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Provide a full summary of the comic book.

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Double Sized Climax!
For a giraffe, it takes 425 days to have a baby. For a pigeon, it takes 18 – and that’s in an egg in a nest. For a donkey, it takes exactly one year. For a human, just nine months…of course, nine months is just an average! ‘Well, Wanda, it’s any day now, isn’t it?’ Ilya Zarkov a.k.a. Illusion asks his neighbour and friend, Wanda Maximoff the former Avenger known as the Scarlet Witch. Wanda replies that the due date is Thursday, six days away. Wanda’s husband, also a former Avenger, the android Vision, and Illusion’s wife, Glynis a.k.a. Glamor stand nearby, and Illusion remarks that he and Glynis never wanted children, for being magicians by nature, they appear and disappear, and children would change their lives too much.
Wanda exclaims that this baby is going to change their lives all right, but it will change them by enriching them. ‘We love the lives we lead – but there’ll be even more to love once we have a family!’ Illusion asks if they don’t think the baby will get in the way, to which the Vision points out that it hasn’t slowed down the Fantastic Four! The Vision remarks to Ilya that he and Glynis take their magic show “on the road” for several months at a time, whereas people like he and Wanda get swept up in an adventure, play it out, and then come home.
Glamor smiles and remarks ‘Well, with or without children, we’ll still be friends once little – what are the names you’ve picked out, Wanda?’ Wanda replies that it took a long time to decide, but if it is a girl, they are going to name her Diana, who is Goddess of the Moon, hunt and witchcraft, and if it is a boy, Thomas, which is the middle name of the man who created the original Human Torch, the world’s first synthezoid, whose synthetic body later became the Vision!
‘I don’t follow!’ exclaims Glamor. The Vision assures her that it is complicated, but simply put, he was created from the original Human Torch’s body, and from the brain patterns of Simon Williams a.k.a. Wonder Man – ‘but that’s another story, for another time!’ The Vision remarks that, as much as he owes Dr. Horton, “Phineas” just wasn’t possible these days. Glamor assures him that Thomas is a nice name, when the Vision notices Wanda acting strangely. Glamor turns to her friend and asks if she is having contractions, to which Wanda replies she isn’t, but thinks she will tonight.
‘Tonight? What about Thursday?’ Illusion asks. The Vision asks Wanda what she means by “thinks”, to which Wanda reminds her husband that she is a witch, and has “insight”, as if for one moment, she touched the vast subconscious that connects her to her son. ‘Son?’ the Vision asks surprised. Wanda exclaims that she knew him, that she knew the little boy inside her. The Vision leans down and kisses his wife as she adds that there was someone else, somewhere, just as wonderful, and that she knew it was all going to happen – tonight!
‘It will happen tonight! Tonight!’ a voice shrieks from within a cave, dimly lit by a small fire. Her voice rebounds from the dank cavern walls as her writhing shadow whirls across them. The flames writhe with her, hissing and snapping at the soft cavern air. Drums beat with the rhythm of her blood. She s Nekra, priestess of the dark arts! For many months, the Albino woman worked beside the Black Talon, master of voodoo and the dead-who-walk. For many months, she hated him, as in truth, she hates almost everything in life – because from her hatred, she draws superhuman strength and invulnerability.
Nekra learned that from the Black Talon. She also learned of quartz and magnetism and herbs that only grow in caverns. She learned the ancient ways of darker power. She learned how to raise the dead! And she does so, right now, raising her beloved Eric Williams, better known as the unnerving Grim Reaper! The brother of the Avengers’ Wonder Man rises from the slab of concrete his body rested on, and Nekra tells him it was so fitting of him to take the name “Grim Reaper”.
Nekra approaches her lover, remarking that death is his trademark, and now he and death are…intimate, yet he returns to her when she calls his name. Nekra addresses the Grim Reaper as her one love, before they kiss. Nekra informs the Grim Reaper that the Vision and Wonder Man threw him from the cavern’s cliff, where upon he struck a stalagmite and died, ‘like a rat’ she adds, before revealing that she was in the caverns below and tore him free, hiding him from those loathsome replicas of his saintly brother, Simon as they searched the caves, but they abandoned their search and Nekra took the Grim Reaper deep into the tunnels, the tunnels that run deep beneath the earth and are ruled by the mysterious Mole Man.
Nekra explains that she knew what the Black Talon had done, as she had participated in his vile rites, but knowing the art of Zombie and working the art of Zombie are too different things. ‘It’s taken me months to touch you!’ Nekra exclaims, before remarking that she had hate to drive her, hate that makes her more alive. She adds that she had love – the one love she allows herself, so overwhelming because it is so focused. ‘The love I almost hate!’ she exclaims, explaining that it keeps the Albino darkness of her mind from matching the unblemished perfection of pure Albino.
Nekra exclaims that hate and love and hate have been rewarded, for her work has been brought back to her at last. Suddenly, the Grim Reaper’s decayed form returns to his more youthful, human form, and he exclaims that he had a terrible dream!
Back in Leonia, the Vision and Scarlet Witch leave Glamor and Illusion’s home, waving goodbye to their friends, while the Vision asks Wanda if he should call her doctor or obstetrician. Wanda replies ‘Not yet’ as she hasn’t even started having contractions, let alone gotten to the point where he can bother Dr. Marino. Walking towards their home, Wanda asks the Vision if he is nervous, to which he replies ‘A little’ and asks Wanda if she is.
The Scarlet Witch replies that she isn’t, for even though she has never had a baby before, her body knows how to do it, that it all feels very natural. The Vision replies that although his body is made of plastics, he will bet no man’s body thinks it’s all that natural! ‘We took the classes, saw the films…but still…’ his voice trails off, asking Wanda again if she is nervous. Wanda smiles, and admits ‘Maybe a little’, to which the Vision replies ‘Good’.
Inside, the Vision helps Wanda to sit down on a couch, and Wanda thinks to herself how cold an unfeeling the Vision is not, when suddenly the doorbell rings. ‘What timing!’ the Vision remarks, before opening the door and being greeted by his “brother” Simon Williams a.k.a. Wonder Man, sporting his new costume. ‘big as life and twice as real, bro!’ Simon exclaims to his surprised brother. They hug as Simon explains that he new Wanda was due soon and wanted to visit them both before they got caught up with their new family.
The Vision assures Simon that he would never be an intruder in this house, to which Simon replies’ Yeah? I’ll check back with you after a month of 2 a.m. feedings!’ as they enter the living room. Simon asks Wanda how she is, to which Wanda clutches her stomach and suggests to the Vision that he call Dr. Marino, before greeting her brother-in-law. ‘What timing!’ Wonder Man exclaims.
Back in the caves, Nekra helps the Grim Reaper to his feet as the deadly villain remarks that his dream was of falling. The Grim Reaper acknowledges that everyone has them, but that this one was so vivid, so it is a good thing dreams like that fade. Nekra assures Eric that dreams disappear in the light, before asking him to stand to one side while completes another ritual. Nekra informs the Grim Reaper that the ritual of the Black Talon was to complete for him, to which Eric remarks that it is hard to remember, and asks if he is still sleepy.
‘Of course you are, my savage man!’ Nekra exclaims, before reminding Eric that he ordered the Black Talon to find a corpse who closely resembled his dead brother Simon, so the Black Talon could raise it from the dead and it could be the brother he lost. Nekra pulls up a canvas that was covering the reanimated Simon Williams look-a-like and the Grim Reaper remembers that he was going to take the Vision’s mind, and Wonder Man’s mind and use them to recreate the real Simon’s, except that something went wrong. ‘But not tonight!’ Nekra exclaims, ‘Tonight, I will raise him for you!’
Nekra begins another dance as she informs the Grim Reaper that this being will have his own mind now, and adding that she knows who he really was – Brady Kent, a paid assassin for the Boston Mob, who slipped up just once. ‘Zombie!’ the Grim Reaper exclaims, pointing out to Nekra that without Simon’s mind, a Zombie is useless to them, that they are stupid and slow moving. Nekra agrees that is traditionally true, before revealing that she learned the art of voodoo in light of the arts she learned from the Cult of Kali and in the tribes of West Africa.
Nekra boasts that a Zombie she raises is almost truly alive, and will think that it is, so long that it is not told the truth. The Grim Reaper agrees, remarking that it is better if he doesn’t ever know, when suddenly Brady Kent stirs, and clutching his head exclaims that he feels like he slept for a week.
En route to the hospital, Wanda asks the Vision what Dr. Marino said. The Vision replies that the doctor said they need to get to the hospital and have the staff check her out, then, if the birth is really starting, the hospital staff will call Dr. Marino to come in. Wanda exclaims that she is really starting, and points out that they know the baby is big, so she can feel it is time. The Vision assures his wife that he believes her, as she has already been in touch with their son, so knowing he is coming should be easy for him.
As he and Wonder Man help Wanda out of the car, the Vision reminds Wanda that Josie Marino says first-time-mothers-to-be usually jump the gun, so she wants to hear it officially. An orderly approaches them, ‘Would you like a wheelchair, Mrs. Scarlet Witch?’ the nurse asks. Vision and Simon walk alongside Wanda as the orderly pushes her in the wheelchair. The Vision reminds Wanda that Dr. Strange did tell her to stay off her feet, and wonders if perhaps they shouldn’t have gone to Glamor and Illusion’s. Wanda tells the Vision not to be silly and to relax.
The orderly informs them that the maternity floor is on level three, when Wanda notices a lot of people hanging around watching them, she asks what they are all doing here. ‘Celebrity watching!’ the orderly exclaims, informing Wanda that she is easily the most famous patient they have had at Englewood Hospital, adding that her husband and brother-in-law aren’t entirely unknown either.
Suddenly, Wanda exclaims that she forgot Holly Ladonna was coming over for a study session tonight, but now it is to late to call her. Wonder Man offers to fly back and tell Holly himself. As he takes his leave, Wanda thanks him, informing him that Holly is her student in witchcraft, teenage and blonde. ‘I’ll find her!’ Wonder Man exclaims as he makes his way towards a window, being watched by several members of staff.
Simon thinks to himself that he is the West’s strongest Avenger, and soon to be star of a major motion picture. ‘And brother-in-law, deliverer of messages to teenage witches!’ Simon tells himself that he has come along way since the last time they all got together, as now he has found the courage to change his life in every respect, but that the one thing he will never change is his love for the Vision and the Scarlet Witch, as it was the Vision who showed him how to change his life, so whatever he can do to help them through the night, he is glad to be around to contribute!
Meanwhile, in another dimension, Doctor Strange, master of the mystic arts, is in the midst of a fantastic adventure! He has only 73 seconds to prevent the world from plummeting into darkness! The Sorcerer Supreme blocks some energies fired at him by the humanoid-cat Colabrun and tells him that his realm cannot support his presence. Colabrun declares that each living creature is a fount of psychic wine for him, and it matters not the type of life. Colabrun tells Strange that as easily as he absorbs his energy bolts his pulsing apes and their servant creatures will slake him for the cycle of the Pole Star.
‘Not if you can’t reach them!’ Strange exclaims, hovering above Colabrun. Colabrun remarks that decision follows hard on sorcery, boasting that Strange will not be able to stop him. Strange calls Colabrun “nether-spawn” as he explains that perhaps this is why he focused his will on confusing Colabrun’s path back into his realm. Furious, Colabrun lunges towards Dr. Strange, and then shrieks, as the real Doctor Strange thinks to himself that his doppelganger perfectly concealed the portal to the Dimension of No Return, and now Colabrun will be lost forever within its Loops of Infinity.
With a rush and a ringing in his bones, the Sorcerer Supreme takes the straight path home, appearing through a portal right above his Sanctum Sanctorum in Greenwich Village. Strange thinks to himself that the battle was so close, and that he now needs a full day’s meditation. Entering his home, Strange is greeted by his servant, Wong, who informs him that Dr. Josephina Marino telephoned – ‘The Scarlet Witch will give birth tonight!’ Strange immediately exits his home, telling Wong that he doesn’t know when he will be back and that there is no need to wait up.
As the night darkens, three shadowy figures creep alongside a sporting goods store. A man exits the store, calling back inside that he will see whomever he is talking to tomorrow and suggests they take some vitamin c, as it will make them feel better. However, this particular man soon feels dead, as the three shadowy figures reveal themselves, and the Grim Reaper’s deadly scythe slashes into the mans neck. The Grim Reaper, Nekra and Brady Kent enter “Bernie’s Sporting Goods” and the Grim Reaper holds his scythe out, warning Bernie that if he makes a move he will be needing a lot more than vitamin C.
Nekra looks around and announces that this is the place, adding that the proprietor’s private stock of weapons is in the back room. Bernie tells the intruders that he isn’t scared of them. The three approach the counter, which has a sign on it, If your card’s expired – leave the country fast! Nekra tells Bernie that she shouldn’t think he is scared of them, as he is surrounded by this much fire power. She tells him that he lives the “Rambo” fantasy, before motioning to the shirtless Brady Kent and exclaiming ‘But this man lives its reality!’
Brady Kent demands two “Uzis” and tells the shop owner to hurry up, as he hasn’t got all night. Putting some gear on and attaching weapons to himself, Brady demands an M-14 and a portable flame-thrower also, not to mention a hunting knife, an M1911 and some grenades. ‘Let’s do it!’ he exclaims to the Grim Reaper and Nekra, before the shop owner asks if there is anything else he can do for them. They begin to walk away with their backs turned to him, and the Grim Reaper remarks ‘Funny man! You’re lucky I let-cha keep your head!’
‘You ain’t, jackass!’ the shop owner exclaims as he pulls out a small gun and fires two bullets, shooting the Grim Reaper and Nekra in the back. The Grim Reaper exclaims that the bullet must have just missed him, to which Nekra exclaims ‘But not me, lover! I’d be dead now – if hatred hadn’t made me indestructible!’ Nekra lunges the shop owner, who is firing bullet after bullet at her, all which just bounce off. Nekra grabs Bernie by his throat, ‘Hate! Hate! Hate! HATE!’ she screams as she kills him, while the Grim Reaper watches, and thinks to himself ‘What a woman she is! Such passion, such purity of purpose! The Grim Reaper is pleased that the show owner’s bullet missed him, for he would hate to die, now that he has finally found his soul-mate.
Back in Leonia, real-estate agent Norm Webster walks down the darkened street, and looking over at Wanda and the Vision’s home, notices that their car is gone. He recalls that Joe over at the delicatessen said some super hero he didn’t recognize came by earlier, and supposes that life goes on for them, the same way it does for him – but he knows they will never be friends again, and all because he fell in love. ‘That’s the hard part!’ Norm thinks that it isn’t supposed to be this way, when suddenly he hears a voice calling his name.
Norm swings around in the direction of the voice – it’s Crystal! Norm is shocked to say the least, and asks her what she is doing here, as the last time he saw her…his voice trails off. Crystal remarks that the last time he would have seen her, she was near death from spending too much time on Earth, but points out that was two months ago, and that the Inhumans are genetically strong. Crystalia assures Norm that she has recovered, adding that so long as she leaves here within the hour she will not risk a relapse.
Norm exclaims that it is good to see Crystal again, to which Crystal tells Norman that it is good to see him, better than she thought it would be. Crystal informs Norm that she came to tell him that her husband Quicksilver is missing, adding that their marriage seems shattered beyond repair, and that if he does not return to she and their daughter shortly, her family, the royal family of Attilan, will grant her a divorce! Norm grins, but Crystal tells him that she has been reminded that she is of royal blood, though she assures him that she wants to see him again, but not until after the divorce – that is, if he still wants to.
‘Want to? Crys, no matter what price we paid for what we felt, I’m as crazy about you as I ever was!’ Norm exclaims. Crystal smiles and tells Norm that is what she wanted to hear. ‘That’s what I wanted to say!’ Norm exclaims as they embrace.
At the hospital, Dr. Josie Marino has joined them as the Vision pushes Wanda in the wheelchair into what Josie calls the “alternative birth center”. Wanda looks around the room and exclaims that it looks bigger than what she remembers on the tour, not to mention prettier. Josie remarks that it has all the comforts of home, rather than the traditional delivery room, but with all the resources of a hospital right at hand. ‘You don’t expect…’ Wanda asks, before having a contraction.
‘…complications?’ Dr. Marino asks, assuring Wanda that she doesn’t, just contractions like the one she is having now. The Vision and Josie help to get Wanda onto the bed, and Wanda exclaims that the contractions are getting faster now. ‘You’re on your way, Scarlet Witch!’ Dr. Strange announces as he enters the room. Wanda looks up and sees her dear friend, exclaiming that she is glad he made it. Strange looks over the chart Josie is holding and remarks that there is little time to spare, asking Josie if she thinks Wanda has about an hour. ‘Less!’ Josie replies. ‘Less?’ a smiling Vision thinks to himself.
The Vision smiles as he thinks about how it is less than an hour until he and Wanda are to be parents. ‘The dream that grew within me – the dream that a synthezoid and a mutant could somehow have a child – the dream has grown in her too, and now – we’re going to be a family…in less than an hour!’ he thinks to himself.
Nearby, Wonder Man leans on the Ladonna’s car as he informs Holly that there won’t be a lesson tonight. Holly exclaims that Wanda wasn’t due till Thursday, to which her mother informs her that she was twelve days early. Holly smiles and asks her mother if she can go over to the hospital, to which her mother replies ‘Sure, I know how close you and Wanda are’, before turning to Wonder Man and informing him that she and her husband Fred are just two of the people who love having his fellow Avengers living in Leonia. She exclaims that it has opened up a whole new world for their daughter, and that is good enough for them.
Wonder Man tells Mrs. Ladonna that he is sure Wanda and the Vision would be very happy to hear that. Holly smiles at Wonder Man, before telling her mother to ‘Come on’ as it could be over by now. ‘Nice to have met you, Wonder Man!’ Mrs. Ladonna calls out as she and her daughter drive away.
Suddenly, a voice calls out ‘People do like the Avengers, do they not, Wonder Man?’ Simon spins around and sees a figure standing on the stairs to Wanda’s home – ‘Magneto!’ he exclaims. ‘Indeed!’ the master of magnetism replies. ‘Indeed!’ exclaims Simon before flying over to Magneto and asking him what he wants. Magneto is taken aback by Wonder Man’s sudden lunge towards him, but has little time to do anything as Wonder Man informs Magneto that the Avengers know he has taken leadership of the X-Men, and acknowledging that Magneto fought alongside the Avengers against the Beyonder, and alongside Simon himself and the Vision at Wanda’s Thanksgiving party.
‘But balanced against that is years of terror!’ Simon exclaims, remarking that Magneto was a major threat before he even became Wonder Man. ‘And nobody I’m not one hundred percent sure of is getting at Wanda tonight!’ Simon boasts. Magneto informs Wonder Man that when he came to Thanksgiving dinner he was determined not to alarm anyone, ‘but no one keeps me from my daughter!’ he shouts as he uses his mighty power over metal to rip up a lamp-post and wrap it around Wonder Man. Magneto remarks that Wonder Man may claim brotherhood with the Vision through obscure and bizarre circumstances, but reminds Simon that he is Wanda’s natural father, just as he is the Master of Magnetism.
Magneto explains to Wonder Man that, earlier this evening, he rested for a moment from his recent endeavors, and felt a sudden disturbing shift in the Earth’s magnetic field, somewhere in this direction of Leonia. Magneto reveals that he decided to seek out the source of the shift and discovered a strong residual charge in one of the Mole Man’s caverns three miles from this spot. Magneto admits that the cause of the shift still eludes him, but that he thought it might concern his daughter, which is why he came here to be certain that nothing happened to her – and his grandchild.
Simon tells Magneto that his story is tenuous, ‘But what holds good for you holds good for everything else!’ Simon adds, before remarking that where people like the two of them are concerned, you cannot take anything for granted. Simon agrees to work with Magneto on this one, though he will keep his guard up. The two men take flight and Magneto remarks ‘Fair enough – because I never lower my guard!’ Simon suggests they get over to the hospital.
‘Now breathe! Breathe!’ the Vision exclaims to Wanda, to is lying on the bed, mumbling that these exercises are supposed to help, and they do, but nevertheless she is still in pain. The Vision tells Wanda to just let the pain flow out, to which Wanda replies ‘Easy for you to say, mister!’ Dr. Strange is standing nearby and declares that there is nothing more cosmic than the creation of life where none existed. Strange adds that it is not surprising that modern methods of childbirth resemble mystic states.
‘You people are too cheerful!’ Wanda exclaims, before groaning. Dr. Marino informs Dr. Strange that the baby is coming, and Wanda grabs the Vision and Josie’s hands, asking her husband to stay with her. The Vision replies that he is not going anywhere.
Outside the hospital, Wonder Man and Magneto arrive, and see three figures lurking outside the hospital entrance. ‘Blast! Of all people! Why them?’ Simon exclaims, while Magneto remarks that he was right, and asks Simon who they are. Flying down towards them, Simon informs Magneto that it is his other brother, the Grim Reaper, whom he thought was dead, as well as his lover, Nekra, and ‘Oh my God!’ he exclaims as he looks upon his Zombie double. Flying towards his counterpart, Simon is soon bombarded with flames from his double’s flamethrower.
The Grim Reaper tells Brady Kent to stand back, as Wonder Man is his. ‘Climb a rope, Reaper! I started him, I finish him!’ Kent shouts back, until Wonder Man flies over and pushes them into one another, declaring that nobody finishes him, not anymore! Magneto exclaims that two against Wonder Man while he stands untouched is an insult. The Grim Reaper turns to Magneto and replies ‘I don’t care about you, old man, it’s the freak I’m after!’
Nekra rushes over to Magneto, exclaiming that after they have disposed of him, the three of them will tear Wonder Man apart. Nekra grabs a hold of Magneto, who tells her that it will be years from now before he is “disposed of”, while using his powers to take control of the Grim Reaper’s scythe, he pulls it over towards them and it whacks Nekra’s throat.
Back in the birthing room, Wanda groans, while Dr Marino encourages her to push. The Vision stays at his wife’s side, when suddenly Josie announces that she can see the baby’s face. Wanda smiles as Dr. Strange remarks that the shoulders are coming. ‘Perfect, perfect’ Dr, Marino assures Wanda and the Vision. Strange tells Wanda to give the baby one last push, and Josie announces the baby’s arrival as crying begins. ‘Your son!’ exclaims Dr. Strange, wrapping the baby boy in a blanket and taking the crying newborn over to his parents. Josie calls for Dr. Strange to come and see something, while the Vision holds the baby, a worried Wanda asks what is going on. ‘There’s another baby coming!’ Dr. Strange announces.
Outside, some hospital staff have gathered to watch the proceeding battle, and Wonder Man uppercuts Brady Kent, thinking to himself that he thought he might be afraid to hit him, because they look the same, but he isn’t. Simon decides that he has really grown to accept himself as he is, and let go of the man he was before he was changed. ‘And my brother…’ Simon thinks as he glances over at his brother and notices something in his back as he attacks Magneto.
‘Magneto!’ Simon shouts as he flies over to the Master of Magnetism. The Grim Reaper lashes out at Magneto, who barely dodges the scythe. Magneto exclaims that Wonder Man’s unstable ionic energy that surround him are playing havoc with his magnetism. Simon replies that he is sorry, but…’There’s a bullet hole in Eric’s back…my brother is a Zombie!’
Back inside, the Vision asks Strange how there can be another one, reminding him he told them directly that there wouldn’t be twins. Shocked, Strange replies that he doesn’t know, adding that even now, there is nothing on their instruments, but he can see the baby’s head.
‘Your ionic energy disrupts more than magnetism, freak – it’s eating your brain, too!’ the Grim Reaper exclaims. Nekra tells her lover that it is a trick, to which the Grim Reaper snaps ‘I know that!’, before exclaiming that Wonder Man is the one who rose from dead. ‘My brother died and you took his place!’ Wonder Man replies ‘You know better, Eric – or you did, before you fell from the cliff!’ and Simon goes on to announce that the Grim Reaper knows Simon is his brother, and that he was wrong to try and kill him.
The Grim Reaper rubs his head, remarking that he thinks he dreamed that last night, ‘But that was just a dream! Nekra tries to lead her lover away while Wonder Man exclaims that there is a way to settle it and asks Magneto to poke Eric’s arm with his scythe. Suddenly, Nekra lunges at Wonder Man, ‘I hate you! I HATE YOU’ she screams, smashing her elbow against Simon’s face as she exclaims that hate gives her power to match even his.
The Grim Reaper faces Magneto, ‘You won’t poke anybody with anything, old man!’ he exclaims. ‘Won’t I…dead man?’ Magneto replies as he uses his powers, forcing the Grim Reaper’s scythe to slash into his own arm. The Grim Reaper looks horrified as he pulls the scythe out – ‘No blood!’ he exclaims. ‘NO BLOOD!’ Nekra thrashes about as she clings on to Wonder Man, ‘I’ll kill you, Wonder Man – you’ve stolen my only love!’
In the hospital, Wanda calls out to the Vision, who tells her that it is okay, that everything is fine, while the Doctors announce that the second baby is coming.
Outside, Wonder Man manages to get Nekra off his back, and they struggle hand-to-hand now, with Wonder Man admitting that Nekra is strong. The Albino woman replies that she will be stronger as she points out that although Wonder Man’s strength is vast, it is finite, whereas her strength changes with the strength of her hatred. ‘To rival yours…and surpass it!’ she exclaims as she uppercuts Simon. Wonder Man gathers himself as he declares that very few things surpass his strength, and tells Nekra that if she wants him to believe that she can surpass him, then she is going to have to do better than that, before is smashes her in the face.
Magneto uses his powers to take Brady Kent’s weapons away from him, while Nekra and Wonder Man continue to slug it out – until the Grim Reaper shouts ‘Wait – lover!’ and grabs Nekra, holding his scythe to her. Nekra tells Eric to let her go, but the Grim Reaper replies ‘No! I am dead! He was right! You raised me from the grave and lied about it!’ Magneto comes up behind the Grim Reaper and suggests he let Nekra go, warning him that she will rip his arms off if she has to.
Nekra explains to the Grim Reaper that she couldn’t tell him the truth, that she had to make him think he was still her man. ‘You get what you pay for, sweetheart!’ Eric replies, telling Nekra that now she will pay him – until the end! And with that, he kisses her, and Nekra actually cries, before they both fall to the ground. Watching them, Magneto remarks that he doesn’t understand – why doesn’t Nekra just free herself from the Grim Reaper’s grasp?
Wonder Man explains that she cannot, to which Magneto asks why. ‘Didn’t’ you hear her? Her strength is measured by her hate – and he’s the one thing she loves!’ Simon adds that without Nekra’s power to maintain the spell, the Grim Reaper has reverted back to his true form. With her only love lost to her, Nekra has lost the will to fight – and perhaps even to live – as she just lies with her Zombie lover.
‘Our instruments still don’t detect anything not even the scale!’ Dr. Strange exclaims after Wanda finally gives birth to the second baby. Suddenly the baby begins to cry, and Josie Marino reminds Strange that babies have been delivered before instruments were around, and suggests she does the Apgar tests. ‘Skin color good…reflexes excellent…five fingers…five toes…breathing steady – strong lungs!’ Indeed, as the baby continues to cry.
‘So what is it?’ Wanda exclaims. The Vision, Strange and Josie all turn to her, and Josie smiles, telling Wanda that from the evidence of their eyes, what she has here is a completely healthy…. ‘Second baby boy!’ the Vision exclaims, holding his second son out to a smiling Wanda.
‘Then I wasn’t going to have one large baby – it was two all along!’ Wanda exclaims. Dr. Strange swears to Wanda that there was no hint of it, either medicinally or magickally. ‘We couldn’t detect him!’ Strange exclaims. The Vision smiles as he holds one of his sons in his arms, before bringing the baby over to its brother. Vision jokes that they probably won’t learn their firstborns’ powers for some time, while Wanda smiles, pointing out that they are twins, just like she and Pietro.
The Vision points out that he and Simon are “twins” also, so it is only logical. Wanda looks at her babies and exclaims that they are so beautiful, so precious. ‘And so is their mother!’ the Vision exclaims, kissing Wanda, who calls one of the babies Thomas, before realizing that they need another name. Dr. Strange tells her that there is plenty of time for that, but right now she needs to relax and enjoy her good fortune.
Suddenly, a machine gun blasting can be heard outside, and Josie and the Vision turn to the window. The Vision remains by Wanda’s side as Dr. Strange and Josie look out the window. ‘Look, Stephen, it’s –‘ begins Josie, until Strange cuts her off, ‘No names!’ he remarks as the watch Magneto and Wonder Man battle Brady Kent.
Bullets bounce off Wonder Man, who boasts that none of his doppelgangers armaments can stop him, and informs him that he is on his way to Rykers’ Island. Magneto remarks that he can hear sirens, to which Simon suggests they wrap this up, and elbows Brady in the face. Magneto exclaims that they agree again, and uses his powers to trap Brady within all the metal he is wearing like weapons and ammunition. ‘He has kept me from Wanda long enough!’ Magneto exclaims.
Inside the hospital, Josie asks Dr. Strange what that was all about, to which Strange motions to Wanda, the Vision and their babies and replies ‘Nothing as important as this…!’ And so it is, that the years of longing and the months of preparation have reached their happy ending – their doubly happy ending! Although, nobody thinks of birth as anything but a happy beginning!
Three days later, Wanda and the Vision have several visitors – Magneto, Wonder Man, Martha Williams, Holly Ladonna and Glamor & Illusion. The Vision addresses Martha Williams as ‘Mother’ and reminds her how, nine months ago, she learned she had two sons, where only one had been before, and now she has two grandsons. ‘As do you…Magneto!’ Wanda remarks, looking over at her father. Glamor asks Wanda what name she finally settled on for the second baby, and Wanda announces that her sons name is William, as in Simon Williams.
The Vision remarks that their sons have no last name, but that he wanted to carry the Williams name forward somehow. Martha exclaims that she is so proud to be their mother, to which Simon tells them not to change their minds about the last name, as “William Williams” doesn’t quite fit. ‘Billy Dee Williams does all right!’ Holly remarks, but Wanda exclaims that there will be no changing, ‘Just Tommy and Billy and Wanda and Vizh – our family!’
Magneto thinks to himself that both boys are named from the Vision’s side of the family, but decides he should expect that, and thinks that it is enough Wanda allows him to visit…for now. Illusion looks at his wife and thinks that they will have to steal a silver service soon and have it melted down for baby cups, while Wonder Man smiles and thinks that he will have to get his nephews down to the coast one day. The last words belong to the babies, who begin crying. The Vision and the Scarlet Witch just smile.


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Hands of the Mandarin, part 2: Once Upon a Time in China
An anti-technology field created by the Mandarin has forcibly ejected China from what we think of as the modern world. Seconds ago, the alien visitor called Century invaded the Mandarin’s fortress, where Iron Man and War Machine were unwilling guests. The unexpected result - Century and War Machine now lie many miles from the fortress. They’re safe and sound…for now. Both men lie in the dirt, and slowly get up. ‘You’re…one of the Force Works crowd, right? “Century” or something?’ James “Rhodey” Rhodes a.k.a. War Machine asks. Century replies that he has taken / assumed / is known by that name. ‘Are you the machine of war?’ he asks. ‘Jim to my friends’ Rhodey replies as he extends his hand to shake Century’s and asks ‘Where exactly did you come from? Just now, I mean’.
Century replies that he was in Hong Kong, in battle with his companions against the Mandarin’s Avatars, but he had to leave his teammates. ‘Thanks for the help’ Rhodey tells him. Century asks War Machine not to be offended as he reveals that was not his purpose. ‘The Mandarin is in possession of a power that is not of this world. I have encountered it before. ‘He must not be permitted to -’ Century begins before gasping, and keeling over. ‘Hey - are you hurt?’ War Machine asks. Century stands back up and replies that he is not damaged / injured / wounded, as the spasm has passed. ‘You once fought at Iron Man’s side, yes?’ Century asks. ‘At his side, in his armor, under his thumb…you name it!’ War Machine replies.
‘Speaking of which - this armor’s still not working - and it hurts like a bandit’ War Machine remarks, revealing that he can move a little more than he could back at the castle, but the Mandarin has left him with some nasty wounds. War Machine asks Century to help him out of it so they can stash it somewhere. Soon, Rhodey sits down, the armor has been removed and Century hides it under some shrubs. ‘I still can’t figure why we’re alive at all. That blast he shot at us -’ Rhodey begins, to which Century interrupts and explains that it probably interacted with his staff, Parallax, which is regretfully now in the Mandarin’s possession. Century helps Rhodey to his feet and points out that the Mandarin thinks they are dead. ‘We can use that…assuming I don’t die before we see him again’ Rhodey remarks, while Century assures him that they will find medical attention - somewhere.
At that moment, inside the Mandarin’s fortress, miles away. Iron Man a.k.a. Tony Stark lies motionless on the ground, save for the beatings he receives from two of the Mandarin’s Avatars - Ancestor and Warfist. The Mandarin calls out to them, ‘Enough!’ and orders them to remain still with Old Woman. ‘Though your companions rest in the mercy of death, Iron Man, I shall deny you that respite…a while longer, at least’ the Mandarin declares. Holding up Parallax, the Mandarin declares that one of Iron Man’s friends has left him a rare prize, and remarks that his rings and the staff seem to know one another. Holding Parallax over his head, the Mandarin wonders if perhaps at last he holds the secret to the life-source of his power and the key to more than he has ever dreamed.
The Mandarin tells Iron Man to take heart, as Century’s death is not without its complications. ‘I am sure you agree’ the Mandarin tells Iron Man, who, weak, asks the Mandarin not to keep him alive too long, because the first chance he gets, he is going to kill him. The Mandarin smiles and goes wide-eyed as he exclaims ‘So you are capable of the baser emotions after all. How refreshing’, and tells Iron Man to dwell on his dead comrades, to treasure his dreams of revenge. The Mandarin turns and walks away, remarking that he wishes Iron Man’s spirit to remain unbroken to the very end. ‘Avatars: Watch him!’ the Mandarin orders.
‘Watch him. As if I’m going anywhere’ Iron Man thinks to himself as the three Avatars stand over him. ‘Except straight to Hades for getting two good men killed’ Tony decides. ‘Century. Traveling from God knows how far across space, just to die so senselessly. And Jim…just when it looked like we might…put things right between us…too late now. Far too late’ Tony tells himself, when suddenly, he manages to clench a fist, and tells himself that the Mandarin will pay for Rhodey’s death. ‘I swear by all that’s holy - you’ll pay!’
Much later, ‘You are tiring’ Century tells Rhodey as they walk across the harsh terrain under the intense sun. ‘I was tired two hours ago, man. About ready to let the buzzards have me -’ Rhodey begins, when suddenly, they hear a scream. Nearby, two Chinese soldiers are attacking a woman. ‘I like the ones that fight, don’t you?’ one of the soldiers asks his comrade, while the woman screams ‘LET ME GO!’ Century races towards the attackers, while pointing out that Rhodey is unsuited for combat, announcing that he shall deal with this, as he leaps at the soldiers and knocks them back with a single punch each.
But the soldiers gather themselves and prepare to attack Century, while shouting ‘HEEIIYAAA’ as Century tells them that their battle cry is fearsome, indeed, only the same cannot be said of their skills, as Century takes them both down with ease. The woman approaches Century and speaking in English tells him that she is most grateful, while Rhodey exclaims ‘Well, I’ll be dipped in - Su Yin?’ he calls out. The young woman looks at Rhodey and asks if he knows her. ‘Not well…but I’m sure glad to see you again’ Rhodey replies.
Soon, at Su Yin’s home, once a thriving seaport city, now, courtesy of the Mandarin’s machinations, a medieval fishing village. By firelight, Rhodey, Century and Su Yin gather around a table, and Su Yin announces that she remembers meeting Anthony Stark very well, ‘But you…’ her voice trails off as she looks at Rhodey, who tells Su Yin, calling her “Doc”, that he doesn’t think they were properly introduced. ‘Ow’ Rhodey exclaims, to which Su Yin apologizes and explains she has had to improvise from ancient folk remedies. She adds that a degree in history would be more useful than her doctorate in medicine. Rhodey tells her that it is okay, before asking if her husband is here.
Su Yin hangs her head as she replies that her husband was an invalid, that the technology that kept him alive simply vanished overnight, and took him along with it. ‘Do you know why this has happened to us?’ Su Yin asks. Rhodey tells her that there is a war going on, and the sides do not care who gets caught in the middle. Rhodey tells Century that it is the same old thing - the Mandarin and Iron Man playing their stupid power games. Century looks up and replies that war is war. He reveals that he once led a company of genocide troops onto Leonidas Prime, a planet of three billion people. ‘We left oly when every last man, woman and child was reduced to a pile of ash…and knew we’d done a good day’s work’.
‘What the #@%& are you talking about, man?’ Rhodey asks. ‘I - I - no…’ Century utters, as he twitches and looks even stranger than usual. He shouts ‘ALL! KILL THEM ALL! Are you needs seen to this evening, your Majesty? I can - bow your heads, my children and make tribute to…’ his voice trails off, and he leans on the table, seemingly regaining control of himself. ‘I am chagrined / embarrassed / bewildered…I do not know what is happening to me’ Century states. Rhodey suggests to him that he sit down or something, and as Century sits on a small bed, Rhodey tells Su Yin that he doesn’t think there is anything she can do for him. ‘He’s been through some changes, I guess’ Rhodey remarks.
Su Yin points out that everyone has - the soldiers who attacked her, for instance. ’They take our recent curse as a blessing. They work for a local man - a former politician, as she understands it, who has set himself up as a warlord, like the ones of old, and his soldiers regularly terrorize all the villages they can find. Su Yin announces that it is only a matter of time before they decide to attack here. Rhodey slams his fist onto the table, and shouts ‘That does it! We’ve got to put an end to this! If only I could get that armor working!’ Su Yin turns to him with wide-eyed and asks ‘Armor? I do know who you are. You were Mr Stark’s bodyguard - Iron Man!’ Su Yin gasps. ‘Guilty, Doc’ Rhodey smiles, and informs Su Yin that they are up against the same guy they were back then - the Mandarin, only the stakes have gotten way bigger. Rhodey gets to his feet and remarks that it is no use, as Century is will and the armor has had it. ‘We’re out of game’ he points out. Suddenly, ‘Not…necessarily’ Century remarks, and asks Rhodey to take him back to where he hid his amror. ‘We may yet return to this fight’ Century announces.
Meantime, aboard the hovering Pegasus Hex Ship, which is stationary over Hong Kong, and Force Works’ enigmatic associate, the Recorder, announces via communicator that, except for their captive, all of the Mandarin’s Avatars have fled the scene. Down below in amongst terrible devastation, Wanda Maximoff a.k.a. the Scarlet Witch acknowledges the Recorder and asks him to keep tracking the Avatars. Although the Mandarin’s anti-technology field has not reached Hong Kong, the destruction caused by his Avatars is enormous. Johnny Walker a.k.a. the heroic USAgent tells Wanda and Julia “Spider-Woman” Carpenter that one thing is sure - Century is not returning to this fight. ‘I hate to say I told day so, Spider-Woman…but I knew he’d bail on us one day’ Walker adds.
‘Give it a rest, John’ Julia replies, while Wanda points out that they do not know why Century left in the middle of the battle. ‘So I’ll thank you not to convict him until he’s proven guilty’ Wanda adds. ‘Have it your way’ Walker mutters, before turning to the Avatar who he holds to the ground with his foot. ‘Time to answer a question, butt-ugly. What’s going on here - who’s behind it - and where in #@%:& is Iron Man?’ USAgent demands as he picks the decrepit Lich up. ‘Those are three questions’ Lich replies, before bursting into a howling cackle. ‘That’s it, I’m gonna -’ USAgent begins as he raises a fist to Lich’s face, but Wanda stop him, ‘Not yet’ she orders, before asking Lich if he will tell them what they want to know, or not.
‘Why, dear lady, nothing would please me more. I quite enjoyed English in my former life as a diplomatic assistant. Since my transformation I’ve had little opportunity to speak it’ Lich responds. Lich informs the mighty heroes that the Mandarin has used his powers to return China to its glory of old. Lich reveals that Iron Man is the Mandarin’s guest. ‘No doubt even now he is entertaining him with tortures exquisite and beauti-’ Lich does not finish his sentence as USAgent’s powerful foot kicks Lich in the face. ‘Shut your stinking mouth, Lich!’ Walker commands, and as Lich falls to the ground, Walker tells the girls that it is a trap. ‘Figured that out, did you?’ Julia replies, to which Wanda remarks that if it is a trap, she is sure their friends here will not mind giving them directions, and suggests they get back to Pegasus.Back in China, ‘All right, Big Blue, you want to tell me exactly what it is you think you’re up to now?’ Rhodey asks as Century stands near a man who is working on the War Machine armor. Century explains that this is an experiment to attempt to restore function to Rhodey’s battle armor. As the blacksmith-type man works away, Century explains that the metatheric harmonics which have created the present conditions of this region are twofold, and adds that there is the temporal distortion which has returned reality to the appearance of an earlier era, as well as a technology-inhibiting field which prevents the operation of machinery not native to that time period.
Century motions to the armor and explains that the two cannot be mutually exclusive. ‘Products of the first, such as this ancient armor, must be in attunement with the second’. Century continues, telling Rhodey that encasing his armor inside material tuned to the inhibitory field may create an envelope of resonance, which will create impedance / shelter / defense against the anti-tech field. ‘Sounds like gibberish to me’ Rhodey replies, before supposing that Century knows all about this stuff. ‘No. it is conjectural / theoretical / …ah…’ his voice trails off. ‘A hunch’ Rhodey explains. ‘Yes, thank you. Hunch’ Century confirms. ‘Swell’ Rhodey mutters.
Su Yin calls out to Jim and asks him if they stand a chance of defeating the Mandarin, to which Jim replies that he wouldn’t bet the rent on it, adding that part of him doesn’t even want to try. Su Yin tells Jim that there is no shame in that, as the Mandarin is formidable. ‘It isn’t that. I mean, what he’s doing is wrong, n question. But if we do beat him…God knows how…everything goes back to the way it was’. Rhodey hangs his head as he announces’ Atom bombs. Pollution. Tanks in Tiananmen Square…’ and his voice trails off. ‘And what about smallpox? Sewage in the streets? Slavery?’ Su Yin exclaims, while telling Rhodey to never ever delude himself that the past was better.
‘Ignorance has always been mankind’s greatest enemy. My husband died for want of simple antibiotics’ Su Yin declares. Suddenly, a boy rushes towards them, ‘They’re coming! They’re coming! Hide!’ he shouts. ‘The soldiers?’ Su Yin gasps. Rhodey rushes over to Century and asks him if his armor is ready yet. ‘Nearly. Prepare for battle’ Century replies. The soldiers arrive in the village and begin attacking the civilians while setting fire to their homes. ‘Pleas! Mercy!’ someone begs, while screams resonate around the village. More fires are set. More civilians are bludgeoned. ‘Such sheep’ one of the soldiers exclaims. ‘So ripte for the laughter’ he adds, when suddenly, ‘Yeah?’ Rhodey asks, wearing his ancient-style armor, and armed with a very large sword.
Century stands behind him, before the two heroes leap into battle. ‘Kill them!’ one of the soldiers orders. ‘Ah, yo momma!’ War Machine retorts. ‘The blue-faced one, he flights like the wind!’ one of the soldiers calls out, and as Century attacks several soldiers at once, one of the grabs him by his ankle, and drags him to the ground. ‘Fall, demon!’ the soldier shouts. Century smacks his head against the ground, but War Machine comes to his aid and helps him up. ‘Hey, Big Blue? Century?’ War Machine calls out. ‘Are you -’ Rhodey begins, but Century leaps up and knocks War Macine over, while he shouts ‘You are an enemy of the Prefector! You shall not reach him while I have breath to fight!’
‘Oh, man…you picked a fine time to flip out on me, Blue’ War Machine mutters. Century looks at the soldiers, ‘Dog-star assassin!’ he exclaims. ‘I have combed the galaxy for you since you murdered my matrigenitor. Prepare to -’ suddenly, Century goes wide-eyed and his voice switches from angry and loud, to scared and quiet. ’Grandmother? Grandmother, I’m scared. Where are you? Please don’t let them hurt me…’ he utters. ’Cease your mad prattling, demon!’ one of the soldiers booms, smacking Century in the head. But War Machine once again comes to Century’s defense, and holding his sword out to the soldiers tells them to back off, while he asks Century if he hears him. ’I…require…a short period of time’ Century responds. ’Sorry, man. We’re bang out’ War Machine replies as the soldiers surround them.
Meantime, inside the Pegasus, Johnny, Wanda, Julia and the Recorder are en route to the Mandarin’s fortress. John tells the girls that he still thinks this is a mistake. ‘We know this is a trap, and -’ he begins, but Wanda interrupts, pointing out that having advance warning of that fact, they will have a tactical advantage. ’Besides, if the Mandarin does have Iron Man, we don’t have time to -’ Julia begins, before John interrupts, telling the girls and the Recorder to look alive. ‘Unless I’m mistaken, we’ve got the “sinister fortress of the evil mastermind” dead ahead!’ he declares as they see the sprawling fortress on a cliffside ahead.
Suddenly, there is a loud crash, as the Recorder collapses. An instant later, the Pegasus goes dark. ‘What’s wrong?’ Julia calls out. ‘Everything just went dead!’ USAgent replies as he tries to take control of the Pegasus - which is swiftly plummeting to the Mandarin’s fortress, engulfed in shadows. USAgent grits his teeth and tells the girls that there is nothing he can do about it. ‘We’re going down…’ he announces as they continue to plummet to darkness….


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Hands of the Mandarin, part 5: The Last Emperor
‘Somebody make a decision, folks - here they come!’ Julia “Spider-Woman” Carpenter shouts as she stands with her Force Works teammates as they observe a massive army fast approaching them. The Mandarin is now in possession of the mystical staff Parallax, and has abandoned his foes, as at the moment they are in no shape to follow him, not are they likely to be if the approaching army is any indication. ‘Here we go again’ USAgent a.k.a. John Walker mutters, before asking Spider-Woman if she wants to take the fifty on the left and he will take the fifty on the right. ‘Suits me fine - but this is getting kind of old, y’know’ Julia replies. Tony Stark, without his Iron Man armor, turns to Wanda Maximoff a.k.a. the Scarlet Witch and remarks that John and Julia are real pieces of work. ‘Mm-hmm’ Wanda replies.
Tony reminds Wanda that she is in charge. TheScarlet Witch asks her friends to stand down, as this is one fight they are in no condition to win. USAgent smiles at the Scarlet Witch and asks her what is the matter. ‘You wanna live forever?’ Suddenly, the army arrives - with James “Rhodey” Rhodes in his re-modelled War Machine army leading the way. The alien Century is at his side. ‘Relax, folks - we’re the cavalry. You know, changing your name from West Coast Avengers to Force Works doesn’t seem to have kept you out of trouble’ War Machine declares, bringing his horse to a stop, Rhodey calls out to Tony: ‘Thought I was dead, didn’t you? Was it fun?’ Rhodey asks.
‘No more than it was for you, War Machine - when the shoe was on the other foot’ Tony replies, before the friends shake hands, and Tony tells Rhodey that he is glad to see him. ‘Me too, man. Me too’ Rhodey replies. War Machine explains that after the Mandarin sent them on a one-way trip out of his castle it took them a while to fight their way back. ‘Wasn’t for my man Big Blue here, we wouldn’t be here at all’ War Machine adds, motioning to Century. USAgent frowns as Spider-Woman tells Century that some of them were afraid he wouldn’t be coming back. ‘But we’re very glad you have’ she assures him, before telling him that he gave them quite a scare when he left them back in Hong Kong.
A young woman looks up at Mr Stark and tells him that it is pleasant to see him again. Tony realizes that the young woman is Su Yin, and smiles as he tells her ‘Yes, it certainly is’. A man in extravagant battle armor approaches Force works and announces that he does not wish to intrude on their reunion, but that there are battle plans to make. He introduces himself to Force Works as Chu Lo Yan and explains that he has joined with War Machine to dethrone the pretender who ravages his country, and that he has brought his army a considerable distance just to do that. ‘Still ready to throw in the towel, Wanda?’ Walker asks. ‘Not likely’ Wanda replies, before turning to Tony, who remarks ‘Agreed’, and telling Chu Yo Lan that he means no offense to he or his army, but that they will need more than brute force to go against the Mandarin.
Tony announces that the Mandarin is on his way to Hong Kong and that he has Century’s staff, Parallax, which he thinks he can use to spread his anti-tech field across the planet. ‘He can’ Century states. Tony informs everyone that there is a Stark Enterprises branch in Hong Kong which will give them access to weapons, but admits that he is not sure how to fight the anti-tech field. ‘I’m not even certain it can be fought’ Tony adds, to which Century announces that he has certain ideas about that. ‘The laboratory may have equipment sufficient to implement them, if -’ he begins, before the warlord shouts ‘All this talk of laboratories and weapons - do we stand talking, or do we fight?’
‘Your emperor commands you to take arms now!’ Chu Yo Lan booms. Tony looks confused, so Rhodey informs him that their new friend claims he is the great-great-etcetera-grandson of Pu Yi - the last real Emperor of China. ‘You challenge my birthright?’ Chu Yo Lan demands. ‘I tried to explain this on the ride over, man. We’re here to stop a dictator - not replace him!’ War Machine replies. Tony tells Chu Yo Lan that whatever the truth of his claim, he cannot defeat the Mandarin with horses and swords. ‘There’s a lot more at work here than you understand’ he explains. One of the soldiers remarks that Tony Stark knows the Mandarin better than they do, to which another shouts ‘Let him speak!’, but a third declares that he may speak all he wants, but he stands behind his warlord.
Chu Yo Lan raises his sword and announces that he will waste no more time here. ‘We march to Hong Kong now! Fight at my side - or be crushed beneath my heel!’ he declares. One of his soldiers approaches him and suggests that they can at least hear Force Works out, but the warlord retorts ‘Stand aside, fool!’ and knocks the soldier down. ‘Oh, swell’ Julia mutters, while USAgent points out that they are all the good guys here. ‘Shut up!’ one of the soldiers warns him. War Machine ducks as Chu Yo Lan raises his sword. ‘Just cool it a second, will you? This isn’t helping!’ Rhodey exclaims. ‘Kill the traitors!’ Chu Yo Lan booms as he prepares to kill one of his soldiers. ‘They’re your own men, you bas-’ War Machine declares, while Tony shouts ‘Stop. Please. If we kill each other, the Mandarin wins - without a shot fired’.
In the meantime, in Hong Kong, the Mandarin stands over his Avatars and shouts ‘Behold, my Avatars…Hong Kong: one of the great centers of the so-called civilized world - in ruins!’ He tells his Avatars that their earlier attack showed the people who fragile is their great fortress. ‘And now we show them the shape of true strength!’ he declares, while fire burns all throughout the city. The Mandarin tells his Avatars to go forth into the city and find what survivors remain, to prepare them for his coming. ‘Do not resist, my subjects!’ the Mandarin declares, assuring them that great days lie before them. The Avatars do as commanded, and begin to destroy any buildings that remain.
The Mandarin grins wickedly as he tells the Avatars that under his rule they shall know a kingdom far greater than ever seen, surpassing even the rule of his ancestor, the great Khan. ‘In his life, he held sway over but half of this world…while I - I shall hold it all!’ the Mandarin booms, boasting that from this time forward, this land shall be known by its ancient name. The Mandarin slams Parallax down on the ground and green light flows all around. ‘We proclaim the Empire of Cathay! It shall stand for a thousand times a thousand years - and be the greatest wisest kingdom in the history of man!’ A temple forms from where the Mandarin stands, and the Avatars form around it. ‘Cathay! Behold your king - the Last Emperor of Earth!’ the Mandarin booms….
Back in China, Force Works are now engaged in battle with Chu Yo Lan’s army. ‘Five it up, you two-bit Fu Manchu! Most of your men have come over to the winning side - and it ain’t yours!’ USAgent declares. Spider-Woman drops down beside Century and asks him if he is hurt. Keeled over, Century utters ‘My daughter! Where is my daughter…please, you must help me find -’, he is interrupted by Chu Yo Lan who calls to all those who still ride with him. ‘Retreat! We shall return to destroy these traitors!’ he declares. A small army rides off with the warlord, while Tony tells everyone else not to follow them, as they have more important things to worry about, and places to go.
Shortly, Force Works have found some horses for themselves, and lead the army onwards. Tony tells War Machine that he wished he knew what they will find when they reach Hong Kong - assuming they do. ‘You ask me, we just wait and see what happens’ War Machine replies. ‘That’s not a strategy I’m used to’ Tony replies, to which War Machine tells him that it is never too late to learn. Tony informs his friend that he has learned a lot of things lately - ‘About the things that have happened between us - I think you have an apology coming’ Tony announces.
But Rhodey tells Tony that he has already done more than his share. He adds that the fact is, he has been too busy nursing grudges to keep his own house in order. ‘I know what It’s like to have too much riding on my shoulders…and I’m not proud of the way I’ve handled it. I got no right to throw any more stones at you’. Rhodey tells Tony that if they get out of here alive, they should settle it like friends. Tony replies that he looks forward to that - when they get out of this alive.
Further back, the Scarlet Witch is riding alongside Century. ‘Spider-Woman told me something happened to you a few moments ago. What was it?’ Wanda asks. Century explains that it began after the Mandarin’s attack on him, but that he does not know the cause. He adds that he is troubled / bewildered / confused and frightened. Wanda tells Century that whatever it is, they will help him through, as that is what families are for. “Family” Century remarks, asking Wanda if that is what they are. ‘Well, not your average family, I grant you, but -’ Wanda begins, to which Century interrupts and tells Wanda that he does not believe USAgent shares her opinion. ‘I have angered him in some way’ Century remarks. Wanda explains that USAgent has been proven wrong. ‘He thought you wouldn’t return after you left us in Hong Kong. He’s angry at himself…not that he’d admit it’ Wanda explains as she looks at Walker. Century replies that he doesn’t understand, to which Wanda tells him not to worry about it, as it happens to the best of families.
Much later, civilians begin to gather at the Mandarin’s temple, and the Mandarin refers to his new army attending to their duties. He tells his Avatar Butterfly, kneeled before him, that a simple touch of magic to supply the livery of battle and they will see how easily men fall to controlling their own kind. The Mandarin calls out to Major Chang and asks him if his men are at the border. The Major addresses the Mandarin as Kahn and tells him that he has ordered them to watch for fleeing citizens and detain them. The Major sees an elderly man trying to walk out of a detention camp, so he grabs him and asks him where he thinks he is going.
Suddenly, ‘That’s no way to treat your elders’ War Machine declares. ‘You need to learn a little respect!’ he tells the Major as he knocks him to the ground. Force Works and their army allies engage the Mandarin’s army in battle. A restful trip across the sea, even on an abandoned barge, does wonders for constitution, as the Mandarin’s army discovers. Spider-Woman kicks her opponent over, while War Machine tells Century that he is looking good. Century smiles and tells his new friend that ever since they approached this island his condition has improved considerably, as he kicks one of the soldiers over.
‘Shell-head! Watch your back!’ USAgent calls out as he sees Major Chang approach Tony. ‘Never mind - I’ll do it!’ Johnny declares as he lunges at Major Chang, knocking him into a wall. Tony turns around and thanks USAgent. ‘nothing, boss. But I’ll feel lots more comfortable - when you get your steel underoos back on!’ USAgent declares, before asking where the branch of Stark Enterprises is that they are looking for.
Tony directs the hurried search through deserted streets, and soon they arrive at the Hong Kong branch of Stark Enterprises. ‘Jackpot!’ War Machine calls out, before announcing that they have casualties, as he sees a woman lying amongst the rubble. Tony crouches down beside the woman and sees that it is Suzi Endo. She wakes, confused tat seeing him. ‘The creatures destroyed so much…’ Suzi utters, while Tony tells her that there is no time to go into that now, and asks if there is a working commlink in the building.
Suzi takes Tony and Force Works to an undamaged computer, before Tony asks Suzi to take Su Yin to the medical lab where she can get checked for injuries. Tony asks Wanda, Julia and Walker to search for other survivors. Tony starts using the computer and tells Century and War Machine that they will be doing things that Suzi and Su Yin need not know about. Tony adds that it is a good thing the anti-tech field has not affected Hong Kong yet, before remarking that Century is the closest thing they have to an expert on the Mandarin’s bag of tricks. War Machine asks what today’s “experiment” is, to which Tony smiles and announces that it called “ordering up reinforcements”. He adds that he is contacting Plato at Works HQ and will have him send them a parcel, special delivery.
Meanwhile, smoke billows around the Mandarin’s temple, as the Mandarin exclaims ‘Giant weapons of mass destruction, man-made killing germs, rampant crime, alienation, nuclear war…these are things of the past. I bring you a better world!’ Civilians - prisoners - watch him and one of them shouts ‘Better?’, to which Major Chang orders them to be quiet. But the Mandarin tells Major Chang to hold, and remarks that a ruler must hear his subjects. ‘Speak’ he tells the woman. The woman is angry as she tells the Mandarin that his magic is no different from tanks or clubs. ‘Tyrants always claim to know best - to hide what bullies and cowards they are. To #$@% with them - and to #$@% with you!’ she shouts. The Mandarin just frowns.
Back inside Stark Enterprises, ‘Increase in phase’ Tony tells War Machine and Century who are busy working at a bench. ‘Um…hand me that wire’ Rhodey replies. ‘Temporal resonance cable’ Century corrects him. USAgent crouches beside a small craft, and remarks ‘Man…California to Hong Kong in nothing flat. Stark could make a fortune with this thing’. ‘What does he need with another fortune?’ Wanda asks. Tony is adjusting some machinery and announces that the only way they will knot for sure if these gadgets dampen the anti-technology field is with a field test. ‘No pun intended’ War Machine declares. Spider-Woman asks her friends what she thinks the Mandarin is doing right now, to which USAgent replies that he probably has the whole town bowing and scrapping, maybe feeding him grapes.
‘Silence - silence!’ the Mandarin booms as his “subjects” call out against him.
‘Just about ready -’ Tony begins as he adjusts some red and gold armor.
‘I will have SILENCE!’ the Mandarin booms, holding Parallax over his head.
‘Battle stations!’ Tony orders as he picks up more gold and red armor - a helmet, this time.
Energy flows from the Mandarin, telling his “subjects that he comes among them with a gift, perhaps the greatest gift their miserable lives have ever known. ‘And I am rewarded thus?’ he asks. ‘Very well, then - so be it! If you will not see what is best for you - then I shall demonstrate it. The Reign of Khan begins!’ the Mandarin declares.
Six heroes stand between the Mandarin and the world’s doom - Iron Man. USAgent. Scarlet Witch. Spider- Woman. Century. War Machine. They race towards the Mandarin’s temple, when suddenly, every single building around them begins to fall, destroyed by the Mandarin’s power. ‘See your concrete palaces crumbled to dust! See the world remade in my image! See the end of all that you knew, all that you held most dearly…and bow to the power of the Mandarin...’.


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Provide a full summary of the comic book.

[Assistant]
Duty (1st story)
1st story:
The planet Thrnn:
Emperor Vulcan addresses the crowd. Somewhat in the background stands Gladiator, watching him. He has accompanied Vulcan to dozens of newly conquered planets. Been present for this speech every time. But he has never listened to the words. That is not his place. His attention must be elsewhere. He is Gladiator. Praetor of the Imperial Guard of the Shi’ar Empire. His sworn duty is to obey the commands and protect the person of whosoever sits upon the throne. His appraisal of their policies is neither required nor asked.
In his push to expand the empire, Vulcan has exterminated entire civilizations. Enslaved countless others. He’s made more than a few enemies. One of them is a sniper, cowering in a rooftop.
Gladiator has already spotted him and finds the rifle is a unique marriage of Rigellian precision combined with Badoon lethality. The gunman can shoot his target from across a city and still place his shot in the victim’s eye. If not for his enhanced vision, Gladiator would never have spotted him.
Then he wonders why he hasn’t already slain this man. This is far from the first attempt on Vulcan’s life. He has never hesitated to put them down with extreme prejudice. What is different now? Can it be… that no one else has seen the danger? That no one knows he has seen it? He allows himself another moment. To imagine an empire, a universe, without Vulcan.
To even consider this possibility is treason. A violation of all he stands for, of his very existence, and yet… if he simply stood by a few moments more… no one would know he had failed in his duty. No one but him… The sniper fires… and the ghosts of his past.
Stronia, centuries ago:
Gladiator, back then only Kallark, is one of several young Strontian men and women, all dressed in identical uniforms with the exception of the symbol on their chest. All of them are flying and evading attacking missiles until one of them, Tennet, is hit.
Kallark immediately reacts and catches the other young man. An Elder, flying on a platform addresses the young cadet, reminding him that he abandoned his target. He would not expect a warrior of his proud bloodline to shirk his duty. Kallark corrects the Elder after putting down Tennet on the platform. He has not. Honor demands he aids his comrade if he may do so without compromising the mission and he assures him the target shall be acquired.
Kallark flies towards the target, a flying ship, and attacks it. But he is hit by a blast from the man aboard the ship.
The Elder orders Tennet to observe how Kallark’s confidence does no falter, when he is unexpectedly attacked by sorcery. Tennet protests that these arts are forbidden, by the Elders’ decree.
The Elder agrees, for even their strongest are vulnerable to magic, which is exactly why they allow certain adepts to study it, so they may prepare for its use by an enemy. A warrior must be ready for anything. Their psionically fueled abilities, fearsome as they are, depend entirely on their confidence. Should they doubt themselves, question themselves, as Tennet did when struck by the stronium missile, their power fades. They are not machines. They all feel uncertainty. But they must banish it, overcome it. Or they will fail, as he has learned.
Ashamed, Tennet promises to do better next time, but the Elder tells him that for him the trial is over. He will be a valued member of their army, but in these contests there is no room for error.
Kallark, in the meantime, has taken the enemy prisoner. The Elder commends him and informs him he has won a spot on the final roster. But, he warns him, do not think those challenges are done. The most difficult is yet to come…
One hour later, the chosen warriors stand in front of the Elders, who announce that by royal decree the Shi’ar’s new Imperial Guard will be a company of elites. Each race in the Empire may send only its finest warriors. To represent their people is the highest honor… and any of the ten of them would serve Strontia with distinction. However, there is room for but one, so there will be a final trial. Their natural abilities, already prodigious, shall be enhanced to Gladiator level. They will be able to survive in the vacuum of space. Their power shall be unmatched throughout the universe. Few can survive the Gladiator process. Fewer still possess the strength of character to be trusted with its gift. All of them are worthy. Even they, the Council of Elders, could not choose among them. There is only one in all the empire who can.
And so, soon the ten candidates stand on the Shi’a imperial flagship “Sharra’s Talon” greeting Emperor T’korr. This is the best the Strontians can do? he asks his Chancellor Vitana dismissively. They are young. The advisor explains that only the young can survive the Gladiator process. But they are capable. Even an ordinary Strontian has the power to decimate an army.
The emperor muses. Why did his father accept Strontians into the Shi’ar Empire? Did he not fear so powerful a people might threaten his throne? Chancellor Vitana explains that his father brought them the cure to the Wraith Plague that ravaged Strontia. In return, they swore unending loyalty to the Shi’ar throne. Strontians value nothing above honor and duty. Their fealty is without question.
Indeed? T’korr asks with a nasty grin. Let us see if that is true. He addresses the young Stronians. He will make his final selection after observing how they conduct themselves on a mission of utmost importance. There is a group whose existence concerns him. They are wise and powerful. One day, they may plot against his rule. They shall solve that problem for him. Their mission is to return to their home and slay the Council of Elders.
The young cadets are shocked. One of them, a female, calls T’korr mad. They would sooner die than harm the Council of Elders! The youth of today, the emperor remarks with a disappointed “tsk.” A moment ago, they were pledging themselves to his service as members of the Imperial Guard. Now they defy his orders and insult his royal person.
The woman attacks and T’korr shoots her through the head. He turns to the chancellor. It was as he said. The moment they doubt themselves, the Strontians’ power fades.
He turns to the other cadets, informing them their comrade doubted. Because she knew she had shamed herself. Their people prize honor and duty as the highest of virtues. They swore undying loyalty to the Shi’ar throne. To obey any order given them. Well, he orders them to return to their mudball of a planet and kill their council of Elders. Do they intend to heed their sovereign? Or would they prefer to do as their late friend there and follow dishonor with death? Decide quickly for his patience wears thin! They obey, Kallark announces and the others follow him.
On Strontia, they begin attacking the citadel. One of them, Harrald, tells Kallark this is wrong. The Elders raised them. They are as much family as their own blood. Kallark reminds him that they raised them with honor. To heed the command of their monarch without question.
Their fellows fall around them, their invulnerability leaving them because they know what they are doing is obscene. Perhaps that is best, Kallark replies. For them all to be slain in battle, rather than have to choose between their ruler and their home. Perhaps… No! he decides. Those are the mewlings of a coward. His feelings are irrelevant. He has sworn to obey their majestor. He breaks through into the citadel despite Harrald’s protests.
Kallark finishes off the guards while the elders just watch. Harrald fires eyeblasts at him, trying to stop him, even if it will cost his life. He talks as if he could, Kallark replies, but Harrald’s voice betrays his uncertainty. Kallark has none.
He smashes Harrald into the wall and then kills the elders. He flies outside.
Harrald tells the dying Elders he will try to help or failing that revenge them. One still alive, weakly tells him that Kallark had fulfilled their faith in him and saved their world. It was a test of their loyalty. The Majestor feared their power. Sought assurance that they would be true to the throne above all. The Elders agreed to a bargain. A Shi’ar starcracker orbits their sun even now. Had they all defied T’korr’s orders, he would have activated it and their sun would have gone nova. Kallark was their most promising cadet. Before they departed, the Elders told him what was at stake.
But why not tell him or the rest? Harrald stutters. Even knowing, could they have done what was necessary? Or would it have been too terrible? Would it have driven them to consider rebellion? Harrald hesitates and that is all the answer the Elder needs. They could have won such a war, Harrald insists. Yes, but that is not their way, the Elder replies. Only Kallark could carry the burden of what he now feels. He will serve the imperator, with the same honor and dedication he showed today. Above all he will obey. And with that the Elder dies.
After taking out the starcracker, Kallark returns to the Shi’ar emperor. What about his fellows? T’korr asks. They fell in battle, comes the reply.
He can tell from Kallark’s manner that he is aware of the true purpose of this mission. Despite what he may think, he is not a cruel man. The safety of countless worlds in the Shi’ar Empire depends upon him. There can be no room for doubt. In a ruler… or those on whom he relies on. Kallark has proved himself. T’korr puts a red cloak around Kallark’s shoulders. He shall lead his new Imperial Guard. He shall be its Praetor. Throughout the imperium, the citizens of all the Shi’ar worlds will praise the honor, the duty, the courage of Gladiator.
The present:
The planet Thrnn. Now:
T’korr was a hard man but a good leader, Kallark muses. He put his subjects before himself. Can he say the same for Vulcan? It does not matter. He is his Majestor.
Gladiator steps in front of Vulcan and catches the bullet. Then he uses his heat-vision to dispatch of the would-be assassin.
His planet is now gone. With but one exception he is the last of his kind. Why then does he remain loyal? Because it was the last wish of the Elders. Because if he does not, his centuries long existence and their sacrifice loses all meaning. Because he is Gladiator. And he has sworn to serve.
Vulcan smirks.
2nd story:
The Negative Zone. The Drulag Labor camp:
The prisoners are rebelling and the guards wonder how it is possible that so many different races could fight like a trained army. Who could have united them? One of them exclaims, wondering fearfully if Annihilius has returned. He is hit by an energy blast. Annihilius is a rotting corpse, they are told. Bow before King Blastaar! the leader orders as he kills the guards.
One of them scoffs though and calls Blastaar a barbarian. A minor regional warlord, whose own people rose up and tried to slay him. He is sure the prisoners are doomed to lose. Blastarr cradles his face as he admits his own people tried to kill him. And they failed as has everyone else. He defied Annihilius when he invaded the positive matter universe. He fought the Phalanx’ attempted conquest as well. They are gone. He still stands. There are none left to oppose him. He has the backing of the Kree Empire. The Negative Zone will be his!
The captured guard tells him the force that backs him considers him a tool. A simple minded brute who can plunge the negative universe into chaos and keep them from threatening them again. No doubt they expect Blastaar will eventually be killed, solving the problem of what to do with the ugly barbarian they were forced to ally themselves with.
He is clearly a learned man, Blastaar admits. Eloquent. He is not. Please pardon the inelegance of his rebuttal. With that, he blasts his captive’s head off.
He turns around to the freed prisoners, telling them the Captain spoke the truth, for all the good it did him. He is not some blueblooded aristocrat who feels entitled to power because of an accident of birth. He is like them. What he has gained in this life he took because he was strong and was willing to kill or to die acquiring it. For this, he was looked down upon by the sneering elites and intellectuals who turned to him for aid in war and found him an embarrassment in peacetime. These hypocrites condemned him for doing openly what they do behind closed doors or hidden behind the perfumed veils of diplomacy and commerce.
He knows the indignities and insults they suffered because he has shared them. Exile, imprisonment, regarded as little better than dogs. Well, the dogs are about to have their day. Join him and he shall lead them to victory. They shall rule the Negative Zone! Are they with him?
One turns away. He has been breaking rocks here for thirty rotations. He is off to find some expensive drinks and cheap women. Blastaar’s blast kills him. He asks again: Are they with him? Hail King Blastaar! they cheer.
Sometime later on the planet Balluur, Blastaar’s homeworld. Fire and explosions erupt, as Blastaar’s troops attack. King Grondaar asks how the attackers were able to breach their defenses and is told somehow the invaders disabled them. It’s like they knew all their vulnerabilities.
A messenger comes with the news that the invaders are led by Blastaar. Angrily, the king gets up – this must not be! In the time since Blastaar was disposed, they have rebuilt Balduur from a barbaric backwater to a place of civilization, of leaning, of intellectual achievement! He refuses to let that animal drag them down again!
A guard entreats him to remain in the safety of the palace. Most of their fleet was destroyed on the ground. Their defenses have been targeted with ruthless precision. They cannot properly protect him. Protect him? he scoffs. He is king. It is he who should protect his people, and he shall!
He flies outwards, blasting the invaders, until finally he faces Blastaar. Landing, Grondaar announces that Blastaar’s bloodlust threatens to tear Balduur asunder. Whatever hate he has for them – for him – it should not extend to their mutual home. He suggests they resolve this another way. He challenges him to single combat. If Blastaar is the victor, Grondaar’s people will submit. Bur if he wins, Blastaar’s army must lay down their arms and disperse. What say he? With a smirk Blastaar accepts. How can he refuse his honored father?
Energy crackles around them as Grondaar announces that to save his people he shall kill his own son while Blastaar assures him that he will slay him. Not for victory, but because he has it coming!
Grondaar blasts him to the ground, announcing he has become overconfident. He’s never had to face a foe with their family’s unique power. But he had it thirty years before Blastaar was born. He taught Blastaar everything he knows.
Yes, including treachery, Blastaar agrees and punches him in the gut. Grondaar led the uprising against him, his rightful heir. He slaughtered everyone he found in Blastaar’s palace and left him chained to an asteroid to die.
Grondaar wrestles him and reminds his son that he led the rebellion because the people asked him too. Blastaar was a despot, enjoying himself while Baluur starved. Leading them into one mad war after another. He headbutts him. His only mistake was not killing him on the spot and allowing one outside their royal bloodline to assume the throne out of shame for what his flesh and blood had done.
Blastaar hits him back. Yes, his handpicked successor, a weakling and a coward. When he returned, their people welcomed Blastaar with open arms.
Understandable, Grondaar replies. They had been besieged by invaders and craved a strong hand to protect them. Not realizing that strength without wisdom is the worst kind of weakness. He blasts his son and blames him for leading their people to the brink of disaster, pursuing this childish vendetta against the positive matter universe. They asked Grondaar to return to the throne to rebuild their world. He has his son on the ropes.
In short time, Baluur had become a paradise, a place of art, science and learning. He will not take that from them! He is hated here. They want him put down like a wild beast! But he is still of Grondaar’s blood. He will be merciful if Blastaar yields and renounces his foolish dreams of conquest. He may persuade the people to imprison him for life rather than kill him.
Yield? Blastaar scoffs. He chose the path of conquest over his wife, his last surviving son. And he cared for them. Surrender to a father he hates?! Never! He blasts all of his energy and vanquishes his father.
The guards tell him he has won and they shall keep word. They pledge themselves to king Blastaar. Do they now? he asks. He spits on their pledge! All his life he sought the acceptance of his people. By force if that was the only means available. And in return they have given him betrayal. Now he asks but one thing of them: that they suffer. Baluur shall be the headquarters of his army and its people their servants. They, who though themselves so far above brutes like them, shall now polish their boots, live and die at their whims.
Is it not as he promised? he asks his men. He who has been cast out of his home now rules it as shall they all. Their conquest has just begun. They have been underestimated for the last time and they shall prove it by bringing the Negative Zone to its knees! But it will not end there, he continues as his army slaughters their foes. The elite of the positive matter universe thought they could use him like some unthinking tool… a weapon. They’ll soon find out that a weapon can point both ways!


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Provide a full summary of the comic book.

[Assistant]
untitled
The few X-Men left are currently on a mission. Dani Moonstar muses she cannot get the poem out of her head: “This is the way the world ends.” When she was a child, she tried to make sense of it, tried to figure out what TS Eliot meant by it. Now she just wonders how he knew.
Cyclops asks her what she is thinking. She replies she is just distracted by the strange weather. Feels like bad things are coming. He opines they are already here. Is she sure she’s up for this? Dani reminds him her powers are back. What about him? she asks, referring to his recent eye injury. Cyclops replies he is not supposed to use his power, but they have enough fire power, so he is just along for the ride. Along with them are Havok, Wolfsbane, Magik and Multiple Man.
They good? Havok asks. When Scott replies in the affirmative and begins a speech, Havok fires his plasma blast at the cabin in front of them over Wolfsbane’s protest. He explains himself. He thought everything was clear. Scott was beginning his big be-safe speech he always does when they start…
That moment Nanny and e Orphan-Maker burst from the cabin.
The X-Men attack. One of the Madroxes reminds them nobody gets a statue if they get killed by villains this stupid looking. Who is gonna build statues of them? another Madrox asks. He just meant ‘don’t die’ the first points out. Then say that, a third dupe suggests.
Orphan-Maker takes on Havok, vowing they won’t stop them from saving the mutant kids. Cyclops tries to reason with him and finds his power doesn’t work. A little help! he shouts. Moonstar creates a psychic bow and arrow, but before she can fire she senses something strange – a feeling – a call to arms.
With Dani out of the game, Wolfsbane intercepts to attack Orphan-Maker. Cyclops asks Dani why she didn’t take the shot. She has to go! she replies.
The Madroxes are getting pummeled by Nanny. Magik is about to help when Dani whispers something into her ear. Instead of helping Madrox, she calls a teleportation circle and announces they have to go. She and Dani disappear.
Madrox gets hit by Nanny again for good measure.
35 minutes and two beaten foes later, Cyclops chides what’s left of his team on their poor performance. When Havok mouthes off, Cyclops sharply reminds him that he used to be a teamleader, so act like it. Havok retorts that Cyclops is leader now and hence responsible for this disaster.
Madrox tries to point out that they won and Wolfsbane tries to separate the brothers physically, even as Cyclops announces he takes his share of the responsibility, but it’s not his fault if his team acts like it’s their first day in the Danger Room! Havok snaps that a third of the team vanished mid-fight. He wants to blame him and Jamie for things going south? Where is the rest of his team?
That moment Magik teleports in, shouting Dani is in trouble. A moment later, she teleports them to the West Village. The first thing Havok notices is the snow. Wolfsbane points out something more important, namely scores of armored armed Dark Elves.
As the mutants enter the fight, Magik brings them up to speed on the situation: Malekith, king of the Dark Elves, has conquered all the known realms save this one. The Asgardian War has come to Earth. Dr. Strange has already cleared the people from the city. Havok sensibly wonders where the Asgardians are.
Fighting what looks like a Frost Giant, Cyclops demands why Magik came here in the first place. She explains Dani begged her but they got swarmed and Magik couldn’t fight her way to Dani. Cyclops demands she teleport them out. They are being overwhelmed! They don’t even know if Dani is still alive. Wolfsbane, however, can still sense Dani through their psi-link, though it’s faint. Good enough for him, Havok announces and lets loose a blast and flattens the Dark Elves, buying them some time to retreat.
Cyclops asks what Dani wanted, anyway. Magik doesn’t know. He begins berating her for abandoning the team for no good reason. She sharply replies that she trusts Dani.
Cyclops asks Wolfsbane if she can pinpoint Dani, but the signal is too faint. When they run into some hungry Frost Giants, Cyclops orders Magik to teleport to Harry’s Hideaway and get the rest of the team.
Reluctantly, Magik obeys and Madrox asks Cyclops about the plan. He explains they are boxed in on these small streets, so they need to get to Sixth Avenue where they can outmaneuver their foes. He orders Havok to do something stupid. Alex blasts them a shortcut through a building. As they run he asks what’s next. Scott admits that he is winging it here. Alex retorts that Scott is still better at this than anybody he knows.
They come out on the other side, facing a Frost Giant who shouts that Midgard is theirs. They should have run with the rest! He brings down his cudgel, almost hitting Wolfsbane. In response, Havok blasts him with all his power, only to find the Frost Giant is still standing. Cyclops theorizes that Frost Giants are magical creatures, so the normal rules don’t always apply. Fortunately, they hear a familiar scream, as Banshee tears right through the giant.
Cautiously, Madrox asks if Banshee isn’t supposed to be locked in the basement. Magik shows up with the others – Banshee, Chamber, Karma and Hope. Referring to Banshee and Hope, Illyana reminds Cyclops that he told her to get everyone, so she did.
Cyclops asks for Logan and is told he was already gone when she arrived. So she brought Hope instead? he asks. She retorts they need the whole team. Cyclops insists Hope isn’t on the team. She is a prisoner. Holding her firearm, Hope disdainfully calls him grandpa and reminds him things are looking pretty bad, and he is still holding on to a little grudge? He reminds her she shot him in the face because he tried to stop her from killing somebody. It’s a decent-size grudge. Hope sensibly points out that, if they don’t deal with what is going on, none of it will matter. They can fight now and ground her tomorrow.
lllyana notices Rahne missing and Madrox explains she fell into the hole in the street along with one of his dupes. He believes it’s a water main or old sewer tunnel. Without listening to the rest of his rambling, Magik jumps down. Hope takes command telling Banshee to stay. Chamber knows the tunnels, so he is coming with her.
Cyclops interjects that they don’t know what’s down there. It might be a trap. Hope reminds him she isn’t on his team, so she is going where Magik goes. She and Chamber climb down. So… that went well, Havok comments amused.
Suddenly, they hear a booming nose. It’s a group of Frost Giants flanked by an army of Dark Elves. Karma asks if they will follow the others. Cyclops disagrees. Their best chance is to wait for the Avengers and coordinate with them. Karma protests that they have teammates down there. Cyclops states Hope and Magik knew what they were doing. His job is to keep everyone else alive. And Rahne? Karma asks pointedly. Scott believes Hope and Magik will look after her, but they have to go or no one will make it out alive.
In the tunnels, Wolfsbane and the Madrox dupe have taken care of a Dark Elf but don’t know where to go. She can smell Dark Elves everywhere. A group attacks them but is taken out by Hope’s guns. She and Chamber have found them. Hope suggests getting out then notices Magik isn’t with them anymore. The Dark Elves attack. Chamber intervenes and takes them out. He suggests Hope synch with his power.
Hope tries but, instead of displaying Chamber’s energy signature, she begins to glow with black, solar energy. Surprised, she announces there must be someone else nearby whose power she tapped into. He thinks she just found out what it feels like to be him, a new voice announces.
Above, the others are fleeing for their lives. Bringing up the rear and firing plasma at their pursuers, Havok informs the others they have got flying dogs now. Cyclops orders Banshee to get into the air and give them cover. Banshee complies.
Havok points out he is getting pretty drained here. Where the hell are the gods who are supposed to deal with this? He hates this Lord of the Rings stuff! Cyclops assures him they are on their way. They need to hold on.
A moment later, a flying dog makes the grab for Havok. Luckily, the beast is shot by an energy arrow, courtesy of Moonstar, who tells them they shouldn’t have come here.
Cyclops tells her they need to find cover until there are reinforcements. Grimly, she reveals none are coming. Asgard has fallen. All of the other realms have fallen to Malekith’s forces. She came when Odin summoned the Valkyries. But she arrived too late… her sisters have all fallen. They were Earth’s last hope.
This is the way the world ends, she thinks. Not with a bang but a whimper.