The Commonwealth |
What Has Come Before: The Black Mass Barrier has plunged all of England into a new age of magic, but even before it was raised, the winds of change had begun to blow. A young man named Theodore "Teddy" Knowles was forced to witness the slaying of his parents by the high demon known as Blackheart. The villain then placed a spiritual "key" inside Teddy, one capable of destroying the Barrier. This act destroyed what was left of Teddy's mind, leaving him an invalid in the care of Mercy Hospital. Now the Commonwealth, a group of superhumans sanctioned by the European Union, has arrived with plans to kill Teddy and eradicate the Barrier. Standing in their way is Britain's official hero group, the Pendragons, led to the scene by Nocturne's prophetic Looking Glass. In the midst of battle, Teddy's fictional hero Lionheart arrived on the scene, declaring that the boy was under his protection.
Mercy Hospital, London
"I'm Lionheart... and that boy is under my protection."
The field of combat fell silent as a colorfully garbed figure strode forward. He was clad in red, white and blue and carried a shield bearing the proud design of the Union Jack. He was a figure torn out of a young boy's fancy and he looked every bit the perfect hero. He nodded once to Captain Britain, as if greeting an equal. "Captain... I hope you'll agree with me that this is hardly the place for a metahuman conflict. There are innocent people inside this hospital."
"We tried to evacuate as many as--"
"You didn't succeed," he retorted. His voice was filled with righteous fury and he came to a stop next to the wheelchair-bound form of Teddy Knowles. "How dare you call yourselves heroes...? All of you...."
"Who do you think you are?" the Red Guardian asked. He had been seconds away from slaying Teddy when Lionheart had appeared... and he looked confused and angry now. "You don't know the first thing about this. That boy you're protecting is the key to freeing Europe!"
"Shut up," Captain Britain whispered. She lunged for the Russian, driving her psi-blade deep inside his brain. The Commonwealth leader barely had time to cry out before he was falling forward to his knees. Betsy Braddock had gotten her fill of the other man's rhetoric during their battle and she little patience for hearing more of it now. "Pendragons, help the wounded to their feet."
Dark Angel, landing behind her, immediately bent down to check on the Red Guardian's status. "What are we going to do now, Bets?" she whispered.
Captain Britain didn't answer her directly, instead choosing to direct her words at the stranger before them. "Fancy a trip back to Lyonesse, mate? We'd like to hear a bit in the way of answers...."
Lionheart regarded them evenly for a moment, watching as the various heroes began to pick themselves up one by one. The mighty Hulk, felled by a radioactive barrage from Starlite, was leaning heavily on his lover, the Celtic Phoenix. "I wouldn't mind talking with all of you... But Teddy is coming with us." He glanced over at the boy's nurse, who stood staring at him in disbelief. "I'd like you to come along as well, Miss."
Nurse Reilly blinked in surprise. "Me? But why on Earth....?"
Lionheart took her hand in his. "Because Teddy trusts you. And right now, we need to do everything we can to make sure he's safe and comfortable. Don't you agree?"
Reilly paused, staring into the man's piercing blue eyes. "Yes... I do."
Breeze James, watching this exchange, turned to look at Nocturne. "Why do I have a feeling that this bloody day is only to get stranger?"
"Cam? Would you like a cup of tea?"
Cam McClellan sat quietly in the center of the garden, his head lowered and eyes closed. He looked almost like a man praying, but Kate knew that was unlikely. Even as a young boy, Cam had avoided public displays of religion.
Kate had come here to the Crichton Estate with her lover, Wynter, and her son because they all felt the need to get away for a bit. With the strange complications surrounding Jackie's pregnancy, the Lady Crichton was only too happy to have guests. "Cam....?"
"I hear you, mum." Cam looked up and Kate had to suppress a sigh. Though he'd regained his humanity following a horrific battle with the Ghost Rider, Cam still bore physical signs of his Bane possession. His eyes were slitted like a cat's and glowed with an awful intensity. "I was just enjoying the quiet."
"Sorry, luv. I didn't mean to bother you. Would you like me to leave?"
"No," Cam answered with a smile. "We've been apart too much, I think. Sit with me."
Kate moved over, smoothing her skirt down as she went. Ever since she'd become involved with the Pendragons business, she'd felt a bit unreal. That feeling had only intensified since her son had become Dark Albion... getting him back had been a dream come true, but one fraught with peril. Wynter seemed to think that Cam would recover in time, but she wasn't so sure. There were times when she looked into his eyes and saw... nothing. Absolutely nothing. "Beautiful day, isn't it?"
Cam glanced about, as if noticing for the first time. "It is." He wet his lips and the hesitation she saw in his features nearly broke her heart. There was a distance between them now... perhaps always would be. How could you just forget all the horrible things the Red Lord had done to him, after all... or all the awful things that Cam himself had done. "I was thinking about going to Otherworld."
"Why?"
He looked at her and, for just a moment, she saw the old Cam -- the way he'd been before he'd lost himself in the wilds of Darkmoor. "I'm frightened. I don't trust myself anymore."
"You're okay, Cam... I promise. Wynter says he can't find any trace of the Red Lord still in you--"
"He's wrong. I can still feel it... it's like a snake, worming its way through my heart. I can still see those girls that I--" his eyes filled with tears. "Sometimes I want to die."
Kate put her arms around him then, cradling his head to her bosom in a way she hadn't in years. "It's my fault," she whispered, "for dragging you into this life of costumes and capes. I should be the one punishing herself Cam, not you."
Her son pulled away, looking up into her eyes. "I thought about going to Avalon, asking the Lady for forgiveness... but Betsy says that Dane Whitman's in control there, now. He betrayed us all... How can I put my faith in him? I can't...."
Kate didn't know how to answer that. She had conflicting emotions over this whole affair, as well. She'd trusted in the Black Knight, had followed him into the current incarnations of the Pendragons... but his later actions had branded him a traitor to their ranks. And now he'd killed the Lady of the Lake and stolen her power? It made her feel uncertain about almost everything. "What does this have to do with Otherworld, Cam?"
"I've been thinking about joining up with the Dark Guard... at least for a little while. Going to different dimensions and universes might be what I need for now."
"You'd be away from me again, Cam. I'm not sure I like that."
Cam stood up, suddenly looking far older than his years. "I need a fresh start... and the Guard's been undermanned ever since Shamrock came over to join the Pendragons, not to mention how Captain Assyria and Horus were killed in the war with Mandragon."
Yes... They were killed, she wanted to say, but didn't. No point in playing the mother hen card, she realized. He was a man now, despite how much she might wish otherwise. "Have you given any thought to when you might be leaving?"
A sudden crackling of electricity and a gust of wind nearly knocked Kate to the ground. She jumped up into a battle stance, summoning her own electrical powers.
The smiling face of Francesca Lexley Grace brought Kate's defenses down, however. The former Pendragon and current member of the Dark Guard was dressed in her black and green-tinted body armor, her wrist blades fully extended. "Bollocks, Kate... Looking for a fight, are you?"
"Sorry, you just took me by surprise." She glanced up at the disappearing Ley-Space Distortion through which Grace had arrived. It was only a second later that she realized why Grace was here. She rounded on her son, a look of betrayal on her face. "Cam! You were waiting for her, weren't you? You were going to leave without even saying goodbye!"
"I'm sorry, mum... It was just... I knew it wouldn't be easy. For either of us." His expression softened. "Please. Give me some time to get myself back in shape."
"You've really lost the plot this time, haven't you, Cam? You think going off and acting like one of Brian's soldier boys will give you back your self-respect? It won't, lad... believe me."
"You don't know that," Grace murmured. "It helped me get over the loss of Peter. And it might help Cam, too."
Kate nodded, though she didn't truly believe it. Her son was going off on his own again... and who knew what would come of it. "Come and give me a kiss then, if you're not too big for such things."
Grace looked away as they embraced, feeling a small pang of regret. She hadn't told Cam about the group's next mission, though she'd been personally dreading it. He's so young and he barely understands some of the thing's we have to do in the Dark Guard. But maybe it's time he realized the truth... that sometimes you have to dig up the dead before you can fully put them to rest.
Lyonesse -- Castle Pendragon
"On the night the Black Mass Barrier went up, Teddy was out with his parents." Lionheart was seated at the team's meeting room table, a cup of warm tea in his hands. He'd pulled his mask back and everyone in the room had noticed his uncanny resemblance to the wheelchair-bound boy at his side. "The demon Blackheart used dark sorcery to bind him into the spell that created the Barrier. He placed a key -- a magical artifact -- deep within the boy's soul. Kill the boy and the key is released, allowing you to remove the Barrier. But leave the key in place... and Teddy could live for many, many years."
"An awful state to survive in," the Hulk noted. He sat with one arm draped around Molly's shoulders, holding her close.
The sentient machine known as Andy was watching them with interest, having never been exposed to romantic love outside of songs or stories. His eyes flashed as he nodded in agreement with the Hulk's words. "How did you come to know so much about him?"
Lionheart shifted in his chair, aware that at least half the people in the room -- the members of the Commonwealth, at least -- viewed him with extreme distrust. "During World War I, there was a group of heroes formed to battle the enemies of freedom... They called themselves the Freedom's Five. The Phantom Eagle, the Crimson Cavalier, the original Union Jack and the young hero known as the Silver Squire were all members of this illustrious group. The Squire's elder, Sir Steel, was an enigma to most... he appeared out of nowhere, clad in full plate armor and bearing a mystic blade. He fought alongside his allies for several years before fading into obscurity." Lionheart sipped his tea, aware that his audience was growing impatient.
"Are you trying to be difficult?" demanded Blitzkrieg. The German nationalist looked like he was ready to bolt from the scene. None of the Commonwealth had taken their defeat well, but the lightning-wielding hero seemed particularly put out. "Just tell us who and what you are so we can go back to our homes. It's obvious that you and the Pendragons won't listen to reason -- you continue to place the life of one boy over the lives of millions of others!"
Lionheart smiled softly, not growing angry at the other man. "I understand you're upset, but give me time. During World War II, England was again imperiled -- and this time a hero by the name of the British Bulldog appeared on the scene. He fought crime mainly in London, helping out those who were imperiled by the Blitz. He never received much acclaim, but he was fine with that. What mattered was helping his country out during a difficult time. There were others, too, through the years... some who gained a bit of spotlight, others who didn't. But people never knew who they truly were, or where they came from. They just seemed to arise when Britain needed them." Lionheart finished off the last of his tea and set the cup down on the table. "Just like now. The form the spirit takes is decided by the young. In the first World War, it was a young boy who dreamed of being a knight... and learning from a powerful father figure. I like to think I made the Silver Squire's life a bit easier. More exciting. In World War II, the Bulldog took his form from a young girl named Susie Brighton, who wanted to see a Brit fight the Axis like all those blokes from America.... and now a boy named Teddy Knowles has set the form again. Lionheart, defender of all England."
Nocturne leaned forward. He was a devotee of old pulp heroes and had studied quite a few of their real-life counterparts as well. "You're saying you're some sort of... elemental force... that takes it shape from the dreams of children? That's bloody preposterous."
"Says the man whose favorite pulp hero came to life and gave him a costume," Breeze pointed out. "What he's saying is no weirder than what we've all been through."
"But you're essentially saying you're not a physical entity at all," the Hulk said. "You're some kind of... national subconscious that takes on different forms to protect the country when it needs? Fascinating."
Borys stood then, his face contorted in exasperation. He believed his powers stemmed from the hand of God and he was horrified to discover that these people could not see what was so blatantly obvious. "But why would the spirit of Britain not want the Barrier to fall?"
"There was an attempt made to clarify this matter," Android Andy stated, his sing-song voice sounding calm and rational. "But your leader failed to allow us to explain. On the other side of the Barrier stands an alien invasion fleet that has already laid waste to much of the world. When the Barrier does collapse, all of us will be at great risk."
"We've alerted the Prime Minister and he's making plans to address the European Union in a few days -- when that happens, everyone will know." Molly Fitzgerald, clad in the green and yellow associated with the Phoenix, tried to push all of her sincerity to the fore. "We need time. To plan and prepare."
Lionheart nodded. "I agree. I normally take these forms during times of warfare and great strife... I think that a war to end all wars is looming."
Dark Angel watched this exchange carefully, her eyes never leaving Lionheart. She'd heard tales of this spirit before, but had scarcely believed them. According to what she knew, however, the being now called Lionheart had once been a man like any other. During the Crusades, he'd committed a grievous sin against his homeland... when he'd died, a choice had been offered him: have his soul suffer in eternal torment or become an agent of the Green, working off his sins by serving the land whenever it needed him. If that was true, then this being had the capacity for deception within him... but she sensed nothing untoward from him now. Only a burning desire to see his country protected. Who were you, she wondered. And what did you do to warrant this?
"We should inform the EU," Starlite said. "If they are telling the truth, then this changes everything."
Le Peregrine agreed. "No point in removing the Barrier, only to be enslaved the next day!"
Betsy glanced across the table at her opposite number, the crimson clad Red Guardian. "Do you want me to show you exactly what we've seen? I can send the images telepathically."
"No. That won't be necessary." He rose from his seat, nodding formally at the Pendragons. "We'll be taking our leave for now. I can't promise you that our employers won't send us right back here to complete our previous mission... but I imagine they'll wait to hear what your PM has to say."
The Commonwealth exited the room quietly, leaving the Pendragons in their wake.
Lionheart smiled softly, his handsome British features seeming to relax tremendously. "So. That's settled, then. I think that Teddy and Ms. Reilly should be taken back to the hospital and placed under tighter security. He'll be safe from most things, but if the Commonwealth were to return, he'd need protection."
"I figured you'd be doing that," the Hulk said.
"I only wish I could devote myself to that... but there are other things I need to deal with." He stepped away from the table, adjusting the shield that he wore proudly on one arm. "I hope we'll be allies in the future, Pendragons."
Captain Britain offered him a hand, which he gratefully accepted. "Feel free to call upon us anytime."
"I might take you up on that," he said. "It's been many long years since I had companions such as yourself. I've missed it." He then turned to Teddy and put a hand on the boy's shoulder. Leaning close, he whispered "Someday, lad, you'll be out of this chair and at my side. Until then, be patient."
The Vatican
"He's fallen quite ill, Cardinal."
Maggi nodded at the acolyte's words, though he barely heard them. He felt the truth behind them, had known it was coming... but it was still so difficult to accept the reality.
He stepped into the Holy Father's private chambers, the sickly smell of death hitting his nostrils. For a moment, he feared he was too late, but then he heard a moan from behind the bed curtains and he knew that it was not true death he smelled, but merely its warning signs.
"Maggi? Are you here?" the aged man said, struggling to sit upright.
"I'm here, your Holiness." Maggi knelt at the side of the bed, reaching out to clasp the older man's hand. "You sent for me?"
"The Barrier... has it been removed? Is... the true faith... to be saved?"
Maggi swallowed hard. He'd heard back from his contacts in the EU and he knew about the Commonwealth's failure... but how to tell a wonderful man like this that his final master plan had failed? "The Barrier is no more, your Holiness. You have saved us all."
The old man smiled then, a beatific expression that reflected his sublime pleasure. "This means the world to me. I shall go to Heaven with this victory carrying me aloft. You have been a good servant of God, Maggi."
"Thank you, Holy Father." He lifted the old man's hand and tenderly kissed his ring. "You must rest now."
"Yes. I am... so tired. But I am happy."
"Then I am happy, your Holiness. Sleep well."
Teddy Knowles sat in his chair, watching the clouds pass by overhead. Dimly, he was aware of a couple passing by, looking at him with pity.
They were wrong, though... for they saw only a young man, seemingly bereft of all that a boy should have.
They didn't see what lurked within.
Lionheart held his shield aloft, the sun shining behind him. Unlike previous fantasies, Teddy was not beneath the hero's mask this time... instead, he stood at the hero's side, dressed in a similar costume of his own. They were friends and partners, bound by an oath to protect all innocents.
Teddy's parents were so proud of him.
Someday....
Next Issue: We take some time to catch our breath after the startling events of issue 50 and our subsequent meeting with the Commonwealth. Next issue will see: more information revealed about Molly's transformation; a night out on the town for Betsy and Gray; the new Inner Circle of the Hellfire Club; and more on the awful mission that's coming for the Dark Guard.
AUTHOR'S NOTES
Hope you guys enjoyed the origin of Lionheart -- a little bit of Uncle Sam mixed with Hawkman, I guess. An eternal hero, reborn again and again in response to his nation's call. If you'd like to see more of him -- including what led to his 'curse,' please let me know. Next issue is a one-shot of sorts, giving little spotlights on lots of subplots. Then we begin to ramp up for a space saga! Ooh, fun.
Gary Jones wrote in this time around, so let's get to his letter:
Just a quick line to say how much I enjoyed Pendragons 52. One thing confused me however and that is the person who can bring down the barrier. I was under the impression that it was the reborn Dr. Druid who had to die to bring down the barrier? Does Druid have to die as well or is it Teddy Knowles alone whose death can bring down the barrier?
Glad you liked the issue,
Gary! I had a lot of fun writing it.
The situation involving Dr. Druid and the Barrier is this: Gaea revived Druid
and did so through the Barrier. Shards of it are inside of him, linking him to
its power. He believes that he could dispel the barrier if he wishes, but he
won't do so because the end of the barrier would mean his own death.
Teddy Knowles contains the "key" to the Barrier, as fashioned by
Blackheart. If he dies, the "key" is released and can be used to
dispel the Barrier. In some ways, this is very, very similar to what happened
with Druid -- it could even be said that Gaea fashioned her *own* key and hid
it inside her *own* mortal just as Blackheart did.
Blackheart created the key because it's a necessary component in the creation
of a Barrier spell. Gaea supposedly tied Dr. Druid into the Barrier for
reasons of her own, possibly as a counterbalance to what Blackheart was doing.
My understanding of what she did is that she recreated Druid and tapped into
the Barrier's power to do so, using it and shaping it into "shards"
(or keys), which are hidden inside Druid's soul. They are not true keys in the
way that Teddy has
one, but they are still capable of "jiggling open" the Barrier and
bringing it down -- though for obvious reasons, Druid would oppose this.
You can reach me at aric_dacia@yahoo.com
