The man better known to the world as Lightburst made his way among the passageways underneath the vast Carrington Estate. While most residents thought that Lord and Lady Carrington were former nobility moved from their native Great Britain, in reality they were the vile Demonpriests known as Lord Evil and Lady Darkness. The basement of their estate had been modified to suit their despicable needs and served as their base of operations on Earth.
Seymour Sharpe, the secret identity of Lightburst, obediently followed the man before him. Instead of a proper butler's uniform, the man wore shiny black pants and a black hood. It sort of resembled a modern day executioner's garb. Neither man spoke, as they had no reason to do so. Lightburst had been summoned to the Carrington Estate, while the man in the black hood was to escort him to Lady Darkness.
The two moved past the laboratory of Lord Evil, neither one paying any attention to the large portal device that he was tinkering with. It was this machine that had allowed Lady Darkness to return to her native world of Terra Nova and once more resume her role as Empress. This same device would also allow the two to sate their lust for power and conquest by expanding their empire into other dimensions. Provided he could get the device to function properly without any side effects.
A scream of agony pierced the basement, but neither Lightburst nor his escort paid it any heed. They didn't even flinch. Somewhere close by a woman was in excruciating pain. She screamed once more, her cries falling on deaf ears.
Reaching their destination, the escort opened a door and gestured for Lightburst to enter. The light-wielding Avenger complied and the door shut behind him. His escort turned and walked away, traveling back the way he came.
The source of the screams was then revealed to Lightburst. At one time, what he saw before him would have revolted Seymour. But now it didn't nor did it matter to him in the slightest. His mistress wouldn't allow any such display of emotion. Lightburst now only did as Lady Darkness wished. He lived only to serve her every whim.
Stretched out spread eagle on a table was a voluptuous woman with blonde corn silk hair. Her limbs were cruelly being pulled to the corners of the table by chains attached to heavy counterweights. The woman wore a shiny black skintight outfit that covered her from the neck down.
Unknown to Lightburst, the woman was known as Lady Zee. At one point she had also been a Demonpriest and co-commanded the New York City branch with Lord Shadow. Unwittingly, they had gathered the shards of the Crystal thinking that they were assembling an artifact of great power. They were right in that respect, but neither ever imagined that the Crystal was an intelligent entity in its own right. They were both absorbed into the Crystal, their knowledge added to that of the artifact.
Once whole, the Crystal restored the Morbanes to physical form to act as its servants. The Crystal needed agents to carry out its mission here on Earth. That mission was to kill Lady Darkness as its own master had designs on her empire. Upon locating its target the Crystal and its minions went on the offensive. The attack did not go as planned as the forces of the Empress of Darkness were more powerful than anticipated. The Crystal fled, but Lady Zee had been captured in the process.
Hovering over the tormented woman was Lady Darkness. She was dressed in a similar style as her victim, but her outfit was impossibly form fitting. There was no trace of any seams from her neck down to the tips of her ridiculously high heels. Resting on her lustrous raven colored hair was the artifact known as the Stone Crown. Another mental bolt from the Stone Crown struck the woman on the table, causing her to scream and convulse once more.
Almost unnoticed by Lightburst was the third woman in the room. She also wore a tight black skinsuit, but seemed to be repulsed by the torture that she was witnessing. Blaise had to force herself to watch, as she didn't want to displease her mistress and end up the next guest in Lady Darkness' 'playroom'.
"You would do well to remember this, Blaise," Lady Darkness instructed the young sorceress. "Power is a tool meant to be wielded by the strong. The weak are to be used and molded as we desire and to be discarded when they no longer are useful. To dominate and control others is in itself power. You have no idea the exhilaration I feel in breaking someone's will to my own."
"I will remember, mistress," Blaise quietly answered, trying to hide her personal disgust. At one time her own lust for power drove her to accept Lady Darkness as a mentor and trainer to bring out her meager magical talents. While it was true that Blaise had grown in power since serving Lady Darkness, it was also equally true that Blaise was as much a slave to the Empress of Darkness as any of her mind-controlled thralls. The only difference being that Blaise was not immune to the horror she was witnessing.
The energy flowing from the Stone Crown ceased and the woman on the table collapsed once more. A pleased smile came to the features of Lady Darkness. "Lady Zee is ready for the Joining. You may take her back to her cell, Blaise. Tend to her well, for soon she will also be your mistress."
"As you command." Blaise bowed and quickly went to work on her assigned task. The exact meaning of Lady Darkness' words was lost on the woman. Blaise only knew that she had a task to perform and that it was expected of her to be carried out to the best of her abilities. The chains holding Lady Zee were unlocked and a simple Spell of Levitation allowed the sorceress to transport the prisoner back to her cell.
While that was happening, Lady Darkness finally acknowledged Lightburst's presence. She stood before him and held her hand out. Obediently, the man dropped to one knee and kissed the vinyl-clad hand before him. "I have come as commanded, Mistress."
"The time has come to bring your charming teammate into the fold," Lady Darkness stated. "The moment of the Joining rapidly approaches. It will take time to prepare her properly. These are your instructions."
Lightburst listened intently, as the plan to capture the Enchantress was revealed to him...
| Roll Call: |
|---|
 Black Diamond |
 Muskateer |
 Enchantress |
 Firestar |
 Lightburst |
 Supreme |
 Texas Ranger |
 Thing |
Guest Starring Guardian Angel |
 Night Owl |
 Scarlet Sabre |
Everyone could feel the tension in the Meeting Room. It was Thursday evening and most of the team had gathered in response to what had happened to the Huntress. The heroine had been savagely beaten by the White Dragon the night before and came close to losing her life. Exactly what should be done about this was the current topic of conversation. (Editor's Note: You did check out Huntress #25, didn't you?)
"We are not vigilantes!", the Enchantress protested strongly. The crimson-clad sorceress seemed to be the only Avenger present voicing their displeasure. "This is wrong!"
"So is what happened to Helena," Black Diamond countered angrily. "I will not stand by and let something like this happen to a member of my team. We MUST do something." The leader of the Avengers stood at the head of the table in her traditional black costume.
The heroine would never forget how she had lifted Helena's battered body from Hunter's Corvette right before she had been taken to Sanctuary for medical attention. It was one of the most horrible things she had ever seen. Diamond had always tried to guide Helena in her activities as the Huntress, but had met with some resistance. In some ways, Helena was as proud and stubborn as her father. She had successfully come out of surgery a few hours earlier and was on the road to recovery. The matter of what to do about her attacker remained.
"Sprout's family," Ben Grimm responded. The larger, rocky Avenger didn't bother with a formal costume. He currently wore a shorts and tank top combination in red. "Families take care of their own. Count me in, Di."
"This is not the Old West," the Enchantress continued. She looked over the rest of the team, hoping for support in her position. To her disappointment, there didn't appear to be any. "This is 1986, not 1886! This gunslinger mentality should not exist any longer. We are a civilized society that has laws and procedures for dealing with situations such as these. We should let the proper authorities deal with these villains. If we take the law into our own hands, then we are not any better than the criminals we are supposed to protect people from."
"That's not what I am suggesting," Diamond shot back, trying to control her own emotions. "Honestly, you are really overreacting in this matter. We are not going to be playing judge, jury, and executioner. I don't plan on paying the White Dragon back an eye for an eye."
"Maybe you're not, Di," Muskateer interrupted, "but I'd like to kick this clown's butt from here to Jersey! Nobody does that to an Avenger while I'm on this team!" The anger in Muskateer's voice couldn't help but be noticed. It was a sentiment that many of the team shared. This just further fueled the Enchantress' anxiety.
"You said it, pahdner," the Texas Ranger chimed in. "We need ta round up these coyotes and teach'm some proper manners. That was no way to treat a lady."
"Just listen to yourselves," the Enchantress continued to object. "You're all out for vengeance, not justice. This is very wrong. It was my understanding that the Avengers were above such things."
"The Avengers take care of their own," Supreme commented, adding his voice to the conversation. The large man wore his multi-colored, almost garish costume. "It's the way we do things."
"As I've stated before, I have no intention of breaking any laws," Black Diamond said. "These are criminals that need to be apprehended and that's just what we are going to do. Knowing Helena as I do, that is what she would want. This is strictly a voluntary mission given its volatile nature. No one is making you come along."
"I have no intention of participating in this blood hunt," the Enchantress answered as she stood up. "We are the Avengers. We are supposed to be better than this. Perhaps I was mistaken about a good many things. Good evening."
The Enchantress spun on her heels and walked briskly towards the exit. A beat later, Muskateer went after her. "Gwen! Hold on a sec."
The sorceress slowed her pace and then stopped. Turning back around, she waited for Muskateer to join her. "Why don't we take a walk? Get some fresh air."
"As you wish, Steven."
Muskateer held the door open for the sorceress and then followed her out into the hallway. The rest of the Avengers watched them depart before continuing on with their debate. Lightburst had followed the Enchantress with his eyes, continuing to stare even after she had left the room.
Black Diamond watched the remainder of her team, trying to gauge their reactions. Ben, Supreme, and Ranger's positions were obvious at this point. Ben had been close to Helena since she had been a little girl. She even referred to the rocky Avenger as 'Uncle Ben'. While Ben shouldn't be exerting himself due to his recent exposure to unknown radiation, there was no way Diamond would stop him from participating in this. She understood exactly how he felt.
Supreme, in spite of his outwardly gruff and tough exterior, was a pussycat inside. He also had a soft spot for the female Avengers, treating most like they were his little sisters. He had behaved this way before with Nightengale and Firestar. His defending the Huntress just fit the pattern.
The Texas Ranger's motives were a mystery to Black Diamond. She, like the rest of her team, knew very little about the man. Other than the fact that he had been yet another victim of PSI's training programs, much like Nightengale. Ranger came across as a Texas flavored gentleman from western movies of old.
Only Firestar and Lightburst had remained quiet thus far. Nightengale was currently on Sanctuary looking after the Huntress. But knowing her friend as well as she did, Diamond imagined that 'Gale would not approve of this course of action. It was matters like these where Nightengale and the Enchantress were in complete agreement.
Firestar shifted in her chair uncomfortably. The young mutant was unsure just what to think about this whole situation. "She's not ready for this," Diamond thought to herself. The more she thought about it, the more Black Diamond was hesitant to involve Firestar in this situation.
"So what about you, lightbulb?" the Thing wondered aloud, breaking the silence. "What's yer take?"
Lightburst rose to his feet, his face concealed behind his full-face mask. "Hey, do what you guys got to do. Just count me out. If you ask me, if Hunter's kid can't cut it, then she doesn't belong on the team in the first place. Later."
"Why you lily-livered...!", the Texas Ranger started to say as he sprang from his chair to defend the Huntress' honor. The Thing, who prevented Ranger from moving any further, brought Ranger's angry retort to an end.
"Don't waste yer breath, Cowboy," the Thing grumbled. "Save it fer the scum who roughed up Sprout."
Ignoring the angry glare coming from the Texas Ranger, Lightburst turned and departed the meeting chamber. The situation with the Huntress was irrelevant to him. All that mattered was completing the mission for his mistress.
"Don't let the door hit you on the way out, you creep!", Supreme shouted, shaking his fist at the departing mutant. "Di, tell me again why we keep that jerk around?"
Diamond didn't bother to answer Supreme's question. His dislike for Lightburst was already well documented with her. Instead, she faced Firestar. "I'd like you to stay here," she told the young heroine. "We probably already have more than enough bodies to deal with the Dragon Lords."
"If you think it's best," Firestar answered, relief obvious in her voice. "Good luck, guys. Give'm a whack for me." Firestar stood and departed the Meeting Room. She sighed heavily to herself after the door closed behind her. Being excused was actually a load off her mind.
The last several days had not been easy for Cassie. There had been the horrific battle with the Ravager and then the situation with the vampires. But those were not the primary source of the young woman's troubles. Her worries were of a more personal nature.
Her relationship with Terra Fire had moved faster than she expected. Cassie still didn't know why she had kissed him after the pool party, only that it seemed like the right thing to do. It had been her first kiss and she still felt a bit dreamy about the whole thing. She found herself looking forward to seeing Jason at school on Monday.
However, the vampire troubles torpedoed that plan. Instead, she would have to be content to wait until the next day to see her boyfriend again. But when she arrived for her classes, Terra Fire was nowhere to be found. Later she found out that he and the rest of the Young Champions had departed on a mission by ship. No one knew just how long they were going to be gone. (Editor's Note: See Young Champions #19 for more details.)
Add in the horrific attack on the Huntress and Cassie was one conflicted teenager. She could understand why the others would want to go after the White Dragon like they planned. Had it been Jason, Muskateer, or Di, she probably would have felt the same way. Cassie didn't know the Huntress that well to have such a personal relationship with her.
"They still plan to carry out this course of action?" The question momentarily startled Firestar. So lost in thought was she that Cassie never even noticed Guardian Angel coming up to her. The heroine had been a guest of the Avengers, but was not a member of the team. Thus she had not been invited to attend the emergency meeting.
"Looks that way. Di excused me from the meeting."
"A wise decision on her part." Guardian Angel put her arm around the young heroine in an effort to try and cheer her up. "Let us hope that they conduct themselves in a manner worthy of your fine team. In the meantime, perhaps you would like to accompany me out on a patrol? I am sure that the other forces of evil are not being lax in their plans for this evening."
Firestar perked up a bit. "Sure! Sounds like fun."
"Then come, comrade, and let the those who would do evil beware! Guardian Angel and Firestar are on the job!"
Elsewhere in the expansive Avengers Mansion, Muskateer and the Enchantress slowly walked the halls. Finally Muskateer broke the silence. "So what were you talking about back there? Mistaken about what?"
"Mistaken about what the Avengers stood for."
"What is it about this that feels so different from any other villain that we've ever gone after before?" Muskateer still couldn't see exactly what was bugging the beautiful sorceress.
The Enchantress sighed as she tried to gather her thoughts. Finally, she spoke. "Because you are taking this too personally. You said it yourself, you want to get your hands on this criminal and hurt him. This is very dangerous territory that you are entering. How far are you willing to go to get the White Dragon? What laws are you willing to break in the process?"
"What would you expect me to do if it was you lying in that hospital bed? How would you feel if it were me instead? Of course I'm taking it personally." The two stopped their walk as Muskateer became more animated while talking.
"If you recall, you were in a hospital bed, but you didn't see me going off in a rage swearing vengeance," Gwen countered. "Two wrongs will never make a right. I agree that the White Dragon needs to be brought to justice. It just needs to be done by those not emotionally involved in the situation. It is a situation like this that led to the downfall of the Crusaders. I lived through that and I know the warning signs when I see them."
"I'm sorry, Gwennie, but that's not a fair comparison. The thing that messed me up was already dealt with and long gone. The White Dragon is out there still." He paused for a moment, waiting for a response, but none was coming. Gwen looked away as if in contemplation. "Are you sure this is really so different or are you making a bigger deal out of this BECAUSE you went through something similar before? The Avengers are not the Crusaders, if that's what's bothering you."
Muskateer reached out towards the Enchantress, resting his hands on her shoulders. "I don't know how far I'm willing to go. There's no reason any laws need to be broken. We bring people to justice all the time. That's what we do. I take a lot of this job personally. It wasn't a problem when it was personal with Artemis or the Crimson Claw. Why is it suddenly so different now? It was strictly emotion that made me crash my scooter into the Ravager to save those kids. That's how I play this game. That doesn't mean I'm going out to whack every villain I come up against."
After a beat, the Enchantress turned to face her beloved. She stared into his eyes for a beat before seeking the comfort of his arms. Gwen closed her eyes and rested her head on Steven's strong chest. "Perhaps I am overreacting. I cannot say for sure. I know that the Avengers are not the Crusaders, but I cannot help but feel that this is not the correct way to handle the situation. I pray that you prove me wrong." Muskateer ran his fingers through his love's hair and held her tightly for a long time.
Night had fallen by the time Black Diamond and Muskateer reached the Westchester Hills area. No one noticed as the heroine and her passenger landed out behind the expansive Kirby Estate. There were a few lights on inside the mansion, but the Avengers knew that no one was home. The sole occupants, Helena and Felina, were both currently on Sanctuary.
"The computer in Hunter's car can link up with the one in the lair," Muskateer was explaining. "However, there are firewalls set up to block access to files on the main system. It's actually a very sensible and normal security precaution. I could get around his defenses, but it would take time. Whatever information Sprout has on the Dragon Lords is going to be in the main computer."
"It's faster to simply come out here and get the data at its source," Black Diamond agreed as she moved towards the kitchen entrance of the estate. Hunter had provided her with a key many years ago.
"Looks like we're not the only ones with this idea," Muskateer remarked as he pointed towards the parking garages. Almost unnoticed in the darkness, the Sky Sabre was sitting near the driveway. "I'd say that Red's up for a game of 'Whack-a-Dragon' herself."
"Not surprising. Jess and Helena are friends." Diamond opened the door and entered the house. Muskateer followed, shutting the entry behind him. "Maybe she's already found what we're looking for." Knowing the computer expertise possessed by the Scarlet Sabre, Diamond didn't doubt his statement one bit.
Quickly the two heroes passed through the concealed entrance and found themselves within the Hunter's Lair. They were not surprised to find the Scarlet Sabre sitting at the computer station. The hands of the scarlet-clad swordswoman danced over the keyboard. However, they did not expect to discover Nigth Owl with her as well.
"Hey, we've got company," Nigth Owl informed the Freedom Leaguer, pointing towards the new arrivals. "It's Black Diamond and Muskateer from the Avengers."
"Yes, I know," Scarlet answered. She had mentally seen the heroes arrive by way of her link with Jaime. The cyber-entity had spotted the Avengers on the Sky Sabre's scanners. "Most likely they are here for the same thing we are."
"Nigth Owl, Scarlet," Black Diamond greeted as she approached. "What are you girls doing here?"
"We're Helena's friends," Nigth Owl explained angrily. "If you think we're going to sit by and let someone beat her up, you've got another think coming! Just wait 'til I get my hands on those creeps!" Nigth Owl pounded her fist into her other hand for further exclamation. The heroine was in her standard black and teal costume. She was almost as tall as Black Diamond, but much thinner and not as muscular in appearance. That was a bit misleading as Nigth Owl was in Diamond's strength class at nighttime.
"Felina contacted Nigth Owl," the Scarlet Sabre added, "who in turn talked to me. We've both helped the Huntress against the Dragon Lords in the past and decided to do so again. Helena has always been headstrong and stubborn, but what happened to her was unforgivable. These guys are owed some major payback."
"The more the merrier," Muskateer remarked. "Find out anything, Red?"
"Not as much as I had hoped. I knew that they used the Golden Lotus Club as a gathering point from past experience. But other than that, they used to have a warehouse until somebody blew it up." Scarlet directed her last comments directly at Muskateer.
"Hey, they pissed me off, alright?"
"I thought that was you," Scarlet said with a grin. "It had your style written all over it. Logically, we should go to the Golden Lotus Club, shake it up, and see what falls out."
"Agreed. Give me the address and we'll meet the boys there." Black Diamond pulled out her comlink and informed Supreme, Texas Ranger, and the Thing of their destination. The three Avengers had remained at the Mansion while Diamond and Muskateer were determining their target.
"Just tell them not to hog all the action," Muskateer added. "I want a few bad guys to beat on myself!"
Supreme brought the Avengers team van to a stop in front of the Golden Lotus Club. The Texas Ranger sat in the passenger seat while the Thing rode in back. The trio made good time from the Avengers Mansion and had arrived here before the others. "Looks like a dive to me," the gaudily garbed Avenger noted.
"I've seen better dumps than this on Yancy Street," the Thing grumbled. "You guys up for a brew?"
"Ah'm here ta brawl," Ranger answered excitedly. "We've got the lil' lady's honor to defend."
"We can do that too," Supreme responded with a grin as he cracked his knuckles. I'll bet you a round that I can take more of them out than you Benjy-boy."
"Don't get too embarrassed when I beat you again, Pizza Supreme," was the Rocky Avenger's response. "Let's get this shindig on the road."
Reaching out, the Thing slid the door to the van open and stepped out onto the sidewalk. Ben couldn't help but attract attention as the few passersby in the street gawked at the famous hero. But there were also quite a few who were not happy to see the Avenger. That fact was demonstrated by the guns they drew and the curses they shouted in Chinese!
Shots rang out and the bullets bounced off the rocky skin of the Thing. The shots had come from both the left and right of the Golden Lotus Club where guards had gathered out front. Those bystanders on the street began to scatter, running as fast as they could for safety.
"This is no way ta treat the Blue Eyed Idol o' millions!", the Thing complained. To him, the bullets felt like little more than bee stings. They were more of a nuisance than anything. "What a revoltin' development!"
"Bushwhackin', sidwindahs!", Ranger cursed as he stepped out of the van. A telekinetic ram was sent at one of the gunmen, slamming him back hard against the side of the building. The thug crumbled to the ground unconscious. Not pausing to bask his handy work, Ranger gave the same treatment to the next criminal.
"This must be the place," Supreme noted as he calmly walked around the van to join the Thing on the curb. More shots were fired at both Avengers, but neither one seemed to really pay them any heed. Simple handguns couldn't seriously harm either Avenger. "Seems like they've brought out the welcome wagon."
"Funny, I thought they were part of yer fan club," the Thing rumbled.
"Actually, I'd expect this more from your fans than mine," Supreme added.
A stray shot shattered a window in the team van, getting the attention of the two muscular Avengers. They exchanged groans and unhappy looks. "Di's not going to be happy."
"You'll jes have ta sweet talk her," Ben retorted as he advanced angrily on a trio of gunmen. "Hey! One a' you clowns 'r gonna pay fer that! This stuff costs big money!"
Stunned by the fact that their weapons were useless, the gunmen quickly turned and fled. They rushed down the street, knocking over onlookers as they went. None of them looked back or stopped until they were several blocks away. Menacing glances from Supreme sent the rest that Ranger hadn't put down into a rapid retreat as well.
"Cowardly varmints!", Ranger observed as the men fled. "Let's get ta the bottom of this nest o' vipers!" With purpose in his stride, the Texas Ranger moved towards the entrance to the Golden Lotus Club. Flinging the doors open telekinetically, the western flavored hero stepped into the club.
"He seems really pissed off," the Thing observed.
"I'd say that our cowboy's got a sweet spot for Helena."
"Yup. Better make sure he doesn't get himself in over his head." With Ben leading the way, the two powerhouses entered the Golden Lotus Club. Chaos ensued shortly thereafter the likes of which the social establishment had never before seen.
"I knew it!", Muskateer complained loudly as he scanned the inside of the Golden Lotus Club. It looked like a tornado had hit the place. It was almost impossible to imagine what the establishment looked like before the Avengers had arrived. Numerous tables and chairs were overturned and smashed. None of the five pool tables were in one piece. The long bar had numerous holes in it. "They didn't wait for us!"
"This is a disaster area," Black Diamond observed in mild shock. At least two-dozen men were unconscious across the room. One was even partially embedded in the wall with only his feet dangling out to mark his presence. A pool cue had been mysteriously embedded in the ceiling. Supreme and the Thing were standing beside one of the good portions of the bar, sharing a brew. Nearby, the Texas Ranger was violently shaking a man trying to get information out of him. "What happened here?"
"They started it," Supreme answered, pointing at one of the unconscious men with his thumb. "We walked in and they attacked us with guns, knives, and other stuff I can't recognize."
"Yup. We wuz just defendin' ourselves," the Thing added as he took a long draw from his cigar. A moment later, he exhaled rings of smoke.
"I see," was all that Diamond could say in response. No one here appeared to be seriously injured, but it was hard to tell. The heroine simply accepted their word and dropped the matter. Everyone was very tense over this situation anyway. It wouldn't have surprised Black Diamond that things might have gotten a little out of hand. Upon reflection, she realized that they had at least left the building standing.
After relaying the information to Supreme and company, Black Diamond had flown here with Muskateer in tow from the Kirby Estate. While unable to fly at her top speed while carrying a passenger, Diamond had made excellent time and arrived just before the Sky Sabre.
"I knew you guys were gonna hog all the action," Muskateer objected as he advanced towards Supreme and the Thing.
"Don't git yerself in an uproar, junior," Ben answered as he gulped down a large swig of beer.
"This White Dragon creep's not here," Supreme explained. "The Cowpoke's trying to find out where he's hiding,... without much success."
"That's enough, Ranger," Diamond stated authoritatively as she reached his side. Ranger was still holding the man tightly and was right up in his face. "Let him go."
"Not before varmint tells me where tah find his cowardly boss!", Ranger answered between clinched teeth. "All he keeps doing is spouting gibberish!"
"He's speaking Chinese," the Scarlet Sabre called out drawing the attention of the Avengers. She and Nigth Owl had just arrived, moments behind Black Diamond and Muskateer. "Many of the Dragon Lords I have encountered before don't speak English."
"Looks like someone had one wild party here," Nigth Owl observed wide-eyed taking in the current state of the Golden Lotus Club. Seeing Supreme and the Thing at the bar, Nigth Owl stepped towards them. "I hate missing wild parties. You guys get all the fun!"
"Unless you can speak Chinese, this party might end up being a bust," Supreme told the ebony and teal clad heroine.
"Fortunately, I've prepared for this contingency," the Scarlet Sabre explained. The Freedom Leaguer had joined Black Diamond and Ranger over the terrified Dragon Lord. "He claims the White Dragon is on the Hai Xunhang. It's a cargo ship out in the harbor."
"Then that's where we're going," Ranger grinned as he relinquished his grip on his prisoner. The terrified man skittered away to safety. "Let's ride and round up these rustlers!"
"Can you locate this vessel?", Black Diamond inquired of the Scarlet Sabre.
"Already done," Scarlet answered modestly.
"Way to go, Red!" Muskateer complimented. "Like the cowboy said, let's go get this scumbag."
Epilogue: Thursday, May 8th, 1986: Evening...
The Enchantress flew over the East River at a greatly accelerated rate. The sorceress had used her magic to amplify her natural flight to this faster pace. This velocity blew her styled hair around wildly and caused her white sash to be buffeted by the winds. At this point Gwen didn't much care about her appearance. She had to reach the Ryker's Island Stronghold as quickly as possible.
The heroine had been at her townhouse, vainly trying to put the situation with the Avengers out of her mind. Why couldn't they listen to reason? Vengeance wasn't going to solve anything. The crimson clad sorceress kept trying to tell herself that just because the Crusaders had gone bad that the same thing wouldn't happen to the Avengers. So far she had yet to convince herself.
She loved Muskateer deeply and passionately, perhaps more than he could ever know. Perhaps even more than she could understand. Life without him would be almost unbearable. But she didn't understand Steven at times. Like he said, he tended to wear his emotions on his sleeve and react accordingly. Just like in the situation with the Huntress.
While such traits were admirable, they could also be destructive as well. Gwen dearly hoped that she herself would never be victimized in such a manner as Helena had been. Steven's vengeance would be terrible to behold. It was almost enough to make her pity them.
A deep respect for all beings had been part of the Master's tutoring. It was a trait that most of his students shared. They used their powers to assist and help, relying on physical conflict only when absolutely necessary. Even then, his students were taught to use their powers to neutralize their foes as gently as possible. Gwen prayed that he wouldn't do anything rash and would return to her unscathed from this unfortunate incident.
It was a call from Lightburst that had brought the Enchantress out on this night and what was speeding her towards the Ryker's Island complex. The light-wielding Avenger had also not joined in the hunt for the White Dragon and was on Monitor Duty.
"I've just received an emergency call from Ryker's Island," Lightburst explained over the comlink. "The warden claims that something very strange has happened to Lady Darkness and would like one of us to investigate. This seems more up your alley than mine."
"I knew something was not right!", the Enchantress proclaimed. "Tell the warden that I will be over immediately." A quick spell later and Gwen was in her Enchantress costume flying over Manhattan towards the distant Ryker's Island. A Spell of Transport had moved her closer to Ryker's Island, but the heroine wasn't familiar enough with the prison to risk teleporting there directly.
The feeling that something was erroneous with the capture of the two Morbanes had been nagging at the Enchantress ever since the Avengers and their allies captured the DEMON base. All her senses told her that something was wrong, but Gwen had not been able to find any evidence to support her feelings. It had all seemed too easy to her. Deception was standard operating procedure when it came to DEMON. (Editor's Note: Back in Avengers #12-14)
Lord Evil and Lady Darkness had been incarcerated in Ryker's Island ever since that incident. For almost a month, that indeed had seemed to be the end of the matter. That was until tonight's call for assistance had come through. No matter what sort of trickery the vile Demonpriests where up to, the Enchantress was confident that she could deal with it.
The spotlights of Ryker's Island came into view and the Enchantress slowed her pace to come in for a landing. The sorceress had been to the Ryker's Island complex once before when the Avengers delivered the Ravager for safekeeping. She had been introduced to Warden Kowalski at that point. The Enchantress could see the warden waiting for her on the landing pad with two security guards. The heroine landed silently before them.
"Thank you for coming so quickly," Warden Kowalski said as he approached the Enchantress. "Something very odd has transpired and I didn't know who else to turn to. I hope you'll be able to explain this."
"You did the proper thing, Warden," Gwen responded. "Please show me to the cell of Lady Darkness."
"This way please." The Warden nodded in agreement and led the lovely sorceress deeper into the Ryker's Island, the two guards bringing up the rear.
A quick elevator ride deposited the group on Sub-Level 4 of the prison. Incarcerated on this level were those prisoners who were considered a minimal security risk, but possessed unusual powers.
As they walked briskly along, Warden Kowalski brought the Enchantress up to date on the situation. "The guards were collecting dishes from the evening meal when they noted something strange about Lady Darkness. I checked it out myself and that's when I contacted the Avengers."
"Can you be more specific? What was so strange about her?"
"Her facial features had changed. The prisoner has a similar appearance to Lady Darkness, but a completely different face!"
Gwen considered this revelation as they passed through yet another security checkpoint. Given the nature of its prisoners, Ryker's Island had the highest level of security possible. All the guards were trained PRIMUS agents who rotated among their regular duties and guard duty.
"Two possibilities come to mind," the Enchantress rationalized. "One, Lady Darkness somehow used magic to alter her appearance or two the woman we captured was not Lady Darkness in the first place."
Lady Darkness's cell came into view and the Enchantress could see that two more guards, a man and a woman, kept watch. "No change, Warden,", the man reported. "She's still got that new face on."
A feeling of dread came over the Enchantress as she closed in on the cell. Gwen had always been sensitive to the presence of evil and magic. Lady Darkness was most definitely a source of both! Being in the company of such a thing always chilled Gwen.
The door to the cell was solid metal with the exception of a small viewing port set at shoulder height. This was the standard cell door in Ryker's Island. Standing on her toes, the Enchantress peeked into the cell. She could see a woman in the standard prison uniform seated on a padded bed. The prisoner had an appearance similar to that of Lady Darkness, but the luster of the hair and facial features were all wrong. Padded leather cuffs keep the woman's wrists close together. The restraints were necessary to prevent the gestures required to cast spells.
"May I go inside?", the Enchantress inquired. "I'll need to be closer to determine what has transpired here."
"Of course." At the warden's direction, the cell door was opened and the Enchantress stepped inside. The warden and his guards followed behind, but gave the Enchantress room to operate.
"Can you help me?", the prisoner pleaded upon seeing the Enchantress. "I don't belong here! I don't even know how I got here! No one will believe me!"
"Do not worry, miss. I will ascertain the truth of the matter."
The Enchantress closed her eyes to better concentrate on her other senses. There was magic and evil in this cell, of that there was no doubt. The prisoner mildly radiated these traits. However, a much stronger source came from behind the Enchantress!
Gwen opened her eyes in shock as she was roughly grabbed from behind. One arm circled her body, pinning her arms to her sides while a hand slapped a foul smelling cloth over her lower face. The Enchantress couldn't help but breathe in the vile fumes. The sorceress struggled in vain for a few seconds, but the effects of the chloroform soaked cloth began to affect her. Gwen's eyes quickly became very heavy and her struggles grew weaker until she fell unconscious.
"Well done!", the female guard complimented as her features shifted to those of Lady Darkness. "The Enchantress is now mine!"
One of the male guards lowered the Enchantress to the floor, his features changing to those of the Chameleon. Warden Kowalski and his two guards didn't show any type of emotion from this unexpected turn of events. None of them could as Lady Darkness had dominated them many weeks ago, just as she had all of the Ryker's Island staff.
The truth be known, most of the prisoners on Ryker's Island were no longer here. They now served Lady Darkness and carried out her plans. Operations seemingly carried on as normal at the direction of the Empress of Darkness. Having the doubles of Lord Evil and Lady Darkness captured and imprisoned on Ryker's Island had been part of their plan all along.
The woman on the bed rose to her feet, a pleased look on her face. "Can you get me out of these things now?" Blaise Morgan complained as she held up her handcuffs. "This uniform itches!"
While the Chameleon went to release the young sorceress, Lady Darkness bent down over her prisoner. She swept a lock of hair was from the unconscious Avenger's face. "You are very beautiful," Lady Darkness complimented as she ran her vinyl-clad hand along Gwen's cheek. "You'll be even more gorgeous all in black."
