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Hard Truths
Kitty “Shadowcat” Pryde screams as she phases up through the ground, more specifically, a graveyard in Westchester - where she had just used her mutant power to phase inside the coffin of her dead best friend, Doug Ramsey. Kitty’s Excalibur teammate Rahne calls to her, as the techno-organic Douglock declares that he knew this was a bad idea. ‘Shut up, Doug’ snaps Rahne as she tends to Kitty. ‘Douglock’ says Douglock, correcting Rahne, who just tells him to ‘Shut up!’ again. Rahne asks Kitty if she is going to be all right, and tells her that if she is going to be sick then she should do it away from her, or else she will be joining her.
Kitty boasts that she will be okay, that she just needs a moment to catch her breath. Douglock walks up to Kitty and apologizes for Kitty’s distress, before beginning to remind her what he told her - but Kitty interrupts him and holding a hand up to keep him away, she asks Douglock what he has done. ‘There’s a body in that grave!’ Kitty reveals, sweat pouring down her face as she does so. Douglock knows this, ‘Yes, Doug Ramsey’s’ he declares. Kitty exclaims that it is not possible, as she knows that Douglock is Doug Ramsey. ‘What have you done?’ she whispers again.
Douglock begins to say that he doesn’t understand what Kitty means, before realizing that Kitty expected the grave to be empty. Douglock crouches at the grave of the fallen New Mutant and asks Kitty if she thinks he rose from this grave then replaced his body with that of a “John Doe”. He even offers the suggestion that he killed the “John Doe” in a desperate attempt at covering up his tracks. ‘After all, one never knows when an intangible mutants might decide to stop and pay her respects…up close and personal!’ snaps Douglock before asking Kitty if this is what she really thinks of him.
‘When you put it that way, it does sound a little…’ ‘A little?’ scolds Rahne, before Kitty admits that she is a jerk, and asks the others if they are satisfied. Kitty apologizes to Douglock, calling him ‘Doug’ she claims that she never meant to - before she gets to say what it is she claims, Douglock reminds her again that his name is not Doug, but Douglock. He declares that he is not, nor has he ever been, Douglas Ramsey, and asks Kitty if this is really so hard for her to accept.
Douglock declares that he doesn’t mean to sound harsh, but that he is fast reaching the limits of his tolerance for this nonsense. ‘Douglas Ramsey is dead! A hard truth, but a truth nonetheless’. Kitty walks up to Douglock and asks him to tell her why he looks exactly like Doug, ‘why did you choose his face of all things’. Douglock replies that he cannot tell her, for all he can tell her, and all he knows, is that he is not her friend Doug Ramsey, before adding that he knows, he wishes, for Kitty’s sake, it was otherwise, but it is not, he is simply Douglock, no more, no less. Rahne exclaims that it works for her, but Kitty is still not convinced.
Meanwhile, on Muir Island, Scotland, the Research Center owned by world-renowned scientist Doctor Moira MacTaggert, and home to Excalibur, most of the remaining members of Britain’s greatest super team, and the good doctor herself, are finding themselves at the mercy of the mutant terrorist faction known as the Mutant Liberation Front. Moira runs behind Piotr “Colossus” Rasputin, the powerful Russian mutant as he rushes down a corridor, telling him to stand down, but Piotr replies that they don’t have time to.
Moira catches up to Colossus and points out to him that running off half-cocked is not going to help the situation. Peter Wisdom joins Moira and Piotr informing them that the perimeter breach has been confirmed, and that Brian and Meggan are down. ‘Can you say “We’re up the creek” boys and girls?’ Moira declares that the MLF are after the Xavier Protocols, and exclaims that the cannot let the Protocols fall into the MLF’s hands. ‘Close enough’ jokes Peter, before Colossus tells Moira that if she has a plan, there is no time like the present.
Moira uses voice commands to turn the alarm off, and tells Colossus and Wisdom that they have to slow the MLF down, to use their familiarity with the complex to their advantage. Moira adds that she will have Nightcrawler help them as soon as she has finished with him. This puzzles Wisdom, but Moira tells him to try living up to his name, as she needs Kurt to get the vault door closed. She mentions that Kurt is no Hank McCoy, but that any port in a storm will do. ‘I’m sure he speaks well of you, too’ Wisdom says to Moira in reply to her comment about Kurt. ‘Move!’ barks Moira before she rushes off in a different direction to the men. ‘Luck to us all!’ shouts Colossus. ‘”Luck to us all” What are you, the mutant Pollyanna?’ mocks Wisdom. Colossus just grunts.
Elsewhere in the complex. The foot soldiers used by the Mutant Liberation Front confirm that the interior maintenance corridor is secured, however, one of them thinks that this operation is going down too easy, that he doesn’t like it. Suddenly, Michael McCain, the aptly named ‘Fourarm’, who is carrying the unconscious Captain Britain, tells the soldiers that there is nothing for them to like, or dislike, and begins to tells them to get their sorry butts into gear, when Danielle Moonstar steps forward and tells Fourarm that he is forgetting his place, as she was placed in charge of this operation.
Richard ‘Wildside’ Gil, carrying the unconscious Meggan, tells Dani that it is hard for them to forget, what with she reminding them every other sentence that comes out of her mouth. Wildside then declares that the drones might have a point, as striking Muir Island is not supposed to be like a milk run, so he believes it to be a set up. Fourarm snaps that he cannot smell anything he can’t handle, and asks the foot soldiers what they are all standing around for, ‘move out!’ As the soldiers rush forward, Fourarm shouts behind them that they are supposed to be a point-team, ‘Get up there and point us in the right direction!’ Dani tells Fourarm that she will not remind him who is in charge again. ‘Yeah, yeah’.
As the MLF trio walk behind the soldiers, Danielle thinks to herself that this is not good at all, as when she volunteered to lead this mission, she hoped she could keep the bloodshed to a minimum, even figure out a way to sabotage the mission and keep the Xavier Protocols from falling into the MLF’s hands. But it doesn’t look to be turning out that way. The former New Mutant can not believe that Xavier actually provided a blueprint for taking down the X-Men. Putting her mask back on, Dani wonders what her former teacher was thinking.
Back in Westchester, Kitty, Wolfsbane and Douglock enter a pizza parlour. Kitty blabbering that it has been ages since they have been here and that it was almost like a second home back in the ol’ “Nose to the grindstone” days. Douglock begins to state that he has never been here before when Kitty cuts him off halfway through his speech, exclaiming that their favorite table is free. Kitty reminds her younger teammates to not accidentally shut off their image inducers, or else they would have a lot of explaining to do.
As Kitty declares that she will go and get the slices of pizza, Douglock begins to tell her what he wants on his, but Kitty exclaims that she remembers, and will be back in a flash. As Rahne and Douglock take their seats, Douglock sighs and mutters that Kitty is persistent. ‘Is that what it’s being called now?’ asks Rahne. A grouchy looing waitress takes Kitty’s order at the counter, Kitty asking if Gino is not on tonight. The waitress realizes that Kitty is a bit out of touch and informs her that Gino has not worked here for nearly a year. ‘You gonna order or what?’
Rahne asks Douglock if he realizes why Kitty brought them to this place, to which Douglock replies that he does, as Kitty hopes that by exposing him to environments familiar to Douglas Ramsey she can jar loose feelings that he does not have. Douglock informs Rahne that Kitty’s obsession with proving that he is Douglas Ramsey reborn worries him, admitting that there are times he wishes he were Doug Ramsey, if only to ease Kitty’s pain.
Wolfsbane knows what Douglock means and tells him that for a while, even she harbored a secret hope that Kitty was right. ‘Oh, puh-leeze! Not you too?’ asks Douglock. Rahne tells him that there is no need to be so rude about it, so Douglock quickly apologizes, pointing out that he is still trying to get the hang of sarcasm. Kitty arrives back with the trays of pizza, and sitting down next to Rahne she hands her two slices with anchovies, and asks her how she can eat that stuff, before passing Douglock two slices with heavy sausage, just the way he likes them.
Kitty exclaims that the old-hang out hasn’t changed at all, except that Gino is not here anymore, but she thinks she saw Cassie in the back room, so the pizza should taste just as good, ‘but let’s face it, Gino made the best pizza this side of Italy…’ suddenly Kitty notices that Douglock is pulling the slices of sausage off his pizza. She asks him what he is doing, and Douglock replies that he doesn’t like sausage. ‘You love sausage!’ exclaims Kitty, before Douglock holds his sausage-less pizza up to his mouth and smiles, telling Kitty ‘No, Douglas Ramsey loved sausage’.
Back on Muir Island, Moira screams ‘Shut it off!’ as she and Kurt “Nightcrawler” Wagner are tinkering with some equipment. Moira points out that they are shorting out the force field. Kurt tells Moira to face it, that it is not going to happen, reminding her that they have been trying to re-seal the unit for days, and barring a miracle they are not about to figure it out in the minutes left before the MLF overruns this part of the Center.
Moira declares that the force field will have to do, that she will re-route the auxiliary power lines, and give the field extra-punch. She tells Kurt to link up with the others, as she can handle it herself from here on. Nightcrawler asks Moira if she is certain, and Moira snaps ‘go!’ As Kurt teleports away, Moira thinks that Kurt may not understand what she is about to do - in fact, she is certain he wouldn’t.
Pulling at some wires, Moira thinks that she is sorry about the deception, but she has no intention of strengthening the force field, quite the opposite in face - she is going to shut it down!
Elsewhere, Colossus hides in the vents above a corridor, watching several storm troopers walk beneath him, watching them play right into Excalibur’s hands as the stand before the men’s room. Thinking the toilet suspicious enough to warrant an investigation, they enter the toilet, where inside, Wisdom has flooded the sinks. Standing on the vanity Wisdom declares that this is going to get ugly, when the storm troopers kick the door down, just as Colossus drops from the shaft above, ‘I believe the word is incoming’ he exclaims, bringing circuits down with him, causing an electric shock to follow, as the power meets the water.
Moira wonders what the men are up to, and rushes out of the vault where the Xavier Protocols are kept to find them.
‘Yup, pretty ugly all right. Guess that’s why they call them shock troops’ Wisdom jokes. Wisdom gives Colossus a thumbs up and tells him it is good to know he got the brains to match the brawn, to which Colossus takes as a compliment, for Wisdom’s sake.
Nightcrawler suddenly teleports up behind the MLF, informing them that this is as far as they go. Reacting to the stench of brimstone that emanates from Kurt’s teleportation, Fourarm asks what the smell is. Kurt tells Fourarm that he is very witty, ‘see if you can laugh this off!’ Kurt exclaims as he sets the timer on a bomb. ‘No!’ cries Danielle, to which Wildside tells Kurt to ‘listen to the lady’, and points out that it is not them that he should be concerning himself with, asking Kurt if he thinks they were lugging Meggan and Brian around for the good of their health.
Wildside informs Kurt that his teammates are looking to be in rough shape, to which Fourarm asks Kurt how he thinks Meggan and Brian will stand up to his concussion grenade. Kurt realizes his fault and quickly teleports to a cliff side on Muir and heaves the grenade off the side of the island, where it explodes in mid-air, over the water. Kurt is furious at his mistake, realizing that the MLF were using Meggan and Brian as living shields. He hopes Moira has an ace up her sleeve, because their hands have just been tied.
Wildside motions to all the motionless shock troopers and declares that they are all worthless. Moonstar asks her teammates if they believed this would be made easy for them, before Fourarm declares they should just forget them, as they were cannon-fodder anyway. ‘There’s that compassionate streak that so endears you to us, Fourarm’ mocks Dani, to which Fourarm asks if she was taking a shot at him. ’You figure it out’ replies Dani, before telling her teammates to coma along, and to watch out for anymore nasty surprises. ‘Sounded like a shot to me…’ mutters Fourarm.
Moira tells Kurt, Colossus and Wisdom, who are all bickering behind her, to keep it down, as she is trying to concentrate. Wisdom reminds Moira that she is the one who called them back, to which Kurt points out that she had no choice, as Brian and Meggan are being used as…’living shields’ Colossus and Wisdom declare in unison. Wisdom declares that they understand, but that they are not doing anyone any good sitting here twiddling their thumbs, before exclaiming that the force field will slow the MLF down, and give the four of them time to come up with a plan. Moira reveals that she has shut the force field down. ‘Funniest thin, I could have sworn I just heard you say you had shut the force field down’ exclaims Wisdom.
DanI, Wildside and Fourarm enter as chamber, and seeing a unit, the Xavier Protocol’s, Fourarm asks if Excalibur take them for idiots, leaving it open like that, unprotected, and figure they will walk into whatever booby trap they have got rigged up. Motioning to Brian and Meggan, Fourarm asks Wildside if he is thinking what he is thinking…’test subjects!’ exclaims Fourarm as he and Wildside throw Meggan and Brian towards the device, Wildside adding that Meggan’s perfume was beginning to get on his nerves, so he is glad to be rid of her.
Watching the events unfold on a monitor, Moira exclaims that she was not expecting that, and reveals to the men that she was hoping to trap the MLF in the field, but as she always says, ‘any port in a storm’. She activates the force field over the area, preventing the MLF from getting to the Protocols.
Wildside declares that some force field just kicked in, as Fourarm reminds the others he said it was probably booby trapped. Dani points out that it could have been the three of them contained in there, as Fourarm curses Excalibur before asking what they should do now. Dani tells Michael that he could try yelling at the force field for all the good it has done, before declaring ‘The advantage is theirs now’ and that she is aborting the mission. She tells Wildside and Fourarm to stand by for teleport-out.
Moira smiles, ‘Music to my ears’, and realizing Dani has not truly switched sides, she whispers that was well played.
Back in the States, Kitty, Rahne and Douglock arrive at an old house on a farm, Rahne knows where they are and tells Kitty that she is beginning to worry her. Kitty asks Rahne to indulge her this one last time, before Douglock asks if this is the Ramsey home, and points out that it doesn’t appear if anyone is home. Kitty becomes intangible and floats up to a bedroom window, informing her teammates she was counting on there being no one home.
Douglock asks if this is breaking and entering, to which Rahne supposes technically is, but Kitty begins to explain how it can not be breaking and entering - if Doug Ramsey is still alive, when suddenly, entering a room, she screams ‘No!’
One hard truth later, Kitty stands before Doug Ramsey’s grave, and speaking to Cypher she tells him it was pretty silly of her to think that if Doug - Douglock saw his old room then it would snap him out of it. Kitty reveals that it isn’t Cypher’s room anymore, that his parents have turned it into a den, they know he is gone. Kitty realizes that Doug Ramsey’s parents have dealt with their grief and gone on with their lives, adding that there are pictures of Doug all over that room, but it is not his room anymore.
With a tear-stained face, Kitty says goodbye to Doug Ramsey, it hurts her so much, but she knows it is good to let it out. Douglock and Rahne watch Kitty, Doug wishing he could have spared Kitty all of this, but Rahne thinks that Kitty will be okay now. Kitty walks over to Douglock and introduces herself, informing him that she is finally pleased to met him.


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A Portrait of the Artist
The song Firestarter by Prodigy plays loudly in the background as Piotr Rasputin, a.k.a. Colossus, one of Britain’s premiere super heroes in Excalibur, paints. Colossus also happens to be the last living member of his family. His parents – Nikolai and Alexandra were murdered by agents of their own government. His older brother and former Soviet cosmonaut Mikhail has since exhibited reality warping powers and a penchant for evil. For all Piotr knows, his one-time hero – who has since become the insane ruler of an extradimensional world populated by mutants is dead. As for his baby sister – his precious “Little Snowflake” Illyana – though but a child, she was counted among the first casualties to fall in what has since become an uphill battle against the merciless Legacy Virus. Suffice to say, Colossus’ life has not been easy.
The day he left the Ust-Ordinski Collective and emigrated to the U.S.A at the behest of Professor Charles Xavier, to become a member of the outlaw band of mutant heroes known as the X-Men, Piotr vowed to do what he believed was best for himself and his loved ones. But when those dearest to his heart were tragically taken from him, and all that remained was a world hating and fearing him for his genetic difference, a part of Piotr Rasputin died in a grim, violent death and his vow – his personal oath – became a burden greater than even this stalwart young man could bear.
Siding with the X-Men’s greatest enemy – the infamous Master of Magnetism, Magneto as one of his loyal Acolytes, Colossus hoped to alleviate the guilt gnawing at his conscience by taking a more aggressive approach at solving the mutant / human controversy. But instead, he not only managed to cut himself off from all his friends, he nearly became that which he had pledged his life to defend against. Now with the international band of heroes known globally as Excalibur, Piotr is once more trying to make amends so that someday, the Rasputin family need not end with him.
‘Can I look Piotr? Can I look? Please! Please! Please! Can I?’ asks the excited elemental known as Meggan as she hovers over Piotr while he paints. Colossus tells Meggan that she cannot just yet, and asks her to use her powers to hover still, for another few moments. He informs her that he is trying something a bit different with this piece. He recalls that it has been such a long time since he has touched a canvas and wanted – needed – to see how he has changed.
Colossus tells Meggan that this surprise she has asked him to help her prepare for Brian is the perfect – as Doctor MacTaggert would put it – “Litmus test” – for his maturation, both artistically and personally. He makes just one more smudge before announcing that it is finished and tells Meggan that she may now look.
Hands behind her back, the blonde Faerie looks somewhat bewildered and admits that she does not know what to say, before declaring that she has never seen anything like it before. Colossus holds up a hand, thinking Meggan doesn’t like it, he asks if his art fails to imitate life. ‘Absolutely “Nyet” you big Russian silly!’ Meggan exclaims smiling before telling Colossus that his technique and interpretation is all so random and chaotic. Looking at her teammate, Meggan tells him that it feels so much like she is looking at her own reflection in a looking glass.
Meggan steps in some red paint on the floor as she tells Piotr his painting is ‘simply beautiful’ She informs Piotr that she loves the painting and loves him for doing it. She promises him Brian will love it too, for it is the perfect wedding gift! The red paint drips from Meggan’s foot as she takes flight, reminding her “Tovarisch” that it is their little secret. Colossus looks up at his beautiful teammate and tells Meggan that Magneto himself could not part it from his armored lips, while thinking that Brian Braddock is a lucky man to have someone who loves him so.
A “Bamf” sounds the arrival of Colossus’ longtime friend Kurt Wagner a.k.a. Nightcrawler who asks Piotr what this is he hears about a “secret” and asks if there is something going on that his swashbuckling team leader should know about. Colossus smiles and jokingly tells Kurt that unlike fine wine, the brimstone stench of his teleport does not improve with age. Kurt tells Colossus that he is sorry he thinks so, ‘because you’re about to get a nose full of it!’ and quickly teleports him away …
… to the lab, where Piotr informs Kurt that the next time he wants him in the lab to call first. Kurt replies that he will take it under advisement before turning to the handsome Brian Braddock – a.k.a. Britain’s finest hero – Captain Britain – and asks him what the word is. Brian looks at his teammates and tells them that the “word” is that someone has reactivated the mainframe at Colossus’ old “hole in the ground” in Australia. Brian informs them that a prototype satellite he designed tracked the signal during an orbital test run. He reveals that it seems Colossus’ old chums the Acolytes are back in business, as they have sent a message.
Brian turns on the computer monitor, and the devoted Acolyte Joanna Cargill, formerly known as “Frenzy” appears on screen. She greets Colossus and tells him that she doesn’t know if he made it to Earth safely or not, but figured that his armored hide would have tipped the scales in his favor. She adds quietly that Colossus was always the strong one, before getting to her point – the flock has been gathered to raise Avalon again – and now more than ever the Acolytes need his strength.
Nightcrawler looks worried and tells the others he thought Avalon was destroyed by Holocaust. Colossus mutters that unfortunately Holocaust didn’t do a good enough job of it, and reveals that Avalon fragmented into many large salvageable chunks, and thinks it is possible that Cargill and the more industrious Acolytes have gathered. Brian asks who could have coordinated such an effort, and Piotr declares that there can only be one man – Exodus!
Exodus’ face appears on the computer screen and Colossus declares that if there is a begin alive that is charismatic enough to win the hearts and minds of his former Acolyte comrades – whether by physical coercion of psionic control – then it is he. Frowning, Colossus tells the other men that they must learn what scheme Exodus plans to let loose on the world, and to do so, he knows he must confront the very people he has tried so hard to distance himself from – ‘I must face the Acolytes!’ he exclaims.
Meanwhile, on the North Shore of Muir Island, home of Excalibur and also legendary scientist Doctor Moira MacTaggert, owner of the island and its research center. Sitting out on a small balcony, she ignores the falling snow as she writes a email on her laptop computer.
My dearest Charles. No matter how hard I try otherwise, I cannot stop thinking about Joe. The day he died, I felt an enormous weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I was free of the heartache and constant bickering and the pain of knowing my husband – the man I loved was out and out “bam”. And then I think about our boy, my wee Kevin – the child Joe and I both failed – and I cannot help but miss that ol’ “slag”. I always knew that time and distance can change your perspective on things – give a person 20/20 hindsight and all – but I never realized how much focus proximity can provide. I wonder, will they welcome me when I see them again?
Unblinking, Moira’s sad face looks at her email as she doubts that the government is going to let Charles check his email, though finds some comfort in the fact that the message will be waiting for him when he gets back. She only hopes she will be waiting too. She clicks “send”, but a message appears: Error! That mailbox is no longer available, your e-mail has been deleted. ‘Why ye stupid bleedin’…grrr…’
Moira pulls her legs up under her chin, hugging herself as she admits it is hard getting used to Charles not being around. Moira knows that Charles has been such an important part of her life for so many years – they have shared such a special bond as best friends, and even as “Best friends with benefits” for a time, that she cannot imagine life without him. Moira begins to cry, for she knows that there is no telling when Xavier is going to be getting his freedom, so she realizes she will have to get used to it, as well as her recent infection – alone.
Walking along the beach of Muir Island is Kitty Pryde and Pete Wisdom. Pete tells Kitty not to worry, as that swill MacTaggert calls “coffee” should keep her innards toasty until next winter. Kitty wonders why she is not surprised that Pete doesn’t find this weird – for Moira has been sitting out in the middle of the blizzard for days. ‘Guess she just fancies the view from that balcony’ Pete jokes as he embraces his lover. Kitty replies ‘maybe’ before informing Pete that it is no ordinary balcony – it is her son Kevin’s room.
Kitty reveals to Pete that Moira once told her how before Kevin died, the two of them would sit up there for hours, waiting for the supply barges bringing the resources that treated Kevin’s mutations. Kitty pauses before telling Pete that in all the time she has known Moira, she has never gone up there since. Pete tells Kitty that it looks to him as if Moira is waiting for her own ship to come in. He exclaims that MacTaggert may be a shrew, but doesn’t think anyone deserves to suffer the way she is.
‘Why Pete Wisdom – I do believe a sentimental bone doth grow in your body at last!’ jokes Kitty. A ‘Bamf’ signals the arrival of Nightcrawler who tells the happy couple that he hates to interrupt their tender moment but that they have a crisis on their hands. Kurt’s sudden arrival caused Kitty to become intangible and phase through Wisdom, who makes some comment that Kurt ignores, instead telling them that Captain Britain and Meggan are not coming as they are going to London on a “personal errand”. He informs them that everyone is loaded into the Midnight Runner as Kitty asks them where they are going. ‘Australia’ Kurt replies solemnly.
Within five minutes, the remainder of Excalibur has assembled in the hangar bay and two minutes later they are airborne in the team’s hypersonic transport. Kurt whispers to Kitty and Wisdom that he wants the both of them to keep a close eye on Piotr, for although it has been a while, he is concerned about how he is going to react to being “Down Under” again. Kitty tells Kurt that she understands, but points out that it looks like Rahne is already “point-person” on this one.
Colossus stands up in the Midnight Runner and watches a view-screen closely as Rahne “Wolfsbane” Sinclair – Moira MacTaggert’s foster daughter – comes up to him and tells him he should be buckled in. Rahne jokes that Kitty may be a whiz with computers, but she doesn’t exactly trust her piloting skills. Piotr replies that Kitty is a fine pilot and will get them there safely. Rahne asks Colossus if he is sure about that and tells him by the looks of him, and the fact he remains in his organic steel form, she thinks he is just the least bit nervous about something.
In her wolfen form, Rahne sniffs her teammate and informs Piotr that she can smell the tension on him. She asks Colossus to tell her what is wrong, and tells him that if he returns to his human form, then so will she – which she does. ‘Och, the poor lad!’ she thinks to herself. Rahne thinks that even after all the good Colossus has been through since joining the team, he is still so guarded, almost as if he trusts no one – especially himself.
Colossus tells Rahne that because of the brash, childish decisions he once made, he knew that his path would one day cross with his former comrades the Acolytes. ‘I just did not expect it to be so soon’ he reveals solemnly. Holding Colossus’ hand, Rahne tells him that at least now he won’t have to face ‘those spaileens by yuir lonesome’. Rahne boasts that she will protect him from those ‘smarmy slags’. Piotr laughs and says ‘Spaceba, Rahne!’
Less than an hour later, the Midnight Runner touches down in the barren region of Australia known as “the Outback”. The terrain is desolate, the climate inhospitable. Yet despite the harsh conditions of the arid plain, for Colossus this is indeed a strange kind of homecoming.
Nightcrawler tells his friends to stay in the Runner while he goes to reconnoiter ahead to make sure the coast is clear, but before Kurt completes the teleport, Colossus pulls him back, for he knows that the slightest misstep by one of them could lead to a funeral. Kurt asks Colossus what he is doing, and Piotr apologizes, admitting that he should have warned everyone earlier that the area surrounding the X-Men’s former base is riddled with hypersensitive land mines. Kurt tells Colossus that that is not the kind of detail one forgets.
Kitty gets up and tells her teammates that she can get across by using her patented “Walking-on-air” trick and that she will be able to deactivate the mines once she is inside, or she could phase through them and disrupt the arming mechanisms. Colossus tells Kitty that she will not be able to do that with these particular mines, as they were programmed to be mutant signature sensitive, for any person whose genetic scan does not check out immediately will detonate them, and at the time the field was laid, they did not have her or Kurt’s DNA.
Wisdom asks Colossus if he remembers where the mines were laid, but Colossus replies ‘Nyet’. Rahne suspects that Colossus did not tell them these things before they left Muir Island on purpose, but doesn’t know why. She asks how then are they going to get across, and as he steps out of the Midnight Runner, Colossus declares that he will go.
As their friend dashes headlong across the minefield, both Nightcrawler and Shadowcat share a sudden realization. “This” they think “Is why Piotr became the person he is now”. “This is why he made the choices he did”. As the mines explode beneath him, scalding his armored feet, seeking to deter him from completing this crucial task, yet failing with each and every detonation, Colossus comes one step closer to exorcising his inner shame. For much like he and his fellows had to adapt to life within this lifeless land, so must he now learn how to adapt to life beyond it.
Standing on the other side of the minefield, Colossus calls to his friends, announcing he has found the hatch to the bunker. ‘Mega mad props to you Piotr’ shouts Kitty. Wisdom asks Kitty to level with him: ‘were you actually in love with that psycho?’ he asks. In reply, Kitty asks Wisdom if he is now starting to see a pattern. ‘I’ll say’ Wisdom smiles. Kurt and Rahne make their ways across the minefield as Colossus lifts up the hatch and asks them to be careful, as the Acolytes have always been a duplicitous lot.
Colossus enters the hatch, thinking about himself he wonders if he too wears two faces, or if he has truly moved on from the life he once led. He has little time to ponder that however as the hatch slams closed behind him, forcing him towards his meeting with destiny.
Kurt calls to Piotr as he tells Excalibur to get the hatch open, and he teleports in, however as he braves the unknown to save his friend, the “unknown” discourages his rescue attempt, by shocking him back with an electro-static field blocking his teleport.
Later, after locating an unguarded entrance, Kitty, Kurt, Wisdom and Rahne pause for a moment. Rahne asks her team leader if he is still hurting, and Kurt replies that it was his pride that was hurt the most. Kitty exclaims that they have to get down into the bunker somehow, but Wisdom tells her to ‘give it a rest, luv’ suggesting that whoever trapped “Comrade Metalhead” down there, it is obvious that this is something he is going to have to face alone.
Below, Piotr is suspended in a exoskeleton forcefield while he calls to his “captors” asking to be released from the forcefield, warning them not to give him reason to harm them. An Acolyte calls to Piotr, asking him to drop the “Tough Guy” routine Petey Pureheart, for they know he wouldn't hurt a fly – let alone his former allies! Two Acolytes come into view – the young, most sympathetic Acolyte to Xavier’s cause Scanner, and one of the least sympathetic – Carmella Unuscione, the daughter of Unus the Untouchable.
Colossus is surprised to see the two women as Carmella exclaims ‘Avalon rises again, X-Man!’ She narrows her eyes as she tells Colossus that if he is wise, then he will rejoin them in fulfilling mutantkind’s destiny. Colossus asks what will happen if he doesn’t, and tells Carmella that he doesn’t think she will use her exoskeleton to crush him. Carmella tells Piotr to revert to his human form and she will let him go. Colossus agrees, but knows that he is near-invulnerable while transformed, but susceptible to injury as any man without his armor. However, Colossus suspects that this particular conflict requires much more than just brute force.
Carmella releases Piotr from her forcefield and tells him that he is a lot braver than she thought, letting his guard down like that. Colossus tells Unuscione that he knows she did not come all this way to test his mettle. Carmella agrees and tells Colossus again that they want him back where he belongs, on Avalon. She reveals that it was Cargill’s idea, adding that Joanna respects him for the individuality he displayed whilst he was a member of the Acolytes.
The plucky Scanner smiles and tells Colossus that now that he is back they can all contribute something to Exodus’s new Avalon and make tomorrow a better day for their mutant brothers and sisters! Colossus puts his hands on his former allies; shoulder as he asks her if she is certain she has made the right decision. Scanner replies that of course she is, they all are. ‘That’s not a bad thing…is it?’ she asks quietly. Colossus tells Scanner to listen to him carefully, admitting to her that as of late he has sought answers to the doubts that linger within him.
Colossus calmly tells Scanner that like her, he once believed he could make a greater difference in the world by following someone else’s example – instead of leading by his own. He declares that he will never again live like that, and tells Scanner that she should not either. Carmella knows how susceptible Scanner is and so ends Colossus’ talk with her quickly by exclaiming that the Acolytes understand their place in the bigger picture.
Carmella pulls Scanner back with her exoskeleton, declaring that this was pointless. Suspended in her teammate’s forcefield, Scanner asks Carmella what she should do. Colossus tells the young Acolyte that only she can decide that for herself, but that she would know this – ‘stand with a madman like Exodus and yours shall be a destiny fraught with disaster’. He adds that he knows this from experience.
Scanner, released from the exoskeleton, asks Carmella if this is true, ‘are you positive we are not making a terrible mistake?’ Arms folded across her chest, the sultry Acolyte tells Scanner not to be ridiculous, and asks if it isn't obvious to her that their former comrade lacks the vision and the individuality Scanner thinks so highly of him blinds the truth.
Furious, Carmella turns back to Colossus and tells him that this was his one and only chance, but now he has drawn the “line in the sand” this day, and as the girls are propelled out of the complex by Scanner’s power, Carmella warns him no to cross that line, or else next time they meet, he should not expect the Acolytes to be so “cordial”. Colossus calls to Scanner, ‘Nyet!’ he calls, wanting her to come back.
Above, Colossus bursts his way into the room where his four teammates are waiting and Kitty asks him what happened down there. Colossus informs her that he would rather not talk about it right now. He ponders the future of Scanner – the young girl who reminds him of himself in so many ways – and so does one of his teammates – Pete Wisdom – who draws a most unlikely connection to him.
With the mission complete, Excalibur returns to Muir Island, and though there were no physical casualties to speak of this time, Piotr Rasputin still remains troubled. Slumped over in the Midnight Runner, Piotr declares he wishes Scanner and Carmella would have listened to him. Wisdom tells Colossus that though it is tough to get other people to see their own mistakes, it is by far tougher facing your own. Colossus declares that he knows his choices have caused too many people too much pain already and refuses to let the decisions he make cause any more.
Wisdom, cigarette in hand, tells Piotr that the way he sees it, though he admits he is not an expert, ‘if an obstinate Ukrainian ox like yourself can admit the error of his ways and learn from them’ then he thinks there is hope for anyone. Colossus looks at Wisdom and tells him that perhaps he is right, but only prays that it will be neither too little, nor too late.


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[Assistant]
Focus
Fifty kilometers outside of London, England. Ever since the advent of what British press so ironically dubbed the “Super Hero Invasion”, sights such as this supersonic hover car have become common-plane to the citizens of the Queen’s realm. So common in fact, that even a back-woodsman such as Nigel MacWhirter who sits along the roadside, might recognize the markings of the red hovercraft belonging to Britain’s premiere super group…Excalibur!
Though accustomed to their numerous appearances on the “telly” and in the tabloids, public opinion about this particular group of heroes, comprised predominantly of mutants - people born with uncanny abilities that set them apart from their fellow humans - has changed significantly since the loss of the Avengers and the Fantastic Four during the Onslaught debacle in the United States. Compounded with the tragic loss of a huge portion of London’s populace a few weeks ago, a situation for which the media has been none too forgiving of Excalibur - one might say that the heroes’ stock has dropped significantly in the eyes of the people.
As the hover car changes form and lands on the road just in front of MacWhirter, before speeding past him, the old man mumbles that he should have taken his cousin Angus’ advice and moved back to Scotland, away from all the silly “costumed sods” - ‘Especially those no-good mutants!”
Inside the hover craft are two of Excalibur’s founding members, Brian Braddock otherwise known as Captain Britain, and his companion, the lovely Meggan. Driving the vehicle is Meggan, who tells Brian that his new invention handles like a dream. Thrown back a little in his seat, the handsome Brian thanks Meggan, before explaining that it is just a prototype and is not ready to handle this kind of punishment yet. Brian sees that Meggan is driving at 280 kilometers an hour and asks her if she has to be so brutal to his baby.
Meggan replies that if anything happens to this car she is sure Brian will be able to home in on the problem and fix it in a jiffy, telling him that he is always such a whiz with his techno-toys. As the car literally soars down the road, Meggan exclaims that she is so excited, for today is going to be the happiest day of their lives.
Meanwhile, at Muir Island, a tiny landmass off the coast of Scotland, located here is the world’s foremost facility for genetic research, owned by renowned scientist Moira MacTaggert, and home to the men and women of Excalibur. In one of the laboratories, Russian mutant Piotr Rasputin a.k.a. the steel-skinned Colossus greets holds up a large piece of equipment and greets his former girlfriend, Kitty “Shadowcat” Pryde as she phases up through the floor and into the room. Colossus remarks that this is Kurt’s latest bright idea, before Kitty points out that the thing he is carrying must weigh a ton.
Colossus reveals that it weighs 35 tons, before asking who else on the island is strong enough to hold it steady while Nightcrawler and Wolfsbane make the necessary calibrations. Kitty asks what these “calibrations” are for, to which Kurt “Nightcrawler” Wagner, Excalibur’s leader, who is currently hanging upside down on the large equipment, informs Kitty that this is their very own Cerebro unit and explains that as team leader, he has decided now is the time for Excalibur to take a more active role in the future of mutant kind, muttering that it will be a huge coop if he ever gets the thing on line.
‘Keep at it, Kurt, ye’ll lick this techno-beastie yet!’ Rahne “Wolfsbane” Sinclair encourages with her thick Scottish accent. Colossus tells Rahne that he wishes he could share her optimism, but that they have been at this since dawn and have still had no luck. ‘Clearly, our little German Tovarish is no Forge!’ Kurt tells Colossus to keep up the jokes, and he will be holding this device till the coming dawn.
Kitty tells Kurt that this is all very industrious of him, but asks him how he expects it to function, as you need a psi, and none of Excalibur are telepaths. ‘Yer not bleeding kidding!’ declares Excalibur’s sullen Pete Wisdom as he enters the lab, muttering that a bloke needs a mind-reader to keep up with X-Men, and asks his lover, Kitty, where she has been, reminding her that she was supposed to meet him at the pub half an hour ago, ‘My little Yankee strumpet!’
Kitty tells Wisdom to do her a favor, to never let anyone tell him how to sweet-talk a lady. Wisdom tells Kitty to quit flapping her luscious lips and come over and give him a peck. Kitty phases up to Wisdom, and phasing through him she jokes ‘Walk much, Casanova?’ before causing him to trip up one the many wires and cords beneath his feet. Sitting on the ground, Pete tells Kitty it is a good thing he has already won her heart, because he sure as sod wouldn’t waste his time trying to sweep a girl who can become intangible off her feet.
After finishing his rant, Wisdom asks what all this talk of a “Cerebro” is, so Kurt teleports down to the ground, explaining that in not so many words, Cerebro is a lifesaver. Wolfsbane leaps down too, informing Wisdom that Cerebro is a cybernetic device that can recognize a mutants genetic signature, and help pinpoint their location as far as half-a-world away. Colossus simplifies Rahne’s explanation, ‘It’s a technological “bloodhound”’. Wisdom lights a cigarette and says that he thought this was their colonial cousin’s gig, asking since when Excalibur decided to play “mutant messiah” and lead all the wayward mutants to the “promised land”.
Colossus states that it was Professor Xavier’s dream, when he asked them to leave their lives behind and become his X-Men, as he wanted to teach that being born a mutant need not be a curse, that having powers which set you apart from others can give you an advantage that perhaps your neighbor lacks, and a chance to make a difference, for one’s friends, family, or for the world. Colossus is alluding to the time his powers manifested, when he ran in front of a tractor to save his young sister, Illyana, and his body transformed into inorganic steel to protect himself, and how Xavier convinced him to leave his homeland, that his powers were needed for the whole world.
Kitty exclaims that she remembers when her mutant powers first kicked in, as she kept getting really nasty headaches. At times when the pain got so sever, she would pass out upstairs in her bedroom and wake up half an hour later - downstairs! Kitty explains that she was totally scared and had no idea what was wrong with her - until Professor Xavier came and told her she was a mutant. ‘Talk about a buzz kill, huh?’ She recalls that it was at first, but while Xavier taught Kitty how to control her phasing powers, she realized that being gifted, being different, was totally rad and nothing to be scared of!
Wolfsbane remarks that it was not so easy for her to get used to the face that she was a mutant, for it took her lots of practice and discipline to learn how to control her ability to morph from a human girl, to a lycanthrope, to a bloodthirsty wolf! Rahne reveals that she was a little girl when Moira MacTaggert took care of her, while her…Rahne cannot bring herself to say “dad”, the dishonorable Reverend Craig, had convinced the entire town, herself included, that she was the spawn of Satan himself! Rahne adds that it was not until she came to America, to the School for Gifted Youngsters in Salem Center, to study with Professor Xavier and her friends in the New Mutants, that she realized how much of a lie that was.
Nightcrawler speaks up, informing Wisdom that like Rahne, he too suffered society’s blind bigotry, yet unlike Rahne, he was unable to hid his appearance in a “transitional” form, all eyes that beheld him saw only one thing - a demon to be destroyed at all costs. Attacked by a mob, the shouted things at him like he will burn in the fires of hell, that Satan shall claim his soul forever more/ With a stake, they were ready to strike it into Kurt’s heart, and in the very moment Kurt thought they would make good on their threats, Professor Xavier defied his own conscience and broke his most sacred personal oath by using his telepathic powers to assume control of the howling mob, preventing Kurt from being slain, and giving Kurt the most precious gift of all, a chance at life, and for this, he shall eternally remain in the debt.
Nightcrawler declares that when Xavier was taken into custody by the U.S government, he decided to continue the search for young mutants requiring training in the use of their powers, mutants like themselves, who once needed guidance, or at the very least, ‘a helping hand’ suggests Wisdom, before asking if the four of them are about to ask him to join them on this cockamamie crusade, just because old “cue ball Charlie” once pulled their fats out of the fire. Kurt remarks that it needs doing. ‘Codswallop’ mumbles Wisdom, cigarette smoke billowing out of his nostrils.
Back in London, at Picadilly Circus, Londoners begin pointing out the young couple, recognizing them as Captain Britain and Meggan, who are treading closer to what may be the most important hour of their lives. Unfortunately for Brian and Meggan, the mood in this city-under-reconstruction is not as jovial as their own. Things haven’t been the same in old London Towne, especially for Brian Braddock. ‘Ought to be locked up for what they did, those two!” one man mutters, to which another agrees, exclaiming that he doesn’t care what the Queen said, before telling Brian and Meggan that they have got some nerve showing their faces in public, especially after what went down in the United States with that “plonker” Onslaught.
‘Killed all the real heroes, he did!’ shouts another. This causes Brian to turn towards them, ready to fight them, ‘Why, you tattooed - ‘ he begins, until Meggan pulls him away, pointing out that it is only a boy. Brian and Meggan walk away, with the goon shouting ‘Ya ask me, the government oughtta gas the lotta ya freaks!’ behind them. Meggan tells Brian that they shouldn’t let anyone ruin their special day - for her sake. ‘Fine’ mutters Brian.
Soon, Brian and Meggan are seated at a posh café. Brian sits unmoving, while Meggan starts chatting away non-stop, telling Brian that the last time she spoke to his sister, Betsy, she informed her of what a sensation coffee has become in the States these days, and jokes that it is too bad Moira doesn’t seem to grasp the concept of a “good cup of Joe”, before asking Brian how Betsy is these days, adding that she has heard word that her recent near-death experience has had some rather interesting changes on her, and suggests that the pay her a visit, as a trip to the United States might make for a lovely honeymoon!
‘Wink wink, nudge nudge, say no more…hullo! Earth to Brian, come in Brian! Oh, by the by - did I ever tell you that I was really Onslaught?’ Meggan exclaims, trying to get Brian’s attention. ‘What more do they expect of us?!’ exclaims Brian, declaring ‘We put our lived on the line for them every bloody day - some of us dying so that they can sleep safe in the knowledge that their lived won’t be too disturbed the inconvenience!’ Brian exclaims that he is sick of it, and ever since he has returned from the Timestream the only thing he has wanted to do is to go back to being Brian Braddock: Scientists, and from now on, that it is exactly who he is going to be!
Brian gets up and starts to walk off. Meggan finishes her drink and calls to the waiter for their check, before following Brian. She thinks to herself that in all the days she has known him, she has never seen this strapping man - the symbol of a nation’s hope - so vulnerable. So much so, it seems, that the sight of him hurts Meggan to her core.
Meggan finds Brian sitting by a large fountain. Brian says to Meggan that he knows she wanted this day to be perfect, and now it looks like he has gone and made a complete mess of it, muttering that it seems to be par for the course for Captain Britain these days. Meggan tells Brian not to be ‘such a silly’ and hugging him, she exclaims that he could never ruin her day, for just being with him each and every moment makes her day and her week, her month and her year for that matter. ‘I hate seeing you like this’ she says, to which Brian smiles, and looks Meggan in the eyes, telling her that is why he loves her. The couple stand up and kiss, with Meggan telling Brian that she loves him too, eternally.
Back on Muir Island, the techno-organic known as Douglock enters one of world famous Doctor Moira MacTaggert’s labs and points out that she has been down here for days, asking her if she doesn’t think it is time she rested. Moira replies that it isn’t, for there is too much work to be done. Douglock offers to attend to it, as his techno-organic body doesn’t require sleep, while Moira’s organic body does. Moira takes off her glasses and rubs the bridge of her nose, admitting that she wishes she could, but that ever since discovering that the genetic similarity between Cable and Nate Grey, she has not been able to let go of the idea that what is going on here is more than just a coincidence.
Moira’s computer suddenly informs her that she has received mail, and sliding across the lab floor on her chair, Moira wonders if it could be from Charles. ‘Poor Dr. MacTaggert’ Douglock thinks to himself, deciding that she continues to “glitch” because of the severed connection to her former love. Opening the message, Moira is surprised to see that it is from Excalibur’s good friend Alistaire Stuart, and reads it out loud:
Thanks so much for all the fine hospitality, looking forward to popping by for a visit someday - but for now it’s off to Japan to get Rory fitted for a prosthesis and considering how crotchety he’s been ever since the accident, this comes none too soon! Regards to the gang! Always, Alistaire.
Moira remarks that Alistaire is such a nice lad, before Douglock wonders how Dr. Rory Campbell is holding up, after all, the loss of his leg really hit him hard. Douglock states that such a malfunction is bound to have seriously traumatic effects on an individual, before turning Moira’s attention back to her work, pointing to something about the helixes that he does not understand and asking Moira if they are exactly the same, what new data does she hope to glean?
Douglock begins to tell Moira what her obsessive behavior is going to exacerbate, but as she slides back over to her work station, Moira tells Douglock that she has to do this, there is no two ways about it. Moira explains that the cure for the Legacy Virus may be locked away somewhere inside these genetic codes, and while she may end up killing herself hunting the key to that lock, if that is the price to pay so that no one else need ever fear this parasite again, whether human or mutant, then so be it!
Back in London, this time in the “Diamond District” Meggan is pressed up to a cabinet which holds a ring with a massive diamond, ‘Brian - it…is…sooooo gorgeous!’ ‘Cash or Charge?’ asks the jeweller. As Brian places the ring on Meggan’s finger, she exclaims that she doesn’t know what to say. Brian tells Meggan not to say anything, to just listen to him and know that from this moment on, they shall be together forever - ‘That is, if you will have me for your loving husband…?’ A gushing Meggan is about to reply - when she senses something wrong, and informs Brian that she can feel an enormous electromagnetic wave of otherworldly energy building up outside the shop, and nothing can contain it - suddenly Meggan screams as she is propelled through the front window of the shop, shattering glass everywhere and landing in the middle of a busy road, causing cars to brake, just in time.
Brian calls to Meggan, before rushing to her side, telling an angry motorist to back off, as she needs air. He tells Meggan that everything is going to be fine, while wondering why this is happening, and of all times, why now. Suddenly, a voice declares ‘She is the least of your concerns right now, Braddock!’ Brian looks up to the now pink sky and upon seeing the six-armed time-witch dropping to the ground, he shouts ‘Spiral! What have you done to Meggan?’ Brian leaps up to Spiral and demands to know what has happened to Meggan, and swearing upon his father’s soul, he tells Spiral that she will wish she never danced her way back into this world.
Shoved up against a building, Spiral tells Brian to hold, revealing that she is not responsible for his lady love’s condition. A slightly frightened Spiral asks Brian if he doesn’t recognize the markings on her face, ‘This is the brand of the Crimson Dawn!’ Spiral warns Brian that his family is in danger, that they will come and stop at nothing until the power is theirs. Brian tells Spiral that he has had enough of her dissembling and wants to know who “they” are. Spiral points to the sky, where a rip in the fabric of space-time opens, and she informs Brian that “they” are his executioners!
Three beings emerge from the rip, ‘Our sleep of ages is over at last!’ the large multi-limbed one remarks, while the green-skinned one boasts that since they are now free from their otherworldly prison, this mortal coil is once more theirs for the taking. The scantily-clad woman declares ‘The Dragons of the Crimson Dawn have returned!’


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[Assistant]
The Old Ways
The Muir Island Research Facility, home to Britain’s premiere super team, Excalibur, off the coast of Northern Scotland. ‘Have at thee - you Siberian lummox!’ exclaims Kurt “Nightcrawler” Wagner to his best friend and teammate Piotr “Colossus” Rasputin as the duo engage in a sword fight. The handsome Colossus points out that his one sword may not be a match for Kurt’s three, but when he or his homeland are mocked, he will make up for in strength what he lacks in steel.
Nightcrawler tells Piotr that he is an immovable object as ever, before pointing out that if he is going to be become a dashing a swashbuckler as he, Excalibur’s fearless team leader, he will need to learn to be more adventurous in his technique. With that, Kurt begins multiple teleports, darting around the room, adding ‘Especially if your opponent is going to be more adventurous in his attack!’
Kurt reappears, and forces Colossus down onto some weights, holding his swords up to Piotr’s face. Colossus asks Kurt what happened to their “no powers” agreement, pointing out that teleporting during the match would seem a flagrant breach of those rules. ‘I know - I lied’ smiles Kurt, before telling Colossus that the only way for his fencing skills to improve is by challenging him to anticipate opponents move before he makes them, and adds that surely Colossus of all people know to expect the unexpected.
‘Funny that you mention it, tovarisch - but so should you!’ exclaims Piotr, turning into his steel form and telling Kurt that he should remember that underestimating your opponent and lowering your guard can be equally hazardous to your health! With that, Colossus uses his super strength to flick Nightcrawler to the floor. Kurt grins and tells Colossus that if he didn’t have to go and fix their “verdammt[es] Cerebro” he might just make a swordsman out of him yet. Colossus remarks that it seems like the old days at Xavier’s, to which Kurt jokes that Xavier’s Cerebro never broke down as much as theirs does, before bidding Colossus farewell and teleporting away.
Colossus returns to his normal form, and thinks to himself that once Kurt gets his upgraded mutant-detection system on-line, Excalibur will be able to seek out and teach fledgling mutants how to control their powers and how to coexist peacefully with fellow humans who hate fear mutants for the x-factor chromosome which gives them powers. Much like Professor Xavier taught them when they first became his students, when they became his X-Men. Colossus thinks back to his time with the X-Men, with Nightcrawler, Wolverine, Storm, Phoenix, Cyclops, Beast and Banshee, when suddenly, someone enters the room and tells Piotr to quit fooling himself, as it can never be like the “old days”.
Colossus turns and sees Amanda “Daytripper” Sefton standing in the doorway, Excalibur’s resident sorceress and his long time friend. Suitcases at her side, Amanda points out that in the old days she wouldn’t have left without saying a proper goodbye. Colossus asks the stylish Amanda why she is leaving, to which Amanda declares that she doesn’t belong here, and that things are not right between her and Kurt. Concerned about this, Colossus admits that he didn’t know, and asks how long it has been going on.
Amanda replies that it has been going on for a while now, and exclaims that she isn’t the same person she was when she first joined Excalibur. Amanda retracts what she just said, ‘I mean I don’t feel the same’, adding that it is about her and Kurt’s relationship, or about being “Daytripper” the sorceress - about a lot of things. She wishes that she had a good solid reason, but the truth is she doesn’t.
Amanda and Colossus hug as Amanda tells Piotr that this is something very personal and nothing she can share with anyone on the island. Colossus is surprised at this, and asks what about Kurt, as they have been together for so long. Amanda picks up her suitcase and declares ‘Especially Kurt’, before asking Colossus to give Kurt a kiss for her, and to tell him that this will all make sense - someday. With that, Daytripper vanishes in a burst of pink bubbles.
Meanwhile, at London’s Piccadilly Circus, the life of another Excalibur member is about to be altered - drastically. Captain Britain a.k.a. Brian Braddock holds onto his inured fiancée and fellow Excalibur member, Meggan, while the Dragons of the Crimson Dawn stand over him. A’yin tells Brian to rejoice as he gazes upon his glorious destiny, as Ra’al reveals that they have been through tedious centuries of anticipation, and Barak finishes, by boasting that the Dragons of the Crimson Dawn have returned to conquer their birth world once more. Brian tells the Dragons that he doesn’t care what they want with him, but that if they have hurt Meggan, then he will tear them all apart!
The Dragons leap at Brian, with the Albino Ra’al telling Brian that he makes a proud boast, before exclaiming that as they are free of their otherworldly prison, not only shall the ancient ways reign supreme over this realm, but it is he, Brian Braddock, who shall be the instrument of its destruction - then she spits some black liquid at him. Brian is knocked backwards, and realizes that the woman’s bile is some sort of corrosive acid, and if not for his supernatural resiliency as Captain Britain, he would have been burned to a crisp!
Brian remembers that Spiral warned him that the Dragon’s presence here meant that his family was in great danger - but how, and why? The gigantic Barak approaches Brian, pointing out that mystical energies course through Brian’s veins, that the very fiber of his being is power, and if what the Dragons suspect to be true, then Brian Braddock shall bleed magic! Looming over Brian, Barak claims that to know for certain whether Brian is the one who is to usher in the Crimson Dawn, he must make that blood flow!
Brian watches in gawking disbelief as and can scarcely twitch as he watches the demonic beast before him grow to twice its very size. Barak hefts his mystical scimitars high, and preparing to deliver a killing blow to Brian’s skull, twitch Captain Britain does indeed. Instead, the blades cleave over ten meters of solid concrete and a subterranean water main as if they were paper, soaking Barak in flowing water.
A’yin announces that he is shamed by Barak’s incompetence, causing Barak to growl and boasting that he is not yet finished with Braddock, and to rest assure that he will kill him. As Barak throws several shurikens at Brian, Ra’al points out that Braddock’s death holds no value for them, not just yet anyway. As Brian is smacked up against a wall, Barak declares that he shall simply maim him, for now.
Brian tells the Dragons to do their worst, as they will simply find out that he is more than match for them, while thinking to himself that he can taunt away all he wants, but he is still pinned to the wall by the shurikens, Meggan is still unconscious, and the living mountain is still charging like a runaway express train!
Barak gets closer to Brian, who is his first, last and only stop, meaning he has ten seconds to turn his handicap into a rather unconventional advantage. Standing over Brian with some kind of sword, Barak tells him that his soul belongs to them, and if he relinquishes it now, he will not suffer - as much. ‘How kind of you’ replies Brian sarcastically, while preparing himself for his maneuver, knowing that his timing must be perfect, and swimming himself upwards using the shurikens, Brian smacks Barak straight in the face, powerfully enough to force his helmet off and send him flailing back across the street.
‘One down, two to go’ Brian thinks to himself, but feeling that with Meggan incapacitated and Spiral’s questionable allegiance, the odds are clearly stacked in the Dragon’s favor. Brian thinks that something strange is going on, and is positive that the double-dealing Spiral knows the truth, only Spiral is no where in sight.
Ra’al tells A’yin that Braddock possesses a true warrior’s spirit, but points out that martial arts skills are not all they seek of him. A’yin takes to their air, telling Ra’al that he will make Braddock their’s. A’yin snags Brian easily, taking him high above the streets, A’yin points out that Brian obviously fails to comprehend the endless possibilities lying dormant inside him, and explains that the three of them saw the potential within themselves and seized it centuries ago, and now, with Braddock’s help, they are posed to be architects of the mystical renaissance they have toiled so long to build!
‘Sorry, sunshine, but I’m not particularly partial to “architecture”. Apocalyptic or otherwise’ replies Brian, to which A’yin says that it is terribly ironic that one such as unenlightened as Brian shall be the foundation upon which that apocalypse is built.
Back on Muir Island, Excalibur’s loner-member, Pete Wisdom, sits at a desk, thinking that he cannot remember the last time the island was this quiet, and after the ridiculous debacle with the M.L.F. he half-expected some other “Wannabe Brotherhood of Evil Mutants” knock-off to take pot-shots at Excalibur and Muir Island. He remarks that it is nice to see things do actually settle down every now and again, ‘Not like it’s gonna last…’
Pete’s computer suddenly lights up, announcing that he has mail. Wisdom reads the message out loud: ‘“To: Wisdom, Peter. From: User Unknown”, Now that’s annoying, blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah - huh? “Peckham”?’ ‘No, not her, not now!’ Wisdom exclaims, when suddenly his computer shorts out with the arrival of his lover and teammate Kitty “Shadowcat” Pryde who phases into the room through the computer. ‘Hey hot stuff - what’s the haps?’ asks Kitty, lunging at Wisdom and causing him to fall backwards in his chair.
Pete informs Kitty that her phasing shorted out his PC and asks her if she can ever use the door. Before the couple hit the floor, Kitty uses her intangibility to enable them to float weightlessly to the ceiling, and after kissing Wisdom, Kitty tells him not to be such a grump, as she has fixed enough computers in her day, so his should be a cinch. Kitty then ask why she should waste time with doors when she can just become intangible, phase right into his arms and literally sweep him off his feet.
Kitty asks Pete if he is afraid of heights, to which Wisdom looks out of the corner of his eye, nervously to the ground, and tells his lover not to be daft, before asking her what happens if she loses her concentration, won’t they become solid? ‘What do you mean “we”?’ asks Kitty, as Wisdom falls to the floor with a loud thump. Kitty looks down at Wisdom as he gets to his feet, boasting that he is going to get her for this someday, to which Kitty exclaims that she is counting on it.
Wisdom just grunts, before lighting a cigarette and pointing out that Kitty is “awful chipper” today and asking her what the scam is. Kitty floats down to the floor and replies that there is no “scam”, before admitting that she was just thinking about how things are really starting to change around here since Kurt got all humanitarian, and how maybe change would be a good thing, not just for the team, but for the two of them as well. ‘Can you be a bit vaguer, please?’ Wisdom asks, before adding that he hopes she isn’t thinking about the “M” word.
‘Don’t flatter yourself, you silly sod’ Kitty replies, before motioning to Wisdom’s wardrobe, ‘I’m talking about this’ she remarks at the sight of his wardrobe full of the same suits. Kitty exclaims that even Moira, who has zero fashion sense, has a more diverse wardrobe than this. Wisdom slams the door to his wardrobe and asks Kitty if she wants him to wrap his bum in spandex, adding that he likes these suits. Kitty tells Wisdom that she likes his bum, and that just like in the old days, she is feeling particularly stylish for this time of year ‘And that spells T.R.O.U.B.L.E for the fashionable challenged!’ With that, Kitty slaps Wisdom on the butt and phases up through the ceiling.
Phasing into another room, Kitty thinks to herself that Pete has no idea what is in store for him, and spies Rahne “Wolfsbane” Sinclair, and Douglock, and supposes that they are talking about Moira again. Douglock suggests to Rahne that this isn’t the best time to disturb Moira, to which Moira’s foster daughter mutters that there is never a “good time” to disturb Moira, as all she ever does is work.
Rahne begins to remind Douglock that Moira is ill and needs rest, when Kitty approaches the, Kitty trying to offer Rahne some comfort by suggesting that Moira is too much of a type-A personality to rest until she has found a cure for the Legacy Virus that is killing mutants. Rahne is quick to reminds Kitty that the virus is killing Moira too - and she isn’t even a mutant. Shifting from a transitional-wolf form to her human form, Rahne admits that she feel so powerless, not being able to help Moira, before supposing that this trip away from Muir will help herself at least.
Kitty takes Wolfsbane’s hand and tells her that some time away will do her the world of good, and Douglock assures her that he will keep a close eye on Moira. Rahne thanks the Techno-Organic, saying that it really means a lot to her. ‘Hey, as you non-Techno-Organic types say…”No prob, dude!”’, remarks Douglock, while thinking to himself that Rahne’s concern for her mother is not unjustified, for behind closed doors, the good doctor has been noticeably preoccupied with her own mortality of late, and Douglock fears that Moira MacTaggert’s condition may soon take a turn for the worse!
Minutes later, after a hypersonic ride to Dublin, Ireland, Kitty and Rahne walk through a book market, and Rahne comments on how Douglock is such a nice laddie, and how it must be so hard for him  to have all those human thoughts and feelings, but to have the look of a machine like he does, and she thinks that it is a sin for anyone to suffer like that, as he can never go out in public as himself, at least not without an image inducer.
A man selling newspapers suddenly shouts out ‘Get your daily editions here! Read all about it!: British government rethinks mutant policies after London Blaze! Parliament assumes hardline towards Excalibur!’ Kitty and Rahne look at each other nervously, and Kitty remarks that if Excalibur keeps getting that kind of bad P.R., none of them may be able to go out in public!
Shortly, Kitty and Rahne have arrived at a hair salon, and are getting their tresses washed. Rahne asks Kitty if she thinks that they will be asked to leave the country, to which Kitty asks her why she thinks they would do a thing like that. Rahne replies that things seem so different since Onslaught, what with people blaming the X-Men for the deaths of the Avengers and Fantastic Four, it feels like the water is rushing against the dam, and it is waiting to burst.
‘Or it could just be the water and shampoo in your hyper-sensitive ears’ suggests Kitty, before telling Rahne that she knows this is tough, but they should try to enjoy it. Rahne replies ‘I guess so’ before pointing out how often one could get a haircut from the Molly Fitzgerald - the most sought-after hairdresser in all of Europe?
A stylish woman with a broken leg, propped up by crutches approaches Rahne and Kitty, exclaiming with her thick Irish accent that there isn’t a single head of hair she couldn’t make into a work of art! With a quieter voice, Molly mutters that that was before the accident that shot her superhero career to high Heaven, before asking the girls ‘Who is ready to become a bonny goddess?’
Rahne and Kitty look at Molly rather nervously and Kitty asks Molly if she is sure this is a good idea, before Rahne asks Molly what happened to her. Molly admits that she wishes it was a long story, but her luck just seemed to run out when she slipped in the loo the other day. Taking a pair of scissors, she asks Kitty what is on the menu for her today. ’Change!’ smiles Kitty.
Back in London, the powerful Meggan finally wakes, ‘Ohhh…my aching head!’ with the last thing she remembers was being in the jewellery store with Brian, he was down on one knee with a gorgeous diamond ring - and they were to be wed. ‘Now I’m face down in a gutter and Brian is nowhere in sight’. Meggan notices the giant brute lying in a pile of rubbish next to her… ‘Ohhh…my aching head!’ Meggan holds her head in her hands, when suddenly, a strange barely-visible figure approaches her, trying to say something. Meggan turns and asks who is there - but there is no one. Slightly confused, Meggan thinks that was peculiar.
While Meggan gets her bearings on the ground, her beloved Brian battles for his life high in the air. A’yin admits that Brian fights well, but claims he will never defeat the Dragons of the Crimson Dawn. ‘Can’t blame a chap for trying, can you?’ replies Brian, to which A’yin informs Brian that he will never escape. Brian asks A’yin what he wants with him, pointing out that the Dragons are clearly all beings of power themselves, so how much power do they need?
‘As much as it takes to lose the tide of Crimson’ A’yin replies, before asking Brian to show him his strength and he releases some colored beam from his mouth, which engulfs Brian. Brian begins to stagger, but A’yin cannot sustain the link, and he releases Brian, screaming as he does, for the feedback is of a power far greater than his own.
As Brian pummels towards the ground, Meggan takes to the air and grabs hold of him. ‘Oh, darling - what are these beasts doing to you?’ she asks concerned. Wearily, Brian tells Meggan that she has to get away from here as soon as possible, to get back to Muir Island and rally Excalibur. Flying towards the ground, Meggan tells Brian that she is not leaving him to fight these nasty things alone, adding that as long as they are together, they can stop anyone!
Nearby, the six-armed Spiral thinks to herself that Meggan was not supposed to recover so quickly, as her presence could very well stem the tide in Braddock’s favor - which is something she cannot allow. Spiral supposes that she should make her escape, and begins to open a portal, but ‘Tsk, tsk, Time-Dancer’ exclaims Ra’al as she appears through the shadows, grabbing Spiral and telling her that she is not going anywhere.
Spiral demands to be released, pointing out that she has fulfilled her end of the bargain. A’yin agrees that Spiral made good on her promise to deliver them to the power they seek, but points out that she must complete her other obligation to show them the way to harness the power. Spiral agrees, before stating that this satisfies only half of the agreement - the Dragons still need to uphold their end.
A’yin tells Spiral to fear not, for as she wears  the mark of the Crimson Dawn now, they are all eternally obliged and bound to one another. ‘You to me…myself to Barak…Barak to A’yin. And soon…we all to Brian Braddock!’ All the Dragons and Brian Braddock suddenly vanish, leaving Meggan once again perplexed.
Dropping down on the pavement, Meggan sees Spiral, and exclaims that she knows her, before asking her if she is in league with those creatures. ‘Me? With them? Of course not!’ boasts Spiral, before telling Meggan that she can help her liberate her love from those “creatures”, before pointing out that they are outnumbered and need assistance. Meggan suggests that they return to Muir Island, as Excalibur will help rescue Brian! With a wicked grin, Spiral remarks ‘Yes…Excalibur…’.


[User]
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Provide a full summary of the comic book.

[Assistant]
Dragon Moon Rising
Muir Island, Scotland, the world’s foremost genetic research center and home of Excalibur, Britain’s premiere super heroes, and world renowned scientist Doctor Moira MacTaggert. The famous scientist enters a lab where Excalibur’s very own Cerebro has been set up, and seeing Excalibur’s team leader Kurt “Nightcrawler” Wagner busy with Cerebro, Moira asks him if he is having any luck yet. ‘Lots - and all of it bad!’ Kurt replies, joking that by the time he gets their mutant tracking device on-line, not only will the next generation of mutants have missed out on the opportunity to learn to control their powers, but so will their children’s children!
Moira tells Kurt that he shouldn’t be so hard on himself, reminding him that she saw him working with some of the X-Men’s best technicians when they were in the States, so she has full confidence that he will get this “cyber-beastie” up and running in no time. Continuing to tinker, Kurt replies that he hopes so, before he begins to initiate the primary diagnostic sequence - except that he starts receiving feedback - ’It’s going to blow!’ Kurt grabs Moira as system after system malfunctions within the unstable Cerebro, however Nightcrawler uses his mutant power to teleport himself and Moira out of harms way, literally in the nick of time, as the lab explodes a moment later.
Meanwhile, several levels below, in the gymnasium, Kurt’s teammates - Piotr “Colossus” Rasputin, Kitty “Shadowcat” Pryde and Rahne “Wolfsbane” Sinclair are working out. Moira’s daughter, Rahne exclaims that she cannot believe Daytripper has gone and adds that it isn’t like her to just up and leave. Kitty remarks that sorceresses can be ‘pretty flaky’, before saying that what she finds weird is how Amanda didn’t even say goodbye to Kurt.
Colossus agrees, remarking that it was very cold of Amanda, reminding Kitty and Rahne that Kurt and Amanda have been together since their earliest days as X-Men, yet all she wanted Kurt to know was that she “hasn’t been herself lately”, whatever that means. Colossus adds that he does not look forward to telling Kurt, as he knows he will be devastated.
Suddenly, there is an explosion, and Kitty asks the others if they heard it, exclaiming that it came from the Cerebro lab. Piotr transforms to his steel-form and declares that they have to get upstairs immediately. Kitty places her feet onto Colossus’ hand, asking if he is already for a “Fastball Special”, and as she phases through the floor, she adds ‘As Nightcrawler would say… “allez oop!”’ As Kitty phases up, Piotr hopes that they are not too late.
Upstairs, the sprinkler system goes off, and Moira tells Kurt how sorry she is about all his hard work. ‘Well, win some, lose some’ Kurt replies, searching through the rubble until he finds the Cerebro helmet. ‘Alas, poor Cerebro…I obviously did not know you as well as I thought!’ he states, before declaring that he is not giving up yet, as he would not only be doing the world a disservice by admitting defeat, but he would do so to the man whom he owes his very life - Professor Charles Xavier.
‘Speaking of “not admitting defeat”, how goes your search for a cure to the Legacy Virus?’ Kurt asks. Head in her hands, Moira mimics what Kurt said - “Win some, lose some”, adding ‘Guess which one’s more than the other’. Kurt tells Moira that she is not going through this alone, but walking away, Moira mutters ‘Aren’t I?’ Kurt decides that now, more than ever, Moira needs her loved ones around her, anything to take her mind off being the sole non-mutants infected by a mutant-specific disease.
Suddenly, there is a teleportation signature, and with the portal open, the time-dancing Spiral makers her presence known, with a unconscious Meggan at her side. Spiral greets Kurt, ‘Long time no see’ she remarks, reminding him it has been many months since they clashed, though she is certain he remembers her. Kurt is surprised to see Spiral and asks her what she is doing here, not to mention what she has done to Meggan. Kurt tells Spiral to answer him without her usual ridiculous riddling and obfuscation or else he will dissect her - limb from limb!
Nightcrawler’s sword clangs against one of the six-armed Spiral’s many swords, while Spiral points out that Nightcrawler handles the steel well, however she exclaims that his lesser-limbed strike is not match for her four-armed assault, and with that she knocks Kurt to the ground. Standing over the unmoving body of Kurt, Spiral reveals that she has done nothing to his Elfin compatriot, but that she could simply not handle the Time Dance, which she says is eminently unfortunate, as she needs all of Excalibur alive.
Suddenly, Spiral screams, as a blast of intense heat strikes her in the back.  Pete Wisdom steps forward and tells Spiral that it is “Eminently unfortunate” for her, that he has not had his daily cup of Java yet, because there is nothing that boils his bile more than dealing with six-armed freaks before morning coffee! Spiral remarks that she doesn’t know him, but that she can sense a kindred spirit burning within him - a man of many faces!
With a cigarette hanging out of his mouth, Wisdom introduces himself, before snapping back that the only face he has is the one she is looking at. Nevertheless, Spiral remarks that she senses there is much more to him than he is willing to admit, however as she continues talking, Spiral doesn’t notice Kitty Pryde phase up through the floor, ‘By the Wildways - who?’ gasps Spiral as Kitty makes her intangible also and pulls her through the floor.
Wisdom watches, ‘Yeah, well…nice boots, babe,’ he remarks, commenting on Spiral’s fluffy boots, before telling her that next time she ought to watch where she steps around here, - you never know who you might be stepping on. ‘Ya smart-mouthed git!’
Suddenly, the unconscious Meggan stirs, and wonders if she is home. Wisdom asks her if she is okay, to which the founding member of Excalibur asks where Brian and Spiral are. Wisdom takes hold of Spiral and tells her to take it easy, ‘If you’re talking about that tart with the extra arms…’ he remarks, before informing Meggan that Kitty is about to give her the “grand tour” of the island, though he hopes she will drop her off somewhere between floors.
However, as Wisdom tries to calm down his frightened teammate, Meggan’s hysteria is only exacerbated by a most unexpected sight - a faint figure appears before her, and wide-eyed, Meggan asks Wisdom if he sees that man. “Man”? asks Wisdom, as the man in front of Meggan says to her ‘Your beloved, O, Faerie child…is in danger most grave!’ before vanishing. Wisdom tells Meggan that he knows she can see all kinds of crazy natural things out of her elemental powers, but the two of them are the only ones here!
Meggan declares that she saw him, and he spoke a dire warning about Brian! Meggan tells Pete that they have to find the others, and making subconscious contact with the molecules that comprise the floor, Meggan beckons them to part so that she may pass - and miraculously enough, they obey! As Meggan flies down through the large hole in the floor, Wisdom watches her go, thinking that he will never get used to seeing Meggan do things like that, and remarking that the next thing you know, she will have changed from her civvies into her costume.
Wisdom thinks that it is like Meggan can actually “talk” to nature, and make it do what she wants. Wisdom tells himself to listen to the way he is talking - the next thing he knows he will actually be impressed that Wolfsbane is paper-trained! A bamf signals the arrival of Nightcrawler, who tells Wisdom, who is lighting another cigarette, to not just stand around, as they must stop Spiral! As Kurt bamfs back out, Wisdom jumps down into the hole, mumbling that he thought Meggan and brawny Brian Braddock went to London to get hitched - so if Meggan is here, where on Earth is Captain Britain?
The answer to that question lies in Hong Kong, where the missing hero is somewhat worse for wear, thanks to the supernatural might of the emerald A’yin, the multi-appendaged behemoth Barak, and the seductive Albino with the poisonous kiss - Ra’al. Collectively, these three are known as the Dragons of the Crimson Dawn! A’yin points out that it has been far too long since they last set foot on the world of their birth, to which Ra’al agrees, noting that much has changed since their departure, though the power within this hallowed ground they stand upon still resonates to the very core of her being as it did centuries ago!
Barak throws Brian Braddock, the mighty Captain Britain to the ground and queries what the power within this “little” one is, before asking Ra’al if she is sure that it is sufficient to loose the Dawn, pointing out that Spiral could have lied to them.
Ra’al tells Barak that his suspicions are justifiable, but points out that they possess the upper hand now, not Spiral. Ra’al goes on to declares that finally, after ages within their ruby realm to which their servitude has been indentured, they have come home! Ra’al points out that once they have combined Braddock’s ancient magicks with the modern sorcery of this century’s “technology”, now only will the Crimson Dawn break across the face of the Earth - but the children of the Middle Kingdom shall bow down before the three of them - ‘And the world shall call us MASTER!’
Brian has regained consciousness and after listening to the Dragons’ plan, he is unsure whether or not he can take them on alone, so he knows he must get out and find help. Barak notices Brian trying to make a getaway, and picking Brian up in one of his enormous hands, Barak tells him that the only place he is going - is to his death! A’yin uses some mystical gas around Barak, causing him to wonder what his teammate is doing. A’yin tells Barak to release Captain Britain, then he will disperse the cloud, reminding Barak that Brian cannot be killed until they have siphoned enough of his powers, before ordering Barak to bind Braddock in preparation for Ra’al’s psychic surgery.
‘”Surgery”? Sorry, chaps - but I don’t rather fancy a go under any kind of “knife” - psychic or otherwise!’ exclaims Brian, leaping up and punching Barak in the face. Brian thinks to himself that he makes a fine show of bravado right now, but knows that the longer he is away from England, the weaker he is going to get! Barak compliments Brian on his well struck blow, before pointing out that he still owes him one after their last tussle, boasting that when mighty Barak comes to claim a debt in battle - the other must pay in blood!
Brian is hammered across the room, and he knows that he cannot take this punishment much longer, but he is holding on, for he must live long enough to find out what happened to his beloved Meggan. He recalls that they were to be officially wed, when some mysterious energies yanked Meggan out of the jewellery store window. Upon seeing Spiral, Brian immediately assumed her to be responsible for the assault on his bride-to-be, but astonishingly, she wasn’t. Instead, these three demons from the Crimson Dawn - the mystical force responsible for saving the life of his twin sister, Betsy - had crossed over into this world, seeking a power source to shatter the barrier between the two realities. That “source” just happens to be Brian.
Ra’al is impressed at how Barak delivers a killing blow, yet Captain Britain still stands. She wonders if Brian will swoon from the taste of her toxic kiss instead, and the bile flows from her mouth and as it covers Brian, it begins to burn his flesh, leaving him motionless on the floor. A’yin tells Ra’al that Braddock’s efforts were valiant, but futile at best, to which Ra’al agrees, before admitting that she finds his resilience rather stimulating.
Ra’al informs Brian that in him they have chosen their avatar well, before informing him that Spiral promised to deliver them a power even greater than that of their new “soul sister”, Psylocke, and so now they have him. She smiles as she suggests to him that he continues to remain still, for though it is relatively painless for her to enter his mind, once she has begun to probe his essence with her psionic needles - it will definitely hurt!
In the brief time since Brian Braddock became the living embodiment of a nation’s strength, he has endured more physical, psychological and emotional pain than most people experience in a lifetime, yet he would gladly relive any and all of it again, so that he wouldn’t have to endure this particular agony a second longer. But if he is ever to see Meggan again, he must endure - assuming he can, and a mighty scream can be heard all around as Ra’al continues her assault.
Back at Muir Island, Kitty phases back into the gym, telling Piotr and Rahne that they aren’t going to believe what the Shadowcat dragged in - ‘Like anyone could forget these tacky Eighties boots’ Kitty adds as she tosses Spiral towards Colossus, who bats her away. Slammed against a wall, Spiral tries to explain that she is here to help, however Wolfsbane growls and leaps at Spiral, calling her a liar and reminding her that they know she is ’Two-faced spaleen witch’. Grabbing two of Spiral’s hands, Rahne points out that she won’t be able to cast any spells like this.
But as Rahne is suddenly blasted across the room, Spiral boasts that she needs six arms to cast some spells - but not all. A bamf signals Kurt’s arrival in the room, and landing on Spiral, he pins her down with his swords, shouting ‘Enough!’ and warning Spiral that if she moves an inch - or blinks - then her corrupt master, Mojo, is going to need a new second-in-command. Spiral reveals that she no longer serves ‘That bloated sack of proto-plasm’ and his inane quest for higher ratings and public adoration.
Spiral claims that she is here for more dire reasons, reasons that may not only destroy herself, but one of Excalibur’s own! Noticing Meggan emerge through the hole she created in the ceiling, Spiral asks Meggan if this is not true. An alarmed Meggan informs her teammates that something awful has happened to Brian, that he is in danger and Spiral is here to help them. Shadowcat points out that there isn’t a single dictionary in the world that doesn’t have a picture of Spiral next to the definition of the word “evil” - or “duplicitous”, or “dishonest” for that matter.
Meggan tells Kitty that she is wrong, as Spiral isn’t the one who attacked them, it was the Dragons. With his swords still poised over Spiral, Nightcrawler scoffs at this, and tells Meggan that London’s tube may look like giant serpents, but Spiral comes to Meggan’s defense, informing Excalibur that powerful beings have claimed Captain Britain, and his life is forfeit unless they all come with her. Spiral asks Kurt if he can really afford to take the chance that she is lying, to which a reluctant Kurt removes his swords, and declares ‘Tell me more’.
‘As do all great tales, so did this one begin on the endless mystical path known as the Wildways’ begins Spiral, claiming that there, away from Mojo and the life she once knew, she could be free, and thought that she would be for all eternity - but she was wrong. Spiral explains that the Dragons claimed to have journeyed from a place known as the Crimson Dawn - a place where magic far more powerful than even her own held sway over its unfortunate denizens.
Spiral continues, explaining that the Dragons asked for her aid, but she refused them, until they revealed a sight more horrifying than any of her Body-Shoppe conjuring. It was a sight so grotesque, so inhuman, that even Spiral had to avert her eyes. Apparently, such a fate awaited her if she didn’t help the Dragons escape into this world. Unwilling to suffer such a fate, Spiral accepted to their cult’s branding, and did as they asked - assuming her superior wits would allow her to outsmart them at some point. ‘Once again, I was wrong’.
Spiral declares that not only has she sealed her own fate, but that of Captain Britain’s as well. Shadowcat whispers to Colossus, and asks her former boyfriend if he has ever known Spiral not to have a hidden agenda. Piotr replies that he hasn’t, but points out that behind every one of her lies, there is often an element of truth. Nightcrawler tells Meggan that he realizes this is difficult, but a wide-eyed Meggan interrupts, asking Kurt if they cannot at least try to trust Spiral - for Brian’s sake, before revealing that they were to be married.
Kurt, Kitty, Piotr and Rahne all smile, before Kurt asks if there is anyone present who can think of a reason why they should not have their heads examined for trusting Spiral - ‘May you speak now, or forever hold your peace’. ‘ I always cry at wedding’s!’ exclaims Kitty. ‘Then by the power invested in me as Excalibur’s team leader - I pronounce this mission a “go”!’
Spiral begins a time-dance, which everyone watches with some interest, when Wisdom pokes his head through the hole Meggan made, asking if he missed anything much. ‘Oh, just one of the most romantic moments in this team’s history!’ Kitty informs him, adding that she will be happy to tell him all about it on the way - Wisdom suddenly interrupts by planting his lips on Kitty’s and kissing her passionately. Joining the others, Wisdom asks ‘What “way”? Where are we going?’
‘You’ll see’ Spiral replies, as the energy of her teleportation cocoon envelops Excalibur, whisking them to someplace other than here, and most members of Excalibur cannot suppress the concern that they might have just made the worse decision of their lives. But being watched by the mysterious being that has been following Meggan around, little do they realize, they are not alone.