The Hai Xunhang lay at anchor in the harbor. The vessel didn't appear to be any different from the innumerable ships like it that carried cargo across the Atlantic. Were you to examine the ship's manifest, you'd note that the ship was carrying hundreds of cargo containers holding everything from handmade whicker baskets to machined parts originating across Europe and Asia.
Not noted was the additional cargo being transported for the Golden Dragon Tong: their latest shipment of drugs from laboratories in Asia. The Hai Xunhang was riddled with small hidden chambers where the illegal drugs could be stored. The entire crew was actually in the employ of the Golden Dragon Tong, thus ensuring their complete loyalty. But on this evening, they had an additional passenger: the White Dragon.
The White Dragon oversaw the Tongs' interests on the East Coast of the United States and personally commanded the Dragon Lords, the enforcement division of the Golden Dragons. The Dragon himself rarely got involved in Dragon Lord activities, preferring to watch and direct from behind the scenes. However on this evening, the villain was wounded and in hiding.
A new heroine called the Huntress had taken interest in Dragon Lord activities and had been causing a great deal of trouble. So much trouble that the White Dragon had lured the heroine into a trap with the intent of eliminating this nuisance. He captured the Huntress and placed her in what he considered to be an inescapable trap. The heroine did somehow escape, forcing the White Dragon to physically remove this menace. The Huntress easily fell to the superior White Dragon as was expected.
What was not expected was that another woman would show up and attempt to save the doomed heroine. This newcomer was fast and frustrated all attacks which the White Dragon made. Even more alarming, the woman had raked her razor sharp fingernails across the White Dragon's eyes! A bandage covered his right eye for protection. It was doubtful that he would ever see properly out of it again. The mystery woman had not only foiled his attempt to rid himself of the meddling heroine, but had partially blinded him in the process.
His superiors decided to send the White Dragon back to China to recover from his wounds and to lay low until the situation and its repercussions died down. Thus, the White Dragon found himself on the Hai Xunhang waiting for the ship to leave port. It would take days for the vessel to be unloaded once dock space opened up. All he had to do was wait and bide his time.
Unfortunately, the fates would not allow it. Word reached the criminal that the Avengers had raided the Golden Lotus Club, a favorite gathering place for the Dragon Lords. It was only a matter of time before the heroes would locate the Hai Xunhang. The Dragon Lords would have to be ready for the heroes...
| Roll Call: |
|---|
 Black Diamond |
 Muskateer |
 Enchantress |
 Firestar |
 Supreme |
 Texas Ranger |
 Thing |
Guest Starring Guardian Angel |
 Night Owl |
 Scarlet Sabre |
Nestled between 42nd street where it passes through Times Square and 50th Street is the area known as Broadway. This same area is home to one of the most highly concentrated entertainment centers in the United States. Songs have been written about it and many have dreamed of performing there.
But on this evening, the milling crowds were dazzled by something other than the lights of Broadway. Many of the pedestrians had come to a complete stop and cast their gaze skyward. The sounds of helicopters and faint bursts of illumination could be spotted over the fabled lights of Broadway. Something was happening overhead, but no one could be sure of exactly what.
Those folks who had remained home and were tuned in to the local CBI affiliate had a much better idea of just what was going on. As they watched, a CBI News Helicopter was in the midst of the action. The live shot from the rapidly moving chopper was anything but smooth. The aircraft was moving at high speeds, banking and weaving as they tried to capture the story on film.
"This is Tony Kendall with a special Live Warzone Report. I am currently flying over the Manhattan skyline in the CBI News Helicopter. What we are witnessing live is a confrontation between the supervillainess Ladybug and our NYPD."
The camera zoomed in to capture the armored villainess as she hung in the night sky, the distant lights below reflecting off her golden armor. Two police helicopters were moving towards her, guns blazing. Momentary flashes noted by the crowds below signaled the weapons' fire. However the stream of bullets just bounced harmlessly off Ladybug's armor.
"As you can see, the efforts of the NYPD have all been for naught thus far. We are unaware of the particular circumstances surrounding this sudden appearance of Ladybug. As reported previously, this criminal has been practicing a unique form of armored car robbery that involves simply picking up the entire vehicle and flying off with it. Whether Ladybug was caught in the act or spotted before she could perpetrate her latest criminal endeavor remains a mystery."
The camera maintained a herky-jerky lock on Ladybug as she continued to hover in midair supported by her boot jets. Suddenly, the Canadian criminal accelerated towards one of the Police helicopters. Her fists out before her, the armored villainess bore down on the chopper!
"Tell me you are getting this!", Tony shouted to his cameraman. "It appears that Ladybug is going on the offensive!"
Ladybug grew closer and closer to the helicopter until finally the aircraft veered away, narrowly avoiding the collision. The armored villainess didn't continue the chase; instead she moved closer towards the other police helicopter. It too moved away, seeing that it had actually done little to hinder Ladybug.
"That was a close one," Tony reported. "We very nearly had a collision that would have sent tons of debris raining down onto the streets of Broadway. Oh, no! She's coming this way!"
The picture provided from the camera showed this to be true. Ladybug was flying towards the news chopper, but her approach was much less menacing than against the Police. Ladybug's velocity slowed as she drew closer to the helicopter.
"She doesn't appear to be making threats against us. Perhaps Ladybug will grant this reporter an interview." Tony moved into the picture as he opened one of the helicopter's sliding doors. Making sure his safety tether was in place Tony leaned out of the 'copter towards the slowly approaching villainess. "Tony Kendall, CBI Warzone. You wish to make a statement to the news media?"
"Looks like your American cops don't like to play chicken," Ladybug laughed. She almost sounded like a giddy schoolgirl. "This is a real blast! I haven't had this much fun in ages!"
"Then you consider all of this to be just some kind of game?"
"A girl has to do something to keep herself amused! Making your American police look like fools is one of my favorite hobbies! All I need now is some super boy scout to show up to try and capture me to complete my evening!"
"Looks like you're about to get your wish," Tony stated as he pointed off in the distance. The camera followed along and focused in on two women also floating in the night sky. The larger of the two women wore a powder blue, red, and white costume, while the smaller was in golden yellow and orange. "It's Firestar from the Avengers and the heroine that we've all been hearing about: Guardian Angel!"
"Cease and desist, criminal!" Guardian Angel announced. "Surrender and I promise you will not be harmed!"
"Is she for real?", Ladybug wondered aloud. "What planet is this chick from?"
"Viewers, what we are witnessing up close and personal is live footage of Guardian Angel in action," Tony reported excitedly. A super battle above New York captured live was a ratings magnet. "What has been a very hot story in the superhero world is just how this television character has seemingly come to life from out of nowhere. Is this the genuine article or someone impersonating this famous character? Is there any connection between her and the disappearance of Raquel Hamilton, the actress who portrayed Guardian Angel on the small screen?"
"Television character?", Ladybug repeated, realization dawning on her. "Say, you're right! It's that god-awful TV heroine who's such a stick in the mud. Talk about dullsville!"
"I repeat," Guardian Angel continued, "surrender and move away from the helicopter."
"Make me!", Ladybug shot back as she flew away from the CBI News 'copter. Wisely, the helicopter moved off to a safer distance, but close enough to get priceless footage. "I challenge you to defeat me in single combat. Let's see how tough you really are!"
"Challenge accepted," Guardian Angel answered confidently. "Do not interfere, Firestar. I shall capture this criminal momentarily."
"Don't underestimate her," Firestar stated apprehensively as she eyed the armored criminal. "Ladybug can be dangerous."
Guardian Angel smiled in response to her companion's concern. "Do not worry, my friend. Make sure that no innocent bystanders are injured from this conflict." She patted Firestar on the shoulder and then flew towards Ladybug.
"I am ready," Angel told Ladybug as she closed within two feet of the Canadian criminal. "Once more, I must ask you to surrender peacefully. There is no need for us to engage in a potentially destructive conflict. Much damage could be done and those not even involved might possibly be injured. There is too much senseless violence in the world as it is. You seem like a mature and sensible person, surely you can see the wisdom in my words?"
Ladybug's answer was a deceptively fast right cross that sent Guardian Angel hurtling backwards through the sky. "You gonna fight or try to bore me to sleep? Geez, she sounds just as corny as on TV!"
Guardian Angel regained control of herself and looked back towards Ladybug. The blow, while sending her hurtling back some forty feet, was easily withstood. Moving forward once more, the Champion of Order accelerated back towards her foe. "A powerful blow, but not strong enough to prevent me from seeing you taken into police custody, criminal!"
"Great!", Ladybug answered. "This is going to be more exciting than I first thought! Ladybug ducked under Guardian Angel's attack as the heroine flew past. Spinning around, Ladybug went on the offensive again, unleashing the full power of her armor.
Another punch connected and this time Guardian Angel was sent rocketing away across the sky. Firestar gasped in shock as she saw the heroine go flying backwards and crash hard into the side of a skyscraper. Guardian Angel was embedded into the concrete side of the building.
"So much for Miss TV Hero!", Ladybug taunted as she laughed to herself. This was the most fun she had enjoyed in a long time! "I guess our tough heroine is so tough after all!"
Undaunted, Guardian Angel pulled herself out of the hole that had been created. Ladybug's punch was powerful, but once more it was weathered with ease. "It will take more than that to stop me, criminal. Destruction of property can be added to list of charges. Your best option is still to surrender and bring a peaceful end to this conflict before you are injured."
"I'll give you credit for being one tough broad!", Ladybug answered back incredulously. Guardian Angel had taken her Sunday best without even batting an eyelash! "You continue to amaze me! But if you think I'm just going to quit because you asked so nicely, you're dumber than I thought!"
Guardian Angel didn't respond as a full-fledged conflict no longer seemed avoidable. Instead, the heroine launched herself into the air once more and directly at Ladybug. This time, Angel's aim was true and it was Ladybug's turn to go sprawling across the sky!
It was nearly fifty feet later when Ladybug regained control of herself. "Tough as nails and kicks like a mule!", the Canadian criminal noted as she shook off the affects of the punch. "You're not the creampuff that I thought you were. This is turning into a real fight!" Ladybug, her earlier jovial attitude diminishing, flew back at Guardian Angel to renew the conflict.
Viewers on CBI watched intently as the two titans struggled over Broadway for the next several minutes. Punches were exchanged, but neither woman could gain a significant edge over the other. Wisely, Tony Kendall quit narrating and let the action speak for itself. This was ratings gold!
Unexpectedly, a tremendous punch from Ladybug sent Guardian Angel flying backwards towards the CBI News helicopter! Before the heroine could regain control of herself, she slammed hard into the side of the chopper sending it off course. The propeller blades hit a nearby skyscraper and snapped! This sudden and dramatic accident caused the helicopter to plummet to the streets below!
"Curse you!", Guardian Angel shouted to Ladybug. "See what you've done!" Without waiting for a response, Guardian Angel accelerated after the plunging helicopter. The screams of the occupants could be plainly heard.
"They shouldn't have been so close to the action," Ladybug answered back with a laugh. "Serves them right for being so nosy!"
Enraged, Firestar flew in, flames blazing around her. "How can you be so cold and callous? How can you be so evil?"
"I am not evil!", Ladybug objected as she turned to face the fiery Avenger. "I don't go around stealing candy from babies or kicking puppies! I just like to cut loose and have some fun! Those dopes should have known better than to be that close!"
Unfazed by Ladybug's words, Firestar hit the villainess with a blast of fire! "That doesn't mean that you should just let those men die like that!"
Ladybug's polarized armor held up against Firestar's assault. However, the villainess' mood continued to go south. "This is getting old real fast. Don't lecture me, little girl! Go on, beat it!"
Ladybug struck fast, accelerating towards the Avenger and landing a punch to Firestar's midsection. The force of the blow sent the young Avenger flying backwards cross the sky. Ladybug waited for the heroine to regain control of her flight, but it didn't happen. Instead Firestar began to plummet helplessly towards the ground!
"Oh bloody hell!," Ladybug remarked to herself.
Down below, Guardian Angel circled around the falling helicopter and stopped her flight underneath it. Gritting her teeth, the powder-blue heroine awaited the impact. Angel caught the helicopter, slowing its descent but not stopping it. Sweat began to run down Guardian Angel's face as she struggled with the 'copters weight. Up here in the air, with nothing to brace herself against, it was a tremendous effort even with her great strength. Both the heroine and the helicopter continued their downward path.
Slowly, Guardian Angel won the battle and the helicopter slowed down to a leisurely pace. Looking below, the heroine could see the busy street crowds below her. They were only fifty feet or so above the ground. "Please, good people, make room!", she shouted. "We're coming in for an emergency landing! Make room!"
The crowds merely gawked at first, but then quickly vacated the area underneath the helicopter as it grew closer to the street. Finally, Guardian Angel's sandals touched the ground and she was fully able to control the helicopter. Gently, she set the damaged craft down and sighed in relief.
The understandably shaken crew exited the chopper. "Thank you very much!", Tony Kendell stated as he made his way to Guardian Angel's side. "You saved our lives!"
"Think nothing of it, citizen," Guardian Angel answered with all modesty. "Just part of the day's work. Now, if you will excuse me, I have a villain to apprehend." Guardian Angel took a step back and was prepared to take flight when a voice from overhead made her pause.
"I've had enough fun for one evening. Let's just call it a draw this time." Looking up, the heroine could see Ladybug hovering some twenty feet overhead. In her arms she held a woozy Firestar.
"If you've harmed that girl, I'll---"
"Oh, spare me the speeches," Ladybug interrupted. "I didn't know she couldn't take one of my punches. I might rob banks, but I don't go around killing heroes. Bad for the press, don't you know. So, here you take her and we'll call it a night."
Ladybug released Firestar and dropped her towards Guardian Angel. While the heroine rushed to catch the fiery Avenger, Ladybug flew off rapidly accelerating as she went. The Canadian villainess was out of sight in seconds.
Guardian Angel gently collected Firestar in her arms. "Are you alright? Did she hurt you?"
"Just a bit of a headache," Firestar answered groggily. "Did you get her?"
"Not this time, my friend." Guardian Angel lightly set Firestar on her feet. "I have the feeling that I shall meet this Ladybug again. Next time the outcome will be very different! This I promise you!"
Elsewhere, the rest of the Avengers were closing in on their target. The information gleaned from the Golden Lotus Club had led them out over the water and towards a particular ship. They had split into three units to carry out their assault.
"There she is!", Black Diamond shouted to her passenger as she pointed to the ship below with her free hand. The leader of the Avengers was soaring high over the bay and was rapidly closing in on the Hai Xunhang. Her right arm was wrapped around Supreme. Less than twenty minutes had passed since the heroes had left the Golden Lotus Club in search of this ship.
"At least the creep isn't going to be able to run very far," Supreme observed with glee. "We've got him right where we want him!"
"They know we're coming!" Diamond stated as she unexpectedly switched into a power dive. A split second later a flurry of bullets filled the sky they had just been occupying. Black Diamond's sixth sense for danger had alerted her to the unseen peril. A pair of spotlights from the vessel vainly tried to keep pace with the fast flying heroine.
"Good!", Supreme responded after regaining his wits. "I hate being subtle!"
"Then hang on to your hat! We're going in!" Black Diamond surged forward and rapidly accelerated towards the vessel. More bullets whizzed past, but none reached their mark. The heroes drew even closer until Diamond was now above the deck of the Hai Xunhang. She decelerated and landed on the deck letting Supreme go in the process.
A shower of bullets was sent Supreme's way, forcing the big man back a few steps. These were machineguns being fired as opposed to simple handguns from earlier in the evening. They could hurt Supreme, provided he was hit enough times.
"Looks like they've brought out the big guns," Supreme noted as he reached down and dug his fingers into the deck. The metal screeched and groaned as it was lifted up, forming an impromptu barrier for the large Avenger. The gunfire tore through the barrier but it served its purpose, keeping the deadly attacks away from Supreme and lessening the force of those that did strike him. Snapping the metal free from the deck, Supreme used it as a makeshift shield as he advanced on the gunmen.
Seeing that Supreme had the situation somewhat in hand, Black Diamond flew below deck in search of the White Dragon. Emotions had been running high all day and she wanted to take down the criminal first, if only to protect him from the rest of the Avengers. While she hoped that her team would remain professionals in this crisis, everyone had a personal stake in capturing the White Dragon. Given the way the Texas Ranger and Muskateer had been reacting, Diamond didn't want them to reach Helena's assaulter first for fear of what they might do.
Armed Dragon Lords suddenly appeared before the heroine within the gangway. Black Diamond didn't slow her pace down at all and simply flew through the criminals, sending them scattering like bowling pins. Her only concern was getting her hands on the White Dragon.
Diamond slowed and landed at an intersection. The passageway continued on ahead, while stairs led both up and down. "Which way now?", the ebony clad heroine wondered aloud. Movement on the stairs overhead made the choice for her. Black Diamond caught a glimpse of several men, one of whom was dressed all in white with flame-orange trim. That must have been the White Dragon! Without hesitation, Diamond streaked up the winding stairs in pursuit.
Two decks up, the men left the stairwell and rushed down a passageway. Diamond reached the landing just in time to witness a trio of grenades come to rest on the floor before her! The heroine barely had enough time to raise her arms up to protect her face before the grenades exploded in succession!
The blasts shook the immediate vicinity and ripped apart the metal stairway. Diamond herself took minimal damage, but was slammed back against the stairwell wall. However, a portion of the stairs above her collapsed, sending the heroine plummeting down the stairwell, taking out more of the steps in the process. Black Diamond fell three decks before coming to a stop on a sturdier portion of stairs with twisted metal lying on top of her.
The heroine sat up, easily pushing the debris away. She tried to shake out the ringing in her ears. "I'll give them an 'A' for effort," she stated to no one but herself. "But it'll take more than that to stop me!"
Rising, Black Diamond was about to take flight once more when she suddenly stopped. Weak cries of help reached her ears from down below. Looking down what remained of the stairwell, Diamond could see four Dragon Lords trapped in the debris. Two were unconscious, while the other two were crying out in Chinese.
"Damn," Diamond cursed to herself as she glanced up the stairs and back down towards the trapped men. They could be seriously injured, perhaps fatally so if they didn't receive immediate assistance. As much as she would love to chase after the White Dragon, Black Diamond couldn't leave these men trapped here either. Her own personal code of conduct wouldn't allow it. Taking to the air once more, Diamond flew down to rescue the buried men.
Close by, Night Owl and the Scarlet Sabre skidded to a halt at the sound of a distant explosion. The two heroines had used the diversion created by Black Diamond and Supreme to come down from a hovering Sky Sabre over the middle of the ship unnoticed. They had met only minor resistance thus far as they explored the vessel in search of their prey.
"Sounds like the others are getting all the fun!", Night Owl complained.
"Providing being blown up is your idea of fun," Scarlet commented. "On the other hand, I think we've just hit the jackpot! Look!" The Scarlet Sabre pointed down the passageway. At the far end a man in a white bodysuit with flame-orange trim was spotted amongst a group of other men. "The White Dragon himself!"
"Let's get'm!" Night Owl was off like a shot, running down the corridor after the fleeing Dragon. Scarlet paused only to activate her namesake weapon before joining in the chase.
Shots rang out from the Dragon Lords who were protecting their master. Several struck Night Owl, forcing the ebony clad heroine back a few steps. "Ow! Those friggin' things hurt!" While her skin was dense enough at night to prevent the bullets from actually penetrating, their impacts still caused her considerable pain.
"Let me handle this one," Scarlet announced as she stepped past Night Owl. Using her Sabre, the Freedom Leaguer sent several of the shots ricocheting back towards the Dragon Lords. Her weapon was a blur as it swatted the bullets out of the air. Three of the men were struck by their own weapons discharge and collapsed to the floor in great pain.
"Great shot, Scarlet!", Night Owl complimented the shorter woman in awe. "That was incredible!"
"Yes, it was, wasn't it? Come on, the White Dragon is getting away!" Scarlet broke off into a sprint once more, followed closely by Night Owl. The pair stepped over the wounded Dragon Lords without giving them a second thought. Scarlet had redirected the bullets well away from any vital organs. The men would survive their wounds, but would be in a great deal of pain until treated.
The chase led the heroines down several flights of stairs and through dimly lit passageways. Finally the pair emerged into a well-lit cargo bay. Shipping containers were piled up three high like large building blocks. They were situated to create a maze of small passageways. Looking around, neither heroine could see their target.
"I know they went in here...", Scarlet stated a split second before a shot rang out. Before Night Owl could realize what was going on, something struck the Scarlet Sabre, sending her flying backwards to the deck!
"Scarlet!!" More shots rang out, whizzing past Night Owl like a swarm of angry bees. Moving quickly, Night Owl rushed to pick up the Scarlet Sabre and ducked behind a cargo container to protect them from the snipers. "Scarlet! Are you okay?"
Tentatively, Night Owl took a look at Scarlet's torso fearing the worse. To her surprise, there was no gunshot wound. Scarlet coughed, as she started to come around. "Now that hurt," she wheezed.
"You're alright! You scared the hell out of me!"
"Costume's made out of ballistic cloth," Scarlet explained between gasps. "It prevented the bullet from passing through, but I feel like I've been kicked by Grond. Give me a minute to catch my breath. Did I miss anything?"
"Not really. They seem to have us pinned down for the moment." Night Owl dared taking a peek and quickly ducked back under cover as more bullets were fired. "That scum is getting away! You got any ideas?"
"Let me think about this." Scarlet eased her way to a sitting up position as she tried to block out the pain in her torso. "I think we should split up and give them more than one target to shoot at. That way, one of us might be able to take a few of them out."
"Sounds risky."
"I thought you were dying for some excitement?"
"I didn't say I wasn't going to go along with it," Night Owl responded with a laugh. "Just that it was risky for you."
"I'm touched by your concern," Scarlet answered sarcastically as she wearily rose to her feet. Once on her feet, the swordswoman stretched, trying to loosen up.
"Just trying to look out for you, short stuff."
Scarlet gave Night Owl a nasty look and was about to say something when her eyes suddenly shot wide open. "Look out!" Without waiting for a response, the Scarlet Sabre grabbed Lydia by the arm and started to drag her back towards the hatchway into the cargo bay.
Understandably confused, Night Owl strained to see just what had attracted Scarlet's attention. Turning, the dark heroine saw several grenades sail past, bounce off the wall behind her, and scatter on the floor! Uttering a curse under her breath, Night Owl began to run in earnest.
The heroines had just turned into the passageway outside of the cargo bay when the first of the grenades exploded. The force of the blast picked both women up off of their feet and sent them hurtling down the gangway. The other grenades exploded in sequence with a thunderous roar. Night Owl and the Scarlet Sabre hit hard and slid to a stop some twenty feet later the sounds of the explosions ringing in their ears.
Night Owl struggled to her feet, her hands locked over her ears. "Oh, someone is going to pay for this. Big time!" Anger building inside her, Night Owl strode back towards the doorway but stopped suddenly upon seeing its current state.
The explosions had ripped through the nearby cargo containers, dumping their contents. Dozens of boxes and crates, most broken open with their contents dumped, blocked the opening. Instead of removing the heroines as the Dragon Lords had hoped, the grenades had succeeded in blocking the entrance with a mountain of debris.
"This is just perfect!", Night Owl complained, stomping her foot. "It'll take a week to dig through this mess!"
Behind her, Scarlet struggled to her feet. The explosions hadn't resulted in any serious injuries to the heroine, but she was going to be sore for the next few days. Shaking off the effects of the blast, Scarlet walked up to Night Owl's side.
"All in all, it could have been worse," the Freedom Leaguer noted. "We could have taken the brunt of those grenades and been buried in that mess. That would have been extremely painful."
"I'm sure I could have taken it."
"I was thinking more of myself than you," Scarlet answered back. As she scanned the debris, Scarlet noticed something. "Now what do we have here?"
Near the pile of debris, the explosion had blown loose a portion of the wall leaving a door-like section partially ajar. Dropping to one knee, Scarlet forced the panel loose and set it aside. Now fully open, its contents were plainly visible to the swordswoman.
"We've just hit pay dirt!"
Confused, Night Owl joined Scarlet and peered into the small opening. Inside were dozens of small wrapped packages, each roughly the same size. There wasn't any writings or other markings on the bundles. "I don't get it."
"I'll bet you a week's pay that these are part of the drug shipment that the Huntress was investigating," Scarlet answered proudly. "We've just uncovered the evidence that's going to put these clowns away for a very long time."
"What about the White Dragon? I wanted to get my hands on that creep!"
"Don't worry. From the looks if it, we've driven him towards Muskateer's group. They'll take care of him."
"How come they get all the fun?", Night Owl complained.
"Stand still ya dang blasted idjit!" The Thing swung again wildly as he vainly tried to hit the nimble villain. The White Dragon's personal guard had already fallen before the might of the three Avengers. Even with his injury, the White Dragon was still fast enough to avoid the attacks that were sent his way.
"A child could avoid your clumsy assaults, gargoyle!" The White Dragon hurtled into the air and leapfrogged right over the rocky Avenger as he flailed after him. The Thing's wildly swinging arms slammed into a nearby beam, shattering it. Debris began to rain down all around everyone.
"That's it, Benjy!", Muskateer exclaimed. "If you can't hit him, drop something on him!" Muskateer continued to gauge the actions of the fast-moving villain. It was like a practice drill in the Avengers Combat Simulator brought to life.
"I'll get the varmint!", the Texas Ranger drawled as he flew in to block the White Dragon's escape. But instead of avoiding the Avenger, the White Dragon leapt directly at the Texas Ranger, delivering a flying kick to the cowboy's jaw. Tex was sent flying backwards, over the railing, and out into the bay!
"Even the Avengers cannot capture the White Dragon!" Not hesitating, the White Dragon careened off a wall and propelled himself onto a higher walkway. The crime boss paused, gazing back at his foes. He could see the hate in their eyes. The monster was far too slow to be a serious threat, which just left the swordsman to contend with. He was an unknown commodity, but no doubt he should fall before the superior skill of the White Dragon.
That one moment of hesitation was all that Muskateer needed. A taser blast from his sword caught the White Dragon full in the chest. "Tag! You're it, Draggie." The Dragon was momentarily stunned and fell from the walkway onto the deck below.
"Now I got'm!", the Thing exclaimed as he excitedly rushed in. Muskateer closed the gap as well. "Way ta go, Junior! You set'm up and the ever-lovin' blue-eyed Thing puts the kibosh on this bum!"
Almost unnoticed, the Texas Ranger flew back in over the deck. Ranger was dripping wet from his dunk in the bay. "Where's that bushwhackin' varmint at?"
The Thing wound up and prepared to slam his fists into the White Dragon with a massive two-handed smash. "This is fer Sprout!"
Somehow, the Dragon was barely able to avoid the crushing blow. He rolled his body up just enough to avoid the direct collision. And what an impact it was! The deck, stressed from the ongoing combat, tore away. The hole that opened sucked in both the Thing and the White Dragon as well. They both quickly disappeared from sight.
Muskateer and the Ranger exchanged glances and without a word, both dove into the hole after them. They were too close now to give the Dragon a chance to escape.
The White Dragon rolled with the fall and was quickly on his feet. The monster was uninjured and was rising as well. Unexpectedly, the Thing gasped in pain and collapsed to the floor. The White Dragon didn't question his good fortune and made a break for it. Sounds of close pursuit reached his ears, but so far none of the Avengers had managed to locate him.
Nearing a ladder and hatch back up to the main deck, the White Dragon saw his chance for a final escape. He took two steps and leapt toward the waiting opening and his freedom.
A mere foot from the opening, the White Dragon's momentum was suddenly stopped as though he crashed into an unseen wall. Emitting a loud grunt, the villain came to an unceremonial stop and crashed to the floor. Shaking his head to try and clear it, the White Dragon swore in Chinese. Then he realized that he was not alone. With his one good eye, he saw the white-clad cowboy step into the light.
"End o' the line, ya slimy varmint," Texas Ranger drawled.
"You will pay for this indignity," the White Dragon spat out as he started to regain his feet, but the Avenger-in-Training was not about to give him that opportunity. A wide mental ram slammed into the villain driving him to the ground. The White Dragon had always counted on his superior skill and speed to protect him in battle. Taken by surprise, he had lost that crucial advantage.
Before the White Dragon could recover, the Texas Ranger mentally hoisted him into the air and slammed him into the ceiling. The Dragon grunted upon impact as the wind was driven out of his lungs. Black spots played before the White Dragon's eyes as he fought to remain conscious. The Ranger concentrated for a moment and the White Dragon slammed back down to the ground with a bone-crunching thud.
"Now we git personal." Tex gritted his teeth as he mentally formed a ball of solid mental energy around his fist. Letting out a yell, the Texas Ranger slammed his amplified fist into the still groggy White Dragon, knocking him against the wall. "Ya ain't getting away this time, ya scum."
Muskateer arrived on the scene a moment later and skidded to a stop as he saw Tex pummeling away on the Chinese villain. He paused, keeping a close eye on the action.
The Ranger continued to pound on the stunned villain. Over and over he slammed the rock hard force ball into the White Dragon. First to his jaw, then to his stomach, then again to the head the blows were landed. By this time the White Dragon was unable to defend himself. Tex held the barely conscious villain by the front of his costume and smashed him in the face again. The White Dragon sank, dangling in the grip of the wide-eyed hero.
The Ranger let the ball of telekinetic energy around his hand dissipate as he grabbed the White Dragon with both hands to prop him up against the wall nearby. Then he reared back again. As Ranger's fist rushed forward, it was suddenly stopped, grabbed by a blue-gloved hand.
Ranger turned ready to take on this new threat, but soon saw that it was his teammate, Muskateer. "Whoa, Tex! Chill out!"
The Texas Ranger looked back at the villain again, with hate-filled eyes as he strained to land another blow, but Muskateer was much stronger and he wouldn't relinquish his hold.
"Come on, man, get a grip on yerself." Muskateer pushed the cowboy away and forced the Texas Ranger against the wall. The White Dragon slipped from his grasp and dropped to the floor. "Let it go, Tex."
"The varmint's gotta pay for what he did to the lil' lady!"
"He just ain't worth it, man. You beat him. He's finished." Muskateer looked down at the beaten villain for a second, still holding back the tensed up Ranger. "It's over. Let it go."
A moment later, Tex finally let out a long exhale and slowly relaxed. The young man was shaking. "Ah don't know what got inta me. Ah wanted ta really hurt that sidewindin' snake!"
"Looks like you did a pretty good job of that from where I'm standing, Tex."
"Ah jus' keep seein' Helena. An' what this creep did ta her. How he hurt her. He laughed about it. It ain't right, Musky."
"Why don't you get some fresh air, Tex? I'll finish your roundup." Muskateer put his gloved hand on his teammate's shoulder and led him toward the hatch.
"Ah suppose yer right." Tex took another deep breath and then mentally flew into the air heading out into the night. "Thanks, pahdner."
Muskateer pulled out his com-link as his teammate departed the area. "Muskateer to all Avengers. The White Dragon is down for the count. Musky out."
Stashing his communicator, Muskateer grabbed the villain by the front of his costume. Surprisingly, despite the beating that the Texas Ranger had delivered, the White Dragon was still somewhat conscious. He groaned and then blinked his one good eye, looking back at Muskateer with disdain and loathing.
Muskateer's eyes narrowed as he thought about the beating that this scumbag delivered to his friend. Helena was going to be recovering from her ordeal for months. "You're right, Tex. It ain't right."
Muskateer looked over his shoulder for a second. The rest of the Avengers were still nowhere to be seen. Turning back, Muskateer slammed his fist into the White Dragon with a grunt, driving him to the floor. "It just ain't right." He then hoisted the unconscious villain over his shoulder and proceeded back up to the main deck.
Epilogue: Friday, May 9th, 1986: Early morning...
Groggily, the Enchantress fought her way back to consciousness. Bright lights forced her to keep her eyes closed until they could better adjust. As she slowly became more coherent, the pain in her joints became more pronounced. The Enchantress blinked several times and she tried to sit up, but was unable to accomplish even this simple task. Gwen's limbs were being pulled away from her body and she was unable to move them.
Finally opening her eyes, the Enchantress discovered that she was lying on top of a table. Chains to the corner of the table balanced by heavy counterweights secured her arms and legs. Even more strangely, her scarlet costume had been removed. In its place was a shiny black bodysuit that covered her snuggly from the neck down.
A gag had been strapped over her mouth preventing any coherent speech. It was black leather in construction and completely filled her mouth uncomfortably. Unable to speak or make the gestures necessary to cast her spells, the Enchantress was utterly powerless.
Confused and afraid, Gwen's eyes darted about wildly, trying to figure out what was going on. Slowly, it started to come back to her. She had been summoned to Ryker's Island to investigate a strange occurrence involving Lady Darkness. In reality it had been a trap and the Enchantress had carelessly fallen into it. Now she was the helpless prisoner of the vile Morbane.
The room she was being held captive in was brightly lit and a bit damp. It gave the feeling of being underground, but was not a typical DEMON base in appearance. Numerous torture implements hung from the walls just waiting to be used. Gwen shivered as she gazed at them. All the Enchantress could do now was anxiously wait and see what happened next.
Gwen felt the dark magic signature of Lady Darkness before she was physically aware of her presence. This was accompanied by the sound of high heels clicking on the concrete floor. The sound grew louder as did the sensation of evil and magic.
Finally, Lady Darkness entered the chamber, accompanied by the girl who had pretended to be the prisoner on Ryker's Island. Darkness wore her standard skintight black vinyl outfit, while the other woman was dressed similarly to the way the Enchantress was.
"Ah, you are awake at last," Lady Darkness purred as she walked up to the side of the table. "Very good. Now we can begin." The villainess ran her hand down Gwen's check with an evil grin on her face. The Enchantress tried to move away from the contact, but was unable.
Blaise Morgan stood close by, silently observing. The budding sorceress had seen what Lady Darkness had done to Lady Zee, whom she had twisted to her will. Even worse, Darkness seemed to derive perverse pleasure from the act.
"You are confused and are wondering just what I am going to do you," Lady Darkness continued as she walked around the table. "This is a glorious opportunity for a powerful sorceress such as yourself. You may not understand now, but in time you will. First I must prepare you for what is to come. This will not be an easy ordeal, but you'll thank me when this is all over. For you shall become just like me."
Mental energy collected around the Stone Crown and then was savagely funneled into the Enchantress. The heroine screamed as best as she could and would continue to do so until her throat was raw...
