a statistical dead heat. The testosterone was really pumping out there on the
track. The amazons could also feel the pure rush of adrenaline pulsing through their veins
as they watched the race unfold before their eyes. It already was a wild night and no
doubt would get even more so once the race was through.
Hephaistos and Aphrodite showed up with a cage for Hera. Thinking their biggest threat was
taken care of HerK and Iolaus were now enjoying the race. Castalia was standing near
Iolaus. that As the three cycles rounded a turn at break neck speed she gripped his arm
like a vise. Iolaus jumped and made a pained sound. "Sorry", Castalia said.
"I promise to kiss the boo boo later." Iolaus gave her a playful wink.
Whisper came up behind HerK and put her hands over his eyes. "Guess who!" she
commanded in a disguised voice. HerK smiled and said "Welcome Whisper."
"How did you know it was me?' she asked.
"Because your touch is delightful and unmistakable", he informed her.
"So do you have plans after the post race party?" she asked.
"Now I do", HerK said with relish.
A gasp went through the crowd. Kull had just made some daring moves on the track. He shot
ahead of Ares and pulled off his leather jacket at the same time. Tabu was so excited she
grabbed Cop HerK by his blue collar and gave him a thorough kiss. It was awhile before he
thought about his crowd control duties again.
The King was definitely in command now. Kull risked a glimpse behind him. Ares and Sov
were in a desperate battle for second. Kull felt if he could just keep the peddle to the
metal the race should be his. He knew, however, that he couldn't take anything for
granted. He patted the talisman in his pocket. He might end up needing it, after all,
dirty tricks were his competitors' stock and trade.
If only Kull knew how prophetic his thoughts would be. The race was about to get even
dirtier even if Ares' and Sovs' hands were completely clean, this time.
Alt Zeus knew that there wasn't much time left before the last lap of the race began.
He began jumping up and down with anger. There was no way he was going to let his son,
Sov, loose.
Suddenly Alt.Zeus began to spin like the Tasmanian Devil. The dirt from the race track
began to rise in the air. The contestants in the race and the audience began coughing and
their eyes started burning. Soon everyone's vision was impaired by clouds of dust except
for the Sovereign's that is. He immediately shot ahead of Kull
and Ares.
Sov heard his father's devious cackle. He looked around and spotted Alt.Zeus.
"Thanks old man. I owe you one", Sov shouted.
"No one can stop me now." His attention had veered from the race track in
those few moments. He failed to notice that someone had fallen from the stands. Sov felt a
jolt as his bike ran over the unfortunate figure. Sov didn't have time to stop and see who
his victim was. He had a race to win. He shot ever forward.
Kull and Ares still nearly blinded by the dust hit the same bump. Their bikes tipped but
they held on and kept racing. Kull was still choking but he managed to reach into his back
pocket and rub the talisman.
The dust magically cleared. A woman's figure lying on the track was revealed. KalliSta,
Freya and Danaan exchanged high five’s over SHerK's head.
"Do you think any one saw us push her?", KalliSta whispered.
"It's not our fault she's so clumsy and couldn't keep her balance" Danaan whispered back.
Freya added, "Besides no one except for Sov could really see a thing and he wouldn't turn us in."
"He might see to our punishment himself though", Kal replied softly. The
three women laughed and
exchanged high five’s again. "I like the way you think, sis:, was Danaan's
reply.
Paramedic HerK and Doc HerK raced down to the track to see if they could help the victim.
They rolled her over. It was Xener. A thunderous applause rose from the stands and the
race wasn't even over yet. The two men checked Xener's vitals and then rolled her roughly
onto a stretcher.
They could be heard arguing.
"I'm not giving her mouth to mouth. You do it", Doc HerK shouted.
"Uh, Uh not me, I had to do it the last time one of the amazons tried to knock her
off.", Paramedic HerK shot back.
Hilara giggled delightedly at the show. "You are terrible my love", Robert
chided her.
"Aren't I though?", she asked wickedly.
She gave a playful pinch to his behind. "Yes you are but I love you anyway"
he answered.
The racer's shot by and came awfully close to the two men carrying the stretcher. Doc HerK
and Paramedic HerK were so startled they dropped Xener back onto the track. They
reluctantly rolled her back on and got out of the racers' way.
After all nothing could stop them now the finish line was in sight.
Havoc, JamesBondHerK, Nani and ArmyHerK quickly captured AltZeus and threw him in the cage with Hera.
"That should make an interesting pair", JamesBondHerK remarked.
"Yeah", Havoc replied. "They're both wacko".
"Oh well", JamesBondHerK replied. "They're also not our worry anymore. Care to join me in a martini well stirred.
"I'll join you anywhere" was Havoc's response. They left hand in hand.
"I think we will be getting back to the stands unless there are any other disturbed
gods or goddesses around that need capturing." ArmyHerK informed HerK.
"No I think we have them under control now", HerK said hopefully.
"Thanks for your help."
ArmyHerK then turned his attention to Nani. "How about we finish watching the race,
beautiful. Then can we engage in some serious covert operations?"
"Yes sir" Nani said as she gave him a snappy salute.
The crowd was getting restless up in the stands. The tension was too much. DE hugged
Indiana Jones HerK tightly. "I can't stand the suspense she whispered. "You
think this is suspenseful, wait until you see what I have
planned for us later tonight."
Raptor snuggled closer to GHerK. "This is heavenly", she sighed.
"This is definitely nice" he replied. "But I see SHerK getting the checkered flag ready and I don't want the evening to end. Please promise me you will join me on Olympus where we can roast ambrosia marshmallows together as we share a private picnic."
"Promise", Raptor said and she sealed her vow with a kiss.
Julie, Astrild and DHerK were watching excitedly as the last lap began.
"It's too close to call", DHerK said. "Wow what a race." He turned to his right, twirled Astrild and then kissed her. He turned to his left, dipped Julie, then kissed her.
"Wow what a night", Julie and Astrild said in unison after they had caught
their breath.
Nannyboo was busy exploring beneath the folds of gauze on WGHerK. She was always curious
to know just what they hid. She was hoping to find some boo boos to tend too. He moaned
when she found a certain spot. "Does that hurt", she asked?
"Yes", he said in a deep sultry voice.
"And it's your duty as a boo boo kisser to make it all better as soon as the race is finished.
"I never neglect my duty", she earnestly informed him.
They were so lost in each other they barely heard Feral yell, "And down the stretch
they come"
"And its Kull, no its Ares, no wait it's Sov" CJ said. Oh I can't tell."
Norse HerK grabbed her and gave her a resounding kiss. "I couldn't help myself" he informed her. "You’re just so sexy when you get excited."
CJ laughed. "If I'm not mistaken I'm not the only one whose excited. Or is that
Thors' hammer I feel?" Norse HerK chuckled in her ear. "No its mine", he
said softly.
SHerK was jumping up and down. "Can I go and wave the checkered flag now Kal, uhh can
I? "Sure" she said as she tousled his hair.
"Here I'll help you carry your flagpole." The two made their way down to the
track.
The race was almost over. The contestants engines were cooking and so were they. The end
was near and they could taste it. Each took just a moment to think of the victory party
that awaited them. Amazons were very enthusiastic in rewarding a victor. Then reluctantly
they turned there attention back to the task at hand.
There was no more magic just the sheer power of man and machine. "Mano e Mano"
as Ares would say. Kull, Sov and the god of war gave it everything they had.
The three of them crossed the finish line neck to neck just as SHerK waved the last flag.
Everyone in the fair grounds turned to Race Official HerK. "It’s a photo
finish" he announced. "I'm afraid it’s a tie."
"I demand you study the replay" Sov shouted. "Ares cheated."
"I did not." Ares shot back, indignant.
"No of course not you had your mommy doit for you."
Ares grabbed Sov's jacket. "Take that back."
"You and what army are going to make me?" Sov growled.
Ares ignored him and turned to Race Offical HerK. "His father cheated for him. If I'm
disqualified I think he should be disqualified too."
"I'm going to feed you to my pet Hydra", Sov growled as he reached for Ares.
Kull spoke up. "If you ask me you both should be disqualified."
"Hah! You used magic too." Ares snarled. "Only to undue the mess his
father created" Kull said pointing a finger at Sov. The three of them began to brawl.
"Gentleman, Gentleman", I think we should just leave it as it stands tonight a
draw", Sal shouted bravely over the din. Everyone looked at Sal in surprise.
"Are you nuts?", Iolaus asked him.
"No I have a plan. The box office was terrific", Sal informed him.
"It figures", Iolaus sighed. "I knew you had to have an angle. But I
don't think they're listening", he said pointing to the still brawling Kull, Sov and
Ares.
Sal shouted louder trying to get their attention. "Did you ever hear the saying live
to fight another day?" The men continued to go at each other. "I'm talking
rematch.2
" Rematch", Kull, Ares and the Sovereign shouted at once. They turned to Sal.
"Start talking little man" Ares demanded.
"Yes spit it out", Sov growled.
"I'm listening", Kull added.
"How about the next time, you race with cars?" Sal proposed.
"Cool demolition derby", Iolaus remarked.
HerK just lowered and shook his head. He put his arm around Whisper. She hugged him
comfortingly. HerK then looked up and motioned to several amazons. They took his cue.
Baucis and Chantal managed to capture Ares attention. "I've got the massage
oils",Baucis purred. "And I've got the towels" Chantal said seductively.
Ares slipped towards them. He put an arm around each of them. "Will talk later" he informed Kull, Sov and Sal.
"Much later" he said as he began to take turns kissing both Baucis and
Chantal.
Aphrael and Freya were also quick to move in on Sov. "You've still got more Biker
Babes than he does, Sov. And you're the winner in our book" Aphrael informed him as
she gave him a swat across the bottom.
"So you like to play dangerous games little one?" he asked her.
"You know I do, Sov" Aphrael replied.
"And you know how much I like to live dangerously too", Freya reminded him.
"Yes only you could make me wear bunny slippers" he assured her. "Can we get them out tonight?" he asked.
"Only if we can play footsie first", she informed him. He turned to Sal.
"I'll be in touch." Then he turned to Aphrael and Freya an said "lead on
ladies. I am your willing prisoner."
Kull promised Sal he would think about his offer. Then he was pulled away by Melite and
Feral who were both willing to show him how pleased they were with his performance both on
and off the track.
Amazons and Alpha's began leaving the fair grounds. As exciting as the race was they were
eager to be onto other pursuits. Soon it was almost deserted.
"A tie", Rober't groaned. He turned to Hilara. "That's kind of anti
climactic don't you think?"
"Nothing is anti climactic around here" she said. "Besides it’s not surprising. Not one of the hunters in HerKdom is a looser."
"That's right because we have you amazons", Robert said smiling.
"Why Robert what a sweet thing to say."
"Would you like to show me you're appreciation?", he asked.
"Why of course, my darling" she sighed.
"Maybe I should take up this motorcycle riding", Robert commented.
"Personally I think you should stick to our favorite sport, fencing. You just know so many ways to use that sword", Hilara answered.
"On guard", Robert said softly. They left the track hand in hand.
Neither of them noticed the cage was empty.
DoDoDoDoDo. (or other noises suitable for the Twighlight Zone." :) But that's another
story.
The End.
