"You'd better believe it, hot-stuff!" Muskateer sat up in eager anticipation, despite his injuries. It had been far too long since his last meal. "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse."
Upon seeing her teammate, Firestar came to a dead stop. She had heard about Muskateer's injuries, but this was the first time that she had actually seen their full extent. Nearly his entire upper torso was covered in bandages. His left arm was resting in a sling. Cuts and scratches were everywhere. "Oh my...", was all that she could manage.
"It's not as bad as it looks, kiddo," Muskateer reassured his teammate, seeing the look of surprise and concern on her face. "Come on, already! I'm hungry!"
"Uhm, yeah sure." Firestar took two tentative steps into the room and then came to another stop, suddenly realizing that Muskateer was not alone.
"Good morning, Cassie." Black Diamond was in the room as well, standing off on the far side of the bed.
"Oh, hi." Since the two were the team leaders of the Avengers, they may have been having an important conversation, Firestar silently concluded. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything," she added sheepishly. "I could come back later."
"No way, kiddo. I want food and I want it now."
Black Diamond smiled slightly and helped by moving the rolling table into position. "I think you'd better feed him, Cassie. Besides we've gone over everything that needs to be covered right now."
Setting the tray down, Firestar lifted the cover and placed it on a nearby chair. "Here you go, Musky." Using his good arm, the hero eagerly dug his fork into the large omelet filling the plate. Curious as to just what had been going on, Firestar innocently asked, "Anything happening that I should know about?"
Seeing that Muskateer was too busy eating, Black Diamond decided to field the question. "We were just having some discussions about the team roster. With the returns of Supreme and Lightburst, we're back up to seven regular members."
"Oh, I see. I talked to 'Gale earlier and she said you asked her to be a reserve member." (Editor's Note: As shown in Avengers #21)
"That's right," Diamond answered with a nod. "And we've decided to give the Texas Ranger a reserve slot as well. So we'll have seven active members and three reserves with 'Gale, Ranger, and the Huntress."
"The more the merrier, I guess."
"Tex's got guts," Muskateer added between bites of toast. "But he is a little rough around the edges. A raw talent at best right now."
"Sort of like the two of you were," Diamond stated with a grin. "But you both turned out just fine."
"I'm not sure if that was a compliment or an insult," Muskateer wondered.
"I think I'll take it as praise and leave it at that," Firestar concluded. "This has been one heck of a weekend."
"Problems with your new found family?", Black Diamond asked.
"Family?", Muskateer repeated. "I thought you said you were an orphan, Cassie."
Black Diamond appeared confused for a moment, before realization set in. "Oh, that's right. You don't know yet."
"Don't know 'what' yet?"
"That our Firestar is more than a just a mutant; she's also one of the Blood."
"Blade apparently is my uncle," Cassie added.
"Well, ain't that a kick in the head."
"Yeah, it was a big surprise to me too." Turning toward Black Diamond, she paused for a moment. "Speaking of which, I have a bit of a favor to ask."
"What's on your mind, Cassie?"
"Would it possible for me to stay out here for a few more days? Give me time to get to know people, you know?"
After a moment's consideration, Diamond answered. "Certainly. I don't see any problem with those arrangements. You can ride back when Ben picks up the injured."
"Great! Thanks!" Firestar gave Black Diamond a quick hug.
"I have some matters to attend to before the rest of the team returns to New York this afternoon," Diamond then announced. "I'll let you two chat in private."
"Don't worry, Di, that's one flight I won't miss."
Black Diamond stifled an annoyed look and then departed the room. Firestar couldn't help but notice her tense reaction. "Is everything okay between you two?"
"Nothin' serious, Hot Stuff. Diamond's decided that I should stay here and rest for a few days and I've decided to go back home with the rest of the team. We're just seein' who can be more stubborn right now."
"Are you sure you're okay?", Firestar asked hesitantly and with concern in her voice. "I mean..."
"I'm fine. It's not much worse than a bad shaving accident. It looks worse than it really is," Muskateer answered, dismissing her concerns with a wave of his hand. "But, hey, let's get back to you. Are you all right with this 'being Blood' business? I mean, how can they even be sure?"
"There's a recognition factor among the Blood," Firestar explained. "We recognized each other. Am I okay? I'm not really sure. I don't think this has all set in yet. I mean, I went from learning that I have a family to fighting for my life in a matter of hours."
"Tell me about it, kiddo. This has been one wild weekend." Muskateer thought back fondly to the all too brief time he spent with the Enchantress at the charity party.
"That it has."
"Hey, no need for the long face, Cass. I mean, you're still you. That hasn't changed. Things like 'Blood' or 'mutant' are just labels. Terms used by people who don't know any better. I've only known you for a few months, but I know that you're a good, decent person. You can be trusted. And you're tough. You can handle this, good or bad."
That seemed to perk Firestar up a bit. "You really mean that?"
"Have I ever lied to you?"
"Not that I'm aware of."
"Good," Muskateer answered with a smile. "So why don't you tell me all about it?" Firestar began the long and complicated story that she had so far learned.
A few hours later the door to Muskateer's private room quietly opened.
"What do you think you are doing? Get back into bed this instant!"
Steven Harper turned from his struggles. He had managed to pull on a pair of sweat pants, but was having difficulties with his shirt. The sling on his left arm made it a challenge just to dress himself. Gwen was standing in the doorway to his recovery room. "Oh, hi, Gwennie."
Gwen's hands immediately went to her hips and she gave him a disapproving glance. He had seen that look a couple of times already. Steven had learned that this meant she was not pleased and he guessed that a rebuking was most likely to follow. He was not wrong in this instance.
"Don't you 'hi' me, Steven", Gwen said, in a tone usually reserved for reprimanding children. "You know that you should be resting."
Steven used his better arm to steady himself on the nearby table. "I take it you're not gonna help me with this then," he responded, reclaiming the discarded shirt.
Gwen quickly covered the distance between them. Her tone of voice was stern, but her touch was gentle and soft. She took his arm and helped to steady him. "There's no need for you to dress, Steven. What you need to do is lie back down."
"Diamond's been sayin' the same thing. But I'm okay. I don't need to stay here."
"The doctor does not agree with your medical prognosis," Gwen admonished. "I have decided to remain here as well to help look after you. And to make sure you don't make a nuisance of yourself to the staff. Here, let me help you back to the bed." She tried to guide the stubborn hero back to his bed, but he was having none of it.
"Look, Gwennie, I know you're trying to help, but I'm fine."
"You most certainly are not 'fine'. Why must you be so difficult?"
"It's part of my job description. Right below the clause about witty repartee... Ooh." He tried to ignore the pain shooting through his abdomen, gritting his teeth. "Just another day at the office really."
"Other than the fact that you were completely overwhelmed by hundreds of Shadow Demons?"
"Hey, I waxed all the ones that came my way."
"A remarkable feat, I must concede. But you were also injured, very severely. At least sit down in this chair." She helped him lower himself to a sitting position. "I fail to understand why you refuse to relax and recuperate for a few days. It's not like the world is going to stop running with you taking this time off. Your body needs to recover from the trauma it has endured."
Reluctantly, he admitted to himself that just standing was starting to become a strain. "I never claimed to be a model patient, Gwen. I've already been laying around convalescing for a day and a half."
"Dr. Carstairs suggests a minimum of three or four more days for even moderate recovery. You're likely to break open your stitches if you insist on moving about unnecessarily."
"I've been awake since a little after midnight. The nurses gave me something that was supposed to help me sleep, but it didn't help. My abnormal constitution's probably responsible for that. Nine hours of staring at the ceiling is about eight and a half too many for me."
"Ah, good, you're awake." The two teammates turned at the unexpected voice to see Black Diamond once again standing in the room's entrance. "Muskateer, I have an assignment for you."
Steven bolted out of the chair. "Great!" Looking the Avengers' leader directly in the eye, he added, "I'll take whatever you've got." Apparently Black Diamond had finally given in to Muskateer's wishes.
Gwen looked on disapprovingly. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Are you certain that this is prudent? Bryn specifically stated..."
"Hey, if there's work to do, I'm ready for anything," Steven interrupted.
Black Diamond met his gaze and then a smile formed on her face. "You are certainly one stubborn man." Diamond put her hand gently, but firmly on his shoulder.
"So, what's the deal already?"
"First of all Gwen is going to be remaining here in California for a few days. And with Firestar staying behind to get to know her newly found family, as well as Ranger recuperating from his own wounds, I'm going to need someone out here to keep an eye on everyone. As the team's second in command, that duty falls to you."
The smile on Black Diamond's face made it obvious to Steven that this assignment was not exactly what he had been hoping for. "I think I've just been had." The only reason Gwen was remaining in California was to watch over him.
"Bryn has graciously allowed this room to be used as your office," Diamond continued, gesturing about.
"Very funny," Steven grumbled as he sank back into his chair.
Gwen stepped behind him, placing her hands on his shoulders and trying to comfort and console him. "It is for your own good, you know," Gwen added softly, trying to diffuse the situation. "And I will be here to keep you company."
Steven let out a reluctant sigh and sort of a grunting noise, and took Gwen's hand in his. "I think that's the closest thing to agreement we're going to get out of him," Gwen said to Black Diamond, a smile forming on both of the heroines' faces.
"Behave and I'll see you in a couple days," Diamond added as she headed for the door. "Now I'd better leave before he starts to argue again."
Steven looked up at Gwen. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you two planned this." If they had, they weren't telling.
"And try to relax."
"I will make certain that he does," Gwen added.
With that, Diamond closed the door once more on Steven's new 'office'. While still holding Steven's hand, Gwen moved around to his side and sat down on the chair's large armrest. "Honestly, Steven, what am I going to do with you?"
"You could take me home."
"I do not believe you understand the seriousness of your injuries."
"I got some scratches," Steven said with a shrug. "Big deal."
"You nearly died!", Gwen answered in a swell of emotion. The roller coaster of emotions she had been riding the last few days was beginning to take its toll. "If I hadn't found you when I did, we wouldn't even be having this conversation. You were laying there-- in a pool of your own blood." Tears began to well up in Gwen's normally bright blue eyes. "Tritium managed to hold you together until we arrived at the clinic. It was touch and go for awhile." Finally, she could no longer contain her tears. "I thought I lost you..."
The sudden burst of emotion caught Steven off guard. For one of the few times in his life, he didn't know just what to say. Gently, he put his good arm around the heroine, drawing her into his lap. "Now, now, gorgeous. Everything's all right. It's going to take a lot more than a horde of clawed maniacs to get rid of me, Gwennie."
Steven held Gwen close as silent sobs shook her body. It was more than he could bear. "Hey, if it means so much to you, I suppose I can kick back for a few days."
Gwen looked up a moment later, wiping tears from her eyes. "You really mean that?" A slight smile formed on her beautiful face.
Gently he brushed the hair away from her face. "Anything for you." Steven gave her a quick kiss and then pulled her close to his chest again.
The next few hours passed peacefully. The Avengers Quinnjet returned to New York without further incident.
"Now, is there anything else I can get you?", Gwen asked, glancing at her watch. The time was now nearly 1 PM.
"Like I told you before, I'm really fine." Steven took a long swallow of water from the glass that Gwen offered him.
"Good. Why not try to take a nap and I'll be back in a few hours."
"You're leaving me alone already?", Steven asked, sarcastically.
"The Superior Seven are returning to Dallas early this evening. Tanya and I thought we might have lunch and try to get some shopping in."
"Which one's Tanya?"
"You know her better as the Sorceress."
"Duh. That should've been obvious."
"We were the best of friends during our time in the Circle. We even mystically bonded to each other. But nowadays we don't see each other very often. We both thought that this would be a good opportunity to catch up on recent events. But, I can stay if you really want me to."
"Go on and have fun," Steven answered with a wave of his hand. "I'm feeling a little tired finally anyway."
"Thanks." Gwen leaned forward and gave Steven a small kiss. "I'll be back before you know it."
Later that afternoon, Bryn Carstairs was making her afternoon rounds to check up on the injured heroes. PRIMUS had seen to the transfer of the wounded villains the day before. All in all, her little clinic had survived this unexpected influx of patients. The next stop on her rounds was the Avenger, Muskateer. The sounds of an argument, muffled though they were, emanated from the hero's recovery room. Bryn suppressed a grin as she opened the door. The youngster reminded her of her husband in his early days. He had been far from a perfect patient as well.
"How are we doing this afternoon?", Bryn asked, ignoring the heated exchange between Steven and Nurse Compton, the head nurse of Sanctuary, as she examined his chart.
"Difficult," Nurse Compton sputtered in a exasperated voice. "As usual," she added a moment later with an icy glare.
"Me? Difficult? Do I look like I'm in any condition to give anyone a hard time?", Steven asked with a mock look of surprise.
"Why, you... you...." Nurse Compton was unable to even voice her frustration after two agonizing hours of trying to get the stubborn hero to simply let her do her job.
Dr. Carstairs put her hand on the haggard woman's shoulder. "I'll finish up here. Why don't you go check Ace's wounds and see if she needs new dressings?"
"Gladly." Nurse Compton quickly gathered her things and with one last glare at the hero stepped to the door. Steven just grinned back at her and waved with his good hand. With a huff, Nurse Compton stalked out the door.
"You seem to be quite proficient at making new friends, Muskateer," Bryn said turning to her patient.
"What can I say? It's a gift. Besides I was bored."
"Now, let's get one thing perfectly clear," Bryn said, her demeanor suddenly turning gruffer. "You will cooperate with me or else I will make you regret it."
Steven was about to object, but thought better of it at the last moment. Bryn was roughly in the same strength class as Black Diamond after all. Word had it that her patience was sometimes lacking. Since he was determined to get back into action as soon as possible, he choose to behave for the remainder of the doctor's examination.
"That's better," Bryn said as she completed her task, adding more notes to the hero's chart. "See how this can be a painless process when we cooperate with the doctor?"
"It has been painless for me. But anyway, what's the verdict, doc? When can I get out of here?"
"If your recovery continues at this rate, you can go home Friday. But, I fully expect you to be on light duty for a week or two after that."
"What do you mean by light duty?!"
"No direct battles or combat situations of any kind," Bryn answered. "Basically, no excitement."
"Spoilsport."
"My biggest concern right now is internal bleeding. You've got hundreds of stitches in your body right now. Any physical activity-- even moving the wrong way could cause them to break and you'll start bleeding again. That's why you need to stay in bed for the next few days-- to give your body time to heal. Is that understood?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Good, we understand each other. Since the sleeping pills we gave you last night had no effect, I'll prescribe something stronger this evening."
The door to the room opened and Blade entered carrying a tray. "Anyone hungry in here?" He set the tray down on the table next to the bed and removed the covers from the plates. Steven was surprised to see an impressive array of food. The inviting aroma of chicken cordon bleu' and steamed vegetables filled the room.
"Personally I'm starving, Blade. Don't tell me that they have you playin' orderly here?" Blade maneuvered the table in front of Steven as he sat up and hungrily dug in.
"I was done anyway," Bryn told her husband. To Steven she added, "I'll check back on you later." Bryn replaced Steven's chart and departed the room.
"This is pretty good," Steven said between bites. "Certainly not what I would expect from hospital food."
"My philosophy is that after a good fight there is nothing like a hearty meal. So, while I honed my fighting skills, I also learned the culinary arts as well. Besides, I doubt my beloved wife would have the patience required in the kitchen."
"You mean you're the cook around here? Good stuff, Blade. This morning was the best omelet I've had in a long time. Forgive me for saying this, but patience does not seem to be one of her virtues. She could use some work on her bedside manner as well."
Blade let out a short chuckle. "That is my Bryn. She likes you."
"You couldn't tell it."
"Did she threaten to break any limbs?"
"Not yet..."
"That's her usual tactic when dealing with troublesome patients. 'Do as I say or I will break your legs' is something she's been known to say."
Steven set his utensils down and looked at Blade. He wasn't certain if he was kidding or not. "Is that a joke, or what?"
"For your own sake, do not find out for certain."
"I think I'll just have to take your advice again on that one, Blade. After all you do know her better than anyone. So she likes me, huh? What makes you say that?"
"You remind her-- and I as well-- of a younger version of myself. In my wilder days, if you will. Back then, Bryn beat me senseless and then nursed me back to health. You have to love a woman like that."
After dinner, Steven laid in his bed working on a book of crossword puzzles, propped up by a couple of pillows. "Boy, Diamond sure knows how to pick the assignments," Steven said to the empty room. "I'd almost wish Doctor Destroyer or Mechanon'd show up. At least it would give me something else to do."
The crossword puzzle book had little finished in it. Steven was finding it hard to concentrate. Mostly his thoughts kept returning to Gwen and their budding relationship. He tossed the book and pen aside and gingerly lowered himself to a prone position.
Closing his eyes, he tried to get some sleep. A moment later his eyes opened wide. "That's not going to work either," he said disgustedly, sitting upright again.
Slowly and not without a few sharp stabs of pain, Steven swung himself out of his bed and ambled over to the dressing table across the room. His sword, sheathed in its scabbard, and his plumed hat sat upon it. It was all that remained intact of his costume after the terrible battles inside the Crimson Claw's Citadel.
"Man, I coulda wasted that sucker right then and there," Steven said as he pulled his sword free with a flourish. He swung the weapon back and forth a few times, its weight a welcome feeling in his grip. "As it was, it was a helluva fight. Messy, to be sure, but definitely glorious."
Steven held the weapon up in front of him, regarding it like an old friend. "We had the Claw running scared, the wimp."
Then it dawned on him that he had been unable to really harm the Claw until Gwen's intervention. Black Diamond had told him about other parts of the assault, including Vincent Dimitrios' magical booster shot that allowed some of the heroes to hurt the Shadow Demons. Those who were already inside the Citadel were denied that advantage and most were seriously overrun. The others all glowed with a reddish light while under Vincent's power.
Steven gazed at the sword again, thinking back on the events of that fateful day. It was hazy in his mind at best, like something from a partially remembered dream. Steven sank into a nearby chair, lost deeply in thought. His sword had possessed that same kind of crimson energy. "Did I just imagine it all? If so, how'd I manage to hurt those critters so much? If not, they why did Gwen just appear for that short moment? None of it seems to make much sense."
Replaying the scene over and over in his mind, Steven couldn't place his finger on it, but something about Gwen seemed different during that encounter. But what?
Just then, the door swung open, although Steven hardly noticed. He continued to stare at the weapon, lost in thought. Gwen stepped into the room and made a soft 'ahem' noise in her throat.
Steven quickly looked up, his contemplation broken. "Hello there, beautiful. Say, nice threads!"
"Thank you, Steven. Tanya helped me decide on the new costume." She spun elegantly in place to show off her new look. The outfit was much brighter than her previous costume, but remained mostly red. A red jacket with blousey sleeves and golden trim was the focal point. Matching red trunks were over dusty rose colored tights. Short white gloves and soft boots with turned down slightly pointed cuffs and a white sash accented the outfit. Gwen continued to wear her hair in the same color and style.
Steven stood up to get a better look. "Very nice. I'm impressed. It reminds me somewhat of your masquerade costume."
"That was in fact an inspiration for the new look. However, I couldn't just adopt that very outfit without compromising my identity. Tanya offered a few suggestions as well and this is the final result."
"You know, I liked your last costume quite a bit, but I think this one is even classier. So, you gals have a good time?"
"Oh, yes, very much. We spent considerable time just catching up. We don't have the opportunities to talk as much as when we were both in the Circle. It was quite a pleasant afternoon."
Steven walked back to the dressing table and replaced his sword in its scabbard.
"Did I interrupt just now?", Gwen asked, watching him. "You seemed lost in considerable thought."
Steven considered her question for a moment. He then stepped over to the bed and sat down before speaking. "Now that you mention it, Gwennie, I was thinking about you."
"I appreciate the thought," she said as she sat down beside him and took his hand in hers, "but you sound so serious. Almost morose. Is there something wrong?"
Steven gave her hand a slight squeeze as he turned to face her. He wasn't quite sure where to start. "What do you remember about what happened in the Claw's Citadel?", he asked, deciding on a roundabout angle to begin.
"I don't think I understand where you're leading?", Gwen answered, giving him a confused look. "It was utter chaos," she said looking away.
Steven let out a sigh. "Okay, let me get a little more specific." He paused again, however, still unsure of how to proceed.
"What are you trying to say?"
"I... When did you first find me inside that place?", he asked, continuing to be evasive.
"I don't understand what kind of answer you're looking for, Steven. I found you... I don't really want to think about that again." A shudder went down her spine. "You're recovering now," she said, resting her other hand on his.
"I know. It's not about my being injured." He made a frustrated face, unable to lead her in the right direction.
"Why do you feel as though you cannot confide in me, Steven? Don't you trust me?" She looked hurt.
"It's not about trusting you, pretty lady." He looked away. "It's about trusting what I remember inside that crazy place. Something weird happened."
"Tell me." She reached up and turned his face to look at her again. "You obviously are failing to make any headway on your own. Let me help you."
"You're correct, of course." Perking up a bit at Gwen's obvious concern, he continued his questions. "Who retrieved my sword went I went down?"
"Tanya came to our aid after I called to her through our mystic bond. I believe she was the one who recovered your weapon, but others were present as well. You are still being evasive, you know."
"Please just indulge me for a moment. Do you remember anything unusual about it?"
"Not that I can say specifically," Gwen answered after considering the question. "I was infinitely more concerned about your condition."
"But one of you would have noticed if it were glowing."
"Most likely. Tanya failed to mention anything unusual."
"Black Diamond told me that those of you in the two groups who were outside the Citadel ended up with some kind of red glow around all of you when Vincent did his little power boost thingie."
"That is correct. It was a visual side effect of the arcane energy which Vincent imparted upon those present. His spell actually allowed non-magically endowed heroes to channel magical energies along with their normal powers. Without it, we would not have been able to battle our way past the innumerable Shadow Demons."
"And no one who was already inside the Citadel received this power?"
"No. Those who received Vincent's gift were all outside the edifice."
"What would you say if I told you that if not for a certain reddish glow on my sword, I wouldn't be here right now?"
Gwen was a little surprised at that comment. "I do not believe that it was possible for Vincent to channel that sort of energy over such a considerable distance. Even for one such as himself, he would still need to view his target. Could you have, somehow, been mistaken?"
"Anything's possible at this point, Gwen. But I don't think so. The red glow let me almost kill the Claw. If I hadn't been so messed up before that, I woulda aced the sucker."
"There is one way to know for certain," Gwen stated, standing up.
"You can do that magical sight thingie of yours."
"Magical detection and identification to be technical."
"Go to it then." Steven recovered his sword and presented it to the sorceress. She accepted the weapon and sat once more on the bed. After concentrating a few moments, she slowly pulled the weapon free from its scabbard. Gwen gazed at the sword, then her eyes grew wide, a surprised look forming on her face.
"Unbelievable! This cannot be." She composed herself again and handed the weapon back to Steven in shocked silence....
