| Roll Call: |
|---|
 Black Diamond |
 Muskateer |
 Enchantress |
 Firestar |
 Huntress |
 Lightburst |
 Nightingale |
 Supreme |
 Texas Ranger |
 Thing |
Guest Starring Guardian Angel |
"I am Guardian Angel," the powder blue, gold, and white clad heroine reiterated. "I have already told you this. Why don't you believe me? Everyone knows who I am." Guardian Angel looked around in confusion. She was currently in some alley in Manhattan, standing in the midst of an impact crater. The very crater Guardian Angel had created when she crashed.
Black Diamond regarded the woman skeptically. Guardian Angel was a television version of herself, a fictional character. Two days ago, Raquel Hamilton, the actress who portrayed Guardian Angel had vanished; disappearing into a strange white vortex. Now here she was, believing herself to really be Guardian Angel. Diamond couldn't be sure, but something had obviously changed Ms. Hamilton. The plunge that she had survived with ease was certainly proof of that.
"It's not that we don't believe you," Diamond calmly stated. "It's just that Guardian Angel is a TV character. She doesn't really exist." The other Avengers with her: Lightburst, Firestar, and Nightingale could only agree.
"Obviously, you are mistaken," Guardian Angel retorted. "For what it is worth, 'Black Diamond', I have never heard of you either. Perhaps I have been tossed into another dimension? Yes.... That would explain a great deal. Just like the time I journeyed to Blackworld and encountered Dark Angel, my equal, but opposite, counterpart?"
"I remember seeing that. Maybe you are correct, Guardian Angel," Firestar added excitedly as she tentatively stepped up to the heroine. "I have been a fan of your show for a long time now. It's an honor to finally get to meet you."
"The pleasure is mine," Guardian Angel informed the smaller heroine as she grasped her arm in greeting. "I am always pleased to meet others who fight against Chaos. Tell me of this world and of your associates... I wish to learn as much as I can. I have obviously been brought here for a reason. It should be a matter of time before the forces of chaos are unleashed and we must rise up to put them down again."
Firestar smiled and started to launch into an explanation. Cassie had met Guardian Angel a few days back, right before her disappearance and found the actress who played the character to be radically different from the role she portrayed. But now... now Firestar believed that she was truly in the presence of the real Guardian Angel. Well, as real as any fictional character could be.
Black Diamond gestured for Lightburst and Nightingale to step away from Firestar and Guardian Angel. "Any ideas?", she asked of her teammates.
"I think she's very disturbed," Lightburst noted.
"Puzzled is more like it," Nightingale corrected. "Her will is very strong. So strong that even some of her surface thoughts are closed to me. But from what I have sensed, she truly believes that she is Guardian Angel."
"But that's just not possible," Diamond retorted. "You don't become someone with superpowers just because you want to."
"Perhaps," Nightingale observed. "But it does seem to fit a pattern."
"What are you getting at, 'Gale?"
"This vortex-- this strange type of radiation is obviously a vehicle for change. Those exposed to it have been altered in a variety of fashions. Ben was turned into the Thing. Jason became Terra Fire. Now an actress has become the character she was portraying."
"And your point is?"
"I think this phenomena is a sort of Aladdin's Lamp. You get what you wish for."
"I don't believe that Ben would have wished to be changed into the Thing and lose his humanity," Lightburst interjected.
"No, not consciously. But remember, Ben was in a space shuttle falling from orbit. The radiation changed him into something that could survive the crash. Would not any of us in the same situation wish for some way to survive and then deal with the consequences later? Jason was changed according to the wishes of another. Ms. Hamilton was portraying Guardian Angel when she was exposed. She was in character at the time. Guardian Angel was foremost in her thoughts. So she literally became Guardian Angel."
"So you think there is some type of intelligence guiding this radiation?", Black Diamond asked after careful consideration. "A method to this madness?"
"I don't think it is intelligent itself, but rather reacts to the wants and desires of others."
"This is pretty heavy, Songbird," Lightburst commented. "You know, I suddenly have a very bad feeling about this."
"What do you mean?"
The purple-clad mutant turned to face Black Diamond. "Well, if she became Guardian Angel, doesn't that mean that the guy playing her enemy could be changed into the Ravager as well?"
That just brought a very worried look from the leader of the Avengers.
Across the southern part of Manhattan, Muskateer had landed his scooter atop a support tower of the Williamsburg Bridge. It was one of a trio of bridges which linked Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn across the East River. He was scanning the surrounding area with a pair of binoculars awaiting the arrival of the next vortex. Everything was relatively quiet on this typical Sunday morning.
"Well, so far, nothing, but 8 o'clock isn't quite here yet." Muskateer checked the chronometer on his cycle. The readout showed '7:58' in green LCD numerals. The sword-wielding hero had heard about the strange recent appearance of Guardian Angel from Di and the others.
Expecting something else to happen in mere moments, he quickly checked in so that he would be ready at 8 AM. "Muskateer here. So far the biggest problem has been shooing away the vicious pigeon attacks. But we could have fun in about 60 seconds, if my theory stands. Muskateer out."
He peered through the binoculars again, slowly panning across the Manhattan skyline. Everything was still normal. He tensed a little as the seconds ticked off. He had set the chronometer to signal an alarm at exactly 8:00. After a few moments, the expected beeping of the alarm rang out 5 times and then stopped. Nothing seemed amiss.
"Damn it!" Apparently, the '46-Hour Theory' was incorrect. That meant they were back to the drawing board. Muskateer's mind raced through the possibilities. It may have only appeared a few times, or it could be artificially induced, or... "Hey! What the heck?"
There seemed to be some sort of commotion occurring on the Brooklyn Bridge a little over a mile to the south and west. Muskateer lifted the binoculars to his eyes again. "Guys!", he said into his communicator. "We have a bit of a problem here..."
New York drivers are used to unexpected surprises, but this was one that no one could have been prepared to meet. One moment, the traffic over the Brooklyn Bridge was moving steadily, if a little slowly. The next moment, there was a huge caveman in the middle of the Manhattan-bound lanes. It might have seemed a little ridiculous, except to the driver of the green mini-van that crashed into the sudden arrival. Behind it a white pick-up slammed into that and a huge chain reaction pile-up began to occur as traffic suddenly came to a screeching and metal-wrenching stop. The giant caveman, unmoved and uninjured from the impact, roared his disapproval.
With a wild look in his eyes, the extremely unkempt and powerfully muscled man lifted the mini-van and flung it away from him as more collisions occurred all around him. He roared mightily, a horrific sound that traveled for miles. An evil sneer etched on his face, the Ravager began to destroy everything around him, tossing around vehicles as if they were a child's building blocks. Smashing into the pavement with his giant fists, snapping support cables like they were twigs.
Within mere moments, the Ravager had caused as much damage as a natural disaster. Terrified commuters were desperately trying to get away from the damage still being caused. Most people had abandoned their cars and ran for cover. A few daring souls had tried leaping to safety into the chilly waters below. The Ravager smashed one of the steel support towers and ripped the steel web tresses apart with ridiculous ease. Even the pavement beneath his feet began to crack and buckle, seemingly of its own accord. A bellow of perverse satisfaction followed the Ravager's destructive accomplishments.
Suddenly, he was struck in the back of the head by an electrical pulse. The Ravager's wild hair stood straight out from his head in all directions and a horrible burning smell wafted off of him. More surprised than hurt, the Ravager looked about him for the cause of this strange feeling.
Muskateer raced by on his sky cycle, having swatted the Ravager in the head with his electrified blade as he passed. Seeing the attacker, the Ravager howled and shook his gigantic fists in rage. "Sheesh! He took a full burst from my sword and except for the new hairdo, nothing." Muskateer banked and turned back towards the caveman on the bridge.
As the hero closed in, the Ravager hoisted a nearby truck over his head. Muskateer depressed the firing trigger on the cycle and the bright green laser shot out and hit the Ravager directly in the chest. If he even noticed, the Ravager didn't show it. With another beastly growl, he flung the truck in Muskateer's direction.
Quickly gaining altitude, Muskateer guided the cycle over the incoming missile. It passed harmlessly under him, but crashed into numerous vehicles that had piled up along the bridge. The impact caused some of the mangled metal shapes that were once cars flying off the swaying bridge.
"Okay, so he doesn't seem to bat an eye at my best stuff so far. Let's see how the surge pulse fares." Muskateer aimed his sword at the ridiculous looking giant caveman and thumbed the trigger. The electrical pulse shot out and connected with the Ravager. The electricity seemed to play around him for a moment, revealing for a few scant seconds an unseen aura around the giant man.
"Die!", the Ravager shouted in anger, his face contorted in discomfort.
"Well, at least that got his attention," Muskateer quipped.
Balls of energy welled up around the Ravager's fists and he unleashed them in the Avenger's direction. The twin pulses of golden energy sailed far to the left of the intended target and Muskateer ignored them as he prepared for his next attack. Suddenly, as the pulses made contact with the bridge, they exploded in a spectacular burst. The released energy buffeted the flying hero and sent his scooter off its intended course. "Whoa! Didn't see that coming. This could turn out to be a fight," the Avenger mused.
Gunning the throttle, Muskateer raced overhead and fired another beam from his sword at his foe. The blast had much the same effect as before: it hurt the Ravager, but only barely and mostly served to anger him even more. He was now chanting, "Die! Die! Die!", as he began flinging cars at the airborne hero.
"Okay, my sword's gonna run out of energy before this guy gets tired. Now what? I hope I can keep him busy until the cavalry comes," Muskateer commented. "And right on cue!" Flying down the East River from the north, the Texas Ranger arrived on the scene.
"Sheeoot! Looks like ah twister hit this place!", Tex observed as he approached.
"Just that goofy looking guy from Di's TV show. I wonder if he has some kinda weakness."
"Ah really don't watch much TV." After a pause, Ranger added, "Did yah ever watch the show yahself?"
"Naw, figured I had better things to do with my Wednesday nights. That'll show me."
"Well, then let's round up this here varmint!"
"I'm with you, Tex. Maybe the tag-team approach will work." Muskateer flew in from one side and the Texas Ranger swung around and approached from the back. Muskateer timed his attack and yelled "Fire!" into his comlink. The dual attacks slammed into the Ravager from opposite sides, doing little actual damage to their target.
"That thar's one tough hombre," the Ranger drawled in an impressed tone.
More enraged than ever, the Ravager swung his arm in a wide arc and swept all the vehicles near him away in a massive wave of destruction. Numerous bashed and battered cars and trucks went flying off the bridge and hurtled towards the river below. Following that, he slammed his fists into the bridge and ripped a huge hunk away, screaming at the top of his lungs all the while.
"Whoa!", was all the Ranger could muster in response.
"Worse than that, Tex. Some of those vehicles are still occupied!," Muskateer yelled.
"Ah'm on it!", Tex shouted back and flew towards the falling vehicles. Using his telekinetic powers the Ranger reached out and snatched one of the falling autos from the air.
"Can you stop them all, Tex?", Muskateer asked over the comlink.
"One at a time is all ah can muster," the Texas Ranger answered apologetically.
Seeing the stream of vehicles crash into the water below, Muskateer felt a wave of helplessness come over him. His mind raced for a moment and he then yelled into his microphone. "Gwen! I need you here NOW!!"
Almost instantaneously, the Avengers' sorceress appeared in the air nearby. "Muskateer? What...?"
"No time. There's about six occupied vehicles that just went under!" Muskateer interrupted, pointing to the churning water below.
The Enchantress had recognized the life threatening urgency in his voice and didn't waste another moment. Pausing only to cast a spell, she dove toward the water's surface. Concentrating, as she hovered just a few yards above the river, the Enchantress caused all the submerged vehicles to begin to rise to the surface, supported by a field of reddish energy. "I believe we have acted in time," Gwen reported. She scanned for signs of life from the victims and was met with varying responses, but no one seemed fatally injured. "Texas Ranger, I require your further assistance."
Muskateer flew in and passed by his teammate. "Anything I can do to help?"
"I cannot extricate all of the vehicles from the river simultaneously, but I can keep them buoyant until Ranger can rescue each in turn," the Enchantress explained.
"On my way, lil' lady," Tex could be heard to say over the other Avengers' comlinks. He had already carried the one car back to dry land and was returning for the next.
"Now, if only we can keep him from sweeping the bridge again," Muskateer remarked.
Just then, the Avengers' attention was attracted to the numerous high-pitched screams emanating from the bridge above. To the heroes' alarm, the Ravager was hoisting a school bus over his head. Worse, the bus was packed full of children.
"Muskateer!", Gwen shouted in a frantic voice.
"I hear you, Gwennie." He gunned the throttle on his sky cycle and rocketed towards the Ravager.
"We're both carrying our maximum weight, Steven." Muskateer could hear Gwen's voice over the comlink. There was a sense of underlying fear in each word, despite her attempts to speak calmly as she ferried the vehicles toward the shore. "You can't let that monster throw the bus. The children would be killed!"
"I'm on it," he responded and gritted his teeth. Closing in on the Ravager, the Avenger could see a malevolent grin on the maniacal villain's face. The Ravager tensed his muscles to toss the bus, but Muskateer never paused on his breakneck pace. A brief moment of surprised amusement came over the Ravager. With a yell, the Avenger crashed his sky cycle into the Ravager!
Gwen watched from near the shore and let out a gasp at the collision. In a moment the Ravager and Muskateer both disappeared from view under the collapsing bus. It crashed to the damaged bridge's surface, taking both combatants down with it.
Muskateer shook his head and raised himself to his hands and knees. Nearby the bus was lying on its side, precariously near the side of the bridge. His cycle was now no more than bits of scrap metal and hard-impact plastic scattered about the area. Muskateer tried to shake the wooziness from his head, but was quickly snapped back to reality by the close proximity of the Ravager's roar. He looked up in time to see the villain's fists raised over his head.
"Steven!" Gwen's voice exploded in his head. Without a conscious thought, Muskateer rolled away from the crushing blow before it could connect. The bridge surface smashed away upon impact, rending yet another huge hole in it. The entire bridge lurched to its side and more vehicles, included the packed bus, slid closer to falling into the chilly brink.
"Destroy! Crush! Kill! Smash!", the Ravager chanted maniacally as he ripped huge hunks from the rapidly dwindling bridge surface. The East River could be seen far below through the gaping holes.
Muskateer stood up and shook his head to clear it. "Alright, I've had enough of this Captain Caveman clown."
"Muskateer, we need to get him off that bridge before he kills anyone," Gwen told him over the comlink. "Otherwise, all we can do in this current situation is keep rescuing his intended victims and not address the problem directly."
"Leave it to me, darling." Muskateer ran forward and unsheathed his sword.
The Ravager saw him come closer and grinned. He paused in his mayhem. "Come, meet your death! I am the Ravager of Worlds! The Bringer of Chaos!", the villain shouted, throwing back his head and raising his powerful fists into the air.
Undaunted Muskateer closed in on the towering behemoth. The Ravager leered back at the hero and reared back with a fist. Muskateer was faster and swung his sword in his most powerful two-handed swing. It didn't even faze the Ravager in the least. The amazed Muskateer was barely able to dodge the incoming blow.
"Holy shit! What's this guy made of anyway?" Muskateer cartwheeled away from the raging villain. The Ravager closed in, fists flying.
Muskateer leapt over the behemoth, as the Ravager swung a wild haymaker at him. Before he even hit the ground Muskateer swung another blow at the Ravager's head. Muskateer's sword clanked off with a dull thud. "Unbelievable," was the only word the sword-swinging Avenger could muster.
The Ravager emitted a sinister laugh. Moving with a quickness that belied his huge size, the Ravager pounced onto the nimble Avenger, pinning him to the ground under his great bulk. The very contact made Muskateer feel weak. "Now you face your destroyer!"
Muskateer could barely breath under the powerful grip of the Ravager. He felt like his ribs were about to snap under the mounting pressure. The Ravager leaned close, exposing his yellowed teeth and horrible breath. "Now you die!", the villain bellowed.
Muskateer had raised his sword as the villain leaned in and brought it down. It was the only choice he had left. A moment later the weakened bridge surface below the pair collapsed under the force of Muskateer's sword blow.
The Ravager's confident grin quickly disappeared as he found himself with nothing to support him. Incapable of flight the Ravager flailed wildly, his arms futilely searching for something to grab. As Muskateer latched onto the edge of the bridge, gravity snatched the Ravager away and he crashed to the river below with a huge splash. As he dangled by one hand from a jutting piece of steel bar used to reinforce the concrete roadway, Muskateer watched the Ravager sink beneath the river surface. "Well, at least I got the bozo off the bridge," he wheezed.
"This is Tony Kendall with a special CBI Warzone report," the voice-over explained to viewers all over the greater New York area. The picture on their television screens showed the East River as viewed from a rapidly moving helicopter. "The calm and peace of this Sunday morning has been rudely shattered for many New Yorkers. We have reports of a major supervillain battle taking place on the Brooklyn Bridge even as I speak."
The Brooklyn Bridge came into sight as the chopper flew on. Multiple clouds of black smoke could be seen rising from the famous structure for miles around. The camera focused just in time to witness a large section of the bridge simply collapse! Tons of metal and concrete, along with several empty vehicles plunged into the murky waters of the East River with a terrific splash.
"This is nothing short of a warzone!", Tony Kendall reported in astonishment. "What we are witnessing is the complete collapse of an entire section of this historic structure! Having stood for nearly one hundred and three years, the Brooklyn Bridge might not last one more day!"
The cameraman caught movement elsewhere on the bridge and several supers came into focus. Black Diamond, Texas Ranger, Guardian Angel, and the Enchantress were evacuating the rest of the bridge, carrying occupied cars and helping people to safety.
"As you can see, the Avengers are on the scene in full force, along with several other heroes that I am not familiar with. That one woman looks exactly like Guardian Angel from the popular television show. One which I am proud to say is brought to you each and every Wednesday night at eight, here on the Central Broadcasting Incorporated Network. I am now being told that PRIMUS is en route as well. Wait! What is that?!"
At Tony's direction, the camera rapidly moved causing the picture to blur. Once the movement settled down, the camera focused in once more on another group of costumed heroes.
"As you can see, the latest hero team to call our fair city home is now here. Ladies and gentlemen, the Wild Cards have arrived on the scene!"
The patriotically clad Sword of Justice led the way as the Wild Cards advanced towards the Brooklyn Bridge. Walking behind him was the muscular Major America, the exotic Silver Spectre, and an aloof Psi-Queen.
"We will return to our live coverage of 'Battle at the Brooklyn Bridge' after these commercial messages. We shall attempt to land and interview the heroes and discover which villain has performed this horrific deed. Stay tuned!"
"That's the last one," Black Diamond stated as she landed near the group of Avengers. Guardian Angel, the Enchantress, and the Texas Ranger touched down a moment later. "Everyone has been evacuated. Just in time from the looks of it." Behind the heroes, a large section of the bridge broke free and plummeted into the East River.
"Thank the Foundation Stone!", Guardian Angel said in relief. "The Ravager cares not who he hurts or what he destroys in his mad quest for total destruction. He must be stopped before he lays waste to this entire metropolis!"
Muskateer found it very odd to be standing next to a so-called television character. A few days ago this woman was just an actress playing a character. Now she thought she was the character. But he had seen her fly in with the other Avengers and assisted in rescuing those still trapped on the bridge, carrying nearly a dozen cars to safety. "Does this caveman-creep have any weakness? Something we can exploit?"
"None that I am aware of," Guardian Angel explained. "Usually his own great ego is his downfall. The Ravager is a primal force of destruction and chaos, but he lacks the raw intelligence to formulate plans or battle strategies. He cannot be reasoned with. Brute force is the only language he understands. But he can be outwitted."
"At least that is something we can use to combat this foe," the Enchantress observed. "From what I've seen so far, might may not be enough to defeat this menace."
"I don't know about that, 'Tress," Muskateer objected. "Let's see how our favorite caveman holds up against some of our heavy hitters first."
"I pray that you are right, beloved." The Enchantress took a hold of Muskateer's hand for support. "I've never seen anything like this Ravager before. He's like a nightmare given form."
"I know what you mean," Firestar lamented. "He creeped me out on TV, let alone in person."
"Do not fear, my friend," Guardian Angel informed Firestar. "He will not harm you, this I do promise you. No foe is undefeatable as long as we have the will and the courage to push onward. Much like the men who founded our great nation, we shall overcome all obstacles placed in our way for we are on the side of the righteous! Together we shall triumph!"
"Uhm, yeah," Black Diamond mouthed a few seconds later. She, like the other Avengers present, was not quite believing what she was hearing. Turning to Nightingale she asked, "Any sign of him yet?"
"Nothing," Nightingale gloomily reported. "This Ravager is as hard for me to read as our patriotic friend here. How long can he stay down there?" It had already been at least ten minutes since the Ravager had been plunged into the East River.
"The Ravager can survive in the vacuum of space itself," Firestar explained. "Assuming that he is exactly like his television counterpart, he could stay underwater indefinitely. Even worse, he is monstrously strong, incredibly tough, can fire destructive blasts and has a field of chaos energy about him."
"Chaos energy?", the Enchantress wondered aloud.
"The Ravager generates a destructive force around his body. Just touching him can kill normal people. Objects fall apart in his hands and the very ground breaks beneath his feet." Guardian Angel's tone was grave as she spoke. "He is not a foe to be taken lightly. Fortunately, I am resistant to this effect."
"That explains why the bridge broke up so easily underneath him. Here I thought it was his bad breath," Muskateer quipped.
"So this isn't over yet. All right, flyers get up into the air and keep your eyes open," Black Diamond ordered. "If he's going to cause any more destruction, then he's going to have to come up eventually. If you see him, report in. No heroics, understand?"
Nodding their understanding, Nightingale, the Enchantress, Lightburst, Firestar, and the Texas Ranger all took to the air and streaked off in a variety of directions. That left Black Diamond alone with Guardian Angel and Muskateer.
"I shall join your comrades in the search," Guardian Angel stated. "The Ravager is my responsibility as the Agent of Order for this sector." Without another word, the poweder blue and white heroine took off, her blue cape billowing in the wind behind her.
"Is she for real?", Muskateer wondered, watching Guardian Angel fly off. "Nobody in the business really talks like that."
"She seems to think she is for real," Black Diamond added. "I don't know how this could happen, but I'm starting to believe her myself."
"Cassie already believes she's the genuine article."
"I know." Black Diamond pulled out her comlink and spoke into it. "Ben, Huntress, have you been listening?" Diamond had left the circuit open so that the other Avengers could listen in on the conversation.
"Heard every word, Di," the Huntress reported. She, like the other Avengers, had been spaced out all over Manhattan awaiting the expected return of the strange energy vortex. Unfortunately, they got the Ravager instead. Seated in her father's black corvette, the Huntress had been patrolling the Battery Park area. "Not sure I believe it, but I have been listening."
"Same here," the gravelly voice of the Thing reported. "Me 'n Supreme 'r just south of yer location by the docks."
"If that sucker comes up here, we'll be waitin' to give him a nice greeting, big city style," Supreme added confidently. The two powerhouses, lacking the ability for rapid movement, had joined forces and taken the Avengers team van out on their surveillance.
"I'm approaching their position even as we speak," the Huntress added. "I think I'll keep my distance for the time being."
"Good girl," Diamond stated in relief. From what she had heard and the damage she had seen done to the Brooklyn Bridge, this Ravager was well out of the Huntress' league. "All of you keep in touch." Di closed the circuit and replaced the comlink.
Looking around, Diamond spotted Muskateer a dozen or so feet away. He had been kneeling amidst the debris and picked up a small shard of bluish metal. The sword-swinging Avenger twisted it around in his gloved fingers, as he stood up. "What have you got there, Muskateer?"
"I think it's the biggest piece that's left of my scooter," Muskateer answered, a melancholy tone in his voice. "This 'Chaos Energy' did a number on it."
"You broke it already?"
"Easy come, easy go, I guess. At least it was for a good cause. It can be replaced." Muskateer flung the piece away, off the bridge and into the river. Tyler Labs still had the plans for the scooter. Making another one should only take a week or two. "Oh great, things seem to have gotten worse," he noted, pointing off into the distance where the Wild Cards could be seen moving towards them. "Not these creeps again."
"When it rains, it pours," Black Diamond muttered to herself. She, like Muskateer, was leery of the latest hero team to hit New York City. The Wild Cards were a 'Hero for Hire' type of organization.
"What's the situation, Black Diamond?", the Sword of Justice questioned as he approached. The hero wore a dark blue body suit with a crimson cowl and cloak. A white stylized scale adorned his chest. "Who is responsible for this devastation?" Behind the Sword of Justice were the rest of the Wild Cards.
"He calls himself the Ravager," the heroine gestured towards the Brooklyn Bridge, "and you can see his handiwork for yourself." Behind the heroes, the local authorities were out in full force. Dozens of police cars, ambulances, and fire engines were present tending to the wounded and securing the area from the curious.
"From the television show?" The query came from Major America. The patriotically clad muscle man was tall and very handsome. He had the kind of deep blue eyes that many a woman would love to drown in.
"So we are led to believe," Diamond added.
Psi-Queen and the Silver Spectre exchanged puzzled glances. Psi-Queen stood just under five and a half feet in height. There was a regal bearing to the woman, matching the royal purple dress with golden embroidery and ermine fur trim she wore. She carried an elegant looking scepter. The Silver Spectre was a few inches taller and wore a revealing silver outfit.
"Most peculiar," the Sword of Justice stated, taking all of this in stride. "Any idea where this felon may be located?"
"He's taking a bath right now," Muskateer explained, with a bit of attitude in his voice. "Given how cruddy he was, it'll take a couple of hours before he's clean. When he comes out, we'll give him a nice welcome ourselves. 'Sides, I didn't think you guys did 'freebies'..."
"Hardly, my good man. This is a crisis and the Wild Cards only wish to assist in resolving it as would any red blooded American," the Sword of Justice cheerfully explained. Taking a step back, he brought the device on his left wrist close to his mouth and spoke into it. "Come in, Jet."
Overhead, the gray and black form of Jet streaked overhead at speeds living up to her namesake. "What is your command, Justice?", the woman requested.
"The criminal has taken refuge in the East River. Keep your eyes open and report as soon as you spot him."
"Gotcha, boss," was the reply over the communication device. "What's this guy look like anyway?"
"From what I have been told, you will have no trouble recognizing him." Justice turned to the rest of the Wild Cards. "Spread out and offer assistance."
"And don't miss any chances to get your pictures in the paper," Muskateer added sarcastically, as the Wild Cards hastened to follow their leader's order.
"As much as I am leery of the man, he does have the right idea," Black Diamond stated once the Wild Cards were out of earshot. "Would you like a lift?"
"I think I'm gonna see if there's anything left of the scooter that can be salvaged. Give me a ring if you spot the bozo." Diamond nodded and soared into the air, leaving the sword-swinging Avenger alone on the bridge, or so he thought.
Kneeling amidst the wreckage caused during his battle with the Ravager, Muskateer became aware of a presence behind him. Casting a glance over his shoulder, he saw the Silver Spectre standing a few steps away. "Can I help you?", he asked, turning back to his futile search.
"Actually, I was going to ask you the same thing," Spectre answered.
"What's that supposed to mean?", Muskateer responded, turning back to the silver clad Wild Card.
The Silver Spectre smiled and moved closer to Muskateer, resting her hand on his caped shoulder. "Justice did tell us to offer assistance. Is there anything you need assistance with?", she said, a seductive tone lacing her words. "I have a wide range of talents."
Muskateer stood to face her. "This is hardly the time, Glitter. If you didn't notice, there is a giant psycho caveman on the loose."
"I figured you had recognized me by now. I like to think that I'm unforgettable. Who cares about saving the world right now?" Spectre slid forward and wrapped her arms around Muskateer's neck. "How about giving me a proper greeting, muscles?"
"Ah, Glitter, Silver Spectre, or whoever you really are," Muskateer began as he carefully extricated himself from her grasp, "I'm gonna have to take a rain check."
"You can't be serious," she said, incredulously.
"Sorry for the ego blow, but I gotta run. I want another crack at this Ravager joker and I ain't gonna get it standin' here." Muskateer turned and began to jog off towards Manhattan.
"Well,...!", the Silver Spectre said, hands on hips as she exasperatedly watched the Avenger fade from view.
The ports in New York City are among the busiest in North America. Millions of tons of cargo routinely come through this area and the dockworkers here have just about seen it all. The docks are a chaotic place even on the quietest of days as cargo is loaded, unloaded, and moved about. But even this was nothing compared to what was to come.
An explosion ripped through a large cargo container, bringing activity on the docks to a sudden halt. Dozens of workers were sent flying from the force of the explosion. A few died immediately. Others had the misfortune of discovering that the Ravager was the cause of this attack.
Soaking wet, the giant caveman climbed up onto the docks and picked up where he had left off. Another blast of chaotic energy punched through the air, blasting a hole in the side of a cargo ship. The transport immediately started to list and take on water. Workers and sailors started to run every which way for safety. The Ravager simply thundered in delight at the chaos he was causing. But it was just a small sample of what was to come. Once he reached the Foundation Stone all reality would be plunged into absolute chaos, destroying all semblance of order. He would find that to be most pleasing.
"Yes!", Major America said excitedly. The nearby explosion could only mean that this Ravager had finally surfaced again. A report from Jet a moment later had confirmed this. Flexing his powerful legs, Major America was the first to leap onto the scene. "I'll just put this chump down and it'll be another feather in the Wild Card's cap! The boss may even give me a bonus!"
Another leap brought Major America to within a dozen feet of the man-beast. "WOW! You are one ugly mother! Just hold that pose and I'll give you the worst beating of your life."
The Ravager just smiled as the large man approached, flashing yellowed teeth. He didn't even try to avoid Major America's attack. In fact, he welcomed it.
"Take that, ugly!"
The power of Major America's attack drove the Ravager back a few steps, but otherwise didn't harm the brute. The man-beast shrieked in delight.
"What the heck---?", Major America could only wonder, shaking his fist as if in pain. It actually hurt to punch the giant!
The Ravager struck the Wild Card with a wicked backhand sending him rocketing back across the docks, through a brick wall and into a warehouse.
"Good riddance to bad trash," Supreme remarked as he got out of the Avengers van, avoiding fleeing dockworkers as they passed. He and the Thing had also been alerted to the return of the Ravager and had raced to the brute's location. "Let's show this clown how real heroes handle things."
Supreme led the charge towards the Ravager, while the Thing followed close behind. Nearly a block away, the Huntress emerged from her Corvette and approached as well.
"You set 'm up, 'n I'll knock 'em down," the Thing rumbled. "Nobody busts up a bridge in my town!"
"AIGHHH!!", Supreme yelled as he leaped at the Ravager. Despite of his large size, the Ravager acted more quickly. He sidestepped Supreme's clumsy attack, reached out and re-directed the airborne hero towards the sinking cargo ship. The muscular Avenger struck the side of the ship with a terrific thud and then fell into the river below, cursing the entire way.
Before the Ravager could fully turn back around, the Thing was upon him. Ben slammed into the Ravager shoulder first like a runaway freight train. The Thing continued to drive forward, shoving the Ravager further down the docks until both slammed into a warehouse wall. The barrier was not enough to stop either man and they both smashed through. Finally, a large metallic cargo container stopped their progress a short distance inside the warehouse.
The Ravager slammed his giant fists down hard on the back of the Thing, driving the hero to his knees. "Smash! Crush!"
"Sheesh! Is this anyway ta treat the blue eyed idol o' millions?", the Thing retorted as he lifted the Ravager straight up into the air with a powerful upper cut to the chin! "Lemme show ya some of the sites, ya dang blasted idjit!" Fortunately for him, Ben was tough enough to withstand direct contact with the villain.
The Ravager howled his displeasure as he bounced off the ceiling of the warehouse and started to descend once more towards the waiting Thing. "Yah, yer pretty strong fer a big lug. Been a long time since I've been able ta cut loose like this!"
The Rocky Avenger gauged his foe as he dropped towards the warehouse floor. Right before he would hit ground, Ben struck the Ravager with all his might. The brute sped away like a bullet, smashing through the cargo container and disappearing from sight. From the sound of it, the Ravager bashed through several other containers and quite possibly was thrown out of the warehouse through another wall.
"Way to go, Uncle Ben!", the Huntress exclaimed in astonishment. She knew the Thing to be superstrong, but had never seen anyone take a hit like that before. Turning, the Thing spotted the Huntress approaching from the opening that had been created when the two powerhouses smashed their way into the warehouse. The heroine carried her hand crossbow and was ready for action.
"Watch yerself, Sprout. I got the feelin' that my Sunday punch didn't send gruesome ta dreamland." A distant roar of rage confirmed this. "Yep, lil' Mary Sunshine wants ta play some more."
"Oh, boy," the Huntress mouthed with a worried look on her face. She quickly ran through her options, few as they were. Obviously, she couldn't go toe to toe with this Ravager. Maybe something in her gadget belt would do the trick?
"Where's that creep at?!" The rending of metal proceeded Supreme's announcement as he plowed through the warehouse's large overhead door in anger. "Nobody does that me!" Water freely dripped from the large man. "Damn, that water's cold!"
"Back off, bozo, his butt is mine!" Major American also chose that moment to burst back onto the scene. "You has been's can just sit this one out and watch a pro at work!"
"That'll be a cold day in hell!", Supreme shouted back in anger as he advanced on the newcomer. They very nearly had the same build. "Just stay out of my way, 'Hero for Hire'!"
The two muscle men were quickly arguing eye to eye with the Thing trying to break up a potential fight. "Hey! Knock it off, ya lantern-jawed lummoxes! We've got bigger problems!"
"Like the Ravager, for one!", the Huntress yelled as she pointed off into the distance. A pair of golden beams slammed into a pallet of boxes and exploded! The force of the blast knocked Major America and Supreme off of their feet, while the Thing weathered the explosion like a rock. The Huntress dove behind another cargo container and was shielded from the blast.
Daring a look around the container, the Huntress could see the Ravager approaching. Her mouth dropped in awe as the man brute advanced. He was even more hideous then she could have imagined. The Huntress aimed her crossbow and fired. The shaft flew straight and true, hitting the Ravager square in the chest. Gas issued from the blunt tip of the shaft; the pellet being smashed open upon impact. The Ravager paid it no attention. To the astonishment of the Huntress, her shaft began to break apart and fell to the floor in pieces, destroyed by the Chaos Energy that surrounded him.
Supreme was the first to advance on the Ravager. "Bring it on, big man! This time I'm ready for you and your tricks!"
"No! He's mine!" Major America flexed his powerful legs and leaped past Supreme and right in front of the bellowing Ravager.
The Ravager struck before Major America could even land. He simply slapped the patriotically clad Wild Card between both hands with a tremendous smack as if he was a fly. The Wild Card crumbled to the floor groggily.
Supreme seized the opening and landed several powerful blows to the body of the Ravager, causing the brute to give ground. "Take that! That! And That! Nobody embarrasses Supreme!" The final punch sent the Ravager flying backwards some twenty feet into the end of a large cargo container.
Major America was back on his feet once more and pushed his way past Supreme. "Except for Supreme himself. Now, stand aside, loser!"
Before Supreme could answer, the Ravager acted again. He reached up behind him and dug his hands into the metal of the cargo container. Amazingly, he picked the large object up, lifted it over his head, the top smashing through the warehouse roof, and slammed it down hard on top of Supreme and Major America!
Both musclemen went down after the first blow. But that wasn't enough to satisfy the Ravager. No, he continued to use it like a giant fly swatter, repeatedly smashing it into the unconscious heroes! "Destroy! Kill!!"
"He's got some serious issue problems," the Huntress noted, her voice filled with awe.
"Get outta here, Sprout," the Thing told the Huntress. "This isn't gonna be pretty 'n I don't want ya ta get hurt. This is jus' between me 'n laughing boy, here."
The Huntress gulped audibly at what she was seeing, but knew that Ben was right. She quickly retraced her steps out of the warehouse leaving the Thing alone with the Ravager.
The Thing advanced on the Ravager, his rocky face filled with determination. "Alright, chuckles, it's just you and me now!" Reaching up, the Thing caught the end of the cargo container the Ravager had been using like a bat on its down swing. Summoning all his might, Ben pushed the container forward, into and on top of the Ravager. The destroyed container hit the floor with a metallic thud. "Now why don't'cha save yerself some embarassment and surrender?"
The Ravager ripped apart what little remained of the container with a growl. Stepping over the debris, the Ravager advanced on the Thing. The Ravager threw a wild punch, but the Thing caught the fist in his hand and held the Ravager at bay. The other hand went to strike as well and was also caught. The two titans struggled, pitting their strength against each other.
"As my dear old Aunt Petunia used ta say, 'It's clobberin' time!" The Thing pivoted, turning the Ravager's own strength against him to throw him across the warehouse. The man-beast smashed into more stored goods, destroying their containers and sending merchandise scattering every which way. He rose with an evil smile on his face. This was a battle that he was going to enjoy.
The Huntress spotted Black Diamond and several other heroes in the air shortly after she exited the warehouse. Waving her arms, she attracted their attention. "Over here!"
Black Diamond alerted those around her and pointed towards the dock. She landed a few moments later with Lightburst, Firestar, the Enchantress, Guardian Angel, Nightingale and the Texas Ranger. The Sword of Justice rushed onto the scene from further down the docks, Psi-Queen following behind.
"He's in there," the Huntress shouted excitedly, while pointing to a large warehouse. "The Ravager just beat the tar out of Supreme and Major America." That caused a concerned look between the Sword of Justice and Psi-Queen. Firestar gulped at the news. The other Avengers looked towards their leader for her orders.
Before Diamond could speak there was an eruption from the warehouse where the Thing and the Ravager had been trading punches. An orange blur rocketed out and arced over the East River heading for Brooklyn.
"Oh my God,...!", Firestar shouted. No one could react for a moment, except to watch the projectile's trajectory. It quickly disappeared from sight.
"What the heck was that?", Lightburst asked, still straining to see the distant object.
"That was Ben!", Nightingale responded incredulously. She had picked up a few of his thoughts while he was still in range. That answer was met by a chorus of surprised and shocked responses.
"What are we up against?", the Enchantress asked, her voice shaky.
"Pull yourselves together people," Black Diamond barked as she took to the air. "Ranger, go get Ben."
"Ah'm on it," Texas Ranger said, as he flew away, following the Thing's trajectory towards Brooklyn and beyond.
Guardian Angel strode purposefully towards the warehouse. "The Ravager is my responsibility alone. I shall deal with the miscreant."
"Are you out of your mind?", Psi-Queen asked. "We're going to need an army to defeat this foe, if even that is enough."
"That's hardly necessary, my good woman," the Sword of Justice directed his statement towards Guardian Angel. "There is strength in numbers and together we shall vanquish this felon. This I do swear!"
"I admire your bravery and spirit," Guardian Angel complimented as she continued to close on the warehouse. "There is wisdom to your words, fellow seeker of justice. Have you a plan of attack?"
The Sword of Justice considered for a moment, but before he could answer, Black Diamond spoke up. "Since the Ravager seems to be some sort of primal force of destruction, according to what Firestar told me, the logical course of action is to take away his ability to destroy things."
"You make it sound so easy," Lightburst commented sarcastically.
"I think I understand what Black Diamond is saying," Nightingale spoke up. "Keep everything and everyone out of his reach."
"How are we supposed to do that?", Firestar asked.
"Nightingale will lift the Ravager into the air and keep him in place. Then everyone can hit him safely with everything they've got from a distance." Just then another crash erupted from the warehouse and the Ravager let out a loud guttural roar as he burst back onto the docks.
"He's even worse then I imagined," Firestar mouthed to herself in awe.
"I think we are out of our league," Psi-Queen whispered to the Sword of Justice. "Way out of it." The patriotic swordsman didn't answer his companion.
"Guess it's time to test the theory," Lightburst quipped as he took to the air. The other Avengers were airborne a moment later and closed in on the lumbering behemoth. The Ravager thrust his fists at the oncoming heroes and growled defiantly at them. "'Sides, who wants to live forever?"
"Me for one," Nightingale countered as she prepared herself for what was to come.
Seeing that they were keeping their distance, the Ravager latched onto a jitney and launched it toward the Avengers. "Smash all!!"
"I'll make sure this doesn't hurt anyone," Black Diamond shouted as she soared over to catch the projectile. "Everyone hit him!" Latching onto the jitney, she slowed its momentum and eased it to the ground.
Lightburst flew in first and headed straight for the Ravager. "I'll set him up for you, 'Gale." He stopped a few feet away and unleashed an extremely bright burst of light at the Ravager's head, intended to disorient the brute. When the flash of brilliance passed, the purple Avenger was astonished to see that his foe was unfazed. A moment later, the Ravager struck and swatted Lightburst from the air. He smashed roughly into a crane on the dock.
"I told him to keep his distance," Black Diamond said, shaking her head. "Stay out of his reach! 'Gale! Get him airborne."
Without a verbal response, Nightingale concentrated and with the telltale accompaniment of songbirds, the Ravager was lifted into the air. The brute struggled against the unseen force holding him in place. Nightingale continued and in a moment, the Ravager was hovering almost twenty feet off the ground.
"Hurry!", the psionic urged. "I don't know how long I can keep this up!" Already the Ravager was beginning to break from Nightingale's grasp. His strength was incredible!
"Hit him!", Diamond ordered and the other Avengers continued to unleash a barrage at the immobile, inviting target. Psi-Queen followed up with a mind blast from her scepter and the Huntress fired thermal pellets from her crossbow, one after the other. The Enchantress and Firestar traded bursts of pure magic and raging fireballs, continuing to hit the Ravager time and time again. The energy that exploded around the Ravager was simply incredible and lit up the sky, even though it was a bright sunny day.
After a few seconds of the barrage, the Ravager broke free of Nightingale's telekinetic grasp and fell to the docks. Everyone's jaws dropped open at the sight of the freed Ravager. He seemed almost unfazed by it all. Some of his body was ablaze from the Thermite pellets, but he paid it no heed. The Ravager was actually grinning at them!
"He can't be stopped!", Firestar shouted, as she unconsciously put more distance between herself and the Ravager.
"Remarkable," the Sword of Justice observed as he also moved for safety. This foe was far beyond his skills as Psi-Queen had already noted. Indeed, likely beyond the powers of all the Wild Cards combined.
The Ravager bellowed loudly and with a quick movement thrust his hands towards Nightingale. Before anyone could react, his target was engulfed in an explosion of golden energy. Nightingale was blown away by the blast and collapsed to the ground unconscious.
The Ravager hefted another cargo container and flung it towards his aerial opponents. Everyone started to scatter, except for Guardian Angel who flew directly at the metal missile, smashing straight through it. She continued on and flew headlong into the Ravager, taking him to the ground with the force of her blow.
"I will tolerate your evil no longer, vile spawn of Chaos! Order will always triumph over Chaos!" Guardian Angel pounded the prone Ravager with a powerful blow, shaking the ground under the force of the impact. She landed another tremendous punch and another, smashing the Ravager further and further into the ground. "You will be defeated, monster!!"
But the Ravager was not about to take his lumps without returning a few of his own. He landed a powerful blow on Guardian Angel which sent her rocketing straight up into the air and quickly out of sight. Regaining his feet and climbing from the hole Guardian Angel had created, he stood to watch his foe disappear from view, a satisfied evil grin on his face. Guardian Angel had hurt him, but he would recover quickly. "Chaos shall overcome all!", he raged.
A moment later a black streak smashed into him from behind, flooring the Ravager again. Black Diamond followed up Guardian Angel's attack with one of her own. "Avengers! I could use some support!" The Avengers leader continued to pound the back of the Ravager's head with her powerful fists, but a backhanded blow knocked Diamond away and into the warehouse where Ben and Supreme had fought this juggernaut.
The Enchantress and Firestar watched as Black Diamond crashed into the structure and out of sight. Severely weakened from the previous beating it had undertaken, the entire warehouse collapsed under the force of the collision, burying Black Diamond in it.
"Di!", Firestar shouted. "We have to get her out of there!"
"That will not be an easy task," Justice pointed out. "Not with this Ravager still milling about."
"Someone could try and lure him away," the Huntress offered.
"Don't look at me," Psi-Queen quickly responded. "Which one of us is crazy enough to try a stunt like that after he just ko'd some of the most powerful heroes on earth." The Psi-Queen was starting to loose her cool under the mounting pressure of the seemingly futile battle. Her mind blasts were barely felt by the beast and her other mental powers were useless in this situation. The Wild Cards had no business sticking their noses into this situation.
"I for one am not insane," the Enchantress spoke up. "But I shall try to lure the lummox away, so that we can free Black Diamond, and Supreme as well. We will need them if we are to defeat this foe."
The Huntress swallowed as she looked from the sorceress to the Ravager. "I'll help you, Enchantress," she said. She could only hope she sounded more sure of herself than she felt. "Like 'Burst said, 'who wants to live forever'."
"Count me in," Firestar added without hesitation. "We've got to rescue them!"
"Very well, comrades," the Enchantress responded, pleased at the bravery of her teammates. "We shouldn't tarry."
As the others fanned out, the Enchantress flew in close and unleashed a magical burst in the Ravager's face. By channeling all her magic into her mystic blast, the Enchantress sent the brute flying backwards over forty feet. He crashed to the ground, howling his disapproval as he went. A moment later, the Huntress launched another thermite pellet. Firestar cut loose as well, striking with her most powerful flames, sending the giant further away from the collapsed warehouse.
The Ravager stood up yet again, his head flaming under the thermite's effects. The Ravager started his evil, menacing chant once more, "Die! Die! Die!" He lifted a truck and launched it towards the heroines.
"This is one time I wish I was as nimble as mom," the Huntress mused as she tumbled away from the attack. Firestar and the Enchantress soared out of harm's way as well. "At least we have his attention!", the Huntress added.
"Great," Firestar muttered.
"We may not be able to harm him much, but we should be able to give the others time to recover and return," the Enchantress explained, trying to reassure her younger teammate. Her training at the hands of the Master had taught her to remain calm in the face of the most extraordinary circumstances, but the power of this Ravager was unlike anything Gwen had ever encountered before.
"As long as we stay alive that long, huh?"
"That is the intended idea." The Enchantress sent another mystic blast at the Ravager and again he was sent flying by the powerful arcane energies.
"You seem to be actually hurting him!", the Huntress noted excitedly as she followed the Ravager down the dock. "Hit him again!"
As the Enchantress closed in again to continue her assault, the Ravager reached for another cargo container. He hefted the huge metal object and with a deafening roar, smashed it to the ground near the heroines. The air all about them was suddenly filled with a shower of metal, wooden and plastic shrapnel. The Enchantress and the Huntress were mercilessly pummeled under an incredible wave of force and both were quickly felled.
The heroines lay stunned on the ground amidst the litter of debris as the Ravager closed in. The red clad woman had hurt him the most. She would die first. Raising his massive powerful fist, the Ravager bellowed, "DEATH!" and swung.
Elsewhere, the Texas Ranger had just cleared the East River in his search for the Thing. His target was not difficult to find. The Thing had crashed through part of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, bringing northbound traffic to a halt as there now was a gaping hole in the elevated roadway. One car was teetering on the edge, but a telekinetic shove pushed it safely back onto the roadway. A short distance behind the expressway, Ranger found the Thing unburying himself from a tremendous impact crater.
"You okay there, pardner?"
"Just knocked the wind outta me," the Thing grumbled. "Laughing Boy doesn't know his own strength."
"The Ravager hit you this far?", Ranger asked incredulously.
"Nah, the big lug grabbed me and did his best Elway imitation."
"Black Diamond sent me ta find ya an' bring ya back," Ranger explained.
"Then let's go, Tex. I'd never thought I'd meet a crumb-bum who could do this ta me. This business o' bein' the idol of millions is gettin' tougher all the time!"
The Thing slowly rose into the air in the telekinetic grasp of the Texas Ranger. Ranger then took flight, his passenger in tow behind him.
The Ravager stood over the groggy Enchantress, ready to destroy this annoyance. But the fatal blow never landed. A flashing metallic blur swept in and struck the Ravager in the abdomen. The blow buckled the Ravager in half and knocked him to the ground. The Ravager quickly regained his feet and looked around for the attacker. Firestar seized the opening to get the Huntress to safety.
"I'm kinda partial to that lady, gruesome." Muskateer stood over his stunned teammate, pointing his sword defiantly at the Ravager. "Looks like I hurt you that time too, chuckles."
The Ravager just ranted in anger and frustration. This swordsman had stopped him from destroying everything at the bridge and now he had stopped him from killing the red woman. He must die. The Ravager rushed forward, attempting to crush the annoying human in his powerful arms.
Muskateer stepped wide and spun to his right to avoid the onrushing attack, as the Ravager passed by grabbing only air. Continuing his spin, he swung his sword in a wide arc and into the back of the Ravager as he passed. "Ole', ugly!"
The blow didn't hurt him greatly, but coupled with the surprise of missing his foe, the Ravager fell forward to the ground. Muskateer scooped up the still stunned Enchantress and moved away. "Firestar! Cook that sucker!!"
Before the Ravager could respond, Firestar flew in and unleashed a blast like a fiery furnace. "Pour it on, 'Star!", Muskateer encouraged his teammate as he set the Enchantress down a safe distance away. She was starting to regain her wits.
Firestar gritted her teeth and lingered in the area a little longer as she continued to blast the Ravager. He started to stand, the fire still flaming all around him. Firestar glanced over towards Muskateer for direction. Looking up into the air, Muskateer shouted, "Just a few seconds more, Hot Stuff!"
Firestar was starting to tire and the Ravager was coming for her, but she would trust Muskateer. A moment later, Firestar could feel her power starting to wane. Before she could even apologize, a streaking figure crashed into the flaming Ravager, sending him flying and continuing along with him.
"Awright!", Muskateer shouted. "I love it when a plan starts to come together!" Looking around, he took in the elements available at hand. Guardian Angel had arrived back on the scene and struck the Ravager at just the right moment, moving him away from Firestar. "Catch your breath, Firestar. We may need that kind of output again in a few minutes, but I think we can put ugly out."
Firestar just nodded her understanding as she touched down to the ground, nearly exhausted. It would take time to regain her strength.
Off in the distance, Guardian Angel suddenly dove in her flight, driving the Ravager hard into the ground. Speaking into his comlink as he watched, Muskateer asked, "Tex? How long 'til Ben's back here?"
"Ah reckon 'bout a few more minutes."
"We're gonna need bashful Benjy as soon as possible. Hightail it!" Muskateer continued to keep an eye on Guardian Angel and the Ravager trade punches off in the distance. Even he was beginning to be impressed by the power wielded by Guardian Angel. She stood there, going toe to toe with the Ravager. Even more impressively, she seemed to be hurting the beast.
Nearby the Enchantress was regaining her feet. "You have a plan?", she wondered, still a little unsteady.
"Yeah. Are you okay?", Muskateer asked, concern filling his voice.
"I am at your disposal."
"That's my gal." Turning, Muskateer spotted the leader of the Wild Cards a short distance away. "Sword of Justice! Make yerself useful and help get some of the unconscious people out of the way!"
The Sword of Justice bristled at being commanded by Muskateer, but he was correct. And it would look good to the media, rescuing fallen and helpless heroes. "As you wish. I see the wisdom in your directions."
"I'll give you a hand," the Psi-Queen quickly spoke up. She wanted to get away from this Ravager as quickly as possible. The Huntress, Nightingale, and Lightburst were all down in the immediate area already. Psi-Queen consciously avoided assisting Nightingale.
A moment later, Guardian Angel landed in the heroes' midst having been smashed back by the Ravager's powerful blows. Undaunted, she rose and started to head back to renew combat with the Ravager, until Muskateer put his hand on her shoulder to stop her. "Hold on a sec, Angel. Let's let gruesome come to us."
"I see your tactic," Guardian Angel realized. "Make the brute use as much energy as possible. Wear himself out."
"Something like that, plus we just need to hold on a few moments more until some reinforcements arrive. 'Tress, I need you airborne, above Angel." The Enchantress hastened to respond, not quite sure what Muskateer was planning, but more than willing to comply. She was confident her Muskateer knew what he was doing.
"Musky. I don't think I'm ready to use that kinda power again," Firestar explained apologetically from a short distance away. The young Blood was leaning against a crate for support.
"No prob, Hot Stuff. Keep yerself clear for now and let me know when you're ready. We can take this bozo! Whatever you do, Angel, don't move!"
Guardian Angel gave the Avenger an odd look as he moved off, but he must have a plan. She turned to the Ravager and waited, silently regaining her strength.
The Ravager clamored loudly as he rushed at his foes. It was a glorious battle, but too many of these weaker beings had hurt him. He must make them pay now. He fired an explosive burst of golden energy which erupted around Guardian Angel. She steadied herself and withstood the attack, continuing to stand her ground as the Ravager closed in. The Ravager leapt and tried to land feet first on his target.
"Gang way!" Muskateer leaped in and pulled the unmoving Guardian Angel out of the way at the last moment as the two rolled away to avoid the clumsy, though powerful, attack and the Ravager crashed into the ground, creating yet another impact crater. "'Tress, you're up!"
"I was capable of withstanding his assault," Guardian Angel objected as she regained her footing and flew after her foe. "Your rescue was unnecessary."
"That's not the point," Muskateer countered. "We need to keep setting him up for the next one to hit. We're not going to take this turkey down in a straight up fight."
Taking her cue, the Enchantress unleashed another burst of magical energies at the behemoth. The Ravager roared in pain and frustration. As soon as the energy subsided, Guardian Angel was back into the fray, pummeling the Ravager with her powerful fists. She knocked the Ravager aside as he was looking for a way to attack the Enchantress. "My allies are wise and powerful, villain! On this day you shall surely fall!"
"Good work. Now, it's my turn." Muskateer moved in on the Ravager from behind as he now turned his attention and rage towards Guardian Angel. He never saw the sword blade swing in. Muskateer grunted as he connected with the giant's back. The blow was effective, knocking the Ravager forward and onto his brutish face. "Keep it up, girls! Smack'm him again, Angel!"
More than happy to comply, the heroine flew in and piledrove the Ravager with a two-fisted smash. The Ravager was knocked away from his intended target once again. Rolling to a stop, the Ravager was growing more and more frustrated. He bellowed and howled, unable to form words in his anger and frustration. Every time he went to attack a foe, he himself was attacked from surprise. Looking around, he saw one of these annoying humans who was making themselves an inviting target. He raised his fists and brought them down onto the foe with all his angry might.
"Glitter! Get out of there!!" Muskateer had seen Glitter or Silver Spectre as she was known in the Wild Cards close in on the Ravager. She disappeared under the brute's crushing fists. The Ravager roared his approval.
Muskateer rushed in and struck again, staggering the Ravager, but failing to knock him back. "If you killed her, I'll..." A moment later, he saw the Silver Spectre emerge from the rubble caused by the Ravager's attack and walk through the giant to face Muskateer. She appeared to be unharmed.
"Thanks for the thought, muscles. Your heart's in the right place, but I'm just fine, handsome." Apparently, the Silver Spectre had the ability to become intangible as well.
The Enchantress looked on curiously. "That's her?", she thought to herself, suddenly realizing just who this woman was. Apparently this was the same woman that Muskateer had told her about before. For the life of her, Gwen could not understand what Muskateer had ever seen in that woman. She was not nearly good enough for him.
"I didn't know you could do that," Muskateer offered, as he avoided a wild swing from the Ravager. The clumsy blow passed harmlessly through the Silver Spectre.
"Why'd you think I took a name like Silver Spectre anyway? It's not like he can touch me," she answered smugly. "I'll help draw his attention while you guys beat the snot out of him. Yoo hoo, gruesome!" The Spectre turned to face the Ravager as she waved and smiled sweetly at him. "Let me guess, big guy. You've never had a girlfriend, right? Maybe if you took care of yourself, you might get a lady friend and get rid of some of that pent up frustration."
"Get out of there, Spectre! We don't need to take those kind of chances!" Muskateer's comments went unheeded as he moved away to prepare for the next round of assaults on the Ravager. A moment later, the Silver Spectre was about to regret that decision.
The Ravager was growing more angry and frustrated by the moment. He struck out with the chaos energy at his command, a burst of golden energy expanding out from him like a wave. The energy buffeted the Avengers and Wild Cards alike. Close to the center of the power burst, the Silver Spectre was knocked unconscious, despite her intangibility. It failed to protect her from the Ravager's awesome chaos forces. She was flung backwards and into the ever growing pile of debris.
"I hope everyone learns from her mistake!", Muskateer chastised loudly. "Now, let's put this sucker away."
"My powers are at your command, Muskateer," the Enchantress stated in a pleased tone as she hovered overhead.
"As are mine, my friend," Guardian Angel remarked as she balled her fists in anticipation. The Ravager was not only beginning to tire, but their repeated attacks were starting to wear down the powerful monster. Surely these were worthy heroes to battle with side by side against the forces of chaos. "We are doing it! The Ravager is being worn down!"
"And here comes the cavalry!" Muskateer pointed to the air. Black Diamond, carrying Supreme, was flying back onto the scene. From over the river, the Texas Ranger was arriving with the Thing in tow as well. "All right! AVENGERS ASSEMBLE!!", Muskateer shouted, thrusting his sword into the air dramatically. "Let's put'm down!"
A moment later, the Texas Ranger flew into the heroes' midst, dropping the Thing on the Ravager like a large, rocky cannonball. "Gee-ronimo!!", the Thing bellowed before crashing in the Ravager. Ben curled into a ball right before impact. The unexpected attack sent the Ravager tumbling backwards. He and the Thing came to a rough stop side by side. Rising, the two began to renew their relationship.
As the Thing and the Ravager began to pummel each other again, Muskateer spoke into his comlink. "Hey, Di, what do you think of the ol' Hammer and Anvil maneuver?"
"Good idea, Muskateer." Black Diamond was pleased that Muskateer's battle tactics were showing success in the fight. Seeing no reason to change tactics as this point, she decided to let him continue in charge of the situation. "I believe that I am the Hammer in this case," she then said to her passenger. "I'll drop you off here." Closing in on their foe, Black Diamond let go of Supreme and sped up her flight, crashing into the back of the Ravager and sandwiching him between herself and the Thing's rocky fist. This time the Ravager only let out a muffled grunt.
"I think lil' Mary Sunshine doesn't like bein' the peanut butter in our sandwich, Di," the Thing observed with a grin.
"He'll get over it," Black Diamond simply answered.
The Ravager struck out about him, blinded by pain, enraged beyond belief. Black Diamond and the Thing were knocked away and sent flying. Another burst of Chaos energy shot from the behemoth and he bellowed like a wounded animal.
"'Tress! Knock him toward Supreme. Angel, you're up next!", Muskateer commanded. Following his lead, the Enchantress blasted the brute in Supreme's direction, who was only too happy to have another crack at him. "Tex! Get ready to pluck our pinball out of the air. I figure Supes is gonna be goin' for the fences."
"I'm ready to help," Firestar announced, flying back on to the scene. "Not sure how long I'll last, but I'll give you my all."
"Good deal, Hot Stuff. Chuckles looks cold. Why don't you warm him up a bit while Tex sends him towards Guardian Angel?" Turning back to the battle, Muskateer watched what he hoped would be the final moves before victory.
"Now we put this jerk down for good!" Supreme reared back and waited. The Enchantress had unerringly blasted the Ravager directly toward him with her magical energies. Letting out a yell as he swung, Supreme pounded the Bringer of Chaos with every ounce of his considerable might, venting his previous frustrations. The Ravager rocketed away from him as if he was shot out of a cannon. "Man, that felt good!"
"Ah'll just direct this thar lost doggie ta his last roundup," the Texas Ranger drawled as he focused his telekinetic powers on the flailing giant. "Jes like ropin' in a runaway steer." He altered his trajectory swinging him around towards Guardian Angel.
As the Ravager flew in his guided path, Firestar pasted him with yet another blast of fire for good measure.
"I strike for justice and order!!" Guardian Angel flew in and pummeled the Ravager with a powerful punch of her own. He went straight down, impacting with the ground and flinging huge chunks of concrete into the air upon contact.
The Ravager staggered slowly to his feet. "Destroy you... destroy you all...," he mumbled barely conscious.
"I can't believe he's not down yet," Firestar remarked incredulously.
"Not long now, Hot Stuff. You want the final honors, Ben?", Muskateer asked.
"I owe da blasted Yancy Streeter another thumpin', Junior. Stand back n' I'll knock 'im inta orbit! It'd be a shame if I hit him too hard and messed up all those handsome features." The Thing lumbered near and grabbed the shaken Ravager by the neck. He lifted the groggy caveman off the ground and reared back as the other Avengers looked on, waiting for the coup de grace to be delivered.
Suddenly, the Thing doubled over in incredible pain, dropping the Ravager to the ground and falling to his knees. The rocky Avenger screamed in agony before collapsing.
"Ben!", Black Diamond shouted as she flew to his side. The Ravager was still groggy but regaining his wits. He raised his powerful fists again, looking to pummel the defenseless Thing into oblivion.
"Avengers! Everyone hit him at once! Take that turkey out!" Muskateer thumbed the taser control on his sword hilt as he closed in on their foe. At the same time, a wave of magical energy and a burst of concentrated fire struck as well. Guardian Angel and Supreme smashed into the Ravager a split second later and sent the man-beast sailing through the air. The Bringer of Chaos crashed to the pavement and rolled to a stop. This time, he would not stand again.
"Yee-ha!", the Ranger shouted, waving his cowboy hat in the air.
"It's about friggin' time!", grumbled Supreme. He quickly went to Black Diamond's side.
"And another bad guy bites the dust," Muskateer commented in relief. "Took him long enough to finally fall over though."
"You think he's out Musky?", Firestar asked hesitantly. "It could be a trick."
"The behemoth was virtually unconscious on his feet for the last few moments," the Enchantress observed. "Surely, he must be incapacitated now." At least that was the hope of the Avengers' sorceress.
"He is defeated," Guardian Angel stated confidently. Picking up a piece of now scrap wood, she touched the Ravager with it. "His Chaos Field is down only when he is unconscious." The wood continued to remain intact. "The hard fought victory is ours, comrades."
"But at what cost?", the Enchantress could only wonder. The heroes turned back towards the fallen Thing. Black Diamond was bent down next to the rocky Avenger with Supreme looking on in concern...
