X-Calibur
Issue #9 – Relationships
Braddock Manor – Home of X-Calibur
They all sat there as Brian Braddock, the man known as Captain Britain and leader of X-Calibur, gave the eulogy for Feron and Lionheart while mentioning the White Knight, Emerald Knight and all the others who gave their lives for Camelot and to save Avalon. It had been a hard battle but they had won and made it home. Too bad not everyone had made it or come back.
Shadowcat looked around at everyone who was present and saw the two faces that were gone. Albion and their former teammate, Kylun had chosen to stay back on Avalon Prime as part of her protectors. She hadn't been necessarily close to Colin, but she would miss having him on the team. She looked over at the garden and saw where the two new statues had been put up.
Because of their sacrifice Brian had statues of their likeness placed in the garden with the others, Feron as an ex-member of the team and Lionheart as on honorary member. Feron's remains were buried in Avalon but Captain had made arraignments with Captain America to take Lionheart back with them win they left for the states. Captain America was the only one, besides Brian that knew her identity and where she lived. As an ex-Avenger, they would honor her back home.
She looked over and saw Union Jack and Black Knight. They had stayed for the services but would leave right after. Brian had asked them to stay, but they as well as Widget, have decided to head to paths elsewhere. She understood since Union Jack had his own affairs to tend too and she had also over heard Captain America telling Black Knight about possibly starting up an Avengers team again. Widget just wants to travel alone these days, which sounds good at times to even her.
Kitty had even thought about leaving X-Calibur and heading back to the states. It had been awhile since she had touched base with the X-Mansion or Piotr. Last she heard he had gone into space on a mission with the X-Men but wasn't sure if he had gotten back. Kitty shook her head. She didn't want to go down that road again, plus Brian needed her right now. X-Calibur needed her and more she thought about it, she needed them. Pete Wisdom met her eye and winked. Okay, maybe not all of them.
What was it about that man that drove her nuts? Why did she let him get to her? Was she staying to find the answer to those questions? Of course not, she was here for Brian and the others. Kitty stuck her tongue out at him and looked over to her other side and saw Kurt sandwiched by two women, Amanda Sefton and Cerise. Boy was she glad not to be in his shoes, caught between two lovers.
Both woman had abandoned him to go to other worlds even thought they claim to have loved him. Now, just when he was fully over both of them they return. Cerise claims to stay to be somewhere safe from her attackers while Amanda has been hanging around to lend protection to X-Calibur. Kitty knew them both well enough to know they are her to make sure the other doesn't get Kurt, whether they truly love him or not. She has warned Kurt to be careful but he won't listen and has told her and Rachel he knows what he's doing.
Speaking of knowing what you're doing, what was Rachel doing? She hasn't been acting like herself. First, she had been hanging around Pete, not that she cares, but she has always hated him. Why the sudden interest? Then when they were in Camelot, she barely used the extent of her abilities. It was like she was holding back on purpose or was focusing a portion of her powers on something or someone else. Kitty hoped she was over reacting and that Rachel was just fine. She looked next to her and Rachel smiled and nodded and then looked forward.
Kitty turned her head and saw that Brian had ended his speech and concluded the memorial service. Kitty got up and saw Scott and Molly walking back to the mansion. Compared to the rest of them, they were both newbie's to the X-Calibur group. Kitty couldn't say she knew a whole lot about them but they would continue to fit in just fine. She just hoped that Molly would feel freer to trust the rest of them and not feel she had to keep her personal life so secret.
"You think too much," Lockheed's vice boomed in Kitty's head.
"What ever," Kitty smiled as she looked over to the giant pond.
There floating in its cool waters was Lockheed. She was still getting used to his larger size. When they were in Avalon, some were affected by its magic, including Magik and Lockheed. When they had come back to Earth, everyone reverted back except Lockheed. For some reason he had remained a full grown dragon with the ability to speak to Kitty. She knew she would miss her playful little friend, but the advantages of having her own full grown dragon were priceless.
"Just say the word and I could eat Pete. I'm big enough to do it now," Lockheed laughed in her mind.
"As much as I would love to see that, you better not. We're already one member down," Kitty laughed back.
"As you wish, my dear friend," Lockheed said back.
Kitty smiled and headed over to see Brian. Maybe they could all relax and take a breather for while with no major conflicts to have to tend to. Kitty sighed, she could only hope.
A Secret Club in London
"Where have you been?" The Black King asked as the Black Knight came running into the room.
"Sorry, I was called away suddenly but I'm back now," Black Knight said.
"We'll go into more details later. Right now, we must go. The others are waiting for us," Black King said as he led the way.
After a few moments they had come to a large set of doors. The doors were dark black with bright red hellfire designs as border. Black King and Black Knight each said the same phrase before the door. As the door glowed red, they were both allowed to enter, and they did. Once inside they found six others sitting around a large circular table. Two chairs were empty but were quickly filled.
"About time you put a leash on that knight of yours?" Red Queen snapped.
"Don't raise your vice to me, witch," Black King said as fire began to form around his hands.
"Want to play with fire?" Red Queen asked as she mumbled a few words and her hands began to glow.
"That is enough from both of you," Black Queen said as she began to suck the will from both of their powers.
"That's right, we've more pressing matters to attend to," Back King said as he calmed down.
"Is it time?" Black Rook asked.
"Yes, it's time. The planets have aligned and we must act fast. With the Red Knight now with us we have everything we need minus two final items," Black King said.
"What are those?" Red King asked.
"We need to infiltrate Braddock manor and acquire a very precious item," Black King said.
"Don't worry, I've got that covered," Black Queen smiled.
"What about the last item?" Red Rook asked.
"We need to draw out X-Calibur. I want the Phoenix," Black Knight said as he slammed his fist on the table.
Braddock Manor – The Lounge
Kurt walked up to Amanda as Cerise sat on the chair behind them. After the service everyone had either headed for home or went of to other places. Cerise had wanted to talk quietly with Kurt somewhere peaceful, a chance to relax after their last battle. They had come into the lounge and were about to talk when Amanda appeared out of nowhere. Cerise swore under her breath as Kurt jumped form his seat.
"Amanda? Following me again?" Kurt smiled.
"No, I've come to say good-bye," Amanda said looking into Kurt's eyes.
"Good-bye," Cerise said waving her hand as Amanda glared at her.
"Amanda, you don't have to go. Brian invited you to join us, again," Kurt said.
"I know, but I'm needed in Limbo. Being gone too long runs the risk of the demons taking over. One day I'll be free of my bond there, but until then, I've no choice," Amanda said touching Kurt's face.
"Well, you better be going then," Cerise said walking up behind Kurt.
"Thanks for all your help. We'll miss you," Kurt said.
"Don't worry. If you ever need me, for anything just call and I'll come. As always, I'll be keeping an eye out," Amanda said directing her last phrase at Cerise.
"Bye," they all said as Amanda vanished from sight.
"Want to watch a movie?" Cerise said trying to hold on tight to Kurt.
London – Downtown Café
"Thanks for meeting me here. I wasn't sure you would come," Molly said as she joined another woman at a table.
"I almost didn't. I haven't heard from you since our last date. I called many times and heard nothing. I thought maybe you weren't interested or I did something wrong," the woman sitting across from Molly said.
"I'm really sorry about that, Nelsee. X-Calibur got called away on a mission. I just got back," Molly said.
"It's okay. I hadn't given up completely. Especially with someone as pretty for you," Nelsee said as they both blushed.
"Well, you're not so bad yourself. It really is great to see you and be able to sit back and relax," Molly said.
"Well, I know how you can make it up to me," Nelsee smiled.
"Oh?" Molly grinned.
"Yeah, take me back to the mansion. Let me see where you live and meet your friends," Nelsee said.
"Oh, I don't know about that," Molly said sitting back quickly.
"Why? You embarrassed to have your friends meet me?" Nelsee asked.
"No, it's not that. It's just, they don't know about me and with me being new to the team," Molly began to say.
"And you're afraid you'll lose the friends that you've just made? That they won't accept you for who you are?" Nelsee asked.
"Yeah," Molly blushed.
"Hey, if they're your friends they will accept you for you, the whole you," Nelsee said taking her hand.
"I know," Molly said.
"I can't live a secret. Been down that road too many times," Nelsee said starting to stiffen up a bit.
"No, you're right. I shouldn't be afraid. I will talk to my friends and then have you over for dinner to meet them," Molly said starting to feel anxious and confident all at once.
"Great, I can't wait," Nelsee smiled as she drew Molly in.
Braddock Manor – In the Garden
"Still out here?" Kitty asked as she walked up to Brian.
Kitty had been getting ready to sit back and read a book in her room when she glanced outside and saw Brian. He was standing in the garden staring at the statue of his late wife. Kitty sighed and then called forth her powers. She was soon phasing through the walls and down into the garden next to Brian.
"Yeah, just thinking. Twice now I have been given the impression that something lost to me may not be gone. I keep wondering if she isn't out there somewhere just waiting for me to find her," Brian said.
"Oh, Brian," Kitty said touching his shoulder.
"Don't say it, Kitty. I know the truth, just something to dream about," Brian said.
"It'll get easier with time. Until then, you have a mansion full of friends that will be there when ever you need us," Kitty said.
"I know," Brian said as he sighed.
"Hey, let's find Rachel, Kurt and the others and have a night out on the town," Kitty suggested.
"Sounds like fun. I just need a few more minutes alone and then I'll be in," Brian said as Kitty hugged him and headed back to her room.
Brian sighed and sat down next to the statue of his late wife. He really did miss her, but he felt that he would see her again someday. He just felt it.
Braddock Manor – The Study
Scott Wright, the man known as Micro Max sat at the desk typing away on his laptop. He knew he was a very outgoing guy, but why was he having so much trouble connecting with the rest of his team members? He knew that most of them had their own click so it was a little intimidating. With the addition of Shamrock he thought that he might actually have someone he could connect with. Boy was he wrong.
The thought of a romantic relationship with Molly did cross his mind but that soon went out the window. Despite that, he thought maybe the two of them being loners might still click as friends. That didn't seem to be working either. It appeared that she may have met someone and that now took up a lot of her free time. That fact that she never wanted to talk about it had pushed him away.
Sometimes he wondered whether it was such a good idea to give X-Calibur another chance. Was joining an excuse from not being alone? Maybe he just needed to reach out to someone and try harder. He glanced up from his laptop and saw Rachel walking by. Why not? Scott jumped up and called out.
"Hey there, Rachel," Scott said as he stopped at the door.
"Hi, Scott," Rachel said stopping and glancing his way.
"What're you up to?" Scott asked getting nervous.
"Nothing really," Rachel said and then began to grow faint.
"Rachel, you okay?" Scott asked as he saw Rachel go white.
Scott gasped as a force grabbed him and pushed him back. He got to his feet and looked over at Rachel. Her eyes were closed and she looked calm even thought her hair moved as if she were caught in a wind storm. Her left eye began to glow bright with a mark. Suddenly her eyes pushed open as fire poured out of them.
"Rachel?" Scoot whispered not knowing what to do.
Out of no where a fiery bird surrounded Rachel. Wind and fire poured from her as it looked like it would engulf Scott at any moment. Scott was about to move when Rachel's mouth opened and the fiery bird surrounding her spoke, "The Storm is coming."
"What kind of storm? What's coming?" Scott asked.
"Huh? What are you talking about?" Rachel asked as Scott blinked and realized everything, including Rachel was back to normal.
"You said a storm was coming," Scott began to say.
"No I didn't. Scott, you're acting kind of weird. I got to go," Rachel said as she walked away and out of sight.
"But," Scott said as he shook his head in confusion and then slumped back to his laptop as the image began to fade from his memories.
Next: Issue #10 – The Hellfires – Part One