THE CAT AND THE SHADOW
By
Shadowhawk
The asteroid planet Fense is a place where the lowest of lowlifes hang
out and do business. A dark version of the Sprinthawk called the Nightmare
touched down near the Sinistar Diner. Out walks a SilverHawk completely covered
in black shiny armor and a half-metal raven perched on his shoulder. Upon
approaching the diner, he makes his way to the bartender and sits next to
a cloaked person covering most of its body. The SilverHawk is Kumo Kagetaka,
the Shadowhawk, Mon*Star's right-hand man and his raven sidekick Erebus,
the most feared duo in Limbo.
Bartender: Hello there. How can I help you?
Kumo: Got a safe house for me? I'm on the run.
Bartender: From the SilverHawks? Can't help you there.
Kumo: It's not from the SilverHawks. It's a long story.
Bartender: I've got time. Spit it out.
Kumo: Well, it all started when I was done with my first missions
for the Mob…
In Shadowhawk's past, he was fully anointed as a member of the
Mob and was Mon*Star's most powerful ally against the SilverHawks. At Brim*Star's
Fortress, Mon*Star himself was speaking to the Mob.
Mon*Star: For eons, I was the most feared and powerful ruler of
all worlds. But it seems that others want to take over my rightful place
as ruler of all Limbo! Skyshadow revealed a different syndicate from Earth
and all parts of Limbo has formed on Automata.
Yes-Man: Automata. Yes, boss. I understand the leader is an Earthling.
Mon*Star: Exactly! What better thing to send OUR Earthling warrior
undercover and find out what plans they're hatching! Shadowhawk, come
forward!
Kumo (bowing down): Yes, Planet Master?
Mon*Star: You must disguise yourself as a member of this syndicate,
infiltrate the ranks, and then destroy the opposition! Do I make myself clear?!
Kumo (nods): Indeed, Mon*Star. Crystal clear.
Cuts to present time.
Kumo: With the Mob's powers given to me by Mon*Star, I disguised
myself as myself in a 3-piece suit. This was mostly a Chinese syndicate so
I went under Yun Yingyao, which meant "cloud shadow-hawk", a variation of
my real name Kumo Kagetaka.
Bartender (serving drinks to the "locals"): I see. Tell me more.
Kumo: Well, Sauronus, better known as Hardware, modified my Nightmare
and I warped to Automata and found lots of ships bearing a red sun insignia.
Flashback to the time Shadowhawk went in front of the red sun
ships in the Nightmare. The syndicate was called Apollo Red. Two syndicate
members were aiming guns at Shadowhawk in a 3-piece suit.
Soldier A: Hold it, gwai-lo! This is Apollo Red territory!
Soldier B: Who are you, anyway? One of those SilverHawks?
Kumo: SilverHawks don't like me very much. I'm Yun Yingyao from
Earth. I wish to join the ranks of Apollo Red.
The two soldiers drew a bead on the disguised Shadowhawk.
Soldier A: You better not be lying, gwai-lo. We can see very easily,
you know.
Soldier B: Yun Yingyao, is it? Well, Mr. Yingyao, we'll see if
our leader Shi Long will accept you in our clan.
The two soldiers escort Shadowhawk at gunpoint walking past different
soldiers bearing the Apollo Red insignia. At a mechanized throne sit the
Apollo Triad of Shi Long, Lin Zhang and Tatsung Mao.
Long: So, you're the newest member of Apollo Red. You said you're
name is Yun Yingyao?
Kumo: That's correct.
Zhang: I haven't heard of you, either. Where've you been?
Kumo: I'm from Earth.
T.Mao: An Earthling? How coincidental. We three of the Apollo
Triad are from Earth, too.
Kumo: Ain't that a kick in the head?
Shadowhawk was taken to a boarding room for rest and recreation.
He found a shogi board and miscellaneous Oriental gifts.
Kumo (excited): WOW! This is like when I was back in Osaka! (kept
calmly) But still, I must let Mon*Star know, but there's too much interference
to send radio signals. Unless…
Shadowhawk takes Erebus out of his pocket and activates him for
orders.
Erebus: You called, boss?
Kumo: Yes. Fly to Brim*Star and let Mon*Star know I'm in. Don't
let any Apollo Red soldier see you fly.
Erebus: OK, boss. I'll do my best.
Just then, Shadowhawk heard a young girl calling him from afar.
Girl: YOU THERE! WITH THE BIRD!
Kumo: AH! Busted!
Girl: Darn right you busted! Pets are not allowed by Apollo Red
traditions unless the Triad Lords agree!
Kumo: Sorry about that.
Girl (winking at him): It's OK. You kinda cute, so I'll let you
live.
Shadowhawk sees her in all her beauty, a young Chinese girl with
an orchid in her long black hair having an hourglass figure, a childish but
comely personality and a fierce loyalty to whomever pleases her.
Kumo: Thanks. You're cute, too.
Girl (blushing): Oh! You're too kind. By the way, what's you're
name so I may talk to you again?
Kumo: Yun Yingyao from Nanjing, China. And you are…
Girl: I'm Meilin Mao, granddaughter of Tatsung Mao, one of the
Apollo Triad Lords.
Kumo: Pleasure meeting you, Ms. Meilin.
Mao: Pleasure's all mine, (kisses him) and call me Meilin, OK?
Flash-forward back to the Sinistar Diner.
Bartender: So you and Meilin met and had a get-to-know-you kiss.
And you two got off to a
wonderful relationship.
Kumo: Are you kidding? Things just don't happen overnight like
decorating this dump of a bar!
Bartender: HEY! I resent that!
Kumo: Getting to the point, I got accepted and Meilin liked me.
The next thing happened is we had to pull a job in Dolar. Little did I know
that some of Mon*Star's men ALSO got assigned the same job as the Apollo
Reds. I was up the creek!
Flashback to Dolar as the Apollo Red group had 13 men, one of
them was Shadowhawk. For now, Shadowhawk had to disguise his true identity.
At the same time, the Wicked Zoomer with Hardware and Windhammer inside arrived
with Melodia, Yes-Man and Zero in the Limbo Limo.
Zhu: It's Mon*Star's Mob! What're THEY doing here?!
Sheng: Whatever it is, they're not getting far.
Hardware (aiming Zoomer's cannon): You Apollo goons better clear
out of our way or you're gonna wish you've never been formed!
Melodia (aiming her Sound Smasher): So we're playing through!
It's time you cleared the stage or we'll clear you out of Limbo!
Shadowhawk is in a dangerous predicament. He knows Mon*Star sent
him to infiltrate Apollo Red, but to have to shoot down the Mob would be
committing career and personal suicide. It's risky, but he had no choice.
He drew 2 rocket launchers at the Wicked Zoomer and the Limbo Limo.
Kumo: OK, you clowns. Party's over!
The Mob was never thought of seeing Shadowhawk point weapons at
the same people who helped him. Just then, Mon*Star called in.
Mon*Star: Yes-Man, report.
Yes-Man: Yes, boss. We've arrived on Dolar, but we have a problem
with the Apollo Red.
Mon*Star: What kind of problem?
Melodia: It seems that Shadowhawk's playing a different tune.
He's with Apollo Red and is pointing rocker launchers at us.
Mon*Star: If he's there, that means he's completed Phase One.
Turn back and let him handle the rest.
Zero: But, Mon*Star, you sent us to Dolar to…
Mon*Star (extremely upset): You want to fight Apollo Red, go right
ahead, but for now you do as I say! UNDERSTAND?!
Zero (hangs his head down): Yes, Planet Master.
Hardware and Windhammer see their cue and both the Wicked Zoomer
and the Limbo Limo speed away from Dolar leaving the money planet to the
hands of Apollo Red.
Ming: I don't believe it!
Zhu: This gwai-lo scared the Mob away!
Hao: Three cheers for Yun Yingyao!
Shdaowhawk was loving the praise and glory he got from Apollo
Red just like the same reception he got when he joined Mon*Star's Mob. But
his mission is still etched in his mind.
Kumo (thinking): If only they knew what they're in for! (speaks
out loud) OK, Party's over. We got a job to do.
Liu: Yingyao's right. Let's motor!
All 13 men including Shadowhawk head into Dolar for their special
mission: to steal the accounts of a Limbo company that refuses to pay protection
from other syndicates. Inside, they headed towards the vault as Gotbucks,
the security robot on Dolar was about to sense Apollo Red on their way.
Flashforward to Sinistar Diner
Bartender: That was a heart-wrenching experience. You threatened
to shoot the Mob down, the same people that you worked with?
Kumo: It was all a plan by Mon*Star, but not even the Mob members
that were sent to Dolar knew about it. Anyway, we knew that Gotbucks was
there and we needed in the vault. Only to some certain people will Dolar's
vaults open. That's when I came in.
Flashback to inside Dolar's vault and Gotbucks is patrolling Dolar
for any signs of intruders. Four of Apollo Red went to take care of Gotbucks
while the other 9 members take care of security.
Sheng: We need someone to gain Gotbucks' trust to get into Dolar.
Xu: I know, but we need a master of disguise to pull this off.
Kumo: I'm a master of disguise. I can get in.
Xu, Sheng and Zhu: YOU? Yingyao?
Kumo: Just stand back and watch me go!
Zhu: OK, Yingyao. Do your thing.
Shadowhawk ducked back into a corner so the other members don't
know that he's the most feared criminal in Limbo. Using Mo-Lec-U-Lar's powers,
he transformed into a high-paying client of Dolar and simply walked right
up to Gotbucks himself as Xu, Zhu and Sheng kept watch in the shadows ready
for any surprises.
In his disguise, Shadowhawk was heading towards the vault when
Gotbucks halted him.
Gotbucks: Nobody beyond this point. Orders from Lord Cash.
Kumo: I must say. Don't you recognize me? I'm one of this planet's
top investors.
Gotbucks: Well, then by all means. Go right inside.
Shadowhawk went in while Xu, Zhu and Sheng stayed outside. Stealing
all the money on Dolar would've been a big hit, but the rogue SilverHawk
was ordered to steal ONE account only: the White Eagle Marina owned by Hu
Xing Kang. While outside, Gotbucks got a transmission from Lord Cash saying
the investor Shadowhawk disguised himself as is coming to Dolar.
Gotbucks: If the investor is coming, that means there's a shape
shifter! But, Mo-Lec-U-Lar is in the Penal Planet…
Then, Gotbucks realized there was ANOTHER shape-shifter from Mon*Star's
Mob that can do anything the Mob does.
Gotbucks: Lord Cash! Call the Silver…
Before Gotbucks finished, Xu pulled the plug literally off the
security robot. Shadowhawk came out with the stolen money and the rest of
the gang headed toward their ship.
At Hawk Haven, Aurora received the SOS sent by Lord Cash.
Aurora: This is Hawk Haven. What's the emergency?
Lord Cash: SilverHawks! Dolar is being robbed by Shadowhawk! We
need your help!
Aurora (shocked): SHADOWHAWK?! (radios throughout Hawk Haven)
Attention all SilverHawks! Shadowhawk is robbing Dolar's vault! Intercept
ASAP!
Quicksilver: Shadowhawk loose again? That rogue will never learn!
You heard her, Hawks! Move out.
Back in Dolar, Shadowhawk helped load the Apollo Red spacecraft
with the stolen account. In watching was the Triad and Tatsung's granddaughter
Meilin.
T.Mao: Seems Yingyao did a good job, wouldn't you agree?
Zhang: Indeed he did. And without error, too.
Long: Well, I hope he's put to the test. According to our radar,
we got company.
Mao: SILVERHAWKS!
Overhearing Meilin's cry, Shadowhawk looked up in the sky and
saw the Maraj, Sprinthawk and Space Racer approaching Dolar.
Kumo: So, you want to play? OK. We'll play! Tung, Sheng, Hao.
Keep those Hawks busy while I get airborne!
Tung, Sheng & Hao: Right, Yingyao!
In the Maraj, Bluegrass is piloting and inside are SteelHeart,
SteelWill, Skyedansuer and Copper Kid.
Bluegrass: OK, SilverHawks. We found Shadowhawk, but I don't see
any signs of Mon*Star or any of his cronies.
Skydansuer: Who cares? So long as Shadowhawk goes down hard!
SteelHeart: Haven't you forgotten what that turncoat can do, Krysten?
Now, follow our lead and you might learn something.
Skyedansuer (sarcastically): Yes, ma'am.
Bluegrass launched the SilverHawks from the Maraj as he himself
went on to go head on with the Nightmare, while below, the Apollo Red started
shooting the SilverHawks.
Yahzu: Like shooting ducks in a shooting gallery!
Xu: Yeah, and I'm aiming to win a prize!
Kumo (piloting the Nightmare): So, cowboy, wanna showdown?
You got one.
As soon as the Maraj came towards Nightmare, Shadowhawk activated
the cloaking device and turned the Nightmare invisible. When Bluegrass was
searching for the Shadowhawk, Nightmare reappeared from behind and shot it
down with the particle beam cannon. This scene was one that worried Skyedansuer.
Skyedansuer: Michael! NO! (launches herself out of the battle)
I'm coming, Michael!
SteelHeart (frustrated): I don't believe this! SilverHawks, regroup!
With the SilverHawks rushing to Bluegrass' aid, Shadowhawk signaled
the Apollo Red spacecraft back to Automata. Afterwards, Bluegrass was OK,
thanks to Copper Kid for saving him.
SteelWill: It seems Shadowhawk got away with all of Dolar's money.
A delayed play in my book.
Gotbucks (approaching): Not ALL of Dolar's money.
SteelHeart (surprised): Not all of it? What do you mean?
Gotbucks: Just one account was stolen: the White Eagle Marina.
Skyedansuer: White Eagle Marina? If Shadowhawk was a member of
Mon*Star, he would steal everything. Why just that one account?
SteelHeart: This is something we mush investigate at Hawk Haven.
Somehow, Shadowhawk's behavior is becoming more peculiar.
Back on Automata, the Triad was celebrating as did the entire
Apollo Red syndicate. And Meilin Mao was completely snuggling into Shadowhawk
as closely as possible. Shadowhawk cuddled her back and everyone was yelling
his name in glory.
Fung: Yingyao does it again! And this time, he bagged a SilverHawk!
Zhang: Three cheers for our greatest member, Yun Yingyao!
Apollo Red: HIP HIP HURRAY!!
Mao (fluttering her eyes at Shadowhawk): You so wonderful to me,
Yingyao.
Kumo: Thanks, Meilin. I've done the best I can.
Flashforward to the Sinistar Diner.
Bartender: So you shot down Bluegrass in the Maraj. Not your first
run-in with the SilverHawks?
Kumo: I've ran into them ever since I hijacked a shuttle for Limbo.
Nonetheless, I've made my mark in Apollo Red for 3 whole years. Every night,
Meilin and I get together in my room for "private meetings". Meilin was called
away for one night by the Triad Elders and that's where my partner Erebus
came to me.
Flashback to Automata in the Apollo Red headquarters just as Meilin
Mao blew a kiss to Shadowhawk.
Mao: Sorry, my woude, Yingyao. I'll return soon.
Kumo: Thanks, Meilin. You're sweet.
Meilin leaves Shadowhawk alone for one minute and at that time,
Erebus, Shadowhawk's raven and partner flies back with a message from Mon*Star.
Kumo (reading the note): It's time, Shadowhawk. Under a full moon,
the Triads retreat to their inner sanctum and focus on their next task. You're
mission is to find their inner sanctum and scatter Apollo Red blood throughout
all of Limbo! Don't disappoint me. Signed, Mon*Star the Planet Master. (locks
and loads) Let's do it.
As Shadowhawk prepared to take out the Triad, things in Hawk Haven
were really heating up. Mostly, Skyedansuer was extremely upset when the
shady one shot Bluegrass down. Then an alarm came from the Penal Planet.
Aurora: SilverHawks, look alive! We've got trouble! That syndicate
Apollo Red is invading the Penal Planet. Apparently one of its own plans
to testify. Prepare to move out!
Skyedansuer (loading her weapons): All I want is one clear shot
at Shadowhawk! He's gonna PAY for what he did!
SteelHeart (upset): You're crazy, Krysten! Shadowhawk will tear
you apart! Do you want that to happen?
Skyedansuer: OUT OF MY WAY, YOU HAG! SHADOWHAWK MUST SUFFER!
Without saying, SteelHeart knocked out Skyedansuer as the rest
of the Hawks watched. Even SteelHeart was shaken up about doing what she
did and carried her to the infirmary.
SteelHeart (crying inside): I'm sorry I had to do that, Krysten.
If Shadowhawk destroyed you, the Cowboy would never forgive me. I hope you'll
understand he wants you safe as I do.
Quicksilver (knowing the situation): Although you didn't have
to resort to such an act, you do care about her.
SteelHeart: I know one thing's for sure, that rogue Hawk must
die!
Flashforward to the Sinistar Diner.
Bartender: I see you ruffled a few SilverHawk feathers for shooting
down that cowboy.
Kumo: Goes without saying. My reputation in Limbo is unbeatable
except for Mon*Star. Anyway, while Apollo Red was at the Penal Planet, I
stayed behind and went after the Triad trying not to get noticed.
Flashback to when the Triad were still resting under the full
moon, Shadowhawk managed to sneak into the inner sanctum and place three
special explosive devices near each of their resting spots. Meilin Mao was
out in Bedlama doing more of Apollo Red's work and shopping for wedding gifts
on the side. However, one member of Apollo Red saw Shadowhawk leave the inner
sanctum holding some detonation device.
Fong: Everyone at Apollo Red! Return to Automata! Yingyao planted
explosives!
Kumo (giving a roundhouse kick to Fong, Ko'ing him): Quiet! You'll
ruin my fun!
Hearing that Shadowhawk has explosives, every last member of Apollo
Red headed back to Automata to stop the shady undercover agent. The SilverHawks
got wind of it as the Copper Kid took over piloting the Maraj in Bluegrass'
place. The Steel Twins, Quicksilver and Aurora went to stop Apollo Red and
most importantly Shadowhawk.
Flashforwarding back to the Sinistar Diner, the bartender and
the locals were interested in Shadowhawk's excursion.
Bartender: You seem to have everyone here love your story, Mr.
Shadowhawk.
Kumo: It's not over yet, not by a long shot. Meilin heard about
what I planned to do to the whole syndicate and headed back to Automata as
fast as she could, but I had the whole gang in Automata almost at my mercy.
Things in Automata were heating up as the entire Apollo Red syndicate
except for Meilin Mao were trying not to damage Shadowhawk since he wired
the place with special explosives.
Kumo (grinning evilly): Careful, boys. One hit, and we'll all
go sky-high! Grant me freedom and you're headquarters won't go down in flames.
The syndicate had no choice but to grant Shadowhawk to leave the
compound. As soon as the shady one was outside, he reached for the detonation
device and was about to press it, but the device was shot out of his hand.
Kumo (looking around): WHO DARES? (looks up and sees the Maraj)
The SilverHawks!
Zheng: Now, while he's distracted! FIRE!
The entire syndicate began firing at Shadowhawk at the same time
the SilverHawks were firing at him and the syndicate. Quicksilver, Aurora
and the Steel Twins were released to capture Shadowhawk. The Copper Kid saw
the detonation device Shadowhawk dropped and destroyed it with the Maraj's
laser.
Sing: Well, without that detonation device, you're powerless,
Yingyao.
Kumo (laughing evilly): You think THAT was my detonation device?
Fools! THIS is my detonation device!
Without saying, Shadowhawk played a little air guitar and revved
up the high notes. True to his word, the entire headquarters was destroyed
with the Triad still inside. The syndicate was shocked and enraged. The explosives
were sound-activated and hit on the highest decibel would trigger the explosive.
Shadowhawk had wiped out the Triad and the syndicate is next.
Tong: YOU BASTARD!!
Kumo: You ain't seen nothing yet!
Shadowhawk then activated Time Freeze stopping time and then shot
a powerful bolt of lightning at the entire syndicate! He was about to do
the same to the SilverHawks, but his Limbo Minute was up. He had to use the
Nightmare to escape and past Meilin Mao in a flash.
Mao: That was Yingyao, but why did he leave so fast? (seeing smoke
on Automata) Ai-YAH! Grandfather!
Shadowhawk was relaxing in the Nightmare and Erebus is by his
side and the shady one was talking to Mon*Star.
Kumo: Bossman, mission is El Completo! Apollo Red is gonzo!
Mon*Star (maniacally laughing): Excellent work, Shadowhawk! A
job well done! Return back to Brim*Star for a big reward!
Kumo: 10-4, Planet Master! Buckle up, Erebus. We're going home!
During the ruin of Apollo Red headquarters, Meilin Mao was upset
that someone destroyed her
grandfather and the rest of the syndicate. Then she knew that
face.
Mao: Yingyao had a pet bird and dress like SilverHawk. Was it
a bust. No. SilverHawk arrest criminal, not kill them! AI-YAH! He working
for Mon*Star! Meilin should've known! Yingyao mean shadow-hawk! That Mon*Star
right-hand man! AAAARRRGGGHH!!!!
Flashforward back to the Sinistar Diner.
Local 1: Wow, you obliterated the Apollo Reds and caused strife
in Meilin Mao.
Local 2: And barely escaped the SilverHawks! You're a legend.
Kumo: Well, I am known throughout Limbo. Because I eliminated
Mon*Star's rivals, he upgraded me and Erebus. Now I have the powers of the
Mob Elite, but due to the Moon*Star's radiation, I also control the Light*Star
and Erebus and the Nightmare become Apollyon, the winged demon. Meilin was
upset, but also at the same time, she was happy, too. Her tradition said
to marry anyone that's strong enough and brave enough to face the syndicate.
That was me. And here I am today.
Bartender: That was some story, Shadowhawk. You had quite an adventure!
Hold on, I got another customer. (looks at a woman in a red cloak) Welcome
to the Sinistar Diner. What can I get a lovely lady like you?
Woman in cloak: That man in the black SilverHawk outfit is mine.
Kumo (upset): Look, I don't know who you are, but I'm not someone's
property!
Woman in cloak: Oh, yeah?
The young woman slowly took off her red cloak to reveal a sexy
bikini and her lovely long black hair. On her bikini top was an orchid she
placed in her hair and gave a flirtatious wiggle near the shady one. His
anger turned to ecstasy and then outright fear as she fanned herself and
Shadowhawk with her fans with a certain red sun on them.
Kumo (sweating profusely): Oh no…Meilin…Mao…
Mao (snuggling into him): Who else, my love?
Shadowhawk shoots lightning in the air causing a major distraction
with enough time to head into the Nightmare and take off back to Brim*Star.
This rejection only made Mao more determined than ever to get Shadowhawk.
Mao: No matter where you go, Yingyao, I'll find you and make you
mine. No one escape Meilin Mao!
EPILOGUE
Copper Kid is in the simulation cockpit again.
BLUEGRASS: OK, Kid. Let's fly.
The simulation of the solar system is shown in the planetarium.
BLUEGRASS: Today, we'll be checking on Earth's neighbor, Mars.
For 6 points, how much time does it take for Mars to complete one rotation?
Less than a day, More than 2 days, or about the same day as the Earth?
KID: The same day as the Earth?
BLUEGRASS: Yep. About the same day as Earth. Roughly 24½
days. You net 6 big points. Now for 5 points more, you know about Mars being
called the Red Planet. The reason is there's something in its atmosphere
that made it red. What is the name of this material? Is it: Iron, Carbon,
or Sulfur?
KID: That's too easy. Iron.
BLUEGRASS: Yep. Can't fool you, Kid. 5 points. 11 for today. Not
bad, Kid. Now take it on home. You've earned some good ol' R &
R.
KID: Roger, partner.
THE END
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