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He knelt there, on his knees. His head resting against the blunt edge of his sword, weeping silently. Not so much for the death of the man he had just killed but for the death of his life, of all he ever knew.

He wasn’t a person anymore. He was a thing. A demon. A horrible creature of the night that murdered in cold blood.

Or was he?

His emotions were raw and unsorted. He didn’t know what to feel. Part of him felt an incredible rush and a thirst for blood and justice, the other coward in the recesses of his being, afraid and ashamed of what he had become.

Limburger was dead. And he had killed him.

Was this to be considered a great justice or a deadly sin?

He did not know. He simply did not know.

Suddenly a noise brought him to himself. He looked up and jerked around, looking towards the Scoreboard. The damn thing was falling over! His brothers were in there, and not to mention the terrible damage it would do to the city and it’s citizens if it were allowed to fall. He turned back to Limburger’s corpse and muttering a series of color curses, yanked his sword from his gut. It was covered in fowl smelling green blood, which made bile rise in his throat. He quickly wiped it on the grass at his feet and then turned towards the Scoreboard once again. He stuck his fingers in his mouth and gave a shrill whistle, at which his bike burst from the burning building and rode towards him. He jumped on it without a word and rode towards the flaming building.

Quickly, Throttle examined the situation. If the Scoreboard would fall, not only would it kill his bros, but it would also cause severe damage to the apartment building across the street. "Lady, grappling hook, now!" he commanded. The bike responded at once and fired its grappling hook, latching itself onto one of the Scoreboard’s windows. But although the bike was pulling with all its might, it was being dragged slowly but surely forward as the building continued to fall.

Throttle began to feel a familiar rush running through his body. He clutched his head as he felt it creeping up towards his brain. " No, please…not again….please...arrrGHHH!" His new power took complete control of him then, despite his desperate but useless attempts to repress it. " No…please…don’t make me become that monster again…I’m begging you…"

" ARRRRGHHHH!" All Throttle’s reasoning melted into pure animal instinct. He crouched down in his seat and then lunged forward, and then launched himself from where he was crouched and sprang like a tiger towards the Scoreboard in strong powerful leaps that made Super Man look like a super dud. He smashed straight through the wall of the Scoreboard, dazing him slightly, but he didn’t stop. He quickly served the room and found his friends slowly sliding over to towards the burning wall. He leapt towards them, picking them up in one quick swipe and then flew out the other side, through the flames, actually landing safely on the ground just before the Scoreboard came crashing down the in the middle of the road. Luckily with Lady’s help, the blazing building only nicked the apartment building causing a few bricks to fall, but that was all.

Throttle stood panting, one of his bros slung over each shoulders, looking at their burning home. " Oh, mama…" Modo groaned then, suddenly. Throttle snapped out of his daze and looked at him gently set him down. He laid Vinnie down next to him and crouched next to Modo as the big mouse regained consciousness. " Modo? Big fella, can you hear me?" he asked, holding his head. His eyes widened a bit when he felt something warm and wet on his fingertips. Slowly he pulled his hand back and saw it covered with blood. " Oh no…" he gasped. He held Modo up against him, " Come on, big guy, talk to me." He urged. Modo groaned again and opened his eyes slowly. " Throttle…?" he groaned. Throttle smiled and hugged him, " Hey, you okay, big guy?" he asked. " I feel numb…" he groaned. Throttle felt fear make the knot that had formed in his stomach even harder. " Modo, can you move your legs?" he asked, his voice cracking slightly. Modo clenched his teeth and strained, but Throttle finally saw his leg twitch. It wasn’t what he had hoped for, but it was better than nothing. " It’s gonna be okay, big guy, you just hold on." Throttle assured him.

" Gee, thanks for your concern."

Throttle looked up suddenly to see Vinnie slowly pushing himself up, holding his chest. His ribs were sorely bruised. " You okay, Vinnie?" Throttle asked. The white mouse slowly pushed himself up to his knees, still holding his chest and rubbing the bruised skin. " Yeah, sure, bro. Nothin’ can hurt this mouse. I’m made of steel. You and Modo okay?" he asked. " I’m okay. But Modo’s…." Modo smiled up at him and then pushed himself up, slowly. " I’m fine too. Just a little bloody." He said. " Modo, lay back. You’re hurt." Throttle insisted. Modo waved him away and staggered to his feet. The whole back of his head was a bloody mess that was running down his back. Vinnie and Throttle grimaced. " Modo, are you sure--?" Vinnie began. Modo rubbed the back of his bloodied neck and head. " I’m okay bros…really. All the blood makes it look worse than it really is." He assured them. But when his eyes began to roll in his head, and he swayed on his feet, they knew their friend was in need of medical attention and quickly. Throttle rushed up to him and supported him. " Come on, bro. You need help, and in a hurry." Modo leaned on him, gratefully, and then soon found Vinnie looping his arms around him. " Thanks bros." Modo said weakly. He smiled at his friends and then slumped against them. " Just hang on, Modo. Just hang on." Vinnie said softly as he and Throttle slowly made their way over to their bikes. " Vinnie, let me take him from here. Your chest looks pretty bad, you don’t need his weight against it." Throttle said. Vinnie nodded and quickly saddled Streak. Throttle carefully placed Modo behind him and then they rode off, towards the Last Chance, the Scoreboard blazing in the distance.

**

Charlie was sitting on her couch, contently munching on some candy bars, watching a few Halloween specials on the television, taking a break from candy duty. The last porch light had gone out hours ago, as Trick or Treat ended for the evening, leaving the city in the eerie afterglow of All Hallows Eve. She glanced up casually at the clock on the wall as it chimed 1:00 a.m. She hadn’t realized she’d been up so late, or that the guys had been gone so long. " Hmmm, that’s strange." She thought. She stood up then, flicking off the TV (not in that way!) and walked over to the blinds and pulled them back, gazing out into the darkened streets. Everything was still and dark, say for the rustling of dead leaves in the autumn wind that blew over the deserted streets, scratching themselves on the surface of the pavement. Some Jack-o-lanterns lay smashed near the sidewalks, fake cob webs and paper ghosts rustled on the skeletal figures of trees and one by one, lights slowly burned out and turned to darkness all throughout the city.

What Charlie would have normally thought to be something that brought peace and comfort after a busy night of trick-or-treaters now only brought her dread and cold. The city was unnaturally still. But more so, there was no sign of the guys. She let the blinds fall back, nervously and walked over to the radio communicator. Maybe she should call them, and see what was taking them so long. She had just picked up the communicator when she suddenly saw three headlights shine into the window and heard the familiar sound of engines purring. She sighed in relief and set down the communicator, rushing towards the door to greet them. " Well, it’s about time! I was beginning to think you’d…" Her voice trailed off when she saw Vinnie limping towards the door and Throttle close behind him, Modo in his arms. " Oh my God…" she gasped, putting her hands to her mouth. Vinnie met her at the door and took her hands, " Better make room, Charlie-girl, we have a crisis on our hands here." He said, breathlessly. Charlie saw how discolored his skin was under his fur. " Vinnie, what---?" she began. " No time now, Sweetheart." He said quickly as he helped Throttle and Modo through the door. Throttle cleared the couch and then gently laid his injured friend down. " Hope you didn’t like these, pillows, Charlie." He said as he laid Modo’s blood covered head down on one. "I’ll get the First Aid kit." Charlie said, rushing up stairs into her room to get it. "…I’ll get some water to clean the blood off with…" Vinnie murmured as if in a daze. Throttle took his hand, " No, Vincent, you sit down and rest. You’re hurt too." He said. Vinnie smiled gratefully, " Thanks bro." He said, falling back into a chair. Throttle nodded to him and then got up and rushed towards the bathroom to get a washcloth. As he soaked the cloth in water, he paused and looked into the mirror at his own reflection. What he saw was really nothing out of the ordinary. Except for the fact that he looked very pale and very exhausted, which he was. He glanced at the doorway, making sure no one was watching him, and then slowly, hesitantly lifted his specs from his eyes. He looked at their strange color, no longer the beautiful azure blue they had once been, but now almost a ruby red. He shivered and shoved his specs back in place. Any other Martian really wouldn’t have cared, since red was a perfectly natural color for Martian eyes. But for Throttle, it was just a horrifying reminder of what had happened to him tonight. He trembled and then went back to his work, and rushed back out to Modo to see Charlie bending over him, examining him carefully, her face set in concentration. " Here, Charlie." He said, handing her the cloth. She took it and smiled at him. " Thanks. I’ll handle Modo, you look after Vinnie. " She said. Throttle nodded and set down beside his friend and examined his chest. Vinnie didn’t even move. In fact he seemed to be completely oblivious to everyone and everything around him. " Bro, you okay?" Throttle asked him once he’d finished wrapping his chest. Vinnie looked at him as though he’d never seen him before, and then slowly shook his head, as to clear it. "Yeah…I just feel tired suddenly." He said. Throttle smiled gently and stood him up, then slung his arm around him and guided him upstairs so he could lie down on some of the extra beds. "Come on, bro, let’s get you to bed," he said. Vinnie nodded and walked with his help until they reached the bedroom. " Throttle…" the white furred mouse said then, suddenly. "Yeah, bro?" he asked. " You seem…different." He said. Throttle looked away, " I’m fine, bro. A lot has happened tonight, that’s all." He said, preferring not to talk about the night’s events. " No, something’s wrong with you. Your eyes look strange." Vinnie insisted. "You’re delirious, Vincent. Now lay down, get some sleep. You’ll feel better in the morning." Throttle tired to assure him. But the white mouse seemed certain that all was definitely not as it should be with Throttle. Finally the tan mouse got his younger bro into bed and got him relaxed enough to sleep. He longed to do the same, but he had a hurt friend downstairs that needed him. The longest night of the year, just got a bit longer. He trudged down the stairs to see Charlie in her place beside Modo, wrapping blankets around him to keep him warm. " Is it bad?" he asked quietly. Charlie looked up at him, looking very worried. " Worse." She said. Throttle’s hopes fell. "What do you mean?" he asked, anxiously. " Throttle, Modo’s back is damaged badly. He’s dang lucky he’s not paralyzed. There’s also some nerve damage. Not an extensive amount, but enough to hurt him. Plus with all the blood loss…it doesn’t look good." Tears began to well up in the young female human’s eyes. Throttle brought her close to him and hugged her tightly, stroking her hair, " It’s gonna be okay, Charlene. Everything’s gonna be okay." He assured her. She looked up at him, after a moment. " And what about you? Are you alright?" she asked. " Physically, yes…" he sighed. She hugged him again, "You feel cold. Maybe you should warm up." She suggested. He smiled at her and kissed her cheek, " Thanks, sweetie. But I got more important matters to attend to at the moment." He looked at Modo, who was lying inert on the couch. He went over to him and laid a hand on his forehead. "Don’t you worry, bro. I won’t let you end up in a wheelchair, I promise." He vowed. He smiled at him, then headed for the door. "Throttle, where are you going?" Charlie asked him. " Out, sweetheart. I’ll be back. Watch them for me." He said, pulling on his leather jacket and then disappearing out the door and down the road.

**

Dr. Karbuncle paced back and forth nervously in his late employer’s office as Greasepit stupidly watched him, shivering and chattering. " Duh…what do you we do now doc’?" he asked. " How should I know you blundering idiot?" Karbuncle hissed. " That fool Limburger has unleashed on us a power greater than our understanding, and it’s likely only a matter of time before that possessed mouse makes his way here to further his revenge. And with Limburger already gone, his most likely targets would be…(gulp) us…" Karbuncle’s knobby little knees knocked together as he trembled and bit his nails furiously. Then suddenly,

"LIMBURGER!!!"

Doctor Karbuncle all but jumped out of his boxers he was so startled. He whirled around to see the large vid-com screen in Limburger’s office had suddenly come down and Lord Camembert was standing there, scowling down at him. " Where’s Limburger?" he demanded. Having regained his composure, Karbuncle managed to squeak out, " I’m afraid I have some bad news, your overlordness, Mr. Limburger was killed this evening." Camembert was indeed shocked by this. So shocked in fact, he couldn’t even speak for a whole three minutes! " Well, this is a strange turn of events. I was just calling to tell that poor excuse for a Plutarkian overlord that he was fired. Now it seems I won’t get the pleasure of seeing him grovel." He sighed. He almost looked sad. Almost. " Well, at any rate, Karbuncle, I’m sending a new overlord as we speak. You best get to the Transporter." He began to turn off the communicator when he paused suddenly, "By the way, Karbuncle. Who killed him?" he asked. " The Biker Mice, your highness." Karbuncle murmured. Camembert nodded. " I expected as much." Then he was gone. Karbuncle made his way nervously up to the lab, wringing his hands and murmuring something about how his mother had always warned him about these things. He walked into his lab and quickly set the controls to Transport his new boss. "Well, all I can hope for now is that this guy won’t smell as bad." He muttered as it began to glow with golden light. When the golden mist finally faded, Karbuncle looked up in utter shock at his new "boss." She was about medium height, shoulder length dark red hair, cold piercing green eyes, dressed in a long burgundy colored dress that looked like something out of the middle ages and carried a staff with a Martian skull on it. A cold, sneering smile crossed her lips as she gazed at Karbuncle, who was staring at her with her jaw unhinged it seemed. Aside from the cruel, wickedness of her manner and her dress, she was the exact image of Charlie! ( Ironic, isn’t it?) "But-But…how can this be?! There must have been a mix-up. I’m expecting the Plutarkian boss!" the frantic doctor gasped. " I am the boss, you sniveling craven. I work for Plutark." She replied, eyeing him sharply. The doctor cringed under her dark gaze. Just then Greasepit wandered into the room and laid his beady little eyes on his new employer. " Hey! It’s dat dame who hangs out with them mouses!" he cried stupidly, pointing. The woman looked at him with a cold and chilling gaze, " Who are you?" she demanded to know. " I’m da leader of the goon squad." He replied. She rolled her eyes in disgust. " Pathetic. I don’t need parasites like you in my presence. Be gone!" she commanded. Of course, poor confused Greasepit had absolutely no idea what to do or what she meant so he stood there stupidly staring at her. Not a wise decision at all. The woman narrowed her eyes at him in such a cold, overpowering gaze that Greasepit literally turned to a solid block of ice! And then with a flick of her wrist he vanished into thin air. Where he went, nobody knows. The woman, who’s name was Celeste, then straightened a few of the creases in her gown and took a step forward snapping her fingers. "Banshee!" she called. A moment later a large ebony black wolf appeared at her side, it’s eyes like hot blazing embers. The strange mystic patted the animals head and it’s long pointed ears and then looked at Karbuncle. " What are you gawking at you twit? Ready my room at once." She demanded. "Who…or what…are you?" the baffled doctor asked nervously. A smile passed across her pale face. " My name is Celeste Davidson. All so known as Mistress Morgan, Queen of the Unseelie Court, Berchata, La Llorona and The Lady of Blights. You may call me your majesty. To answer your question, yes, I am related to Charlene Davidson, my…ugh…pathetic twin sibling whom I despise. We were separated at infancy, thank the Gods. And yes, I am a mystic and a sorceress, there fore I suggest you watch yourself, dear doctor, for it would not be pleasant for you to displease me." She said as she glided past him, leaving a dark presence in her wake that made Karbuncle shiver to the bone.

**

When Throttle arrived at Limburger Plaza he couldn’t help but feel an evil presence around it. As though the entire building was shrouded in a deep dark cloud of wickedness. He rode straight up the side of the wall as usual, not giving a care for any defense systems that might have shot at him for their minor wounds could not even touch him now. However, there were no lazor canons being fired at him. In fact not so much as an alarm went off as he burst through the window of the late Lawrence Limburger’s former penthouse. But there was someone there to great him. Namely Karbuncle and Celeste. The Martian could hardly believe his eyes as he stared at the darkly beautiful woman who resembled Charlie so much it wasn’t funny. She regarded him with a half-interested seductive glance and a barely visible smile as her eyes flickered with wicked delight. Karbuncle felt the room grow colder and darker at the entering of the demon Martian which was almost so overwhelming he could barely stand it. "Who are you?" Throttle demanded in an authoritative, powerful tone that thrilled Celeste, exciting her enough to bring a tiny giggle from her mouth. "Answer me!" he roared, in no mood what so ever to be playing games. He stepped from his bike, showing his stature and physical build. The sorceress was indeed impressed by this and vaguely attracted as her mind flashed with all sorts of nasty little thoughts before she replied. " How would be so bold as to demand something of me, mortal of another world?" she asked calmly. Throttle chuckled bitterly. " I’d love to stay and chew the fat, miss, but I have other important matters to attend to." His intense gaze was suddenly turned to the quivering doctor as he stormed up to him and lifted him up by his collar. "Okay, slime-ball, it’s time to play doctor. You’re coming with me." He growled.

Suddenly sharp teeth closed around his leg, making him gasp in shock and pain as he was suddenly yanked backwards, nearly having his leg torn off! "Get your own mad scientist." Celeste mocked as the hellhound tore into Throttle’s flesh. The Martian glared at her as pain seared through his body. " Who the hell are you?!" he cried. "Oh, names are so over-rated." She sighed settling back on Limburger’s desk watching her pet tear the mouse to ribbons. " You may call me the Harold Angel of your death." She cooed, taking his face in her cold hand. Throttle looked stunned for a moment, almost in a trance like state. But then he shook his head, clearing it of whatever spell she might have put over him before kicking the wolf off him with incredible force not known to mere mortals. He jumped to his feet, having to place all his weight on one foot before rushing at the animal, who charged him in return. Throttle drew out Masume with lightning quick reflexes preparing the slice the wolf down the middle. However, Banshee had it’s own ideas. He raised a huge paw and slashed at the mouse’s face, leaving four large gashes in his cheek. Throttle jerked his head back in pain and slashed the wolf’s offending leg, cutting it off. The beast let out an unearthly howl before retaliating by opening wide it’s jaws and closing them around the startled Martian’s throat, crushing it almost instantly. The force of the attack caused Throttle’s body to go flying out the window, plummeting to the ground far below while the wounded wolf crouched at the window ledge. Karbuncle just stared as Celeste got up and walked over to the window, stroking her pet. " What a shame. He was cute…for a Martian Mouse."

Meanwhile at the foot of Limburger Plaza, Throttle lay sprawled flat on his back on the ground, his eyes open in what should have been death, glassy and unseeing. Blood soaked the fur on his neck and ran down his chest in red rivers, coating the ground in crimson. A full ten minutes passed before his eyes unfogged and he blinked, moaning softly. His wounds had faded, healing themselves, though the blood remained. Only another immortal could draw blood from him and there was no question that that wolf was another worldly creature. Slowly he rolled himself over onto his side and rubbed his aching body as he pushed himself up onto his knees, looking back up at the window far above him. "Who are you?" he thought silently. The suddenly wild beeping of a motorcycle directed his attention behind him as both his bike and Vinnie’s, complete with rider, appeared on the street. " Bro!" Vinnie gasped, jumping off his bike and rushing up to him. " Are you okay?! You’re bike was having a royal fit, we thought you were dead!" the white mouse gasped frantically. Then he saw the blood that decorated his brother’s figure. " You’re bleeding!" he cried. "It’s alright, Vinnie, calm down." Throttle said taking his shoulders and assuring him that he was okay. But Vinnie couldn’t help but be in shock. "Look, bro, you really shouldn’t be here. You should helping Charlie take care of Modo." He said. " I know, but I couldn’t help worrying about ya. Besides I’m justified in it, aren’t I?" he asked. Throttle could argue with him on that. Both of them slowly looked back up at the building high above them as lightning crackled above their heads. " What’s up there?" Vinnie asked slowly. " I’m not sure. But I know I don’t like it." Throttle replied.

**

Meanwhile, as Charlie sat alone at the last chance, watching carefully over her dear, injured friend, she couldn’t help feel a disturbing presence wash over her. Something was really wrong, other than the obvious of course. She felt a strange cold feeling flood through her. But she only got this feeling when…

Suddenly she gasped. No, she couldn’t be. It wasn’t possible. It was then that she heard Modo moan softly and start to awaken. " Modo?" She asked rushing back over to him and setting down, gently stroking his face. Modo’s eyes fluttered up open slowly and he looked up at her weakly. "C…Charlie girl?" he murmured softly. She sighed in relief and reached over and kissed his forehead. "Oh thank goodness you’re awake. We’ve been so worried. How do you feel, love?" she asked. " Had…the strangest dream…" he murmured. Charlie traced the rim of his ear lazily, "It’s okay now, I’m here." She assured him, wanting him to be quiet and lie still. " A…A woman, she looked so much like you…but dressed all in black, with cold, dark eyes…and Throttle and Vinnie were there. Vinnie looked normal, but Throttle…he was so dark…like he was wrapped in a shadow…and I…" the pain suddenly caught up to his numbed body. He winced and groaned, and tried to turn over but he simply could not. "Oh my back…my back!" he whimpered, tears forming in his single eye. Charlie squeezed his hand and looked back up at the door. "Hurry guys…" she whispered.

**

Throttle and Vinnie carefully crept back inside the building, this time making a more cautious approach than before. "Vinnie, bro, listen," Throttle said slowly as he and Vinnie carefully crept through the deserted hallways, " I don’t know if you should come along with me on this, I mean, we’re not up against Limburger anymore…" he said. "What you mean? You trying to cut me out of the action?" Vinnie asked. "No, it isn’t that bro…" Throttle said trying to explain. But suddenly it was too late. A bright flash of light blinded them both temporally and a cold chill immediately filled the room. " Why don’t you just come right and out and say it, Throttle? That is your name isn’t it?" Celeste asked as floated the ground slowly, a screen of purple smoke cleared at her feet. Vinnie’s jaw dropped at the sight of her and his eyes widened. " C-Charlie?!" he gasped in disbelief. " Oh no…" Throttle murmured, shaking his head. " Ugh! Please! Don’t insult me by comparing me to my pathetic twin weakling." She fluffed her hair and smiled sexily at the stunned white mouse, " Besides, I’m cuter." She added, winking. "Who…who is she?!" Vinnie cried pointing at her. " I am the seductress of men, the sorceress of the underworld, loyal servant of Plutark, and destroyer of Martian Mice." She walked slowly up Vinnie and took his face in her hands and kissed his lips softly, "Especially such strong, handsome, studly ones." She coed. Suddenly the tip of Throttle’s sword was poking very close to the flesh on her throat. "Excuse me hot lips, but this charming young egotistical hot head is spoken for." He growled, gently pushing Vinnie back as he held the seductress at bay. She smirked at him, then threw out her arms, causing a great gust of wind to blow them both off their feet. "Hey!" Vinnie cried, quickly regaining his balance and firing his lazor at the beautiful woman. Though his aim was very off. She cackled loudly, " You dare to quarrel with me?!" she cackled, throwing flaming fireballs at them. They dodged them easily, though Vinnie couldn’t seem to take his eyes off her. Soon, however, Celeste grew tired of her little games with them and dropped all resistance. "Heh, givin’ up, sweetheart?" Vinnie asked, almost glad of it. "Hardly." She replied. He finger snapped and suddenly Banshee appeared, foaming at the mouth in rage. " What the heck!?!" Vinnie gasped as the beast lunged for his throat. "YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" Throttle cried, jumping in front of him and impaling the animal on his sword. He moaned weakly and fell to the ground, dead. Vinnie stared at the animal and his friend with trembling eyes. "What is going on?!" he wondered in a terrified, amazed daze. "Now you listen to me, witch, my bro is in need of serious help, and if you dare to stand in my way I will have no regrets in killing you." Throttle growled, his voice low and dangerous. Suddenly the far wall was blasted through as Charlie, dressed in her Masked Motorcyclist’s uniform with poor Modo slumped unconscious on her back, appeared in the room. "Charlie?!" Vinnie gasped at the sight of her. However the Masked Motorcyclist didn’t reply. Her eyes were fixed on the other woman standing in front of them, grinning devilishly. "Celeste…" Charlie murmured, " I knew it was you. What do you want here?" she demanded. Celeste giggled, "That’s for me to know and you to find out, my dear half-witted sibling." She replied. "Modo…" Throttle gasped at the sight of his desperately hurt friend laying against Charlie’s back. He went over to her and eased him back, looking at his wounds. Then, gritting his teeth glared back at Celeste. " If I had more time, I’d schedule your appointment with The Grim Reaper, but I don’t." He chucked a smoke grenade at her, which at once swallowed the whole room up in thick grey smoke. "Vincent! You find Karbuncle and get Modo help. Charlie you go with him." Throttle ordered. "No!" Charlie’s voice said firmly. Throttle looked at her startled. " You’re not cutting me out of this. She’s mine." She said, dead serious. Throttle nodded slowly, understanding. "Vincent, go. Hurry." He said then, turning to Vinnie. "But…" Vinnie began. "Now." Throttle’s cold tone made Vinnie shiver. He glared at his bro, then gathered up Modo, ever so careful of his injuries and disappeared down the hallways. It was then that the smoke cleared, leaving Throttle and Charlie standing alone and exposed in an empty hall with the dead corpse of Banshee. "Where did she go?" Charlie asked quietly. "I don’t know." Throttle replied, slipping over to a corner, holding his gun up against his chest, waiting to strike. Charlie crept up beside him. "Celeste loves to torment. She’ll string us along, and then she’ll kill us." She said gravely, laying a hand on his tense muscled arm. Throttle looked at her out of the corner of his eye. "Hmm, sounds like you two have a good relationship." He said. Suddenly his ears perked up and his eyes widened. "Watch out!" he cried, knocking Charlie to the floor as a huge battle-ax suddenly swung down at them like a pendulum. "Oh yeah…wonderful." Charlie grunted as they got back up.

**

Meanwhile, Vinnie was moving fast and furiously down the hall towards Karbuncle’s lab, thus far without interference. Then suddenly Fred the Mutant appeared in his path, chattering nervously. Yes, Fred the mutant was frightened. Suddenly he bumped into Vinnie, which made the little creature jump, but recognizing Vinnie he relaxed a bit. "Hee heee heee…where ya goin’?" he asked like a curious little child. "Look, Fredric, I’d love to stay and torture you, but my bro here needs help." Vinnie said motioning to Modo. Then an idea crossed his mind, "Hey, you wouldn’t happen to know where the good ol’ doctor would be hiding, now would ya?" he asked hopefully. Fred shuttered a bit and pointed to the lab doors at the corner of the hallway. Vinnie nodded at him and then took off towards the door, but the closer he got, he suddenly became aware of something on the floor beneath him. When his eyes caught the crimson color of the carpet his stomach knotted. A trail of blood, amusingly human, coated the floors all the way to the lab. Vinnie gulped and pursued it, fearing where it would end. But it didn’t end where he thought it would. No, instead of trailing into the doors of the lab, it went around the corner into another open hallway, and to an even more horrifying sight. The hallway leading to an elevator, and probably and exit, was littered with the dead bodies of Limburger’s goons. Vinnie stomach wrenched and he had to struggle to keep from being sick. But a soft moan near his ear brought his attention back to his injured bro. Forcing his gaze away from the dead bodies, he rushed into the lab and found Karbuncle sitting nervously on one of the lab tables. "Trick or Treat…"Vinnie hissed at him. The doctor looked up, frightened, and then lunged forward…

**

Throttle and Charlie pursued Celeste through the darkened building, dodging pit-fall and pit-fall, taking a distinct plunge towards the basement. " I don’t like this Throttle," Charlie said to him as they jogged down the steps. "If there’s one thing I’ve learned from watching all those horror movies, it’s never follow a bad guy into a basement." She said. Throttle squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Don’t worry, Charlie. I’m not gonna let anything happen to us. I promise." He assured her. She smiled and he looked at her again as they continued to descend down the stairs, " You never told us you had a twin sister. Or one that knew magic and worked for Plutark at that." He said. Charlie sighed deeply. "Well, for one, I had no idea that she worked for Plutark or that she knew magic. But, I never told you guys about her because I had always hopped I’d never have to see her again." She said, bitterness in her voice. "So I take you two don’t get along, huh?" he asked. "Get along? When were kids she did everything to make my life miserable. She hated me. And I could never understand why. Then one day, she just up and left. Mom and Dad were pretty upset." Charlie explained, though she left a lot of the details out. Suddenly they began become aware of the heat rising around them. The temperature in the room must have jumped about ten degrees. Throttle was feeling it the most, as he was beginning to sweat beneath his fur. After awhile it got so hot he had to shed his leather jacket. "Whew, we must be getting close." He said. All at once the floor dropped out from under their feet, sending them sliding down the rest of the way on a slide where stairs had once been. They landed with a thud on the cold cement floor in what once had Limburger’s storage area had now been turned into a torture chamber, with it’s first two victims. Celeste stood near a pit of fire, which was blazing high, her arms folded across her chest, looking at them calmly. "So, you’ve followed me all the way down here, eh? I’m surprised either of you made it this far. I’m impressed." She said, smiling cruelly. "What kind of sick twisted game are you playing now, Celeste?" Charlie demanded. Celeste just laughed. "Well, you’ve proven yourselves worthy thus far. But there’s still the final test left." She turned back to her pit of fire and slowly raised her hands, chanting. "Oh no you don’t!" Throttle cried, charging her. He had just gotten hold of her, when she disappeared into a puff of smoke. Throttle fell flat on his face, just at the edge of the fire pit. The heat was so intense he felt his field specs begin to melt. Slowly he pushed himself back and stood up as Charlie came up to his side. "What now?" she asked. Throttle bit his lip and looked around. "Trouble." He murmured. At that very moment, the ground started to erupt. A loud, inhuman roar echoed in the tiny torture chamber and the pit of fire exploded as a huge brown beast emerged from the flames. He was hunched over, all brown except for a bright red mane of fire, and eyes like coals with dripping fangs and long, white claws. "What is it…?" Charlie gasped as the snarling beast drooled and glared at them. "It’s an Ifrit." Throttle murmured. " A what?!" Charlie gasped. "You know, a fire demon." The tan mouse replied. Suddenly the beast roared and in a coarse, gravely voice growled; " You pathetic mortals dare challenge me?" it roared. Throttle shook his head and chuckled darkly, " Mortal eh? I’ll show you the meaning of the word. MASUME!!!" he charged forward, swinging his sword high above his head. "THROTTLE LOOK OUT!" Charlie screamed as the beast fire a huge wall of fire at him, consuming the mouse in the flames before he even had a chance to make contact…

**

Karbuncle had nervously explained the situation to Vinnie as they stood in the lab, Modo laying on an operating table, ready to under-go surgery. The white mouse was very worried and confused by the whole thing. Karbuncle had explained to him about Celeste’s arrival, and the circumstances which he found himself under. But he also explained to Vinnie that Modo’s condition was indeed grave. His whole spinal-cord would need replaced, which was rather difficult operation, but not too hard for a mad genius like Karbuncle. Still it frightened Vinnie to think of that mad man with a scalpel anywhere near his bro. And yet he knew Karbuncle was the only one who could help him know before it was too late. Half-willingly and not at all happily, Vinnie gave him permission to go ahead with the operation. Of course, he held Karbuncle at gun-point the entire time. He may have had no other choice in the matter, but he wasn’t stupid. After awhile he began to feel a bit overheated. "Is it hot in here or is just me…?" he wondered as he watched Karbuncle do what he had too.

**

"THROTTLE!!!" Charlie wailed as she saw her friend consumed in flames and fall to the ground, screaming in pain. The flames seared through his flesh, burning away his clothing and his fur. Charlie stood, paralyzed with horror. As Throttle’s body crumpled to the ground as the inferno raged all around his form, the human female suddenly became aware of the Ifrit making it’s way over to her, ready for her to share the same fate. "No!" She screamed. She darted across the room and found a fire extinguisher sitting there. Desperately she smashed her hand through the glass and yanked it out. She then turned frantically to the approaching beast and sprayed it in his face. It roared, stunned, but then clawed it out of her hands. Charlie fell back against the wall, her mouth open, ready to scream as the beast pounced…

But the blow never came. Cringing she slowly looked up to see the animal pinned to the ground by a black boot. Charlie looked up slowly at the figure that had saved her. He stood there, his body restored to perfect perfection as though the flames had never touched him. Blue jeans and leather jacket were all gone. In their place a solid black body suit that fit him perfectly. On the chest of his "uniform" was in bright, flaming silver the Biker Mice, emblem. His gaze was steady and cold as he looked down at the struggling beast beneath his foot. Charlie pressed herself against the wall. She didn’t know whom she was more afraid of. The beast thrust upward suddenly, knocking Throttle back slightly. It turned around snarling, it’s coal eyes flaming red with fury. "Puny fool! Now you will die!" he roared, slashing at him with his razor sharp claws. Throttle looked at him calmly until he came within range, then his face hardened a bit as he reached out and grabbed the demon’s claw, flipping him over his back as though he were a mere child’s toy. The Ifrit was furious now and would spare the Martian Mouse no mercy. He jumped back to it’s feet, sitting on it’s haunches as its front claws formed a fire ball, much like the last one. It consumed the mouse once again, but this time Throttle merely stepped out of the flames, untouched and burn-free. The demon was quite confused by this, but it didn’t have long to be, for the next second Throttle jumped into the air and ripped Masume from it’s place. "DEMON CLEAVER!" he screamed, slashing the beast through the heart. Charlie shielded her eyes as a powerful wave off heat and a bright flash washed over her. When she got her focus back she found Throttle standing over her. "Are you okay?" he asked. Charlie backed away from him, fearfully. "What are you…?" she gasped. Hurt appeared in Throttle’s eyes and he turned away, walking slowly towards the over side of the room. Suddenly Celeste’s voice could be heard somewhere around them, echoing. "You’ve passed this test, Biker Mice…but don’t think I will go so easy on you next time!" Then with a loud cackle all signs of her faded away. They stood there in shock for a minute until something in the back of Throttle’s mind reminded him of something. "Modo!" he gasped. Grabbing Charlie’s hand they raced back up the steps and found their way to the laboratory. They flung themselves to the doors just in time to see Karbuncle finishing up on Modo. "YOU GET AWAY FROM HIM!" Throttle yelled, ready to slice into the doctor as well, but Vinnie rushed forward and stopped him. "No, Throttle! I told him too!" he gasped. At first Throttle didn’t seem to understand, but when Vinnie explained Modo’s condition he nodded and put his sword away. "So…how is he?" he asked. Vinnie looked sadly relieved. "He’s gonna make it now. And he’s stronger than ever. I’m just afraid of how he’s gonna take it mentally, you know?" he said, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. Throttle patted his shoulder. "It’s alright, Vinnie. He’s got us to take care of him." He said. Vinnie sighed and nodded, then went to Charlie, who was as white as a sheet. Throttle gathered Modo up carefully as Karbuncle gave him advice on how to take care of him. "I can’t believe I’m saying this…but thank you." The tan mouse said to the scientist. Karbuncle nodded, "Well, don’t expect the same next time." He muttered. Throttle nodded in mutual agreement. And then the Biker Mice returned home.

**

It was nearly dawn when Vinnie discovered Throttle sitting up on the roof of the Last Chance Garage, huddled up in a heavy coat. "Bro? What are you doing up here?" The white mouse asked sitting down beside him. "Seeing my last sunrise." He replied softly. Vinnie looked at him worriedly. "Throttle…" he began. The older mouse looked at him, smiling sadly. "You don’t have to say anything, Vincent. I know. Just, please…don’t leave me to deal with this alone…" Vinnie pulled his older brother against him and laid his head on his. " I won’t Throttle. I promise. No matter what happens, me and Modo will always stand beside you…always." Vinnie vowed quietly. As the sun rose over Chicago that morning…both mice were peacefully asleep.