The Brave and the Bold: Animal Man and Rip Hunter

Didn’t I See You Die?

by Philip-Todd Franklin

Cape Town South Africa, Outside City Hall, February 23, 1987

 

I was in South Africa for the Environmental Rally and had been promised that it would stay peaceful. Yeah right, peaceful in a country that at times still didn’t know peace. The weather was nice and the sky was a clear crystal blue as I stood on the stage waiting for my time to approach the mic I continued to think back to the events that had lead to my being here and still the even stranger feeling that I had. I Just had this sick feeling that something beyond my understanding was waiting to happen and I knew I would rather be elsewhere when it happened.

The leading speaker for the day a Mr. Zembuba continued talking for a little while going on and on about the environmental impact, the proposed factory would have to the region. His speech was so full of broken English that at times I had major trouble following him to the point that I nearly missed my cue to come to the mike. Walking to the mic dressed in the familiar blue and orange costume I looked out over the many citizens of Cape Town and began to count the different types of people from both race and origins trying to get my thoughts together before I spoke. That was when I finally heard Mr. Zembuba finish his introduction of me. “…Welcome one and all the American environmentalist hero Animal Man.” As I finished walking to the marked place behind the podium the crowd of people applauded and cheered wildly.

For a few seconds I held my hands up to get the crowd to calm down before I tried to begin. “Thank-You for having me here. I was asked to come here to speak on the potential effects that a potential industry could have on the animal population.” I said as I watched the many people, nearly all eyes turned to me. Never had I spoken to a crowd this large.

Taken the mic in my hand I slowly walked out from behind the podium as I continued to speak.” I do want to first say that not all industry has to be considered evil in and of its self…” at those few words places in the crowd of people began to shout out their shock, but trying to keep control I ignored them and continued. “…Some industry truly can be a major profit for an area and many people.” I continued to watch the many different people, those dressed in their flawless three piece suits, the common city dwellers and then the many tribes men who had come to make their concerns known. Slowly I continued moving back and forth across the stage speaking on both the pros and cons of industrial growth, spoke on how uncontrolled pollution could effect the environment and then I turned to the main topic of my whole speech. I began to talk about the many different types of animals who inhabited the same lands as the people, how the industry would compact on their lives and environment. So involved was I with my speech and the reactions of the crowed that I nearly didn’t spot the young man running towards the stage as if the devil himself was after him.

The young man was dressed as one of the many tribes’ men within the crowds, wearing only a simple animal hide cloth covering his nether regions. He was not deterred by the many guards who were blocking the way to the top of the stage as he ran, the young man executed right before one of the guards a series of flips and tumbles such as I had only witnessed once before. He continued running till he was standing before me and begin to speak rather rapidly within his tribal language that shamefully I could not understand.

The shock of his sudden appearance on stage had stunned me to such a point that I had forgotten my place and continued to stare at him as he began to very animatedly try to get his point across. Half way through his speech and movements the second time, the stage guards finally arrived and were trying to take hold of him and Mr. Zembuba was shouting order towards them.

He turned to me as the guards took hold of the young man and spoke to me. ” I am deeply sorry for what has happened, some times the savages forget their place even here.” Upon his face I could see a look of deep apology but was it my own imagination or was there something hidden even deeper behind his words and expression that I just wasn’t seeing.

“It’s ok Mr. Zem.” I said as I replied. “I’m used to that kind of response from all kinds of people.” He laughed and smiled at my words and then turned to speak with one of the guards for a moment. With a few exchange of words the guards began to drag the helpless young man away as he continued to shout in the tribal tongue trying to get my attention.

Taking the moment to speak before trying to return to my speech I spoke to Mr. Zembuba. “If I might inquire? What was so important to the young man that he figured he needed to talk with me now?”

Mr. Zembuba turned once again from the crowd towards me and for just a second I thought I saw a look of anger flash across his face quickly to disappear before he spoke. “It was nothing Animal Man. Just the misplaced desires of youth. Please just place it out of your mind.” He said with nearly none of the sincerity that his voice proposed.

I slowly nodded my head and filed the event as something to silently figure out later, and then I once again picked up the mike and returned to my speech. I continued speaking for my whole hour and then slowly walked down the stage to greet and shake peoples hands.

As I was taking the moment to shake the hand of an nearly ancient looking old tribes man he looked me right in the eyes and spoke. “Your help is needed. Otherwise an evil of unspeakable magnitude shall be released. At midnight come north of the city and all shall be revealed.”

That night I found myself standing just outside of the city and had just started to think I had made a mistake when someone approached me and spoke. “Are you the American hero Animal Man?” He said in what seemed to be the broken English of the area. He was dressed in very faded blue jeans with a pair of what looked like elephant skin boots along with a blue Izod shirt.

Turning towards the voice I responded, “Yeah that’s me. How can I be of help as I was told earlier?” I asked trying to just cut to the chase.

He walked out from under the shadow of a rather large tree and slowly approached me. ” As you were told, a great evil is about to be released into the world and only you can stop it.”

I continued to stare at him along with taking small glances around making sure that I was not standing within a trap. “So what is this evil you are mentioning and who is about to release it?” I asked wishing that he would just get to the point and go on.

“Straight to the point I see Animal Man, I like that it does make things easier.” He said a small smile playing across his face before continuing. “The evil is called Two Arms Death by the tribes in the area. I’m afraid I can’t talk more about it here, too many people may be listening who do not believe.” He said, speaking the name almost in a whisper. “Are you willing to come to my village with me to learn the rest?” he asked his voice not seeming to have gotten above the whisper it had become.

“How far to your village?” I asked my voice lowering to match his “You do have my curiosity peeked.”

Quickly he glanced at his watch and then even quicker he turned and began to walk away from the city with out responding to my question.

I looked at him for a few seconds and then looked behind me at the sound of motors heading my direction I took off after him at a jogging pace. As much as my curiosity was intrigued by this mans words I couldn’t help getting the feeling that It would not be safe to be seen standing outside the city at this time of the night.

We walked for what seemed like hours into the jungle and the sun could be seen just beginning to come up over the horizon as we began to enter a small village of mud and reed huts. My guide had been silent since our first conversation the whole time we were walking to the village and I couldn’t help thinking I could have saved us some time if he had just told me where we were going.

“You will go to the large hut in the middle. The tribal Elder is in there waiting for you. He will answer all your questions.” My guide said and with that he turned heading toward one of the smaller huts that we had already passed.

I walked to the hut he had pointed out and before I even reached it the reed curtain was pushed out of the way by a young boy of maybe ten. He didn’t speak a word but just motioned for me to enter the hut.

I walked inside and the interior was cool compared to the humid air outside. Shadows were everywhere as the main light sat within the center of the hut, a small fire blazed in its pit. The village elder sat upon a large wooded chair wearing the same cloth covering of the many other men of his tribe, yet he also was wearing a long flowing cloak of a deep brown and had a head dress covered in animal skins and feathers.

I walked and stood before him slowly showing respect knelled before him, getting my first good look at his face and the shock was truly evident upon my face as I looked at the same ancient man who had approached me just the day before after my speech.

He nodded as he spoke to me, “Place young man either stand up or sit but do not knell before one such as myself.” Again his words a mixture of broken English and tribal words but yet enough that I was able to understand him. He stood and slowly walked over to the only table within the hut and sat down in one of the few chairs motioning for me to join him.

“Thank-you sir, but as I have told my guide him my curiosity is peeked. What is this evil, this Two Arms Death?” I said using their words trying to bring this to the point.

As I sat down the elder slipped an old book my way and pointed at it. “All is in there. Read and I shall try explaining if I can.” He spoke, his voice the type that was not used to his demands or wishes being denied.

I looked at the book and noticed that it looked to be also old but not nearly as old as the elder did. Carefully I opened the book, “This is in English.” I said out loud without meaning to do so.

The Elder just nodded at my words but did not move to reply. Very slowly I began to read what was written within the book, taking care not to damage the ancient text.

So involved was I with the book that I had not noticed when food had been brought into the hut and placed before me nor when the Elder had come and gone. Later that evening I felt a hand upon my shoulder that shook me back to my senses and I slowly turned to see the elder staring at me.

“You have been up for nearly two days young man, you must have some food and sleep.” He said to me. It was almost like his words had been the right queue to set my stomach off and it rumbled at being empty. I turned to him as if to speak and he cut me off saying. ” Eat and then rest the text is not going anywhere.” Gently slipping the book from my grasp. Once the book was out of the way a young girl began to bring me the evening meal in which the whole tribe had taken their share of.

When she began to sit the plate of cooked meat before me I shook my head and motioned that I would not be partaking of it. She did not seem to understand so I said, “I do not eat meat.”

She still did not seem to understand but the elder who had not left the hut quickly spoke in their language and after a second she took it away.

As I began to eat the food sat before me I turned to the elder and said, “Thank-you once again. I’ve not eaten meat in a long time and do not wish to do so again.”

He nodded and took a seat at the table. ” I have known of a few others who will not partake of meat so I am not surprised.” He said in response.

I looked at him and just nodded as I took a bite of the bread that had been placed before me.

He began to stand and leave but then stopped and said almost as if a second thought, ” We must hurry time is of the essence young man.” And with that he slowly left the hut, leaving me puzzled with even more questions then I had started with or what the book had not already created.

After I finished my meal I was ushered to a hut. Within I stumbled and located the small cot and quickly fell into a dreamless sleep. In the early morning hours a young boy almost violently shaking me awaked me. Not really aware of my surroundings or seeing the child too well I spoke up, ” Not now Cliff, let me get some sleep.” Calling the boy by the name of my own son, who along with his sister, lived with their mother. At the sound of my voice he stopped and quickly exited the hut. As my mind slowly crawled near awareness I climbed from the cot and slowly dressed.

After waking up I headed to the elder’s hut and without waiting walked inside. The elder was once again sitting upon his large chair surrounded by two rather large young men both dressed in the normal loincloth of their tribe and both carried a wooden shield and spear.

The elder looked at me and quickly spoke, ” A development has come to my attention that makes haste unavailable anymore.” Upon his face the urgency he was feeling could be seen. “Wish that I could allow you the time needed to finish the text but we do not have the luxury. These young men…” he pointed first to the man standing at his right and then to his left. “…This is Ohzo and this is Zoha, they will try to answer any questions that you have. The trip should take no more then a few days travel. May any deity that you follow be with you.” With those words we were ushered outside of the hut. No questions asked and none answered. We quickly gathered up our needed supplies and were along the trail.

The first day was honestly very quite and uneventful, I was able to ask Ohzo and Zoha many questions and they were it seemed very knowledgeable about what seemed to be the unspeakable evil. During that evenings meal as we sat around the campfire I turned to Ohzo and asked him to tell me about the evil.

“The evil has existed as long as man has walked the jungles. It has been freed and captured many times as the tribal legends go. Always at the high cost of life and a few tribes were lost as of the outcome.” He said with great sorrow in his voice.

I looked at him with much compassion and said, ” Ohzo, you lost your tribe in the last capture didn’t you?” I asked.

Still fighting to hold back the tears that were beginning to freshly form upon his face he nodded his head.

Zoha picked that moment to walk away from the fire, I guessed to give his friend respect yet I was not sure. Ohzo continued to speak even as the tears flowed. ” I was but a new born when the evil was last freed and that was many years ago. I am the last of my tribe and when I die so shall the tribe.” He said dropping his head into his hands as he began to silently sob.

I gave him a few moments of unspoken silence and waited till he was able to finish with his tears before I once again spoke to him. “Ohzo, what can you tell me about the last time this evil was freed?” I asked.

Zoha returned to the campfire and had heard enough of my question that he chose to answer so that his friend would not have to. “The last time the great evil was freed…” he said his voice strong and very clear, almost a perfect English accent as he spoke. “… It was but an accident. The tribal shamans had always been the ones to capture this evil when it would get free.” He said.

I looked from both Ohzo and Zoha nodding my understanding but trying to not interrupt him.

” The tribes were neither ready nor were they prepared since the last time it had been free. It killed many a brave warriors the three days of battle before the tribal shamans were able to converge on it and once again shackle it. And the price this time for its capture was more then anyone had ever expected. For when it was done, all but one of the many shamans there were dead.” Zoha said staring at the fire as it danced in the fire pit.

I sat there taking in all he had said, listening to the many sounds of the jungle around us. After a few moments of lost thought I spoke up once again. “Where have they kept this evil trapped all these years?”

Both Ohzo and Zoha looked at each other and after a few moments Ohzo looked at me and said, “The legends say it has been kept captive in a large gem that is supposed to be trapped within The Cave of the stranger. Legends also have it that the stranger was the first to confront and capture the evil before training the shamans in how to keep it there.” With that said both men stood up and went to their own respected bedrolls.

Ohzo turned to me just before leaving and added, “Go get sleep we shall be at the cave of the stranger by mid-tomorrow” and was gone.

I sat there for a few more moments before getting up and lying down upon my own bedroll. Once again I slept a very dreamless sleep.

In the morning we were awaken to the sounds of the creatures of the jungle. “It’s the evil!” Ohzo said fear causing his voice to shake just a little. With his voice I awoke the rest of the way and for a moment listened to the animals. Not that I could make out much I could tell that they were bothered by something.

Turning to my companions I could see that both of them were very shaken and figured that they were not going to be of much help once we reached our destination but decided to keep my thoughts to myself.

Rather quickly we gathered up our gear and after a moment to get our bearings headed once again to the proposed location of the cave of the stranger.

We walked for what had to be more then four hours when Zoha held up his hand and with the other pointed to the jungle before us. “This is one of the many results of the great evil.” He said as he waved his arm from side to side like a showman. That which he was showing me was the remains of a dead jungle. All the trees were blackened as if having been in a raging fire just recently yet were still solid. The foliage was also gone from the trees; all that represented life in the jungle was gone. What really got to me was how quite it was. After all the noises from the animals there was deathly silence. Then I saw it, the bleached white bones of what had been a gorilla and by the way it laid I could tell that it was recently dead, most likely it had been running away from something as it died.

The shock of this sight was nearly more then I could handle. “Unreal…” I said not meaning to speak my thoughts out loud.

We continued to examine the area for a few moments seeing other remains in the same state and decide to press on, as we had to be close to the cave.

As we continued walking through this destroyed jungle our party’s moral was extremely low and the sights seen didn’t make it any better. Within only an hour of where we first noticed where the jungle was dead we located what looked like the mouth of a large cave. As I stood there with Ohzo and Zoha I thought of how much I’d love to have some of my old Forgotten hero’s buddies with me. Mostly how useful Cave Carson would be right now.

Moving a silently as we could we crept up on the cave mouth trying to listen for any sounds that should have been out of place. Above the mouth of the cave was a round carving, looking something like a medallion of some kind but I didn’t recognize it except from what the book had mentioned of the cave. Next to the mouth were two little pits one at each side and the remains of what had once been torches.

I looked at my companions and motioned for them to join me at one side of the mouth. When the arrived I silently ask, “What can you tell me about these?” pointing towards the holes in the ground.

Ohzo looked at it and then just as silently said, “The pit is supposed to hold a lit torch and its twin across the mouth the same. Between the two a barrier would be erected blocking access to the cave of the stranger.”

I nodded and taking a moment took a better look at the pit noticing just to the side what looked like a piece of a pole. Looking at it I could tell that it had been snapped in two and from what print I could see I also knew what had done it.

“I guess the barrier has been breached and that means our problem is inside. You can either wait here or join me?” I said pointing into the dark cave entrance.

Both Ohzo and Zoha looked at the cave entrance and then back at me before shaking their heads and mouthing, “No.”

I nodded my head and taking a long look around started to slowly head into the darkness of the cave. Just as I had walked to the point where the light from outside could not be seen I reached out and was able to absorb the radar of a bat, using it to see my way through the cave.

I walked for what felt like an hour when I noticed some light coming from in front of me. It was also at that time that I also heard the sound of two rather angry apes heading my way.

Without really thinking about it I absorbed the strength of the apes and turned to look at them. Both of them were bigger then any simian I had ever seen before. They both roared once again beating their hairy chest before moving quickly towards me.

Seeing them both charge at me I moved back towards the cave wall and in a panicked moment thought of how useful it would be to blend in with my surroundings right then. I felt something happen and looked in amazement as both of the apes stopped just a foot from me and had the pure look of shock showing across their faces. I couldn’t at the time figure out what had happened but I did not waste time with that and silently skimmed along the wall till I was past them both and only then did I take a second to look back at them.

Both of the apes were looking around everywhere in circles and sniffing the air. It was as if they had totally lost me. So using the same stealth I seemed to have found I silently left them to their search and headed deeper into the cave.

Keeping the strength I had absorbed from the apes I continued walking through the cave and could hear someone chanting. Once I rounded the bend in the cave corridor I got a glimpse of the back of Amman’s head. He was wearing a long red cloak and his hair was coal black except at his temples, which were very gray.

Without thinking about it I called out loudly towards him. “You’ve got to stop what you are doing. It’s destroying everything.”

The man quickly spun around to face me and spoke, ” I have to stop nothing, you meddling nuisance. I know exactly what I am doing.” And with those words he lifted his arms and began to silently chant, swaying as he did.

I charged forward having forgotten his two playmates that I had left behind. I only reached about half the way there when a large hairy hand shot out and grabbed hold of me. It was such a surprise that I actually spoke out, “What?” before I noticed that it was the hand of an ape.

The large ape swung me around and tried to grab me with its other hand only to have me press against it with my own. Matching it strength for strength.

The man continued to chant his rhythm slowly rising as he went. I could not understand any of his words.

The second ape chose that time to decide that it wanted to get a piece of me so it lunged forward.

I ducked, keeping my pressure on the ape before me allowing the second one to crash into the first taking both of them to the ground. With both of them tangled and on the ground I quickly stood and lunged at the man.

I contacted with him knocking him onto the ground breaking his concentration. Trying to grab a hold on him he once again spoke pointing his finger at me.

” Buddy Baker, You have always been a pain in my neck every since we were kids. I should have gotten rid of you then if I had known better.” And with that he sent me flying back into the wall.

The shock of his knowing my name while in costume shocked me more then anything and my jaw and dropped just before I crashed against the wall. I began to black out from having hit the wall. But I could see a large gem imbedded into the rock wall he had been standing in front of and it was glowing brightly.

“You’ve only postponed the inedible Buddy I will have the power.” He said as he once again waved his hands before me and blackness over took me.

“But you’re dead!” I said just as the blackness finally clamed me.

 

***

Rip Hunters California Headquarters, March 3, 1987

Slowly Animal man sipped at his cup of coffee he held in his hands. “And then once I came to I was back outside and looked for my companions. Finding both of them dead. I ran back till I could find something that had flight and after absorbing the power, I headed here as fast as I could. Can you help me Rip?” I asked

The whole time during Animal man’s tale Rip hunter had sat upon his workbench stool and listened. The many thousand of questions that had burned through his mind the whole time, he had kept to himself. Knowing it was always best to wait till the end to ask questions. He stood up from his stool and walked over to a large blackboard that covered one whole wall. Quickly took an eraser and cleared a part of the board.

“You are sure you recognized the man?” he asked as he began to write equations upon the board.

Nodding animal man let his head droop into his hands. “Yeah, I’m sure.” He said as the memory once again along with an even older memory and he shivered uncontrollably. “But I know I saw him die.” He nearly whispered.

Rip hunter continued writing on the board in front of him saying, “So what do you want to do about it?”

For a moment Animal Man could not respond so caught up in the memories before he said, “Rip I’ve got to stop this evil, but I’ve also got to know the truth about this man too.”

“I see. Could always call in the rest of the Forgotten Hero’s.” Hunter said.

Looking up Animal man shook his head replying, “No time Rip. Just not enough time.”

Rip hunter continued writing for a moment and then dropped the chalk from his fingers checking over the equation he had just written. Nodding his head he turned to face Buddy and said, “Then it’s just the two of us. Being that Bonnie is at a History conference and Jeff went to visit family. This is your show Buddy, where do we go first?” He asked with a knowing smile, Rip hunter was ready for the adventure.

Buddy’s face went blank for a moment as he tried to remember the proper date. “I think I have it Rip. The date is April of 1962 I think it was the 17th but don’t remember the exact time.” He said as he nodded his head the ghost of a smile crossing his face for the first time since he had arrived.

Hunter nodded as he walked over to a locker and quickly running through the combination in the lock opened it up. “Then if time truly is of the essence as you have already said…” He said as he began to grab different items from the locker. ” …Then we need to hurry.” He added as he tossed both a small translator chip and a pair of goggles.

Buddy slipped the translator over his left ear and looked at the goggles for a second before pocketing them in his jacket pocket. `What do I need the goggles for?’ he thought to himself as he followed Hunter into the time sphere.

Walking into the time sphere Rip hunter sat down in a chair behind a large console full of different instruments. Quickly he began to feed information into the onboard computer through the keyboard and the results began to show up on the many screens around the sphere. “Just find a seat anywhere Buddy we’ve got plenty of room.” Rip said as he pressed the control to close the door on the sphere. “Oh and hope you didn’t forget those goggles… the ride can be dirty without them.” He added a second later as a humming noise could be heard.

Buddy Baker took a seat in the middle of the sphere and watched the monitor before him. Thoughts of goggles far behind as he tried to make heads or tails out of the information being played upon the screen.

Outside of the sphere time slowed to a stop and then began to swirl in a counter clockwise direction. With a little bump the time sphere lifted from its resting spot and began to fade for site. If anyone had been within the room at that time they would have just seen the sphere stop being within an instant followed by a loud popping sound.

Sitting at the controls Rip hunter continued to manipulate the keyboard as the information before him changed. Neither of the two men spoke during the trip only once had Buddy looked away from the screen in front of him and noticed the swirl and streaks of colors surrounding them. In that one instance he felt violently sick and quickly closed his eyes, moaning loudly as he lowered his head.

“I did warn you to not forget the goggles Buddy. Rip said from the sphere’s pilot seat.

 

 

April 17 1962, Flagstaff Arizona:

The sphere began to shudder fiercely as it traveled through time, only adding to Animal man’s already flopping stomach. Rip hunter was rapidly typing away at the keyboard, the only sounds within the sphere were his constant hitting of the keys, the humming of the power source and the light moaning coming from Animal man.

“Oh… Rip can you let me off this Rollercoaster?” Animal man asked from his seat just before he emptied the contents of his stomach into a bag that had been hanging on the back of the seat before him.

For a second there was no reply to his question and then all of a sudden the sphere stopped and reality quickly popped back into view upon the monitors within the sphere.

With a few more clicks on the keyboard before him Rip hunter checked the area outside of the time sphere before flipping the switch to open the outside door. “Let me help you out into the fresh air.” He said as he offered his hands to animal man, helping him as they made their way out of the time sphere.

After a few moments of walking around Animal man’s normal complexion started returning. “I think I feel better. That is one heck of a ruff ride.”

Staring around at the clearing they had landed Rip hunter almost seemed so lost in thought that he had not heard what Animal Man said. “The sphere should be very well covered from prying eyes,” he said. Then turning around he looked at animal man, “Sorry about the bumpy ride. I can’t for the life of me understand what caused it.” With those words he glanced down at his wristwatch before adding, “Ok you have an idea of when this death took place?”

Animal man just nodded his head as he continued to look around. Slowly they left the clearing of trees in the small park just behind the Epistle Baptist Church.

Buddy looked up at the sky and could see by the placing of the sun that it was nearly four in the afternoon.” We’ve got about an hour to get ourselves to the proper location.” He said looking something on the back door of the church that had caught his eye. Upon the old oak door was a little carving of a cross with two sets of initials on each of the arms, one reading B.B. and the other R.M, below that read in small knife work `friends forever’.

Rip walked up to see what Buddy was looking at, “what have you found so interesting buddy?” he said

After a second Buddy turned and look at Rip while pointing to the mark on the door. “I remember when I and Roger, he was my best friend growing up, carved those into the door. Remember it like it was yesterday.” As he spoke an almost mournful sigh escaped his lips. And with that he began to walk back into the woods but this time towards the west.

Rip not wanting to bother his friend any decided to not ask the question that was running through his mind.

As the continued to walk the sun slowly set behind the mountains and as they finally stopped walking Buddy putting his finger to his lips silently said, “this is the place. And if I’m not totally forgetful, then it should happen in less then an hour so lets make ourselves scarce.”

Rip just nodded his head as he pointed to a rather large looking mess of tangled trees and brush. Buddy nodded his agreement and within less time then it takes to say it the two heroes’ were buried deeply into the brush but had a perfect view of the whole area.

After an hour and a half had passed Buddy was beginning to think that he had been totally wrong about the day and time. Yet the carving on the door was evidence that told him other wise. He made to move when movement could be heard coming from the east. From the church they had left. When Buddy noticed the noise he chilled himself, thinking how forgetful he was for not remembering the church outing before the death.

After a few seconds two young boys walked into view, both were dressed in blue jeans and had on plaid shirts. One of the boys had blond hair and the other had a dark color type making it hard to see. With a few words spoken from the two boys Buddy knew which one was which. The dark haired boy looked to be nearly 18 and the other as if he was barely 16. As they continued to whisper buddy kept listening for another dreaded sound and wasn’t soon left waiting.

A third person had moved into the clearing and was brandishing a gun. He was dressed in dark close fitting clothing and his face was hidden in shadow. He continued to demand money.

The older dark haired youth looked at the other man and quickly lunged at him.

The younger blond haired youth for a second was in shock and couldn’t move.

The assailant so surprised that he was being attacked nearly forgot he was carrying a gun and took a step backwards towards the very brush that both Buddy and Rip were concealed within.

As the assailant moved he caused the older dark haired boy to just miss and land prone at his feet. Cussing as he tried to quickly come to his feet.

The younger youth quickly came to his senses and took off running into the dark woods.

Without paying any attention to the younger boy the assailant looked down at the older boy as he was trying to stand.

The dark haired youth cussed as he tried to quickly come to his feet yet tried to keep the assailant where he could keep him.

When the boy had made it to his hands and knees the assailant placed the barrel of his gun to the youths head, grinned and mumbled something just as he pulled the trigger… As the sound of the gun began to echo through the woods a blinding white light erupted before all and they were momentarily blinded.

The killer unable to see ran the only direction he knew, heading quickly towards the church dropping the gun as he ran.

Buddy tried to move his arms so that he could rub his eyes but found that he was unable to move but also that suddenly he could see clearly as if it was midday and not the deep of night. A figure that he at first took to be the killer was standing before the body lying on the forest floor. Buddy’s mind was screaming at him as he tried to move, `that’s not how it happened.’

After a moment he noticed that the person now standing over the body was dressed in what looked like a blue three piece suit with a white shirt and what was either a long blue cloak or trench coat, upon his head was a fedora of the same blue as the suit and white gloves covered his hands. As the figure raised his arms to his side a gold looking medallion type thing could be seen hanging in front of him, what really stood out in Buddy’s mind at that moment was how much it seemed to look like the carving that was in South Africa.

The figure standing over the body began to wave his arms in little gestures and a blue/green glow began to circle the body on the ground. After a few seconds it looked like the body was fading away but then all of a sudden it grew a little more solid and then the glow faded.

A few seconds passed then the figure bowed its head at the body saying a few words and in a flash of light disappeared. Buddy was left thinking what the heck.

As Rip hunter’s eyes cleared he could just make out a figure dressed in blue standing over the body, it bowed its head and looked to be saying something but the voice was so low it could not be heard. Then in a flash of light disappeared.

As the figure in white vanished both Rip hunter and Animal man found that they could both move. Buddy tossing caution to the wind quickly crawled out from the brush and headed towards the body on the forest floor. Rip tried to grab him as he moved but missed and had to quickly move to keep up with him.

“What do you think you’re doing Buddy?” Rip asked as they reached the body.

“I have to see it once more Rip.” He said his voice coming very shallow. He glanced down at the body lying before him and at that moment it seemed as if the world around him chose to spin and go dim without his help as he gasped for air, “huuuuuuu” and he crashed to the ground as he tried to walk away. For lying on the forest floor was a man with coal dark hair that was graying at the temples, and he was dressed all in red.

Rip glanced at the body and as he heard Buddy’s gasp for air he turned in time to see him crash to the ground. Rip calmly walked over to Buddy and first checking for a pulse and finding that reached into a pocket at his waist and pulled out some smelling souse. After a few moments of waving that under Animal man’s noise didn’t not seem to drawl a response and not being a medic Rip hunter was left at the moment with a dilemma, how to revive his fallen friend.

Making a judgment call born on his training and many adventures, Rip hunter decided to gently lift Buddy and move him from the area just in case someone decided to come and investigate the sounds. He had just gotten out of view of the area when in the distance the sounds of sirens could be heard slowly approaching. Rip continued to work trying to revive Buddy but not having any effect with all he had tried.

Rip continued to listen to the sounds of many people walking and talked not very far from his and Buddy’s location. As he continued to listen he heard a voice just over to the right of his shoulder.

“Mr. Hunter I do believe you and Mr. Baker are going to need my help.” Quickly Rip hunter turned around and found standing behind him the vary figure he had seen not many hours before. As he tried to look at the man’s face, he found that it seemed to be constantly hidden in shadows.

“Who are you Mr.?” Rip asked trying to get his anger and surprise to show without having to raise his voice.

“I’m just a stranger, trying to help.” The man said as he kneeled and gently placed his hand upon Buddy’s forehead. For about a second a white light glowed from his hands and around the medallion that hung around his neck as he spoke words in a language that even the translator could not identify.

When he had finished Buddy slowly opened his eyes, which flew very wide at the site of the man before him. “What….” was all he could say.

 

Rip Hunter’s Time Sphere:

Buddy quickly looked at the figure standing above him as he came to his senses. The sounds of many emergency vehicles could be heard not far off in the distance and as Buddy was getting to his feet Rip offered his friend his hands.

“We must not terry around here much longer. There would be many unneeded questions, and I know that you are needed elsewhere,” said the man in blue.

Buddy took Rips hands and with his friend and teammates help got to his feet. Once again he looked at the man in blue and almost as if a bomb had gone off he said, “I know whom you are. Batman told me about you that one time we had worked together. You’re known as the Phantom Stranger”

The Stranger just nodded his head as he began to walk away.

Rip stood there with a puzzled look upon his face and then turned to Buddy. Within the woods not far from their location the sounds of many people conducting a search could be heard. “Come on Buddy, he’s right. We can’t afford to be seen, you know the rules.” Hunter said as he began to follow the Stranger, who had already begun to head in the direction of Hunter’s time sphere.

Quickly the trio arrived at hunter’s time sphere and boarded. Buddy took a seat staring at the Stranger as he spoke, “What do you know?” he asked, his voice still shaking from what he had seen.

Hunter had once they entered his time sphere sat down behind the master controls and began preparing to hurl the sphere once again into time.

The Stranger calmly took a seat across from animal man and spoke, “I know that this is not either of your times, though both of you exist here and I know that where you are from that everything is being threatened.” His voice was calm and even yet showing great warmth, compassion and warmth.

Buddy sat there listening to him and though, ` Batman must be wrong about him, he seems pretty normal to me.’

“I see and I take it you know I got my hind end handed to me when I was there?” Buddy said a little bit of his shame of being beaten so easy coming through.

The stranger didn’t say a thing just continued to look at Buddy and then began to speak once again in the language he had used earlier, the one that Hunter’s translators could not translate. From his actions a strange bluish gray light glowed around animal man for a few seconds and then it stopped. The stranger nodded his head and once again spoke. “Mr. Baker, it would seem that there are many things that are going on here. Some that I’m not even sure you would understand. You’re defeat before you came here is the least of the worry yet it’s also a key part of what is going on.”

At hearing this Rip stopped working at his controls and spun around in his seat. “What do you mean? We’ve just got to go back and stop that crazy who’s trying to destroy everything”

The stranger looked at rip hunter saying, “It’s not that easy, Mr. Hunter. Mr. Baxter here already knows it from what he’s already seen this day. You both shall need my help if you are to succeed in your coming task.”

Rip turned to look at animal man. “What’s he saying Buddy?”

The words of the Stranger had begun to sink into animal man’s mind and most of the color had drained from his face. Taking a moment to gain his thoughts and to stop shaking Buddy began to speak…

 

Within The Cave of the Stranger, February 24, 1987:

The Time Sphere landed within a chamber within the mountain just off from the main room. The three companions looked at each other as hunter reached back releasing the hatch upon the sphere.

The stranger held up his hands as he spoke and blocked the way from the ship. “We must wait, or I fear we could compress an already delicate situation even more.”

Rip nodded as he glanced down at the watch upon his wrist and checked the contents of his many pockets.

“There’s so much I feel that you could answer for me.” Buddy said, standing just before the stranger.

“That has never been my role, Mr. Baker. I’m just a stranger who tries to help when I can.” And for a moment it seemed as if a great sadness seemed to roll off of the phantom stranger “I shall see what can be done Mr. Baker.” He said as he turned and headed out of the ship.

Both Rip and Animal man quickly followed the phantom stranger as he began to walk out of the chamber and into the passage leading off.

“Buddy, what are you and he not telling me?” Rip hunter asked of his friend and fellow forgotten hero.

Animal man at first didn’t say anything then spoke as if coming to a conclusion about something hard and complicated. “Rip the body back at the clearing?”

Hunter just nodded as the continued to walk behind the Phantom Stranger.

“It’s the same person I’ve already faced here once before. But Rip, that is the same boy that was shot long ago also.” Buddy said his words coming out so fast that they were nearly running together.

Just a few moments ahead of the two men the Phantom stranger had stopped just as the passage exited into a large room, his arms were out at his side.

Both men stopped speaking as they made their way to where the Phantom stranger was standing and both Buddy and Rip knew that there was much more that would have to be explained before this strange adventure was over.

As they reached the Phantom stranger he was once more speaking the strange language that both men had now heard twice before. As a result of his actions little stones within the sides of the passage had began to glow a soft white light.

Within the main chamber a man dressed all in red began to scream as the many stones within the chamber began to glow. “No! I will not be stopped I shall have the power I crave.” He said. Turning to the two apes within the room he said, “Find him. Find the accursed stranger and destroy him!”

The two apes sniffed the air as they both began to leave the chamber the man dressed in red quickly restarted his many rituals that the many books had spoken of. The whole time a large gem before him began to pulse and glow a deep dark red, almost like a heartbeat.

Both Animal man and Rip hunter watched as the phantom Stranger continued and the glow of the stones brightened.

Two rather loud roars came from the chamber before the trio causing both buddy and Rip to turn and look into the chamber beyond. Within the chamber coming their way both men could see the two large apes. Buddy quickly absorbed their strength and thought `Well I guess I’ll have to play with the boys again.’

Rip Hunter just stared at the two large apes and slowly began to back up away from the entrance. `How can I be of help against either of these?’ was his thoughts as the two apes began to charge. The whole time this was going on the phantom stranger seemed to be oblivious to the danger that he was in and continued to chant forcing the glow form the stones to become almost blinding.

Within seconds the two apes were upon Animal man. The first ape threw its fist at him only to find that it was held within the hand of its intended target.

Buddy didn’t flinch as the ape began to swing at him, he just waited and at the last second caught the apes large hand within his own. Then using a jujitsu move he had had much trouble learning he used the apes own momentum to send it crashing behind him and into the cave wall.

Hunter watched as Animal man tossed the first ape into the wall and then his eyes light up and he turned running towards his time sphere as fast as he could run.

The second ape having seen its companion tossed tried a different approach. Taking both of the massive paws it swung one and then the other at animal man’s head one from the right and the other from the left only to have them end up smacking together.

Once again buddy waited for a moment before responding and at the last second he dropped below the arms of the ape and lunched his fist straight out before him, racking the large ape between the legs.

As if having missed his target had not been shock enough for the large ape, having its target strike it below the belt was too much. Its eyes began to bulge as its knees buckled and instead of a mighty roar escaping its lips only a tiny whimper could be heard.

The first Ape had gotten back to its feet and this time decided to attack the target in blue. From its place beside the wall it lunged itself straight at the phantom stranger only to hear a stranger noise and then feel a sting within its back before its first target suddenly appeared before it. Within seconds the large age crashed once again to the ground just as all went black

Rip Hunter was standing a little ways away from where both Animal Man and the Phantom Stranger were standing. Within his hand he held a large sniper rifle a large grin across his face. “Never leave home without your charge account,” he said

Hunter quickly tranquilized the second of the large apes without words and then calmly reloaded his gun.

Buddy looked at the gun and then at Rip and just stared for a moment as if he had never seen Rip hunter with a gun before.

After a few seconds the glow from the stones was so bright that it was nearly as bright within the cavern as it would be a midday outside. Quickly the Phantom stranger spoke. “We must hurry. Mr. Baker has already seen the damage from the creature this man is trying to release.” With those words the trio walked into the chamber each keeping their thought to themselves.

The man dressed in red continued to chant and the faster he swayed the faster the light from the gem pulsed. “Yes, yes I shall have my eternal freedom and all shall pay.” Spoke a voice within the man’s mind. “Yes master you shall be free and I shall have my power to rule.” He said

Animal man flew into the chamber and headed straight towards the man in red shouting as he went. “Roger you’ve got to stop this foolishness!”

Without a word the man turned from the gem and raised his arm, pointing his finger straight at animal man. As he spoke a sickly green beam shot from his finger and blasted into animal man, stunning him.

Rip hunter had decided to creep into the room and stayed beside the walls. As he spotted the man at the center of the room he could see what looked to be the largest gem he had ever seen just behind the man. `That must be the cause of the problem’ he thought.

The Phantom stranger entered the main chamber just in time to see buddy get blasted and begin to fall. Without thought he raised his hands and spoke a few words, causing buddy to gently glow for a second before he started to softly glided towards the ground.

“No…No…No! That accursed Stranger, destroy him my servant.” The voice from the gem said. In Response to the voice Roger raised his arms and began to chant ancient Latin words causing a rain of daggers to dive towards the Phantom Stranger.

Chanting and waving his hands above himself a white dome appeared just seconds before the daggers, blocking their path. Then the Phantom Stranger slowly began to walk towards the center of the room.

A show of shock crossed Roger’s face as his daggers were blocked and rage nearly consumed him as he began to once again chant.

Animal Man gently landed upon the ground and began to rub his head trying to shake the sick feeling that had been crawling into his stomach as they had entered the chamber.

Rip Hunter continued to walk along the sides of the chamber till he had what he considered a clear view of Roger. Slowly he raised his rifle and began to take aim…

The sound of thunder could be heard within the chamber as lightning began to streak from Roger’s hands out towards the Phantom Stranger whom continued to walk towards Roger ignoring the lighting, his medallion glowing brightly white. “This does not have to be.” He spoke to Roger compassion and sorrow flowing from him.

Buddy was shocked; he could not believe that even in the pit of battle even for his Enemies the Stranger was showing compassion. Believing that so many of the hero’s felt no compassion for those whom they fought.

Roger continued to chant tossing bolts and fire neither having any effect upon the Phantom Stranger. “I would rather this have gone the other way.” The stranger said as he reached the center of the chamber. Slowly he raised his hands and began to once again chant words that none within the chamber understood.

“No!!! I was nearly free!!!” shouted the voice from the gem as it spoke within Roger’s head. Roger once again started to chant and was surprised, as he could feel nothing. ‘Where is the power?’ he thought as he continued to speak the ancient words the being had told him.

The Phantom stranger began to glow brightly as he continued to chant and his hands and arms began to move, almost looking as if they were dancing. As he chanted the glow from the gem began to fade.

Roger turned to look at the gem of his master and noticed as the light was fading within. Without truly thinking Roger reached for the knife attached on his belt, grabbed it and quickly began to head towards the Phantom Stranger his intent readable across his face.

Buddy watched what was happening as if he was watching an event on TV and not a live life or death battle and was totally shocked to see Roger pull out the very knife that he had seen so many years ago. As he came to his senses he began to head towards Roger to stop him before he was able to interfere with what the Phantom stranger was doing, whatever it was. All Buddy was sure of was that magic truly was beyond him.

Before Buddy had taken two steps the sound of a rifle boomed within the chamber and Roger fell to the ground clutching his head. Rip had waited and waited for what he wanted to be the right moment, which he didn’t get. Having to take a shot when he first noticed Roger with the knife. With that quick action he aimed and fired shooting a tranquilizer dart and scored.

 

Epilogue

 

Cave of the stranger main chamber Buddy and Rip hunter both quickly walked up where Roger had fallen. Rip looked at Buddy and softly spoke, “I’m sorry about this Buddy, I wish it hadn’t have happened.”

Animal man just continued to stare at the man whom he remembered from his childhood. And for a moment he was lost in his memories.

The Stranger slowly walked up to where both Animal man and Rip Hunter were standing and speaking a few words of Latin caused a gentle glow to surround Roger.

After a few moments the stranger stopped and softly placed his gloved hand upon Animal man’s shoulder. “I’m sorry about all of this.” He said before turning to face Rip hunter.

“So will you be needing a lift back?” Rip asked staring at the Phantom Stranger

Shaking his head he replied, “No I do believe that I and my passenger have a date with history.” He said without a hint of triumph within his voice. Looking once again at animal man, the Phantom Stranger slowly made his way and stood before the large gem. “Once again you have been defeated as was once before spoken. Only this time the world shall not have to fear your ever returning for I shall make sure of that.” The Phantom Stranger said as he lifted his arms and began to drawl circles upon the air before the gem. Slowly a blackish light began to form before the gem. So just a second the sound of a voice screaming in total fright could be heard from both within and without each of their heads and then was gone.

When the Phantom Stranger had finished his actions the large gem was as black as night and had shattered into many smaller chunks. “It is now gone from any place that man will trod.” He said as he turned and slowly walked back to join Animal man and Rip Hunter.

Buddy watched as the gem grew dark and then shattered, within he could hear the voice screaming for help and then it was silent, yet something within didn’t feel right. The memories he had been seeing were confusing mostly because as he could tell they did not ring true with what he had remembered experiencing or not having experienced at all.

“So can you be of help to me or shall I just go mad?” Buddy asked without a trace of humor in his voice, as he looked straight at the Phantom Stranger.

Nodding the Stranger began to speak, “You’re life has been in flux and its cause has been the very crisis that so many did once face. Many died and others were still lost once the crisis was over. Things for so many have gone back to normal for them, yet for some such as you things have never been the same.”

Buddy listened to the words and he remembered the crisis that had destroyed so many worlds and had nearly cost the existence of all that was. “I know and remember the crisis, what’s that got to do with my conflicting memories?” He asked

“The results of the crisis upon your vary life, Mr. Baker. What you truly remember and what now is are no longer the same.” The Stranger said

Rip had stood there listening to the conversation neither adding nor disturbing it but he felt that he had an idea of what was going on so he spoke up. ” Buddy, from what I understand, the crisis and the temporary merging that it seems very few remember or do not speak of cause a mini crisis if you would centering on you and the man you remember as a childhood friend.”

Once again the Phantom Stranger nodded, “Yes that is the proper conclusion and the only answer that I am allowed to give.” With that said the Phantom Stranger bent down and gently lifted Roger’s body placing it over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

“Come on Buddy we’ve got to head back to the Headquarters.” Rip said as he grabbed Animal man’s arm and began to drag him towards the time sphere.

For a second Buddy started to struggle with Rip before he let him direct him towards the ship. Quickly he shouted back towards the Phantom Stranger, “What’s going to happen with Roger?” concern echoing in his voice.

“He shall pay the price for playing with fire.” Were the words that drifted to Animal man’s ears.

For a second a bright green light flashed within the main chamber to be followed by a white light and then the stones within the walls went dark. The short walk back to the ship both men were silent. And the silence continued the whole trip back to Rip’s headquarters.

 

Rip Hunters California Headquarters:

The Time Sphere rocked and shook as it finally landed upon its mooring.

Quickly Rip hunter began to flip switches and type in commands upon the keyboard before him. “Ok, that’s a successful if not a painful less test of the override chip.” Rip said as he grinned at Animal man.

“What do you mean override chip?” Buddy asked as he quickly exited the time sphere.

After taking a second to open the panel below the keyboard hunter yanked out a small chip about the size of a human fingernail. He dropped it onto the floor and quickly crushed it. Hunter exited right behind him and replied, “Don’t worry about it Buddy, it’s no longer an existing problem it’s simply too powerful to let exist.

As Animal man was fixing to reply the door to Rip hunter’s office opened and out walked his companion and assistant of many years. “Hey Rip, been on any adventures without me? Ah it doesn’t matter. I’ve had some of the sweetest company ever waiting here with me” Jeff said a large grin plastered to his face.

At the sound of his words a figure walked out of the office and stepped around him. She was about 5’11, strawberry hair blue eyes and was dressed in a skin tight costume that looked a lot like the one Buddy was wearing only the colors were black and orange where buddy’s was blue and orange. She looked at both Rip hunter and then looked at Animal man and then she spoke. “Daddy I think we need to have a talk.”