Ralph and Lois vs. Atropos

The direct confrontation between the human couple and the rogue agent of Random.

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The First Skirmish

A Dog in Danger Atropos Targets Rosalie Atropos tries to lure Rosalie the stray dog across the street to cut her balloon-string. Ralph intervenes, and Lois shoots Atropos with a bolt of energy. Atropos flees, but he has marked them as enemies. The Warning Atropos threatens to "fuck over" Ralph and his friends. Ralph realizes that Atropos is not just a nuisance – he is a deadly enemy. The First Victory Ralph and Lois drive Atropos off, but they know it is only a temporary victory. The little bald doctor will be back.

The Battle in the Den

The Showdown Ambush After Ralph retrieves Ed's wedding ring, Atropos ambushes them, holding a scalpel to Lois's balloon-string. He demands the ring back. Subduing Atropos Ralph uses Lois's slip to blind Atropos, then subdues him with his own scalpel. He cuts Atropos's ear and forces him to promise to stay away. Atropos agrees, but his hatred is undimmed. The Crimson King As Ralph tries to escape, he is confronted by the Crimson King. Ralph stabs the creature with Lois's earring, and a green light from his scar banishes it. Atropos escapes, but he is defeated for now.

The Final Attempt

Revenge Attempt The Green Ford Five years later, Atropos attempts to kill Natalie Deepneau as revenge against Ralph. He arranges for a car to hit her on Harris Avenue. Thwarted Again Ralph sacrifices himself to save Natalie, foiling Atropos's plan. Atropos is left screaming in rage on the sidewalk. He has failed again. A Continuing Threat Atropos is not destroyed. He remains a rogue agent of Random, still collecting souvenirs and cutting cords. He is a reminder that the battle between Purpose and Random never ends.

Tuesday, October 5, 1993

Late afternoon, October 6, 1993

August 1998