What has come
before: The Earth has been occupied by the Martian invasion force. Even after
the mystical barrier over Europe fell, Earth’s forces were no match for the
alien military machine. The heroes of Earth fought valiantly but have been
reduced to little more than hit and run terrorists against the Martian
overlords. Hope did come in the form of Odin the All Father of the Asgardian
Gods. Odin could not commit the armies of Asgard to the cause of his frequent
allies due to his pact of non-interference in the affairs of Earth, which he
had agreed with the “Sky Fathers” of the other pantheons of gods. However he
did grant sanctuary to the heroes’ children and families allowing them to fight
on unhindered by worry. These children would be taught the ways of the
Asgardian warrior and form an army capable of freeing their homeworld. Now in a
sector of Asgard lovingly referred to as “Little Midgard” these refugees of
Earth train and learn to use their amazing abilities to free a world.
Previously: A
team of young heroes lead by the daughter of the Black Knight and Captain
Britain codenamed Britannia had been chosen to return to Earth to escort the
Avenger Jocasta and her new born son back to Asgard. However on arrival at the
Wakandan Plains the team was attacked by the Martian sympathisers The Armoured
Division led by the new Iron Man Arno Stark. The young heroes eventually won
the day mainly due to the combined efforts of Britannia with her newly found
Pendragon power and the abilities of Jocasta’s son Aaron.
NEGATIVE MAGIC
Part One
“Finding Lockley”
The Town Square Little Midgard
Everybody stopped what they were doing as a silvery flash began glowing brighter and brighter at the dead centre of the Town Square. Sprocket pulled down her goggles in order to get a better look. In the silvery energy in front of her, she could make out the outlines of nine figures and one very large dog. Sprocket smiled to herself glad her friends were back safe and sound. It was at this moment she realised she shouldn’t seeing people at all, what she should be seeing was a large armoured vehicle which she had slaved over for months. “They better have a damn good explanation for this” Sprocket muttered to no one in particular “do they know how hard it is to find parts in Asgard”.
No sooner had
Sprocket finished her murmur than crimson lighting arched from the sky striking
the emerging figures. Then as suddenly as they had begun to materialise they
were gone.
Sprocket
frantically looked around and was a little relieved to see Tessa Stark also
known as Iron Girl busy taking readings from the mysterious lighting via her
armour.
“What the hell
was that?” Sprocket yelled at Tessa as she ran over to join her on the other
side of the square. “Tell me you got something” Sprocket gasped from her sudden
excerption as she arrived at Tessa’s side.
“Well yes and
no” Tessa replied still studying her readings via her wrist mounted display. “I
can’t identify the energy at all or any point of origin, it’s as if it appeared
out of thin air”
“Well that’s
certainly the no bit what about the yes” Sprocket snapped sarcastically then
immediately regretted it. However Tessa appeared to have taken no notice and
was still busily reading the data her armour was churning out.
“My systems
can’t make any sense of that energy at all which to my mind and considering
where we live can mean only one thing magic.”
Elsewhere
“Wherethehellarewewhatthehellwasthat!firstiminWakandathenAsgardandnowinaweirdlookingrockinspacewithastupidteleprtingdogandacrazyrobotkid”
“Mak will you came down!” Angelica said grabbing the gibbering speedster by his collar and shaking him a little rougher than she intended.
“Thanks Grimm
I needed that” Makkara said straightening his uniform back into place where
Angelica had roughed it up. “But my question is still pretty valid where the
hell are we?” When he received no immediate answer Makkara took the time to
look around at the others. Lockley was unconscious from the excerption; Aaron
wasn’t fairing much better and seemed almost asleep in his mother’s arms who
was starring up at the sky. Angelica was fussing over Valeria who’s shoulder
wound still looked nasty and really needed treatment and finally he saw Beth,
Clint and Ben all hunched over a near by boulder throwing up. “Teleportation
obviously doesn’t agree with you Parker" Makkara laughed as Ben turned
round wiping his mouth obviously regretting eating before he left home.
“Hang on
where’s Rina?” Britannia exclaimed as she too stopped evacuating her stomach
through her face. As if in answer the small feral form of Wild Thing came
tumbling down a near by cliff face. She bounced off a large boulder and landed
in a crouching position at the other heroes’ feet.
“We got
company” she gasped standing and unsheathing her claws.
The Mayoral Offices of James Rhodes, Little Midgard
“Ok people this is what we know so far” Mayor Rhodes addressed the crowded office. “The team did make it back without the vehicle somehow, but were redirected in some way by mystical energy by unknown assailants. Question is what do we do about it now, there is no way I’m losing another team.”
“I can track
Lockley by a tracer I placed in his collar but I’m gonna need a bit of a clue
where to start looking” Sprocket responded then looked around the room at the
gathered citizens and heroes for a suggestion.
“ I would have
thought sir that the obvious place to go would be to see the Enchantress and
our mystics training with her. We can see if they can trace the lighting”
Sentinel the daughter of Captain America and Warbird announced from the back of
the packed office.
“I agree
Sarah, that’s why I’m sending a team to the Enchantress’ home to ask her and
our young mystics to help trace whoever sent that lighting and hopefully give
us a clue as to where it sent them, any volunteers?” Most of the young heroes
training in Little Midgard raised their hands eager to get out and do something
other than train. To Mayor Rhodes surprise his daughter Sprocket was amongst
them.
Elsewhere
“Who have you pissed off now Rina?” Angelica Grimm sighed as she formed some of the surrounding rock into large stone fists covering her own.
“Oh he didn’t
take much provoking” Rina answered crouching into an attack stance waiting for
what she knew was just over the cliff edge. The others were similarly powering
up while Jocasta who was still healing took position into front of her son and
the still dazed Lockley and the injured Valeria.
“Who dares trespass in the territory of the
prince of Baluur, the mighty Burstarr?” a booming voice bellowed from over
the cliff edge. Suddenly the cliff was full of grey almost beast like humanoids
with the shouting one dead centre. “You
fools better hope your lord Annihillus doesn’t hold any attachment to your
miserable lives as they end this day!”
“Annill who?”
Makkara asked as the seething mass of creatures poured down the cliff towards
the young heroes, the shouting ones fists glowing with some dangerous looking
energy. The team readied themselves to take on the horde until they could clear
an escape route for the others, when what looked like a 15th century
covered wagon although jet-propelled cut across the encroaching attackers.
An older man
dressed as a kind of pilgrim in a large rimmed hat was at the controls of the
craft “get in if thou wish to survive this encounter” he said as he screeched
to a halt in front of Jocasta and Aaron.
Britannia
didn’t need asking twice she scooped up Valeria with her TK while Angelica
lifted Lockley into the wagon and the others all scrambled in.
Sprocket’s Workshop, Little Midgard
“You don’t have to do this you know” a concerned James Rhodes whispered to his daughter as she busily packed a large backpack with various gadgets and gizmos.
“Yes I do dad,
I’m the one who built the teleporting system if anyone can track it its me”
Sprocket replied scouring her shelves for other useful items.
“I know that
sweetie but your not trained like the others and you don’t have any powers”
Rhodes reminded his only child.
“I’m capable
enough dad and I have picked up a thing or two along the way. Besides I
promised Lockley he would be ok and I don’t intend to let him down” at this she
hoisted the heavy backpack on and made for the door. Outside Sprocket’s
companions were waiting for her. A series of grins spread across their faces as
they saw Sprocket approaching struggling under the heavy weight of her bag.
“It’s clear
you’ve never trekked across the plains of Asgard lassie,” a voice from behind
Sprocket said. Sprocket felt a firm hand on her shoulder and looked up to see
the imposing figure of Sister Mary Bernadette Samson. Sister Mary had come from
Earth with the children when they were very young to act as a guardian and
teacher. She was a sister of the Order of the Holy Marvels, a section of the
Catholic Church who saw superhuman powers as gifts from God to do good works.
Sister Mary herself was a super strong and virtually indestructible mutant that
also had a military background. So was a perfect choice as a guardian of her
young charges. Although her religious beliefs did not go down too well with some
in the home of the Asgardian Gods. “Perhaps you should carry a little less
deary, or you’ll collapse before you reach the town gates” Sister Mary said
smiling down at Sprocket as she help her remove her pack. Sprocket looked in
her vast backpack mentally choosing what she would definitely need to track the
others and then placing them in a smaller bag. Eventually when she was
satisfied that she had all that was needed and nothing else she looked up at
Sister Mary, who nodded her approval.
Sister Mary led
Sprocket who she had always had a special fondness for across to meet the rest
of her rescue team. Sentinel, Sarah Rogers and Starbird, Jessica Wilson the
daughter of The Falcon and Photon she knew well and had grow up with. The tall
blonde guy next to them she knew as well and would certainly like to know a lot
better, he was Zack Summers or Chaos if you prefer the son of the X-men Havok
and Polaris. The final two members were their Asgardian guides Magni the son of
Thor and Vanguard the son of Danni and James Proudstar; he was the first male
Valkeryie.
Elsewhere
“Thanks it
looked a bit hairy back there quite literally,” Mustang said still clutching a
notched arrow to his bow.
“I wouldn’t
say your out of danger yet greenskin” a gravely voice said from the shadows at
the rear of the wagon. Before the heroes could see anyone they saw the light
from outside reflect off two long handled pistols. The guns looked antique but
with bits of tech grafted onto them, the young heroes doubted they just fired
shot. As more light hit the interior of the strange wagon three figures could
be made out. The first looked a lot like the driver but a lot younger, he too
was dressed in pilgrim like costume complete with a large rimmed hat and long
overcoat, he was the one holding the pistols. The next to him was a dazzlingly
beautiful girl with long almost white blond hair; her eyes were completely
covered by a thick blindfold. Finally and most worryingly was a six and a half
foot man made completely of some kind of rock. Angelica looked at him
quizzically as his resemblance to her father was uncanny. “Who are thee and who
sent thee here? They would have to be of importance to have level to that kind
of teleporter” the young man with the pistols continued.
“Calm yourself
Ephram” the driver of the wagon leaned in and reprimanded the younger man.
“Surly you recognise Miss Valeria and Miss Angelica from Master Grimm’s photo
images”
“Wait a minute
your Hellscout aren’t you?” Angelica said, as she suddenly recognised the older
man from the files she has been forced to review since she could read. “That
means we must be in the Negative Zone, Oh boy!”
“Indeed you
are Miss Angelica, although my overzealous son now holds my former title” the
man formerly know as Hellscout now simply Kenneth Tennyson said as he pulled
his wagon over into a hidden cavern. “We should be safe here for the minute my
young friends, it appears that Miss Valeria is in need of some attention”
“Allow me
father” the beautiful blonde girl said stepping forward and touching Valeria’s
injured shoulder. As she did so a magnificent white light emanated from her
hand and passed into Valeria. As the light faded Valeria’s severe wound was
completely gone. The blonde girl fell back obviously drained by the procedure
and was caught by her brother.
“Healing is
one of my daughters many gifts from our lord” Kenneth smiled as his daughter
began the regain her composure. “I know you Miss Angelica and Miss Valeria and
if you vouch for them I will welcome your friends into my protection also”.
Angelica was
busy inspecting Valeria’s newly healed shoulder but turned and nodded her
thanks. “Allow me to introduce my own young charges as I have said this is my
son Ephram the new Hellscout, next to him is his sister Diana or as some call
her Oracle and finally may I introduce young master Thomas better known to the
people as Jericho.”
The town gates of Little Midgard
“Now your
definitely sure about this” Mayor Rhodes whispered in his daughters ear as they
walk up to the town gates where the former hellhound Cerberus kept watch.
“For Gods sake
dad, will you just drop it!” Sprocket snapped a little louder than she intended
causing others in the group to cast her a glance. “Would you leave your friends
lost out there when there is a chance you can help find them?”
“Well no I….”
“Exactly. Look
dad I do appreciate the concern I really do but I’m not the little girl who
used to pass you tools in the workshop anymore. I know your only trying to
protect me but I am as much a part of this whole war thing as the others and I
intend to do my bit”
“I.. I know
you are honey and I couldn’t be prouder if the truth be told, but I can’t help
worrying it’s just a dad thing” Mayor Rhodes smiled back at his daughter
hugging her as they reached the gates.
“Alright
everyone!” Danni Moonstar shouted so all could hear. “This is the plan, my son
John will lead the group across the Plains of Ida to the base of the Asgard
Mountains. From there you will go to where the Gopul River meets the Sea of
Marmora where passage should be waiting to take you. After that it’s Alfheim
and from there to the Enchanted Forest” Danni said in one long breath. “Why
Amora has to live so damn far away I’ll never know” she muttered under her
breath causing her husband James Proudstar to smirk.
The young
heroes making the journey gathered together in front of Danni for their final
briefing. “You are to locate Amora and the mystics under her tutorledge
establish why we have had no recent contact then get them to trace the lighting
which struck the others. Once this is done report back here and do not go off
after them yourselves, this means you Magni” Danni looked across at the
Asgardian god of strength. “Sprocket you are to aid the mystics however you can
on the technological side.”
All of the young
heroes nodded in unison then headed off through the gates. As she passed
Sprocket gave a nod to Lockley’s mother Cerberus, given her a silent promise to
find her son.
Sprocket found
the trek across the plains relatively easy, she may not be a warrior but she
was no slouch. Plus there was always the added bonus of having a celebrity with
them. Many offers of lifts where given to Magni a prince of Asgard from eager
citizens. The base of the Asgard Mountains however was another kettle of fish
entirely. This Sprocket found tough going especially with her tech pack on her
back. She couldn’t help but feel a little envious as Starbird and Sentinel as
they flew over head. After a few hours they reached the mouth of the Gopul
River and the beginning of the Sea of Marmora, which was a lot easier on
Sprocket as Vanguard had kindly taken her pack as well as his own.
As Danni
Moonstar had promised a ship was waiting, moored at a small dock at the mouth
of the river.
“I can’t see anyone aboard” Starbird shouted from her arial position. Sprocket looked up as Starbird spoke but had look away as she was blinded by the brightness of the bird like energy form which surrounded Starbird when using her powers and also gave her, her name.
“I just didn’t
want you see me until I was sure who you were” a voice from the rocks behind
the group said, accompanied by a distinct smell of brimstone. Sprocket and the
others turned to see an elf like female crouched on the rocks. Wisps of purple
vapour were just disappearing into the air and were obviously the source of the
smell. “Greetings I am Natalie Wagner the astounding Nightshade and I will be
your captain this fine day”
“I wondered
where the hell you were,” Vanguard said running over and engulfing the blue
girl in a huge bear hug “its been a while”.
“Protecting
the coast of the Enchanted Forest from the less morally upright citizens of
Asgard can keep a girl busy” Nightshade replied.
“Where’s the
fleabag?” Vanguard quizzed looking around.
“I’m surprised
with your warrior training you haven’t spotted him yet. Ok Feran come out you
win” With this a large powerful looking wolfman appeared from a near by tree
line. “Thanks you just lost me three gold coins,” Nightshade said elbowing
Vanguard in the ribs.
Feran came
over to the group and collected his winnings off of Nightshade, grinning widely
at Vanguard.
“And how is
your mother Queen Rahne?” Vanguard smiled back slapping his wolf like friend on
the soldier.
“She is well,
the packs have finally accepted a Midgarder as queen with a little gentle
persuasion” Feran said flexing his muscular arms to illustrate his meaning.
Vanguard quickly made introductions for those that needed it, Nightshade
already knew Chaos from growing up with the other X-kids and everybody in the
realm knew who Magni was. They all boarded the small yet sleek vessel and set
off into the sea of Marmora.
The Negative Zone: Hellscout’s Home
As the wagon had entered the cliff side homes of Hellscout’s people the children had run out to see their heroes return. It was obvious they were adored by those they protected, although it was Britannia who first noticed the worried looks of the older citizens as they passed. The young heroes were lead from the wagon to Kenneth’s home built into the side of the cliff. It was a curious mix of antique looking furniture and equipment combined with state of the art and advanced technology. “Please take a seat and lets see how we may aid each other in these dark times” Kenneth said gesturing towards an assortment of chairs near his fireplace which Jericho was busy lighting. Jocasta as the senior person there took the initiative and explained to Kenneth and his Nega Protectors what had happened and how they had no idea on how they ended up in the Negative Zone and any clear idea on how to get home.
“Mayhap you
fell a foul of some devilry on your journey from this Wakanda” Kenneth said
leaning back in his rocking chair and lighting his long stemmed pipe. “I must
confess to having no knowledge of how to return you to your proper place. All
of our technology comes from gifts from grateful neighbours or we have taken
from our enemies. We only know how to maintain it and the kind of thing you
would require is a little beyond my people, it is more in the realms of Miss
Valeria’s father”.
“Between my
son and Valeria we can build the necessary device it is a matter of the right
components, none of which appear to not be in your possession” Jocasta answered
projecting a hologram of the necessary parts provided by Aaron into the air.
“I’m afraid
the kind of technology you are talking about would most likely exist in the
possession of either the hated Blastarr or the devil himself Annihilus” Kenneth
mused stroking his bearded chin as he thought. “I know not of the current
location of Annihilus as he has not been sighted in many weeks. Blastarr
however has been very busy. He has some how gained many new technologies and
weaponry for his army and he is cutting himself out a vast territory across the
zone. We believe he has new allies but we know not whom.”
“If you are to
find the necessary technology you require I suggest Blastarr is the person to
“borrow” it from” Hellscout chipped in “and in this endeavour I believe we can
help each other”
“You certainly
can and we will need all the help we can get” a voice from the doorway of
Kenneth’s home announced. All eyes turned to the new arrivals. Two figures
stood in the doorway the first was tall and well built, dressed in an orange
body suit with a purple cloak draped over one shoulder and an armoured helmet
covering all of his head except his ruggedly handsome face. The second figure
was in a squatting position leaning on a slender battle staff. He looked like a
humanoid grasshopper with large bulbous eyes.
“Ah young
Master Ranger what news of the battle with Blastarr, have you found trace of
the hated Annihilus or your missing father Lockdown?” Kenneth said leaning
forward from his fireside chair.
“The news is
dire I am afraid sir” Ranger continued “I have indeed found both my father and
Annihilus, indeed they are together at this very moment. They both are
prisoners of Blastarr and have been crucified at the centre of his new capital
city.”
Gasps of shock
circulated from the others in the room as the news sank in.
“However my
companion Fleetfoot here has found a secure way into the city which he believes
we can use to send a small force in to establish Blastarr’s new source of power
and hopefully cripple it. I would also like to free my father or at the very
least retrieve his body”
“And so you
shall my young friend” Kenneth said rising from his chair “I can not ask you
join my people on this mission as it is dangerous and possibly suicide. However
any aid would be must welcome”.
Britannia
looked at her companions in turn all of who gave her a silent nod. “I speak for
all of us when I say we are willing to do what it takes to help your people
against this monster, and if it helps us get home as well so much the better”
Britannia said rising to her feet her psionic sword powering up in her right
hand to emphasise her words. Behind the others too rose to their feet and made
ready to leave.
“The Blackbird” – The Sea of Marmora
The sleek vessel cut across the sea like a
hot knife through butter making excellent time as the heroes headed towards the
Enchanted Forest.
“She’s as fast
as I remember” Vanguard said as he came to stand next to the ships captain
Natalie Wagner.
“I’d say
faster” She replied with a smirk. Elsewhere the wolfman Feran busied himself
tending the sails while the other young heroes enjoyed the rushing of the waves
as the ship cruised along. Little did any of them realise that they were been
watched. Elsewhere on the continent of Asgard a figure shrouded in darkness
watched all that transpired through his mystical seeing pool.
“I do not have
time for time for these young fools” the shadowy figured ranted “I have an army
to prepare for conquest, I got rid of one set of brats as a distraction I
didn’t think they would send more here to bother me”
“Who did you
think they would come to when the realised the lighting was mystical in nature?
You idiot” a bound Enchantress said from the table she was strapped to.
“Quiet witch,
I had no idea their blasted technology could detect the energies I used, much
has changed since my exile in the other universe” the shadow figure spat. “I would hold my tongue if you value the
continued exist of your precious students” he continued gesturing to the three
young mystics be had chained to the far wall.
“To me my son”
the shadow figure continued as smaller yet equally shadowy figure approached
the first “I give you the soul responsibility of dealing with these young
heroes, soon they will be at the boarders of the Enchanted Forest where this
pool can not watch so you must hurry. Do not fail me”.
“Of course not
father” the smaller shadow said as a wicked grin of brilliant white teeth
flashed from the darkness. With this he gesture into the air above the seeing
pool drawing a sigil, which began spinning faster and faster then suddenly
darted into the waters of the pool.
Back on the
surface of the Sea of Marmora the mutant know as Chaos leaned over the side of
the blackbird trailing his hand in the rushing water. Suddenly the water
directly below the ship darkened as if a great shape had passed underneath.
With an almighty crash a gigantic tentacle erupted from the water grasping the
young mutant by the waist while a seconded tentacle smashed through the centre
of the ship. Soon a total of eight great powerful tentacles where grasping the
ship or attacking those on board. Chaos struggled the break the creatures
crushing grip on his waist but soon realised this was fruitless. Instead he
concentrated his vast energy reserves into a massive blast directed at the main
body of the tentacle. The energy realised ripped through the creature’s flesh
tearing the tentacle from the main body. Chaos hit the deck hard and narrowly
missed been crushed to death by the falling severed limb, due to the
intervention of the wolf man Feran who used his enhanced speed and strength the
pull the young mutant clear. Over the other side of the ship Vanguard bombarded
the creature with a volley of psionic arrows shot from his asgardian bow while
Nightshade had teleported directly on to the creature’s balloon like head and
was attempting to plunge her scimitar into its flesh, which was proving
difficult due the tentacle constantly trying to swat her off. Meanwhile the
remaining heroes had formulated a plan the stop the creature, well Sprocket
had. Sarah Rogers flew though the air using her strength and shield to cut a
path through the mesh of muscular tentacles. Starbird closely followed her in
her energy form. Sarah pulled up just before reaching the creatures head
allowing Starbird’s energy form to pass through the beasts’ head stunning it.
This allowed Magni the opening he needed to deliver a tremendous uppercut to
the beak of the octopod creature. This knocked the creature clean out and it
sank beneath the waves.
“They don’t
call you the god of strength for nothing huh” Sprocket said slapping the
muscular asgardian on the back. It was at this point that Sprocket realised
they were sinking.
“Oh crap!”
Nightshade yelled, “I knew helping you guys out would end up costing me”
“Don’t worry
fair one I will personally make sure the finest ship builders in all of Asgard
are commissioned to build you a new craft, but right now we must concentrate on
getting to shore” Magni announced staring at the distant shores. He knew his
strength would allow him to make the long swim but the others could not nor
were the waters safe as the creature they had just dispatched proved.
“You reckon
you can do it Nat?” Vanguard said turning to Nightshade.
“I don’t know
it is a long way and there is a lot of you, but what choice do I have”
Nightshade sighed. Nightshade gathered everyone around her amidst her sinking
ship. They all joined hands in a circle and she close her eyes. A second later
they were on the distant shore with a strong smell of brimstone in the air.
Vanguard held the weakened Nightshade in his arms. After giving Nightshade a
few minutes to pull herself together the group entered the forest.
The Enchantress’ home, The Enchanted Forest, Asgard
A shadowy figure stood before a seeing pool cursing at the air. “Damn heroes why won’t they just die?”
“What’s the
matter Token? Afraid daddy will be cross” a figure chained to the far wall of
the room mocked.
“Quiet Von
Doom!” Token snapped “and my father’s name is Lord Loki to the likes of you”
“Speaking of
father’s you do realise that there will be no where you can hide from him when
he learns what you have done to me” Vincent Von Doom answered back.
“Oh and how
will he do that exactly Vinnie he has no idea where you are?”
“He has his
ways” Vincent smirked. Unseen to Token or anyone else Vincent manuvered in his
manacles and managed to release a tiny robotic bug from his gauntlet which
promptly flew out of the castle window.
Loki returned
to the seeing pool room giving his captive mystics a mocking sneer as he passed
them. He stopped briefly and stroked the cheek of Heather Twoyoungmen the
mystic known as Shaman. She tried to turn away but her restraints held her in
place, She could see Loki’s son Token watching from the pool with gleeful
interest.
“You may make
a fine concubine once my conquest of Asgard is complete my dear” Loki oozed moving
his face closer to Heather’s’. Shaman spat directly into the eye of the god of
mischief. He reeled back ready to strike her but was interrupted by a voice
from the doorway.
“My masters
wish a report Lord Loki” a bald human female said entering the room. The number
013 was branded to her forehead. A large tank containing a thick greenish
liquid transported by spider like robotic legs followed her. The resident of
the tank couldn’t be made out at first, but as it drew passed Heather she could
see the squid like outline of a Martian.
The bald human
spoke again but this time in the deeper rumbling almost aquatic voice that
belonged to the Martian “ I wish to see how your forces are coping with our
weaponry”
“Of course
walk this way” Loki said half bowing and directing the Martian towards a near
by balcony.
The three
figures stepped on to the large stone balcony, which overlooked the courtyard
formerly belonging to the Enchantress. Below a vast army of burly trolls were
been directed in the use of Martian ionic blasters, while others practised with
the more traditional asgardian weapons.
“As you can
see my army is great and more arrive each day. Soon they will outnumber the
army of Asgard two to one” Loki beamed looking out over his army “Once I am the
new ruler of Asgard it will be my utmost pleasure to help your race with their
plans for inter dimensional conquest and my armies will be at your disposal. I
will also personally rend the flesh of my step father and provide my Martian
allies with a feast they will not soon forget.”
The Negative Zone, Beneath Blastarr’s Stronghold
Ranger, Fleet foot and Wild Thing took point as the team of heroes worked its way through the sewer system of Blastarr’s new capital city. Wild Thing was using her enhanced senses to check for anything approaching while Ranger and fleetfoot flanked her on either side leading the way. Aaron had been secured on Lockley’s back between his two heads, they were at the centre of the group so as to be as protected as possible. Jocasta walked along side Lockley keeping a constant eye on her child and Valeria was near by so she could quickly throw up a shield. The sewer stank to high heaven and Britannia didn’t want to think what she was stepping in. Beside her Mustang had already notched an arrow to his bow preparing for the worst. The group continued down the long dark tunnels of the sewer system their only light coming from Britannia’s psionic sword and shield and Ranger’s wrist mounted search beams. Spider Boy had kept back guarding the rear, his black symbiote melting into the shadows of the sewer roof to which he was clinging. He was joined by Hellscout who’s dark coat and hat also rendered him nearly invisible in the blackness of the tunnel, he was glad his father and sister had remained back at the village this was no place he wanted them to be. Just behind the lead group Jericho walked with Angelica both found their large size problematic in the cramped tunnel, particularly Jericho who at some points was nearly on his knees. Angelica was amazed by Jericho’s resemblance to her father; he had made many trips to the Negative Zone could he have fathered another child here? Makarra, who was annoying her by rushing between her and Jericho and the lead squad, interrupted Angelica’s train of thought. Makarra was not one for enclosed places.
It was so far so good as the heroes approached the hatchway that Fleetfoot assured everyone would lead up into an alleyway just off the main square. Ranger lifted the heavy metal grating that covered the hatchway and tentatively peered out. Fleetfoot’s information was right on the money and from the darkened alley that the hatchway lead into Ranger could see the city square up ahead. Ranger clambered out and then began helping the others to the surface. It had been a lot easier to get into the city than Ranger had thought; this was probably down to Blastarr’s overconfidence due to his secret new found allies. It was agreed once everyone was out of the sewer that Jocasta would wait in the alley with Aaron and Lockley while the others scouted around the city for the technology they needed and Ranger’s father. The heroes pulled out hooded cloaks they had brought with them and used then to cover their costumes and faces. They ventured out into the city square to find it almost deserted. The one Baluurian they did see was hurrying down a near by street, seeing nothing else to do the heroes followed. As they got further down the street they heard cheering and shouting up ahead. The street opened up into a huge open courtyard where crowds of people had gathered. At first it was unclear what they were all there fore until Makkara raced back clutching a piece of crumpled paper. Makkara handed the paper to Britannia to read
“Your noble Lord Blastarr invites you to the public execution of the hated enemies of the Baluurian Empire Annihilus and Lockdown.” Britannia read aloud to the others. The group pushed through the crowd until they could see the staging area. Annihilus and Lockdown were nailed to two gigantic wooden crosses on either side of Blastarr’s throne, surrounded by his elite guard with his son Burstarr. Hellscout had to physically restrain Ranger from rushing the stage to get to his father.
“Not yet my brother we must act wisely” Hellscout whispered in the ear of his friend. Ranger nodded and stopped struggling.
“Oh crap, oh crap how the hell did they
get here?” Mustang said point to the sky. It was then Blastarr’s allies were
revealed as a fleet of Martian Tripods came over the horizon to flank the
armies of Baluur.
Author’s
Notes
Well here I am with the continuing adventures of the possible offspring of the Marvels/Pendragons. I realise it’s getting a little crowded in there at the moment but there are reasons for this. Firstly I want to establish as many of the citizens of Little Midgard as I can in order to show a full community. Secondly there will be a big fight soon which will be fought on many fronts so it will take up a lot of characters. To help you keep track I going to do a very brief who’s who at the end of an issue and add new characters as they arise.
Britannia – Bethany Braddock-Whitman –the daughter
of the Black Knight and Captain Britain
Rockface – Angelica Grimm – the daughter of The
Thing
Marvel Girl – Valeria Richards – the daughter of
Mister Fantastic and the Invisible Woman
Mustang – Clint Barton JR. – the son of Hawkeye
and the She-hulk
Spider Boy – Ben Parker – the son of Spider man
Wild Thing – Rina Logan – the daughter of Wolverine
Makkara
– the son of Makkari
Lockley
– the offspring of Lockjaw and Cerberus
Jocasta –
female android Avenger
Aaron
– Aaron Stack – the son of Jocasta
and Machine Man
Hellscout
– Ephram Tennyson – the son of the
original Hellscout
Oracle
– Diana Tennyson – the daughter of
the original Hellscout
Jericho
– rock skinned hero of the Negative Zone
Ranger
– son of Lockdown protector of Shadow city in the Neagative Zone
Fleetfoot
– prince of a bug like people native to the Neagative Zone
Nightshade
– Natalie Wagner – the daughter of
Nightcrawler and Amanda Sefton
Feran
– the son of Rahne Sinclair and the prince of the asgardian wolves
Vanguard
– John Proudstar – the son of James
Proudstar and Danni Moonstar, the first male Valkeryie
Chaos –
Zack Summers – the son of Havok and
Polaris
Starbird
– Jessica Wilson – the daughter of
the Falcon and Photon
Sentinel
– Sarah Rogers – the daughter of
Captain America and Warbird
Magni
– the son of Thor and the Lady Sif, asgardian god of strength
Sprocket –
Josephine Rhodes – the daughter of
James Rhodes/Warmachine
Iron Man/Stark
– Arno Stark – the nephew of Tony
Stark/Iron Man
Iron Girl
– Tessa Stark – the daughter of Tony
Stark/Iron Man
Sister Mary Bernedette Samson – super strong mutant and protector of the children of
Little Midgard
Kenneth Tennyson – the hero formerly known as Hellscout
Mayor Rhodes
– James Rhodes – the hero formerly
known as Warmachine
Steel Skull
– Hirito Stane – Son of Iron Man
villain Obaiah Stane
Iron Maiden
– Yashida Stane – twin sister of
Steel Skull
Warmachine
– sentient battle machine created by Arno Stark
Luna
– Luna Maximoff – the daughter of
Crystal and Quicksilver
Matt Jones
– the son of Rick and Marlo Jones
JARVIS
– sentient robotic butler built by Tony Stark, based on the brain waves of the
deceased Avengers butler of the same name
Cerberus
– former Hell Hound of Hades now tamed by Hercules and placed as guardian to
the gates of Little Midgard
Bursturr
– the son of Blastarr of the Negative Zone
Shaman
– Heather Twoyoungmen – the daughter
of Talisman of Alpha Flight
Doombringer
– Vincent Von Doom – the son of
Doctor Doom and an unknown mystic
Token
– the son of Loki
013
– human telepath in the service of the Martians
U S Agent
– John Walker – former hero now wheel
chair bound head of Little Midgard security
Alyssa Moy
– head of the science enclave of Little Midgard
Doctor Jane Foster – former lover of Thor, head of the Little Midgard Medical
Centre
Rick Jones
– Earth/Little Midgard ambassador to Asgard
Marlo Jones
– wife of Rick
Mary Jane Watson-Parker – wife of Peter Parker/Spiderman and mother to Ben
Parker/Spider Boy
Danni Moonstar
– former member of the New Mutants and X-force now Valkeryie
James Proudstar
– Former member of X-force, husband of Danni Moonstar
Crystal –
Crystal Maximoff – protector of the
children of Little Midgard
Loki
– Asgardian god of mischief, has been in a mysterious exile
For those of
you that have not heard of the characters of Lockdown, Hellscout and Bursturr,
they are all existing Marvel characters based in the Negative Zone. Lockdown
first appeared in Fantastic Four v3 #17 along with his partner Rosetta Stone.
They were kind of a Negative Zone Batman and Robin. They protected a place
called Shadow City, which turned out to be a huge virtual reality complex
housing the original inhabitants of the first Shadow City. They next appeared
in Contest of Champions 2 #3 where they ended up been stranded in the 616
Marvel Universe. For the purposes of this story Lockdown has managed to return
to the Negative Zone and has also managed to restore the citizenry of Shadow
City.
Hellscout
first appeared in Fantastic Four v3 #41. He was from a colony of pilgrims who
in the 15th century were sucked by unknown means into the Negative
Zone. They lived on in the zone and even surpassed modern era Earth with their
technology all the while remaining true to their heritage. Hellscout was born
with an uncanny tracking sense and even killed Annihilus at one point. Bursturr
is the son of Blastarr who first appeared in Captain Marvel (Genis) #24.
With this
issue I wanted to show that the Martians had a lot of allies in their conquest
of Earth as I have always thought that with Earth’s vast super human population
they would be exceedingly difficult to conquer in the first place yet alone
occupy for a length of time.
As usual any
comments good or bad or suggestions are more than welcome and I can be reached
at daveevans78@hotmail.com or via the
Pendragons mailing list.
Now some
comments already received
Just a quick line to say that I enjoyed your issue of Tales
of the Pendragons, the new heroes you created were great, I wouldn't mind
seeing more of Spider-Boy Ben Parker, is that the Venom symbiote he's wearing
or a kid of Venom's?
The only problems I could see with the issue were the odd
spelling mistake and I do think that at times too much text was lumped
together, having it broken up a little more would have helped with the
readability.
As to if I want to see more of these heroes - hell yes,
when's the next issue coming out.
Keep up the good work
Thanks for the
kind words and comments on how to improve Gary, I am grateful for any help and
I will try to take them on board. As for Ben’s costume, it is definitely not
Venom but might be related we shall see.
Hi Dave,
I just got a chance to read your Tales story. I gotta tell you that
this is an absolutely fantastic story for your first attempt. It was
very imaginative, supplied great visual detail in the story. As I
read the story it seemed to me to be an amalgamation of the A-
Next/Spidergirl concept mixed with Mark B.'s All God's Children. I
don't know how much influence Mark's All God's Children had on you,
but as it's one of my favorite fanfics of all time, that was a good
thing to me.
I'd love to see more of your work in the Pendragons Universe.
As to where I'd send them next, maybe on a quest for the vanished
England? Just a thought.
Cheers,
Rob
Thanks to you
too Rob. Your insights are quite accurate I was a big A-Next fan although more
in the concept than the actual series. As for “All God’s Children” over at MV1s
Epic branch (where you can now find Barry’s Ghost Rider) I was a big fan of
that too. I did a lot of images for the cast of characters there, a lot of
which are still to be uploaded. AGC was the main reason I choose Asgard as the
setting, I was going to use Avalon but my knowledge of the place isn’t as good.
In terms of the vanished citizens of England as far as I am aware they haven’t
gone yet, but I may incorporate the Captain Britain: The End story in some
where and I would definitely like to set a future story in the UK.
Cheers Dave