Salem-X

Issue #27 – Return Home – Part One

Harkness Manor

"You need to calm down, Illyana," Wanda said at the pacing woman that had moments ago burst through her sanctum.

"We don't have time. If Lord Torlock finds his way here, he'll make the Demon Storm look like a blissful rain," Illyana said as Wanda glanced at the others in the room.

When they had returned back to the Manor after the run in with Grog, Wanda forced SilverFlame to be checked out in the infirmary to make sure she was okay after losing her left arm. Illyana was fine and appeared to be more upset about losing the demon than her arm. Wanda assured her she would do her best to prepare and protect everyone from Lord Torlock from entering their world. So Wanda had headed back to her sanctum when Illyana had burst in demanding immediate action.

Moments after, Shaman, VivaMuerte, Darklight, Elemento and Python had entered the room. As they came in, Wanda had instantly put on her Mistress X outfit as she saw Zafar with them. Wanda could tell they were all worried, especially Python who was desperately trying to get in the loop and brought up to speed. After losing her son she had latched on to the care of the children here as if they were her own. She had also surprised Wanda by training and really coming into her own with her powers. She was really making an effort to be a valuable part of this team.

"I'm doing all I can to find and prevent their arrival here," Mistress X said again.

"That won't be good enough. They only way to protect your world is for me to return home and take the fight directly to Lord Torlock," SilverFlame said.

"You can't do that," Shaman began to say.

"I have to. You heard Grog; my world has been taken over because me and Wade left. I have to return, not only to kill Torlock but to free my people," SilverFlame said glaring at Mistress X.

"Then I go with you," Shaman said.

"No, it's too dangerous," SilverFlame protested.

"Shaman's right. You're part of a team and you don't have to do this alone," VivaMuerte said.

"I agree, but first we have to find a way to your world. Something I've yet to discover," Wanda said feeling guilty about the false promise once made by the old Mistress X, Agatha Harkness.

"What about the children. I bet they could use their special bond to open a portal there," Darklight suggested.

"No, not the children," Python protested.

"She's right. We would need them to get you back home and that place is way too dangerous for us let alone them. They wouldn't last a minute there," SilverFlame said.

"I have an idea," Mistress X said waving her hand and an object flew into it.

"What is it?" VivaMuerte asked looking at the circular pendant with seven silver points on one side but looked as if at one time had points going all the way around but were now busted off. A mirror rested in the center of the pendant.

"It's called a Mimic Stone. I found it not too long ago. It can copy the actions of someone and repeat it at a later date costing it one silver point," Mistress X said as she rubbed where points had once been on the pendant.

"Brilliant, we have the children open a portal, use that to copy it and then we can use it later to get home without having to endanger the children," Shaman said as the others smiled in agreement.

"It is very dangerous and I wish you would all stay here," SilverFlame begged.

"No, I'm coming with you," Shaman said.

"Sorry, you will need someone with great magic," Mistress X said.

"Can't have enough magic on your side," Elemento said wanting the opportunity to fight along side Mistress X.

"You will also need healers," Darklight and VivaMuerte both added.

"I'm in too," Python chimed in.

"No, you can't. It's too dangerous and someone had to watch after the children," SilverFlame said as Wanda agreed.

"From what you've said, there are reptile based demons there and who better to go than someone who can control them. Plus, Bryce and Wanda will be here to watch the kids," Python said challenging Wanda with a smile.

"Fine, we all go but watch your backs and follow my lead," Illyana said as Mistress X confirmed the mission and called for Portal and Salem.

"No fair we want to go," Portal pleaded.

"No, and do not attempt to follow us. Do I make myself clear?" Mistress X said as the two kids gulped in agreement.

With a nod, the two concentrated and created their bond. Linking together, Salem sensed where SilverFlame's arm and home was while passing that on to Portal. Using this bond and feeling, she reached out and opened a large portal. While all this was going on, Wanda had invoked the Mimic Stone. The mirror not only reflected the two's image, but it also seemed to be watching and recording their every move. As the portal opened wide and ready for use, the Mimic Stone went dim and Wanda placed it in her pocket.

"Once this portal closes, you make sure the kids remain here and safe," Mistress X said to Bryce.

"As you wish," Bryce smiled and then glared at the children.

Illyana gulped and took in a deep breath. "Here we go, and be careful."

Illyana shifted to her demon form and stepped through the portal first. Mistress X, preparing her magic followed next. Shaman, Python, VivaMuerte, Darklight and Elemento quickly made their way into the portal. Bryce sighed with a worried look as the portal closed behind the departing members of Salem-X. With a few protests, Bryce ushered Portal and Salem out of the room and back to the other children. Bryan just hoped they would all return safely.

"Hard to believe," SilverFlame said as she once again laid eyes upon her homeland.

The area she was standing in was like a barren wasteland. No trees or grass in sight. All had clearly been burned away. In her demon form she felt fine, but she knew the heat here was intense and the temperature had to be at least a hundred and ten degrees. She was surprised, but thankful, that the area was vacant with no demons in sight. They would have plenty of chances for battle one the demons knew they were here.

"So this is where you're from?" VivaMuerte said as the rest of Salem-X finally came through the portal and it closed behind them.

"Man, could it be any hotter?" Darklight asked as he felt the sweat running down his back.

"No wonder you barely where any clothes," Mistress X said staring to feel very uncomfortable in her full attire.

"Feels good to me," Python said as her powers allowed her to cope with the heat.

"Allow me," Mistress X said as she cast a spell to modify their Hex Costumes so that they resisted the heat and kept them feeling a little cooler.

"I can help too," Elemento said as he reached out and got a breeze blowing.

"So where are all these demons at?" Darklight whispered to VivaMuerte who smirked a little.

"I don't like this. It doesn't feel right," SilverFlame said looking around.

"Well, look what we have here, fresh meat," a raspy voice said from behind them.

They all turned around to see a pudgy red demon with one eye glaring at them while it licked its lips. SilverFlame immediately took point as Mistress X readied a spell. Everyone stood there as the demon and SilverFlame looked each other up and down. Both looked like they could pounce at any moment, but remained sizing each other up first. Finally Illyana broke the silence.

"Tell me where Lord Torlock is and I promise to kill you quickly," SilverFlame said raising her sword.

"I don't think you are in a position to demand anything," the demon smiled as it snapped its claws.

Salem-X glanced around as they found themselves suddenly surrounded by dozens of slightly smaller version of the one-eyed demon. Each one had sharp teeth with drool dripping form them. Wanda swore under her breath. Why did they always end up in the same scenario? What ever the reason, she would make sure they came out with the same results, victorious and alive.

"Welcome home," Shaman teased nervously as SilverFlame glared at him.

"Eat them!" The one-eyed demon shouted as he and his hoard of demons leapt at the members of Salem-X.

--

Young Avengers

The Next Generation – Part One

A Few Months Ago

The world seemed to burn as Ultron-113 ripped through every one of her heroes. A young teenaged boy watched on the monitors in horror. He knew there was no way to stop this evil machine and its minions. Once the heroes below, the last of them actually, died, there would be no one to stop Ultron-113 from reaching Avengers Citadel and accessing the satellite that would give him complete control over the whole world's computers and technology. To the boy, it seemed so hard to believe that the world had come to this. Especially since his dad was one of the great heroes out there fighting for him and everyone in the world.

It had all started when Ultron-110 emerged and with his new Masters of Evil, slaughtered a bunch of the newer teams and had targeted the families of many of the world's better known heroes and members of the Avengers League. Even though his dad had protested, a large group of heroes, including Avengers, broke off on their own and waged war on them. The world cried out in agony as they watched the videoed trap sprung as an explosion killed Ultron-110, his Masters of Evil and every hero that had charged in.

Despite the loss of heroes, many world leaders cheered at the end of Ultron-110. The boy's dad knew that it wasn't over, not by a long shot. He was right when months later he got a call from Doctor Pym that Ultron-111 had activated on it's own in his lab and was activating and creating any and all robots within his lab. The boy's dad, Iron Lord assembled the Avengers and rushed to battle. Anthony Junior was very angry and jealous. Despite all his training, his dad refused to let him join any teams or battles.

Just as Anthony slumped in his chair, he received an instant vid-message from his best friend, Kid Vis, whose parents, Vision 2.0 and Jocasta-7 had both died in the trap by Ultron-110. Anthony held up his phone and accepted the message as the screen came to life.

"Hey, Anthony, is your dad there?" Kid Vis asked.

"No, he and the rest of the Avengers League raced off to an emergency at Dr. Pym's lab.

"You have to call him quickly. Seer Girl just had a vision and they are racing into a diversion. The real Ultron attacks Avengers Compound to go after the Quantum Bands," Kid Vis said.

"No way! I'm trying him now. Darn it I'm not getting any response," Anthony swore as he looked over to see that Ultron-111 had hit his dad with an electrical pulse that had shorted out his armor's powers, including communications.

"Dad's suit is out and according to the monitors wont reboot and repower for ten minutes," Anthony said with panic.

"Then we have no choice. Avengers Next is going to have to save the day," Kid Vis said.

"You can't, my dad and General America have forbidden you all from going into battle. Plus, your all not trained enough to face Ultron," Anthony replied.

"You're just jealous because your dad keeps you locked up in that Citadel of his. Hate to run, but we have a world to save," Kid Vis said as the screen went dark.

Anthony, who had inherited his dad's intelligence, quickly moved his fingers across the monitors. In no time he had hacked into Avengers Compound's systems and could see all that was going on there. He saw all of Avengers Next there being lead by Kid Vis and American Dream. There was no sign of trouble and he sighed with relief as he patiently waited for his dad to come back online. He glanced over to see that the adult Avengers were winning and Hulk, in all his blue glory, rip the head off Ultron-111 and smash it to smithereens. Anthony breathed with relief until the alarms at the Avengers Compound went off.

He glanced over at the monitors and traced the source of the alarm. It was coming from the storage wing. Anthony gasped as he saw an old Ultron body come to life, break out of the glass tube and etch the number 112 in its head. It immediately blasted through the walls till it reached the room Avengers Next were in. he saw his friends turn to face the robot as it smiled and attacked. His friends engaged as they did their best to hold off the new Ultron-112. Anthony moved over to the other monitor as he saw his dad was back online.

"Dad, dad, please come in!" Anthony shouted into the com system.

"Son, what is it?" Iron Lord asked.

"Ultron is attacking," Anthony said.

"No, son, we just stopped him," Iron Lord replied.

"Wrong, dad. It was a diversion. An Ultron-112 is attacking Avengers Compound and Avengers Next are battling it now," Anthony said as he heard his dad curse lead his Avengers in a mad race to the Compound.

Anthony looked back over to his friends hoping his dad would make it there in time. To his surprise they were holding their own and Ultron-112 looked almost beaten. He couldn't believe it. They were actually going to save the day. Anthony began to cheer on his friends with excitement and jealous when reality and their lack of experience kicked in. Just as American Dream was about to bring her shield down to decapitate the robot, Hawk-girl's shot went wide hitting American Dream in the arm with an arrow.

American Dream screamed as her shield came down to the side of Ultron-112. The robot took the opportunity to shove American Dream to the side and grab her shield. Ultron-112 flung the shield with great force decapitating both Seer Girl and Hawk-girl. As Anthony and the rest of the Avengers Next team gasped in shock and fright, Ultron-112 plunged its hands into the nearest consol and powered up. Anthony quickly began typing as he tried to hack into his best friend's system when his dad's voice boomed into the room.

"Son, we're almost to the Compound. How are they doing?" Iron Lord asked.

"Dad, they almost had him and now, it's," Anthony cried.

"Anthony, talk to me," Iron Lord pleaded.

"Ultron's killing them all," Anthony cried as he finally made contact with Kid Vis.

"Hold on Vis. My dad's almost there," Anthony said.

"AJ, he killed them," Vis began to say when the system went dead and Anthony jumped back from a powerful shock to his hands.

Anthony rubbed his hands as he looked over to another monitor to see Ultron-112 standing over his best friend torn to pieces. Ultron-112 then detonated himself after shooting his hand into the Quantum Band containment field. Anthony cried out as the metal pieces of Ultron shot out piercing and killing the remaining members of Avengers Next. Before Anthony could respond and just as Avengers League arrived at the Compound, the whole Avengers Compound exploded as a twenty foot tall Ultron, glowing and wearing the number 113 on its chest leapt out and headed for the Avengers Citadel bringing Anthony back to the battle at present.

The Citadel shock as he watched what was left of the heroes battle the giant Ultron-113. If his dad and the others had allowed them to work as a team and had trained them, none of his friends would be dead now and Ultron-113 would not be moments away from taking over the world. He swore at his dad when he heard a scream and a computer monitor flat line. Anthony gasped as he looked over to see Ultron-113 rip his dad in half. Without missing a beat, the giant root tossed his dad aside and charged at the Citadel.

Anthony knew it would be a matter of moments before Ultron was in here and he had to do something. Composing himself and confirming his next course of action, Anthony ran over to a different computer console and began typing as fast as he could. The building shook with force as he finally hacked into his dad's computer system. With success, he placed his hands in a slot on the console allowing a powerful charge of electricity through his body. In a matter of seconds, his dampeners and restraint were shut off and removed form his body. He was now in control of his true body.

Calling forth his inner power, he activated the nano-tech living within his cells. Instantly his skin went from flesh to metal. He looked over at his armored body the color of bronze flesh. He hated the look but no time for that now. He called on his inner power and he blasted upwards, blasting though walls till he was in the room he was looking for. Finding his father's master control room, Anthony flew over to a computer consol and placed his hands on it, allowing his fingers to merge and plug into the computer itself.

"Self-destruct in sixty seconds," a voiced boomed throughout the building as Anthony removed his fingers and stepped back.

He knew blowing up the Citadel would probably destroy all of New Manhattan with everyone in it, but it would also destroy Ultron-113 and the power source he was after. This sacrifice would save the world and that is all that mattered. Anthony leaned back against the wall as he waited for the detonation and his life to end. Just as the voice reached five he heard another voice sound off near him.

"Master Stark, this place may be at an end but it's not yet your time," the computerized voice of the Citadel said.

"Jarvis, what are you mumbling?" Anthony asked as suddenly the wall form behind him vanished.

Anthony falls backwards and onto a strange platform. Just as the Citadel detonated, a blue energy engulfed him and seemed to send him backwards. After what seemed like eternity, Anthony found himself in a strange hallway. A probe shot out at him and he stepped back.

"Identify yourself," the computer voice said and then responded, "Identity confirmed, welcome back to Avengers Mansion, Tony Stark."

"Avengers Mansion? Where am I?" Anthony said looking at his stone aged surroundings.

He made his way to the nearest computer wondering why the place was so dark and empty. He quickly sat down and plugged his hands into the console. He immediately found out he was in the year 2008. He was flabbergasted. Had he really been sent this far back in time? This was too much. He also learned that at this time the Avengers were disbanded. That explained why the mansion was deserted. As he looked at the files getting more information on his new surrounding he got a great idea.

Here was back in time with a second chance at life. Why not correct his dad's mistake and do exactly what he had been forbidden to do? He would find all the members of the next generation of Avengers and gather them together into one team and not only join them but train them. Make it so if a threat like Ultron-113 struck, they could and would survive and prevail. He would prepare the next generation, but first he had to find them. Anthony plugged in his fingers and began uploading and searching as much data as he could.

The Present

"AJ, what's up?" Teddy asked as he walked into the secret base.

"Not a lot, still doing some research. Did you make contact?" AJ asked.

"Yes, he lives up in Salem now and a member of a group called Salem-X," Teddy said plopping in a chair and propping his feet up.

"Salem-X, that's a team lead by Mistress X," AJ said as he began looking up data.

"Yeah, and I think the Avenger known as Scarlet Witch is a member too," Elijah Bradley said walking into the room sporting his new costume which consisted of a blue top with a white star on his left peck, white pants, blue boots and red gloves that matched his red eye-mask.

"He's on the same team as his mother, how interesting," AJ whispered to himself.

"What did you say?" Teddy asked.

"I asked if you could get him to join our team," AJ said quickly.

"Oh, I'm pretty sure I can get him to come here," Teddy smiled as he winked at AJ.

"Great, now it's time to add a few more members to our ranks," AJ said as Elijah rolled his eyes at Teddy.

Next: Issue #28 – Return Home – Part Two & Young Avengers: The Next Generation – Part Two