Children, Brothers, and Alliances Pt. 2: The Siege

By: Brent Lambert

p Gentry knew that he needed to be upfront and brutally honest about the Brotherhood to his team. Each of them looked like they were hungry to know as much as possible about this newest incarnation of the Brotherhood. Diamond Lil and Madison Jeffries looked the most eager. They probably wanted to know if the attack on the Alpha Complex was connected to the Brotherhood in any way.

p Removing his glasses Gentry wiped the condensation off of his glasses and took the first question from Shaman, "Just why are the Brotherhood here in Canada?"

p "We're not sure, but the Brotherhood's general purpose is to sow chaos and fear wherever they go. They usually keep their efforts concentrated to countries where anti-mutant activity is high. Canada is no where near in that category," Gentry stated as he pulled up images of the recent places that the Brotherhood had attacked. Burnt buildings, broken bodies, screaming women, and blaring sirens were the common themes.

p The images disgusted Heather. Ever since the attacks conducted by Shadow King the world had been in a state of flux. The destruction of Shadow King left a huge power vacuum that various groups and individuals were struggling to fill. Innocent people were being thrown into the middle of the power struggle.

p "Just who are we up against here? My team needs to be able to formulate solid strategies against these terrorists," Guardian proclaimed strongly as veins were clearly visible from his neck and forehead.

p "They're a 12 man team and they operate in a ruthless manner similar to a lot of human based terrorist organizations. They create chaos, kill innocents, and never once flinch at the thought of massacre. Their last major attack was on a high school that a Senator's son attended. A dossier file on each of the Brotherhood's members will be sent to you after this meeting Guardian," Gentry promised as began to pace around the room.

p "So did they have something to do with the attempted kidnapping of my child!" Diamond Lil cried out.

p "We can't be sure. It'd be guesswork at this point, but the timing does seem to indicate that they do indeed have something to do with it," Gentry replied trying to keep himself objective. He understood the source of Lil's frustration. He really did, but as the head of Department H his attention was pulled in a thousand different directions. The situation with the Brotherhood was just one of many things he was having to deal with.

p "So when do we suit up and take the fight to these bastards?" Madison Jeffries bawled.

p Gentry sighed, "You don't. The government order is to wait for them to make a move again. They don't want Alpha Flight tearing up the country looking for the Brotherhood. Better to let them come to you."

p "This bureaucrat bullshit isn't helping me operate my team any better Gentry," Guardian said his hands gripping the table tightly.

p "Its not suppose to James. But it's just the way things are. Accept it or go home. Alpha Flight doesn't make a move until the Brotherhood makes one."

p Just then alarms began to blare loudly all across the Alpha Complex. Gentry got a small smirk out of Guardian with his defeated look, "All right there's your cue. Now go and take care of this terrorist scum."

p "We'll have no problem doing that," Talisman said rising up from her chair.

p Shaman: "Don't be so overconfident child. You must be prepared for all things. The Brotherhood of Evil Mutants is not to be taken lightly."

p "Be steady with the child, Michael. Her power is a strong one and this battle may provide her an opportunity to test the extent of her abilities further. Let her remain strong in resolve," Snowbird said cutting off the mindful father.

p "Lets just hope her confidence translates well in combat," Heather Hudson said.

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p Grey King threw the car into the tiny shop with his telekinesis. People scattered at the sight of the car coming towards them. Most were able to dodge the vehicle since it was a Honda, but one old woman wasn't able to get away in time and was crushed by the vehicle. Grey King laughed maniacally, "Granny couldn't move fast enough!"

p "Oh that's just sick!" Guardian screamed as he slammed a powered up fist into Grey King's telekinetic shield. The blow wasn't enough to break the barrier but it was enough to send the leader of the Brotherhood reeling back in pain. It was a numbing pain, but Grey King could only smile at the attack.

p "I didn't see that one coming friend. But I'll give cred where cred's due. You can at least throw a punch."

p "Oh I can do lot more than that," Guardian assured.

p "Lets put that to the test," Grey King said as he unleashed a barrage of telekinetic daggers at Guardian. The leader of Alpha Flight dodged each one of the daggers with expert ease. The former Prelate of Apocalypse laughed at the bravado of Guardian. He clapped his hands lightly at the agility of Guardian.

p James sensed something was wrong and with a quick turn of his eyes he saw the object coming at him. The Honda came flying at him and before he knew it the vehicle collided with him. The leader of Alpha Flight went flying through the sky like a rag doll. Grey King threw his head back in laughter again, "Showboating isn't going to get you anywhere Canadian."

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p Crule growled as he landed on the ground and charged at the waiting Snowbird. He wanted nothing more than to rip the Alphan to pieces. His lust for blood was overwhelming and in the midst of battle he desired it even more so. Snowbird waited until the heathen was close enough and changed her form into that of a polar bear. She slammed into the body of Crule and sent him crashing into a nearby car. The car was caved in from the impact with Crule's body. The resurrected External was enraged at being so easily thrown back by the shapeshifter. Pulling himself out of the hole he made in the car, Crule flipped over the vehicle. He placed his hands under the car and lifted it into the air. With a heavy breath he flung the car the way of Snowbird. He waited to see the bloody stain that would result from the impact.

p Unfortunately he wouldn't get what he desired as Snowbird changed her shape into that of a wolf. She couldn't believe how brutish her opponent was. He was going for brute force when sometimes all it took to win was a bit of finesse and ingenuity. Of course he was a lowly mortal and did not know of such things. How could he when he was flinging around large machines? Moving with the speed of the wolf she dodged the car and ran towards the obviously angered Crule.

p Running forward the Brotherhood member tried to swipe at Snowbird with his claws, but failed miserably. Snowbird leaped into the air and locked her jaws around Crule's throat. Blood gushed from the wound as the wolf's teeth slipped into his veins. The External would not cry out in pain though. The woman would not get such satisfaction from him. His immortality assured his healing and that would be enough for him. Crule wrapped one of his hands around Snowbird's neck and flung her away like a rag doll. With his other hand he tried to stop the blood that was flowing from his neck. He could already feel the wounds inflicted upon him beginning to heal.

p Snowbird landed on her feet gracefully and charged forward with full speed towards Crule. This time the External was ready for Snowbird's attack. He grabbed the wolf by the mouth and slashed her across the back with his claws. Snowbird wasn't able to let out a cry of pain since Crule was holding her mouth tightly. All she could do was make her next move and that was changing herself into an arctic owl. Crule, once again, hadn't been expecting it and she was able to slip from his grasp. Maneuvering herself quickly she used the beak she was possessed with to begin poking at one of Crule's eyes. The attack was painful enough to throw off Crule's coordination and he wasn't able to keep Snowbird from being unrelenting. All he could do was bat his arms wildly in the hopes that he would be able to find the animal and knock it to the concrete. Finally, through sheer luck Crule was able to land a blow and knock Snowbird in the direction of the car he had just thrown at her.

p The blow had been a fierce one and the former goddess was moving towards the car at high speeds. Before she came into contact with the vehicle she changed herself into a polar bear once again. Her momentum went dead and she crashed into the ground only inches away from the car. Narya turned herself back into a wolf so she could get on her feet and then immediately switched back to the polar bear form. It was just in the nick of time as Crule was once again coming at her full speed. He looked like a tiny football player's worst nightmare times ten. Snowbird wasn't going to let that deter her though.

p As Crule was running vines suddenly blew up from the ground and entrapped him. The External rip and torn at the vines, but was unable to free himself. It seemed that for every vine he ripped through ten more found their way around his body. Crule growled in immense frustration as he was suddenly trapped. It was a feeling that he despised and knew his foe would take advantage of.

p "Figured I'd give you a hand before the hot chick decides to get up and start throwing some more fireballs at me," Talisman said, referring to her fight with Napalm.

p Changing back into her human form Snowbird staggered from the wounds across her back, "The assistance is appreciated. I will finish off this foul beast soon enough."

p Seeing the obvious pain that she was in Talisman said, "Just hurry up. Don't want to see you get any more banged up!"

p "Oh don't worry about that my child. I have just the thing for him," Snowbird said as she shifted her shape into that of a moose.

p Taking off at a run Snowbird thought she was going to collide full force with the beast. She was hoping that she could finally put down this monster with one last blow. Valiantly charging forward the moose reared its head and slammed into the still vine entangled Crule. The External grabbed the antlers of the moose and with superhuman strength he snapped off the horns and flung them to the side. Snowbird immediately head-butted Crule and rocked him back. Backing up Snowbird charged forward and hit Crule in the stomach at full force. The purple-skinned man went flying back and collided harshly with Landslide who was dead in the heat of battle with Diamond Lil.

p Landslide looked at Crule with disgust, "I'm fighting an obviously angry woman here! It's like fighting friggin Apocalypse! So could you please watch where you fly!"

p Crule growled, "Just give me a hand!"

p Landslide grabbed Crule by the wrist and began to spin around fanatically. After achieving a sufficient speed the brute let loose of the External and sent him flying through the air towards the staggering moose that was Snowbird. Looking up with exhausted eyes Narya was barely able tot transform herself into an owl. As Crule flew over Snowbird he slammed into the street sending concrete in every direction. Snowbird rose above the debris and turned her powerful vision towards Crule.

p Dusting himself off Crule could no longer stand fighting the shape shifter. She had been carefully avoiding his attacks during the whole battle. He had gotten in a few licks, but for the most part she was still in control of the fight. He was a mighty External! None were suppose to rise above him…EVER!

p Taking a nosedive, Snowbird decided on what would be her last strike. The creature was a sea mammal primarily found in the waters of Russia. Old sailors had often mistaken it as a sea unicorn. The truth of the matter was that the horn was really a tusk that grew through the upper lip. It was this tusk that motivated Snowbird to become a narwhal. When she was only within a few feet of Crule she altered her body into that of a narwhal. Once again Crule had been caught unaware and the all so crucial tusk ripped through the flesh of Crule's neck. A gurgled scream went forth from the External as he pushed Snowbird from him with such force that the tusk snapped from the narwhal. Pieces of his throat flew along with the form of Snowbird. Fortunately, that didn't harm Narya any, but she was completely and totally exhausted. This exhaustion caused her to change back in her human form.

p Crule could barely contain his rage as he ripped the tusk from his neck. He was unable to talk as the flesh of his neck began to heal itself slowly. While healing he would finish off Snowbird and be done with the woman. Pain had blinded him so much he was unable to hear the warnings of Landslide. The Honda that Grey King had sent into Guardian had now crashed into Crule and crushed him under it.

p Dusting off his hands Guardian kept a cold expression, "Consider that a gift from your leader."

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p Landslide tried to warn Crule, but it was no use. The man was too enraged to pay any real attention to him. He didn't have time to be too focused on Crule as Diamond Lil was pressing the attack. In his trying to warn Crule he caught a punch to the gut from Diamond Lil.

p "Oh! What the crap is wrong with you lady!" Landslide yelled as he rolled onto the ground gripping his stomach.

p Diamond Lil walked slowly and stood over the rolling Landslide, "Did you have anything to do with my the attempted kidnapping of my son? ANSWER ME!"

p Landslide smiled as he threw a stray piece of asphalt created by Crule's impact earlier. As the piece of road collided with Diamond Lil's head, Landslide kicked out his feet and slammed the woman to the ground. Neither attack had hurt the invulnerable woman, but the Brotherhood member was getting desperate. Desperate times called for…well you know the rest.

p Being knocked to the ground enraged the already angry mother all the more. With one swift movement she kicked out her foot and collided with Landslide's face. Bones were crushed and teeth went flying as the large brute was propelled through the air. Landslide hit the corner of the building and a sickening snap went through the air.

p "You alright honey!" Diamond Lil yelled to her husband as she saw him dodge the claws of Mercury.

p Madison had a smirk on his face. Looking to his wife he said, "I got this honey!"

p "You have nothing!" Mercury yelled as he cut his claws across Jeffries stomach. Madison fell to the ground and faked pain. The claws had only grazed him truthfully.

p "You have no idea who I am do you? I manipulate metal you joke!" Jeffries yelled as he outstretched one hand.

p The very life of Mercury seemed to flash before his eyes as he felt the pain rip through his body. Madison was playing with his very existence like it was nothing. He couldn't control his body at all and his very life was being pulled and tugged like a toy. The mutant terrorist couldn't even utter a scream. Madison finally ceased his torture and let Mercury fall to the ground as a metallic puddle.

p Grey King saw that Mercury, Crule, and Landslide had all fallen. Growing angry he shouted one command, "Move out!" Lifting his three fallen teammates with telekinesis the leader of the Brotherhood looked back at Guardian with hate.

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p The Alpha Complex was under attack and the sparse security forces were doing their best to hold off the attack that came from all directions. One of those security officers was Daniel Goldman. He had been working in the Alpha Complex for about a few weeks and he really wasn't expecting anything crazy. He was from New York and Canada didn't have half the superhero activity that place had. So he was in no way expecting to be fighting off mutants anytime soon.

p A pink skinned man with what looked like three dark pink tear tattoos under his right eye snatched the gun that Goldman was holding. Glance smiled at the guard before slamming the weapon into his temple. The creation of Sinister looked back to his leader and said, "These guys are pathetic!"

p Cortez shot another guard in the head, "Of course they are! They're flatscans. What do you expect?"

p Dust appeared around a corner with a baby in her arms. She was being protected from gunfire by a light force field that Babylon had created around her. Cortez was most impressed with Babylon by far out of all his Acolytes. Sinister had made the right decision when he sent Judas Traveller to track down and capture this mutant. Of course, what was once Sinister's weapon was now being turned against him. Fabian loved every minute of it. Honestly, he was just surprised that Essex hadn't come gunning for his throat yet. Maybe he was still reeling from the loss of resources he incurred battling Onset.

p "I have the child. We can leave," the former assassin for Sinister, said.

p Gryphon came crashing out of the roof only a few feet away from them. Dusting herself off she said, "The bums have called in some reinforcements. And I heard one say that Alpha Flight was on the way."

p "Lets go then. I don't have time for bullshit," Fabian ordered.

p Daniel Goldman could only watch in daze horror as Gryphon walked over to him and maliciously caved in his skull with her foot, "A little fun never hurts."

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p Gentry looked over the torn bodies of his security forces. Gryphon had gone to work on them and he had just found out that the attackers had taken Diamond Lil's child. Alpha Flight would not be pleased at all. He could hear the enraged screams coming at him full force now. So much so his hearing was sub-consciously deafened by it. He never heard Jadianna Logan come up behind him.

p "You seem to be in a bit of a bind," Jadianna said as she looked around the wreckage and dead bodies.

p Gentry immediately turned around and pointed a gun at Logan's face, "Move and I'll blow a hole in your face!"

p "Easy Gentry. I'm only here to talk. I've got something to offer you."

p "Start talking," Gentry growled never once losing sight of just where he would shoot this woman if she got out of line. She looked almost identical to the X-Man, Storm, but something was different. Her whole mystique felt far more feral and wild.

p "I can promise you the safety of the Jeffries child, but only if you hand over to me DNA samples from everyone of Department H's old projects," Jadianna explained.

p Gentry never flinched in his response, "You go to hell!"

p Jadianna began to walk backwards and shook her head in disappointment, "Your mistake Gentry. You've made things far more difficult than they had to be."

p The Department H director lowered his gun after the woman was out of sight. Now he had more ferocious things to deal with; like an angry mother who was probably going to want to make him into a bloody paste.

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p "Someone explain to me why we had to retreat? Please someone explain it to me!" Grey King yelled as he looked around the room at his tired and worn out Brotherhood.

p "It was our first superhero team. We'll do better next time around," Napalm said not caring how mad or pissed Grey King wanted to portray himself as. She did her own thing and didn't give a damn who had something to say about it. That's just the type of girl she was. Chee Hi had stopped caring about what other people thought once she was thrown out on the street at age 15. She never had much of a parental life. Chee was the bastard lovechild of Sunfire. Her mother left behind that much information at least. Being in the orphanage she taught herself how to survive and at 15 she was thrown out. A life of prostitution awaited her and she grew to despise men more as stay in that career field prolonged itself. Finally when her mutant powers emerged and she hit rock bottom it was Grey King that saved her.

p Before Grey King could scold the child for her defiance, Doppelganger (who had not been a part of the fight) came running into the room and out of breath, "I just saw the news! Alpha Flight got their baby kidnapped!"

p Landslide growled, "The bitch did keep asking me if I had something to do with the attempted kidnapping of her child."

p "Fabian Cortez is behind the kidnapping. He was hoping to play you all for fools and keep the child from Sinister," a voice said from above the Brotherhood.

p Grey King smirked. He knew the man had been there the whole time. Parts of the man's mind were hard to read, but he could see general things, "So Dark Beast why have you made your way to my abode?"

p "I wish to see Cortez and Sinister both bought low. Besides I figured you didn't like to be played Grey King," Dark Beast said quickly as he once more melded with the shadows and disappeared.

p "That guy is a creepy fucker," Napalm commented.

p "But he's a right fucker. I don't like being played. We'll take down Cortez, take the baby and use it as leverage against both Alpha Flight and Sinister. We get to have our cake and eat it too boys," Grey King proclaimed as he turned to look at Omega Red, "Wake Tremolo's ass up! She's been sleep all damn day! We got business to conduct people."

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p Cortez looked at the baby and turned up his nose, "He's not going to be an attractive adult."

p "Like you are?" Whiteout asked with a hint of playfulness in her tone.

p Cortez rolled his eyes and turned to the Savage Lander. He quickly pulled her close to him and held her tight. Then he moved in for a deep kiss. He didn't really care too much for the woman, but he needed a piece every now and then. She was the only one that was reasonable enough to deal with. Gryphon was just all around hideous and he was afraid Dust would try to cut off his gonads or something while he slept.

p So as they continued to kiss a large explosion suddenly knocked them to the ground. Floating above the two of them was Grey King, "I hope I didn't interrupt you two love birds."

p "Naw them two like to freak in front of other people!" Glance said as he suddenly appeared behind Grey King and tried to stab him in the back with one of his energized javelins. In the middle of the motion the javelin was knocked away by an energy blast.

p "I got first dibs on him," Guardian said as he flew in from another hole that had been created in the empty complex the Acolytes had taken as their temporary base.

p "Seems we've got a problem," Cortez said to Grey King.

p The leader of the Brotherhood smiled, "Nope. Things have just gotten interesting."

p b NEXT ISSUE: A knockdown three-way standoff between Alpha Flight, the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, and the Acolytes! Be here! /b