"Are you absolutely sure about this, Steven?" Gwen's voice was filled with concern and trepidation. She couldn't believe that she was actually doing this.
"Positive. Don't worry, you'll do just fine."
"I have never done anything like this before. I just don't want to hurt you."
Steven chuckled and glanced back over his shoulder, as best he could. He was currently lying on the floor on his stomach. His arms were folded up under his head and he rested comfortably. Gwen was standing on his back.
"Sweetie, I've been batted around by the likes of Ogre and Ladybug. Unless you put your heels back on, I doubt you can hurt me by walking on my back. Even then you'd probably really have to work at it."
"As you wish, dearest," Gwen finally relented and started to slowly move about very tentatively. Her steps were small and unsure.
"Oh, that's marvelous. Don't stop." Steven closed his eyes and let out a long breath.
"I just seems like this should be painful," Gwen stated, worry still evident in her voice. She continued moving about, lightly pressing her bare feet into the muscles in his back while trying to maintain her balance.
"I'm sure it would be if we switched places, but this really loosens my back up. Just like a massage. You're doing great."
Suddenly she felt a popping sound under the ball of her foot. "Ooh, I'm sorry, Steven!" She quickly stepped to the side of him.
"Don't worry, Sweetie. It's actually better when things pop back into place. Please keep going. This is wonderful."
"If you insist." Tentatively, Gwen stepped back up on Steven's back and began to press down with her feet once more.
It was late Friday evening and Steven was over at Gwen's townhouse. Only a few hours had passed since Rainbow Archer and the vampire police had ambushed Muskateer in Central Park. One of the vampires had been slain while the second had fled. Rather then spend the evening at the local police station, Muskateer had simply shooed Rainbow Archer away. (Editor's Note: Last issue)
"I am a bit puzzled why Iron Maiden sent Rainbow Archer after you," Gwen stated as she continued her work. "I was not aware that you had troubled her that much."
"It was Iron Maiden's goons that led me to becoming Muskateer," Steven explained. "Had a few run-ins with those twerps in Chicago when I was still working for Kord Industries. Here's the real kicker though. Jess was telling me that Kord Industries is really run by Iron Maiden!"
Jess in this instance was Jessica Flynn, the Scarlet Sabre. Scarlet was an employee of Campbell Industries International and was rather familiar with the corporate world. In this case, she knew which companies to avoid, like Kord Industries.
"That could explain a great many things. The armor you were designing could have been intended for her own agents." Gwen was starting to get into her task a little more. She had found a rhythm now and almost was doing a dance as her bare feet moved across Steven's bare back.
"That is possible," Steven admitted. "Tough noogies. If they want it, they'll have to come and get it." Steven found himself enjoying the massage, but also the direct skin-to-skin contact. There was a special connection between the two whenever they touched. It was almost electrifying.
"Whew, I didn't expect this to be so physically challenging," Gwen said, a little breathless. "But not to worry, dearest, I'll protect you."
"You don't have to worry about me, Gwennie, I can take care of myself. I've been able to handle anything IM's dished out this far."
"I was merely suggesting that you do not have to face such dangers alone," Gwen explained. "I will be by your side. Always."
"You know, I really like the sound of that, pretty lady. Muskateer and the Enchantress, the Avengers' version of sword and sorcery. Sounds like a winning team to me."
"And why do you get top billing? What is wrong with the Enchantress and Muskateer?"
Steven shrugged in response. "I guess it just rolls off the tongue better my way."
Gwen lifted her foot and gave Steven an extra strong push in the back. She then dug her toes deep into his muscle.
"Okay, okay," Steven called out. "We'll go with your suggestion. I can take a hint. Sheesh."
"That is good to know," Gwen answered playfully. She stooped down, settling herself on Steven's lower back, leaned forward and whispered in his ear. "It seems to me that all I have done this evening is pay attention to you. Not that I mind in the slightest, but I could use some tending to myself."
"Milady, your wish is my command." Steven gingerly rolled over and took Gwen into his arms. The two hugged and then kissed passionately. "For the rest of the evening, I'll being paying strict attention to your every need."
"Sounds heavenly," Gwen sighed.
The first rays of morning sunlight started to filter into the room. As was usual for him, Steven was already awake. He had always been an early riser, even as a child. It was a trait that he tried to maintain in spite of the crazy hours he sometimes held as an Avenger.
But instead of rising, Steven was more than content to remain in bed. He was rolled over on his side, staring at the sleeping face of Gwendolyne. The early light was beginning to illuminate her lovely features. If there were any flaws to Gwen's facial appearance, they were beyond Steven's ability to detect. She was simply stunning to behold. Steven couldn't help but watch as his love slept.
He surveyed her body, partially covered by the satin sheet. It was just as flawless as her face. Steven gently caressed the softness of her side, following her curves. Her legs were firmly shaped, yet the skin was soft to his hand. He continued to rub her gently. She didn't stir, but a slight smile formed at her perfect lips.
Time passed quickly for him and finally Gwen began to stir. Her eyes flickered open and she was mildly surprised to find Steven staring back at her. "Pleasant morning," Gwen said with a wide smile.
"With you around, always."
"You say the sweetest things." Gwen slid herself closer to Steven's side. He rolled onto his back, allowing Gwen to place her head on his chest near his shoulder. "What were you doing?"
"Watching you sleep. Thinking how lucky I am to have so beautiful a woman, physically and spiritually, in love with me."
"Madly and passionately in love with you," Gwen corrected as she hugged Steven. "Life seems almost perfect. I can't imagine being any happier than I am right now."
The two lovers held each other tightly for a long time. Neither of them spoke, but words were not necessary. The feeling of being this close was so powerful it was nearly overwhelming. All seemed right in the world.
Finally, Gwen broke the silence. "Would you like something for breakfast, dearest?"
"Not right now," Steven answered. "I don't know about you, but I'm not quite ready to get up. The party's not until later this afternoon, so we've got plenty of time."
"I certainly would not complain about staying here. What were you thinking about?"
"You and I mostly. When we were in California you asked if there were any other women in my life."
"Yes, I remember," Gwen stated. "I just wanted to know more about you."
"I understand; it was a reasonable thing to ask. We covered my past dating history and I was interested in hearing about yours. After all it is only fair."
"There's not a whole lot to really tell."
"Oh, come on. I find it very hard to believe that a gorgeous woman like you didn't have any boyfriends before."
"I never had a serious boyfriend," Gwen corrected. "For a very long time I have known that there was a special man somewhere in the world just for me. My soul mate, if you will. That one special man who was meant to be with me and me alone. It was just a matter of waiting until I found him. Tanya used to tease me about it and set me up on dates anyway. I'm not sure whether she ever believed me or not. I have dated other men, but they were all nothing compared to you. My own search has ended. Steven Harper, you are that man and I will love and cherish you always."
"Wow." Steven pulled Gwen closer and kissed her once more. "Sweetheart, you've certainly got a way with words. I love you very much."
Several hours later, Gwen was seated at the small table in her kitchen nook. She wore a satin lavender robe and was sipping from her cup of herbal tea. "You really do not have to do this, Steven," she said.
"It's my pleasure," Steven responded. He was currently standing at the stove, working on the morning's breakfast. "Besides it's the least I can do after you agreed to walk on my back."
"In most relationships men would consider that to be a negative," Gwen noted with a grin.
"Just shows you how different we are."
"Indeed."
Steven continued to work on breakfast and soon it was ready. Plates were filled and brought to the small table. The couple sat across from each other.
"This is quite good," Gwen complimented as she sampled the food. "I never knew you were so handy in the kitchen."
"And other rooms too," Steven quipped. "So, I was wondering: What do you think about us taking a trip together?"
"I love to travel, Steven. Do you have any particular place in mind?"
"There are a few places my parents took me when I was younger that I wouldn't mind seeing again. Like the south of France, Italy, Cypress, Greece..."
"All of which are agreeable to me," Gwen commented. "Have you been to South America before?"
"Not really. My parents went there a few times, but not until I was in high school. It always seemed to be when I was in football season, so I never went with them."
"Did they go many times?", Gwen asked, curiously.
"Yes. My father was trying to prove the Vikings had traveled to South America."
Gwen's mouth dropped open and her hand went to cover it. The memory came back to her but too late. "I am so sorry, Steven. I did not mean..."
"It's okay, sweetie." Steven had first revealed that his parents were killed while on an expedition to South America. "Why don't we talk about something else for awhile?"
By mid afternoon, the couple was ready to depart to Helena's party. Gwen had slipped into a light blue silk sundress with pink flowers and a pair of pink thong sandals and was carrying her swimming outfit in a pink handbag. Steven likewise was normally dressed and planned on changing once arriving at the Kirby Estate.
The pair slipped into Gwen's black two door Mercedes. Steven was at the wheel. "We're going to have a great time. Just you wait and see."
"I am sure it will be very pleasant. I heard that Cassandra is bringing her boyfriend for everyone to meet."
"What was his name? Terra Fire? Yeah, that's it. Cool. I want to check this guy out."
"You like Cassandra very much," Gwen noted.
"She's a sweet kid and she deserves to be treated well. I just wanna make sure that this guy is good enough for her."
"You sound like her big brother,' Gwen added with a big smile.
"I guess I do feel that way sometimes," Steven admitted. "I look out for all the ladies on the team. Especially this one particular dream girl who has cast a powerful spell over me."
"Flatterer," Gwen grinned. "However, not all of the women on the Avengers require your personal protection."
"That is true. But Cassie is a wide-eyed teenager who may not know any better at her age. Di can definitely take care of herself. 'Gale probably too."
"And Helena?"
"Helena's a different case," Steven explained. "She's got it into her head that she has to live up to the standards set by her father. It makes her come across as arrogant and way too driven. Helena definitely needs to lighten up. This job is supposed to be fun, not some kind of terrible, grim task. Well, at least not all the time anyway."
"Maybe this gathering is her way of trying to 'lighten up' as you put it," Gwen noted.
"Could be. Guess we'll find out soon enough."
The drive to Westchester passed by in a breeze as the couple chatted. It was a warm spring day, the sky perfectly clear. That just helped to make it an ideal day for Helena's party. Reaching the estate, Steven directed the car up the long driveway and parked it by the garages behind the house. Helena's four-door black Mercedes was parked in its usual spot and next to it was a red RX-7.
"Looks like Jessica is here already," Gwen observed.
"Yeah. That car of hers really sticks out from the others. Come on, Sweetie. Let's get this party on the road." Steven put the vehicle in park and shut down the engine. He quickly got out and circled around to help Gwen out. Grabbing their bags, the couple went to join their friends and teammates.
Helena came out from the patio to greet the new arrivals. "Thank you so much for coming. I couldn't have asked for a nicer day." Helena was wearing a dark blue one-piece swimsuit and she actually smiled. From the looks of it the typically grim Huntress was not going to be attending today's party.
"Our pleasure, Ralph," Steven responded with a smile of his own. "Looks like you guys started the party without us."
"I picked up Lydia, Kor, and Megan this morning. Jess arrived a few hours back. The others haven't got here yet. Linda said they were waiting for Firestar and 'Gale to get back from Sanctuary."
"Do you have a place for us to change?" Gwen interrupted. "I think I'd like to get a little bit of sun."
"Of course. Right this way." Helena started to lead the couple towards the main house. "You should get plenty of sun this afternoon."
The patio had been considerably straightened up since they had stopped in a few days back. Helena had offered some of her father's old clothing to Muskateer if he was interested. With Gwen's help he had grabbed several virtually brand new suits and other garments.
From the looks of it the party had already started. There was activity in the pool as the Scarlet Sabre was swimming laps while Night Owl, Kor Hunter, and Willow Witch were horsing around. Helena's mother, Felina, was tending the grill. She came forward upon noticing the newest arrivals.
"Good afternoon," Felina greeted. The resemblance between Felina and Helena was remarkable. The only significant difference was that Felina was much shorter, had shorter hair, and was not as muscular. "I'm glad you could make it."
"Thank you for having us," Gwen answered diplomatically. She had not been too keen on coming to this party at first, but Steven had managed to persuade her. From what she had seen thus far, this was going to be a small gathering of friends and teammates. Perhaps it wasn't going to be too bad after all.
It took Steven only a few moments to change his clothes. He didn't plan on taking a dip in the pool just yet and so wore dark blue trunks and a white tank top. Given how bright it was outside, he pulled a pair of mirrored sunglasses out of his bag. He stepped back out into the hallway and waited for Gwen to finishing changing. He was not to be disappointed.
"So what do you think?" Gwen slipped out of her changing room and showed off her outfit. She was now sporting a white one-piece that was high cut on the leg. It perfectly settled over her marvelous curves.
"Wow. I like it," Steven grinned in response. "I think you're going to be attracting a lot of attention in that get up. You look great!"
"I just need to finish it off." Gwen stepped back into the changing room and pulled a blue floral wrap from her bag. Standing before a full-length dressing mirror, Gwen wrapped it around her waist and tied it off. A large white floppy brimmed hat and sunglasses finished off her ensemble. "There. All ready to go."
A smile still on his face, Steven offered his arm to Gwen. "Allow me to escort you to the festivities, my dear."
Gwen happily accepted and replied, "Lead on, kind sir."
Moments later the couple was back out on the patio. They selected a pair of recliners near the back of the patio. The area was drenched in sunlight. Gwen chose one of the recliners and sat down, setting her bag beside the chair. Steven settled down next to her.
"It is a gorgeous day," Gwen declared as she fished through her small bag. She pulled out a bottle of suntan lotion and held it up. "Would you mind?" she smiled hopefully to Steven.
"Sweetheart, it would be my honor and my privilege." Steven accepted the bottle while Gwen laid on the recliner on her stomach. Her swimsuit exposed almost all of her back. Before he started, he planted a long kiss on the small of her back. Pouring a generous portion of the lotion into his hand, Steven began to rub it in his hands to warm it up. "Besides, if anyone else tried this they'd have to get through me first!"
"Ooh, that feels good." Gwen closed her eyes and dropped her chin on her arms as she relaxed.
"I should hope so. I take special care of my special girl." Steven carefully covered every part of Gwen's exposed back, taking extra care to not only apply the lotion, but massage the muscles as well. He took great delight in running his hands over her body.
He then proceeded to her shoulders and arms, pausing only to apply more suntan lotion to his hands now and then. "Aren't you glad now that I talked you into this?"
"Absolutely. It was silly of me to be so stubborn and unsociable." Gwen still had her eyes closed and was feeling very relaxed by now. "I am very glad that we decided to come today."
"Glad to hear that, Sweetie." Steven kissed her on the shoulder before readjusting himself. He moved down near her legs and feet. Lifting her floral wrap aside to expose all of her legs, he then started working there.
"You are very good with your hands, Steven. This is wonderful."
"Just trying to return the favor for last night. You can't imagine how good that felt when you walked on my back."
"I will have to take your word on it, dearest. And I have to admit, I am pleased you're using your hands now."
"Very funny. Besides I wouldn't want to crush you." Finished applying the lotion to her legs, he lifted her right foot. "Speaking of funny, can I ask you a question?"
"Certainly. Anything. I am putty in your hands right now."
"Well, I was just curious how ticklish you were." As he said it, Steven ran the tip of his finger along the sole of the foot he held.
Gwen jumped and let out a peal of laughter, completely not expecting such a move. "Steven! What was that for?" Her tone was harsh, but she had a big smile on her face.
"Sorry, couldn't help myself. Let me make up for it." He kissed her foot where he had just tickled her and continued with his task of applying suntan lotion.
"That's better." She returned to her relaxed position and continued to enjoy the massage. "I think this is the best suntan lotion application I've ever received."
"I should hope so, Gwennie. I take my job very seriously."
"In fact," she continued, looking over her shoulder as she spoke, "I look forward to a real massage sometime soon."
"Count on it, Sweetie. Your wish is my command." Gwen's face lit up with a large smile.
"I do have one more wish right now," Gwen stated, propping herself up on her elbow. "Actually two."
"Two wishes, huh?" Steven moved closer in anticipation.
"The first is to love me forever."
"Already taken care of, sweetheart." He gave her a long, lingering kiss on the lips. "I will love you forever."
Gwen couldn't help but smile when her love was near. "The second is to please get me a tall glass of lemonade. I am a bit parched."
Steven gave her a quick kiss again and quickly stood up. "As I said, your wish is my command."
"Hey guys!" Turning, Gwen and Steven could see Jessica approaching. She was finishing toweling herself off and wore a red one-piece suit. It was not as high-cut as Gwen's was. "I didn't see you arrive."
"Hello, Jessica," Gwen greeted before taking a sip of her drink.
"We just got here a little bit ago," Steven explained. "How have you been, Red?" It had been several days since Muskateer and the Scarlet Sabre had last encountered each other. It was when Muskateer had retrieved his scooter from Tyler Lab's only to be interrupted by the forces of Fuergeson the Great. (Editor's Note: Back in Muskateer #19-20)
Scarlet laid her towel on a nearby bench and sat down. "Very busy. Been lots going on with me lately." Jessica proceeded to relate her latest happenings and how she had been promoted to an executive position in CII. (Editor's Note: Covered fully in Scarlet Sabre #8)
As the three friends chatted, the rest of Helena's guests arrived. The remaining Avengers, minus Lightburst, pulled up in a team van. Included among the Avengers was Cassie's boyfriend, Terra Fire. Upon spotting Muskateer, Cassie urged Terra Fire closer.
"Hi, guys!" Firestar cheerfully stated as she and her date approached. 'Star wore a golden yellow and orange bikini that resembled her regular heroine costume. "This is the boy I've been telling you about: Terra Fire. Terra Fire, this is Muskateer, the Enchantress, and the Scarlet Sabre"
"Uhm, hi," Terra Fire waved in greeting. He wore blue swimming trunks with yellow side stripes and was clearly nervous. "Nice to meet you all."
"Pleased to meet you, young man," the Enchantress nodded.
"Hey," Scarlet waved.
Steven eyed the young man, sizing him up. So far, he had only heard about Cassie's boyfriend from Cassie herself and Nightingale. 'Gale had been acting as teacher to both teenagers, helping them finish their high school curriculum.
"So you're the guy Cassie's been talking so much about," Steven said aloud. Physically, Terra Fire was just a smidgen shorter than Steven and had a similar physical physique.
"Why don't you sit down and join us?" Gwen casually suggested. "It would give us all a chance to get better acquainted?"
"Okay," Firestar answered, "but only for a little bit. We really wanted to try out the pool!"
Terra Fire was a bit uncertain at first, but relented when Firestar directed him towards an adjacent chair. The young couple sat side by side, holding hands. "Uhm, sure sounds like fun. It's really an honor to meet you all. I never imagined that I would ever be doing something like this."
"I take it that you just recently acquired your powers," Muskateer inquired.
"Yes, sir. That's correct. VIPER kidnapped my sister, plus a girl named Jennifer, and myself. They did this to us. I literally woke up with these weird powers."
"I have heard a great deal about this incident," Gwen remarked. Seeing the confusion on the faces of Steven and Jessica, she added, "It was during this affair that Comet lost his life."
Neither Steven nor Jessica required any further explanation. Both were well aware of the Enchantress's friendship with the Sorceress, one of the founders of the Superior Seven. Comet had been a member of that fine group until his untimely passing. (Editor's Note: As seen in Young Champions #1-3)
"Terra Fire's a kind of unusual name," Muskateer noted. "How'd you come up with it?"
"Well, sir, to be honest I didn't. It was a name that VIPER had picked out for me."
"Bad move there, kid," Jessica spoke up. "Having a VIPER given name is only asking for trouble."
"Yeah, I kinda figured that," Terra Fire admitted. "It sounds more like I'm trying to scare people. But I haven't come up with anything better yet."
"I don't know, I kind of like it," Steven added. "Since terra means earth and fire is pretty obvious, I take it that you have earth and fire powers?"
"Yes, sir."
"Look, kid, quit calling me, sir," Steven objected. "I'm not that old. And I haven't been knighted. Not yet, anyway."
"Yes... Sorry," Terra Fire hastily apologized.
"Don't worry about Musky," Cassie told Terra Fire with a smile. " At times I think he believes he's my big brother. He's gruff on the outside, but a real sweet man on the inside. "
"On that, Cassandra, we are in complete agreement," Gwen coyly added with a wide smile.
"Now just a darn moment, you two. That kind of talk is going to ruin my reputation."
"What reputation?", Jessica had to fire in.
Steven sent the sword-wielding heroine a glance and then turned back to Terra Fire. "As I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted, I take it that you have earth and fire powers."
"Mostly earth-based powers, from what I can tell. Although I seem to be resistant to fire and I did raise a mini-volcano once."
"Impressive," Gwen noted.
"Well, it made a mess and I ended up having to clean it up," Terra Fire further explained. "I guess it was a bit of a dumb thing to do. I got mad and lava started to shoot out of the ground."
"Nice," Steven commented. "So where are you from?"
"I was born in Detroit," Terra Fire answered.
"This had been fun, but how about we hit the pool now?" Firestar suddenly suggested as she got to her feet. "I've got other friends I want Terra Fire to meet."
"Why don't you run along you two," Gwen added with a wave. "Go and have fun. That is what this gathering was supposed to be about."
"But-", Muskateer started to say.
"We can chat more later on," Gwen continued.
"Thanks! Talk to you guys later!" Firestar started to almost drag Terra Fire along towards the pool.
"It was an honor to meet you all," Terra Fire managed to say before he and Firestar were out of earshot.
"What did you do that for?" Steven objected. "There are still a lot of things I want to ask him."
"I know," Gwen smiled and gently hugged Steven. "But let the teenagers have their fun."
"He is handsome," Jessica added. "Too bad I'm not about ten years younger."
"He does seem like a nice young boy," Gwen agreed. "They make a very nice looking couple. Steven, why don't you see if we can have them over for dinner one evening? I think it would make for an interesting evening."
"Sweetie, with you around, every evening is interesting."
Several hours later, the party was beginning to wind down. The food had been devoured by now, mostly by Supreme and the Thing in their eating contest. It was quite the spectacle to behold. A friendly volleyball game followed, which Steven participated in. Gwen was content to observe from the sidelines and cheer Steven's team on to victory.
Night began to fall and the party started to break up. Black Diamond and the other Avengers were the first to depart. As a team, the Avengers had an early morning assignment. Several peculiar vortexes had opened during the past week and Muskateer had theorized that they were opening at regular intervals. If his theory was correct, then tomorrow morning another vortex should open. (Editor's Note: Covered in Avengers #24)
Gwen and Steven followed not long after. Helena walked the couple back to Gwen's car. "I hope you had a really good time," Helena said. "I do have to admit that it turned out better than I had originally hoped."
"It was a memorable experience," Gwen politely added. "Thank you for the invitation."
"You did good, Ralph," Steven responded. "Nice to know that there's a social side to you."
"Now you sound like my mother," Helena teased. "I'll see you guys in the morning."
"Pleasant evening," Gwen intoned.
"'Nite."
While Helena returned to the party and her remaining guests, Steven helped Gwen into the car. The pair had changed back into their traveling clothes earlier. Steven slipped behind the wheel and maneuvered the Mercedes back out onto the road.
The two rode in silence for a time. Gwen was first to break the silence. "Are you considering Jessica's offer?"
"Yes, I am," Steven admitted. "It sounds like a real challenge and I like challenges. And technologically speaking, it's right up my alley."
As part of their talk earlier, the Scarlet Sabre had told the couple about her promotion. Later she had offered Steven the position of Director of Tyler Labs. She explained her theories that the previous director had been murdered under the cover of the attack by Fuergeson the Great. She needed someone unknown to the lab staff with technological skills who could take care of themselves just in case the killer came after him. In Scarlet's mind, Steven fit the bill perfectly.
"I have to tell you that I have my concerns."
"I can imagine, Sweetie. But, it is a great opportunity for me and the salary is very generous. I don't see how I can turn it down. Between this new job opportunity and being with you, life is looking great!"
One week later, Steven would have a far different outlook on life. The events of the last six days had been mind-boggling, even for the Avengers. The morning after the party the team waited for a vortex to open, but none did. Instead the actress who portrayed Guardian Angel who had disappeared into a vortex on Friday had returned, but now she possessed the powers and attitude of her television counterpart.
Even worse, the actor who portrayed her arch nemesis, the Ravager, was made real as well. It was a tremendous battle, but the man-beast was eventually defeated, however not before causing wide-scale damage. The Brooklyn Bridge had even partially collapsed during the conflict. (Editor's Note: Shown in Avengers #24-25)
Permanently dealing with the vampires was next on the Avengers agenda. Aided by Photon, this particular menace was eventually eliminated. It was after this when things started to fall apart. (Editor's Note: the vampires were dealt with in Avengers #26-28)
The first blow came when the crime lord called the White Dragon beat the Huntress to within an inch of her life. Helena would survive her trying ordeal, but would be healing for many months to come. She retired from being the Huntress shortly thereafter. (Editor's Note: From Huntress #24-25)
The Avengers set out to even the score and actively hunted down the White Dragon. This created some friction in the team and Gwen refused to participate in the action. The team, aided by the Scarlet Sabre and Night Owl, located the White Dragon on a cargo transport in the harbor and captured the criminal. (Editor's Note: In Avengers #29-31.)
Ben collapsed during the battle with the White Dragon. His exposure to the strange white radiation began to change him. In a blind rage, he stole a Quinnjet and flew north, eventually crashing in the Queen Victoria Islands. Several of the Avengers pursued in a second Quinnjet.
Even more disturbing, Gwen had now disappeared without a trace. She stopped answering her phone and could not be raised on her comlink. At first Steven thought she was still upset with him for participating in the hunt for the White Dragon. But that was not to be the case.
Gwen, or rather someone who sounded like Gwen, had left a voice message on Black Diamond's voicemail. The message said that the Enchantress had gone away on a leave of absence. She didn't know how long she was going to be gone.
At first, Steven was devastated. Had he and Gwen grown so close only to have this happen? It didn't make any sense. This was not something that the Gwen he knew would do. Now filled with renewed determination, Steven made every effort to find his beloved Gwendolyne.
The trail unexpectedly led him to another Avenger: Lightburst. The light-wielding Avenger had been on monitor duty when the Enchantress had been directed to investigate a situation on Ryker's Island. The problem was that Ryker's Island had never called the Avengers for assistance in the first place. Lightburst had simply sent the Enchantress there and she had not been seen since.
Angered, Muskateer cornered Lightburst and tried to get the truth out of him. Lightburst more or less admitted his involvement and fled before Muskateer could get any further information from him.
His resolve now stronger than ever, Muskateer returned to Black Diamond's office. Perhaps he could find some clue to who had kidnapped Gwen and where she was now. Woe be to those who tried to keep him away from his beloved...
