Persistence of Vision |
What Has Come Before: Adam Crown, newly declared King of Darkmoor, was reunited with lost love, Ginny Halpin. Captain Britain confronted the Green Knight over his failure to prevent Dane Whitman (aka the Black Knight) from slaying the Lady of the Lake -- this confrontation led Captain Britain to ponder the role that Avalon would play in her future. Elsewhere, the villainous Nekros was recruited by Andreas Strucker to revive his sister Andrea, with whom he had formed Fenris.
Once again, the great power had been separated from its host. The woman was dead, having fallen in battle with powerful alien warriors... and even though the great power could have revived her once more, it sensed that the connection between them was no longer worthy, no longer a viable one.
It would have to seek another.
Lyonesse, 4:50 PM
"Gamma poisoning."
"So sad, isn't it? She was such a young thing...."
"I knew that husband of hers would be the death of her. Pity she got mixed up in that foul business."
"The Hulk. He killed her."
"Killed her."
"Killed"
"Her"
Bruce Banner woke up in a cold sweat, his heart hammering in his chest. He looked about in a mad panic, not knowing where he was... and then he recognized his room at Lyonesse, home to his new friends in the Pendragons. He plucked his glasses off the nightstand and put them on, allowing his vision to slowly swim into focus. He felt ill, like he was going to vomit... It seemed like every time he fell asleep, it happened. The dreams. The guilt. The fear. It had gotten to the point where he was barely able to remember some of his activities at night, though he vaguely recalled spending long hours in the lab. Some days, like today, he'd literally pass out in the middle of the afternoon, exhaustion overtaking him.
He got up and washed his face off in the sink, seeing his gaunt features looking back at him in the mirror. He was glad that Molly wasn't here with him... it was the main reason they'd used her room for their lovemaking yesterday, in fact. When he was alone in his room, he was Banner, in form and mind. But outside the room, he used another face. He was the Hulk, confident and strong. He liked to play like the two were one and the same, but they weren't. Not really. One of them could handle his pain and cope with the loss of Betty.
One of them couldn't.
A knock at his door made Bruce jump. He forced himself calm and walked over shakily, saying "Who is it?"
"Puff the Magic Dragon."
Bruce smiled softly. Rathoon... The dragon had shown off his new 'human' form the day before and was evidently enjoying having the run of the castle. Banner allowed himself to give in to his urge, transforming himself into the behemoth known as the Incredible Hulk. He opened the door, smiling down at his teammate. "What can I do for you, Rathoon?"
"I just wanted to let someone know that I'm going off on an adventure with Thunderfist," the dragon replied. His humanoid form was a bit 'unnatural' in some respects -- gold-tinted skin, slitted eyes and somewhat unusual cotton-like hair -- but the Hulk had to admit that it was a nice first effort.
"Need any help?"
"How nice of you to offer!" the dragon exclaimed, fluttering his eyelashes. He liked the Hulk quite a bit, for the jade giant reminded him a bit of a particularly cute ogre he'd once known. "I was actually hoping that upon our return, we might consider Thunderfist for membership -- I'd dearly love your support then."
The Hulk rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Are you sure she's ready for that? From what I've heard, she's had some emotional instability... Ah, hell. Who am I to condemn somebody else for that? I'm a walking poster boy for instability...."
"Aren't we all?" Rathoon said, showing a bit of sympathy. "I've terrorized a few villages in my time, you know... Some slight, real or imagined, that set me off. So many things to be sorry for."
The Hulk nodded. "You've got my vote -- but what about the Green Knight or the Lady of the Lake? Are they going to accept her as a Pendragon?"
"That isn't an issue," Betsy Braddock said, stepping into view. She wore her Captain Britain uniform, though the helmet was clutched tightly in her left hand. Her gorgeous features -- which had graced virtually every important magazine cover in the world -- showed signs of serious fatigue. "I need all Pendragons to assemble in the meeting room, eight o'clock sharp. We need to talk."
"Ah," Rathoon replied. "As I was telling the Hulk, I was going to go off with Izzy to--"
"Cancel your plans," Betsy said. "This is more important."
"But you don't even know what--"
"The Lady of the Lake is dead and her power's been usurped by a bastard who's betrayed us more times than I can count." Her eyes flashed angrily. "Now -- You tell me if Izzy's problem is bigger than that."
Both the Hulk and Rathoon watched as Betsy rounded on her heels and strode away. Neither of them knew quite what to say... After all, if the Lady of the Lake was dead, then what became of the Pendragons, her chosen defenders?
Had they all failed in their tasks without even realizing it?
Birmingham, 5:00 PM
Suzi Endo tried, somewhat unsuccessfully, to hide her amusement. "This is why you had me come all the way to Birmingham? He looks like he was built out of an Erector Set."
Prof. Anton Simes grunted in reply, feeling more and more defensive by the second. He had invited Endo here because he respected her work with artificial intelligence, but he hadn't expected such a snide attitude. He took a deep breath, glancing around the converted greenhouse that he used as a laboratory. His pride and joy stood in the corner of the house, bathed in sunlight that made his silvery coating gleam. "Andy may look a bit rough, but once you see him in action--"
Suzi held up a hand to cut him off. She wasn't a woman who enjoyed being taken away from her work -- especially not for something that appeared trivial and overblown. Her attractive features gave ample evidence to her distaste. "My work and yours are obviously not compatible, professor. Might I suggest you take your little robot on the road and charge a fee for the kiddies to touch him?"
Simes exploded in rage, having held his tongue for far too long. "How dare you?! I ask you into my home and this is how you treat me? I will be the first to admit that my handiwork is not up to yours... but Andy is different. He is... special." The professor lowered his voice, looking a bit embarrassed. "He was supposed to be a hard laborer but when the Barrier went up, he changed. I... I don't understand it all myself. But I truly feel he's alive now."
Suzi frowned, but raised her hands in submission. "Fine. I'm here, so you might as well show me what he can do."
Simes stepped up to the robot, running a hand lovingly over the word 'Andy' that was painted on the creature's midsection. "Since my wife died, I have been all alone here, Ms. Endo. My children are all grown up and have concerns of their own, none of which include me. But Andy has made me feel vibrant again." He looked over at Suzi, looking old and frail. "He will need a home after I am gone. I thought perhaps the Pendragons--"
"I know what you thought, professor. Turn him on." Suzi glanced at her wristwatch.
The professor did so, reaching behind the robot's head and twisting the small dial. A clank of machine parts filled the air and a tiny plume of steam shot forth from the mechanical man's neck. Then a light came on in his eyes and he turned to peer about himself, his robotic features somehow conveying a sense of wonder and pleasure. "Professor! You have a guest!" Andy stepped forward, whirring as he moved, and offered a hand to Suzi. "An extreme pleasure! My name is Andy -- and you are?"
"Suzi Endo." She shook his hand, surprised at the softness of his palm. She had to admit -- despite his appearance, he seemed remarkably life-like. She saw Simes beaming at her. "So... Andy. The professor tells me you're capable of all sorts of feats."
Andy gestured in what could only be described as an "aw shucks" manner. "I'm just an android who tries his best in all things, milady. I am gifted at song and verse, am proficient in the national dance of fifteen nations and have a keen mind for British trivia. Would you like to test my knowledgebase?"
"No thanks." She fixed Simes with a steely glare. "He sings, dances and does trivia. I am so chuffed."
Simes rushed forward as Suzi turned towards the door. "There is more! Please--!"
Suzi ignored him, pushing open the door and stepping out into the sunlight. She would have continued on to her car had Simes not stopped her short with his next words.
"He knows about Avalon!"
Suzi looked at him in surprise. "He knows what about Avalon?"
Andy spoke up then, his voice acquiring an odd sing-song quality that tugged at her heartstrings, despite herself. "Avalon is an extradimensional realm connected to the very heart of the Earth. It is ruled over by the twin powers of the Green Knight and the Lady of the Lake and is accessible only through certain ley points in England. The champions of Avalon are empowered with the spirit of the Pendragon." He opened his arms wide, his bright eyes shining. "I have felt the power myself, milady. It charges these arms with the need to do good works. It is my father's wish for me to join with your friends and do these things... Will you not give me the chance?"
"You're saying you're a Pendragon?"
"I have seen and felt much relating to the Green Knight." Andy gestured around himself. "This has been my whole world, milady... but the time has come for me to go forth. I am only a machine, that is true... but I am willing to risk all that I am to make my father proud and defend the Realm of the Green."
"What powers do you have? Any?"
"I am strong and durable, beyond normal human standards. And I have an affinity for machinery, able to control its workings from afar." His eyes flashed again. "That is all in addition to my storehouse of songs and dances, milady, many of which are applicable to a wide variety of situations."
Suzi ran a hand through her hair and sighed. She found herself liking this odd being, despite herself. "Please. No singing." She nodded once at Simes. "I'll take him to Lyoness and let the Pendragons look at him. But I make no guarantees that they'll keep him."
Simes turned to his robotic creation and embraced it firmly. "They'll accept you, Andy... You're going to be Britain's greatest hero."
The robot patted its 'father' warmly. "Your memory shall burn brightly in my micro circuitry, father." Pulling away, Android Andy followed his new friend outside. He stared up into the blue skies, his photoreceptors burning with excitement. "This is going to be a smashing success. I am confident."
Crichton Estate, 7:45 PM
Jacqueline Falsworth Crichton sat in a comfortable chair overlooking the gardens of her estate. It was a view that Joey Chapman had loved during his all-too short stay with her. As Spitfire and Union Jack, they'd been founding members of the Pendragons and their love affair had quickly become the stuff of gossip columns everywhere. Both of them were heroic icons to the British people and their potential union was going to be a huge event.
And then came Mad Jim. His reality warp had cost Joey his life, meaning that Jackie was left alone once more. Alone to raise her son's child... and the child that was growing inside of her, a parting gift from Joey. She closed her eyes, imagining Joey standing there beside her. He had possessed rugged, coarse features that still managed to be handsome... It was the face of a young man who had grown up outside the circle of privilege that had been her own upbringing.
A sharp pain tore through her abdomen and she opened her eyes quickly, clutching at her belly. She tried to rise on unsteady legs, the pain coming again. She cried out for her servants, but the words died off in a gasp.
Falling to her knees, Jackie stared with mounting horror as her stomach began to swell before her very eyes. She felt and heard her skin stretching to accommodate the growth of the thing inside of her... and she had all ready begun to lose sight of it as a child. It was a thing now, one that threatened to rip her asunder. She crawled towards her Pendragons communicator that rested on a nearby table, but she knew she would never make it. The strain on the skin covering her stomach was drawn so taut now... and then she felt a split and a tear. "No," she whispered. "It can't end like this. It can't."
She screamed again, long and loud. It was the sound of a woman in mortal peril, one whose fight is near an end.
"Hush, mother." The words surprised her, even in her pain-clouded state. She looked up to see Kenneth -- Kenneth! -- standing above her. He knelt beside her, putting his arms around her. The pain hit her again and blood spurted to the floor, making her nearly black out. Kenneth's words were soothing, however, and she felt the pain begin to recede. "Your baby was conceived during the Warp. It's not going to be... quite normal."
Images of the Warpies flooded her mind. She'd heard stories of children born in the ethereal backwash of the previous Jaspers Warp. Some were hideously mutated, others possessed of great powers. But all were touched by the Unreal. "Are you a dream?" she asked, shaking in her son's grasp.
"No... I'm not a dream. But it's a long story."
Jackie felt her belly begin to shrink again, though horrid rips in her flesh were still bleeding freely. "I missed you so...."
Kenneth smiled and held her tightly.
Lyonesse, 8:00 PM
"How in the hell can she be dead? She's a bloody concept, isn't she?" Dark Angel's incredulous question echoed the same doubts that all the Pendragons felt. They'd listened -- along with their guest, Thunderfist -- to Betsy's recounting of her meeting with the Green Knight... and each of them felt that their worlds were teetering. For one and all, becoming a servant of Avalon had brought a measure of peace to their hearts and minds -- to find that their patrons were fall from infallible was a daunting blow.
"I don't know the specifics and the Green Knight wasn't offering any explanations." Betsy took a sip of her tea and sighed. She felt so very tired, but she couldn't give up. Not yet. "What bothers me most is that Dane has all this power at his disposal and we don't know what he intends to do with it. He's struck against us before*... What's to stop him from deciding we're all loose cannons and just stripping us of the Pendragon power?"
(*Most notably in issue 25)
"I don't think he'd do that," Breeze commented. Seeing the surprised looks on their faces, she shrugged and continued "I wasn't around for the last time, I admit... but if he really wanted to take our powers away, he would have by now. And the way I understand it, there were reasons for his actions last time. Mistaken ones, maybe -- but he didn't just do it out of spite."
"Not to mention the fact that he is -- was -- a servant of the Lady himself." The Hulk, wearing Banner's glasses, was seated next to Shamrock, his hand resting on her knee beneath the table. They hadn't made their romance public yet, though some on the team had begun to suspect. "Why don't we send a group of Pendragons to talk things over with him?" He cast a wary glance at Captain Britain. "A group who aren't all ready predisposed to distrust him."
"You're saying I haven't given him a fair chance?" Betsy asked. "He helped kill my brother."
"I'm not so sure he wasn't right, though." The Hulk ignored Molly's warning shake of her head. "Brian Braddock had done some very questionable things and Dane felt that Jamie Braddock's continued existence was a threat to the continuum. Can't fault him for that."
"I sure as hell can!" Betsy exclaimed.
"Enough."
The word was spoken quietly, but it carried such great strength that everyone in the room responded to it. All heads turned to see Adam Crown standing in the doorway, his bearded face looking so much older than the way they were used to seeing him. Thunderfist stepped aside to let him enter, feeling very uncomfortable. She hated seeing the team arguing like this and felt like an outsider, intruding on their private moments.
Crown stepped up to the table and looked at each of his teammates. "I came by to let you know that I've given some thought to a discussion Shevaun and I had the other day -- about my ability to remain a part of the group, while ruling Darkmoor. I've come to the conclusion that is best that I officially go on reserve status. I also wanted to invite you to my wedding. Ginny and I have reconciled." He held up a hand to silence words of congratulations from both Molly and Shevaun. "But instead I find you doubting the purity of our patrons. I'm worried about this turn of events, as well. But we have to trust in the Green Knight."
He stared directly into Betsy's eyes as he said the last and she rose from her seat. They had clashed on many occasions, but there was no rancor in either of them now. "You think I'm being blind, too?"
"A bit. It happens to the best of us."
Captain Britain sighed. "All right, then. For now, we trust in the power of Avalon." She forced a weary smile. "Now. When's the big day?"
"Well, despite the objections of Ginny's uncle, the marriage is going to be a major state occasion. It will be held three weeks from now, at Glastonbury."
Shamrock rose quickly and embraced him. Her move was followed by congratulations on all sides and even Betsy had to admit that she was looking forward to the nuptials. We need some happiness in our lives.
Nekros tried to avoid thinking about the men watching him. Both the Rook and Andreas Strucker were cruel men, that much was certain, and neither of them would react kindly to failure on the part of the necromancer. So he focused on his task, each meticulous step bringing Nekros one step closer to success.
He had rubbed oils all over the corpse belonging to Andreas Strucker, drawing on small sigils of power here and there. He had tried to warn the girl's brother that his sister would not be the same after rebirth, but his warnings had fallen on deaf ears. They will know soon enough, he thought. Most of the undead are mindless creatures, existing only to slake their thirst for flesh. But some are empowered by demonic entities of great power... In some cases, even the resurrected's closest friends can't tell the truth until it's too late. That should be the case here, if my spell works. The entity that answers this call should be quite powerful -- and those are usually the tricky ones.
"When is this going to be finished?" Andreas Strucker demanded. "I'm beginning to think you're just getting your rocks off by touching my sister's dead body. Is that what you're into? Necrophilia?"
Nekros sneered as he continued working. "There is something to be said for the dead. They are not nearly so boastful as the living."
The Rook started to draw his sword, but his master stopped him. Andreas stared at the necromancer. "Watch your tongue before I have Roderick slice it from your throat. It's not necessary for your spell, is it?"
"Actually, it is." Nekros stepped back from the corpse and began chanting, his words hanging in the air. They sent chills down the backs of the watching men, who had never heard their like before. "Ntara mlaku gaos! Ntara mellachantra vthul!"
Nekros felt a presence in the room, answering the call. It had gone out into the realms invisible to ours, heard only by the undead, the demonic and the great powers of the universe. The forces of creation itself stirred in response to the ancient spell... and one of them answered.
A flaming bird appeared around the corpse of Andrea Strucker, lifting her up into the air. Her brother cried out, backing away as Nekros stared in horror. This wasn't supposed to happen....
And then the Not-Andrea spoke, her eyes opening wide to reveal pits of flame. "A new host must be found but this one is unworthy! She is not fit to serve as my vessel!"
The flaming bird exploded in light, completely consuming the Strucker girl's corpse. Her body was reduced to ashes in seconds, drifting to the floor as if borne by some unseen wind. As soon as the last of her ashes touched the floor, the bird-shape was gone, as well, as the great entity fled elsewhere.
"No! My beautiful sister!" Andreas screamed, stepping forward in outrage. He pointed an accusing finger at Nekros, bellowing "Rook! Kill him! Make him pay!"
Nekros raised a hand, hoping to explain, but the swordsman was far too quick. The Rook's sword rang out and the necromancer's head flew upwards in a spray of blood. It landed at the Rook's feet, an expression of shock forever etched on its features.
Lyonesse 11:55 PM
Molly Fitzgerald sat on the edge of the cliff, watching the waves crash to the shore. She felt more free than she had in years, despite the lingering questions she had about her romantic relationship with the Hulk. The love affair had grown more intense in recent days, as mutual attraction gave way to physical fulfillment. Their lovemaking had been frenzied and passionate, but Molly could see a bit of hesitation in every move he made. He's still in love with his wife, poor thing.
She heard footsteps behind her, heavy ones. Without turning, she said "Hullo, Bruce. You couldn't sleep either?"
There was a slight hesitation before he said "No... I felt like walking a bit."
Molly smiled to herself. "Did you come out here looking for me?"
"Maybe," he replied, sounding a bit amused. "Is everyone else inside the castle?"
"I think so." She started to rise, brushing off her bottom. "I'm glad you joined me. The view's incredible."
"The fall is quite nasty, though."
Molly looked over the edge, down to the hard rocks below. "That's putting it mildly!" she laughed. She turned to see her lover's face and froze in mid-step. The Hulk was there, but there was something... wrong... with him. His face was darker than normal and his grin was simply horrifying, showing large white teeth that glinted in the moonlight. And his eyes...! They seemed to regard her as something akin to prey. "Bruce...."
"Don't call me that." The Hulk shoved her hard, sending her body hurtling out into space. She landed nearly a hundred feet off shore, with several cracked ribs. The impact with the water knocked her out, as well, and for once in her life, her good luck powers seemed to fail her. Her lungs filled with water and the Hulk watched dispassionately until she had floated out of sight.
With a satisfied nod, he turned back towards the castle.
The entity soared through the skies, leaving a fiery trail in its wake. It was angered by the interruption in its search, but the call from the necromancer had forced the entity to investigate. Now, though, it surged forward, feeling the familiar sense of recognition in its soul.
A new host awaited.
TO BE CONTINUED
Next Issue: "Persistence of Vision" concludes with the wedding of Adam Crown and Ginny Halpin. Plus: a whole new lineup for the Pendragons! Who stays and who goes? Be here to find out!
AUTHOR'S NOTES
We're one issue away from the big # 50! That's amazing to me....
In some ways, it seems like I just started this series a few months ago. In other ways, it's surprising to think how much my life has changed since I began what eventually turned into the Pendragons Universe by doing Black Knight: Destiny Walk # 0. Back then, it was all about ditching my former comrades-in-arms at the Marvel Volume One group and striking out "on my own." On my own, at that point, meant bolting for the greener pastures of Marvel-X. Then things went sour there and the Pendragons Universe drifted from Avengers 2000 to Omniverse to being self-hosted to ending up back at Avengers 2000. What a long, strange trip it's been! Along the way, I've made some great friends and been proud to see writers like Travis Hiltz, Gary Dreslinski, Gary Halpin, Robert Rock, Tom Deja and Neil Gow contribute to the Universe. And there are all the talented artists who've donated their hard work to making the website come alive. I salute you all and plan to dedicate issue 50 to all the Pendragons fans who've dropped me a line over the years. It's been fun.
Kudos to those of you who recognize Android Andy, who's sole appearance was in the classic Earth-238 stories written by Alan Moore. An homage to an old British hero named Robot Archie, Andy never spoke in his Marvel appearance, but he'll get nice play here, I hope. I hinted at Andy's coming in Tales of the Pendragons # 5.
Now we have a letter from Travis Hiltz, talking about our recently completed Union Jack Weekly miniseries:
Gotta disagree with you about UJ falling flat. This was a great series. In eight short issues you've set up an interesting new hero, a great supporting cast and given it a great, dark action movie vibe to it all. Yeah, you couldn't wrap up every loose end, but you've got a whole imprint to play with, and for Kenneth to show up in. The New Union Jack is a great concept, a vampire super hero. Then add to it the great pulp-mystery feel of the stories and it becomes another one of those ideas that I wished I'd thought of. Random thoughts: Ghoul is a great sidekick. Like Joey as the ghostly advisor. Reminds me of David in the DC Starman series. Nice touch, helps kind of ease the loss of his getting bumped off so abruptly. Union Jackula! I love it! I'm glad Kenneth didn't turn into one of those whiney, Anne Rice vampires.
Glad you enjoyed the series so much, Trav. It just felt a little flat to me at times. I agree that Ghoul was very effective as the sidekick -- he's been a popular addition to the universe so far, with several writers planning to use him. The Union Jackula joke was a favorite of mine, too :-)
You can reach me at aric_dacia@yahoo.com
