X-Calibur
Issue #24 – New Universe – Part Two
The Home of the League
"Doctor Z, contain the area," Super K Commanded as he flew towards Captain Britain.
"Already done, K. I have cast a mystical sphere around the area so none will be able to see us," Doctor Z said as she flew towards Nightmagik.
"Stand down, we don't want any trouble," Captain Britain said as he activated the suit and took flight into the air and calling on his mutant power that increased his muscular build and gave him super strength.
"Yeah, as you can see, we clearly out number you," Cat said as she was almost upon the bird-like warrior named Hawk.
"You think? You know not the power of the League," the man wearing golden bracelets and a lasso smiled as he faced Dazzleshot.
X-Calibur had been sent to a new world once again. The world they had landed in was still in the future but a completely different universe. One that seemed very peaceful and much like the Earth of 2008 that they had originally come from and not like the battle torn future they had just escaped. Before they could determine their next move, Psi-Blade ran off and Marvel Girl and Pete Wisdom chased after him. Then moments after they left, seven beings calling themselves the League arrived and demanded their surrender. Of course, instead of talking, the two teams had to hold the tradition of waging battle first. Brian sighed as he took his first swing at the man with the big K on his chest.
"Your fighting us is futile," Super K Said as he took the punch and landed one back himself.
"We didn't come here to fight. We just appeared here and are looking for a way home," Captain Britain said as he shrugged off the hit he took to his face.
"Speak for your self. I want to fight," Dazzleshot said as she sent off a series of light blasts from her fingers.
"I will enjoy putting you down," the man in the star spangled loin cloth said she he deflected every blast with his bracelets.
"I know how you feel," Cat said as she moved past the two and came up behind Hawk.
"Sorry, but on this world, canaries eat kitties," Hawk smiled as she gripped her mace in both hands.
Cat landed on her back and went to scratch her with her psionic claws. As soon as Cat's body touched Hawk's, the mace flashed sending a surge of electrical energy from the mace, through Hawk's body and into Cat. Cat screamed as the electrical voltage sent her off of Hawk and towards the ground below. Before Shadowcat could shout, Kurt was already responding. Nightcrawler teleported next to Cat, catching her and then teleporting both of them back safely to the ground. Car shook her head and tried to stand.
"You okay?" Nightcrawler asked.
"Yeah, I'll be just fine," Cat said frowning up at Hawk.
"You have great potential in you, but you are still just a child," Doctor Z said as she created a magical barrier around Nightmagik.
Curtis swore to himself. He hated not being familiar with his own powers, let alone his own body. As he struggled to find a way out of his mystical prison he began to hear whispers in his mind again. He knew it was better not to question it and to go with the flow. Listening to the words he began to recite them and call on the power within himself. Magic and light exploded from his hands as the magical barrier flew away from him and slammed into Doctor Z, pinning her to the ground in her own mystical barrier that was reinforced with purple energy. Nightmagik stared at his hands in awe.
"Didn't know you could do that," Cerise said as she smiled at her son.
"Neither did I," Curtis whispered as he stared at the woman he had imprisoned.
"We have to stop this. We're all wasting time," Super K said as he continued to trade blow for blow with Captain Britain.
"I agree. Call down your team and I'll do the same," Captain Britain said as he eyed the super man before him.
"Agreed," Super K said as both leaders quickly cooled down their teams.
"I think it's wise for us to all talk and clear the air here," Shamrock said as she continued to eye the woman with the different colored rings.
"We all have a lot to talk about but here is not the best place to do it. We don't want to disturb the civilians," Lantern said as she looked from Shamrock to Super K.
"Lantern is correct. We need to get back to base," Doctor Z said.
"We can't leave yet. Three of our team has run off somewhere," Captain Britain said.
"We don't have to wait for them," Kitty said as Cat laughed. Brian returned a look that silenced their joke.
"I will have Lantern here hunt for them and bring them back to the base. We really should get going," Super K said as Brian finally decided it was okay since Shamrock had agreed to tag along for luck.
With a nod from Super K, Doctor Z worked her magic and instantly teleported both the League and X-Calibur from the campground to the League's base. Captain Britain looked around to see that they stood in a large room with a giant circular table with a large "L" painted in the center of it. Sitting at the table was another group of people dressed up in costumes. Brian laughed. Good thing this room was large, because when you added his team in with the League, there were just too many people. With a prompt from Super K, Brian quickly introduced his team and told them of their journey here.
"Yes, you are the ones from my vision. They are special. Unlike us, their powers come from within," Doctor Z said as she eyed them all.
"Vision, what are you talking about?" Shadowcat asked.
"First, let me start from the beginning. Our world has gone through many crises until a few generations ago when the world finally settled towards peace and people wearing costumes or sporting power faded away. We were all the first generation born to a world without heroes. As we got older, crime began to rise again. People feared super villains would rise again.
"Then a few years ago, me and a large team of others went on an archeological dig in the desert. As we were digging the ground caved in and eighteen of us survived and found ourselves buried underground in a large room that looked like a museum of sorts. There was stuff from the age of heroes in there. We were all mesmerized, but that was just the beginning.
"As I searched for a way out, I found a secret passage into another room where I found a strange crystal like devise. When I walked near it, it came to life. It was an image of a man in a similar costume as mine and told me all about the age of heroes and how at the end, he and a handful of others chose to secretly hide this place and items to secure that their legacy would live on in time of need.
"As the image faded, I was told to take care of their legacies and protect the world as a section of the wall slid away to reveal eighteen treasure-like chests. I stepped over to the first box as the other seventeen came into the room and I told them what I had found. We each took a chest and once all of them were opened, the ground shook as we found ourselves free and standing in what would be our new base.
"What each of us found in the chests was an item or items that granted us each great skills or abilities. At that moment we decided to assume the legacies of the heroes of old and formed the League. In a matter of a few years we gained the support of the world and its leaders and got rid of crime and have ruled this planet, protecting it and keeping the peace," Super K said as he told his tale.
"We had nothing to fear until I had a vision that a great evil was coming and that our only salvation would be from a group of strangers that carried a power from within. Those strangers would be you all," Doctor Z added.
"With all of you, I don't see how we are needed," Captain Britain said.
"You see, our powers were granted from the chests we found where your powers are a part of you. You are the ones meant to stop this evil that approaches," Super K said as Doctor Z nodded in confirmation.
"Well, we were sent here for a reason. We will do what ever we can in hopes that it will lead us home," Captain Britain said as he shook the hand of Super K.
"Great, now let me," Super K began to say when the man in the loin cloth stepped up.
"That's enough. You've said too much. We don't need their help," the man protested.
"No, we have to tell them everything. If what I get from my vision, the key for them to win is connected to our items. So to be safe, they must know it all, including the items that give us our powers," Doctor Z said as a few of the League joined in the protest.
"That's enough. Z is right. We have to tell them to ensure our victory. I am Super K, the leader of the League. In my chest I found a rare glowing green rock that I keep hidden in the center of my belt. It gives off a strange green glow and some how grants me my enhanced strength and abilities," Super K said as he then introduced the rest of the League.
"Lantern is the one that had gone searching for your friends. She found a lantern that instantly split into eight colored rings. That is Arrow. He was given two bows and a quiver of arrows that never empties." A man in a red and green outfit and holding a bow of each color nodded as Super K quickly continued around the room.
"Speedforce was given a red and silver suit that grants her great speed. Hawk was given wings and a mace made of an unknown material that grants her flight, durability, strength and that mysterious weapon. You all are familiar with Doctor Z. She was given a golden helmet and wand that grants her great magical abilities.
"Our always pleasant and friendly warrior here is Amazon. The bracelets and lasso give him god-like powers. Next to him is Dark Prey. She was given a utility belt with various gadgets and devises along with a flash drive with a database and instructions on how to make her the best and most feared predator of the night.
"You all know Aqua. She found a trident that gives her control of the waters and marine life. Micro there found wrist bands that allow him to shrink down to the size of an atom. Steel Wind was given that silver and red armor that grants him strength and tornado-like powers. Species found a talisman that grants him the abilities of any animal.
"Gold Beetle found a gold suit and blue scarab that grants him various abilities. Geo-Storm found a headband. It makes her take on a different persona which each one grants a different power like fire, ice, earth, nuclear and lightening. Stretchy received a plastic mask that transforms his body to rubber.
"Last are Minute Girl, Van and Rayna. Minute Girl found a watch that injects her with a power for an unknown amount of time. She never knows what power she will get or how long it will last. Van and Rayna each got a matching ring. When they hit them together they are transformed. Van takes on any form that is made of fire or heat while Rayna can become any type of plant," Super K said as he finished the introductions.
"Now that we know each other, just what threat are we suppose to help stop?" Shadowcat asked.
"That, we don't know. We just know its coming and we need your help. For now we just wait, but in the meantime, let's get you all fed and made at home here," Super K said as he led the group out of the room.
Epilogue
"Where did he go?" Pete Wisdom asked as Rachel finally came to a stop to rest.
"I don't know. One minute he was ahead of us and the next he was gone," Marvel Girl said.
"Well, we need to find him," Pete said as he looked around.
"Actually, I think I can take you right to your friend," a voice said from behind them.
"Who?" Rachel asked as two blasts hit her and Pete causing them to fall to the ground unconscious.
"Hurry, take them back with the other one we just captured. I believe they have the power we need to finally unleash the might of the Society of Evil upon the world," a bald headed woman in a purple and green suit with a giant "L" in the center of her chest said as two other figures grabbed the fallen mutants and took them away.
New Avengers
S.A.F.E. – Part Two
Stark Tower – Sub-Basement
"Good news is that Gyrich was once again exaggerating and jumping the gun," Steve Rogers said as he watched Stark turn off the video monitor.
"Yeah, but the bad news is that he is being allowed to operate and form his new Avengers here in New York and has been giving very valuable and potentially harmful media coverage," Stark said as he turned to face the three men sitting in the room with him.
"Yeah, seems a lot has come up," Dane Whitman said as he glanced over at the star struck man sitting next to him.
After stumbling upon Henry Peter Gyrich and his S.A.F.E. team, Dane Whitman and Martin Leigh had run into Steve Rogers and Tony Stark. Even though to most their identities were secret but having been an Avenger and Martin being form the future knew that they were the Avengers known as Captain America and Iron Man. After making it clear they knew nothing of this Avengers Initiative and someone else was wearing versions of their costumes they had quickly left and headed to Star Towers.
Once in the hidden sub-basement of Start Towers, the four men sat and talked. After a brief catch up between the three old Avengers, Dane introduced Martin, the son of Lionheart. Stark had his doubts at first but once Cap looked into the man's eyes he knew they belonged to Kelsey's little boy Martin. Martin told him of his future home and how he ended up at Dane's home with no idea how it happened really. Cap glared at Stark as his former teammate and friend laughed at Martin stumbling through his story, obviously in awe of the man who knew his mom.
"Your mom was a good woman and proved an excellent hero in her time as an Avenger as well as her time protecting England and fighting with X-Calibur. Her sacrifice was one of Heroes," Captain America said.
"Thanks," Martin said feeling proud but still not knowing how to truly feel about his mom's death in this world.
On the ride over, Black Knight had told him all about his mom's sacrifice in the battle for Avalon. It was odd for Martin and he had to remember this was definitely an alternate past. Because his mom had never died in Avalon and had come home to him and his sister where she raised them in peace till years later when she had to take up her mantle again and then died in the battle against the Hellfire Queen. The one thing that was clear to him was that in both realities, his mom died a great hero.
"Even though Fury has assured us that neither S.H.I.E.L.D. nor the President have given full support or backing to Gyrich and are staying out of it for now, I can bet that they will watch this closely to see if this could be a positive thing and then step in," Stark said.
"If Fury says they are not funding or in approval of this, I trust him," Steve defended his oldest friend.
"I've never trusted the man," Dane voiced his opinion.
"That for now is irrelevant, for the bad news of the situation is that the Mayor of New York has given Gyrich permission to reform the Avengers and allow them to operate and protect the citizens of New York. If these pretenders prove successful then Gyrich will get full support from the Mayor in his Avengers Initiative," Stark said.
"And that is when we start to really worry. I just wish I knew who he's got working up there as the classic Avengers," Captain America said staring at the computer image on the screen of S.A.F.E. showboating to the crowd.
"I don't know about Hulk, according to Fury there hasn't been any recent sightings of Banner since he went on the run. That could be him up there but he doubts it," Stark said.
"As do I. There was too much calm and intelligence in that Hulk's eyes to be banner. If it was him, he's wanted and the Feds and Military would be all over New York City. Banner's still out there somewhere and they know it, as does Fury," Steve said knowing full well that Fury could be trusted but never fully revealed everything. Just by looking at his eyes, Fury knew where the Hulk was and it wasn't New York.
"It's obvious that Iron Man and Captain America are imposters as well," Dane said with a smirk.
"As is the Wasp and Giant-Man. Janet said that she and Hank are still in Europe and trying to work things out but they as well as others trust we'll get to the bottom of this and if we need them they'll come home," Stark said.
"The only unknown is Thor. He left long before our battle with Ultron and no one's seen him since. That could be him up there. You just never know with him," Steve said as he continued to stare at the screen.
"What do we do?" Martin asked feeling excited about working along side the great Captain America.
"Sorry, we didn't mean for you to get caught up in this. Dane, if you take him to Reed Richards he might find a way to get him home," Steve said.
"We can handle this ourselves," Stark added.
"Actually, I wouldn't mind helping you. This is important and I can always find a way home later," Martin said knowing that he wasn't sure if he even wanted to go home. There wasn't anyone there for him to return to and he had no idea if the one person he loved was even still alive. For now, he felt like this is where he might belong.
"I don't know," Captain began to say.
"Sir, it would be an honor help," Martin said.
"What about you, Dane?" Cap asked looking over at former Avenger.
"Where he goes I go," Dane said not knowing why he was starting to feel a fatherly responsibility for the man from the future.
"You know, this could work. We've been talking for sometime about reforming the Avengers. This could be the start that we need," Stark said as his mind began to work.
"We can't officially form the Avengers and go public with an Avengers group already existing," Cap said.
"For now, it could be a team of Secret Avengers. We can form a small team and go out in the field while spying and keeping an eye on S.A.F.E. and Gyrich's Avengers Initiative," Martin said as he found himself in familiar territory.
"I don't know," Dane began to say.
"I think the kid may be on to something. It just might work," Cap said with a grin.
"I agree, but we can't go out as ourselves. Not if our identities are already taken," Stark said looking at Steve.
"Yeah, they'll think we're the imposters and we don't want a war of identities yet. We'll have to come up with something," Steve said.
"I have a few ideas. We'll also have to assemble a team and figure out who to recruit," Stark said as he began typing away at the computer.
"I think we should look over the Anvers Roster, but I have same ideas of who I want on the team," Cap said as he joined Stark at the computer screen.
"What do we call ourselves? We can't publically call ourselves the Secret Avengers or the New Avengers," Dane said wondering what he was getting himself into.
"What about Champions or Force Works?" Stark suggested.
"No, I don't think we want to use something that's already been used," Captain America responded.
"What about Defenders of Justice or the Defenders of America or something like that?" Martin asked and then turned away blushing.
"No, I think you're on to something. We're the Secret Avengers but we can go publicly by the American Defenders," Cap said with a smile.
"Oh, how cheesy is this," Dane mumbled to himself.
"Cheesy or not, it will work and stay on peoples tongues in a positive light," Stark said in agreement.
"Well, let's get to work. We have a team rebuild and a country to protect," Cap said with great enthusiasm.
Dane rolled his eyes with a chuckle as he joined his three new team members as the Secret Avengers were born.
Next: Issue #25 – New Universe – Part Three & New Avengers: S.A.F.E. – Part Three