Dropping his bags inside the door, the Avenger examined his quarters. It was mostly as he remembered it only a bit tidier, as Jeeves had no doubt straightened up. That was one of the perks of having a butler. "Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home."
Removing his cavalier hat and mask, Muskateer set them on a nearby chair, quickly followed by his sword belt and scabbard. He looked around for a moment. "Okay, so now what?" After spending nearly a week on his back, he was more than ready for action. So much so, that the hero had a great deal of pent-up energy to wear off. "There's never a criminal around when you really need one."
Looking at the clock, Muskateer realized that he was scheduled to have a face to face with Black Diamond in less than an hour. That severely limited his current options. "I could always give a run through in the Combat Simulator while I'm waiting," he said out loud to himself. "I'd like to see if I'm really up to snuff again. Bryn may not think so, but I'm ready to cut loose. Of course, that might be better to wait until after Di's meeting, when I have more time to run a more thorough test."
Stepping over to the computer console, Muskateer punched some keys and brought up a list of the most recent reports. He wanted to see what had happened in the last week to find out what had been going on in his absence. Everything looked normal and boring. "Diamond said everything was pretty much quiet, so there's not much point in wasting my time with these. She'll be goin' over most of it anyway." He did scan through a few of the files briefly, just to be a little more familiar with their contents. It was a relatively dull read and he quickly lost interest.
Backing away from the computer, he sank into a nearby chair. "Talk about a crazy last week," the Avenger muttered to himself, thinking back over everything that had happened recently. It seemed almost a lifetime ago.
"I can't believe it hasn't even been a week since the Madigan's party." The masquerade ball had taken place only last Saturday. "I wonder how Helena's doin'?" The last time he had seen her was when they had a brief dance at the ball. Everyone's lives had seemingly taken on incredible changes since then. (Editor's Note: as seen in Muskateer #14)
In that short time, he led the Avengers to Los Angeles in search of the missing Black Diamond and gotten far more than he bargained for in the Crimson Claw. He had been severely injured during the assault on the Claw's ship. Bryn had said that his wounds could have been fatal, but he found that hard to believe. "I'm made of a lot tougher stuff than they realize. Still what a glorious battle it was. Nothing like mindless mayhem to get the adrenaline really pumping."
In the meantime, he had learned, mostly from the Scarlet Sabre, that the Huntress had confronted her father's killer and avenged his death. He could understand what she was going through and was somewhat proud of her achievement. Not that he would ever let her know it. But she had lost her apartment in the process. Word had it that she had moved back to her family estate. "I'm glad Ralph has all that mess behind her now. Maybe she can stop trying so hard to prove herself and live up to the family reputation."
"Guess I'll unpack," Muskateer finally decided. His shopping trip with Gwen in LA had netted him the makings of a more upscale wardrobe. With the lovely sorceress on his arm, he thought an updated and more stylish look was necessary. At the very least he had needed a few new things to fit in with Gwen's choice in wardrobe.
But the first bag to receive his attention was not the one containing new clothing. Instead he pulled out a small bundle of shredded orange and dark blue material. It was all that was left of his old costume. "Man, this thing is a real mess. No wonder everyone was so worried about me." The Crimson Claw's namesake talons had efficiently ripped apart the outfit and the personal armor worn underneath, not to mention the hero himself.
The Avenger regarded his old outfit fondly, like an old friend. In a sense it was. The costume was as much a part of Muskateer as the man who wore it. "In some ways I hated to change it, but this is a lot classier," he said, regarding his new costume in a nearby mirror. He still wondered whatever it was that possessed him to don orange pants in the first place.
His new costume had replaced most of the orange with white. His previously white cape was now dark green. It was a good look, but it didn't feel quite right. He still needed to replace the thin layer of chain mail-like armor that he wore underneath. Without its familiar weight, he felt almost naked.
Replacing the tattered garment in its bag, the Avenger set it in the back of his closet. "Somehow, I just can't see getting rid of it yet. Next week, it'll probably seem stupid, but for now I'll just hold on to it." From there, he dug into the other bags and started to pull out his new clothing.
A few minutes into this new task, his attention was diverted by a soft rapping on the door. He could hear the Enchantress' voice call out from the hallway, "Steven? Are you in there?"
"Come on in, Gwennie." Muskateer hung up his new suit and turned to face his guest. She was dressed in the newest version of her Enchantress costume. It was red, like the previous one, but seemed a bit more classy and stylish. There was a definite European influence to her attire. Probably due to her collaboration with the Sorceress in designing the outfit, Muskateer decided. "What's on your mind, beautiful?"
"I just wanted to say 'goodbye' before I left for Dallas," the Enchantress explained. "Tanya is taking Comet's death very deeply."
"That's perfectly understandable." Comet and the Sorceress were both members of the Texas-based Superior Seven. A few days ago Comet had been savagely killed on a mission. According to Gwen, the two heroes had been close. The Avenger's sorceress had spent most of Thursday comforting her grieving friend. "I guess I'll see you later then," he said, closing the distance between them.
"I fear that may not be the case, beloved," Gwen answered, gently touching his arm. "I may very well be spending most, if not all, of the weekend there. I am sorry."
"Hey, don't worry about it." Muskateer placed his hands on her shoulders in a reassuring manner. "It's not a problem. 'Side's distance makes the heart grow fonder, right?"
"You are very understanding."
"Yeah, well, just don't tell anyone. You'll ruin my reputation."
"I really only have a few more moments before I'm due to be there," Gwen offered quietly. She looked up at him with those sparkling blue eyes and a wide grin formed on his face. He had a hard time not smiling every time he saw her, or even thought of her for that matter.
"Well, I hope you have a fast jet standing by," he joked, sarcastically.
"To be perfectly honest, I can simply teleport there in no time at all. Otherwise I would have had to depart already."
"That makes sense." Muskateer gave her a hug and a quick kiss. "Hey, wait a minute! Are you telling me you could have teleported us back here any time you wanted to?"
"Of course."
Muskateer thought about it for a moment. She had retrieved the doctors directly from Sanctuary recently, after all. It wasn't like this should have been a surprise. "Then why did we go to all the trouble of flying back, the old-fashioned way?"
"I've made a point over the years not to use my magic superfluously. I try to live my life as normally as possible whenever practical. This happens to be an extreme situation."
That seemed to satisfy his curiosity for the moment. "I guess that makes sense to me. You've always seemed like a pretty down to earth girl. For someone who can do magic anyway."
"Thank you," she said with a smile. They kissed again briefly. "I really have to go," she finally said. "We'll have more time together next week. I promise."
"Count on it, pretty lady." He stepped away from her a step. "Go on. You don't want to be late." Gwen made a few quick gestures and a moment later, in a flash of reddish light, she was no longer there. Muskateer stood there a few moments savoring her lingering perfume and then returned to finish his unpacking.
"Hey! Junior!" Muskateer turned to find Benjamin Grimm rambling towards him from down the hallway.
Now bored, the Avenger had left his quarters and was en route to Black Diamond's office ten minutes early. "What's up, Ben?"
"I've been talkin' with Supreme n' we've decided ta initiate Tex inta the group. Thought ya might wanna come along ta O'Brian's."
Muskateer smiled when he thought of the bonding experience that he had with the rocky Avenger back when he was new to the team. "Sounds like it could be fun. Tell you what, I'll catch up to you guys as soon as Di cuts me loose." (Editor's Note: Back in Avengers #3)
"Sure thing, Junior." The Thing waved and lumbered off down the hallway. The quarters of the newest Avenger, the Texas Ranger, were just a short distance away.
Muskateer continued on towards his destination, feeling a little better. With Gwen out of town it had started to look like a quiet evening at the Mansion. Perhaps a few hours out with the boys would be just what the doctor ordered. At the very least, it might keep his mind off the beautiful sorceress for a little while.
He reached the door to Black Diamond's office and casually strolled in. She was expecting him after all. To his mild surprise, the Avenger's leader was not alone. Diamond was chatting with Firestar.
"So what's happenin', ladies? Catching up on gossip?"
"I wouldn't exactly call it gossip," Firestar objected. The fiery Avenger had also spent the last week out in Los Angeles, but not because of medical reasons. No, she had discovered that she had family there and spent the time getting to know her new relatives.
"Cassie was just telling me about her time in Los Angeles," Black Diamond explained.
"Like I said," Muskateer noted with a smirk, "gossip."
"You're impossible at times, Musky." Firestar rose from her seat and gently punched the hero on the arm as she passed. "I imagine you two have official things to discuss. I'll leave you alone."
"Something like that, kiddo. Talk at you later."
"'Bye, Cassie," Diamond stated as she watched the young Blood leave. Turning back to Muskateer, she added, "Shall we get down to business?"
Muskateer approached Diamond's desk and relaxed in one of the chairs. "So what's been going on around here lately?"
"It's been surprisingly quiet for most of the week. There was some excitement this morning however." From there, Black Diamond proceeded to relay the story about the downtown battle against the Conquerors. The Wild Cards had been on the scene as well. (Editor's Note: As shown in Avengers #22)
"Those twerps again?", Muskateer muttered in disdain. Something about this group of Heroes for Hire made his skin crawl. He had first encountered the team during the party at the Madigan's. "There's something really fishy about that bunch. I just can't put my finger on what."
"I know what you mean. I guess the idea of being a 'Hero for Hire' rubs me the wrong way."
"You know, technically, we are getting paid to be Avengers."
"That is true," Diamond agreed, "but we are not being paid by those we help. The Wild Cards are. There is no financial agenda to our team. We don't have credit card stickers on our front door."
"We could, if we wanted," Muskateer added with a chuckle. "But that would involve far too much bookkeeping for my tastes." Black Diamond flashed a disapproving glance. "Hey, it's a joke. Lighten up."
"I should hope so."
Muskateer paused for a moment, contemplating how to phrase his next sentence, or if he should even say it at all. "Anyway, there is one thing about the Wild Cards that I think I should tell you."
"And that is?" The Avenger's leader was curious as to what her second in command had uncovered. She leaned closer to hear his words.
"Just between you and me, I think I've met the Silver Spectre before. She called herself 'Glitter' at the time and gave me the impression of being a super spy or agent or something. I ran into her a second time right before that mess with the Claw. Seeing her at the Madigan's party, I'm convinced that it's the same woman. I don't think she recognized me in my party outfit, though."
"I see...." Black Diamond started to consider the ramifications of this revelation. It could be a way to learn a lot more information about the Wild Cards. But that would also require Muskateer to get more involved with this mystery girl. "What else do you know about this woman?"
"Next to nothing, concrete anyway. Although, she didn't ask much of me either. Glitter did say that she was in New York on business. I guess that meant being a part of the Wild Cards, although I have a feeling it was something more than just that. I don't even have a way to contact her though."
Diamond considered Muskateer's answer for several seconds. If he and the Enchantress were not starting a relationship, she might have encouraged Muskateer to keep in contact with Glitter/Silver Spectre in hopes of learning more about the Wild Cards. But given the current situation, that was not something that she would ask him to do. "Keep me advised if anything else turns up."
"Will do. She seems to turn up at the most unexpected times, so far anyway." Muskateer truly hoped he wouldn't be running into her again anytime soon. But the way his luck went at times, he had a better chance of running into her before the night was over.
"That seems to take care of everything official." Diamond reclined back in her chair as she spoke.
"You weren't kidding when you said it was a slow week."
"Would I lie to you?" Muskateer didn't answer, just staring back at the Avenger's leader. Under his mask a wry smile formed on his face. An uncomfortable silence followed for a few moments. Black Diamond shifted in her seat. "I trust your vacation went well," she casually commented.
"I didn't have much of a choice, but yeah, it went pretty well, all things considered."
"Sorry I had to do that, but you weren't exactly very cooperative." Muskateer had been rather angry with Black Diamond at first. She hoped that his time away had helped sooth his bruised ego.
"I still don't think I needed it, and you probably would've felt the same way in my place. Anyway it was nice having some free time without any outside pressures from the job. I haven't had a real vacation from Muskateer since I first donned this kooky outfit."
"Sounds like everything worked out for the best."
"Well, if not for Gwen, you would have a very ornery swordsman on your hands right now. As it is, I'm just itching for a real fight," Muskateer explained.
"I'm sure you'll get your chance when we least expect it."
"I certainly hope so," Muskateer said, standing up and sweeping his cape around him with a flourish. "Anyway, the guys are waiting on me, so if that covers things,..."
"Go. Enjoy yourself," Diamond added with a smile and a wave. All in all, this had gone better than she had hoped it would.
"Later, fearless leader."
Within minutes Muskateer was behind the wheel of one of the team vans. He moved out into the slow moving traffic and headed towards his rendezvous with the other male Avengers at O'Brian's. The trip gave the hero time to reflect on everything that was happening in his life as of late.
"Gettin' my armor back is my top priority for right now", he rationalized to himself. The process of creating his body armor was more time consuming than complicated. He still had all his plans and notes from the first time he had created it. "Looks like that's how I'll be spending my weekend with Gwennie away. Still, it's got to be done. Maybe I'll whip up a spare while I'm at it. That'll make sure I do end up without one again."
Muskateer thought briefly about the enigmatic Glitter, wondering just what she was up to. She might just be interested in him, but there seemed to be some other agenda also. Still she was pretty good at hiding it, whatever it was.
Then his train of thought turned towards the flying scooter that the Scarlet Sabre was having built for him. It should be done in a few more days if all went well. It was going to be a tremendous boon to the hero. It was definitely easier to get around New York by air than by a normal vehicle. That also gave him another project to work on, learning its limits and learning to fly it in combat situations, plus outfitting the vehicle with attack capabilities.
But all his musings eventually turned back toward the silver haired sorceress that he had fallen for. He had a hard time not thinking about her. Another smile crossed his face, almost without him even realizing it. "You're a most interesting puzzle," she had told him during their first mission together. "I'm going to enjoy figuring you out." (Editor's Note: Back in Muskateer #1)
The shoe was now on the other foot. Muskateer was going to enjoy figuring her out as well. And why not? Gwen was almost perfect in every way. The only odd thing is that she had fallen in love with him. They seemed like such a mismatched pair on the surface and yet, everything seemed so right when they were together.
Suddenly Muskateer's reverie was broken as a pedestrian raced out into the street in front of his van. The hero slammed on the brakes and his van screeched barely to a stop mere inches from the man. Muskateer leaned out the window. "You moron! What the hell do you...?!" His tongue-lashing was surprisingly interrupted when Muskateer realized who he had nearly flattened.
The man recognized him as well, and raced off again across the avenue. "Hey! It's Darkon!", Muskateer said to himself, as he gunned the engine and cut across traffic. More screeching tires and the blaring of car horns rang out. "No one else wears such an awful costume." Darkon's body suit was pea soup green in color with black gloves, belt, and boots. His mask and headpiece were also black and in the shape of a lightning bolt rising from his head.
As Muskateer sliced across the oncoming lanes, barely avoiding the swerving vehicles, he could hear the closing sound of sirens. He jumped the curb and slid his vehicle to a stop, cutting off most of Darkon's escape route as well as sending numerous bystanders fleeing in all directions.
The Avenger stepped out of the van and unsheathed his sword. "Going somewhere in a hurry, I see, dipstick."
"Mind your own beeswax, hero!", Darkon retorted in an obvious Canadian accent. "You have not the power to defeat the Amazing Darkon!"
"The only thing amazing about you is your lack of fashion sense, hoser." Just then a quartet of NYPD's finest raced onto the scene. They had been pursuing the villain for a short distance now. "Here's the fashion police now, in fact."
"All right, freeze!" The police officers trained their weapons on both Darkon and Muskateer. "Nobody moves!"
Muskateer looked irritated and took a step towards the police officers. "I know I have a new costume and all, but you can't really tell me that you don't recognize a real life Avenger, for cryin' out loud?"
The police looked at each other questioningly. One finally spoke up. "Hey, isn't it that sword guy?"
"Oh, yeah! You mean that, uhm, Sword of Justice guy?"
"Really?", a third officer wondered in astonishment. "Can I have your autograph? It's for my son."
"No!", Muskateer nearly yelled. Not only was the Wild Card cutting in on his turf, people were starting to think he was him! "I'm not the Sword of Justice! It's Muskateer. M-U-S-K-A-T-E-E-R. I'm an Avenger. We're famous, you know."
Out of the corner of his eye, the hero could see Darkon start to slowly back away. "Oh, no you don't. I've been itching for a fight for a long time now. You're not getting away that easy, you Canadian cretin." The police slowly backed off, still somewhat unsure of themselves.
Seeing that he wouldn't be able to get away without a battle, Darkon turned to face the Avenger again. "Back off, eh!" Darkon raised his right hand and a black burst of energy shot out towards Muskateer. "You are about to experience first hand the Darkon Principle in action!"
The Avenger had trained so many times at energy deflections with his sword that even as out of practice as he was, his reflexes went into action on their own accord. The dark blast was turned away on Muskateer's blade and ricocheted back towards its source. Darkon was completely unprepared to be hit by his own attack and was instantly floored by its unexpected force.
"Not the most effective theory in practice, but as scientific principles go, I think I like this one," Muskateer quipped sarcastically. "I think maybe the most amazing thing about Darkon is how dim he is."
Stepping up to the stunned villain, he grasped him by the scruff of his neck and pulled him off the ground. Sheathing his sword, Muskateer pulled a bag from the villain's hand. "I don't think this belongs to you, does it?"
Darkon was still woozy, but he was able to complain about his predicament. "Hey! Give that back. Those belong in Canada!"
His curiosity now piqued, Muskateer opened the bag and looked inside. He reached in and pulled out some of the contents. "They're just old hockey cards!", he said incredulously. "You're kidding me, right?"
"American dog! Those are mine! First you devalue our economy, then you steal our greatest hockey stars!" Darkon clutched at the bag, as he swayed unsteadily on his feet. "Gimme those back! No one can stop me! I am the living persona of the Darkon Principle!"
"Just call me 'no one', then, Darkie." Muskateer pulled the bag away and landed a forearm shiver to Darkon's chin. Darkon dropped to the pavement, nearly unconscious. "Alright boys, take this hose head away, eh?"
"Great work, Muskateer!", one of the officers stated as he approached. In short order, Darkon was taken into custody. Muskateer watched all of this stoically. A crowd had gathered to watch the one-sided battled. Congratulations were given and he passed out a few autographs. He had wished for some excitement but never imagined getting involved with this loony. Still, the experience had been therapeutic.
"Hold it a second, boys, there's something I've just got to ask." The police officers stopped as Muskateer approached. "My curiosity's got the best of me. Just what the heck is the Darkon Principle anyway?"
Still groggy, Darkon perked up at the question. He proudly explained the theory. "Why, that light is merely the absence of darkness."
The sword-wielding Avenger just groaned to himself. "I had the feeling that it was going to be something really stupid. That'll teach me to be so curious next time."
Some time later, Muskateer finally pulled up to the curb near O'Brian's. The place was a small hole in the wall pub in Lower Manhattan. "It seems especially busy tonight," Muskateer commented. "I wonder what kind of trouble the guys have gotten into by now." Muskateer could hear the din of the crowd all the way out here in the street.
His entrance went virtually unnoticed by the patrons. "Sheesh, it's a good thing I'm not self-conscious," the hero thought to himself.
Instead, the majority of the customers were gathered about one of the tables. Bets were flying fast and furious as the patrons were cheering on those involved in the competition. "Fifty on the Thing!"
"You're on! No way Supreme is going to lose!"
"You're going down this time, Grimm!" Muskateer recognized the voice as belonging to Supreme.
Making his way through the crowd, Muskateer found the Thing and Supreme locked in a heated arm wrestling contest. Supreme was visibly straining as he tried to defeat the rocky Avenger. The Texas Ranger sat off to one side, observing the contest.
"Dream on, wise guy," the Thing casually answered as he blew out smoke from his cigar. Benjamin gave the appearance of being bored by the whole thing and wasn't straining in the least. "The blue eyed idol o' millions can beat you any day of the week at wrasslin'."
"Looks like you've started the party without me," Muskateer casually noted.
"Hey, Junior finally made it! Take a seat kid, I'll be puttin' this guy away any second now." The Thing gestured to one of the opened seats.
"Not this time!!" Supreme redoubled his efforts. His bulging muscles were visibly straining. His garish costume began to soak out large amounts of perspiration. "I'm stronger than you are!"
"Jes when it comes to BO, wise guy!" Ben gave the crowd a wink and a grin. He flexed his mighty muscles, bringing the contest to a sudden end. But instead of only forcing Supreme's arm to the table, the rocky Avenger sent his teammate hurtling across the pub taking several patrons with him! Several pieces of furniture collapsed under the sudden impact. "Oops! Sorry 'bout the table, Clancy. Sometimes I don't know my own strength."
"I'll just add it to your bill, Ben," the barkeeper responded with a huge smile. "You boys ready for another round?"
"You know it! And put it on his tab!" The Thing gestured towards Supreme who was helping those around him to their feet. "Anyone else want to take me on?"
Cries of, "Oh, no!", rang through the crowd as they started to disperse. Betted money exchanged hands as the patrons returned to their tables telling stories about what they had seen.
Ben cast his gaze toward Muskateer and the Texas Ranger. "How about you two? Wanna wrassle?" He put his elbow on the table in preparation for the next challenger.
Muskateer held his hands up in front of him. "I'll pass big guy. You're the king of the hill in my book!"
"Ah'm can move some pretty heavy stuff with mah mind, but yer in a class all by yer lonesome, pahdner."
A moment later, Clancy arrived with another pitcher of beer. Pizza would soon follow. The quartet of Avengers would chat and exchange stories until the wee hours of the morning.
