Avenging Shadows - Part 5

Barnabas moved quickly and quietly through the dark and foggy streets of London after his meeting with Druid and Spitfire, of the Avengers. Although he was reluctant to get involved with 'super heroes', he had realized that this recent series of activities in the underworld was too much for even him to handle alone.

"And besides, Lady Crichton has always been a good ally. And she's a beautiful and intelligent lady as well. Reminds me in some ways of Angelique. Great legs.", Barnabas thought to himself as he approached his small flat. "I'll go inside and check on Mrs. Johnson, my housekeeper, and then arrange to meet this leader and hear him out."

As Barnabas approached the hidden doorway to his flat, an odd noise caught his attention and he quickly spun around to see five young vampires standing there.

"Not so fast, old man", one of the young fledglings said as he stepped forwards, swinging a chain in his hands and grinning.

Barnabas sighed. This was part of a young vampire gang that he had heard talk of and had planned to remove from the London area in due time.

"I'd suggest you be on your way", Barnabas said. "I really don't think you want to do this."

"We do what we want, old man. Like your wallet and that fancy cane." one of the vampires said.

"And then, your blood and life", another scruffy vampire youth screeched.

Barnabas smiled to himself. They didn't realize who or what he was.

"The ignorance of youth", he whispered quietly to himself as one of the vampires lunged forward. With a speed too fast to be believed, Barnabas pivoted and sent the youth flying hard into a brick wall.

"What the...?", another vampire ruffian bellowed. "Get him!"

Quickly, the vampires surrounded Barnabas and moved in to attack. With a speed and skill that defied description, Barnabas, using his silver-tipped cane as a weapon, quickly battered and baffled the young vamps, sending them flying in all directions with obvious ease. Quickly, using the razor sharp sword hidden inside his cane, Collins quickly rammed it through three of the vampire youths, causing them to explode in a cloud of dust.

As Barnabas quickly turned to face the remaining two young vampires, the door to his flat opened and Mrs. Johnson, his housekeeper, attempting to investigate the noise, stuck her head out of the door.

"Mrs. Johnson.. no!", Barnabas yelled as one of the remaining vampire youths took advantage and quickly grabbed the middle-aged housekeeper.

"Back off or this human cow dies!", the scourge yelled as he placed his talon-like hands near the woman's throat.

Barnabas realized that as quiickly as he moved, he wouln't be fast enough to prevent his housekeeper from being hurt and that the ruffians had him at a major disadvantage.

"OK, I'm backing off", Barnabas said, raising his arms in defeat. "Just let the woman go!"

"No, I don't think so", the youth said, his fingernail lightly scraping the skin on Mrs. Johnson's neck. "I think we'll kill you first and then have her for a late night snack. Human cows aren't good for much else anyhow."

"No!", Barnabas said, moving forward.

The youth jerked Mrs. Johnson, holding her tighter as he yelled, "Get back... now or the bitch dies!"

Suddenly, from out of the sky came a purple and green creature, a giant hawk and it slammed hard into the back of the young vampire causing him to lose his grip on the housekeeper as she jerked away. In a flash of movement, Barnabas quickly moved and pulled his housekeeper away from the two vampire youths, who were stunned on the ground.

"Hope you don't mind the assistance", said the big hawk, which was changing shape and metamorphed into a slender and attractive green-skinned female.

"Not at all", Barnabas said. "You're one of the Avengers?"

"I'm Lyja", the green skinned lady said as she shape-shifted into a huge ape that literally ripped the head off one of the young vamps, causing him to explode into a pile of dust."

"And I'm Barnabas Collins", Barnabas said as he used his cane to dispose of the last youth.

The battle over, Barnabas turned to his housekeeper, Mrs. Johnson who was standing back against the wall.

"Mrs. Johnson, are you all right?", Barnabas asked gently as he looked over his servant, looking for any sign of injury.

"I'm fine, Mr. Collins", the shaken woman said. "I heard the noise and came to investigate. Are those...?"

"Yes. They're vampires", Barnabas said quietly.

"Then I'm glad you dusted 'em" the lady said quickly. "I always have hated vampires... present company excluded, of course!"

"Of course", Barnabas said, with a smile. "Come. Miss Lyja, was it? Let's go inside for a cup of tea and to talk."

"Lead the way", Lyja said as she looked at the tall, slender, mysterious man and his house-keeper. "Lead the way."

**

Moments later, Barnabas Collins and Lyja Storm were sitting in his study, sipping on tea.

"So while I do appreciate the help", Barnabas said, "I have a strong suspicion that your appearance isn't just coincidential."

"Guilty as charged", Lyja said. "The Widow suggested I tail you after the meeting with Druid and Spitfire, to see if you were the honorable sort."

"Not a good way to build trust among allies", Barnabas said grimly. "Were Druid or Lady Crichton aware of this?"

"No", Lyja said. "It was strictly the Widow's call. But don't hold it against her. After all of her years in this crazy business we're in, she's not exactly the trusting type."

"Than I suppose that I shall have to earn her trust", Barnabas said.

"That's not always an easy thing. Widow is a suspicious person by nature and a tough nut to crack, but I have no doubt that you're more than capable of doing just that", Lyja said.

"You're speaking from experience, as someone who's been through doing just that, I'm guessing", Barnabas said.

"Yes, I guess I am", Lyja said reflectively. "Given my own past history, I'm not one who can judge anyone."

"What is your history?", Barnabas asked curiously, "if you don't mind my asking."

"It's a long story, but in a nutshell, I was sent to Earth as a spy for the Skrull Empire. I posed as a human, married the Human Torch, ended up being exposed and then became a true ally and member of the Fantastic Four, as my relationship with Johnny developed."

"Amazing", Barnabas said. "And are you and this 'Johnny' still together?"

"It depends on what day of the week it is?", Lyja answered with a grim smile. "Between his activities as a member of the Fantastic Four and my own life as an Avenger here in Europe, it's not so easy to find time together. But we're trying to manage."

"It must be difficult", Barnabas said understandlingly.

"It is, but we're tough. We'll be OK", Lyja said. "How about you, Mr. Collins? If you don't mind my asking, what is your story?"

"It's a long and sad story of love, betrayal and madness", Barnabas said quietly.

"If you don't want to talk about it..", Lyja started to say, but Barnabas cut her off.

"I think I do want to talk of it. It began over two hundred years ago. And there was this young lady named Angelique."

Hours passed as Barnabas and Lyja traded stories and talked over tea. It was nearly time for the sun to rise and Barnabas escorted Lyja to a rooftop exit of his flat. Mrs. Johnson, the housekeeper, had long retired to her bedroom for some rest.

"It has been a lovely evening", Barnabas said as he kissed Lyja on the hand. "Perhaps we can do this again some time."

"Minus the fighting gangs of vampires", Lyja smirked.

"Of course", Barnabas smiled.

"I'd like that", Lyja said. "I guess I'd better get back to the castle. Widow is probably climbing the walls, literally, by now, waiting for my report."

"So, until the next time then", Barnabas smiled. "I'll be in touch very soon."

"I'll hold you to that", Lyja smiled as she transformed her arms into a set of wings and took off into the early-morning air.

Barnabas stood and watched her fly off before turning and going back inside to return to the dark slumber of his coffin for the day

**

Meanwhile, back in Avengers Castle, the Black Widow was passing the night away by doing paperwork on her computer.

"I had forgotten about all the red tape", Widow scowled as she filled out yet another expense report to keep things running smoothly for her team. There was a light tapping at her door.

"Come in!", the Widow said as she clicked off her computer. She turned to see the Living Lightning.

"Manuel", she said. "What can I do for you this morning?"

"Widow..", Manuel started, but the Widow cut him off.

"When we're off duty, it's Natasha", she said with a smile.

"Natasha", Lightning corrected himself, "Do you really think I belong here with this group?"

"I think you're a fine young man and an excellent Avenger", the Widow said. "Why do you ask?"

"It's just... I know I've got these powers and all, but I just don't really feel like I belong. I look at you and Herc, Druid and even Drake or Mantis.. and I'm just kind of.."

"Overwhelmed", Widow asked.

"Yeah, that's it exactly", Lightning agreed.

"I felt the same way when I first joined the Avengers. There I was, nothing but a former Russian spy, and suddenly I was in the middle of Thor, Iron Man, Captain America, The Vision, The Scarlet Witch. So many powerhouses. The only reason they even let me join in the first place was because I was Hawkeye's girlfriend."

"You.. and Hawkeye?", Lightning asked.

"Yes, Clint is an amazing man. Unfortunately, it didn't last for long and we both moved on to others. But as I was saying, I was so over-whelmed and lost. I watched and learned and found my place in the group though, and eventually, you will as well."

"You make it sound so easy. But I look at the powers and experience everyone else seems to have."

"You're a walking lightning bolt. How much more power do you want?", Widow smiled. "Besides, all of us, with the exception of maybe Hercules, have all been in your situation before. And as time went on, we found our place and niche. And we gained experience as well. You will too."

"I hope so", Lightning said thoughtfully.

"You're an intelligent and personable young man. You've got heart and power and everything it takes to be a good Avenger. I know it and the rest of the team knows it. We just have to get it inside that head so that you know it as well", the Widow said.

"I guess", Lightning said.

"Don't guess. Know!", the Widow smiled. "I hear that Mantis has been working with you on hand to hand combat and fighting techniques."

"Yes, she's amazing and has really shown me a lot", Lightning agreed.

"She is an exceptional fighter. If you'd like sometime, I'd like to show you some fighting techniques as well", the Widow said.

"That would be great", Lightning said. "Then maybe I wouldn't feel so dependent upon my powers."

"It's always good to have additional skills", Widow agreed. "And being able to fight might one day make the difference in a battle as well. I could also teach you how to use guns and other weapons if you'd like."

"That would be awesome", Lightning said.

"I'll work some training sessions into the schedule. You might talk to Druid about some hand to hand training as well."

"Druid? I didn't think the physical stuff was his style", Lightning said.

"He's actually quite accomplished at staff-fighting and swordsmanship. And a good boxer too", Widow said.

"I might do that", Lightning said. "I guess I'd better go. It's getting late."

"Is there anything else", The Widow asked as she led him to the door.

"Nah!", Lightning said. "I guess that's it."

"Remember, my door is always open.. for anything. If I can help.", the Widow said.

"I'll remember. And thanks!", Lightning said, reaching over to give his chairman a hug.

"Any time", the Widow said as she watched Living Lightning walk down the hallway towards his room.

"And it is late", the Widow thought to herself as she went back to her computer. "One more report and then I'll go to bed. I wonder though."

Clicking a button on her computer, Natasha spoke out, "Computer. Any word from Lyja?"

"Yes Madame", a computerized voice came over the speaker. "She is on her way back to the castle and said she will see you at breakfast."

"That's fine. Widow out!", said the Widow as she clicked off the speaker. So to bed for now and in the morning, she can find out how Lyja's night went following the mysterious Barnabas Collins.

**

After returning to the castle, Dr. Druid quickly excused himself and retired to a special room in the lower tiers of the castle that he had set up as his mystical sanctuary. He said he wanted to contact Stephen Strange about the Amulet of Amabo and also meditate for a while. Spitfire watched the mysterious New Englander vanish down some stairs to his lair.

"Now, what to do?", she thought to herself. "It's late and I probably should retire, I suppose. But I'm not tired. Nothing major on the agenda for tomorrow except for that interview with that tabloid news program, Buzzline. I hope I get the cute reporter. What's his name? Mark Cohen? That'd be nice. But he always seems so tragic and sad. An old soul in a young body."

Spitfire began to walk towards her room when she heard the sound of a quiet, but still quite audible humming noise.

"I wonder what that noise is", she muttered to herself as she followed the sounds of the noise, which was getting slightly louder and seemed to be coming from the wing of the castle that Mantis seemed to have taken over.

Following the noise led Spitfire to the door of a small greenhouse that was built as an addition to the castle. Putting her ear to the door, Spitfire could now hear the sounds of the strange humming noise quite clearly now. She waited a second and gently pushed open the door.

"Mantis..are you..", Spitfire said as she stuck her head in the door.

There, sitting among several dozen plants, that were glowing with some form of energy and strange lights, was her fellow Avenger, the empath Mantis. Mantis was sitting in a yoga-like position and in an apparant trance. She was humming and the plants seemed to be humming along with her.

"What the..?", Spitfire said quietly.

But even that small bit of noise was enough to pull Mantis out of her trance as she turned and looked at Spitfire.

"Did this one disturb you? I'm sorry."

"Well, I heard the humming noise", Spitfire said, "And followed it here and, the plants were glowing and humming, and you were in a trance, and what.. what were you doing?"

"Oh", Mantis said with a smile. "This one was just talking to her husband and son."

"What?", Spitfire asked.

"How much of this one's past are you aware of?", Mantis asked with a smile.

"Admittingly, not much", Spitfire blushed. "Just what I've read in the mission reports."

"Come and sit", Mantis said as she patted the ground next to her. "This one thinks you may find her story interesting."

"I don't want to be nosy or intrude. It's not my business", Spitfire said.

"We are teammates and friends", Mantis said. "And I think you are curious, but too polite to say so."

"Damn that empathy", Spitfire muttered with a small smile.

"So sit and this one shall tell you about her life, and her existence as the Celestial Madonna."

"The Celestial Madonna? What is that?", Spitfire asked.

"Sit and listen and all shall be explained", said Mantis with a smile.

"First I hang out with a Druidic mystic and a British nobleman vampire and now the Celestial Madonna, whatever that is.. all in one night. Face it, Jackie, you've certainly moved up in the world", Spitfire thought to herself as she took a seat next to Mantis on the floor.

"Now relax and let me tell you what this one is all about", Mantis said as she began to speak.

"I'm all ears", Spitfire said with a smile. This was a story she had to hear.