Mutants in Gunsmoke
Chapter 1: Exodus
By claudius
I do not own the copyrights to any of these characters. "Tenchi Muyo" (created by Maskai Kajishima and Yosuke Kuroda) owned by AIC. "Trigun" (created by Yasuhiro Nightow) owned by Yasuhiro Nightow/ Shonen Gahosha/ Tokuma Shoten/JVC. "The New Mutants" (created by Chris Claremont and Bob McLeod), Psylocke (created by Alan Moore and Alan Davis), Luna (by John Byrne) and Magneto (created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby) are owned by Marvel Comics.
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Being a fan of anime (which inspired my writing the Tenchi/New Mutants fanfiction X-over THE PRINCE AND THE SORCERESS), I thought of adding more crossovers of the New Mutants and other anime stories (it helps when you have a dimensional teleporter in the team).
However, my need to present these X-Overs before my interest waned surpassed the patience in eventually processing stories in a chronological order, which would take a long time. So I thought of doing this: Since these X-Overs were broken up into different storylines attached to one running theme, I thought of releasing the chapters of several stories simultaneously (only the concluding storylines will be postponed for a certain chronological order and time).
My design is a series of different individual stories. This would begin with one introduction storyline, leading to three related stories that will all eventually lead to a climatic storyline, and finally a falling action. Story A (which I have finished) is the introductory storyline that will present the major assortment of characters. Their adventures would be continued in Story B, and following that, Story C. Story BC will be a subplot to these two stories, with different characters and story revelations that will prove important afterwards. Both casts will finally be brought together in a climatic storyline, Story D, followed by a conclusion (Story E). The story you are reading is Story B, which has been released simultaneously with Story C. New chapters will follow each.
This is a map to help ease the confusion you readers might be thinking:
Tenchi the New Mutant (Chapters 1-5: Story A)
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/-------------------------------------------------------\
Mutants in Gunsmoke (Story B) Rescue from Limbo (Story BC)
The Kakarrotto Saga (Story C)
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Twilight (Story D)
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Tenchi the New Mutant (Chapters 6-etc.: Story E)
I know this experiment would wreck the surprise and mystery for readers. After all, reading story C would predict what might happen in story B. However, I hope not to give too much away. Besides, the reader would have already guessed by reading Story A that I mean to be faithful to the canons the X-Overs were based from. No matter how bad the situation the characters are in, they will have to fulfill their destinies. For the reader, the surprise will be in how they survive.
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I've come to the point of my story where it might be confusing for those unfamiliar of New Mutants lore (and my own) to understand the constant dual naming. Here is a list of the New Mutants with their code-names:
Dani Moonstar (Mirage) Amara Aquilla (Magma)
Sam Guthrie (Cannonball) Illyana Rasputin (Magik)
Xian/Shan Coy Manh (Karma) Doug Ramsey (Cypher)
Roberto DaCosta (Sunspot) Tenchi Masaki (Light-Ken)
Rahne Sinclair (Wolfsbane)
Also Betsy Braddock (Psylocke)
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Ryoko dropped her chopsticks. Ayeka and Sasami did as well. This action was as unusual as it was unpredictable. A moment before, they were trying hard to live with their days without Tenchi, going through their usual business of catfights, explosions, insults, doing chores, skipping chores.
Then something snapped. The sense was overwhelming and deep. It was as if something had vanished from their lives.
The three girls looked at each other with revelation. In simultaneous voices, they yelled out "Tenchi!"
No one knew why the boy could be associated with this discomfort. They just felt it. Something wrong had happened to Tenchi!
And there was only one person who knew for sure.
The three girls jumped up from their table, upsetting the whole furniture. They headed for what looked like a simple wall under the staircase. Suddenly, a door materialized. Its opening revealed the figure of Washu. Unlike the others, she gave out an expression of coolness.
"Little Washu!" cried Ayeka. "Something has happened-"
Washu interrupted this decree with a predictive "I know. Tenchi has ceased to exist in this dimension."
This garnered a gasp from all those present. How could Tenchi cease to exist? They had seen him yesterday through transmission, a link disrupted thanks to Mihoshi.
But that is what Washu had said. With her diminutive height, she explained that she had been keeping track of Tenchi since he left. Oh, it was invasion of privacy, but Washu was not the person to respect such details. A few moments ago, her machines readouts picked up a surge of inter-dimensional energy that silenced all detection of Tenchi.
"Inter-dimensional energy?" questioned Sasami.
"Correct. I've been picking up appearances of such an upsurge in the United
States. Because he was presently staying at the School for Gifted Youngsters in New York, I presumed only one person in that vicinity capable of such harnessing."
"Illyana," Ryoko spoke that name coldly. Whatever the time span, that girl still made a bother to her heart. "And since Tenchi is no longer on Earth, I can guess where he might be."
"Limbo." Washu concluded.
Ayeka couldn't believe it. Illyana had made it clear that she had given up on her love. She wouldn't do something immoral with her Tenchi. On the other hand, she was a demon sorceress…
"Little Washu," asked Ayeka with a need for confirmation. "Are you sure Limbo might be the place?"
Washu looked away in thought. "I am not fully certain. The region appears to be closed off from even my power."
"What do you mean, your power?" shouted Ryoko.
Washu was definitely not happy with that. She gave a shrug to Ryoko. "Well, daughter, with that lack of faith in my abilities, then I guess I'll have to find Tenchi on my own."
Ryoko gritted her teeth. However, she knew that her…mother was integral in finding Tenchi. She stomached her pride. With eyes closed shut in an attempt to suppress the utter indignity, she told Washu, "I'm in need of your power." She spoke this line in a hurried fashion, implying a lack of conviction.
"What did you say?!" declared the scientist.
Ryoko repeated it slowly, with gritted teeth. "I'm in need of…your power."
"Whose power?" asked Washu.
"Your power," Ryoko said with gritted teeth, slow pace, and growling sounds.
The little scientist smiled. "Then follow me." *
===
The deserted plains of the land racked its domain with its hot and desolate mark. Very little could hope to survive in these regions, but much did. However, in this part of the desert, no life was around...
Except for nine kids, an alien, a baby, and an Asgardian horse.
The shuddering wave that brought them here was a large portal. It opened over a canyon. Without a doubt, that was a very dangerous spot to be, especially in mid-air. It was with good fortune that Warlock was holding everyone in his/its grasps, giving some security to safety. It was also within the techno-organic alien's skill to grow a long mushroom-shaped dome that caught all the air it fell over, proving the perfect parachute for his/its cargo, held on tentacles lined around its edges.
In everyone's mind, it was a close call. For Mirage, this was felt even more so. It looked as if Magik's teleportation powers blew it again. They were not on any building at this trip's end. Now they were in some sort of desert.
Mirage had to get a closer look, and it could not be done at this hanging position. Brightwind was next to her, breaking his own chain with Warlock to float independently. It was with advantage that the horse was now flying close to her direction.
"Warlock, lemme go!" she yelled, grabbing the line tightly.
A tumor-like bump inflated itself from the tentacle that wrapped around her body. This tumor took on the facial characteristics of her friend. "QUERY: Danichieffriend- GRANTING- danger- IN- choice?"
"It's okay, 'Locke. Just let me get on Brightwind."
With a hollow moan, the alien's firm grip around Dani lost its strength. This transferred the dependability of her safety to her very grip. The girl shot out her legs to force a swing. A repeat increased this vibration. She swung back, she swung forward. The final part of this made her let go of the line, throwing her straight to Brightwind. She made it, though she now realized this success was made not entirely on her own abilities, but by her horse's maneuverability.
Now feeling a sense of security with her steed, Mirage rode Brightwind around the Warlockian parachute. Gliding along the winds gave the rider a view to spot all who were with her. There was Roberto, holding on with no look of fear. His opposite, Sam, was frantically grasping his lifeline. Beside him, Dani saw Amara strongly embrace her line, looking out with bedazzlement.
Next was Doug, holding a mixture of wariness and excitement to the environment below him. Then there was the cause of all this, Illyana leaning onto her lifeline as if it were a swing. Tenchi was slightly out of it, his eyes looping (with good reason, Dani defended in this critique). Shan was next, looking out disapprovingly. It appeared that Dani's best friend Wolfsbane was the last passenger of this circus. That would prove futile due to the rapport they shared. It was confirmed when the wolf-girl revealed a baby in her arms. Dani's emotions screamed with shock on the child's safety. Not even Warlock's own line, or Wolfsbane's strength on the babe could minimize that fear of danger. To make matters worse, there was nowhere a detection of Magneto or Betsy. Such concern about their absence was rightly present within Dani's mind. Without the teach, the team, and the baby, had to be her responsibility.
===
The edge of the canyon proved the capable landing spot. Dani and Brightwind touched the barren floor with plenty of platform. Warlock, however, swerved dangerously at the edge. The Techno-being solved this problem by causing the middle of his/its parachute dome to lunge out a long stem that grafted tightly to the ground. Those above the stem were slowly lowered upon the ledge safely below them. The dome then made a rotation. Like a merry-go-round, Warlock pulled the kids dangling from the bottom to leveled ground, and released them. Luckily, Wolfsbane was one of the first. She got down with safe landing. Then, in a state of embarrassment, she handed Luna to Shan, transforming afterwards.
The Mutants took the moment to rest. Some stood up, surveying the place, while others sat on the ground. Of the latter, only one was lying on his back.
"Where did you take us?" Amara asked Illyana.
"Beats me," Illyana said, the quiver of her eyes showing the sad case of her truth. "Something happened while we ported. We were taken off course."
Warlock gave his/its defense. "DESTINATION- coordinates- SHIFTED- from- INTENDED- pinpoint."
"So we could be in another time?" Dani recognized the possible consequence of this mistake.
"An' space as well, ah bet," the resting Sam said, looking uneasily at the sky.
"What makes you say that?" breathed Tenchi, kneeling with his hands and feet.
Sam raised his hand into the air. "The fact o' that!"
Those who saw Sam making his direction followed him by looking up. Those who were standing suddenly stilled and almost fell to their knees. Those sitting down fell flat on the ground when they saw two suns floating in the sky above them.
All eyes went straight for Illyana. Her defense? "Looks like we did go through space and time."
"Looks like it?" shouted Doug to the obvious point.
"Where did ye bring us t'?" Rahne screamed, hair starting to sprout from her face.
"How should I know?" Illyana bellowed forward. "I thought we were going to Limbo. Some barrier happened, throwing us off course."
"Can't y' get us back?" asked Sam.
With a leader's experience and analysis, Dani thought otherwise. "I don't think she can right now."
Everyone looked at Dani, shocked at that answer. To their dismay, Illyana said it was true. "I've used up whatever energy I have."
"D' ya know when y' can recharge?" asked Sam, hope and question marking his face.
"The last time this happened," Illyana gave her answer, "It took a day."
Some gasps and groans came around her ears.
Roberto responded in character. He changed into his black form of Sunspot. "How could you do this to us!" he roared as his foot rammed the ground. A giant quake shook everyone due to this assault. Luna's crying topped the scene. Shan held the child with care, reproaching Roberto for such idiocy. It was idiocy, as no doubt shown when the cliff they were standing on was breaking off into the canyon below!
Illyana, closest to the edge, rolled along with it. No teleportation to save her this time. She was about to fall off when Tenchi grabbed her hand. "Hold on!" the boy commanded, using his Tenchi-Ken as a grappling hook. Cannonball grabbed Shan and Luna and rocketed off the ground.
As before, Warlock thought fast. He/it once again threw a large number of arms, grabbing everyone on the descending ground, pulling them to the safety of the stone floor nearby.
Once that was over, all looked at Roberto for the next blame. "How was I supposed to know the suns would increase my powers?" he defended himself, but he understood: the Professor- the original Professor Xavier- had warned him too well about the possibility an uncontrolled power like his could create.
Still, it did little to minimize the blame directed on Illyana. She didn't like her position one bit. "Hey, it's not like I wanted to put us here."
"But you did put us here!" Doug frantically cried, grabbing the girl's arm. "Can you at least tell us where Betsy went?"
"If I knew where they went," Illyana angrily shrugged, "why'd you think I'm wondering where we are?" Her face grew ready to give out rue. "An' if you…EVER…speak to me like that-"
"All right!" screamed Tenchi, trying to stop a possible mess. With an angry tone he expressed that what's done is done, and that maybe we should be grateful we're all in one piece.
It was a noble effort, burdened by Luna's crying. She screamed her gibberish of mama, mama. Shan just cooed at the little child. Sam attempted his help. Once he cradled the babe in his arms, he attempted his own skills, which managed to calm the infant.
"You have a magic touch, mon ami" smiled Shan.
"When y'r the eldest 'n a large family, y' gotta learn these things."
===
In the next half-hour, a large ship hovered through the dusty roads. It was a blackish-gold vehicle covered with veins of circuitry. It looked like a sea vessel, except for the environment it traveled on. This machine was based on designs from Doug that the craft should resemble one of those sand-ships from Return of the Jedi. Tenchi liked the method. It wasn't like being in Ryo-ohki, but Warlock wasn't Ryo-ohki. Following this craft of ground, Mirage rode the winds with Brightwind.
The grounded travelers tried to keep morale well despite the cruel surroundings around them. Some decided to sleep. Others just looked around for any sign of life. With depressing ease, they found nothing but desert. Even more striking was the fact of where this desert was. From the suns above, they knew it wasn't Earth, or maybe not in an Earth of their time. They had no clue if there was any life on this planet.
Sam and Dani, sharing their teammates' thoughts, hoped that fear was unsubstantial. The situation was dire on all. They had no food and no money (if that was possible in a place like this). For nine young people, this would be bad enough, but the fact was worsened by their new accomplice- a baby that needed more care and contentment than any of them presently deserved. The New Mutants all knew that the baby had to come first. They would protect the child, not so much for the sake of the child's grandfather, but for the granddaughter's.
Steps on how to treat this problem were temporary, and not central to the solution. Right now, Luna was asleep under the tender arms of Shan, but it would be a matter of time before the little infant will cry for food that no one can give her. That eventuality wasn't something Dani hoped to see. The team really depended on her now. She pushed herself into a position where no slip-ups could be tolerated this time.
Thus she had to organize things to the best position in order for some hope to result. In this desert from Earth (or somewhere), some life must be found. On the Warlockian sand-ship was an antennae rod that was supposed to sensor for any lifeglows in the region. With fortunate luck, some signals were being pointed out on the direction.
===
With arms leaning on the rail sides of the ship, Tenchi sat next to Illyana. He saw the girl looking quite depressed, looking out at nowhere. He didn't like that. "C'mon Illyana, you'll get your powers back, and we can all get out of here."
"An' what makes you think we'll get back home?" Illyana spoke back. "We could be traveling through time forever." She winced at treating Tenchi that way; she had accepted being social with him (though she wished- but definitely did not want- to have something more). However, she knew it was her fault the team was here. Since everyone was pointing fingers at her (with good reason), alienation was her only consolation.
"But your powers worked before, when you took us to Shan's apartment, and my dad's hotel," Tenchi found good evidence to turn her beliefs down, "This can't be some fluke."
Illyana, who gazed at the outside, turned her eyes at Tenchi's proposition. "It can't?"
A moment's peace seemed to fall on their association. It ended with Tenchi's hesitance of an answer. He had the experience of knowing about Illyana's constant unpredictable time-slips. However, he couldn't bring himself to actually accuse her on this. In fact, he found little to really blame her on this matter. He suddenly felt awkward at this intimacy. He just stuttered on what to say next- his mouth unclear to what was ahead.
As a result, it ruined Illyana's attention to be convinced. Her face restored to a grim emotion. "Save the dewy-eyed patronizing!" she said, throwing her face back into the desert.
Tenchi went silent, feeling like he just blew that one. Since all he could see was the back of Illyana's hair, he failed to see her smile at his kindness.
Due to this enforced ignorance, the boy decided to consider his own problems for a change. The boy wondered if it was worth a laugh. What mad designs of fate had taken this shrine priest's grandson into this situation? About the same creators who stuck him with aliens from outer space, with the knowledge that he was descended from an interplanetary Empire based on the planet Jurai. Also to fate's credit was his association with a School for Gifted Youngsters, actually a place for mutants. These were people born with special powers, an establishment Tenchi could identify himself as being part of. He had met a group of adolescents called the New Mutants, even gaining membership into their ranks with the pseudonym 'Light-Ken.' He knew what he was getting into, and an evening in a place called Murderworld proved that. The end of that battle signaled the beginning of this adventure.
Trying to relax, Tenchi nevertheless knew he was in a tight spot. But his concerns were not on himself. It was a good thing the girls didn't know about his situation. Ryoko, Ayeka, Sasami, Mihoshi, and Washu would be worried sick. Wish his dad were in the same position of blissful ignorance. It was probable that his father was already considering that something terrible must have happened to his son (which was true). That would also lead to his family finding out his absence, making them worry also. Of course, that might be a good thing in Tenchi's realization. Washu's knowledge might give her a way to locate them all and bring them back home.
===
Since they were in an atmosphere with two suns, it was with all likelihood that the Mutants' trip was heated- physically. Despite Warlock's shaded masts, the mutants were bored and burned by the sun. They all felt the heat. Even Amara, who could spark into an extremely heated form, felt the temperature badly. Likewise, Roberto felt thirst even despite his strengthened stamina.
Wolfsbane suffered the most. It was up to her to play informational go-between to the chief in the air while she was on the ground. That meant using the mental rapport they shared, which meant triggering it by taking on wolf-form, which finally meant that she was sweating under all this fur! Her only comfort was the youngest passenger of this journey. Magneto's granddaughter was so adorable, the wolf-girl thought. She wanted to hold the child in her arms. Her decisions, however, restrained her from doing something so sensitive. She had to be a strong person, with all feelings suppressed. It was hard work, but she had to do it. One method Rahne found to accept this position was to find an alternative role that would mutually work her conflicts of softness and strength. If she couldn't be a mother-figure to Luna, she could at least be a protector.
"How is Luna?" she asked with a growl.
"She is doing all right," Shan made her criteria, "considering the circumstances." The Vietnamese envied the babe's temporary safety. It differed with her own problems. She was lost in who-knows-where, with little hope of returning home. What ease did that promise for her brother and sister? They must be worried sick. Shan hated that she was constantly disappointing them with acts that bordered on abandonment. At least the baby eased her problems somewhat.
The others took note to Luna as well. They knew Magneto was a grandfather, but none of his children ever visited the school with their kids. Tenchi was interested as well; he asked if this baby girl might be a mutant someday.
"I don't believe so," Shan explained. "I've heard that the juvenile is really human."
"I heard the genes of both her parents canceled each other out," analyzed the shade-spectacled Doug.
"I've seen a picture of her mother at his office," asked Amara, fingering the child's smooth face. "If we had not left to your rescue, we might have met her."
"I don't know," Doug moaned somberly. He was acting uncharacteristic. Here he was in this desert in another world. The very nature of it spelled adventure for him, but he found himself less interested in it. Like Shan, he had personal matters. "I wonder where the rugrat's Grampa is…and Betsy. 'Locke?"
"NEGATIVE," said the sand-ship. "No- RECOGNIZABLE- lifeglows- REGISTERING- in- SELF'S- search."
"An' Dani's na' found a trace from her Mini-Cerebro." Wolfsbane gave her own thoughts. Tenchi found it weird talking to a werewolf. On the other hand, he was talking with the sand ship, so what else is new?
"Are we so sure they're in the same place as us?" Roberto gave a realistic answer.
Thanks for the optimism 'Berto, thought Doug. He knew the guy would probably tear him to pieces if he said that, but it didn't bother him. Doug took off his shades and looked at them. The unique importance of these shades filled the boy with concern. Why can't he do something? Wished his powers could be used for something helpful, like finding Betsy.
At any rate, Sam saw the dour atmosphere around his friends and tried to lift their spirits. "F'r all we know, the Prof. and Betsy are pr'bably lookin' for us on this planet."
===
The heat was unbearable to all. The group inside the ship leaned and sat, looking up at the strong suns. Suddenly, their rejected choice of walking home in the pouring rain didn't seem insane anymore. They needed some water, or something cold right now.
As if there was a genie for them, the wish was granted. Water came falling on all. Convinced of its feeling, the Mutants reveled in the coolness they felt.
Unfortunately, such a period was brief. Looking around, they saw that none of the desert was affected. The team (including a stunned Tenchi) realized that it was all an illusion, pulled by Dani to lift their spirits. The realization grew their invulnerability from the 'rain.' No resentment was made. Instead, they wished they could imagine the rain a little longer.
===
The Mutants' misery contrasted with the fun of others. In this case, it was two riders galloping along the horizon. The animals they boarded ran with two legs, their heads sticking out like a large anteater.
One of the riders was a girl of twelve. Despite her feminine nature, she dressed masculine in a shirt, vest, jeans, and boots. She was the faster one, laughing in gasps. Her opponent followed in pursuit, but in a slower pace. He was of a duller color than the first. His gray shirt and brown pants baggily covered him. The only color was his wavy blond locks that fluttered in the wind. If it were not for the shades in his eyes, one could see a rather handsome face.
"No fair Lina!"
"Ah, you're such a spoilsport, Ericks! Didn't you ever have any excitement in your life?"
Lina realized that was in poor taste. From what she knew, the man named Ericks might have had a tough and cruel life. The fact that she found him bedraggled like a derelict a while ago was proof of that. She hoped that whatever hard experience that preceded her meeting him was over.
This optimism was definitely shared by Ericks. The dark, violent memories of his past contrasted greatly with the light, peaceful times he was having with Lina and her grandmother. Although he missed certain acquaintances, he was fully set that those friends were better off. He was never going back to that lifetime. Never.
"Spoilsport, huh?" Ericks gleefully smiled at his friend's remarks. With a jolt from his stirrups, the man galloped faster on his Thomas. To Lina's complaint, he soon outraced her. To add salt to the wounds, Ericks pulled a face of pure smug onto Lina, who gritted her teeth in anger.
"Look at the bright side Lina!" Ericks mockingly laughed. "We'll get to your friend's city at this rate!"
Now that his distance was greater from his friend, Ericks decided to halt his animal, lest he lose sight of his friend. Sure enough, Lina came closer within a few minutes.
"What took you so long?" Ericks smugly remarked.
Lina just ignorantly gave her friend the cold shoulder. Her ears were the only things paying attention. A loud noise put them into use.
Ericks, Lina, and both Thomases looked around for the cause. It was Ericks who spotted it. From the hills, a large number of cars erupted outward. The two friends knew there was going to a trouble.
===
The Warlockian sand-ship stopped for a moment. Some…relieving had to be done (In one case, Tenchi had to sacrifice his white dress shirt to provide Luna's diaper), Amara felt vibrations while standing on the ground. Knowing its possible ramifications, she told this feeling to her comrades.
"Are you sure it's not some earthquake?" Roberto asked for clear truth.
"I do not ken a destructive force like that in my knowledge." Amara provided. "Rather, it feels like a soft rumbling on the above ground."
"That's better than nothing!" Doug gleefully took the news with optimism. He ran to Warlock. "Do you think you can give us a telescope?"
Warlock manipulated into a giant telescope, with the techno-being's head on top of it. The rest of the mutants moved to this new creation, though Doug was using it first.
"What d' ya see?" anxiously asked Sam.
"Wait a sec!" cried Doug at the impatience, "I hafta find where the vibrations are!"
Amara pointed her direction, causing Doug and Warlock to move to her opinion's way.
"Well?" asked Tenchi.
Doug's spunky words said it all. "We just hit pay dirt!"
===
"Ride!" screamed Ericks in full seriousness, surprising Lina with its abruptness in mood change. Both high-tailed in the opposite direction. Unfortunately, the approaching vehicles were clearly in a quicker rate than the two escapees. The degree of tension was further accentuated by the laughter the oncoming riders made. Soon they blocked Ericks and Lina from the path of escape.
"This way!" cried Ericks to a possible route. Unfortunately, that path too was blocked. Like ants, they surrounded the two friends.
The impact of stopping and turning and stopping threw Lina off her Thomas. Without hesitation, Ericks jumped off his animal to be at her side. With the protection of a brother, he leaned over her. Watching with the eyes of an animal guarding his young, Ericks glared as the pursuers stopped their vehicles. The now-on-foot riders walked in a surrounding ring around the pair. They showed a truly menacing figure with their weaponry and faces full of masochistic intent. Such were the Demon Reign, a group of the most bloodthirsty packs of the world, a force to be reckoned with. Their red uniforms were their recognition, as was the devil tattoos held on the exposed end of their shoulders
Ericks thought about some options. All were based on escape. None was on retaliation. He just couldn't.
The outlaws walked menacingly closer to this pair. Every turn Ericks made showed a snarling beast of the human variety. A part of this circle opened to unleash a large car, coming slowly closer like a giant beast. On its top was a man on a throne: Their leader. When the car stopped, the people inside of it made every respect in helping their leader down. All kneeled down in support of this one.
With a disturbed face, this warrior smiled at Ericks. The goons with him showed faces of immoral interest.
"Looks like we're gonna have some fun!" the leader smiled. The surrounding faces moved around and cackled like demons huddling near the worst of them.
Although Lina successfully attempted a calm face despite her fears, Ericks showed no apprehension to hide. The leader, named Mephisto, pointed his gun in front of the blond's face. The barrel at his forehead, Ericks did not shirk. He faced them with resolve. His glaring green eyes, covered by the shades, went unnoticed by all.
Mephisto made a smile, pulling the gun back. He would grant this boy hope, than strip that his optimism by repeating the gesture…and a bullet.
But that plan stopped when the ground started shaking. Giant stalagmites of rock rose from the ground, uprooting cars and men alike. All the men gave different replies to this, such as "What is it?", "Sandworms?", and "Get away!" Only Mephisto stayed at his position, cool and unnerved. "Shoot any coward who runs away!"
The chances of restoration were nil when the ground exploded. As if it was the gate to Hell itself, colorful devils and demons came out of the large hole. One was a gigantic creature covered in black and gold. Its arms stretched over many without any limit of distance. Another, bearing the body of both animal and man, scampered up, clawing men left and right at lightning speed. A third demon rose up atop an ever-growing mountain. This person, perched soundly on her pedestal, was covered in fire and smoke.
Most of the gang started to run. Their leader cried with anger. "They are nothing compared to us!" Those who heard this gained heart and fired several shot at the fiery person. To their horror, she only laughed.
"Fools!" this demon cried devilishly. "Your metal bees are nothing to my hot flesh!" Flames sprayed through her hands, throwing some men into retreat. None of them paid enough attention to see the flames head to open positions away from any human attackers. Several die-hards came charging to this mountain, bearing knives and swords. Before them, a boy jumped into the air. He bore a sword of fire. With unnatural speed, the boy zoomed through the barrage of assailants, his blade breaking every weapon, with no harm to itself or to its wielder.
Some outlaws got on their vehicles, moving them against the onslaught. It was hoped this increase in strength would turn the tide. One group boarded their car, only to see and hear the vehicle loudly moving without activation. The drivers looked to the booming sound behind them. They saw a boy with legs bursting with fire, pushing the vehicle like a rocket.
Shaking with low courage, one passenger fired point-blank at the demon's head. The smoke's passing showed the demon's invulnerable smile. The realization of failure forced those aboard to jump out of the car. It was with good luck, for the vehicle soon hit a rut and flipped over; the flying demon continued in the sky.
One free car ran to another demon, a dark-skinned boy. To their perspective, they saw the boy turn darker in color. Nothing was seen within him, except for the glow in his eyes. The moment their car hit him, the demon grabbed the front fender. With great strength, he lifted the vehicle, passengers and all, and threw it away like a mere toy.
Ericks was amazed and shocked at this weird battle. With ease, these creatures were taking down an army greater than him. He thought only himself could do that, as well as someone else. At first repulsed by the violence, he soon came to the realization that death was not present. No one was being harmed fatally. Holding Lina in his arms, Ericks was protective in keeping her from harm. Unfortunately, the way this mess was going, an accidental hit might be eventual.
He then listened to a voice crying "Hey!" Seeking a source, Ericks saw a girl on a weird animal. It was riding toward them.
"Quick! Get on!" cried the girl, offering her hand. Ericks knew what to do. With Lina in one arm, the man swiftly jumped onto the charging animal in what was perhaps the most miraculous and impossible of contacts. He grabbed the rider's hand, pulling himself and his friend onto the animal.
"Now hold on!" cried the girl. In that instant, large wings sprouted from both sides of the animal. The animal started galloping faster than a Thomas. At a certain momentum, the creature jumped into the air, going straight up into the sky! Lina felt her stomach turn at this moment of intense excitement. Even though Ericks held on with strength, this unexpected jump into the air almost caused him to fall off. He made a cowardly scream, hiding the exhilaration he actually felt.
By now, much of the order that held the outlaw group together was breaking into pieces. Most of the strongest members were now having their resolve undone by the abilities of these monsters. Those that were left were convinced to find some weak spot. Their answers appeared answered when they saw a blonde girl standing near the scene. Having not seen her before, thoughts were made that she was part of this coven. A hostage was now seen in her. Several outlaws charged toward the girl, who only smiled at the present danger.
"Want to fight me!" she cried. As the goons heard this sentence said like a jest, they were shocked to see the girl transform. Her eyes turned red and evil. Part of her body flashed with shining armor. In her arm she brandished a silver weapon. This posed to the Demon Reign an instant question what the weapon could be: A sword...or a gun?
This latter opinion was the last straw for many. Their minds put together what a silver gun and blond hair could mean.
"Run!" cried one terrified member. "It's Vash the Stampede!" cried another.
On the whole, it was that name which threw everyone into a scatter. Even the leader himself was overcome with shock and terror. In one battle, the Demon Reign broke up permanently into a scattering group of frightened men.
===
As the scene got more deserted, the demons got together with celebration.
"Break out the champagne!" cried Illyana, back to her normal self.
Warlock and Doug separated and made a joyous "We did it!" dance.
Only Amara and Tenchi were mellow in this victory. Shan also was in this state of mind, walking out of the tunnel where she hid with the crying Luna in her arms. "I need a life!" She remarked.
The mutants saw Brightwind land with Dani and her rescued cargo. Doug saw this as a time for to ask Warlock to shrink and hide in his belt. Ericks and Lina were surprised to see normal kids standing before them, not the demons that attacked the outlaws.
"Are you okay?" asked Doug.
Lina got off Brightwind first, replying with a dazzled "Yes." With a look at Sam, she gasped. When Ericks got down the flying animal, his loss of balance threw him to the ground. Being on the air was an experience he was not ready for. His head to the sand, he felt someone help him up with a question of, "Are ya alright?"
Ericks got up to thank this person. His view of him caused a recognition that brought forth unrestrained emotions.
"Knives!" he shouted with anger, socking Sam in the face. The boy fell, causing Rahne and Tenchi to come to his aid. Ericks' glasses were also grounded. This lack gave to all who faced him a look at his exposed face. The Mutants cooperated with Lina's shock at the knowledge:
Ericks looked just like Sam!
Roberto, meanwhile, did not notice this as yet. He was busy grabbing Ericks' arms from behind. "Swine! How dare you hurt my friend!" His excitement transformed him into Sunspot. Unable to control his massively sun-enhanced strength, the mutant felt something break. To his horror, he was now holding a disembodied limb, with wires protruding from it!
A couple of screams were made. Rahne covered her mouth.
"Blessed Madonna!" cried Sunspot with deep regret. He knew this moment would arrive. All his training had come to naught. He could only kneel in normal form, wishing forgiveness. "I'm so sorry!" His apology halted once he too saw the man's face.
Ericks grabbed his broken limb. His face dramatic, he unrolled his sleeve, revealing a robotic stump on his arm.
This added to the shocking allure. Shan and Roberto clenched their teeth in surprise. Tenchi and Doug also did this, with the bonus of an "EEEEEEEEE" sound.
"Its just an artificial limb," the sad Ericks revealed. Suddenly, the hand started to move (this was followed by more squirms from the gang). "It still works, but now I have to get a welder to put it back together."
"No...problem," Doug answered with revulsion. This was definitely weird.
Ericks then looked at Sam, displaying a little apprehension in his earlier actions. "I-I'm sorry."
"Don't be," Sam smiled despite the bruise on his face. "Ya thought ah had a weapon. It's alright." His gleeful expression did not calm Ericks; in fact, it frightened him even more.
"And don't worry about your...arm," Doug replied. "Magma can fix it."
"I don't know..." whispered a reluctant Amara.
"Sure you can, Amara!" pressed Illyana. "All you have to do is touch the cracks in your Magma form and weld it together."
"I'd agree, Amara," said Tenchi. "It seems pretty easy."
"If I must," breathed Amara with acceptance. As she walked over to him, Ericks made a concerned plea.
"Eh, you're sure you know what you're doing?"
"Don't worry," Illyana promised. "Amara will be well protected."
"Just what I'm afraid of," Ericks winced. Using his real hand, the guy positioned his broken limb at the elbow. Fortunately the elbow-axle was intact.
"Just ignore her and hold your arm in the right position," was Amara's reply. In a flash, she changed into Magma. This startling appearance astounded both Ericks and Lina. With a blazing finger, Magma stroked it upon the metal cracks, melting them to a sealing.
While this happened, questions were raised on whether this place was Earth. Ericks' ear caught that remark with shocking interest (which was not ignored by the group).
Lina frankly gave the truth. "This isn't Earth! This is Gunsmoke." she haughtily remarked to the sheer stupidity of the question.
As the face faults carved on all the New Mutants' face showed, this was the confirmation that they were on another planet. Nine of these expressions glared at a certain blond sorceress. This also caused a certain fiery blonde to not watch what she was doing.
Ericks shut his lip tight, wincing in pain after Magma's finger traced on his good hand.
"Oh, I am sorry for harming you!" apologized Magma, switching back to human form to show she meant it.
Lina rushed into the scene, ignoring the apology. "Look what you did to Ericks!"
"It's...all right," winced Ericks with a grin. "I've felt...worse." He dressed the hand with a handkerchief.
"How is your artificial arm?" Amara made an attempt to restore some good grace.
Cringing, Ericks moved his robot arm. Thanks to the early part of Magma's work, it was whole again. Unfortunately, it did not damage the device that turned it into a gun.
"It works." Ericks painfully smiled. Seeing Amara's beauty in such a close proximity, he smiled some more. "And what is your name?" he shamelessly asked.
He got Illyana knocking a bun onto his head. "Knock it off!"
Lina covered her eyes in embarrassment. However, she had to switch to the role of storyteller. She had begun to shake off the feelings of wariness she had for this group. The more normal they looked (and especially those three cute boys), the less likely she felt scared of them. The girl was one of those types who refused to judge people by prior appearance.
Her audience's faces gave further reason for sympathy. The history about a population-carrying cargo ship from Earth crash-landing on this planet created some edginess and shock to the New Mutants. They never thought that their home planet would one day become uninhabitable. It gave a depressing conclusion to all their world-saving adventures.
Dani broke the mood by asking Lina if there was a town nearby. "We need to find some food and shelter, an' food for Luna. Are you far from home?"
Lina's smile gave the hope they needed. "Ericks and I live at a farm far away from here." Lina answered with a nervous tone she was overcoming. "But we're heading to another town called Maurch. We can take you there."
This made Ericks move a little closer to his friend's ear. "Are you sure about that?" Lina responded with a swift kick on his posterior. "It isn't too much." she kindly replied to Dani.
Shan asked if they had any water. Lina revealed they had them with their Thomases.
"Is that a car?" asked Sam, looking around the wreckage surrounding them.
"Course not!" Lina replied, pointing to the creature hiding under the stalagmites.
The team now had their chance to see these animals (They were too busy with other weirdness to realize the strange quality before). "What kind of animals are those?" asked Doug.
"It's a Thomas," remarked Lina with a causal indifference that didn't match the visitors.
Doug walked closer. "It looks like an two-legged anteater. Weird."
Lina was defensive. "Then what do you call that?!" she declared with a pointed finger at Brightwind. "A cat?!"
Doug put his hands up in defeat. "Point made." He changed the subject by running to the creatures, and the water contained on them. The team raced after him. It would be nice to say that most of the team behaved perfectly toward this lucky break. However, the best that can be said about the sharing was that they allowed Shan first place to cool Luna. Lina accepted the loss, knowing that their destination wasn't far. It contrasted with Ericks, his jaw dropping (he received another kick in the pants by Lina).
"So, will you be walking?" asked Ericks, checking no other transportation.
"SELF- will- BE- transportation!" cried a voice that made Doug facefault. Warlock came out of the boy's belt, enlarging in front of all.
Dani threw a hand to her face.
Lina stared dumbfounded. "What-What kind of animal is that!" she screamed.
Equally shaken, Ericks lowered his shades to get a better look. It was something to see.
===
Ten minutes later, the New Mutants followed Ericks and Lina in their techno-organic transportation. The look at the vehicles scattered around convinced them that this planet indeed used cars. The two guides were deeply fascinated at this person named Warlock. "You get used to him," assured Tenchi. They were attentive to their new guests. Lina, like any child, was dazzled by these characters gifts. After that rescue act, she wanted to see what more they can do. She especially wanted to see those three cute boys in action.
Despite the extremity of her interest, Lina was surpassed by Ericks, who was perhaps the most intrigued, frightened, and confused of this duo. Who the hell were these kids? Was that story true of Earth true? Looking at them was a matter for question. That alien was weird, and that kid...that kid was scary. Despite the unpredictable moves and words, Sam's face reminded Ericks too much of...someone he knew. This made him all the more edgy. He could not help looking at Sam without a shudder.
On the other hand, most of these kids seemed all right. Despite the water squabble, they were kind enough to treat the baby with them with major priority. No one who was caring for a baby could be bad. And they didn't seem to know him, a fact that gave Ericks relief. That meant they were not after him. His identity was safe...for now.
The New Mutants were just as fascinated at their guests as well. Sam's resemblance to Ericks was also a central point in their minds.
"So, who are you people?" Lina asked with wonder.
"We're from a school," explained Dani, astride on a grounded Brightwind.
"Some school." Ericks added. "From Earth?"
Dani nervously smiled. "Yes, though I think it's in a different time then now."
"We would appreciate it if you kept silent about this," said Amara.
"No problem." Lina responded with spunk. "Doubt if anybody would believe me."
Ericks felt okay in that regard.
A few minutes later, Lina's Thomas made a halt. Directing her arm into the horizon, she fulfilled her promise. "The town is just around this hill."
"Thanks for the directions," thanked Dani. "But I think we should travel separately."
"We don't wanna have people include y' wit' us," explained Sam.
"It's alright!" Lina tried to calm their fears.
"Kni…Sam's right," Ericks nearly paused with the name, almost confusing it with another. "I think we should handle our own problems."
"Oh, you're such a stick in the mud, Ericks!" Lina pouted. She pulled her Thomas closer to the car. "Thanks very much for saving our lives."
"Yuir welcome," Rahne responded kindly. "An' thank ye f'r guidin' us here."
"Do you think we can see you again?" Lina excitedly promoted.
"Pr'bably," Dani added to that hope.
With wave and a yell, Lina galloped down the hill toward the town. Ericks remained like a statue before he too followed her. Although he presented no sense of reunion, he was just as willing for it. He had to see them again.
===
Before entering, some plans had to be made. Dani informed that some of the clothes that remained with them had to be spread about among the team. "We're gonna hafta share some o' our clothes t' hide our costumes," added Sam. In some cases, parts of the uniform can be seen, but not all of it.
Warlock had the biggest job in this assignment. He/it was to morph into a large truck and hide Brightwind within his/its hold. This truck was to look normal. No circuitry veins.
After this, the town now came into view, and everyone got a look. It looked like a town from an old Western movie ("except for the giant light bulb over there," remarked Doug). Heading into it, the team saw everyone dressed in hats and dress of the nineteenth century. There were also a few saloons, banks, and stables. Except for Warlock, everyone was amused by this culture. Amara had seen some movies for recognition. Even Tenchi was no stranger to western movies. Dani smirked at the scene, remembering her "Western Ghost town" adventure in Murderworld. She also noticed that there were no signs of Native Americans.
Roberto felt that this was the chance of a very great adventure. Doug thought so too.
So far, their entry made little attention. This was strange, considering that all their attempt to fit in were dashed by the utter contrast their clothing made with those of the town.
"Using your powers, Dani?" Sam remarked while at the wheel.
"Guess it was too good to be true." Dani leaned at the edge of her seat. "Hafta be sure everyone sees us like everyone else. But my power only works on people I'm lookin' at now, so everybody lean back."
"Wow," said Tenchi.
"Anyway," commanded Dani, "No display of powers. I think we can trust Lina and Ericks, but the lesser that know about us the better."
"SELF- will- REMAIN- inconspicuous." Warlock mumbled.
"Who said we have to let that be?" questioned Roberto. "Why can't we have this world know who we are?"
The rest of the team looked at him, some with shock, others with agreement. Memories about Larry Bodine and Roberto's argument about secrecy came forward.
Roberto continued. "I mean, it's not as if we're going to remain here for long. We won't be jeopardizing our families or the school in this planet."
There was little protest. Dani noted that idea had its possibilities. Doug, however, still felt antsy about the subject. He said nothing.
"Well," Sam considered. "We can think about that later."
"Right," Shan added. "We have to know our priorities here," asked Shan, holding Luna with worry.
"We hafta look for Magneto and Psylocke," explained Sam.
"I still have the Mini-Cerebro," Dani pointed out. "That'll help."
"We're also going to have to find some room and board." Tenchi added.
"Not to mention food." said Doug. That was a priority everyone agreed to take on first. Proof was found in the grumbling stomachs. The feeding of Luna was also a matter. "I guess we can go to a cafe or something," answered Dani.
"Uh..." interrupted Tenchi. "What are we going to do about money?"
This was even more important. Their uniforms had no pockets or wallets, and it was doubtful this planet had the same currency if some cash was found.
"Maybe there's a pawnshop we c'n use?" asked Sam.
"What can we sell?" questioned Roberto.
The team looked at themselves for something to hack. Unfortunately, they needed their clothes, and not much else was expendable.
"We can sell this," Doug presented his shades as sacrifice.
"Are you sure?" responded Dani with reluctance "Betsy gave you those."
"This is for finding Betsy," Doug demanded. "Besides, the team needs it more than me."
"I got my wristwatch," Sam unfastened it from his hand.
"Mine two," Roberto offered.
Tenchi got into the act as well. He decided to comply as well. "Maybe I can sell the jewels off my sword?"
"Won't that be dangerous?" asked Illyana.
"From the looks of this place, who knows about their power?" Tenchi assured. "Besides, it's about time I should be pulling my weight."
"Who says ya haven't?" remarked Sam.
===
At the local pawnshop, the gang presented their valuables: two red gems, two wristwatches, Dani's blue belt and headband, and a pair of shades. Only the watches and the shades were found valuable enough to pawn. Only Sam and Dani did the purchase. It was they who got the result.
"A hundred dollars?" griped Illyana.
Dani twirled the amount with her fingers. "Well, maybe inflation is different here."
Roberto buried his face with his hands. "Yeah, right."
"We can get some more by taking jobs," Dani gave her plan. With the way Doug, Tenchi, Roberto, Amara, and Illyana groaned, it was obvious that the plan was found on mixed reviews.
"Dani's right," commanded Sam with strength, "We have t' look for Magneto and Betsy. Money's the only way t' do that here."
"That's assuming they're on the same planet," presumed Doug.
Silence was made again. Once again, Sam attempted to pull some optimism. "Let's find a place to eat."
The gang jumped up into standing position at the sound of that.
"Aren't we forgetting something?" interrupted Tenchi, pointing to the hidden Brightwind inside the Warlockian truck. He got the team staring toward his direction with displeased faces, although one of them (Dani) came to him.
"That'll be your job." Roberto nominated.
"What?" Tenchi gaped. His reply was then counterattacked by Roberto's call for a vote. All save Dani, Warlock, and Luna gave "Aye!"
"Now wait a minute!" protested Tenchi, his voice falling into deaf ears among the applause of "good luck!" and "see you later!"
===
Nearby, Ericks spied at the group. Whatever the truth of their story, they were deemed worthy of his attention. For the city's sake, and for Lina's.
===
The people who lived in these desert regions were all land-connected. The span of a hundred years had dampened much of the memory of actual flight. Most of the witnesses had since joined the ages, carrying with them their knowledge of what it was like to soar in the air.
This loss was not conditioned by the present inhabitants. None knew or wished to believe such knowledge was possible before they were born.
So it must have been a real event for someone to actually see a person fly in the air like a bird or angel. As so happens, several lone riders or drivers had picked up the chance to witness a flying man. Unfortunately, the brightness of the two suns, as well as the distance between the person and the object of attention blurred any real description. To the more optically attuned witnesses, it looked like a very large man (or maybe two) in a cape. He also appeared to be garbed in purple. That was all that can be said.
Those who heard the tale advised that the teller should see a doctor.
===
The Master of Magnetism stood perched upon a ledge. This was a respite from the hour-long flight. Nothing but deserts and small cities were in his path. By his side was Psylocke. So far, her telepathy had contacted no clues about Doug or any of the New Mutants.
Magneto knew for certain that they were in a different world. All that was in his senses and powers' capability justified the conclusion. The endless desert, the clear change in the magnetic waves, the pure atmosphere (which might suit Luna), and the two suns were all evidence.
The long flight and its lack of familiar discovery triggered his anger at making mistakes. He had misused his responsibility, leading to the loss of his granddaughter and the students. They were lost somewhere. Only the hope that the entire party had also come to this same planet kept him from despair. ===============================================================
TO BE CONTINUED
* The Tenchi family's search will be told in a different storyline called RESCUE FROM LIMBO.
NEXT TIME:
"Strangers hold different paths to the people who meet them. On one hand, the path could be good, the start of relationships. However, there is also the path that promises a bad change to the person who greets them. The unfortunate thing is that we don't know for sure until we've met them. Suspicion can be helpful, but also dangerous, for it could make an enemy out of a possible friend. I've met some strangers. Are they good or are bad?"
- Ericks