"This is Gwyn Kingston with this WNN special report." The image of the lovely blond haired reporter filled the television screen. Behind her the devastation was incredible. Entire skyscrapers had been collapsed causing them to fall onto other buildings in a catastrophic chain reaction. Rubble filled the deserted streets. This section of Manhattan had been evacuated days ago. Smoke still rose from spot fires.
"At this hour, the fighting continues in Downtown Manhattan. The strange and unknown monster that caused all this destruction has escaped from PRIMUS custody once more. No one knows who this berserker is or where he came from. All attempts to communicate and reason with the creature have met with horrible failure. The only language he seems to understand is destruction. There hasn't been devastation on this scale since the Nithia incursion over one year ago."
The screen shifted to stock footage of the invader. What superficially resembled a nine-foot tall caveman complete with ragged animal skins appeared on the screen. His hair was wild and unkempt and merged with his equally disheveled beard. The caveman's strength was astounding and he tore through concrete and steel with ease. Where the interloper went, death and destruction quickly followed.
As the image cut back to Ms. Kingston, the shadow of something flying above passed over the reporter. A hopeful smile came to her lovely features. "Ladies and gentlemen, the Crusaders are on the scene! Firestar herself is leading our hometown heroes into battle! Wait! I can spot several members of the LA Knights as well. It looks like Nightstalker and the Enchantress have been called into action. We'll be bringing you live coverage of their battle against this relentless foe!"
Several hundred yards beyond Ms. Kingston's position, the Crusaders and their allies located the monstrous invader. He had yet to utter any words beyond things like 'kill', 'maim', and 'destroy'. Apart from the self-styled goddess Nithia and the Beholder known as Sargoth, the Dark One, none of the heroes had ever encountered such a powerful foe.
"Blast him!", Firestar commanded as she unleashed a heat blast towards the bizarre caveman. Firestar was known by everyone in the New York area as the long time leader of the Crusaders. As was typical, she wore her red bodysuit with black trim that left her shoulders bare. Along with this she wore long orange boots and gloves. Her hair was blond and fell below her shoulders.
"YA DON'T HAVE TA TELL ME TWICE, HOT STUFF!!', the Gargoyle boomed. Gargoyle always was loud when he talked and had the look of a Neanderthal himself. The Gargoyle stood seven feet tall, had dark gray skin, and a high, sloping forehead. Muscles rippled across his massive form, but even the Gargoyle seemed small next to the huge intruder.
The gray-skinned Gargoyle leaped at the invader and hit him with a flying tackle. The two powerhouses wrestled and rolled across the rubble-filled ground. Powerful punches were exchanged and it was Gargoyle who went flying, cursing as he hurtled through the air.
"Geez! What an ugly cuss, Firestar! I can see why you called us in to help!" The speaker was a young man with impossibly jet-black glossy skin. A thin membrane of skin covered his eyes, nostrils, and brows as well. His voice had an eerie hollow ring to it. He wore black leather biker's pants, biker boots, and a loose leather jacket. The strangely skinned man went shirtless. He was known as Nightstalker and was the current leader of the LA Knights, the team founded by his half-brother Areion. "Come on, honey, let's take out the trash LA style!"
"Just lead the way, man o'mine!", the gorgeous woman beside him replied to Nightstalker. The woman had long, naturally curly brown hair and matching eyes. She wore a seductive costume featuring skintight purple vinyl hot pants and a matching bikini top. Her bare belly button was pierced. With the minimal purple garments she wore white high-heeled thigh-high boots with golden chain anklets. She also wore a leather jacket, but hers was white in color and was undone. The Enchantress accelerated after her husband, the Nightstalker.
As he flew towards the invader, energy gathered around Nightstalker's hands and claw-like appendages grew from the back of his wrists. Flying in, Nightstalker slashed the bizarre caveman with his energy claws. Great gash marks appeared on the enemy's chest and he bellowed in pain. A giant fist lashed out and the exiled Phantorian prince went flying. Nightstalker was hurtled into a nearby building.
"Hey! Hands off my man, you evolutionary reject!"
Angered marring her lovely features, the Enchantress began to cast a spell. Upon her command, a blast of mystic energy flew from her hands and slammed into the caveman. The enemy was unmoved by the attack and continued to bellow out a primitive chant.
"Kill! Kill! Kill!"
"You've done enough killing monster!"
Firestar surged in, following the Enchantress. The two had been teammates years earlier when the new version of the Crusaders formed. However, it was short lived and the sorceress moved out to Los Angeles. Sheila Grace had changed considerably since her Crusader days.
With everything that had transpired, Firestar had little choice but to call for assistance. This rampaging madman repeatedly pushed her team to its limits. Only Gargoyle could go toe to toe with the caveman for short periods of time. Lord Liberty had been completely destroyed during the first battle, and Timeshift was still in the hospital being tended to by their daughter.
The world had changed dramatically since the defeat of Nithia. The number of superpowered beings had nearly been cut in half. Everyone was affected by what the self-styled goddess had done. It was a Herculean effort to free the Earth from her thrall and the cost had been a supremely high one. If only some of the more powerful Crusaders were still around. Perhaps then they could defeat this new nightmare.
Firestar gestured towards the invader and intense heat began to build up around the caveman. He was literally being cooked from the inside out. However, the enemy simply ignored the attack that would have roasted a normal human.
The caveman swung his huge arms towards the hovering women and an explosion of energy took place. The blast completely enveloped the heroines and sent them hurtling back wildly. The Enchantress struck the side of a nearby building and was rendered unconscious. Firestar landed in a pile of debris on the street.
As Firestar tried to shake off the effects of the attack, she could feel someone beside her. "Relax, Lynn. I'll get you away from this brute. Backlash will buy us some time."
A man in yellow tights with green gloves, head mask, trunks, and a cape reached down and picked Firestar up. Cradling the heroine in his arms, the new arrival quickly vacated the area. What was most remarkable about the man was his size. He stood a mere three feet in height!
"Thanks Mighty Mite," Firestar mumbled almost incoherently.
Elsewhere, shouting diverted the catastrophe-causing caveman away from the heroines. A man in a two tone blue outfit stood in the middle of the deserted street shouting and waving his arms. "Hey ugly! Yeah, I'm talking to you! You look like you've been beaten with a bag full of quarters. Come on! Hit me with your best shot!"
The invader sneered an angry and evil look. He flicked his massive left hand at the inviting target and a blast of chaotic energy issued forth. The taunting hero didn't even try to avoid the attack, instead he actually moved into the blast's path!
The energy struck Backlash, and true to his name it was reflected back towards its source as if it bounced off a mirror. The reflected blast slammed hard into the caveman and he was actually uprooted. The invader bellowed loudly as he hit the pavement.
Out of nowhere, a large gray form slammed feet first into the caveman driving both men through the street and into the sewers below. The pair landed with a gigantic splash of foul smelling water. "I'M BACK!!", the Gargoyle roared. "DIDJA MISS ME, GRUESOME?"
Before the invader could recover, the Gargoyle landed another punch that rocked his foe. The large caveman slammed hard into the side of the sewer and was partially embedded in the wall. With an enraged bellow, he pulled himself free and brought both of his fists down hard on the Gargoyle in a devastating overhand strike. The powerful blow flattened the Gargoyle who collapsed in a heap in the raw sewage.
"YA DONE GOT ME, PARTNER," the Gargoyle announced. Weakly he tried to raise his hand up, but even that simple task seemed beyond his ability to perform. "IT'S ALL GOIN' BLACK ON ME. DARKNESS ALL AROUND..." The Gargoyle coughed roughly a few times and blindly waved his hand out in front of him, while his other arm clutched his chest as if in pain.
Puzzled by this, the caveman moved closer. He cocked his head slightly and an evil grin came to his face when he realized that his foe was near death. He moved closer to watch the final moments of life.
"SUCKER!!"
The Gargoyle unexpectedly stood up and led with a right uppercut that caught the caveman completely by surprise. The invader was sent rocketing up into the air and out of the sewer system. The caveman rose nearly forty feet above street level before gravity pulled him back down to the Earth.
The caveman crashed violently with the pavement and was partially embedded in the street. Remarkably, he was still conscious. Before he could free himself, the Crusaders and their allies attacked once more. Firestar unleashed another heat blast, while Nightstalker tore into the beast with his energy claws. After repeated attacks, the beast finally fell unconscious.
There was no celebration from the Crusaders in this victory. They had already defeated this menace five times before and each time he had escaped to attack New York once more. Each victory only seemed like a reprieve until the next battle.
"Thanks for your help," Firestar said, offering her hand to Nightstalker. The heroes had regrouped while PRIMUS forces took the Ravager away. Again.
"Our pleasure, 'Star," Nightstalker replied. The Phantorian had his arm around the lovely and slightly woozy Enchantress. "The question is what do you do with the big lug now?"
"I honestly don't know," Firstar wistfully answered. "He seems beyond our ability to imprison. What frightens me more is where did he come from and who sent him here? We've got to find Phantasm or Spawnling. Perhaps they can shed some light on this mystery."
For the answer to that and many other questions, Firestar would have only needed to look up to see a man in Victorian style dress and a woman in an all black vinyl bodysuit standing on a nearby rooftop. However, powerful magic shielded the two, rendering them invisible to outsiders.
"My weapon is magnificent, is he not," Ashley purred to Lord Evil. "Soon the defenders of this world will be overcome by this Ravager and be ripe for conquest. Then we shall act."
"Indeed he is, my love. Perhaps one of the most powerful beings ever conceived and now he serves you." Lord Evil reached out and passionately kissed Ashley's black-coated hand.
"As well he should," Lady Darkness agreed. "As shall all beings."
| Roll Call: |
|---|
 Black Diamond |
 Firestar |
 Nightingale |
 Supreme |
 Texas Ranger |
Guest Starring Guardian Angel |
Nightingale moved silently into the Medical Complex on Sanctuary Island. Her sleeping habits had started to become more in tune to those on the East Coast as of late. Back in New York City it was noon. Here on Sanctuary, it just a few hours before dawn.
In 'Gale's mind, the team was currently in crisis. The Huntress had been brutally attacked by the White Dragon last week and was currently recovering here on Sanctuary. It would be months before the young woman would be fully functional again. Just yesterday, Helena had informed Black Diamond that she was retiring.
Tyrone Armbuster, better known as the Dreadnought, was also here on Sanctuary. A second exposure to the same radiation that had originally mutated him into Dreadnought was playing havoc with his system. TK had generated a large secondary metallic sheath around his body. Inside the shell, TK's body was undergoing unknown changes.
Lightburst had been a traitor inside the team, a puppet with Lady Darkness pulling his strings. He had set up the Enchantress and earned the enmity of Muskateer in the process. 'Burst had finally been captured and was currently being held in Ryker's Island until his mental conditioning wore off.
The Enchantress was currently missing and Muskateer was off hunting for her with the Sorceress of the Superior Six. The headquarters of Lady Darkness had been captured yesterday. Along with Lightburst several other criminals were apprehended. Among them was the apprentice sorceress Blaise Morgan. Blaise actually seemed relieved to be captured and happily divulged a great many details about the situation.
The Enchantress had undergone something Lady Darkness called 'The Joining', where Darkness' impossibly form-fitting black outfit flowed off her body and coated the Avengers' sorceress. This 'black outfit' could be some sort of item used by Lady Darkness to dominate others. If not for the inclusion of magic into the mix, such a thing would have seemed impossible otherwise. In effect, the Enchantress was now acting as if she was Lady Darkness.
Blaise revealed a great many other details. Such as the fact that Lady Darkness and Lord Evil were not from Earth, but from an alternate dimension where magic held sway. Apparently, their goal was to not only conqueror their own world, but the Earth as well. They desired to forge an empire that spanned entire worlds. It was a very chilling thought.
Unfortunately, the Avengers were pretty much stuck now. Muskateer, aided by the Sorceress' magic, had chased the villains back to their home world. The team had no way to follow the swordsman to Terra Nova. All they could do was wait for his return and hope that he succeeded in his mission.
In turn, all of this had left the Avengers very shorthanded. Only Firestar, Black Diamond, and Supreme remained from the active team. Both Nightingale and the Texas Ranger were reserves, now called up to full time duty. The team's house guest Guardian Angel was on hand as well. The situation had been going badly for many days now. Nightingale could only wonder just how much longer this streak of misfortune was going to last.
Naturally, Black Diamond blamed herself for everything. Chris would tell Linda that it wasn't her fault, but that failed to change her friend's mind. She kept trying to live up to Hunter's legacy and was bound to fail, as she was not like the Avengers' former leader. As soon as Linda realized this, she was going to be a happier person.
With no new developments in the current situation, 'Gale had returned to Sanctuary to rest. Her specially designed apartment here on Sanctuary allowed Nightingale to rest peacefully without being able to pick up the thoughts of all those around her. Feeling refreshed, Chris rose to start a new day.
Stopping at the nurses station, 'Gale exchanged pleasantries with Nurse Eileen Compton. Eileen was the night duty nurse here on Sanctuary and familiar to 'Gale. After a short chat, 'Gale was off to check up on her patients.
One of the private rooms held the sleeping Huntress. Chris just let the young woman continue sleeping. She silently read the charts and all signs continued to be positive. The plan was to let Helena go home to recover on Tuesday. It was going to be a long road to haul for Hunter's daughter.
Leaving Helena's room, Nightingale made her way to the lab holding TK's shell. An extra wide steel table supported the large metallic shell. Numerous pieces of lab equipment surrounded the shell and were constantly taking readings. 'Gale glanced at these and the patient charts. There was nothing new since the last time Chris was here. Whatever was happening to TK was taking its own sweet time.
Moving closer, 'Gale placed her hands on the shell and probed inside with her mind. She could faintly make out TK's mentality, but nothing that made sense. His thoughts were gibberish to her. 'Gale was certain that TK was not in any pain and that notion filled her with hope that this would all turn out right.
Withdrawing her hands, Chris slowly made her way from the lab. She turned off the lights as she exited the chamber. It was time for her to return to New York City and find out what happened to the Avengers in her absence.
Sunday, May 12th, New York City, early afternoon:
It was a pleasant Sunday afternoon in New York City. The sun was shining brightly and temperatures were warmer than normal. As Nightingale flew along, she could see and sense the thoughts of hundreds of people enjoying the day in Central Park. It must be wonderful to be with your loved ones and family. 'Gale tried to put such thoughts out of her mind as she traveled to the Avengers Mansion.
The accident that triggered Nightingale's mental powers had also handicapped her as well. She had completely lost her sense of hearing. Even worse, her newly gained telepathic powers were out of control. She could plainly make out the thoughts of any mind within range. The sound of so many voices in her head nearly drove her mad.
Out of desperation, Chris' parents sent the young girl to the Paralogical Studies Institute in the days before the true nature of the organization was revealed to the world. PSI did help Chris learn to somewhat control her powers, but thanks to the efforts of Black Diamond and the Avengers was freed before being completely controlled by her PSI trainers.
While she had been away, PSI had secretly slain Christina's parents. Without any other close relations, 'Gale was all alone in the world. In time, the Avengers became her surrogate family. She wasn't going to see anything hurt her new family without a fight.
Upon reaching the Avengers Mansion, Nightingale flew in and landed near the rear service entrance. She preferred to use the back door rather than the front entrance. Much to 'Gales surprise, there were several members of the team gathered inside the kitchen. She could clearly sense their thoughts. What in the world were they up to?
Opening the kitchen door, Nightingale stepped inside. Within the spacious kitchen three of 'Gales teammates were hard at work. Each was plainly dressed. Firestar was at one counter slicing potatoes into cubes. Not too far away, Supreme was mixing something in a large bowl. Standing in one of the doorways was Jeeves. The Avengers manservant was clearly apprehensive of this intrusion into his domain.
The Texas Ranger was experimentally taking a taste from a sauce he was mixing. Even out of costume, Ranger dressed with a western style. It smelled like barbecue sauce from a distance. He tasted a small sample from the tip of his finger. Ranger's face grew redder from the sampling. "Needs a bit more kick to it," the western hero muttered to himself.
"Hey," Supreme called out. Even when wearing only shorts and a muscle shirt, Terry Hainstrom still stood out in a crowd. He was a solid six foot three in height and was incredibly muscular. His short cut brown hair matched the color of his eyes. Surprisingly, Supreme was the current boyfriend of Black Diamond. This was a bit of a concern to 'Gale, knowing her friends previous poor choices when it came to relationships. "Songbird's back!"
Ranger looked away from his work, glanced at Nightingale, and tipped his cowboy hat in respect. "Howdy, ma'am."
"Chris!", Cassie called out as she turned away from her work. Firestar crossed the short distance to Nightingale and gave the mental Avenger a hug. "Its good to have you back."
"I really wasn't gone that long," Nightingale stammered out in confusion. 'Gale had been gone less then a day. Just what were her teammates up to? "What are you doing?"
"Oh, we got the idea of maybe having a picnic today," Cassie explained. "Di's been in such a bummer of a mood, we thought it might cheer her up."
"'Sides, I've been hankerin' fer a real down home barbecue," Ranger added with his usual twang. "So I thought I'd rustle up some ribs and chicken fer grillin'."
"I'm making potato salad," Cassie chimed in, a large grin on her face.
"There's always room for jello," Supreme quickly added. "With marshmallows, of course."
"Of course," Nightingale repeated, disbelieve still written on her face.
"I offered to assist, but they refused," Jeeves stated. Chris could sense Jeeves' unease at this unusual situation in spite of his outwardly calm demeanor. His thoughts focused on wondering what was going to be left of his kitchen by the time they were finished.
"Shucks, pahdner, even you need a day off," Ranger replied.
"Is there any news?" Firstar had a look of hope on her young face as she asked Chris the question.
"Yeah," Supreme interrupted, "How's TK and Sprout doing?"
Nightingale quickly recapped her visit to the Sanctuary Medical Complex. "Assuming that she doesn't have a relapse, Helena will be released to return home on Tuesday. Unfortunately, there's been no change in Tyrone's condition."
"I never thought I'd say this, but I miss the big galoot," Terry added wistfully. The muscleman paused from his jello making efforts for a few moments, before continuing with his work.
"That thar's good to hear about the lil' lady," Ranger drawled. Thanks to her mental insights, 'Gale was already aware of the strong feelings Ranger had towards Helena. At this point Chris was pretty sure that Helena was completely unaware of the Texas Ranger's interest in her. Given her present physical state, it wasn't even an issue right now.
"And now for the news you've been waiting for," 'Gale said to the waiting Firestar. Chris knew what the youngest Avenger had been really asking her from the start, but covered the other news first. "The Young Champions are due back on Sanctuary late Monday evening."
"Wonderful!", Firestar answered with a sigh of relief. It had been a week now since Cassie had last seen Jason, not since the night of Helena's party. Boy, did that seem like a lifetime ago now! The changes since the party were varied and astounding. (Editor's Note: The party was back in Avengers #24 & Young Champions #15.)
The young couple had shared their first kiss and Cassie was very much looking forward to spending more time with Jason. However, some mysterious mission came up and he along with the rest of the Young Champions had departed Sanctuary. Whatever the trouble was, it had now apparently been resolved. Now Cassie just had to wait two more days. (Editor's Note: The Young Champions mission was covered in greater detail in Young Champions #19-25)
"Where's Di while you guys are making a mess of Jeeves' kitchen?", Nightingale wondered aloud. With a noticeable spring in her stride, Firestar returned to her culinary project.
"She's in a conference call," Terry explained. He had finished his mixing and placed his contribution to the picnic in the refrigerator. "Di's passing on the information that witch chick told us to the other hero teams around the country. After all, hard to say where these people are going to strike next."
"That makes sense. Any word of Muskateer or the Enchantress?" The swordsman hadn't been seen since he had stormed out of the Mansion early Saturday morning. He had tracked the Enchantress to the Carrington Estate and continued his pursuit to an alternate Earth called Terra Nova thanks to the magic of the Sorceress. (Editor's Note: See Muskateer #25+ for Muskateer's story.)
"No, nothing yet," Cassie answered worriedly. The concern for her friends was a palatable thing.
Nightingale nodded her understanding. "Well, carry on, I guess. I'll be back shortly." With that, 'Gale started to exit the kitchen and head deeper into the mansion.
"Ya'll gonna be here for the cookout?", Ranger inquired of the departing psionic heroine.
"I wouldn't miss it for the world." Turning away once more, Nightingale exited the room.
"Hey! Hold up there, Songbird," Supreme cried out as he followed after Nightingale. The muscular man caught up with 'Gale in the adjacent dinning room.
"Is there something else?", Nightingale inquired.
"Well-- sorta-", Supreme stammered out, as if trying to find the right words.
"Well?"
"Look, you and Di have been friends for a long time. I sorta need some advice."
"Advice about what?"
"Well, it's about Di. I mean, she's a great gal, but she's been so down lately. I'm not sure what to do about it. I mean, I know she's had trouble with Lightbulb in the past and I'm trying not to do that to her, but I-- Well, I guess in need some guidance from someone who knows her better than I do. She's hurting and I really don't know what to do about it."
That momentarily surprised Nightingale. Supreme had always come across as a man of, well, supreme confidence and ego. This was a side of the strongman 'Gale had never seen: a kinder, more sensitive side. Perhaps it was the side that attracted Black Diamond.
"I see. Linda blames herself for everything that has been going on, regardless if she actually could have changed things or really had any involvement in what happened. It's in her nature to beat herself up over things like this. She shifts the blame to herself."
That revelation seemed to surprise Terry. "Wow, I never realized that. Why does she do that?"
"There's no one particular reason, rather it is the accumulation of several things. Di's desire to live up the standards Hunter had as leader of the team, her own feelings of inadequacy, and so on."
"That's quite a surprise. Hard to believe that someone who is so tough on the outside is so fragile on the inside."
"That's an apt description," 'Gale agreed. "So, my advice is to be nice to her, be understanding and supportive. Just don't add to her troubles or you'll have to answer to me."
Supreme couldn't help but laugh at that last comment. Terry was being threatened by a woman 9 inches shorter who was four times lighter than he was. "Don't you worry there, Songbird, I wouldn't do anything to hurt Linda."
Nightingale just smiled lightly in response. She could sense that Supreme was speaking the truth. It did her heart good to discover that her best friend had finally found someone worthy of her affections. "It's good to discover a nice guy underneath all those muscles."
"What a horrible thing to say," Terry grinned. "You'll ruin my reputation with stuff like that."
"If you'll excuse me, I have some errands to run."
"Where you off to, Songbird?"
"There's a few things I want to check up on here at the Mansion, then I'm going to visit Ryker's and see if Seymour's mind control has worn off."
"Oh," Terry mouthed in response. He had an intense dislike for Lightburst, especially in light of what he did to Linda. Supreme would certainly be happy to never see the light-wielding mutant again. It would also do Linda a world of good to be away from that walking cancer. Terry really would have liked to say more, but fought back the urge.
The buzzing of the front door interrupted the conversation. Jeeves stepped past the two Avengers on his way to answer the door. Puzzled by just who would be visiting the mansion on a Sunday afternoon, the two Avengers followed at a distance.
Jeeves opened the front door to reveal a trio of men wearing suits. One stood before the other two. "Can I help you gentlemen?"
"Frank Page, Executive Producer of the Guardian Angel television show," the lead man responded. "I'm here to see Raquel Hamilton or Guardian Angel or whatever she's calling herself these days."
"I see," Jeeves answered. "I'll see if madam is accepting visitors. Please wait here."
"She will see us," Frank Page called out to the manservant. "And I've brought my lawyers to ensure that she does! Bring her out here now."
"Gee, what a mouthy guy," Supreme whispered to Nightingale. The two Avengers were close enough to have heard the conversation at the front door, but had yet to be noticed by the new arrivals. "What's this all about?"
Thanks to her always active telepathy, 'Gale had gleamed the thoughts of the new arrivals. "They are representatives of the television show Guardian Angel. There were bound to be repercussions from Raquel Hamilton's transformation into Guardian Angel."
"What kind of repercussions?"
"Just think about it. You're the owner of one of the hottest shows on television and your star suddenly acts like she's the real thing. You've got contracts in place and potential copyright issues to deal with here."
"That kind of sucks."
Back near the front door, Jeeves came down the stairs leading to the second floor of the mansion. Trailing behind him was Guardian Angel. She wore her powder blue and gold Egyptian-styled costume. In fact, neither hero had ever seen her out of her uniform and in normal street clothes.
"These are the gentlemen who wished to see you," Jeeves told the television heroine.
"Thank you, Jeeves," Guardian Angel said the manservant. "You may return to your duties. I will handle this."
"As you wish, madam." Jeeves stepped away from Guardian Angel and her guests. He was eager to return to the kitchen to see what new mess had arisen in his absence.
Turning back to the men in the suits, 'Angel said, "What can I do for you gentlemen?"
"You can drop the act, Raquel," the man who had introduced himself as Frank Page stated. "I don't know what you hope to gain by this subterfuge, but it will not work. The network's breathing down my neck and I'm turning the heat over to you."
"I can assure you, my good man, that I do not know of what you speak. Clearly, you have mistaken me for someone else. I do not know anyone named Raquel."
"You know damn well who I am!", Frank Page raged, his face turning redder. "If you think you can hold out for more money, then you're going to be sadly mistaken. We've got you locked in for three more years. No bizarre stunt is going to change that. Now, cut the act and come with me!"
As his anger grew, Frank reached out and grasped Guardian Angel by the arm. He forcibly tried to drag 'Angel out the door, but much to his surprise was unable to move the heroine.
"As I previously stated," Guardian Angel responded coolly, "you have evidently mistaken me for another person. Perhaps if you were to provide me with a description of her, I could join in your search?"
Not being able to take any more of this, Supreme stepped forward and came into view. "Hey! Hands off the lady! She says she's not who you're looking for, so beat it!" Nightingale chased after Supreme, but was content to only observe.
"My thanks, comrade," 'Angel said to Supreme. "I can handle this situation. Obviously, this is a case of mistaken identity."
Frank Page visible shrunk back from Supreme. He released 'Angel's arm and stepped back. Supreme easily towered over the cowed executive and his assistants.
"Have it your way, Raquel," Frank answered once he regained his composure. "We'll have to do this the hard way." Page nodded to one of his assistants, who in turn reached into his briefcase, pulled out a folded document, and handed it to Page. "After all, the law is on my side in this matter." With a dramatic gesture, Frank Page pushed the document towards Guardian Angel.
"What is this?" 'Angel took the paper but had no idea what to make of it.
"This is a court order telling you to cease and desist your so called activities as Guardian Angel. She is my rightful property the registered trademark of my company. I will not have my show made a mockery of! To put it simply, Raquel, give me that costume!"
"Have you taken leave of your senses?" Shock was clearly shown in Guardian Angel's face. "I most certainly will not remove my uniform! It is my solemn duty as an Agent of Order to battle evil and the forces of chaos in this sector of space. To protect the Foundation Stone for all who would plunge reality into random chaos. I stand for truth and justice! You would deny the citizens of this great metropolis of my protection?"
"Yeah!", Supreme energetically added. "What she said! Imagine the nerve of this clown, 'Gale. Trying to take the clothes right off of her back!"
"This is none of your concern," Frank Page told Supreme. "I am exercising my legal rights and my lawyers here will be happy press charges against the Avengers should they interfere."
"What is going on here?"
The unexpected voice caused everyone to look to one side of the foyer where the elevator to the lower levels of the Avengers Mansion was located. Exiting the lift was Black Diamond. The Avengers leader was in her regular black costume with white diamond patterns. Having heard the angry voices while coming up the elevator, Diamond was attempting to find out what was going on.
"Ah, friend Black Diamond," Guardian Angel called out. "These gentlemen seem to be confused."
"It's nutty, Di!", Supreme chimed in. "These suits here just slapped a court order on Angel! Now they want her to strip!"
"The gentleman here is the trademark holder for the Guardian Angel television show," Nightingale quietly added. She could see in Page's mind that all he saw was an actress trying to hold out for more money. He refused to believe that his former star had actually been transformed into a real life version of Guardian Angel.
Black Diamond sighed and shook her head slightly as she approached. The heroine had just spent the last hour conversing with the leaders of several other hero teams, spreading the word about Lady Darkness and her schemes. The conversation had been tense at times, but was finally completed. Diamond had slept very well the night before and was finally feeling more like her old self. Now if only the troubles surrounding the Avengers could only be resolved so easily.
"May I see the document?" 'Angel handed Diamond the still unopened papers. Di made a quick read through the legal document. "Everything does seem to be in order here."
"Of course," Frank Page tersely interjected. "Now lets get on with this. I can promise you this, Raquel. You will never work in this town again!"
"Am I to simply submit to this insanity?", 'Angel cried out. "It is sheer madness! No wonder I was sent to this world! The forces of chaos are running rampant!"
"While all that might be true," Black Diamond diplomatically responded, "this is a genuine legal document. While I am skeptical at the validity of its claim, to ignore or defy it would be against the law. I'll have our lawyers go over it tomorrow, but for the meantime you must comply with his request."
"But--!", Guardian Angel started to say before Diamond cut her off.
"To not comply would fly against the cause of justice, the very thing you seek to uphold. Don't worry; this matter is far from over with. We simply have to play by their rules for the time being."
"I see the wisdom of your words," 'Angel relented. "Very will. I will comply with the wishes of this legal document, misguided as though it is."
"Di, this isn't right!" Supreme had to add his own two cents into the conversation. He sent a particularly nasty glare towards Frank Page and his lawyers.
"Come on up to my quarters," Black Diamond suggested as she gestured towards the stairs leading to the second floor. "I should have something that will fit you." Turning back to Supreme, Di added, "And you behave!"
A look that combined being surprised and wounded came to Supreme's handsome features. "Me? Would I cause any trouble?"
"In a heartbeat," Diamond shot back. "Why don't you come with us, Nightingale?"
'Gale nodded her understanding and followed the blonde haired heroines up the steps to the second level of the Avengers Mansion. Chris had read Diamond's desire for her to console Guardian Angel in this matter from her thoughts. Being a trained psychologist, 'Gale was the most qualified for the job.
A few minutes later, Black Diamond descended the stairs with Guardian Angel's costume in hand. Without a word, she handed it over to Frank Page, but the scowl on her face said it all. Likewise, Frank and his lawyers quickly departed the premises without so much as a word goodbye. Supreme slammed the door shut behind them.
"Good riddance to those clowns!" Seeing the look on Diamond's face, Supreme softened his own anger a bit. He stepped up to Black Diamond and placed his hands on the back of her shoulders. A little massage should help relieve her tension. "Just relax there, Di and let my magic fingers take care of all those worries."
Diamond's sigh told Supreme that he was having the affect he was seeking. He could easily sense the tenseness in Black Diamonds muscles. "Oh, that feels good. I think I could use some attention all over my body."
"That would be my pleasure, Di," Supreme said with a wide grin. "Your place or mine?"
"At the moment, probably yours." Black Diamond was going to say more, but then she saw Firestar approaching. A look of concern was on her youthful face.
"Is there something wrong, Cassie?" Black Diamond inquired. "You look troubled." Supreme continued to work on Diamond's upper back and shoulders, unconcerned by the presence of Firestar.
"I heard about what those guys did to Guardian Angel," Firestar explained. "That really stinks. But no, that's not it. I'm sensing something. There are other Blood close by."
That took Black Diamond by surprise. Firestar had learned about her unique heritage during the team's time in Los Angeles during the Crimson Claw affair. Cassie had long thought herself an orphan, only to discover that she had several superpowered relations. Blade and Bryn were her uncle and aunt, while Sabre of X-Factor and his sister Satara were her cousins.
"Are you sure?"
"Definitely."
At that moment, there came a knock at the front door of the mansion. Supreme moved towards the door, an angry glare locked on his face. "Now what do those clowns want?"
Supreme flung the door open, expecting to see the three men in suits that walked away with Guardian Angel's costume. Much to his surprise, standing there was a youthful woman with blond hair wearing stylish armor on her torso. A blue cape fluttered behind her in the breeze.
"Satara!", Firestar gasped in surprise. She rushed forward to greet her cousin.
"Hey, cuz! What's shakin'?"
The two cousins exchanged hearty hugs. "What are you doing here?"
"Well, I just happened to be in the neighborhood," Satara answered with a mischievous grin. "Seriously, some of our other cousins stopped in for a visit and we decided to get everyone together to meet you. How would you like to meet your Aunt Sala and your brother Rich?"
"Of course I would," Firestar said energetically. "I've been trying to get in touch with them since we got back from California, but couldn't get an answer."
"Not surprising since they're not in town." Stepping into the Avengers Mansion, Satara walked up to Black Diamond and Supreme. "Hey, Di! Do you think it would okay for us to borrow Cassie for the day?"
"Can I please?", Firestar pleaded.
"Of course," Black Diamond replied, a smile on her face. "Go and visit your relatives. Have fun."
"Thanks!" Firestar turned back to Satara. "So where's everyone else?"
Satara stepped back out the doorway and pointed up into the sky. Firstar followed after her cousin, with Diamond and Supreme trailing afterwards. Looking upwards, the Avengers were stunned to see what appeared to be a 16th century Spanish galleon hovering in the sky overhead! The words "Captain Blood" were emblazoned on the ship's bow.
"That's how I got here," Satara explained with a laugh. "So, do you wanna come sail away with me?"
