"Awright, awright," Steven said disgustedly and slowly raised his hands part way above his head. "This just ain't my day."
In a blindingly quick motion, Steven spun to face his attacker. His right arm smacked the gun away, while the left smashed into the surprised mugger. The criminal was sent flying backwards and landed flat on his back.
Steven walked up to the prone figure, who seemed to be having trouble catching his breath. "Guess it ain't yer day either. Next time you might wanna try askin' a little more nicely."
The figure pulled off the ski mask it wore and a mass of magenta colored hair tumbled out. "That really smarted!" The woman wiped a trickle of blood from the corner of her mouth. "Remind me never to sneak up on you again."
"Glitter!" It was the woman that Muskateer had met while being tested on Sanctuary. (Editor's Note: Back in Muskateer #7) Steven knelt down beside the prone woman and helped her to her feet. "Sorry. I really thought you were a mugger."
"I noticed." She smiled at him seductively. "So, you want to kiss it and make it better?", she whispered, putting her arms around his neck.
"I think I could be persuaded," Steven responded. He leaned over and gave her a quick peck on the lips and then followed it with a longer, lingering kiss. "How's that?"
"Better. I might need a little more personal attention though," she responded, fluttering her eyelashes flirtatiously as she spoke. "You never know how these things can flare up."
"You'd better be careful, Glitter," Steven offered, "or I might get the impression you're throwing yourself at me."
"You haven't figured that out yet?"
He kissed her again briefly. "So what brings you to the Big Apple? Business or pleasure?"
"Hopefully," Glitter answered with a devilish grin, "...both. I said before that a girl could get used to having you around. I've missed you, Musky."
"She certainly knows how to push my buttons," Steven thought to himself. "It's good to see you too," he finally said.
"So how about we go somewhere and celebrate?"
Steven thought for a moment. He had planned on heading to bed sometime soon. Against his better judgement, he answered, "What the hell.. Why not? There's a few places still open this time of night." Those sparkling emerald eyes were just too much to turn down.
"You won't regret it," she said, taking him by the arm.
Early the next morning, Steven entered the Mansion, looking quite haggard. He wandered into the kitchen and peered sleepily into the refrigerator. Pulling out a carton of orange juice, he took two long swallows. Setting the carton on the sink, he wearily rubbed his eyes and looked at the clock. "Six forty?", he said, not wanting to believe the clock. "I knew that was a bad idea. Cassie should be up almost any time now...", he added, referring to their regularly scheduled training exercise.
"Hiya, Musky." Steven turned to see Firestar stroll into the room. She actually looked awake and perky. Cassie walked to the counter and began making some toast. "Now this is certainly a switch," she said, eyeing his tired disposition.
"Yeah, I couldn't sleep. So I went for a walk." Steve rubbed his eyes again and yawned.
"Something wrong, Steve? Anything you want to talk about?", Cassie asked, concern showing in her voice. She returned the carton of juice he had left out to the refrigerator.
"Huh? Naw. I've just had a lot on my mind lately, kiddo." He walked across the kitchen, pausing a moment before exiting. "I'll meet you downstairs at eight o'clock sharp. Don't be late..."
"I have the feeling I'm not the one to worry about being late this morning," she called after him.
Cassie was right. Hopefully, an hour and a half of sleep would be enough. As long as he got some rest, he could always catch up later.
He found himself regretting staying up all night with Glitter. She was a lot of fun, to be sure. The timing just wasn't the best. Hopefully, this would be a slow day.
Reaching his room, Steven activated the computer. "Set alarm for seven fifty eight A.M.", he ordered. Seeing the screen echo his command, he flopped on the bed.
Glitter was a bit of an enigma, but she was as down-to-earth as a super-spy could be. He wasn't sure that a long term relationship was in the cards for them, but it was certainly worth pursuing while it lasted. He looked forward to seeing her again soon. As he drifted quickly to sleep, an image of the mysterious woman filled his mind's eye. The alarm rang what seemed like five minutes later...
Mercifully, Friday passed without event and by Saturday, Steven Harper was back to his normal self. "Well, this should draw a few stares out on the road tonight." Muskateer admired his image in the mirror in his room. He was attired in his masquerade ball costume. "What am I saying? This is New York. No one will probably even notice."
After putting the final touches on his attire, Muskateer departed his room. Out in the hallway, he spotted Black Diamond. The heroine did a double take upon seeing Steven.
"Now that is certainly a unique look for you," Black Diamond stated as she eyed the costume. "It's guaranteed to make criminals stop dead in their tracks."
"Very funny, Di. What's a' matter? You never saw the Three Musketeers before? It's for the costume ball tonight."
"I know. Just having a little fun at your expense. Anyway, I'm on my way to monitor duty. Have a good time."
"Thanks, boss. Seeya later." After the Avengers leader had passed out of earshot, he added, "Sheesh, everyone's a critic."
A short drive later, Steven pulled up in front of Gwen's townhouse. He walked up to the front door and rung the bell, all the while getting some very interesting looks from those passing by.
Gwen answered the door after a few moments. She was already dressed in her matching costume. "Steven, you're right on time. I like punctuality in my men."
"Good day, fair lady," Steven said in an exaggerated European accent, as he extended his hand towards her. "I trust you are ready for a sumptuous repast and then a night of carousing and swordplay?"
A smile came to Gwen's face as she viewed the antics of her date. "I believe the correct response would be, 'Aye, milord!'"
"Then shall we be off?! Your carriage awaits!" Steven made a sweeping gesture towards the van he arrived in.
Gwen looked at the van and grimaced. "Why don't we take my car?" Placing her arm around Steven's, Gwen led the way back into the house.
Less than an hour later, a black Mercedes sedan glided through the main gates at the Madigan Estate. "I'll give you that one, Gwen. The Mercedes is much nicer than anything in the Avengers Motor Pool."
"I'm not surprised," Gwen responded. "The Avengers vehicles are chosen more for purpose than style."
The Madigan estate was truly an impressive location. The sprawling grounds were impeccably manicured. The dwellings were all huge and quite lavish. Karrie Madigan did everything with a certain panache and this masquerade ball was no exception. Hundreds of guests, the cream of the international social circles, filled the expansive hall. She had even contracted a new supers-for-hire team to act as security for the function. Karrie wasn't about to let anything spoil her extravaganza.
Steven had never before heard of the Wild Cards, as they were calling themselves. In fact it was the first public appearance for the group. These new heroes were known as Psi-Queen, Major America, the Silver Spectre and their leader, the Sword of Justice.
"Copy cat," Steven thought to himself.
The party was going well enough. Mercifully, Gwen did not leave him to be on his own. He really didn't have much in common with most of these people, so small talk was a bit of a chore. Gwen introduced him to a wide variety of guests, mostly people that he had never heard off before. Still there were only a few points during the evening when he found himself wondering how he ended up here.
"Oh, there's an old friend from prep school," Gwen stated, several hours into the party. "I haven't seen her in ages."
"Why not go and visit? I'll hit the buffet table again."
"Are you certain you don't mind?"
"Not at all," Steven answered. "Go ahead, I'll be fine."
"You're a dear." Gwen turned and made her way through the crowd.
Steven sighed and started towards the buffet. "What am I doing here?", he thought to himself. "I'm certainly out of my element." He had never seen a layout like this before. The table easily had to be eighty feet long. On the way he spotted a familiar figure. Changing course, he crept up behind the unsuspecting woman.
"Funny, I'd have thought you might've come dressed as the Little Green Sprout," he said over her shoulder.
The woman turned, momentarily surprised. Her costume consisted of a coat with tails, a golden vest over a white blouse, black trunks, fishnet stockings and pumps. A dark blue top hat and black white-tipped cane finished out the ensemble. "Well, well, if it isn't the Leather Musketeer," the woman stated, eyeing Steven's attire.
"Guilty as charged. I'm a little surprised to find you here, Helena."
"As you pointed out before, I am wealthy and this is for charity."
"Good point."
"As for why you're here, I think I can figure that one out on my own." Helena offered her hand to Steven. "Since both our dates are nowhere to be seen, shall we dance?"
"Sure, why not." Hand in hand, the two made their way back out onto the dance floor. It was currently filled with at least one hundred other costumed individuals of all shapes and sizes. "So tell me, who are you supposed to be?", Steven asked as the two waltzed.
"This was my stage outfit back when I practiced magic in college. Sleight of hand, illusions and other trickery, not the real thing." As a demonstration, Helena pulled a quarter out of Steven's ear and handed it to him. "Went by the name of the Great Helina. I know, it sounds kind of hokey now a days."
"As long as you realize that, then I won't have to say anything," Steve added with a smile.
Helena took a deep breath and said, "I just wanted to apologize for jumping down your throat like I did a few days ago. You're right-- it's the result that matters, not who does what."
"Hey, don't worry about it," Steven said, dismissing it lightly. Muskateer and the Huntress had a minor disagreement on tactics several days earlier. "Sometimes I'm too used to doing things on my own. I'd rather act than react and I get a little impatient sometimes, too."
"I know what you mean," Helena answered. After a pause, she added, "You've actually done this kind of dancing before." She wasn't expecting Steven to know his way around a formal dance floor.
"Believe it or not," Steve responded. "I've always said I'm just full of surprises. My mom was a big fan of ballroom dance and she taught me some steps when I was little. Guess it must've stuck with me. Of course, Gwen gave me a few brush-up lessons this week."
"I'm really not surprised that you'd be accompanying Gwen here tonight," Helena stated matter-of-factly.
"What do you mean by that?"
"You being here with Gwen," Helena responded with a knowing smile. "She is your date after all, isn't she? Unless I completely missed my guess, she's also from a wealthy family."
An easy smile came to Steve's face. "Oh, yeah, she is. But it's not like we're really dating or anything. Gwen just asked me to the party is all."
"Uh-huh," Helena continued to smile mischievously. "From what I've seen, I'd say that she's a tad more serious about a relationship than that."
"What makes you say that?" Steven's curiosity was now suitably piqued.
"When I was younger, my father and I used to play a game where we would deduce things by just observing people. After all these years of practice, I'm pretty good at it. Just by watching Gwen when I first met her, I deduced that she was wealthy, and was born in New England, but moved to New York several years ago. There are some people I have trouble reading, present company included, darn it." The last statement was said with a hint of dismay. "It's probably more to do with the full mask than anything. But Gwen, I can read."
"Oh come on..."
"Just look at the two of you. It's obvious by your similar attire that her intention is for you to be considered 'together'. Has she left you alone to mingle at all?"
"Not until just now," Steve answered. "Gwennie knows I'm not a high-class socializer. She's just trying to make this party go easy on me."
"Uh-huh."
"Oh, I get it." Steven's face changed with possible realization. He smiled an embarrassed smile. "You had me goin' for a second there, Sprout. I almost thought you were serious."
"I am serious," Helena chided. "You're not really that thick headed, are you?"
"Hey, hey, watch the name calling," Steven responded.
"I don't even know your real name, so what do you want me to call you?"
"Well, you could call me Ralph, but my real name's Steven, so it's probably better that you call me that," he quipped.
"I'd take Ralph over Sprout any day."
"Fine, I'll start calling you Ralph instead," he added with a smile.
"You're an evil man," Helena answered with a glare.
"Glad to hear it, my reputation was starting to suffer for awhile there." Steven paused for a moment, then changed the subject. "I'm curious. How'd you figure out that was Gwen in the first place? I mean that's not a normal look for her,... in more ways than one actually." Gwen was not utilizing her illusions which made her appear as the Enchantress.
"Simple deduction, really," Helena explained. "Actually that you were here with her was a guess at first. Once you confirmed that, everything else just fell into place. Given the nature of her powers it's not unreasonable for her to appear differently in private."
"You know, it all sounds logical, but I can't help thinkin' you're reaching here about Gwen and I."
"It's always possible," Helena conceded. "On the other hand, I'm pretty darn good at this sort of thing."
"I've gone over this possibility. Believe me, I have. Too many times."
"You know she's looking at us right now. Don't turn around. She's been watching you since we started dancing. Hasn't taken her eyes off you, in fact. You have to know deep down inside that I'm right about her feelings for you."
Steven was silent as he considered Helena's startling revelation. His pulse started to increase as he considered the implications. Was it getting warmer in here?
Steven maneuvered the pair to a point where he could get a clear look at his date. She caught his eye and smiled sweetly back at him. "Maybe Helena really was right," he thought to himself.
"See I told you," Helena said, reinforcing her point.
"Okay, okay, maybe you were right. Maybe. I just..." Unexpectedly, there was a tap upon Steven's shoulder. He turned to look and saw a man in royal garb, with a fake large stomach and a turkey leg in one hand. "Henry the Eighth, I presume?"
"May I cut in?", the man asked. "Give someone else a chance to dance with the lovely young lady, will you?"
"Sorry, you didn't say 'Mother, may I'..." Steven turned his back to the man again.
"Now, see here..." Gary Simmons, Helena's date, responded futilely.
Steven continued to lead Helena in their dance, but he had a hard time disguising the mischievous grin on his face. Helena finally gave up and slapped him on the shoulder. "Come on, you don't have to torture him that way."
"Very well." Steven offered her hand towards Gary, who took it quite eagerly. Before they continued the dance, Steven leaned over and whispered in Helena's ear. "You know, Henry VIII had six wives, most of whom he executed."
"I think I can handle him," she answered back with a wink.
Steven began to weave between the dancing couples as he exited the dance floor. Halfway across he noticed Gwen standing before him. Without hesitation, he strode up to the beautiful blonde 'rogue'.
"I thought you were mingling with your friends?"
"I was. Now I want to dance with my date again," Gwen said, taking him by the hand. "If you are interested, that is," she added coquettishly.
"Well, I was considering another helping of the lobster thermidor, but all things considered, I'll just have to pass on that for now." He took her around the waist and pulled her close.
"Glad to see I win out over seafood in creme sauce," she added with a coy smile.
"Pretty lady, there's nothing I'd rather do right now than dance with you," Steven responded suavely.
Arm in arm, the couple danced slowly around the dance floor. As they moved, time seemingly slowed down to Steven. Their dance became more and more surreal. The outside world seemed to melt away. It was as if they were all alone in the great dance hall. That's when Steven felt it. A feeling so powerful, so intense, that it nearly bowled him over. Holding Gwen tightly in his arms felt so good, felt so right.
"You feel it too, don't you?", Gwen whispered in his ear.
"I feel-- something. Something wonderful. I--"
"Shh," she interrupted, placing her forefinger over his lips. "There are no words to describe this feeling. I know, I've felt like this since we first met. I couldn't understand it at first. I still don't for that matter." Gwen laid her head on Steven's chest. "All I know is that when I am with you, nothing else matters. I feel so-- good. I can't even find the words to adequately explain what I am feeling right now. Just hold me and never let me go..."
After a pause, Steven whispered, "I think I can manage that." He closed his eyes and held her tightly, savoring the moment. The feeling was so powerful that he hadn't even noticed that the music had stopped.
Reality then rudely intruded upon their contentment as the microphone on the band's stage made a loud squealing noise. The pair looked up to see an unwanted guest addressing the crowd.
"Awright, lissen up!! In case any of you money-bags ain't sure, this here's a stick-up!" The man on the stage wore a black ski mask and held an automatic weapon threateningly. Others began to move into the crowd with bags to collect money and jewelry.
"My jewels! My jewels!," was a common cry heard from the vast crowd.
"Ah, man...!", Steven grumbled to himself. Looking at Gwen he added, "I think these guys may end up a little hurt."
She looked away uncomfortably as the wonderful moments they shared now faded. "I definitely think they're going to get what's coming to them."
Steven looked around to gauge how many of the criminals there were and the best way to take them all out quickly without endangering the other guests. Suddenly a loud commotion started on the far side of the room. Steven looked on with curiosity.
"How could I forget?", Steven asked himself. As he had been a little preoccupied a moment before, he had forgotten about the presence of the Wild Cards. They were in full motion and earning their likely considerable pay.
Steven watched as one of the heroes swung in on a line and crashed into the thug on stage feet first. "I'm afraid, my felonious felon, that I must simply put my foot down!"
The man was dressed in a dark blue costume, with a crimson cowl and cloak. White trim on his gloves and boots and a white stylized scale adorning his chest completed the outfit. He had a sheathed sword at his side. At the apex of his swing, he completed a back flip and landed lightly on his feet. Looking out over the crowd, the Sword of Justice observed the rest of his team in action. "Remain calm, good people! Fortunately, Mrs. Madigan has an ace in the hole this evening! Or rather, a handful of Wild Cards!"
Nearby, a tall, well-built and very macho blonde hero confronted another pair of robbers. His costume was white with red, white and blue bends running side by side on the chest along with a large blue star on his right breast. Red trunks, a blue belt and black knee high boots rounded out his look. The surprised criminals opened fire as the man just stood there before them. People in the crowd screamed and rushed away in panic.
The thugs were even more surprised as the bullets they fired hit the man and fell harmlessly to the floor in front of him. Major America smiled back at them and cracked his knuckles. One of the robbers fainted straight away. "Okay, pal. Fun time's over-- for you!" The patriotically attired hero laid into the thugs, sending them all flying.
A moment later, the heroine Psi-Queen strode in and unleashed a mental assault on the criminals. Psi-Queen wore an elaborate gown of royal purple with golden embroidery and ermine fur trim on the sleeves, neckline and hem. A combination crown and faceplate obscured her features. Long red hair tumbled down around her face in curls. She had a regal bearing about her.
"This is intolerable!", she announced, mostly to herself. A bright green glow appeared around her scepter and her headpiece. The glow shot down from Psi-Queen's crown, passed through the scepter, and then streaked towards one of the remaining criminals. He stiffened and collapsed with little struggle. The psionic heroine seemed pleased with her handy work.
Major America moved in on the remaining two robbers. They had already witnessed the futility of their partners trying to gun down the hero. They decided to flee rather than fight. As the two headed for the entrance to the expansive ballroom, one was suddenly struck down by a hurtling silver figure. A graceful kick to the jaw sent the man reeling backwards. He collapsed onto his back and didn't stir.
The last remaining robber stopped in his tracks. Before him was a beautiful brunette in a skin-tight, low-cut silver costume. The Silver Spectre winked at him and gave him a 'come here' gesture with her finger. "Hi, there! Why don't you come on over and see me sometime?"
The man considered his options for a moment. Up ahead, he saw the Sword of Justice joining the Silver Spectre, while glancing over his shoulder at the still advancing Major America. He threw his weapon to the floor and raised his hands over his head. "I surrender! Please don't hurt me!"
In mere moments, the altercation had been dealt with by the heroes on duty. Karrie proceeded to take a few minutes to congratulate them on a job well done. Steven thought the Wild Cards took the accolades a little too seriously for having stomped only a couple of regular hoods.
"You'd think they'd just beat Mechanon or somebody by their attitudes," Steven commented to Gwen, who was now standing beside him, as the party resumed itself again.
"They did just save everyone present a considerable amount of money and potential harm," Gwen countered.
"Maybe, maybe not. It all seemed a little too convenient to me."
"Are you suggesting that the hold-up was actually staged?", Gwen asked, looking up at her date. The Wild Cards proceeded through the crowd to their posts, collecting handshakes and pats on the back as they went.
"Not necessarily. Something about it just doesn't seem..." He stopped dead in the middle of his sentence as the Silver Spectre came straight towards the pair. Steven quickly turned his back to the heroine and faced Gwen again. "I don't believe it," he thought to himself.
"Well, it doesn't matter anyway." Acting quickly he grabbed Gwen by the hand and looked around. "Follow me, pretty lady."
Gwen smiled at him as he led her through a pair of double doors to a nearby balcony. As she walked to the railing, he turned and closed the doors. Chancing one more glance, he watched the silver-clad heroine pass by. "I was right. That's Glitter, for cryin' out loud!", he muttered to himself. "What's she doin' here? And what's with the goofy get-up?" Steven closed the doors and drew the curtains on them shut.
"There, that should give us a little... whoa!" Steven turned, but Gwen was standing right in front of him. She continued to smile that mesmerizing smile of hers.
"I knew you were impulsive, but I didn't realize you were such a romantic," she added, placing her arms around his neck. "What an enticing setting. The night air. The stars."
"Care to continue our dance?"
"We can't hear the music out here unfortunately," Gwen stated.
"Just have to make our own music then, won't we?" Gwen grinned widely and took him by the hand. They proceeded to glide around the balcony, once again oblivious to most of their surroundings. After a few moments, they came to a stop and just stared into each other's eyes.
Steven held Gwen tightly. "I can hardly believe this is actually happening," he thought to himself. He moved his hand up her back following her curves and back down. She seemed almost perfect. "I keep expecting to wake up any second now."
Gwen continued to stare into his eyes. He desperately wanted to know what she was thinking right now. Steven ran his finger along the curve of her face. She placed her hand on his, holding it against her cheek and closed her eyes. "Heavenly," she said softly, almost as if she knew what he was thinking.
Gwen opened her eyes slowly and Steven found himself transfixed by those stunning blue pools. He felt unlike anything he had ever felt before. Gwen touched his face lightly and rose up on her tiptoes to kiss him. The embrace lasted far longer than either would have expected.
After a moment, they separated, but remained arm in arm. Both of them looked like they had just been stunned, looking away but not focusing on anything. They looked back at each other. "Wow," both said at the same time. That made them break out into laughter. Gwen hugged him again and placed her head against his heart. Steven held her tightly, almost afraid to let her out of his arms.
'Beep. Beep.' The first time the signal went off neither of them even heard it.
'Beep. Beep.' It continued its bothersome request for attention.
Gwen looked up at him again, questioningly. "It may be important," she said softly.
Letting out a long deep breath, Steven pulled his arms away from her. It wasn't easy. He activated his communicator and walked a few steps away. "This better be damn good!"
The signal wasn't from any of his teammates however, it was actually an automated distress call. Someone at the Mansion must have hit an alarm for the signal he was getting. He activated a communication signal of his own, hoping to reach someone and find out what's going on. After a few moments with no answer, he switched the device back to stand-by mode and sighed.
"No response from the Mansion?", Gwen asked rhetorically.
"Nope. Looks like trouble."
In Avengers #15!
