Avenging Shadows - Part 10

Meanwhile, back at the castle...

"So you were living in space? Fascinating", Quentin remarked to Jacques as he shoved another fork full of eggs into his mouth.

"Not so amazing", Jacques remarked. "After all, my heritage is part Coati. I'm as much alien as I am human."

"It just takes some getting used to", Quentin agreed. "I have to admit that being with the Avengers has been quite an experience, to say the least."

"Are you an Avenger?", Jacques asked. "You seem to be part of the group, but you didn't go with them to answer that alert earlier. Yet, I sense a power inside you."

"I'm not an Avenger. I'm their guest, if you want to call it that. I was the leader of a cult of vampires and we don't know why or how. There's this block in my head keeping me from remembering how I ended up that way. The Avengers, and Dr. Druid specifically, are helping me to over-come that block and regain my memories."

"Yes, I can sense it", Jacques said.

"You can?", Quentin asked.

"Yes. Part of my Coati heritage involves telepathy and I inherited the skill of empathy from my mother as well. I can see that block so clearly in your head. And another small part, a cage, holding a beast of some sort at bay."

"All of that, in my head", Quentin remarked. "No wonder people think I'm crazy. I think the beast in the cage is akin to my curse."

"Curse?", Jacques asked.

"Lycanthropy", Quentin answered. "It means that I occasionally change into a..."

"A werewolf", Jacques interjected. "Amazing!"

"I'm surprised that you know of werewolves", Quentin smiled.

"I was raised by the Priests of Pama as a child", Jacques remarked, "and they wanted to be sure my education included all aspects of humanity, including the supernatural."

"Sounds like good teachers", Quentin smiled.

"They were humorless sadists", Jacques smiled. "But they taught me a lot. That explains the power I sensed from you when I first arrived."

"Yes. But it's under control and my transformations are very few and far between.", Quentin said.

"Your cousin, Barnabas. He's not a werewolf too, is he?", Jacques asked.

"No, he's not. Barnabas suffers from a different curse. He is a vampire", Quentin answered.

"And yet, I don't sense evil from him", Jacques said.

"Barnabas is a tortured soul, to be sure", Quentin grimly smiled. "Though he has been less than angelic at times, he's not evil. I doubt you'll find any better persons, living or dead, in this world."

"Mom seems to agree as well", Jacques smiled. "She speaks highly of both of you."

"She does?", Quentin remarked.

"Yes. She told me some of all of her companions last night after we retired. She loves being an Avenger and is proud to be in the company of such heroes."

"I don't think either Barnabas or I could really be called heroes", Quentin said.

"Don't underestimate yourself and your legacies", Jacques said.

Suddenly, alarms and sirens started sounding throughout the castle.

"What the...?", Quentin said.

"I sense something odd, a weird aura", Jacques said quietly.

The Butler, Curtis appeared.

"Curtis, what's going on?", Quentin asked.

"Master Collins, the security sensors have detected an unidentified presence on the grounds", Curtis said.

"Sure it isn't Jacques?", Quentin asked.

"No sir", Curtis replied. "The sensors were adjusted upon Master Jacques arrival last night to account for his presence."

"So what should we do? Where is this unidentified presence at?", Quentin asked.

"I sense a power..... evil", Jacques remarked.

"Our sensors indicate that it's on Level C in the East Wing", Curtis replied.

"That's where Barnabas is at", Quentin replied, quickly jumping up. "Try to summon the Avengers. I'm going up there!"

"Yes sir", Curtis replied, heading to the communications area.

"Hey Jacques, can you teleport me up to where Barnabas is at?", Quentin asked.

"No, I can't. My teleporting abilities are only long range and are useless for short distances", Jacques said.

"Oh shit! Well, come on", Quentin said as he ran out the door, heading towards the stairs that would lead him to where his Cousin rested in his deathlike slumber.

"I'm right behind you", Jacques said, as the two men bounded towards their destination.

**

In just a matter of moments, Quentin and Jacques had reached the door leading to the guest room where Barnabas resided.

"I don't hear anything", Quentin remarked to Jacques. "Do you sense anything?"

"There's something in there with your Cousin, but I can't tell what", Jacques said.

"Well, only one way to find out", said Quentin as he jerked over the door and bolted into the room.

And there, standing next to the bed where Barnabas ws laying in his deathlike slumber, stood a tall, red-skinned being with horns and a tail, brandishing a sword and with a huge smile on his face.

"What the devil?", Quentin exclaimed as he and Jacques bounded into the room.

"The Devil?", the figure laughed. "Not quite, Mr. Collins. But close enough where you and your cousin are concerned. Call me Master Pandemonium."

"Master Panda Bear? Oh yeah, Manuel has mentioned you. He didn't seem too impressed.", Quentin remarked as he signaled Jacques to move to his side so they could ambush the trespassign demon.

"Manuel? Oh yes, the Lightning One. He is but a foolish child", Pandemonium remarked. "And I'd suggest you remain where you are before I'm forced to destroy the vampire here!"

Quentin signaled Jacques to stand still as he pondered his next move.

"Who are you and what do you want with Barnabas, with us..?", Quentin asked.

"I've been dispatched here because my associate asked me to. What she wants with Barnabas Collins, I have no idea. And truthfully, I don't care.", Pandemonium replied.

"Well, you're not getting Barnabas if I have anything to say about it", Quentin replied.

"But alas, you don't, Werewolf", Pandemonium smirked. "There is nothing that you nor the human plant next to you can do to prevent me from achieving my tasks."

Suddenly, a ball of light flew forth from Jacques's head and engulped the red-skinned devil.

"What the... ?", Quentin gasped.

"I've enclosed Pandemonium in an energy field", Jacques said quietly. "He's not going anywhere."

"Very creative, alien", Pandemonium said as he glanced around at his prison of light. "But not good enough."

Jacques and Quentin watched in horror as Pandemonium's arms began to expand and bulge and quickly transformed into two huge demons, pushing outwards on the walls of energy surrounding the crinsom clad demon.

*POP* The energy field quickly dissolved.

"And now, I'll take my prize, the vampire Barnabas, and bid you cretins adieu", Pandemonium muttered as he and the body of Barnabas began to glow.

But before Pandemonium could vanish, a sudden blast of cold and ice came from the doorway, compliments of Bobby Drake, aka The Iceman.

Quickly, the entire body of Pandemonium was surrounded and encased in a big block of ice.

"And that's how you handle goofball demons", Iceman replied as he and Issac Christians, aka The Gargoyle, entered the room.

"Bobby! Issac! I'm happy to see you", Quentin replied as the two men approached the scene.

"Yeah, we just got back and Curtis told us that you had a situation developing up here. So what's going on?", Issac asked.

"And who's the kid", Bobby asked, pointing towards Phillip.

"This is Mantis's son, Jacques", Quentin replied as he quickly provided introductions. "As for what's going on, the guy you just turned into a giant icecube is Master Pandemonium. And he came here to attempt to kidnap Barnabas."

"Did he say why?", Issac asked.

"Just that an associate of his told him to kidnap Barnabas. We never got to find out why", Quentin replied.

"Is he OK in that ice", Jacques asked quietly.

"Yeah, he should be. I made airholes so he could breathe. He might have a little frostbite, but that's about it", Iceman said.

"Is Mister Collins OK", Issac asked.

"He should be", Quentin remarked as he moved over to where Barnabas still lay, oblivious to all the action that had taken place around him while he lie the slumber of the living dead.

After checking on Barnabas, the four men continued to talk among themselves, never noticing that the eyes of Master Pandemonium were beginning to change to a bright red and emit a light glow.

"Is it getting warmer in here", Quentin asked after a few minutes.

"Seems to be", Issac commented.

"Look out", Jacques yelled as he finally noticed Pandemonium starting to glow inside his prison of ice. A loud crash as the block of ice exploded and Pandemonium stood free.

"Prepare to meet your makers, humans! I've had enough of this nonsense", Pandemonium scowled.

The four heros began to assume defensive positions as Pandemonium postured and prepared to attack.

THUD!

Pandemonium fell to the ground as the silver tip of a very special cane cracked hard against his all-too human skull. Standing behind him was the now awoke Barnabas Collins.

"Ow! That's going to leave a mark", replied Bobby Drake as they watched Barnabas crack Pandemonium upside the head, rendering the demon-being unconcious.

"I suggest we get this... person into some sort of holding facility as soon as possible", Barnabas replied. "And then, would someone tell me what's been going on?"

**
Meanwhile, back on the Quinjet.

"I just got word from the Castle", the Widow said. "There was an attempt to kidnap Barnabas Collins. Luckily, Iceman and Gargoyle got back in time and were able to help Quentin and Jacques prevent it from occuring."

"Is everyone OK? Is Jacques...?", Mantis asked.

"Everyone is fine. And they managed to capture the attempted kidnapper. Master Pandemonium."

"Master Panda Bear", replied Hank Pym and Living Lightning at the same time.

"Have they figured out why Panda Bear was after Collins?", Pym asked.

"No, not yet", the Widow replied. "They keeping him secure until we get back to the Castle".

"Excuse me, but who exactly is this Master Panda Bear, as Manuel and Hank called him?", Spitfire asked.

"I remember him not either", Hercules commented.

"He's a minor league whack that we encounted a few times with the West Coast Avengers", Dr. Pym replied. "He was a movie producer who was in a car wreck. He didn't die, but somehow managed to attract the attention of the demon, Mephisto. As a lark, Mephisto replaced Pandemonium's arms and legs with living demons. He also took Pandemonium's soul and broke it into five seperate pieces which he hid in various places."

"Sounds most foul indeed", Hercules commented.

"He's was also involved when Wanda's children were revealed to be fake", Manuel replied.

"Yes, it turned out that Wanda's twins were formed as a result of her hex powers, using two pieces of Pandemonium's soul as their basis", Pym remarked.

"Wanda?", Andromeda asked?

"That would be Wanda Maximoff, aka The Scarlet Witch", the Widow replied. "I keep forgetting that some of you haven't been Avengers for long."

"Anyhow, after reclaiming the two pieces of his soul that we thought to be Wanda's twins". Pym continued, "Pandemonium vanished in pursuit of the other remaining pieces. And we hadn't heard from him since then."

"Well, he's back now with a vengence, it seems. But what would Pandemonium have to do with Barnabas and Quentin Collins?", Lyja asked.

"I've heard of this Pandemonium", Druid commented, "but I can recall no connections with the Collins family or either vampires or werewolves in general. He's strictly a third-rate character in the overall scheme of things."

"And I want to know", Spitfire commented, "how this fits in with our fake Hydra agents we just dealt with. Someone is playing games and wanted the team away from the castle and I would like to know why!"

"We'll find out more when we question him, I suppose", said the Widow. "Now I suggest that everyone strap in and prepare for landing. We're almost back at the castle."

**
Moments later after landing the Quinjet at the castle, several of the Avengers have gathered in the holding facility that is holding the captured Master Pandemonium.

"Tell us what you wanted, Pandemonium", the Widow asked the crimson covered prisoner.

"You'll see... you'll see". Pandemonium cackled.

"Perhaps the Prince of Power shall make you see the error of being so insolent", Hercules growled, moving closer to the cage that held the prisoner.

"Don't threaten me, Godling", Pandamonium smirked. "You have no idea of the power I possess!"

"Not enough to keep you from being captured", Hercules grinned.

"That's enough, Hercules", the Widow commented. "I think myself and Druid can handle the interrogation from here on."

"If you say so, fair lady", Hercules muttered as he stepped away. "But give the word and the son of Zeus shall gladly teach yon cur the error of his ways!"

"I'll keep that in mind", Widow smiled as she gently pointed Hercules towards the door and out of the holding facility.

Both Pandemonium and Dr. Druid watched as the leader of the Avengers ushered out Hercules. Druid then turned towards the entrapped Pandemonium. With a stern look in his eyes, Druid stared at the prisoner and then spoke quietly...

"Let's talk, shall we!"

"Your hypnotic powers won't work on me, Druid. Nor will your telepathy", Pandamonium smirked. "Yes, I know all about you, Mage. And every single one of you so called Avengers!"

"We'll see", Druid replied. "We'll see."

**

In the library of the castle, Barnabas, Quentin and Dr. Pym had gathered.

"Shouldn't we be getting prepared for the attack on Quentin's mind", Barnabas asked with a smirk as he caught of the eye of his erstwhile cousin.

"We probably should, but Druid is busy right now trying to interrogate Master Pandemonium", Pym replied.

"Well, why not have Jacques use his powers instead", Quentin asked.

"Jacques?", Pym remarked. "He's so untrained in the use of his powers. He's got the telepathy and empathy training though."

"Earlier today, before Pandemonium showed up, Jacques remarked that he could see the block in my mind. If he can see it, he should be able to penetrate it", Quentin remarked.

"It makes sense", Barnabas agreed.

"It does", Pym commented. "As part Coati, his telepathic abilities far exceed anything that I or Druid can do."

"Druid might not agree with that, but I do", Quentin smiled.

"And with you and I here to supervise, we should be able to guide Jacques enough to pierce the block with minimal risk for Quentin", Barnabas agreed.

"I'll go run it by Druid when he takes a break from interrogating Pandamonium", Pym said. "And we also have to find out if Jacques is willing to give it a shot and try to break through that barrier."

"I'll go ask him", Quentin commented. "He seems like an agreeable sort of lad. The only problem might be getting Mantis to go along with it."

"She is a bit on the protective side", Barnabas commented. "But she's also an Avenger and knows how important it is that we get this matter resolved."

"Yeah, I can't be walking around with this walking time-bomb potentially in my head", Quentin smirked.

"It's no laughing matter", Barnabas commented.

"Lighten up, Cousin", Quentin smiled.

"Let's go talk to Mantis and Jacques while Dr. Pym speaks to Druid", Barnabas replied grimly.

"Before you go, Barnabas", Pym questioned. "Did you ever get the chance to get those papers of Dr. Hoffman's from your flat that we spoke of?"

"No", Barnabas answered. "With all the excitement, I had forgotten. I'll make a phone call and have my housekeeper send them here via cab."

"Good", Pym remarked. "I spoke with an associate earlier today, a Dr. Michael Morbius, who specializes in blood diseases and he seems confident that we should be able to modify Dr. Hoffman's serum to allow you to return to a more normal type of life."

"That would be wonderful Doctor", Barnabas replied. "I'll call my housekeeper immediately and have the papers sent."

"You do that, Barnabas, and I'll go speak with Mantis and Phillip while Pym talks to Druid. And let's see if we can get this thing out of my head", Quentin said.

"Agreed", Barnanas said as the three men left the library.

**

"So you're really going back to Atlantis", Bobby Drake aka The Iceman asked Andromeda as she finished packing her bags in her chambers.

"I am, Robert", Andromeda answered. "King Namor has requested that I return and lead the Atlantean army. It is truly a great honor for me."

"Yeah, but his timing sucks", Iceman commented. ""With me, you and Issac all part of the group, it was almost like a Defender reunion here."

"True", Andromeda smiled. "I've enjoyed my time here with the Avengers, but my duty is clear. I must return to Atlantis."

"So when are you leaving?", Iceman asked.

""Immediately", Andromeda answered. "I was supposed to leave this morning, but chose to go to Paris with the team. I must now make haste and return home. Namor is not a man to be kept waiting for long."

"Yeah, he is kind of a hothead at times", Drake joked.

"Bobby, please. That is my liege", Andromeda remarked.

"What? The truth hurts?", Bobby laughed.

"You have to admit that Subby can be somewhat impatient even at the best of times", a voice came from the doorway.

Andromeda and Bobby Drake turned to see Lyja and Issac Christians, aka The Gargoyle.

"Hi guys!", Bobby said. "Came to see Dromeda off?"

"Yep!", Issac said, moving to give Andromeda a hug. "It's always a shame to see such a pretty lady go!"

"And a noble warrior as well", Lyja added, giving Andromeda a hug of her own.

"I am touched", Andromeda smiled, wiping a small bit of moisture from her eyes.

"Are you sure you have to leave?", Lyja asked.

"I am", Andromeda remarked. "But as the Widow said earlier today, once an Avenger...."

"Always an Avenger", the other three answered in unison.

"So how are you getting to Atlantis", Issac asked as the four heroes walked into the hallway.

"Namor offered to send an Imperial fleet to escort me", Andromeda answered.

"That would go over really well with the locals", Lyja remarked.

"I agree", Andromeda said. "So I've arranged with the Widow to borrow one of the Quinjets. I just need to find a volunteer to be able to drive it back home after dropping me off. And I was hoping..."

"Say no more", Bobby Drake replied. "I think the Iceman - Gargoyle taxi service will be able to accomodate you!"

"Yes, indeedy", the Gargoyle said. "Just back from Weschester and now off to Atlantis. It's never boring around here. Always on the go."

"How about you, Lyja? Care to come along for the ride?", Iceman asked.

"No", Lyja responded. "I'm going to stay close to the base and see what develops with Pandamonieum. I also want to be there when Druid and Hank try to mind-probe Quentin. I told Barnabas that I would."

"You're getting awful friendly with Barnabas, aren't you", Andromeda commented.

"He's a fascinating man... for a human", Lyja smiled. "My heart still belongs to Johnny Storm if that's what you're suggesting though."

"I never said a word", Andromeda smiled.

"I know. But I know that everyone has been wondering about me and Johnny and what our status is", Lyja replied.

"Speaking of which, what is that status", Iceman interjected.

"We're on good terms and together", Lyja said. "We just happen to drive each other crazy if we're around each other too often."

"Sounds like me and a girl I dated back in 39", Issac laughed. "Loved that girl to death, I did... but more than ten minutes together and we were like cats and dogs."

"Sounds lovely!", Andromeda smiled.

"It was. Love is a many splendored thing", Issac commented. "Sounds like you and Mister Storm are doing OK, Miss Lyja."

"Just Lyja, please. Me and Johnny are keeping it real. He has nothing to worry about with Barnabas", Lyja said.

"But Barnabas isn't just a human", Iceman commented. "He's got that whole several hundred years old, vampire thing going on too!"

"Bobby, we're in a group that has Skrulls, Atlanteans, Greek Gods, mutants, former spies, androids, gargoyles and magicians, among others. What's a vampire?", Andromeda commented.

"Sure, when you put it that way", Bobby laughed.

"Barnabas is a fine person and a noble soul. A true English gentleman", Lyja said.

"OK, I'm sold", Iceman agreed. "You win!"

"I always do", Lyja smiled. "Now, let's go see about getting the Lady Andromeda back to Atlantis before Namor has a fit!"

The group continued to talk among themselves as they headed towards the Quinjet hangar.

**
Mantis and Jacques were sitting in their quarters.

"I really do think that I can help Mr. Collins in his situation, Mother", Jacques said quietly.

"And this one agrees that your powers are indeed formidable", Mantis agreed. "But your training is not complete. Your control has need reached it's potential as of yet and you could possibly do as much harm as good."

"But if they ask", Jacques continued, "it's my duty as their ally, as a friend, to do what I can to help."

"I am just fearful that it might be too much. I don't want to place you in danger", Mantis remarked.

"I am the Celestial Messiah", Jacques said. "I will always be in danger. It is my destiny and my life. I can not hide from my responsibilities and duties. I must do what I can when I can. You know that, Mother!"

"I know that", Mantis agreed. "I just don't have to like it."

A knock rapped upon the door.

"It's Mister Collins", Jacques remarked. "He's here to ask for help!"

"So he is", Mantis frowned. "Come in, Mr. Collins", she said towards the door.

"Sorry to interrupt", Quentin said as he entered the room, "but I have a favor to ask if it's possible."

"You want Jacques to use his telepathic abilities to scan your mind and attempt to penetrate that block inside your head", Mantis said.

"Uhhhh... yes. That's it exactly. I've already talked to Pym and he's agreed that with Jacques's abilities, it should be easy for him to pierce the block and see what kind of secrets are being kept from us", Quentin said.

"And what does Druid think of using Jacques's abilities thusly", Mantis asked.

"Pym is talking to him even as we speak. But we're sure he'd agree that Jacques would have the best chance of all of us assembled to break the wall.", Quentin said.

"And he's right", Jacques said quietly. "With Pym and Druid guiding me, it should be fairly easy to discover what exactly is locked in Quentin's mind with that block. I would like to do it!".

"Great", Quentin said with asmile.

"Very well", Mantis agreed. "This one is not happy about it, but we shall help however we can."

**
A few hours later, the heroes assembled in the vast library. Quentin Collins sat in a chair, surrounded by Hank Pym, Dr. Druid and the young man known as Jacques, . The Black Widow, Hercules and Mantis stood off to the side. The vampire named Barnabas Collins and the Skrull warrior named Lyja also watched on.

"OK, Iceman and Gargoyle have left to take Andromeda back to Atlantis. The Living Lightning and Spitfire are standing watch with our prisoner, Master Pandemonium. So I guess, as they say in the movies, the gang's all here. Are we ready to get started", the Widow asked the assembled heroes.

"Just a moment", Druid said. "I had hoped that Stephen Strange would be able to be here as well to led his knowledge and help in case we experience any problems, but I can't seem to reach him at the moment."

"Problems?", Barnabas asked.

"Yes", said Druid quietly. "What we've been able to discover thus far is that the block in Quentin's mind is seemingly a combination of science, magic and Lord knows what else. If Phillip is able to pierce it and reveal what's hidden inside, there is no telling what the consequences might be."

"I'm not sure I like this", Mantis commented. "The dangers to my son..."

"Are no worse than the dangers you all face each and every day when you became an Avenger, Mother", Jacques interjected. "I can do no less. After all, I am your son".

Mantis stayed quiet but moved over closer to give her son a hug.

"How much longer will we wait to hear from Strange", Quentin asked. "I'm ready to get this show on the road and get this thing out of my head!"

"Even at the risk of possible brain damage and injury to yourself, Cousin?", Barnabas asked.

"My mind. My risks", Quentin smiled. "Besides, I've never been the most sane of fellows..."

"That's true", Barnabas smiled.

"What's that? A joke from my grim-faced cousin? There might be hope for you yet, Barnabas", Quentin laughed.

""Possibly", Barnabas smiled.

"I don't see any need to wait any longer", Druid replied. "I'm casting mystical wards around the library, to keep any magical influences out of our way so we can proceed safely."

"We shall have no interference", Hercules muttered. "The Prince of Power shall see to that!"

"And what Herc can't handle", Lyja smiled, "I'm sure the rest of us can deal with."

"One hopes", the Widow commented.

"The wards are in place", Druid said grimly. "Dr. Pym, are you and Jacques ready?"

"We are", Pym said. "I've already explained to Jacques just what he needs to do. Are you going to be accompanying him telepathically, Druid?"

"I am. I'll use my telepathic skills to guide Jacques to the block and then help augment his abilities to lend assistance as needed once we're in Collins head", Druid said.

"And why you're doing that, I'll be using hypnotism to help keep Quentin calm here in the physical world and hopefully avoid any major trauma", Pym added.

"What of my own powers of hypnotism, or the empathic abilities of Mantis. Are we to be used", Barnabas asked.

"No", Druid replied. Between myself, Pym and especially Jacques, there is far more than enough power present. If we can't pierce the block and discover what lies within, it can't be done."

"Very well", Barnabas said grimly.

"So are we going to do this or what?", Quentin asked.

Druid used no words to reply. He glanced at Pym and Jacques and then his eyes began to glow.

"We already have, Mr. Collins. We already have."

Quentin glanced up and Dr. Pym was standing in front of him.

"Look into my eyes and listen to the sound of my voice, Quentin. Just relax!", Pym said.

As Quentin listened to Dr. Pym speak, he could feel his eyelids getting heavy and he could feel his conciousness fading away. At the same time, he felt a warmth as the telepathic essences of Dr. Druid and Phillip entered his mind.