X-Calibur

Issue #8 The End of Camelot – Part Three

Avalon Prime – Camelot's Refugee Camp

"Amanda? What are you doing here? Are you following me?" Kurt asked.

"No! Ever since Roma's warning I've kept a close watch on X-Calibur in case I was needed. Looks like it's a good thing I did, huh?" Amanda Sefton smiled as her horns flared and her tail snapped.

"All I can say is nice look for ya," Pete Wisdom smiled.

"I'll give you a make over," Amada said glaring at Pete.

"Amanda, that's enough," Kurt said. "I'm glad you're here."

"As are we. We're going to need all the help that we can get if we're to save Camelot and all of Avalon," the Lady of the Lake said.

"I agree. We better make haste. The powerful figures are currently divided now's are time to strike. Lady Guinevere, God speed and lead your forces to victory. We now go to end the Red Knights evil," Merlin says as he waves his hands.

Magic begins to conjure from the old wizard and Green Knight and the Lady of the Lake join in. Soon a glowing light surrounds the three as well as Albion, Captain Britain and Lionhart. When the light fades the six figures are gone as well. Lady Guinevere then turns to the remaining group of heroes.

"Let's ride! For Camelot!" Guinevere shouts as she gathers the forces for the assault on Castle Pendragon.

Alternate Earth – Central Park, New York

"Get away from me!" Arthur Crown shouts at the two men standing in front of a mass group of weird looking knights.

Arthur had just got done with classes at NYU and decided he wanted to spend a quite afternoon in Central Park studying. Just as he was about to find a bench, he realized how empty the park was this time of day. He then got a tingling sensation running up and down his spine. That was when he realized he was not alone. Backed by dozens of knights, a strange looking young man and a demon looking knight with a strange sword came towards him.

"You have no choice. You're needed and will come with us," Bloodwraith said.

"Never fear young Arthur. Your Knights are here," a voice called out from the other side of Arthur Crown.

They all turned to see seven colored knights, a lady in green and a man in a green robe appear from nowhere. Mordred stayed his knights as they tried to charge at the new comers. Arthur could tell by their reaction that the new party must be good guys of sorts. He could almost feel it in his being that they were there to protect him.

"Who are you?" Arthur asked.

"I'm your wizard and she's your guide. These knights behind me are your Knights of the Round Table and you're the future king of Camelot," Feron said as he quickly explained to Arthur who he was and why there were all there.

"This is a little hard to believe," Arthur said as he stared around at all the strangers that had appeared around him.

"We don't have time for this. Knights of LeFay, take him. Kill all that stand in your way," Mordred commanded.

The swarm of evil knights advanced upon Arthur and his knights. Kylun felt so alive. His whole body filled with an unknown power as his yellow armor glowed and he swung his swords. Knight after knight fell before him. He was unstoppable until he heard a piercing scream. He turned to see the White Knight drop to one knee.

One of the Knights of LeFay had drove a sword deep into his leg. Kylun was about to make his way to the other knight's side when flaming Ruby Knight flew through the air. Rachel called forth her mutant powers and started flinging dark knights back away from Elyan. Rachel then helped the wounded knight to his feet and used her mind to lift them both up and away from the battleground.

"Are you okay?" Rachel asked.

"Yes, I'll live. Just a flesh wound," Elyan the White said trying to hold back the pain.

"Die!" Bloodwraith shouted as he swung his blade sending a blast of power at the Ruby and White Knights.

"Not on my watch, Sean," the Black Knight said as he used his Shield of Night to absorb the blast.

"Dane, you are no match for Bloodwraith," Sean Dolen said holding up his dark sword.

"Not now, Bloodwraith. I have our prize," Mordred shouted.

Mordred had made his way to Arthur and was about to grab him when Cerise, the Purple Knight blocked his way with a glowing purple sword. Mordred muttered a few words and a powerful blast hit Cerise sending her back clutching her arm. She tried to move but cringed in pain. Her arm was broken. Mordred then grabbed Arthur, shouted at Bloodwraith and then cast a spell. Feron and the others all screamed as Mordred, Bloodwraith and Arthur vanished from sight leaving the Knights of LeFay behind to finish the rest of them off.

Castle Pendragon

"Attack! For Avalon!" Guinevere shouted as he forced advanced on Castle Pendragon.

Guinevere's forced collided with a force of dark knights as they reached the front of the castle. They could see the Merlin Demon Spawn standing atop the castle. The creature began to hurl fireballs at them. Nightcrawler called for Amanda to help them with a little coverage. When nothing happened he looked around. Amanda was no where to be found.

"Great. Max, we need a path to the gate," Nightcrawler said.

"Sure thing," Micro Max said as he grew to a very impressive size and began kicking knights away.

"We're almost there, my love," Pete Wisdom smiled as he sent of wave after wave of his hot knives.

"Don't call me that," Shadowcat said as she punched, kicked and phased her way through the knights.

"They're retreating," Union Jack cheered as suddenly all the knights began to pull back and head for the castle gates.

"No, you fool. They clear the way for your doom," Morgan LeFay's magically enhanced voice boomed.

They all looked up to see a woman baring a glowing crown step into view atop the castle walls. Guinevere swore. Morgan had the crown and knew they were coming. She started to warn her army when a large rumbling caused everyone to stop and look around.

"What's going on?" Pete asked as Kurt whispered the same question.

"You immediate death. Sorry I can't stay to watch but I'm being summoned elsewhere," Morgan LeFay answered as she waved her hand in command and then vanished.

Kitty gasped as did the rest of her companions as they soon saw that they were surrounded by not only knights but by hundreds and hundreds of dark and frightening creatures. They were trapped with no escape. Merlin Demon Spawn let loose his magic as the forces of evil advanced and engulfed Kitty and her friends.

Forest of Myst

"Pull it out now," Mordred shouted at Arthur Crown.

Arthur was still trying to figure out what was going on. One minute he was in the park alone the next he was surrounded by two forces of knights. Somehow, deep in his blood, he knew that these men were evil and that those Knights of the Round Table had a connection to him. Before he could make heads or tails of anything he had been grabbed and brought to this strange forest.

In front of him was a giant stone with a sword embedded in it. The one calling himself Mordred kept shouting at him to pull the sword free, but he wasn't sure if he should. The sword seemed to call to him but he was afraid of what might happen if he did touch it. Just as he was about to decide whether to pull it out or not another portal opened up.

"Arthur, don't give them the sword. It is for you and you alone. It's your destiny to use that sword to restore Camelot and bring glory to all of Avalon," Feron shouted as he and the rest of the Knights of the Round Table stepped out of the portal.

"How did you follow us?" Bloodwraith asked.

"With our powers enhanced by the armor we were able to make short work of your knights," Kylun said.

"Thanks to my magic and Shamrock's luck we were able to pull your portal back open to let us through," Feron said.

Arthur looked at these would be knights of good, especially the purple knight whose right arm was in a glowing sling and the white knight who's left leg caused him to limp. These people were willing to die to protect him. At that moment he realized that they and him were apart of something bigger. A true awareness seemed to hit him.

"No! I will not pull the sword for you!" Arthur screamed.

"I don't have time for this," Mordred said as he suddenly invoked a spell.

Arthur gasped as he felt a strong force take control of his arms and hands. He soon found his hands around the hilt of the sword. An instant power began to flow through him as he was forced to pull the sword free from the stone. The sword flared with power as it flowed through him and sent Mordred flying backwards. Just as Arthur was about to take all the power in he felt a sharp pain as the sword and its power fell to the ground away from him.

"I'll be taking that," Bloodwraith said as he quickly picked up Excalibur and made his way to an opened portal behind the stone.

"Stop him," Lancelot, the Blue Knight said.

"Bloodwraith, go. The knights and I will finish them off," Mordred said.

"Follow him," Black Knight shouted as Bloodwraith vanished into the portal.

Just as the Knights of the Round Table were about to follow, a giant beast landed on the ground blocking their path. It's form was made up of several other creatures all rolled into one body. In a matter of moments the creature had grown to triple it's size thanks to Mordred's spell.

"Meet my pet and your death. The Questing Beast," Mordred laughed as the creature engaged Arthur and his knights.

Layer of the Red Knight

"Yes, the Heart of Avalon will soon be mine," the Red Knight laughed as he finally opened the doorway to his prize.

"You may have opened the doorway, put you can't get past the barrier without the sword of Excalibur," Merlin shouted as he, the Lady of the Lake, Albion, Green Knight, Lionhart and Captain Britain appeared.

"Like you have the power to stop me," the Red Knight laughed.

"Take him," Merlin commanded.

Albion, Captain Britain and Lionhart took fight without hesitation. They were no longer individuals but a part of something bigger. They all felt the power of Avalon flowing through them. Albion released his magic flame as Lionhart used her Sword of Might. Captain Britain went full force with all his strength. Red Knight flicked the spot where the strand of the Cloak was and released a spell. An explosion of powers caused the three heroes to fly backwards.

"That almost hurt," Brian mumbled getting back to his feet.

"We may not be strong enough to stop him," Lady of the Lake said turning to Merlin.

"Without the Heart, he can still be stopped," Green Knight said.

"Green here is right. He doesn't have what he needs," Albion said.

"Wrong," a voice said as two portals opened up and Morgan LeFay, wearing her Crown and Bloodwraith, holding two swords walk out.

"They have Excalibur. We've failed," Green Knight said.

"No, they haven't the means to win," Lady of the Lake said.

"What do you mean?" Captain Britain asked.

"Without Arthur holding the Sword, the barrier will not open," Merlin said.

"That's were you're wrong, old wizard," Morgan laughed.

"Do tell," Red Knight said as his smile returned.

"The Crown tells me that if you use the last of the Cloak's powers to kill Merlin it will cause a magical disturbance long enough for Bloodwraith to use the Ebony Blade with Excalibur to trick the barrier into opening," Morgan cackled.

"So it shall be done," Red Knight said invoking the spell that would put an end to the cloak along with the old wizard.

"No!" Captain Britain screamed as a magical force left Red Knight and struck down Merlin.

"Merlin," Lionhart cried as she knelt down by the dying wizard.

"Victory is ours," Morgan cheered.

"Wrong," Merlin whispered as blood ran from his lips.

"Something' happening," Kelsey said jumping back from Merlin.

They all stared in awe as Merlin began to shimmer. Suddenly the old wizard was gone and in his place was the green robbed figure of Feron. Feron, with only a few seconds of life left in him spoke stronger than he looked.

"Even though you posses the Items of Magic, they still work for the side of Avalon. By using that spell to destroy the cloak along with your killing blow to me, it caused all of your magic to weaken and to make you all too mortal," Feron said smiling as he coughed up more blood.

"Feron, how?" Captain Britain questioned.

"It was a plan and sacrifice I was willing to make on behalf of Merlin and Avalon. Now go, hold them off till Arthur and the real Merlin arrives," Feron said as the light faded from his eyes.

"You heard him. For Avalon! For Feron!" Captain Britain said as they all attacked the very shocked trio of evil.

Forrest of Myst

"I don't know how much longer we can stand against this creature and Mordred's magic," Shamrock said dodging a giant talon.

"Arthur, watch out!" the Emerald Knight shouted as he pushed Arthur out of the way of a giant tail taking the body piercing would instead of Arthur.

"No!" Rachel screamed as she felt his mind flare out and then die.

"He saved me. He died to protect me," Arthur said picking himself up off the ground.

"What was that Arthur?" Feron asked deflecting a bolt of magic from Mordred.

"When he died, I felt a power enter me. He was a grandson of an Arthur. I now know what must be done. I must make them pay and its time I do the saving," Arthur said with a new found courage and confidence.

"About time my boy," Feron said as he flared with power.

Suddenly Feron's image faded and the form of Merlin took its place. Merlin then waved his hands and the six remaining knight's armors vanished into colors of light leaving them in their normal outfits. The colors of light then engulfed Arthur transforming into a brilliant coat of armor. Merlin then walked over to him.

"What is going on?" Dane Whitman asked.

"Merlin? What are you doing here? Where's Feron?" Rachel asked.

"No time for that now. All will be made clear later. Arthur, go and reclaim your sword and save Avalon," Merlin shouted as he waved his hands forcing Arthur to vanish through a portal. "Now, let's finish things here."

It took the ex-knights a few minutes to recover from the series of events. As they regrouped Merlin invoked a spell causing the Quest Beast to return to normal size. He then turned to engage the one called Mordred. Elyan, Lancelot, Dane Whitman and Kylun engaged the beast as Rachel, Cerise and Shamrock took on the remaining Knight of LeFay.

It didn't take long for the dark knights to be taken down; it was the beast that proved tough. As they fought, the beast swung with its claws gutting Elyan who was slowed down by his wounded leg. Lancelot bowed to his fallen comrade and picked up his sword and charged the beast with vengeance.

As Black Knight distracted the creature with a blast from his Sword of Light, Lancelot leapt upon the monsters back. With great force, he drove both swords into the creature's head killing it. As the creature hit the ground Lancelot jumped off and stood ready incase it got back up. The creature did not stir, for it had been slain.

"I'll not let you win old man," Mordred shouted.

"Rachel, lend me your power," Merlin said casting a spell.

Rachel flew up to him and felt the Phoenix power appear and merge with Merlin's magic. "With this spell, I bind your magic and banish you from the plane for all eternity," Merlin shouted as Mordred screamed and vanished from sight.

Black Knight, Lancelot, Kylun, Cerise and Shamrock approached Merlin and Marvel Girl, who was feeling very drained from the spell and Phoenix force. The Wizard helped Rachel up and then turned to the others and smiled.

"Things are looking up I believe."

Castle Pendragon

"All is lost," Guinevere said, as she grew tired.

"Don't give up now, my lady," Union Jack said as he shot two creatures before they got near the Queen of Camelot.

"She may be right. Not sure how much more we can all take," Micro Max shouted as cuts and bruises could be seen all over his large body.

"I wish I knew where that darn Amanda went off to," Kurt swore as he leapt and teleported to fend off against the creatures.

"Well, don't look know but I believe the Calvary has arrived," Kitty said pointing to the sky.

Over the horizon a giant purple dragon flew at high speed with a demon looking woman riding him. As they got closer they could see it was Lockheed and Amanda Sefton with Widget floating behind her. In a matter of seconds a huge fleet of dragons of all colors were right behind them. Kitty could hear the metal command as Lockheed roared and hundreds of dragons flew to engage the enemy.

"I can't believe how fast the tide is turning," Union Jack said as he watched the dragons make short work of the other creatures.

"Looks like your girlfriend came through for us," Pete said smiling at Kurt.

"Um," Kurt stuttered not knowing how to respond.

"Look, a way into the castle," Guinevere shouted.

They turned to see Widget fly down in front of them and suddenly shift form. He became a portal that they could see clearly lead right into the castle. Guinevere shouted the charge and led her men directly into the portal. Just as the members of X-Calibur and Union Jack were about to follow the others Merlin Demon Spawn sent a blast down their way hitting Widget.

"The portal's gone," a series of men shouted.

"Is he okay?" Kurt asked.

"He's still alive but he looks in very bad condition," Kitty said holding up several pieces of Widget.

"I'll make him pay," Kurt said vanishing and appearing behind the Demon Spawn.

Demon Spawn turned around and swatted Kurt off the castle wall. Amanda gasped as she watched the man she loved fall from the castle. She began to cast a spell when she smelled the brimstone and saw he had teleported himself safely to the ground.

"You'll pay for that," Amanda shouted as she led Lockheed closer to the castle wall.

Amanda invoked a powerful spell and channeled it through his flaming sword. She then leapt at the Demon Spawn slicing her sword through its body. In a flash of light the creature reverted to human form. Amanda had managed to release the demon from its host.

"Don't think I can't still kill you," the former Merlin Demon Spawn shouted.

"Wrong, your time here is done. I reclaim this castle in the name of Camelot!" Guinevere shouted as she came up from behind and beheaded the evil spawn with one mighty stroke of her sword.

A cheer erupted from all over as Castle Pendragon was retaken.

Red Knight's Layer

"They may have been weakened but they are still quite a hand full," Albion said avoiding a blast of magic from Morgan.

"We just have to hold them off till Arthur arrives. Feron sacrificed his life and we shall do as he asked," Captain Britain said.

"Your wait is over," Lady of the Lake says as she orders the heroes to stand down as a portal opened up and a man wearing silver armor walked through.

"I am King Arthur and I'm here for my sword," Arthur said.

"If you want it so bad, then take it," Bloodwraith laughs as he jumps from behind and drives his sword down upon Arthur.

"Not on my watch," Lionhart shouts as she throws herself between Arthur and the sword.

Arthur stumbles back as he see Lionhart drop to the ground with the Ebony Blade planted deep into her back. Arthur, filled with rage and sadness that so many have died for him backhands Bloodwraith causing him to fall to the ground dropping Excalibur. Bloodwraith removes the Ebony Blade from Lionhart's back and charges at Arthur.

"Too many lives have been lost today. It all ends now," Arthur says as he picks up Excalibur.

A powerful energy flows through him as he holds his mighty sword. With one quick swing Excalibur slices through Bloodwraith's arm severing his right hand causing it and the Ebony Blade to drop to the ground. In that instant, Bloodwraith vanishes and is replaced by the form of Sean Dolen. King Arthur kicks the blade across the room and turns towards Red Knight and Morgan.

They prepare to attack but Arthur walks past them and with Excalibur is allowed to pass and picks up the Heart of Avalon. At that moment the Crown vanishes from Morgan's head and appears upon Arthur's head. He then turns towards everyone and walks back out of the portal. He smiles and then shouts for all to hear.

"My Heart's desire is for Camelot to rise again," Arthur says as in a flash a portal opens up and the Red Knight, Morgan and Sean Dolan are sucked through and banished forever.

"We did it, we won. For a minute I thought I was a goner," Kelsey said as she looked from Arthur over to Captain Britain.

"Wait a minute. What's Captain Doing? Oh no, is that me?" Kelsey screams as she sees Brian bending over what appears to be the body of Lionhart, her body.

"Kelsey, once again you have sacrificed your life for another. You will now be aloud to make a choice once again," Merlin said coming up behind her.

"Choice? What do you mean?" Kelsey asked.

"You can return to life as Lionhart or Lionhart remains dead and you can never tell anyone you were her and you may return to Earth and your kids as Kelsey Leigh once again. The choice is yours," Merlin smiled.

"Are you serious? I can return to my kids? No strings like last time?" Kelsey said with tears rolling down her face.

"No strings," Merlin said.

Merlin smiled as he returned to Avalon. He could still hear the faint screams of children in disbelief that their mommy had been returned to them.

Castle Pendragon – Banquet Hall

"I'm so glad you're alright," Kurt said as he touched Cerise's broken arm with ease.

"I save Castle Pendragon and she gets all the attention," Amanda mumbles under her breath as all the heroes prepare to leave.

"Once again, thanks to all who fought bravely and for those who gave their lives to save Camelot. Together, with our new king Camelot and all of Avalon will flourish," Guinevere shouts taking hold of Arthur's hand and raising it high as everyone shouts and cheers.

"When your ready, please step through the portal and it will take you home," Lady of the Lake said as she and Merlin opened a portal back to Earth.

"I wish you'd let us take the bodies back with us, but I understand the honorable burial you wanted to do here," Brain said to Merlin and Arthur.

He wasn't all that close to Feron or Lionhart, but it still hurts to keep loosing comrades in battle. Everyone was soon through the portal except Brian, Dane Whitman, Albion, and Kylun. Arthur had asked Brian to hold back. There were a few matters to discus yet.

"What do you mean you're not coming back?" Brian said as Kylun told him of his news to stay in Avalon.

"On Earth I was always trying to fit in. Here, I'm really somebody. I really feel like I fit in here. I've agreed to stay and be one of the new Knights of the Round Table," Kylun said.

"Well, we'll miss you but I know you'll do great things here," Brian said giving Kylun a hug.

"I'm staying also. Avalon needs a guardian here and I've agreed to that," Albion said.

"Then you'll be needing these. Consider yourself the new Pendragon of Avalon," Dane said handing the amulet he was given that would grant Albion the Sword of Light, Shield of Night and the command of Strider.

"I thank you, but what about you?" Albion asked.

"I have the Ebony blade. Seems I'm the only one able to control the darn thing. I'll now be just Black Knight," Dane smiled as he took the Ebony Blade and walked through the portal.

Once again X-Calibur had saved the day but at a price. Brian sighed and said farewells once more and then walked through the portal.

Next: Issue #9 – Relationships