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The Bond
Dane Whitman stands upon a cliff. Looking out, he sees Sersi trying desperately to get him to hurry up, as she can only hold her portal open for so long. The two of them are trapped in the Ultraverse and are desperate to try and get back to their own dimension. Sersi tells Dane that if the two of them don’t leave now they may never get home.
Secretly, she thinks to herself that their Gann Josin bond will never be complete, as well, if they do not return. Dane warns Sersi that the last time they tried this jaunt the two of them were nearly torn in two. He asks her if she knows it won’t happen again? She tells him, as the two of them begin to fade, that she is not sure if it will happen once more.
Elsewhere, namely the 12th century, a Frenchman by the name of Bennet Du Paris stands above an awaking Black Knight, smiling. Bennet calls Dane by the name of Eobar Garrington and welcomes him back to the land of the living. Dane asks Bennet where he is and asks who he is talking to? Bennet asks him why he cannot remember his best friend’s name, suggesting that last night’s revelry might have been a little too much for him. Bennet suggests, in jest, that the sands heat might have finally gotten to his mind.
The two men stand to their feet and begin to walk towards what seems to be rows of tents set up in a dry and desert place. Dane tells Bennet that it seems he vaguely remembers a woman whom he was just with? Bennet states that, knowing his friend Garrington, he is not surprised. Bennet tells Eobar/Dane that his nocturnal tale can wait, as they have finally neared the end of their quest. Eobar/Dane questions Bennet about the “quest”? Bennet questions why Garrington could forget the reason they have traveled throughout the desert for the past year? Eobar/Dane states that his mind is such a blur almost, as if, he doesn’t belong there.
Bennet states that Eobar is speaking nonsense, because where else should he be but the Holy Lands? Taking a scroll, Bennet rolls it out at the feet of Eobar/Dane. He asks Eobar to remember the aftermath of the siege in Jerusalem and the “wizened fellahin,” who whispered parables of an primeval power that surpasses the wonderment of man. Eobar/Dane states that he can vaguely remember the tale. Bennet goes on to say that he thinks he has finally found where the temple lies, in the hinterlands of Palestine… a place called Akkaba. Bennet, excited, tells Eobar that they will soon enter the tower of the “Eternal Pharaoh” and all its hidden mysteries shall be theirs.
With that said, an Egyptian by the name of Sahreed enters the tent of Eobar and Paris’. Sahreed tells Bennet that the High Lord has little time for his brash demeanor and impudent tongue. He explains that he too was once brash like him, but since the day the master unleashed his potential he has been forced to sheath his brashness. He goes on to say that Bennet better put away his disrespect as well, for the High Lord, or he may have to forget his oath to guide them and keep them safe till they reach the temple.
Sahreed reaches over to a nearby sword that hangs sheathed nearby the seated Eobar. Picking the sword up, Sahreed turns his attention to Eobar telling him that their journey is not for the weak. Unsheathing the sword, Sahreed goes on to say that only the strong shall survive to claim their rewards and he challenges Eobar’s right to them. Eobar/Dane stands to his feet, standing nose to nose to the hulking Sahreed. Eobar/Dane places one hand on his sacred Ebony Blade and kicks Sahreed to the ground for daring to touch his sacred steel. Eobar/Dane states to Sahreed that he accepts the challenge. Pointing his blade at the fallen Egyptian, Eobar/Dane tells him to be gone from their sight. Sahreed stands to his feet. Walking out, he tells Eobar that he has made two enemies this day.
After Sahreed leaves, Eobar/Dane questions Bennet on the company he keeps and the intelligence of the quest they are on. Bennet states that it seems Eobar’s memories are coming back to him and since he is now reunited with his Ebony Blade no force will be able to stop them. Holding the blackened steel up to his eyes, he tells Bennet that he does feel strangely empowered by this obsidian steel, as if he has been reunited with a long lost friend.
Outside their tent, Sersi hears Eobar/Dane telling Bennet about the sword and the bond he feels with it. She ponders to herself how her and Dane’s bond will never be sealed if he is going to be trapped in his ancestor, Eobar Garrington’s body again. She remembers Dane’s tale to her of the Second Black Knight, Eobar Garrington, how he was charged by King Richard to rid the Holy Land of the Moors. She remembers the tale of how too many people tasted the Ebony might of Garrington’s steel. She thinks to herself about how Dane once spent five years inhabiting the body of Garrington and she wonders how the two of them ended back at this juncture?
Sersi’s thoughts are broken as a hand pulls her away from the tent and to the ground. The hand came from a knight named Angus, who tells her that she should not be spying where she is not wanted. Two other knights follow Angus’ lead, as the knight explains to Sersi his thoughts on how she looks so frail. Sersi, angered by his bigotry, lashes out with her powers, seemingly turning Angus into stone. The other knights see her “sorcery” and tell Sersi that she will pay with her life. Suddenly, her green power signature wraps around her own body, as she falls to the ground she ponders why her own power has turned against her? Angus seems to come back around as Sersi falls and he commands them to slay her.
Inside the tent, Eobar and Bennet hear the commotion that is taking place outside and rush to see what the matter is. Upon arrival, Eobar witnesses Angus preparing to strike. Eobar demands Angus to stay his hand. Angus explains that this wench has used heathen magicks against him and she will not do so again! Eobar lifts Sersi’s head off the ground questioning Angus about her magicks? Bennet leans near Eobar, stating that he speaks as if he knows her? Eobar/Dane tells him that for some reason he thinks he does remember her. Angus suggests that they may be able to use her…Bennet finishes his statement by saying “and her sorcery!” Eobar’s face tenses, telling Bennet that he may be able to use this woman, but he will not join him anymore in his quest.
”What ???”, Bennet questions? Eobar states that seeking a ”warlock’s” friendship is sacrilege and not befitting of knights such as themselves. Bennet tries to reason with Eobar, telling him that he can feel the power that resides in himself and the only thing he wants is to find out how to tap that power. Eobar states that his friends’ wants still do not make heresy all right. Bennet taunts Eobar’s wrath by asking him if slaughtering innocents is? Eobar explodes in anger, hitting Bennet in the face with a left hook. He tells Bennet that what he done was beseeched to him by King Richard, but who does he pledge his loyalty to? Bennet pulls a dagger from its sheath and lunges on top of Eobar. Holding the knife to Eobar’s face he tells him that he above all others should know where his loyalties lie, because he is true to those that are true to him.
Standing to his feet, Bennet tells Eobar that he has changed. Eobar leans down to pick up the unconscious Sersi, stating that the world changes and so does he. Sheathing his dagger, Bennet tells Eobar not to insult him, because there was a time when this quest of theirs would have been welcomed by Garrington. Bennet walks away from Garrington, telling him that he can see, now, that those days are gone. Eobar watches his friend walk away. Looking down upon the woman in his arms, he wonders to himself who she is and if she is the one responsible for his change in attitude?
Later that night, Eobar dips a rag in some water to place on Sersi’s head. He wonders, as he does so, who this woman is and why it seems he knows her? He thinks to himself that it seems he has known her in a thousand dreams, but not the ones he has known in this lifetime, but maybe – just maybe, in another.
Sersi begins to awaken and she thinks to herself that this time jump might be her last. Surprised, she screams Dane’s name, as she sees the person who is taking care of her. Eobar questions the name Dane? He explains that his Christian name is…Sersi finishes his statement, “Eobar Garrington.” Eobar, angered, demands her not to use her sorcery on him. She lies to calm him down, stating that she heard his companions call him by name. Sersi thinks to herself about how skittish he seems. Sersi asks ”Eobar” what year it is? He states that it is the 12th century. With that said, a knight rushes in, warning Eobar that Bennet has left the camp.
Bennet has been pushing himself and his camel steed through the dessert storms for hours, intent on one thing: that of finding the place that can release the power that is within himself. Bennet thinks to himself about his childhood and growing up knowing something about himself was different from the other kids, but never being able to figure out what it was. In exhaustion, his steed collapses to the desert floor, dead. Bennet checks himself, knowing that he has just sprained his ankle and hurt his ribs, he still presses on to his goal.
Back at the camp, Garrington readies his camel for a trek through the desert to join his friend. He ponders to himself his reasoning for not going with Bennet, wondering why he turned his back on him? Sersi follows nearby, stating that he would be lost in a sandstorm too, maybe even dead. Eobar tells her that Bennet was his friend and would have done no less for him. Mounting his steed, he asks aloud why he is even talking to a girl? She calls him a boy, stating that this matter concerns her a great deal and he won’t be able to find Bennet in the middle of a desert at night.
Garrington turns to her and asks if she expects him not to try? Sersi rises into the air, beginning to glow. She tries to open the dimensional portal to get them home. She thinks to herself about the pain she is enduring, but she must keep enduring it so they do not lose the Gann Josin. With a large FOOM, Sersi falls to the desert floor. Eobar hops from his steed asking the “girl” if she is okay? Sersi rises from the ground asking Eobar to stop calling her ”girl”, she states she has a name it is… Eobar/Dane finishes her statement ”Sersi”!?
He questions how he could know her name? Sersi places her hands on Garrington’s shoulders, telling him that he does know her – from another time – another place. She goes on to say that their bond is like that of his bond with the Ebony Blade, only stronger. Eobar states that Sersi speaks as if they are married? She tells him that in some ways… they are. Watching them from the shadows, the Egyptian named Sahreed tenses.
Bennet walks, bare-chested and parched from the heat. He wonders where the tower he searches for could be? Bennet crashes to the desert ground, thinking to himself about how he needs to press on. A voice is heard asking Bennet if he is so eager to satisfy his own ambitions that he would risk his own life to become one of the strong? Bennet states that he is. With that said, a large boulder hurtles towards the, now standing, Bennet Du Paris. The voice tells Bennet to prove his willingness. It goes on to say that he needs to look into himself to find the power to protect himself. The boulder is upon Paris when he screams, ”NO”!!! Bennet is not crushed though, as power courses through his body exploding the oncoming rock into dust. Bennet looks at the red power signature emanating from his hand and wonders what is happening to him.
From beneath Garrets feet, an explosion occurs and a Scarab-like beast arises from the ground. The Scarab states that Bennet is realizing his potential; seeing the gift he was born with it is now time to use it or die! Bennet pulls out his sword and holds it in front of himself. He tells the Scarab that he will not flee from either it or it’s threats. Bennet leaps into the air, towards the horror that he faces. With ease, the Scarab swats it attacker away separating Bennet from his sword.
Bennet kneels on the ground, pondering his next move. He thinks to himself that although he is not as skilled at the sword as his former friend, the Black Knight, he is still going to need it. He wonders how he is going to get past the Scarab to reclaim his weapon and still remain alive? Bennet maneuvers himself around the beast and reclaims his sword. He states, as he does so, that his suspicions are confirmed… the power he has been seeking has been inside of him all along. The Scarab breaks Bennet’s blade into pieces. As it does so, it explains to Bennet that he will become the Exodus; a journeyman that will bridge the gap between the past and the future. It goes on to say that Bennet will not be able to beat it with steel, only by releasing his pent up powers will he finally be able to win.
Bennet thinks to himself about the strange electricity that courses through his body, cascading over his mind. He tells the Scarab that if it wants a taste of his power than it can have that taste. With that said, power surges from Bennet and into the Scarab, tuning the Scarab into dust. But as the ashes from the Scarab disappears so too does the man named Bennet Du Paris!?
A few miles away but closing in, Sersi calls Eobar by the name of Dane again. He wonders aloud who this Dane fellow is? Sersi asks Eobar if he is sure he wants to know the answer? She tells him that is a long story. Eobar tells Sersi that they have time.
Sersi’s account of Dane Whitman’s past:
She explains how Dane is the Black Knight of the 20th century and a direct descendant of his. She explains to him about the Avengers and about Dane’s first love, Crystal. She goes on to tell him about her jealousy of the love Dane held for Crystal and of her plan to change all that. She explains to Eobar about the Gann Josin, about how it links two minds together. Sersi begins to cry, telling Eobar that she is afraid, because, now that Dane’s soul is trapped in his body, their Gann Josin bond will never be sealed.
Eobar, saddened by Sersi’s tale, asks Sersi if it is true that he must die for his descendant’s soul to live? Sersi does not answer, closing her eyes in sadness. Garrington pulls Sersi off the camel. Drawing closer to her lips, Eobar states that Sersi has risked her very life for that of Dane and he could do no less. Kissing Eobar, Sersi reaches into Eobar’s body and gently coerces his soul from his body, granting him the eternal peace he had sought after. Eobar’s soul tells Sersi, before it fades away, that he hopes she finds the love she seeks.
Dane awakens from what to him must have seemed like a slumber, asking if they made it home? Sersi picks Dane from off the ground. She tells him that they are not quite home, and then ask him if he remembers the name Akkaba? Dane is shocked that he is reliving the Crusades once more. He tells her that he is happy to see her again, but he cannot be reliving his ancestor’s life, not again. Sersi tells Dane to calm down and let the healing power of the Gann Josin heal his mind. She tells him that she knows it is painful to be living this nightmare over again, but he will not be alone this time, she is there with him.
With that said, a large explosion occurs near the desert beneath them and the Black Knight warns Sersi to back away. Tentacles appear from the desert floor, grasping Sersi and dragging her to Sahreed. The tentacles are a part of Sahreed’s mutant powers and, as he uses them to try and kill Sersi, he tells them that he had warned Eobar not to underestimate him. Dane jumps into the air, cutting both arms from Sahreed’s body, asking him where is friend, Bennet is? Sahreed curses him and his Ebony Blade, telling Dane that he will not be getting any information from his lips.
From behind Dane and Sersi, En Sabah Nur’s citadel rises. Sahreed exclaims that the two of them are less than a flea in comparison to his master, En Sabah Nur. Nearby the two heroes, Apocalypse smiles, stating that he has personally seen to it that their ”friend” has found the power he sought after and now and forever more his body and soul belong to ”APOCALYPSE”!
Hours later with-in Apocalypse’s citadel, the two heroes hang from chains and Sersi hopes that Dane appreciates all she has done for him. She thinks about how she helped to heal is fractured mind. She states aloud that she does not want to be left alone. Nearby Exodus (Bennet) tells Sersi that his old friend Eobar will not regain consciousness till he says so. Sersi calls out Bennet’s name, but is interrupted by Exodus, stating that Bennet is dead - only Exodus lives now. Sersi thinks to herself about how the mutant from her timeline and this man are the same.
Exodus grabs Sersi’s chin, stating that he can sense the fear in her mind and she is wise to fear him. Exodus uses his powers to make Dane wake up. Dane sees Exodus and thinks to himself about how this was the day it all ended. Exodus rips the chain holding Dane’s body to the wall. Calling him Eobar, Exodus tells him that his judgment will end today. As Exodus takes the Black Knight away, he tells him to look upon the frail form of Sersi one last time, because today he will die.
After they depart, Sersi uses her strength to pull herself from the wall, muttering about her not being “frail.”
Above the cell that once contained both Sersi and the Black Knight, both Exodus and Dane stand ready for battle. On his thrown sits Apocalypse. As he views the combatants, he tells them about his ability to endure the centuries proving him to be strong, proving that he will be able to survive the coming apocalypse – now it is their turn to prove to him if they are ready. Exodus asks Apocalypse how he may prove he is worthy to survive. Apocalypse states that it is a simple task, kill the Black Knight.
Exodus tells Eobar that he has always been a mighty swordsman, but today he does not face off against a foe that fights sword to sword, because a mighty power surges inside him. With that said, Exodus releases a psi-blast knocking Dane to the ground. Dane calls out to Bennet not to do this, as he can no sooner take Bennet’s life as Bennet can take his own. Exodus nears the fallen body of Eobar, stating that Eobar is wrong… he will survive, even if doing so means killing his old friend.
Dane sees that the battle will only end when one of them is dead, so he quickly lunges at the oncoming Exodus, cutting a gash into Exodus’ skull. Dane stops before going any deeper, stating that he cannot bring himself to slaughter his one time ally, Bennet. Exodus rises from the floor stating that Garrington has made a huge mistake.
With that said, Exodus’ words are cut short by the entry of Sersi and her power over the mind. Exodus screams out in pain saying that his mind is being invaded. Sersi tells Dane that is time for him to finish Exodus off. Dane jumps on Sersi telling her that there has to be another way. Sersi tries to reason with Dane, explaining to him that he was Garrington’s friend not his own. Sersi tells Dane that that is why he recognized the Exodus from their timeline, because he was there when Bennet betrayed Eobar. Exodus feels Sersi’s powers slipping and uses that moment to make his move. Exodus blasts Sersi to the ground with a hug force of psionic feedback. As Sersi prepares for her death, she tells Dane that he is her Gann Josin and she would sacrifice her life to protect him.
Above. Apocalypse speaks, he states how touching their display is, commanding Exodus to prove to him his loyalty to Apocalypse! Dane screams out for Bennet to prove his loyalty to the one who would break his heart, rather than the one who as always been loyal to it. Exodus, saddened by his own actions, raises into the air hurtling all his newfound power into that of Apocalypse. Apocalypse stands up, as if not even touched, and encases Exodus in a bubble. He calls Exodus a gnat and wonders aloud if his newfound power has made him so drunk he is blinded to who his true master should be?
A rainbow of colors swirls around both Exodus and Apocalypse, as Apocalypse states to him that he had given him power beyond belief and that power does not come without a cost. The two mutants begin to fade away, as Dane rushes to the spot where they once were and ask Apocalypse not to take his friend from him again. Bennet’s voice can be heard, as he asks Eobar not to mourn him, because he can make him forget this ever happened. Dane tells Bennet not to take his memories of him away, this time. The citadel disappears leaving both Sersi and Dane in the night’s air, as Exodus’ last words ring out, stating that he hopes their paths cross again before their days are over.
Six months later, in the Swiss Alps, the Ebony Blade has finally led Sersi, the Black Knight, and two other knights to the doorstep of Exodus’ tomb. The markings on the tomb read, ”Venture not within, o mortal – lest ye gaze upon the wrath of Apocalypse…”?  Dane introduces himself to the comatose body of Bennet du Paris and asks his forgiveness for not being there when he needed him the most. Dane walks out of the tomb stating that he should not worry, because one day he will be there for him.
Dane stands between the two knights that followed him. The two knights state that they will stand guard over Exodus’ tomb for centuries to come till the curse over Exodus’ body is finally lifted. Dane tells them that he is forever in their debt. Sersi questions Dane, as they walk away, how devoted those knights must have been to Eobar and Bennet to sacrifice their lives and that of their descendant’s lives for them. The two lovers embrace, as Dane tells Sersi that it is time for them to go home.


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Provide a full summary of the comic book.

[Assistant]
Cat Trap: part 2: More Business With The Avengers
Deadpool, Constrictor and Titania have been captured by the Avengers and are now in police custody. An officer asks Wade if he truly is Wade Wilson. Wade jokes he is, at least in a yes-and-no way. The officer asks Wade if he’s also known as “Death pool.” Wade corrects that people actually call him “Deadpool,” as in “the officer who will be dead once he gets his hands on him.”
The officer is also aware that Wade is a free-lance super-villain. Wade defends that, actually, he’s a merc and only lives with super-villains. The officer is also aware of the fact that Loki placed a curse on Wade, making him a dead ringer for the actor Thom Cruz. Wade mentions that’s a long story.
Constrictor asks the officer if he can ask him something. He wants the guy to be honest with him for a second. Frank admits that he is the super-villain known as the Constrictor, actually a major villain with electrified vibranium coils, who even went toe-to-toe with the Hulk and all that. He just wants to know why he doesn’t have a “wanted” posted hanging here at the office. He can even see losers like Jack O’Lantern and Matador for God’s sake! Frank has had it. He demands to see the agent in charge of the posters. He’s fed up and can’t believe Matador has a “wanted” poster. And by the way, he jokes, he thinks that Titania is a man.
Titania defends that Frank is an idiot. She claims she just had a little spat with her husband and needed a place to crash for a while. She explains that, together with Frank and Wade, they sublet an underground condo that used to belong to Doctor Octopus. She doesn’t think it’s that big a deal. The officers want to know about the robberies and extortion the villains all are responsible for, and the recent business they had with the Avengers. Skeeter smiles that they are villains, and that’s what they do.
Meanwhile, the Avengers have arrived in Wakanda…
Wakandan pilots alert the Avengers that they have crossed their international boundary and are trespassing in sovereign Wakandan air space! They want the heroes to reverse their course immediately, or else they will be fired upon. While sitting in their Quinjet, She-Hulk wants a confirmation from Janet that they aren’t going to start shooting. Jennifer won’t if she can help it. She tries to contact the Wakandan Interceptor aircrafts, and report that they are on a rescue mission. She requests an escort to the Central City. But that request gets denied.
Iron Man, who’s scouting the area outside the Quinjet, reports to his teammates that they are getting a little tight up. He suggests that they better make a choice, now that they are still able. He reminds them that Triathlon was kidnapped during their battle against Deadpool and his friends. T’Challa has been ignoring his hails, and for all they know he could be in need for their help. Janet realizes that nobody wants to fire upon the Wakandans, and they sure don’t want to be fired upon, but she doesn’t know what else to do.
Eric tells Janet to fire, as the Wakandans are warriors under orders. He doesn’t want to see those warriors to be demeaned like this. Jennifer tells Eric to get a grip. Eric doesn’t think so. He believes that none of the Avengers get what this is all about. They aren’t in America right now, and their adversaries aren’t American people either. T’Challa doesn’t think like an American or acts like one. And he also doesn’t owe them any kind of explanation. He explains that those pilots are Wakandan warriors and not diplomats. If the Avengers want to talk to them, it will have to be by the means of war.
Janet notices that the pilots got a missile lock on them. Iron Man explains that his vintage armor has limited defensive capabilities. He might be able to use a broadband EM Pulse to crash the pilots’ CCC, and turn those talon fighters into 83 billion gliders, but he worries about the pilots if they can’t manually eject from their ships. And the Avengers don’t want to become murderers. Janet reminds Eric that they don’t trust him. But she realizes they are in a tough situation right now. She reminds him to act good or else her husband Hank will step on him.
Eric reminds Janet that warriors must be spoken to by the language of war. He contacts the pilots in his native Wakandan tongue and asks them how they dare to threaten the lord of their realm. He warns them to let them pass or else they will be destroyed. Eric orders Iron Man to lock all weapons. He reminds the Avengers that they aren’t heroes in this country, and are in his world now.
Elsewhere, Triathlon starts to wake up. Still completely out of it, he jokes and tells his mother that he’s already up. Triathlon gets himself back together, and a voice welcomes him back to reality. But Triathlon doesn’t think he’s actually there yet. Achebe assures Mr. Garrett that he is in no danger and free to leave at any time he wants and his teammates have just arrived to escort him home. Achebe introduces himself as Reverend Michael Ibn All-Haijj Achebe, and claims he’s a humble minister and friend of Wakanda. Triathlon notices that Preyy is with him as well but wants to know why he has been brought there.
Achebe smiles that he didn’t exactly “brought” Triathlon there. He claims that all of this is just a misunderstanding. He asks Garrett if he can offer him a biscuit. He wonders if it’s a 4 or a 6. Triathlon confirms it’s a six. Achebe wants to know for sure. Triathlon explains that his vision is three times as accurate as the best human potential. Achebe knew that, and that’s why he is three times as grateful. He thinks it’s no wonder he couldn’t get his device to work. He initiates a 6 and is ready for his next move.
Meanwhile…
Wade realizes he’s in jail, which has been a while for him. Frank suggests they ask for the Kosher meal. Wade doesn’t know what kind of meal that is… the guards won’t spit in it? Frank denies that, but at least it will be spat on by a Rabbi. Titania calls Frank an idiot. She can’t believe he’s worrying about food when there’s not even a toilet in their holding cells! She wonders how it comes the super-villain cells never have toilets in them. Frank doesn’t know why Titania cares about that. She doesn’t understand. Frank tells Skeeter – if that is her real name – that they know she doesn’t really want a toilet in her cell, because if there was one, they would all get to learn that she’s actually a man! Frank thinks that’s the secret Titania holds, at least according to Achebe she has one. Skeeter defends that she’s not a man, and neither is Frank. Frank gets angry hearing that remark and suggests they unzip their pants right now and find out. Wade defends that if he has to see the Constrictor naked, he’ll kill them both.
Suddenly, Wade gets teleported away! Frank thinks that’s great, as they will all be rescued now. Skeeter doesn’t think so, as they only busted Wade out, apparently. Frank thinks that’s just about energy reserves, and their rescuers have to save energy to beam them all out one at the time. But, nothing happens. Frank really hates Deadpool now. Titania thinks it’s clear that Wilson has to die now. Frank agrees.
Deadpool emerges at Achebe’s place, and is ready for some serious butt-kicking! But Achebe tells his friend he doesn’t want to start anything so serious just yet. Wade states that he isn’t Achebe’s friend, and also that he owes him three hundred long and one hand puppet. Achebe remembers that and has brought everything with him Wade needs. He asks Wade if he would like to freshen up first. Triathlon takes a closer look at Wade, and asks if he isn’t Thom Cruz.
Wakanda city…
The Avengers arrive in the city and, with Eric leading them into it, they all get greeted and welcomed like kings. He walks over to the Royal Palace and demands to speak to T’Challa. Ross holds him back, telling him to pull a number and get back in line. Iron Man reminds Ross that he spoke to T’Challa a few hours ago, and that he sounded a little… off. Ross refuses to let the Avengers pass. Janet reminds Ross that she and her husband were among the first people to embrace T’Challa. She admits that they don’t always understand his actions, but they will always respect him and will not leave without their missing teammate. She tells Ross that the sooner he helps them, the sooner they will leave.
Deadpool is back in costume and finds it amazing what red spandex can do for one’s mood. He demands his money now. Achebe promises to give it to him, in due time, but first wants him to run a little errand. Wade leaves, and finds Triathlon running in the woods for some fun. He shoots at the hero, but misses him. Triathlon recognizes him now, as Wade had some dealings with the X-Men. He admits he’s still new at this hero-villain thing, so he doesn’t really understand if they’ve got to fight each other now, or not.
Deadpool explains that, since nobody is paying him to fight Triathlon, he won’t do it. He’s actually there to bring him home. He also wants to know why Triathlon was running like that. Triathlon admits that’s because he’s in Africa, a country he always wanted to visit. And now he got here by accident. He loves the smell of the air. Wade takes off his mask. He doesn’t smell anything. He reveals he has been a couple of times in Africa before, but usually with a machine gun in his hands.
Triathlon places his hand gently on Wade’s shoulder, telling him that maybe it’s time for him to put the gun down. He promises he isn’t trying to hustle Wade, but he seems to be like searching for something, something that’s really missing in his life. Triathlon claims he is able to share some things with Wade that could make some difference. Wade hesitates. He sure hopes Triathlon isn’t going to kiss him. Triathlon won’t. Wade mentions that’s good, and suggests they move out.
Despite Ross’ warnings not to, Eric and the Avengers have entered T’Challa’s Techno-jungle. Janet asks Iron Man how they are doing. Tony tells her they have to go left at the next junction, and he mentions that the tracker Killmonger placed on his pet is coming in loud and clear into his sensors. And that’s also what worries Stark. Eric thinks this is ridiculous, confident they are walking right into a trap. Jennifer smirks that Eric sure is a team player. He’s got her vote, anyway.
Meanwhile, T’Challa has gotten word of the Avengers being present at his home, and asks Taku where they are. Taku reports their position and asks if he should repel them. T’Challa refuses to do that, claiming that their unwanted guests are about to be taught a very stiff lesson. He wants Taku to keep monitoring them, and to alert him if necessary. Taku understands.
Hank believes that this plan of theirs isn’t working at all, as his power is at complete odds with the conditions of the Techno-jungle. Eric jokes this makes an idiot out of Pym for being there. Hank wants Eric to tell him what he really thinks, no matter the words. Eric believes he really made a mistake trying to join the Avengers. He explains that, during his forced exile in Harlem, he remembers admiring the Avengers, especially the days when T’Challa first joined them. But Eric never imagined they were all such a bunch of calcified, hand-wringing bureaucrats. From what he can tell, Triathlon was even forced on the team because they had no active minority members. Eric isn’t sure whom he respects less: the Avengers for wanting a token, or Triathlon for accepting the membership.
The Avengers are surrounded by security guards, wearing white Black Panther outfits. They want to fight, but Eric tells them not to and instead just keep on moving. The Avengers aren’t sure what to do. Eric tries to open a door, thinking it’s the place where Taku is. But, instead of Taku, he finds Deadpool! Eric demands to know what he is doing there. Wade doesn’t know, claiming he had set his teleporter to Albuquerque, but somehow, he doesn’t think this is it. The other Avengers are surprised to see Deadpool so soon after their last battle, as they thought he was still in jail.
Wade smiles he escaped, and shoots on the ceiling, which collapses on Tony. Janet flies towards him, but Wade remembers the stunt she and her husband pulled with the truck yesterday, causing him and his mates in crime to end up as prisoners. He takes out a bug spray and uses it on Janet, causing her to fall down. Eric faces Deadpool, angrily shouting that he just wants his leopard back. Wade gets confused, as he thought the beast belonged to Achebe. Eric is startled to hear that Wade actually serves Achebe, but he smirks he just does it for the money. The two fight each other. Killmonger promises he’ll kill Deadpool for this, but Wade jokes he isn’t impressed, as he heard that threat before and even bought the Underoos.
Meanwhile, Triathlon finds himself lost in the Techno-jungle and calls out for help. A voice answers. Triathlon explains that he didn’t mean to come in there, explaining that Deadpool was supposed to bring him home but instead landed here. He believes he could be in Jersey. The voice claims he isn’t in Jersey, but still in Africa and in the Techno-jungle, which lies beneath the city. Triathlon asks for help, but first wants to know if he’s talking to a good or bad guy. The voice claims that’s hard to say these days. He also explains that Achebe probably redirected Deadpool’s teleported unit to bring Triathlon here and have Deadpool face Killmonger, in the hopes of killing him and to vex T’Challa. Triathlon asks the voice if he’s living down here. “For now,” the voice responds…
At the same time, Iron Man has recovered and tries to help Killmonger out, but he attacks Tony back, believing the Avengers don’t know anything about honor. Deadpool has been sent to kill him, therefore not making this a team issue. Deadpool jokes there’s plenty enough for him to go around, and by Morris, he would love to fight the Avengers again, no matter how hard they want him back in jail.
Triathlon talks to the mysterious stranger about why he is hiding down there. He claims it’s where he finds wisdom. Triathlon thinks the guy is just in denial about something. The stranger asks Triathlon why he is on the Avengers, a team that doesn’t even want him. Triathlon isn’t sure. He just accepted it, and thinks it’s just a time of trial until he’s ready to merge from it. The stranger thinks that Mr. Garrett needs to live on his own, now that he still can. The stranger leaves, even before Triathlon has the chance to ask how he knows his name.
Deadpool and Eric are still fighting each other, and fly up into Taku’s gravity-less escape pod. They land back upstairs, where Wade jokes he knows the secret of life, something he thinks Eric is interested in. Eric demands to know what it is. Wade jokes that he believes there is a certain man, a typewriter… - Ross interrupts, and orders Wade and Killmonger to stop fighting each other as that’s forbidden on Saturdays.
Some time later…
The Avengers have found Triathlon and are ready to go home. Deadpool has teleported back to his Deadlounge. Eric swears he’ll stay in Africa from now on, as he’s sickened by the fact Ross tried to unite Africa and America into one. Ross thinks that’s fine, as this will give him the chance to go back home. W’Kabi suggests that he’ll become the new king’s regent, as he never liked Ross for the fact he’s an American. Ross doesn’t care and just wants to go home. But Jennifer explains that won’t be possible, because Ross’ U.S. citizenship has been revoked!
A few moments later, Taku reports to T’Challa that the Avengers have cleared Wakandan airspace. T’Challa asks Taku how he feels after Deadpool tackled him down like that, before Killmonger busted in. Taku feels fine. He asks if there has been any sign of the girl. Taku explains that Malice, whom they suspect has killed Dr. Drumm, remains unseen. It’s possible she has fled the mansion. T’Challa can sense that she is here. And she wishes them to find her. He suggests they honor that request. As T’Challa continues to make plans, he doesn’t realize that Malice is watching him…


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Provide a full summary of the comic book.

[Assistant]
Stürm und Drang: a Story of Love and War
Texas…
The story thus far: N’kano had not quite finished leaving a message for Reed Richards before the county deputies opened fire upon him. They did that, because the pickup truck N’kano was driving in was “borrowed.” Which was probably not the brightest idea when you’re a 19-year old black kid passing through Dustville. N’kano mentions that he used to be a special attaché, assigned to escort King T’Challa on a brief state visit. Now, he’s a refugee in need of a breath mint.
Police officers open fire on N’kano, who crashes his truck against a wall. Its tires fall off, crashing against the police car’s front window and smashing it apart, with the officers barely dodging the tire. N’kano grabs one of the officers, taking away his cellphone. N’kano mentions that the cop made him lose his phone, so now he returns the favor. The officer panics, wanting to know what N’kano is going to do. N’kano mentions that he has shifted the officers vibrational frequency so that he is out of phase with the cars. He mentions that the debris will pass harmlessly through both the officer and his partner, which he thinks is probably more mercy than the officer deserves. He knows the officers won’t understand why, but claims they can trust him, he is trying to save their lives. He’s starting with the officers’ lives, but will certainly end with his. N’kano takes off and starts dialing a number.
the past…
Ororo Munroe mentions that it has turned dawn. T’Challa wants to know what that means for them. Ororo thinks this means the end of their journey. T’Challa suggests that they end it tomorrow. Ororo corrects that actually, it already is tomorrow. T’Challa smiles that he actually meant the next morning, as he is still enjoying her. Ororo is experiencing the same feeling, but she thinks it’s time. T’Challa wants to know how Ororo knows this, with her claiming that the wind speaks to her.
T’Challa, sitting on a tree, jokes he heard it speaking to him as well, and the wind told him “tomorrow.” Ororo, floating into the air, thinks T’Challa’s father, the King, must be worried about him. T’Challa believes that his father doesn’t worry about him because he is both his father and the king. And, because T’Challa is his father’s son, he has been trained well. He touches Ororo’s face, asking if she’s leaving, which she confirms. T’Challa wonders if they’ll ever meet again. Ororo promises she’ll always be with him, as they’re now a part of each other. She mentions to T’Challa that he merely has to speak her name and she shall appear.
T’Challa asks Ororo if he can kiss her now. Ororo gives him permission, if that’s his way. T’Challa wants to know if Ororo is indifferent to a prince’s kiss. Ororo doesn’t know how she could be. She takes off, thinking she’ll save the kiss for a day when it will have a truer meaning. T’Challa wants to know what they’ll do if that day never comes. Ororo claims she will be the poorer for it. But for now, she knows their destinies lie elsewhere.
Part one: the present…
Storm soars through the African skies, and the Panther runs below her with great speed over the snowy landscapes. Ororo thinks this is glorious, admitting she has been away from Africa for too long. T’Challa mentions that it was good of her to come back. But he assures her that he’s feeling fine. He explains that Agent Ross and his Dora Milaje meant well, but he admits they shouldn’t have summoned Ororo on so long a journey for no real purpose. Ororo defends that it was her journey to make. She mentions that the eyes of the world have been fixed on Wakanda and its king.
The Panther confirms that he has been a media favorite of late, referring to the Tomorrow Fund scandal and his strained relations with the Avengers, plus the accusations of the United States toppling T’Challa’s government. He also had a problem with Hydro-Man drowning that jet. Plus, thanks to nationalizing all foreign investments, his own parliament started to dissolve, which meant a bad thing for the Wakandan economy. He’s certain that some people think he’s getting mad.
Storm denies that, at least not those who can see into T’Challa’s spirit. She regrets not coming back sooner. T’Challa thinks that’s nonsense, knowing Storm has her own purposes in life. Ororo thinks T’Challa doesn’t approve them, but T’Challa believes it’s not for him to approve or disapprove the life Ororo has chosen. After all, he remembers he left his throne to become a Brooklyn High School teacher for a while. Storm agrees, but mentions that only was for a brief time period and that the Panther did came back. T’Challa thinks he has offended Ororo. She denies that, as T’Challa could never do that. She knows he has no more reason to trust the X-Men than the world around him.
They stop, as they find a man taking notes. He mentions that he’ll be quickly leaving, as he was already wrapping things up. The man introduces himself as Barney Fiddler and works for the United States Commission on Superhuman Activities. He mentions they have rounded up all the aliens camped out here at the Resurrection temple. He’s about ready to transport back stateside. Storm thinks Fiddler means incarnating the alien. He confirms it. He explains that what they’ve got here are some violent extraterrestrial offenders, “sentenced” to Earth by alien courts of law. Put shortly, these aliens are villains.
Storm wants to know if there will be a hearing. Fiddler doesn’t know, as they just pay him to pick the aliens up. Storm apologizes to T’Challa knowing it’s not her place to complain, but he shares her concerns. Although he has been assured the detainees will be thoroughly investigated, but they obviously know little of alien due process, or even what crimes they have committed. Or of their spirit. Storm walks over to the alien Fiddler holds down with his boot. She notices that the boot seems a bit excessive. Fiddler corrects that he’s just doing his job. Storm mentions they all are. Suddenly, the alien starts shouting the word “Omode.”
Fiddler tells the alien to shut up and gives it an electrical shock. The Panther asks Fiddler if he’s alright, which he confirms and asks the King if he heard that word, which he did. Storm recognizes the word as a Yoruba dialect. T’Challa confirms, and translates the word as “child.” Fiddler reports to the other units that they’ve got an alert status one, meaning a possible alien offspring hidden within their perimeter. Fiddler takes off, telling Storm and the Panther not to worry promising they’ll find the offspring if there is any.
That’s what fears Storm the most. She tells T’Challa that, whatever crimes these aliens have committed, a child shouldn’t be punished like that. T’Challa agrees and contacts Taku. Taku can hear his king, who orders him take the American forces off their satellite grid and to simulate a diagnostic routine to avert suspicion. Taku understands and promises to do as told.
As Storm takes off, the Panther adds that Taku also has to run a level 4 sensor sweep of grids B-490-9612, thinking their may be an alien child there of an unknown race. Taku mentions he’ll do that, though it will be difficult and will take some time. He tells his king that in the meantime, there is a Head of State awaiting him at the Mansion claiming it’s about urgent business.
Part two…
At the same time, at the Fantastic Four’s temporary headquarters in the offices of Damage Control, Reed Richards finally picked up the phone. He apologizes to N’kano, as they’ve only just returned. He agrees about the shock wave problem, as the “sonic cancer” that was exploding vibranium deposits around the world could certainly have destabilized N’kano’s vibrational powers. Reed is certain he could help N’kano, but the risk of him entering populated areas in his present state is tremendous. Reed thinks the fact is that, if they’re talking about vibranium-related cause and effect, the one man who could help N’kano is the King who N’kano has renounced.
N’kano, sitting in front of a house, tells Dr. Richards it is as he feared. He mentions that, if it were merely his life, it wouldn’t matter. But the lives of many hang in the balance. For both their and honor’s sake, N’kano thinks he must immediately return to Wakanda.
part three…
Ghaur thinks this is an outrage. The Panther, sitting on his throne, thinks then he will assume they will be dispensing with the diplomatic pleasantries and Ghaur can come quickly to the point of this unannounced visit. Ghaur mentions that the Avenger speaks his name, thus he is doubtless aware that he is Lord of the Deviant Lemurians. He explains that his people kept the peace with T’Challa’s land for years, but claims this outrage shall not stand. T’Challa, not understanding why Ghaur is so angry, wants to know what they have done wrong.
Ghaur thinks T’Challa is faking his innocence and wants to kill him for it, shouting it shall not be tolerated. T’Challa mentions to Ghaur that his Deviant Lemurians are genetically unstable. T’Challa knows that each of their children is radically different from its parents, creating a society compromised of endless species types. Given the proliferation of aliens in the area, they had no way of knowing that was one of Ghaur’s people. He can assure Ghaur that, if he had known the man belonged to Ghaur, he wouldn’t have harmed him. Ghaur doesn’t like the arrogant tone. He explains that they Lemurians existed hundreds of generations before the humans could even stand upright!
Ghaur takes off and gives the Panther one hour to release his man and warns him that any form of abuse shall be acted upon in a form of war. Ross and Monica enter, with Ross wanting to know why there’s talk about war at breakfast time. Monica asks the Panther who that guy was he was talking to, but soon has second thoughts and doesn’t really want to know. T’Challa mentions that their state visit will have to wait. This upsets Monica. She reminds him that she has been stuck in Wakanda for months and she is an American citizen, wanting to go home. Ross mentions that his citizenship hearing is in a few hours and should be getting ready. The Panther takes off, telling Ross to do whatever is right, no matter the price. Time is of essence.
part four…
Storm continues to search the Wakandan skies for the child, and finds one lying motionless in the snow. Ororo descends and tries to find out if it’s still alive. Suddenly, the child gets up and attacks her! Storm falls back and, on that moment, Fiddler and his other agents arrive, thinking they have found their alien child. They place it in plasma containment in their transport vehicle and set course home.
part five…
Ten minutes later, the Panther finds Storm, still unconscious. He tries to help her up, and she slowly wakes up again. Suddenly, she shouts the name of “Iya” and unleashes an incredible amount of lightning! The Panther can barely dodge the bolts by hiding behind a tree. He wonders what’s wrong with Ororo and notices her going up into the sky, still shouting the Iya name. He notices Storm heading towards Fiddler’s helicopter, and grabs her lag so he can tag along. Storm angrily brings up a wind shear, causing the helicopter to crash!
Black Panther lets go off her and safely lands back into the snow. Luckily, none of the soldiers in harmed, but they are angry and open fire upon Storm. The Panther meets up with the soldiers’ captain, ordering him to stand down. Fiddler claims that, under article 24, section 7 of their diplomatic treaty, they’ve got the right to defend themselves. And he wants Storm in custody! Panther shouts that the soldiers are making a terrible mistake, promising he’ll explain everything if they stand down. With them not listening, the Panther starts fighting the soldiers along the way, explaining they’ve accidentally captured a native species. And if they attempt to remove the creature, they are risking a war.
Fiddler mentions to the Panther that his orders are to rendezvous with the carrier Roussos in the Mediterranean, and that’s precisely what he intends to do. The Panther tells Fiddler he’s a fool if he’s going to try and do that, since T’Challa’s forces stand ready to prevent him from leaving Wakandan skies. The Panther tries to tell them that this battle is senseless and that they have a greater responsibility, namely to protect life. Fiddler notices that Storm has grabbed his grown-up ‘alien creature’ and orders her to stop, but Ororo doesn’t listen and flies back into the skies, with the creature.
Fiddler wants to open fire again, but the Panther holds him back telling the captain not to do anything without his permission, as they are in his country. Fiddler defends he’s got jurisdiction here. Panther is certain Fiddler believes that, but mentions that Fiddler’s team is there by his leave. T’Challa warns Fiddler for the last time not to interfere, hoping that what he feared hasn’t happened. The child the soldiers earlier kidnapped claims that it has. The child introduces himself as Ororo, and the alien somehow switched their minds! T’Challa suggests that they hurry then, as the fate of the entire realm lies in the hands of that child.
part 6…
A helicopter approaches Wakandan Airlines. Far beneath it, an armored sniper aims at the helicopter, and hits it! The helicopter explodes and its pilot falls down. It’s N’kano! He’s barely alive, mentioning that he was so close. The sniper meets up with N’kano, thinking he must be Vibraxis. The sniper introduces himself as White Wolf, and had been expecting N’kano.
part 7:
The Black Panther meets up with Storm’s actual body. It still screams Iya’s name. The Panther explains to her that he knows who that is now and that they are friends. Ororo, who’s trapped in the body of the actual child, explains that she now knows the true meaning of the word “Iya.” It doesn’t mean “child”, but “mother”. She knows that the bigger creature is the mother and risked everything to save her child. Of course, the child could do no less for the mother. The two walk over to each other and switch the minds back into the right bodies, and Storm promises they shall both be protected.
Ghaur angrily enters, and wants his people back to him this instant, claiming they belong by his side. Storm explains that Ghaur’s people are free to return whenever they please. However, she concludes, they are also free to stay if they prefer it. Ghaur tells Storm she is playing with fire. The Panther wants to know why this Deviant mother was there in the first place. He wants to know what she was seeking and running away from. Ghaur wants to know why he is interrogated. Storm proudly mentions that T’Challa is the king there, and that Ghaur is evil incarnated.
Ghaur defends that “evil” is a relative. In his eyes, Storm and her X-Men were the evil ones. Storm wants to know, if that’s true, what will become of the mother should King T’Challa allow her to return to his side. Ghaur claims nothing shall happen and that the mother can live in peace. Storm asks about the child as well. Ghaur thinks it’s only natural it shall be destroyed, condemned to the Flame Pits at Purity Time. It’s their way of cleansing their species of Deviants who are born with the most extreme and grotesque genetic differences. But he doesn’t think this is any of T’Challa’s concern. He has to make a choice, namely to surrender his people or to suffer the consequences. T’Challa remains silent, but Ghaur gets the idea, and war it is!
part 8:
N’kano gets up again, warning the White Wolf that he has no idea what he’s doing. He begs to differ claiming he knows exactly what he’s doing. He is restoring the king to power and helping him reclaim his dignity. Of course, White Wolf knows he shall never be thanked. His soldiers open fire upon N’kano, who screams in fear as he can’t control his powers, and starts attacking the soldiers.
Lots of shock waves are spread across the entire African country, and all concentrate in one specific being. White Wolf smiles, as all is happening as he hoped it would be. He welcomes his master home again, and looks at him. It’s Klaw, and he’s ready for action!


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[Assistant]
Soul Power In The House Of M
Tsavo West, Kenya…
Quicksilver, while holding something in his arms, runs quickly through the desert. He arrives in front of a big building, and presses the doorbell. Storm gallantly descends, and is pleasantly surprised to see Pietro again. Pietro is breathless, and Storm notices it. She thinks something is wrong. Pietro apologizes, but just thinks that Ororo is… breathtaking. Storm calls him sweet, but is certain that he didn’t came all this way just to tell her that. Pietro admits that he actually is. He was in Italy, but kept thinking about Ororo, and was wondering if it was also hot in this country. And, he thought that Ororo might like an ice cream cone.
Ororo is surprised, and asks Pietro if it’s hand-delivered from Rome. Pietro corrects it actually came from Tuscany. Ororo smiles, and kisses Pietro on his cheek. She feels a little guilty, as Pietro does so many wonderful things for her. Pietro tells her not to feel guilty, and to just give him a chance. Ororo hates it how Pietro keeps battering his heart against a wall. Pietro remarks that he hates the fact that Ororo wastes her love to someone who doesn’t deserve it. Storm gets an angry look on her face, recognizing that she recognizes Pietro’s father talking now.
Pietro defends that he didn’t say that because “he” is a human. Pietro learned that the guy spends his time with tarts while Ororo pines away, waiting for him to say what he feels. Pietro knows that nobody can love Ororo the way he does. Storm apologizes, and walks away. Pietro frowns his eyes, and sadly takes off.
Genosha, Magneto’s palace…
Pietro has already returned to his father, and told him about Storm. Magneto jokes that, apparently, he didn’t taught Pietro anything about women. Pietro confirms that Magneto really didn’t. Pietro never saw his father together with his mother, and knows that Magneto’s adult relationships have ended up into being nothing. He jokes that attracting women while being the ruler of a land doesn’t take a lot of effort. Magneto agrees. But, he fears that Pietro’s attempts to seduce Ororo will bring a whole lot more trouble than just his broken heart. Magneto asks Pietro if he has seen Storm on TV yesterday. Magnus has recorded the interview, and puts on a big TV screen.
A reporter starts describing Africa as the world once knew it… as a continent of starvation, tribal warfare, disease and drought. But today, all those things belong to the past, and Africa has evolved into a much richer, and freer country, thanks to mutant leadership replacing corrupt human rule. Literacy is up, unemployment is down and peace is breaking out everywhere. Africa is on the move! On TV’s show, “Alison,” they have an exclusive interview who made this change possible: Queen Ororo of Kenya!
Everybody gives Ororo a loud applause. Alison asks Ororo if she agrees with the statement that Africa is the best example of how life is better under mutant rule. While watching Ororo on TV, Pietro happily smiles to see her, but isn’t really sure what to think. Ororo answers Alison’s question. She believes there’s no doubt that the previous regimes exploited Africa terribly. From the slave trade to apartheid, Africa has been a victim of a series or moral abominations condoned by world governments, religions and business. Alison thinks that’s well answered, and everyone again claps their hands.
Ororo replies that she is very, very proud of being a mutant. But, she does not believe the mutant gene includes some inherent moral superiority. She sees mutation as a scientific fact and not as a character statement. Alison smirks, thinking that Ororo better explains what she just said, just in case viewers don’t get the wrong idea. Magneto, calling Storm a traitorous witch, also demands an explanation. Pietro tries to calm his father down. Ororo is glad to do that.
She continues by saying that Castro once claimed that racism was a natural byproduct of capitalism, and that the communist system would naturally eradicate prejudice. Ororo doesn’t agree with that. Magneto doesn’t think that you can compare the two, as he believes humans really do hate difference! Ororo claims that no “ism” is going to fix the persistence of prejudice without specific solutions. They have to acknowledge that the myth of white supremacy continues in the mutant-controlled world.
Both Magneto and Alison want to know what Storm means by that. Ororo means that the ideal is still a white person with a human appearance. Though she hasn’t noticed any fury, feathered or scaled beings still deliver the news, don’t they, Ororo asks. Pietro thinks she has made a good point by that. Alison has had enough about the politics, and changes the subject by asking what’s going on in Ororo’s love life.
Magneto gets angry, and magnetically destroys the TV. He can’t believe that Pietro just said that Ororo made “a good point.” Pietro thinks that Ororo is right, and that it’s that simple. Magneto thinks that this is wonderful: his own son gives him no credit for giving the humans in Africa a free pass when he consolidated his power around the rest of the globe. Pietro defends that it was more trouble than it was before, but now he doesn’t know. Magneto corrects that, now, Africa’s economy is so powerful they could overtake them in a decade!
Pietro jokes that, now, the truth comes out. Magneto believes that his mistake was allowing that human to remain king of Africa. He’s got Ororo’s heart and mind. Magneto knows that this man tells her to criticize him in public. Magneto asks Pietro if he has seen Ororo’s support on college campuses? Magneto gets a serious, angry look on his face, telling Pietro that since he failed at undoing their romance, he shall do it his way.
Wakanda…
Storm, over a holographic image of herself, tells T’Challa that he isn’t her husband. Even if he were, T’Challa would not be certain if he could stop her. All he is saying is that the war with Magneto will come soon enough. He wants to continue to confine their conflict with them to the stock market for now. Ororo jokes: is this T’Challa, the reluctant warrior?
T’Challa defends that, once it starts, the war will quickly escalate to a world war. He knows that they will win, but also that innocent people will die. Ororo notices that T’Challa seems confident and sensitive. It’s no wonder the ladies love him. Ororo wonders what girl it will be for T’Challa tonight… Monica Lynne? T’Challa tries to stop Ororo, but she won’t. She continues to wonder, thinking it might be perhaps Shanna, the She-Devil?
Actually, T’Challa corrects, he was wondering what Ororo was doing this evening. Ororo doesn’t have time for playboys. She will leave him to his harem. T’Challa tells Storm that she knows he only cares for her. He wants to know when Ororo’s flying nude in a thundercloud, if she ever thinks of him. Ororo ends the transmission, and wishes T’Challa a goodnight. T’Challa goes to sit on his throne, thinking that Ororo is like that song from America: “You have me straight trippin’ boo.”
The Panther turns his chair around, facing it towards a wall. He doesn’t seem to notice that someone teleports inside his castle… it’s Sabretooth! Creed takes out his gun but, before he can aim, he gets already shot by… the Panther?! Creed can’t believe T’Challa shot him like this, and starts to bleed. T’Challa jokes, as he would have anyway since he’s a pretty good shot.
Sabretooth means, he could be a diplomat, conducting back door negotiations. T’Challa knows that, if that were true, you wouldn’t have a mercenary named “Sabretooth” for that job. He wants to know if there’re any messages from Magneto he should know about. Creed jokes that there are none besides “make sure that he is dead.” The Panther opens fire on Creed again, but he has healed enough to jump high up in the sky. Creed quotes that the message is actually for Queen Ororo, but it does require that he cut off the Panther’s head.
The Black Panther manages to hit Creed again, who falls down. T’Challa grabs him, and hits Creed a couple of times with his claws, making him bleed heavily. Creed falls down. T’Challa, thinking that Creed is dead, moves closer to make it certain. However, Creed faked it, and quickly gets up again, using his claws to hit T’Challa straight through his chest!
Creed jokes that he missed, but that’s what brain damage does for you. He asks T’Challa to wait a second, as he needs some time to heal. The Panther stands up again, and keeps fighting Sabretooth until he falls down again. T’Challa goes to a nearby wall, where he picks up a sword. Creed, out of breath, tries to get up again, but T’Challa has had enough. He raises the sword, and… cuts off Sabretooth’s head!
Genosha…
A few hours later, Quicksilver and Magneto receive Sabretooth’s head as a present in a box. Pietro thinks that the Panther must have used Creed’s teleporter unit they had given him to get the head there so quickly. Magneto wants to know if the Panther send the body back as well, but Pietro denies that, thinking that, apparently, the Panther favors brevity in his messages. Magneto believes that now, things are going to get nasty.
Wakanda…
The Black Panther has summoned a Council of Kings, consisting out of himself, Dr. Doom, Namor, Sunfire and Storm. T’Challa explains that, now that things are about to get nasty, the next sequence of events is pretty obvious. They’ve always known that Magneto would rescind his promise to not invade their respective monarchies. T’Challa knows that Magneto will start in Africa, then eventually pick them off one by one. The question is whether they will all work together to defeat him, or stand alone in the big fight.
Doom asks if they are supposed to risk their kingdoms, expend their resources on T’Challa’s behalf of some supposed alliance based on… what, he wonders… race? He thinks that’s fine for T’Challa and Ororo, and perhaps Namor and Sunfire if they subscribe to some broader notion of “ethnic unity,” but since Magneto is of gypsy stock like Doom himself, he wonders if he should be a race traitor. Storm asks Doom not to be a fool, as he and T’Challa have more in common than anyone else present. Doom defends that he is nobodies fool, and calls Ororo lucky that this meeting is virtual. And human or not… Doom stands alone!
Ororo jokes Victor that boys sheathed in metal shouldn’t threaten storm goddesses. T’Challa realizes that Doom has made his decision, and asks about the others.
Meanwhile, in Cairo, Egypt…
Apocalypse is watching over his slaves building pyramids for him. Magneto approaches the man, asking how business is. Apocalypse was wondering when he would hear from Magnus. He hated it the fact that he had to re-teach the “stupid humans” everything they had forgotten, but he laughs that the old school ways are still the best. Magneto tells Apocalypse that he knows he has been waiting for an opportunity to spread his empire beyond North Africa, so Magnus wants to give him that chance.
Apocalypse asks if it’s about the human. Magneto confirms it, but asks to leave Queen Ororo alone for now. He thinks that this lesson will bring her to her kneels. Apocalypse promises to consider it done.
Pietro whispers to his father that he is aware that Apocalypse pilots against him. Magneto agrees, and also that Apocalypse has to be brought down one day, but for now, his services can still be used.
Later, Wakanda…
Apocalypse’s plane arrives in Wakanda, and he warns his pilots to be aware of potential attacks. Suddenly, they get hit by a powerful bolt of lightning! The plane starts to crash. The pilots desperately try to pull it back up, but their electrical system has been shorted out.
Storm arrives, and traps the plane in a tornado, making it sink a few moments later in the ocean!
On the ocean floor, water starts floating inside the plane. The pilots, gasping for breath, warn Apocalypse that help is on the way. On that moment, somebody wrecks open the plane’s walls, and starts attacking Apocalypse. Imperius Rex! It’s Namor!
Namor punches Apocalypse back towards the surface, but Apocalypse soon regains his strength. Namor had hoped that Apocalypse wouldn’t have drowned yet, as he wanted to fight some more. Apocalypse asks Namor to shut up, and punches him in the face, and he flies out of the water. And, in mid-air, he gets frozen solid thanks to Iceman!
Bobby jokes that now “Prince Tuna” has been taking care off, it’s time for him and Ororo to check the forecast and see if it’s snow or rain. Iceman starts attacking Storm but, instead, Bobby gets hit by a blaze of fire, coming from none other than Sunfire. Storm thanks Shiro for the help, and asks him once he’s done with Iceman to unthaw Namor. She sets of in the lookout for any more of Apocalypse’s Horsemen.
Below, Nightcrawler gets impatient and asks Archangel what he’s waiting for. Kurt suggests that Warren go attack Ororo, while Kurt will take on Sunfire. Warren believes that Kurt has gone crazy, as the people they are supposed to fight are way out of their weight class. He thinks that they can better wait for Apocalypse to resurface, and then make a move. Kurt doesn’t understand why Warren even volunteered for this mission. Warren explains that he’s got a little P.R. problem, as some girl released a videotape of him and her, and, to make a long story short, Warren wants to be a hero, but not a dead one.
The Black Panther’s castle…
Apocalypse has made it to the castle, and guards open fire when they spot him. Unharmed, Apocalypse kills them and continues his way. Inside the castle, he finds Monica and Shanna arguing over T’Challa’s love. Shanna wonders how many girls T’Challe even has in his castle. Ignoring them, Apocalypse continues his way towards the Panther. He almost hits Monica, but Shanna rescues her just in time.
A few moments later, Apocalypse finds the Black Panther sitting in his throne. Apocalypse sarcastically thanks T’Challa for not hiding, and in return promises to kill him quick. He starts to attack but, instead of getting hit, T’Challa jumps high up. He runs towards the wall behind them, and opens a hidden door, which closes as he goes through.
This won’t stop Apocalypse. He breaks the wall open, but freaks out at what he finds behind it: Black Bolt! Black Bolt smiles. He opens his mouth, but even though he doesn’t say anything, the entire room around him gets destroyed, including Apocalypse!
T’Challa opens the titanium coffin he was hiding in. Even with the coffin, the sound waves were still very loud. It’s a good thing Black Bolt doesn’t talk during conference calls. Even though there’s a lot of rebuilding ahead, T’Challa thanks Black Bolt, as thanks to him, he still has a kingdom. As Storm, Namor and Sunfire fly inside, T’Challa gently places his hand on Black Bolt’s shoulder, asking if it felt nice to speak… if only a syllable?
Genosha…
Magneto, with an angry look, as Quicksilver what he’s smiling about. And he doesn’t want to hear the words “I told you so.” Pietro, smiling, tells his father that he didn’t say a word.


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Wild Kingdom - part 2: House of Paine
The X-Men are startled when they find none other than the Black Panther, researching in a lab. They notice an unconscious man lying on the floor. Storm panics and powers up, demanding to know what’s going on. The Panther warns the mutants to stay where they are, under all circumstances. Iceman doesn’t like the tone in T’Challa’s voice, wondering who he is. Storm whispers, defending that T’Challa is a king. Gambit corrects that may be, but T’Challa doesn’t rule this country. Havok, powering up as well, demands some answers from the Panther.
The man gets up and is seemingly frightened. He claims that the Panther has gone mad and is in need of the X-Men’s help. The Panther notices this and attacks the man. He gracefully leaps over the man’s back and pushes him back to the other side of the room. T’Challa lands down, and closes the door in front of the X-Men! Havok and Iceman look at the Panther continuing the battle, but Rogue wonders who the bad guy is.
Havok doesn’t think that the situation looks right and wants to do something. Storm, trusting T’Challa, holds Alex back. He gets angry and defends that he’s the leader of this team. He orders Rogue to use her powers to break the door open. She throws her flames against the wall, making a hole into the thick door. Lorna jokes that she could have done a cleaner job.
The Panther panics when he sees the X-Men, and begs them to stay back, claiming they don’t know what they’re getting themselves into. Wolverine shouts that they need some answers. He snikts out his claws, threatening that they can do this the easy way… or the hard way! Though the Panther doesn’t want to hurt the X-Men, he attacks Logan. He grabs the diminutive mutant by his clothes, and throws him against his teammates.
Rogue quickly gets up again and tens to the Panther’s victim, asking if he’s okay. T’Challa freaks out when he sees that and runs towards Rogue, but Polaris magnetically throws a table against him. Suddenly, the man gets up and touches Rogue. But, instead of her absorbing the man’s abilities, the man absorbs Rogue! He sarcastically asks Rogue how many times she did this to another mutant, and attacks the Panther with her flame powers! The man angrily shouts that he would rather kill the Panther for what he did to him, but he claims to have more urgent concerns.
T’Challa has to duck, and the man manages to absorb both Iceman and Wolverine’s powers. He loves it when they fight back. Havok defends his teammates, using his powers at full strength and blows the man through the roof! That didn’t go so well. Gambit wants to know who that man was.
The Panther walks over to the X-Men, revealing that their enemy is named Dr. Erich Paine. He was the chief scientist at the laboratories in Genosha, a technological paradise that had a quality of life that rivaled Wakanda. The exception was that Genosha was built on the back of mutant slavery. Paine’s specialty was mutating humans, creating super-powered slaves with no will to resist. The government paid him well for the services. Wolverine defends that they know all about Genosha, but they thought that all the mad scientists had been killed. Apparently not all, T’Challa corrects. This guy was clever enough to slip out before the island was destroyed.
Dr. Paine set up shop here in Niganda, where a large government bribe bought him the freedom to do his experiments regardless of human or environmental cost. Just the runoffs from his factory alone polluted the water of the country with dangerous chemicals. Because Wakanda has a strict non-intervention policy, they couldn’t do anything until Niganda attempted to annex Wakanda. They then removed M’Butu from power and took action against his facility. Storm doesn’t like the “removing M’Butu” statement much. She recalls that she heard the Panther started by removing the man’s teeth one punch at the time.
T’Challa defends that M’Butu threatened his country and family, leaving T’Challa with not a lot of choice. Once war broke out, the country’s power grid quickly failed. Before the factory’s backup power generators kicked in, some of Paine’s creations got lose and started eating people.
Havok is more interested in learning about the real threat here. He wants to know how Paine became a mutant. T’Challa mentions that Paine knew the X-Men would come for him sooner or later, so he took certain precautions. He built a latent mimicking ability into his own system that he could trigger on touch. T’Challa was trying to find a containment suit so Paine wouldn’t be able to touch any of the X-Men when they came barging in. Havok wants to know why they weren’t told any of this. T’Challa defends why the X-Men didn’t have their telepaths read his intentions. Alex smiles that’s because she decided to stay home. T’Challa understands.
Alex wants to know why they are standing there talking when obviously there’s a psychopath on the loose. T’Challa suggests that only team members who have already had their powers absorbed by Paine pursue him, as that would limit the possibility of him getting more powers. He tells Storm that she in particular is needed elsewhere. He thinks she’s the most appropriate person to squelch the rioting outside.
Logan defends that he knows T’Challa is only trying to help, but the X-Men know how to set up their players. T’Challa defends that it was only a suggestion. He’ll keep going through Paine’s research to see if there is any kind of deactivation switch for the monsters on the loose. T’Challa hasn’t secured this facility enough to allow his scientists to come in there and help him go through the files.
He asks the X-Men if any of them have advanced computer skills or are experts in genetics or physiology. Alex denies that they’ve got anyone on the current team. T’Challa was hoping either Beast or Shadowcat were available, but apparently not. Alex suggests that Storm stays with the Panther, because that was what she was apparently going to do anyway. He orders the others to follow him, and they depart.
T’Challa jokes that Havok certainly showed him who’s boss, and wants to know where the real X-Men are. Storm whispers T’Challa to shut up, as they are her friends he’s talking about, and good people. T’Challa wants to know if Wolverine is Storm’s boyfriend. Storm doesn’t know what he’s talking about. T’Challa doesn’t believe that, as he can smell the troll’s passion for her. Storm angrily defends, wanting to know how many women are currently in T’Challa’s harem. <>
T’Challa takes off his mask, joking that he has been a monk recently, waiting for Ororo to return to him. Storm defends that T’Challa shouldn’t start this argument with her. She has avoided this entire continent because of him, and he’s about to remind her why! T’Challa puts his mask on again, thinking that’s fine. Ororo can handle her business and he’ll do the same. Storm agrees. T’Challa gently places his hand on Ororo’s shoulder, reminding her that these people don’t care about the X-Men and only want a goddess. Storm tells T’Challa that he may be wise, but he won’t break her heart a second time. Without adding any more, Storm walks out of the lab alone.
Meanwhile, the X-Men are trying to find their way out of the lab. Rogue didn’t fell this stupid since she first met Xavier. Bobby doesn’t think that the Panther likes mutants much. Logan angrily says that he sure likes Storm, as he could smell it on the guy. Speaking off smelling things, Logan catches a scent behind a nearby wall: gas! Havok tells Bobby to ice all the vents. He warns that they’re standing in a long hallway, so it might take him a minute. But, he starts anyway. After covering down most vents, Bobby gets shot down by lasers!
Polaris defends him and destroys most lasers with her powers, and Gambit finishes it with some charged up playcards. Though the Cajun accidentally hit the gas pipe, and now the gas is pumping in hard! Rogue tries to keep them closed, but with no luck. The gas quickly takes out most X-Men and only Wolverine is left standing. He thinks that this gas must be also used to knock out elephants. He thinks he better contacts Storm. But, before Logan gets the chance to, he gets struck through his stomach by… adamantium claws?!
It’s Paine! Logan bleeds, and faints. The doctor jokes that the claws certainly look nice.
Meanwhile, outside the lab…
An angry mob of hunters are chasing a woman and her child. They call the woman a traitor and want to make her pay for her supposed crimes. They send out hyenas after them, and the woman comes out of her hiding place, and panicking starts running away. But on that very moment, the entire sky starts turning black! The hunters are startled, not understanding what’s going on.
One of the hunters begs to leave the child alive, as virgins cure cancer and it can help him. The boss isn’t interested, but promises they’ll find another one. Suddenly, the hyenas are struck by a bolt of lightning! Surprised, the victims look up. It’s Storm! Bare-naked, she shouts that the Goddess of the Desert has returned. And this mother and her child are under her protection and she will destroy any man who dares hurting them. The hunters, not afraid of Storm, thinking she is a mere ghost, take out their knives ready to cut her. Storm destroys the blades with another lightning bolt, challenging the men to take their shot if they want and find out what men they really are.
Back at the lab…
The Panther’s scientists contact him over intercom. They want to know why their leader doesn’t let them hack into the system remotely. T’Challa explains that, given the number of booby traps he had to disarm just to get this far, he doesn’t want to risk infecting the Wakandan computer systems with some sort of virus. The scientists agree, and want to send in a squadron to help him secure the lab. T’Challa asks his helpers to shut up, as he hears something. He smells something, too.
While scouting the lab, T’Challa gets grabbed by behind by… a four-armed baboon! The baboon throws T’Challa against the wall, reminding T’Challa that he really hates these animals. Suddenly, the baboon starts talking, defending that “they” hate T’Challa as well. Another monkey enters, claiming he can do a lot more than that: he hypnotizes the Panther, making him unable to move. The baboon prepares itself for the final punch.
Elsewhere in the lab, Paine stands on a balcony, and looks below. He takes a stick and pours with it into a green fluid filled test tank, in which more mutated people lie. He’s talking to his boss on the phone, informing that the order is ready. Only the final payment needs to be made and the order will be available for pickup. Paine descends some stairs, and walks over to a back corner where more containment cells are situated. Paine informs his boss that he just acquired some new items, and they are available as singles, a complete set or… in parts! Paine takes a closer look at the cells, in which the now chained X-Men lie. He opens up Polaris’ cell and holds a chainsaw ready! Lorna panics.


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Wild Kingdom - part 4: Kingdom Boogie
Niganda, Africa...
Several local citizens are walking away together, in a large group. Another one notices them and asks what’s going on, suspecting it’s another hunt for traitors. A woman denies that, quoting a miracle has happened. A man states that the goddess has returned and points at a girl running in front of the line, whom the goddess blessed.
The man wants to know who this Goddess is the others are talking about. They explain they are talking about Ororo, the Storm of the Desert! The man wonders what’s wrong with the others, thinking they don’t own a T.V. He recognized that woman as a member of the American X-Men. This statement upsets the crowd, thinking the man doesn’t believe in their Goddess and start throwing sticks and stones at him!
Meanwhile...
As they walk through a large hallway, Iceman still can’t believe that psychopath, Dr. Paine (like that’s his real name) is playing with them like this. They are the X-Men and Bobby wants to know why they are doing the guy’s dirty work. Havok explains that, with Paine mimicking their powers, there was no chance that they could free Polaris before she was poisoned by the venom. Bobby defends that he’s Iceman. He could have frozen that stuff solid before it dripped into her veins. Alex asks Bobby what he would do if he was wrong and his plan didn’t work, or what if Paine would have been prepared for it? Bobby remains silent.
Gambit hopes this isn’t going to turn devolve into one of those “who cares more“ arguments, because he hates those. Both Storm and Rogue agree with Remy, with Rogue suggesting that she’s going to check the upper floors. Wolverine tells Bobby it could be worse, joking that at least they are gunning for a bad guy. Bobby thinks that’s another thing, wanting to know how they are supposed to find the Red Ghost.
Suddenly, they pass a wall and hear a voice calling out to Mickhlo and Peotor. It’s the Red Ghost! He shifts out of his ghost form and the X-Men believe they have found their villain. Red Ghost panics and changes back into his ghost form, disappearing from sight.
Gambit wants to know what they are going to do now. Bobby thinks that’s easy and suggests he’ll use his ice powers to make the guy appear again. Wolverine tries to warn Bobby not to do that, but the warning comes too late. Bobby shows off with his powers, telling his teammates to now check for smoke coming out of Red Ghost’s mouth or footprints in the frost or something. Logan calls Bobby an idiot, shouting that he can’t smell anything with this cold temperature.
Havok wants to know if the Red Ghost turns invisible or intangible. He wants to know if they are just not seeing him, or if he simply walked through a wall. Bobby jokes that the Ghost is so old school, their school doesn’t even have files on him. Wolverine runs off, telling the others they can stare into space waiting for the Ghost to exhale, but he’s going to look elsewhere. Havok asks Logan to wait, as they shall follow. That’s fine by Logan, but warns to keep Iceman away from him, as they need to get things done. Logan feels that maybe they need Xavier back, joking that this team seems to be going backwards.
Suddenly, battle noises can be heard and they decide to go check them out. The X-Men stumble into a large room, where they find the Black Panther fighting Dragon Man! Wolverine asks T’Challa if he needs any help but, even though he gets kicked to the other side of the room, the Panther claims he’s got everything under control. But he does tell the X-Men they could take out the security camera that’s hanging on the wall.
Dragon Man throws some fire at the Panther, which he manages to dodge, but the flames do destroy the camera. As the flames quickly spread, the Panther thinks a fire extinguisher might be a good idea. Wolverine has already got that covered, and destroyed a water pipe above them.
As the water continues to put out the flames, Logan gets another idea. He jumps off and grabs Dragon Man’s tail, sticks his claws through the slippery thing and starts throwing him around. Logan hits Dragon Man against a wall, knocking him down. He climbs on his back and wants to kill the creature, but the Panther doesn’t think that’s necessary suspecting he can tame him. An angry Logan can understand that the Panther is the “Lord of the jungle“ and all that, but he knows that this poor beast had every agreeable aspect bred out of him through who knows how much genetic altering.
Suddenly, Dragon Man gets up again and grabs Logan by his throat, throwing him off his back. He stands up and grabs the Panther with his tail, who in return slams the Dragon in his face and releasing himself again. This punch causes Dragon Man to withdraw, which Logan can’t understand. T’Challa claims that it’s important not to over think things.
Elsewhere at the base...
Paine’s failed monkey, together with Mickhlo and Peotor, are looking at a contained virus, stocked in a stasis field, which contains a dangerous virus. Mickhlo is certain that it shall work, but the others not so much, as they can’t read the inscriptions on the tube. Suddenly, the Red Ghost commands to all of his ape soldiers to report back to him immediately. They recognize the voice, but Mickhlo suggests they ignore him. He thinks that, the sooner they can figure out how to release the virus, they’ll also be done with the Ghost. Then they’ll take this country like the Ghost planned to do, but without his fascist supervision!
In another room, the Red Ghost faces through some walls wondering where his apes are. He hopes for them they better are not ignoring his psychic summons, or there will be reeducation lessons for all of them. Rogue taps on Red Ghost’s back, causing him to be surprised and solid. She quickly slams the Ghost down, apologizing for it, but it had to be done before he turned back into his ghost form. A few moments later, the Ghost wakes up for him and notices the X-Men holding him hostage, who start telling him what this is all about.
Havok explains to him that, if he so much as thinks about dropping through the floor, he will blast him the second he starts to fade. He will scatter his atoms so he will never reassemble. With the silent look, Alex can figure Red Ghost understood what he was saying. Havok continues to say that, considering Paine is blackmailing them to kill the Ghost, he doesn’t think he’ll have any problems of helping them to find a way to defeat the guy. Taking a look at Wolverine’s adamantium claws and getting scared, Red Ghost agrees. Storm asks Wolverine where T’Challa went. Logan mentions that T’Challa is housebreaking a pet and had promised Logan he would catch up later.
A few minutes later...
Paine and his monkey finally have managed to bring the X-Men up onto his viewing screens again, as he had lost track of them earlier. The X-Men angrily rush into the room, with Havok ordering that, now they’ve got the Red Ghost, it’s time for Paine to release Lorna. Paine notices Havok holding his hands close to the Red Ghost’s head and tells him to finish the job and kill the man.
Alex warns Paine not to play. They’ve done their part of the deal, now it’s time for him to do the same. Paine wants to know what his leverage is to guarantee a clean exit. He’s confident that the X-Men can’t beat him, but still wants to hear a confirmation. Alex releases the Red Ghost, and all of the X-Men prepare for a battle. He warns Paine that he’s got till the count of five to release Lorna, and starts countdown.
Paine doesn’t know what the X-Men are doing, and reminds them he won’t hesitate to kill Polaris. Storm is certain of that, but smilingly responds that that would also mean they could kill Paine. Taking a closer look to the various powers the X-Men all have, Paine is confident that killing isn’t like them. Paine unleashes the power of Havok he earlier absorbed and fires it at Red Ghost, but he makes himself invisible again, laughing at the lousy battle technique of Paine. Rogue jumps at Paine in an attempt to knock him down, but Paine notices and quickly ices her up! While Gambit goes to tend to her, Storm hits Paine with her lightning bolts! Paine wants to know how Storm can do that inside a building.
Gambit charges up a playcard, and the heat coming from it manages to defrost Rogue. Rogue’s okay, but wants to make Paine pay for what he did to her. Havok and Paine use their similar powers at them but, just like with his brother, Cyclops, they can’t hurt each other. Paine reveals a detonator, smiling that Havok’s teammate Polaris can get hurt!
Behind the cage, Iceman and Red Ghost have made it to the control panels of it. Bobby, threatening the Ghost with his powers, tells him to override the system. The Red Ghost asks for a minute, claiming he has never seen such a mechanism before. Bobby doesn’t believe that, as he thought the Ghost was a scientific genius. Red Ghost confirms he’s the finest of the Soviet minds. But they have not been able to afford to keep up with the capitalist advances in the past decade. This is why he had to outsource ape-development and production.
Iceman refuses to waste any more time and wants to freeze the panel, but on that moment Paine strikes him again with Havok’s powers. Iceman has no choice but to turn his attention towards the battle. On that very moment, the Black Panther enters, riding on Dragon Man’s back! As Dragon Man throws his flames into the battle, Storm whispers that T’Challa always knew how to make an entrance.
Paine shouts at the Panther to stop this right now, or else he will shut him down! Not intimidated, Dragon Man snaps Paine into his arm. Paine snikts out the bone claws he absorbed from Wolverine and, though he hates to damage his product, he doesn’t think he’s got much choice here. Wolverine notices and quickly destroys Paine’s claws using his own adamantium ones.
The Panther runs towards the Ghost asking what the problem is, but he doesn’t have the time, thinking T’Challa is too stupid to understand. T’Challa walks over to the control panels and, with one touch on a button, Polaris is released and falls right into Havok’s arms. Red Ghost wants to know how the Panther knew how to do that, but he jokes that he doesn’t have time to explain it.
Paine continues to attack the X-Men and Dragon Man, not knowing how they can be so stupid as to confront him directly. He grabs Wolverine by his throat, and mentions that he had hoped to get a few more odd jobs out of them all, but now he guesses it’s time to kill them. He concentrates Havok’s solar energy on Wolverine, making him completely aglow and then Paine throws him at the back of the room. Storm wonders if Logan can heal from so much damage.
Paine starts floating into the air. He thinks that this makes for interesting career options. He wonders if he should continue to be a “mad scientist“ for hire, or strike out on his own as an “above-the-tile“ super-villain. He has always been more comfortable to stick in the background, but maybe now is the time to think about it differently.
Suddenly, he gets shot in the back! Red Ghost rips out Paine’s heart, and mentions that the super-heroes are too soft to finish the job, but he has no patience for conniving capitalists like Paine. He phases through the ground, wondering where his apes are. Havok wonders how the Ghost could do such a horrible thing, but the Panther remarks that he saved him the trouble.
Havok wants to know if the Panther would have killed Paine if the Red Ghost hadn’t. The Panther confirms it was an option. Alex asks T’Challa if he’s judge, jury and executioner, but T’Challa thinks it’s his right as King of Wakanda. Gambit warns that the bad guy is getting away. Havok agrees that they should go after him, thinking that maybe the Red Ghost can get a little pre process. T’Challa is all for it, as long as the X-Men don’t lock the Ghost up in one of those prisons that their super-villains seem to keep breaking out of every week.
As they run into action, Havok asks T’Challa if that’s how they work out their problems here in Wakanda, by simply killing people. T’Challa denies that, thinking the state of Texas takes that approach. He explains that the Wakandan justice system is older than the English Parliament. He’s just saying, realistically, what the X-Men do with a super-powered murdering psychopath. As they fly ahead, Rogue mentions to Storm that the Panther seems to be a little arrogant. Storm agrees. Rogue jokes that he’s kind of hot, too. Storm smiles that one might say that.
Meanwhile outside of the building, a crowd is gathering and looks at the super-apes gathering on the roof. The apes think that the humans are stupid and are really asking for it. Peotor warns not to just throw down the virus. He thinks they need to release it in the upper atmosphere for better distribution. The others shout that they don’t have any pockets to store the virus in, so Peotor better shuts up. But Peotor thinks that tossing it down will make the virus look localized and would take too long for it to start killing.
Red Ghost emerges through the roof, angrily demanding to know what the apes think they are doing. He notices the apes holding the virus but doesn’t know what it is. They claim it’s none of the Ghost’s business. He becomes angry at that remark. He shouts that whatever conditioning Paine did is clearly worthless. He thinks they are the worst evolved super-apes he ever worked with. Mickhlo shouts that the circus act is over and that the “Ape Age“ is about to begin! Red Ghost laughs, making the apes only angrier. He warns the apes to stop acting like fools and to go back to work. That’s enough for the apes, and Mickhlo throws the virus down, which below almost hits a woman.
Storm quickly acts and uses her winds to keep the virus airborne. The crowd becomes enthusiastic and shouts her name. Logan jokes about it, but Rogue thinks that, if those folks knew what just happened, they’d be losing it. Iceman uses his powers to freeze the apes up. T’Challa asks Bobby if he would mind encasing the virus tube to keep it secure until his scientists have taken a look on it. Havok doesn’t have an argument with it, which the Panther appreciates. Wolverine jokes that, now that everyone has kissed and made up, they better get that virus out of there.
Once they are down, the Panther wants to know why the X-Men have to leave so soon, as they should take some time to enjoy his beautiful land. Storm agrees, mentioning she’ll stay for a little while. Wolverine asks Ororo if she’s certain about this. Storm is, because now that she’s back in Africa she doesn’t want to leave. T’Challa thinks that’s great, getting eager to prepare some things.
Storm holds T’Challa, correcting that she won’t stay there in Wakanda, and not with him. She needs some time alone to reconcile all that she has become: a woman, a goddess, an X-Man, and herself. Logan understands and Ororo thanks him for that. He takes off, ready to inform the others about this.
The Panther takes off his mask, and Ororo has one last thing to say to T’Challa: their paths shall cross again. Storm and the Black Panther share a goodbye kiss, and Storm flies away.
Back inside the base, Paine’s monkey, Cuddle-Face, screeches that things aren’t over yet.