THE CHAMPIONS #3

WORLD TOUR PART 3

By:Chris"TheMtVernonKid" Bennett

Previously….

Hercules, Son of Zeus has taken up the task to reform the Champions. He paid a visit to the X-Men to ask former members Iceman and Angel would rejoin. However,Iceman was needed elsewhere and Angel was not so comfortable about rejoin. Basically he declined Hercules' offer. Now the legendary hero is back to only himself and Tom Foster aka Black Goliath. What's more is the Fates have informed Zeus,Hercules must assemble this team to defend against an unknown dark threat.

Athena's Bar,Brooklyn,New York:

Hercules: I'm afraid it didn't go so well my friend,but this will not stop me. So I ask you again are you still on board,Tom Foster?

Tom Foster: I'm fully on board,Herc.

Hercules: Many thanks my friend.

The two heroes shake hands plan their next move. Rhea approaches with some drinks.

Rhea: I thought you two needed a drink.

Tom Foster: Oh thank you, .

Rhea:Please,it's just Rhea.

Hercules: Thank you lovely Rhea.

Rhea: Welcome.

Hercules and Tom Foster talked and planned for 4 hours straight. The two heroes were committed to their goal. They planned so much that they didn't notice Rhea talking to them.

Rhea:(shouts in Hercules) Hercules!

Hercules: (startled) Yes .

Rhea: You have a guest.

Hercules turns to see the guest Rhea was referring to. Standing at the bar was blonde man in a black trenchcoat.

Hercules: Worthington.

Warren approaches the gang.

Hercules: Worthington,what brings you here?

Angel: I came here to apologize. I should've did what I did.

Hercules: You have nothing to apologize for.

Angel: No,I do. Rachel was right I'm here to help.

Hercules' face lights up with joy he tries to hug Warren.

Angel: Don't hug me I'm in but if this starts to go south. I'm leaving, deal?

Hercules: It's a deal my friend. Come I'd like to meet Tom Foster also know as Black Goliath.

Tom Foster gets up to shake Warren's hand.

Angel: Hello nice to me you Tom.

Tom Foster: Likewise your one of the originals right?

Angel: Original X-Men yes I am.

Tom Foster: You and Herc were apart of the first Champions.

Angel: We were but the team fell apart. *Looking at Herc* Too many egos if I remember.

Tom Foster: (laughing) Sounds like you Herc.

Hercules: That was years ago Warren this team will be different thanks to Tom, this team will not fall apart.

Angel: Really? And who are you planning will join this team?

Hercules: That's the beauty part Worthington. Tom helped with that take a look.

Hercules shows Warren dozens of names. Even Warren was impressed.

Angel: So many names I recognize so where are you gonna start?

Tom Foster: We're gonna start in Arizona.

Angel: Arizona? What's out there?

Hercules: The Navajo Reservation,where we'll find Jason Strongbow.

Tom Foster: This guy during the Resignation Act took out Bullseye *snaps fingers* just like that.

Angel: Seem like you got a plan. We can fly there tomorrow.

Rhea: Wait fly your that strong?

Hercules: (laughing) Oh Rhea.

Angel: No,my personal jet.

Rhea: Are rich or something?

Hercules: Yes Worthington here is quite wealthy,Rhea.

Angel: Yes..Yes..I'm wealthy.

Tom Foster: Well friends let's see how far this rollercoaster ride will take us.

Hercules: Indeed,but till then let us drink!

Next Day,JFK Airport:

Angel: Well ,what do you think?

Tom Foster: That's a nice looking jet,Warren.

Angel: Thanks,where's Herc?

Tom Foster: (pointing) Saying goodbye to Rhea.

Hercules: If all goes well things will be different.

Rhea: I know but I guess it's something you need to do. Just be careful you big lug.

Hercules: Do not fear lovely Rhea,I Hercules son of Zeus give you my word I shall come back to you unharmed.

Hercules shares a very passionate kiss with Rhea. He looks into her eyes and smiles she smiles back and they part way.

Angel: Tell me something why are you doing this Tom?

Tom Foster: For my Uncle Bill mostly. But Herc was there he helped me get through his death.

Tom Foster enters the jet while Warren pounders to himself how much Hercules has changed. Hercules approaches him…

Hercules: Worthington are alright,my friend?

Angel: Sure let's go.

The heroes take off . It doesn't take them to long to get to Arizona. Once they land Warren has a rental jeep prepared for them.

Tom Foster: I'm driving.

Hercules: Good. I wish I learned to drive.

Angel: (smiling) Herc it's never to late.

Hercules: Ha! How far to our destination,Tom?

Tom Foster: I was told few mile North.

Hercules: Then North we shall go. Onward!

Our heroes head North towards the Navajo Reservation. When they finally arrive many of the citizens looked at them strangely .

Hercules: Hello Navajo people,I am Hercules these are my friend we've traveled far to see Jason Strongbow is he here?

The people just looked at Warren more than Herc . A little boy comes forward.

Navajo boy: Wow are those wings real?

Angel: Yes they are.

Navajo boy: Can I touch one.

Angel:Sure go ahead.

The little boy touches Angel wings and smiles.

Navajo boy: Who are you?

Angel: My name is Warren these are my friends Tom and Hercules.

Navajo boy: Tom? That's my name too.

Tom Foster: Really?

Tom: Yup,Tom Featherheart. Are you special like you're friend.

Tom Foster smiles and increases his size. The citizens look in amazement. He then decrease back to his normal size.

Tom Featherheart: Wow!

Tom Foster: Pretty cool ,huh? Can you help us?

Tom Featherheart: Sure.

Tom Foster: We're looking for Jason Strongbow.

Tom Featherheart: He lives at the edge on town.

They thank the young boy and travel further towards the edge of town. They reach the last house it was a brownish cabin very quiet but on the side of the cabin was beautiful chopper.

Hercules: Jason Strongbow! Are you in there?

A figure appears by the window

American Eagle: Who wants to know?

Hercules: A friend.

American Eagle: A friend,huh?

Hercules: Aye,a friend my name is …

American Eagle: I know who you are,Hercules right?

Hercules: I am we've traveled a great distance to speak with you.

Suddenly the cabin door opens and out comes a very tall very muscular man. He steps out with a tool box. He walks over to his chopper.

Tom Foster: So you're American Eagle.

American Eagle: And who are you?

Tom Foster: Black Goliath.

He looks at Tom.

American Eagle: I thought you died.

Tom Foster: That was my Uncle.

American Eagle: So what you took up the mantle huh?

Tom Foster: Yeah pretty much.

American Eagle: (working on his chopper) I can relate. Also what brings an X-Men way out here.

Angel: Helping

American Eagle: I see. So what does the mighty Hercules want with me?

Hercules: I'm here to offer you something.

American Eagle: And that is?

Hercules: To be apart of the Champions,Jason Strongbow.

American Eagle: The who?

Angel: Champions. I was apart of it once.

American Eagle: That's nice but no thank you.

Tom Foster: Why not I've heard what you did too Bullseye in Phoenix. Not even Daredevil himself did what you did.

American Eagle: Your point?

Hercules: It is because of that...you are a champion to your people.

American Eagle: Champion (laughing). My brother was the champion.

Hercules: Then honor your brother Jason Strongbow.

American Eagle: No. Just leave I do what I have to.

Hercules: How about a deal.

American Eagle: Deal? What kinda deal?

Hercules makes a huge circle in the ground.

Hercules: We shall grapple first man to step out of the circle third time losses and my friends and I leave.

American Eagle looks at Hercules and smiles.

American Eagle: Deal. Just tell me is it true you fought Thor and the Hulk?

Hercules: Aye.

American Eagle: Ok fine let's do this.

Just before the two started Warren and Tom confront Hercules.

Tom Foster: Herc are you out of the mind.

Angel: This guy will kill you.

Hercules: Nay

Tom Foster: Herc you're not a demi god any more.

Hercules: And?

Angel: And he does your big idiot.

Hercules: Fear not friend for I have grapple with the best. Come Strongbow let us see what you are made of.

American Eagle: I think you should listen to your friends . I just heard them say you are powerless now.

Hercules: Does not matter,come.

American Eagle: I gave you a chance.

Suddenly, American Eagle jets towards Hercules with amazing speed. So fast that Hercules just evaded. However Navajo warrior comes back even fast . And with one punch send the Greek warrior hurling out the circle.

American Eagle: That's one Greek boy.

Hercules regain his balance and checks his jaw.

Hercules: By thunder what a punch.

Herc walks back into the circle and rushes American Eagle this time Herc puts American Eagle in a half-nelson. Then ,into a full nelson dropping American Eagle to the ground.

American Eagle: Wrestling I see, figures however your not the only one who knows the art of wrestling.

American Eagle easily escapes Herc holds. He charges Herc but Herc leaps over him however once Herc lands. American Eagle grabs him and short arm clotheslines Herc. Herc flips in mid-air and crashes to the ground.

Tom Foster runs over to check on his friend.

Tom Foster: Herc are okay?

Hercules: Tom?

Tom Foster: Herc how many fingers?

Hercules: hmmm,14?

Tom Foster: Okay enough.

Hercules: No. It has only begun.

Angel: Herc he's too much for even you.

Hercules: I can't...just...quit.

Herc plants his feet and looks at both Warren and Tom.

Hercules: Please...I have to.

Angel: Why?

Hercules: Because I know a warrior when I see one I am communicating with him.

Tom Foster: Look Herc I'm not gonna stand here and watch him break you. If I'm correct your suffered a concussion.

Hercules: I'm fine just a bit dazed. Come...Strongbow...let us continue

Hercules re-enters the circle however American walks up to him.

American Eagle: Sorry,Herc but this is over. Your good better than good but your friend is right enough.

Hercules: (dazed) But...we had..a..deal...Str..ongbow.

Hercules falls into Americans Eagle's arms. He carries Herc into his cabin. A few hour later Herc regains conscious.

Angel: You awake,Herc?

Hercule: (slowly raising up) Aye. I must say indeed, Jason Strongbow is truly a champion to his people,where is he?

Tom Foster: He step out said he be back. So I guess we're done.

Angel: You tried Herc. I guess his place is here.

Hercules: I suppose you're right.

Elsewhere in town:

American Eagle: What do you mean I should go with them.

Navajo Elder: Tell me Jason when you fought the Greek man,how did you feel?

American Eagle: I felt joy kind of. Hercules brought something out of me.

Navajo Elder: That is the warrior's pride,Jason. The Greek man has it as well.

American Eagle: But I was his better.

Navajo Elder: Maybe both i sense his words touched you. What did he say about you?

American Eagle: He said I was the champion of my people.

Navajo Elder: And you don't believe that?

American Eagle: I do what I have to do.

Navajo Elder: And what is that?

American Eagle: Protect.

Navajo Elder: And who says we need protecting. You need to stop thinking that you are not special you carry a mantle Jason. But it is more than just a mantle you carry the hearts and souls of our people.

American Eagle looks into the sky turns to the elder and smiles.

American Eagle: You're right. Goodbye Elder .

Navajo Elder: Go and be the champion I know are.

He gets back on his chopper and drive back to his cabin. The Elder smiles and waves goodbyes. Unknown to Jason the Navajo Elder shape changes to reveal himself to be Zeus himself.

Zeus: You have a powerful ally my son you will need him. Continue gaining allies Hercules it is your destiny.

To Be Continued