Mystery

In the Darkness is the Light: Chapter 1

The Girl

“With ‘The Coming of the Light’, the Luminescent came to our world with only one goal. To purify it of all human beings. When all hope seemed lost, the Goddess Raftilia came to our aid. Through her divine powers she created the Umbra Girls, young girls gifted with supernatural abilities and the power to stop the Luminescent. We were the last resort, the last battalion, all that stood in their way of purifying us all out of existence.”

A Season of Darkness (3)

Copyright © Tracy Lane, 2004/2021.

A SEASON
OF DARKNESS

I pulled on a pair of cotton underpants; white hipster briefs with a tight elastic waist band. Turning back towards the mirror, I froze in mid-breath. With my hair spilling over my shoulders and my panties drawn up to my belly button, I was no longer a boy. Raising a hand to my throat, I regarded my image in round-lipped silence. My mother had been right.

I looked just like a girl.

The Shop at the End of the Road (2)

Copyright © Tracy Lane, 2003/2021.

THE SHOP AT THE
END OF THE ROAD

A lonely teenaged boy makes a Faustian bargain with a gypsy fortune teller... then discovers that the price might be higher than anybody can possibly pay.

Winds Of The Fall (2)

Copyright © Tracy Lane, 2004/2021.

Winds of the Fall

Janey Watson was an unusually pretty child with melting blue eyes and soft, girlish features - although she wasn't precisely a girl, contrary to all appearances. Like many children in born in Ridgewick over the past fifteen years, Janey was somewhat…unique.

Winds Of The Fall

Copyright © Tracy Lane, 2004/2021.

Winds of the Fall

Janey Watson was an unusually pretty child with melting blue eyes and soft, girlish features - although she wasn't precisely a girl, contrary to all appearances. Like many children in born in Ridgewick over the past fifteen years, Janey was somewhat…unique.

The Shop at the End of the Road

Copyright © Tracy Lane, 2003/2021.

THE SHOP AT THE
END OF THE ROAD

A lonely teenaged boy makes a Faustian bargain with a gypsy fortune teller, then discovers that the price might be higher than anybody can possibly pay.

A Feminine Look Part 2: The Mystery Brunette

After the surprise concert assembly, Jamie was shocked to get checked out from on stage by the male freshman singer. Is there a chance that they meet and clear things up, or will Jamie get wrapped up in something he has no intention of getting involved in?

AFL COVER (small).png

Cutting Edge - Part 2

Cutting Edge - Part 2
By Barbara Lynn Terry

Chapter 1 - Catherine learns about the 21st century.

As the night wore on, and Carl and Dan were fast asleep, the spirit of Catherine Stevens explored the body of Daniel Baker. The boys never heard the evil sounding laughter as Catherine continued her exploration.

The night went fast and the boys were awakened by the sunlight streaming through the windows of the bedroom. Carl Spencer was the first one to open his eyes.

“Hey, Dan, are you getting up?”

Badasses Of the Multiverse: Book 6: Volume 2: Chapter 08

This is it folks. My final chapter which I wrote for Badasses Of the Multiverse. And I hope it has been as fun a ride for you, as it is for me.

This is Part Four of Population Badass.

Will Matthew and Pedro be able to save Pedro's home Earth from Nechla?

And if so, how are they going to get back home to De La Plata Podrido?

Also, find out what happens to everyone else. And see how things finally pan out.

For this is not only the epilogue of Book Six of Badasses Of the Multiverse. This is the end of my part in directly writing for this Anthology of Insanity.

For after this chapter, Whatever Will Be, Will Be...

Badasses Of the Multiverse: Book 6: Volume 2: Chapter 07

We have come to epic climatic battle of Part Three of, Population Badass.

Chang and his forces stage their counterattack against Gomez and his forces, Gomez's headquarters, the spacestation, Interzone.

With Chang and his allies giving Gomez a taste of his own medicine, for Gomez overseeing that attack on De La Plata Podrido.

Though, during this battle, Chang and his groups will find unexpected situations and people.

As this battle will take the cast from the heights of badass, to the depths of insanity.

Badasses Of the Multiverse: Book 6: Volume 2: Chapter 06

Before every great attack. There is proper planning and preparation. And Chang's plan for a counterattack is no exception.

As the people of De La Plata Podrido clean up after the battle, Chang calls a meeting with his friends and allies, at the casino. With Chang and those with him, planning what happened when someone attacked him and his, without provocation. With this army of badasses preparing for the reprisal against those that attacked them.

And what they have planned will not be pretty.

All this in part two, of the climax of the Badasses of The Multiverse anthology.

Badasses Of the Multiverse: Book 6: Volume 2: Chapter 05

Here we are. The beginning of the four part climax to this epic Anthology of Insanity, which will be the conclusion of this saga.

Gomez launches his plans of attack. With him lighting the fuse, and all hell breaking loose on the island city of De La Plata Podrido.

Though, what none of the reality travelers counted on, was the population of De La Plata Podrido

For if there was a welcome sign, coming into the De La Plata Podrido, the sign would read, “Population: Badass”.

Badasses Of the Multiverse: Book 6: Volume 2: Chapter 04

Pedro, Matthew, Fabiola, Matt, and Leigharch, get some downtime. And the used it to visit a sci-fi convention, so Matt and Leigharch can learn more about their realities. With some interesting events learned, and opinions formed.

Also, things finally start to converge, while a gang of multiverse biker hit the town of De La Plata Podrido. And with them, is a very interesting man whom has taken his old job of exploration of new civilizations, with even greater boldness, than before.

And they are not the only ones to come to town.

With the visitors being just as much surprised, as those whom they meet.

In addition, Pedro, Matthew, and their team come full circle. With revelations reveals. Including, who has been chasing them through the multiverse.

All in this chapter, titled, Bikers, Babes, And Hoverbikes.

Badasses Of the Multiverse: Book 6: Volume 2: Chapter 03

Revy opens a magical box she should not have, and Jack is now back. With the being an opportunity for old friends to get to talk to each other.

Meanwhile, Annie reconnects with her old friend.

Later on, one of Chang and Lee's worst nightmares walk through the front doors of Daiyu Palace Casino.

The Master of Gambits, and his family, have finally hit the scene.

And while this is going on, those at the Devil's Hotel are about to have a close encounter of the party kind.

Badasses Of the Multiverse: Book 6: Volume 2: Chapter 02

Two groups of two individuals have come to De La Plata Podrido for very different reasons. But, both pairs actions will ripple out, and have a profound effect the lives of De La Plata Podrido. Especially, the lives of two women whom each prefer the blades to the pistols.

Also, things are moving along at the Last Resort Diner.

Later, Inara finds out that Jayne has been keeping secrets from everyone. And what she finds out, is surprising, to say the least.

All in Book Six, Volume Two, Chapter Two, “Pirates and Robbers.”

Badasses Of the Multiverse: Book 6: Volume 2: Chapter 01

We have reached Chapter ONE HUNDRED of Badasses Of the Multiverse!

Chang, River, and Lee, have called off their hunt for Pedro and Matthew, to returned to the casino in De La Plata Podrido, and resume their lives.

Meanwhile, Hernan and Roberta put their plan in motion to inform Hernan's family of the truth of what is going on.

Badasses Of the Multiverse: Book 6: Volume 2

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Badasses Of the Multiverse: Book 6: “The Mexican, The Lawyer, And The Mechanic.”

Volume 2: “The Villains.”

When the heroes are away, the villains come out to play.

Ill tidings are on the horizon for those of De La Plata Podrido, Mexico.

Though, that does not mean that some people cannot have fun in the meantime.

New players to this insane game start to show up. Some have come to stay, some are just passing by. All of them will take actions that will ripple out to effect the very course of countless lives.

Badasses Of the Multiverse: Book 6: Volume 1: Chapter 08

The final chapter of Book Six, Volume One.

Pedro and Matthew find themselves in a reality they never thought would exist, let alone visit.

For they find themselves in the Laguna Negra reality, in the city of Santo Domingo, of the Dominican Republic.

Now, with Matt and Leigharch, these four men must navigate this strange, yet familiar reality.

And they are not the only ones to come this reality.

With the locals taking notice of these newcomers.

Badasses Of the Multiverse: Book 6: Volume 1: Chapter 07

Unfortunately, Pedro, Matthew, and Matt, find themselves in a bind, in the next place they go too.

Though, luckily, they find some help.

But, this help is in the form of a lunatic. A real speed demon, in more ways than one. And the only things crazier than this lunatic, is where the lunatic requests to go, and those they meet, at their next destination.

And this lunatic is clearly gambling that he has, Another Nine Lives.

Badasses Of the Multiverse: Book 6: Volume 1: Chapter 06

In De La Plata Podrido, Revy is still contemplating if she wanted to agree to the deal with the mysterious woman she met.

Also, Hernan and Roberta talk about how to handle the situation they have found themselves in, in a manner, in which, Hernan's family will take the news of the trouble about them, in a positive manner.

Meanwhile Pedro and Matthew decided to go out for a cup of coffee. They forget what reality they wanted to go two. With the two of them landing into more trouble than they realize. With someone accidentally hitching a ride with them.

For these people, it is just Shades of Crazy.

Badasses Of the Multiverse: Book 6: Volume 1: Chapter 05

Several things are happening in De La Plata Podrido.

Melanie introduces some of her friends to one of the more interesting people living in De La Plata Podrido.

Those of the Last Resort Diner are hiring. And who they hire may be as interesting at those that already work at that diner.

And Hernan is still coming to terms with his connection to Roberta.

Meanwhile, Pedro and Matthew accident jump to a reality, place, and time, they should not have. And they have attracted the attention of unsavory, that can follow them across the multiverse.

But, not before they attend one of craziest Mardi Gras parties of their lives.

With Matthew finally have some closure on the life he left on Mars.

Badasses Of the Multiverse: Book 6: Volume 1: Chapter 04

Pedro and Matthew are now getting into the groove of jumping from one reality to another.

But, they are about to learn that navigating thought the multiverse is not as easy as they once thought it was.

And they are about to have one interesting day, and one wild night in Caracas, Venezuela.

In addition, they are not the only ones heading to the city, for that day and night. And all of those in question are doing so far various reasons.

With Pedro and Matthew learning a twisted lesson that one cannot run away from fate. No matter how far they go into the multiverse to do so.

And this chapter could be viewed as a prequel of sorts.

Badasses Of the Multiverse: Book 6: Volume 1: Chapter 03

Hernan Pena is a kind family man, and auto mechanic, whom has left his troubled past far behind him.

Unfortunately, Hernan is about to learn there is more to his past, and himself, than even he realizes.

Badasses Of the Multiverse: Book 6: Volume 1: Chapter 02

Pedro and Matthew enjoy their first day traveling the multiverse, by traveling around Roanapur, Thailand, of the Black lagoon Reality, of the past, during Roanapur's heyday. With the specific date being, March nineteenth, nineteen ninety-one.

Unfortunately, back in Pedro's home reality, their absence has not gone unnoticed, by both friends the two men have, and friends the two men may not realize they have. With these individuals desiring to return the two wayward travelers back to the city of De La Plata Podrido, before they get into some serious trouble.

Badasses Of the Multiverse: Book 6: Volume 1: Chapter 01

The past two years, in the island city of De La Plata Podrido, have not been very kind to Pedro Del Soto and Matthew McCormick. And while they, and those they have cared for, have not been seriously harmed. Things have gone downhill for them. And after they both have one bad, stressful night, too many, the both decide to leave the city. The catch is them figuring out how they are going to escape, and not get caught.

Meanwhile, the local mechanic, Hernan Pena, will have to navigate his own problems.

Badasses Of the Multiverse: Book 6: Volume 1

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Badasses Of the Multiverse: Book 6: “The Mexican, The Lawyer, And The Mechanic.”

Volume 1: “The Heroes.”

Meet Pedro Del Soto and Matthew McCormick.

Pedro is the mexican police chief of De La Plata Podrido. While Matthew is the lawyer for the casino owner giving Pedro the most trouble.

And these two men have found themselves surrounded by badass lunatics, with them being able to do nothing about it. Except become friends, as they work together, to keep their lives and their sanity, intact.

Badasses Of the Multiverse: Book 5: Volume 3: Chapter 07

It has been a month and a week since Lee returned to De La Plata Podrido, and things have settle down for Lee.

Chang asks River and Lee for some ideas to help business with his casino. And their ideas are nothing, if not inventive.

Unfortunately, later on, people that Lee knows intend to through a party, which River and Chang intend for Lee to attend.

As one can guess, Lee does not want to attend this party, and hilarity ensues.

And that is only just the beginning.

Badasses Of the Multiverse: Book 5: Volume 3: Chapter 06

During the evening, Lee arranged a date for two other people, which is about to have some interesting results.

The next morning, Lee has another interesting day in De La Plata Podrido. With her visiting Eda and Yolanda. Then, Lee has a conversation with one of the most unlikely of individuals.

And that evening, Rock and Revy have plans for their group, as well.

Badasses Of the Multiverse: Book 5: Volume 3: Chapter 05

Lee is now back in Plata Podrido. And in a good situation in her life. Now, she is going to touch base with her friends in town. And see what is going on. And maybe even have some fun, while she does so.

Badasses Of the Multiverse: Book 5: Volume 3: Chapter 04

The revenge continues. Though, River's plan to get Lee out of this mess, comes to fruition. With the Lee realizing the consequences of the plan, and what it means for her future.

Badasses Of the Multiverse: Book 5: Volume 3: Chapter 03

For Lee, it is time to pay the piper, with interest.

Though, River has other ideas to help Lee, and herself.

But, Lee is about to find out some sides of those that are after her, that she did not know about.

Now, River has to get them both out of this mess. And her plan is creative. Unfortunately, River's plan will take time, and so Lee will still suffer. But, River is there to mitigate the situation, until her plans come to the forefront.

Badasses Of the Multiverse: Book 5: Volume 3: Chapter 02

River begins her quest, with the three amazons, to find Lee.

And when River does find Lee, she realizes Lee is closer than she thought. And the situation makes her realize that she cannot run, nor take Lee to Chang.

So, River takes Lee to the last place anyone would expect her to hide Lee.

But, how long can River keep this secret, before Lee is found? And what happens once Lee is found out, by everyone else after Lee?

Badasses Of the Multiverse: Book 5: Volume 3: Chapter 01

It has been a few days for some. And years for others. As those after Lee have lost track of Lee. With the maids eventually returning to Lagoon Island, in defeat, at having lost Lee.

Though, that does not the hunt is over. Not by a long shot.

Ranma realizes there is one group she knows of that are possibly better trackers than even the maids.

Ranma then goes to meet with one of her former teachers, Cologne. In the hopes of enlisting trackers from the Chinese Amazons, to help find the maids.

For, if anyone could find Lee, it would be them.

Though, whom Cologne picks for this hunt, may bring the Badasses Of The Multiverse's prey closer to them, than they realize.

Meanwhile, River is waiting in the wings, waiting to take advantage of the situation, in her search for Lee.

Badasses Of the Multiverse: Book 5: Volume 3

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Badasses Of the Multiverse Book 5: “The Gambling Man.”

Volume 3: “Dynasty.”

In Lee's chase to be free. Lee has outwitted, outsmarted., out conned, out maneuvered everyone Lee has faced, but the old man and the teenager boy. And that was Lee's downfall.

The writer has been changed into a girl, and she has literally lost her mind. With those after her, having lost her.

Now, the question becomes, do any of them wish to regain what they have lost?

And who will come out on top of the Madman's Ballot?

Badasses Of the Multiverse: Book 5: Volume 2: Chapter 09

This is final chapter of Volume Two of Book Five of the Gambling Man.

Those after Lee regroup on Lagoon Island, as they figure out what their next move will be, as they plan out how best to capture Lee. While sorting out some more immediate problems.

As this goes on, Revy and Priss will finally have it out, over Priss damaging one of Revy's cutlasses.

Meanwhile, the past finally catches up to several people.

Including Lee. With Lee being forced to face one of his most innocent of victims.

But, though this victim is innocent. That does not mean this person is harmless.

And Garibaldi is becoming increasingly distrustful of Lee. Especially, after the multiverse takes one more swing at both him and Lee.

For this will be Lee's Folly.

Badasses Of the Multiverse: Book 5: Volume 2: Chapter 08

Lee has made it into a fortress, run by a man that make those after him think twice to come following Lee into.

A man whom Lee is doing everything in his power to stay on his good side.

At this point, Lee would think that his troubles would start to wane.

Unfortunately, Lee would be incorrect. And Lee problems merely doubled. For nor only a siege on one end of the fortress for Lee. But, also a siege, on the other end of the fortress, whom is after the man Lee is with. And once Lee realizes who is after the man, that those individuals would not think twice about killing Lee.

And to make matters worse, Lee means of escape is going to take time to prepare. With him taking the man with him.

So, if Lee want him, and the man helping him, to get out of this situation alive, and in one piece, Lee has to play a dangerous game, where he will have to shuffle the sieges against each other. In The Siege Shuffle.

Badasses Of the Multiverse: Book 5: Volume 2: Chapter 07

After Lee's daring escape from those after him, at the factory complex, Lee finds himself in a police station. With the police asking him questions, and they want Lee to give them answers.

Though, Lee knows he has to convince the police to let him go, as soon as possible, before those after him, catch up to him.

And Lee's idea of escape could land him in the funny farm.

Unfortunately, Lee has finally fallen into the sights of the two maids. This will cause an ensuing, running battle, that will lead Lee to the one man on Mars that could save him, or throw him to the wolves.

Meanwhile, Revy, Rock, and their friends, are having a few beers in a bar. As they have a casual conversation, about their lives, and their future plans. With a few surprises there, as well.

And from within his casino, Chang plots his next moves. With River by Chang's side.

Badasses Of the Multiverse: Book 5: Volume 2: Chapter 06

Lee has made it deep into the factory complex, as he plays his extreme game of cat and mouse, with those after him.

With him working towards a plan of escape, that only he knows.

Unfortunately, for Lee, and those after him. They are not the only hunters in the factory complex.

Badasses Of the Multiverse: Book 5: Volume 2: Chapter 05

Lee has lead those after him, to a large factory complex.

While those after Lee regroup and head in to capture Lee. They expect Lee to be preparing to make his last stand.

What they do not realize is Lee is instead planning to play a game, the multiverse's most extreme form of hide and go seek.

It is a game of wits and violence, where those after Lee learn what Lee is capable of, when he is forced to stand and fight.

Badasses Of the Multiverse: Book 5: Volume 2: Chapter 04

Lee would think that he might get at least on evening's peace. But, no. The girls crash the Deco.

Though, Lee still has a gig to do and that is what he is going to do. Fortunately, the way the lighting is on stage, and with his back turned to the audience, the girls don't realize he is the piano player, entertaining them that evening

The only trick is Lee figuring out how to get out the building and away from them, without the girls discovering he is there.

Then, Lee was walking into one of the strangest situations of his life. And Lee learns there are such beings as alien science fiction and fantasy fans.

Also, there other factors that Lee did not know to take account before. Both good and bad, that Lee will have to handle, one way or another.

For Lee is caught in the rat maze, and now he must workout how to escape before he is captured.

Badasses Of the Multiverse: Book 5: Volume 2: Chapter 03

Lee begins his escape into the multiverse, by jumping to another time, place, and reality.

Unfortunately, Lee quickly realizes his foes are onto him. With Lee trapped on a large passenger liner spaceship, with two very cunning adversaries.

And Lee is beginning to regret that he did not take the opportunity to learn Russian, during his experiences in the time loop.

Though, this does not mean that Lee is not going to have a little fun in the situation had has found himself.

Because what lunatic does not laugh in the face danger?

Meanwhile, Pedro has found the deepest, furthermost rock, he knows up, to hide under. Now, he hopes that he can stay hidden.

Badasses Of the Multiverse: Book 5: Volume 2: Chapter 02

While those River care for, engage in a cat and mouse game, across the multiverse, she is not allowed to follow them.

With nothing better to do, River reflects on her journey, on how she reached this point in her life.

From when she learned of the writer, to where she finds herself at.

Badasses Of the Multiverse: Book 5: Volume 2: Chapter 01

Just after Lee was revealed to be the writer, Lee was able escape into the multiverse. With all the hard work and planning done by Rock, Revy, and their crew, coming completely undone.

Now, these women must all each have a plate, from a buffet of crow, as they come to terms with their momentary defeat. While they review the information, and plan their next moves, in capturing their elusive foe.

All the while, River will get her chance to present Lee's defense, to their proverbial jury of the damned.

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