Avenging Shadows - Part 7

(At the small, London flat of Barnabas Collins)

"So that's the plan", Barnabas asked?

"Exactly!", Lyja said. "You'll meet this person. I'll be there as well, using my shape-shifting abilities to blend in as part of the background. We'll have my Communi-card open so that Bobby, Issac, Spitfire and Lightning can listen in and act accordingly if needed."

"And we can move in and kick butt at a seconds notice", Iceman added.

"It should work", Barnabas agreed.

"What time are you supposed to meet this person who contacted you?", Spitfire asked.

"The message I received asked me to be at the docks near Penny Lane in approximately 45 more minutes. I'm to wait and they'll contact me there."

"So we'd best be moving and get ourselves into position", Spitfire said.

"Indeed. There isn't much time", Barnabas said.

"Barnabas, you and Lyja go ahead to the meeting place. Myself and the others will be moving into positions nearby to be ready to act as backup", Spitfire said.

As Barnabas and Lyja left the room, Spitfire turned to Issac Christians, aka The Gargoyle.

"Issac, part of this mission depends on being able to discreetly blend into the background and well..". Spitfire said.

"And blending in, being discreet, is not exactly easy when you're trapped in the body of a Gargoyle", Issac said knowingly.

"Which is why I brought you this from the Castle", Spitfire smiled, handing Issac a small item, roughly the size of a deck of cards.

"What is it?", Issac asked questionly.

"An image inducer", Iceman answered for his team mate. "Warren, Hank and Kurt use them all the time with the X-Men."

"Exactly", Spitfire said.

"How does it work?", Issac asked.

"Let me show you", Iceman told his long time friend.

Bobby moved over by his long time friend and in a matter of moments, had showed the older hero how to work the small piece of machinery.

Issac pressed a few buttons as Bobby had shown here and suddenly, where a golden colored, winged Gargoyle has stood seconds before, stood a regal, older gentleman, dressed as a dockworker.

"And now, we're ready to go", Issac smiled.

"Absolutely", Spitfire smiled. "I like the look. Reminds me of a gentleman I dated back in '43. Let's move out people."

And the rest of the team quickly fell in behind Spitfire as they left the flat to go get into position and back up their teammate and their ally.

**

Meanwhile, back at Avengers Castle, the remaining members of the team, Black Widow, Hercules, Mantis and Andromeda stood by watching and waiting as Dr. Druid sat in a trance in the middle of the room, attempting to use magic to trace the source of all the recent vampire attacks and mystical vanishings by their foes.

"Bah", said Hercules. "I'm so tired of this waiting. The Prince of Power longs for action. When shall we move on those foul demonic creatures and smite them?"

"Not much longer, I hope", the Widow replied. "Druid? Any idea of how much longer it will be?"

"Not much longer", Druid said. I have everything in place and now only need to recite the proper spell and we will all be transported, via magic, to the origin of those demonic beings and their home base of operations."

"Is it safe?", Mantis asked?

"As safe as anything in our line of work", Druid responded.

"I believe that what Mantis wants to know", Widow asked, "is what should we expect once the spell is activated and we are transported?"

"I'm not sure exactly", Druid said. "This spell, from Strange's book, will actually put us in the immediate vicinity of the main proponent of the vampires and the power that allows them to teleport. So whoever controls the Amulet of Amobo, this will basically put us right by their side."

"And allow us to move quickly and take them down and out", Andromeda questioned.

"Yes. Exactly!", Druid said.

"So we should expect combat just as soon as we teleport into their midst?", Widow asked?

"I would assume so", Druid said.

"Fine!", Hercules says. "Let us go and smithe yon demons. Cast thy spell, Druid."

"At our Chairperson's command", Druid smiled, looking at the Widow.

"Let's get it over with", the Widow replied. "Be ready everyone, for anything. Druid, cast the spell."

"As you wish", Druid said.

Dr. Druid had the assembled heroes gather around in a small circle. He began to chant some words in an unknown language and made some strange hand gestures. A burst of purple light came forth from the sky and filled the room and focused on the assembled heroes. And with a big burst of explosive light in many shades of color, from purple to orange to pink to blue to green. the room became quiet.

And the heroes, the assembled ranks of Avengers Europe, were gone.

**

Barnabas Collins and Lyja moved quickly among the back streets of London to the designated spots near the docks of Penny Lane.

"I don't sense anyone or anything nearby, but I expect we'll be greeted shortly", Barnabas replied.

"Then I'd best get into position", Lyja said.

And with that, she used her Skrull shape-shifting abilities to morph herself into an exact replica of Barnabas Collin's cane.

Barnabas quickly grabbed hold of the cane as he felt the presence of several beings moving close. Very shortly, there were two young male vampires standing there.

"So, your Master has sent you to meet me?", Barnabas asked?

The first vampiric youth replied, "I don't know why the Master wants to meet you, Collins. You're a traitor to your own kind. But he wants to speak to you so come along now!"

"And don't try anything funny, old man!", the other vampire youth said.

"I wouldn't dream of it", Barnabas smiled grimly as he grasped his cane and moved quickly along, following the two youths into the cold London fog.

After several minutes, Barnabas was led to a large warehouse. He was quickly ushered inside and his eyes grew wide as he surveyed the situation. Hundreds of vampires filled the large open area. They were arguing and talking among themselves, but the room quickly quieted as Barnabas was led into the room. All the noise quieted and Barnabas could feel countless eyes boring and burning into his body as the two youths quickly led him up towards the front of the room.

"I knew that this was a large operation, but even I never expected this many vampires", Barnabas thought to himself as he walked / was pushed towards the front of the room. "I hope my allies are ready".

"Master", one of the youths cried out. "We are here with Mister Collins, as you demanded."

The youths stepped back and allowed Barnabas to stand alone as a bright light immediately flashed into the middle of the room. A cloaked man stood there, where seconds ago, there had been nothing. And around his neck, he wore a rather prominent and ominious amulet.

"The Amulet of Amobo", Barnabas muttered quietly.

"Yes, Mr. Collins. I see you recognize my little toy", the cloaked figure said. "It's allowed me to gather an army of legions of the living dead. And they need not fear being slaughtered or destroyed. For using this amulet, they can simply vanish and escape and return to attack and destroy again. And our numbers grow steadily. And before all is done, London, then Europe, and then the world, shall be ours."

"So if you're such a powerful and dominant force", Barnabas asked, "what do you want with me?"

"Even the most powerful of leaders needs a second-in-command, Mr. Collins", the cloaked figure said. "You're are among the last of the old-school of vampires. You have a courage and intelligence that is hard to find and your reputation is held in very high regards among the underworld."

"Even though most would rather see me destroyed rather than continue to exist", Barnabas replied.

"Only because of the way you protect and coddle the human sheep", the cloaked figure said. "All you need to do is renounce the humans and come around to our side. Join me and all will be forgiven. You will enjoy power and dominance beyond your wildest imagination."

"You know that I will not accept your offer", Barnabas said.

"I know, but I feel obliged to make it anyhow. I've given you a choice, Mr. Collins. Either join me.... join us and take my hand in ruling the forces of the undead, as my associate... or I shall give you over to the hundreds of vampires assembled here. You've made many enemies in the under-world over the years, Mr. Collins. And though they respect you, they will not hesitate to tear you apart if given the word."

"Your word", Barnabas muttered grimly.

"My word", the cloaked figure agreed.

"Give him to us", a voice rang out from the crowd of assembled vampires that gatherd around the two men.

"We shall destroy the traitor", another voice screamed out.

"So that's your choice, Barnabas", the cloaked figure said. "I really don't want to see you destroyed, I would much rather have you as an ally."

"Your offer and consideration are duly noted", Barnabas smiled, "but I don't think I plan on dying today".

"What? What do you mean?", the cloaked figure asked quickly. "Either join me or die! Give me an answer now!"

Barnabas was watching the Amulet of Amobo and had noticed a slight gleam starting to develop. He knew the time was right.

"You want an answer", Barnabas said. "I've got two words for you. Avengers Assemble!".

Suddenly chaos erupted into the room as with a big flash of light, several members of the Avengers Europe team stood there, having been mystically teleported by the spells of Dr. Druid. It was Dr. Druid, The Black Widow, Hercules, Andromeda and Mantis.

"Have at thee, foul creatures", bellowed Hercules as he immediately threw himself into the large group of assembled vampires and began to smite them.

"Avengers... move!", the Widow cried as she shot her Widow's line across the room and launched herself into battle. The other Avengers quickly followed suit and went into the group to take out the vampire masses.

The cloaked figure immediately began to use the Amulet of Amobo to vanish, but the silver-headed cane of Barnabas Collins quickly began to morph and change and moved like a snake, knocking the Amulet from his grasp.

"No!", the cloaked figure screamed, as the alien Avenger named Lyja Storm now had control of the Amulet. He began to flee the scene and disappeared.

"I'm going after the leader", Barnabas said as he quickly moved in pursuit of the cloaked figure.

"Go", said the Widow as she noted the arrival of the remaining Avengers as they crashed through the outside walls. WIth the additions of Iceman, The Living Lightning, The Gargoyle and Spitfire to their ranks, The Widow knew that it was just a matter of time before the Avengers would take down the assembled vampire masses.

The Avengers and vampires were battling everywhere. Iceman was freezing the undead beings to sub-zero tempatures while Lightning was flash-frying them with some major high voltage. Andromeda, Mantis and the Widow were improvising and making stakes from the damaged building to stake the bloodsuckers. Druid was using his telepathy to turn the vampires against each other And Hercules and Gargoyle were content to just pound the undead legions into a pulp. Lyja had transformed herself into a huge Sasquatch like creature and was tearing into the vampire masses with her claws and a crazed fury.

As the cloaked figure fled the scene, he wondered where it had gone wrong. What was Barnabas Collins doing allying himself with super-heroes? And the Avengers no less.

"I'll get my revenge.. On Collins. The Avengers. All of them", he thought as he made his way down a darkened alley. "Now, I just need to get to my hidden base and escape".

Suddenly, a figure dropped down in front of the cloaked man. There stood Barnabas Collins.

"No!", the man said, stopping quickly.

"It's over", Barnabas said. "No more of the mindless killing. No more of the crazy plans to take over the world."

"It's not over yet", the cloaked figure said as he pulled out a gun. "Silver bullets, Barnabas. That can kill even you... a vampire.

"Perhaps", said Barnabas. "But only if they hit me."

With a speed that defies description, Barnabas moved quickly and knocked the gun from the cloaked man's hand with a judo chop. As the gun fell to the ground, Barnabas moved behind the man and pinned his arms to his back as he shoved him to the ground.

"Now, let's remove this cloak and see who you really are", Barnabas said as he reached for and pulled down the cloak to reveal the face of...

"Surprised, Cousin?", said a sneering Quentin Collins.

Quentin let forth a mighty ball of spittle from his mouth and it landed squarely on the face of the stunned Barnabas Collins.

"I don't understand", Barnabas said as he continued to use his vampire strength to hold his squirming cousin down to the ground.

"What's to understand?", Quentin said. "I got an offer I couldn't refuse and...."

Suddenly, the body of Quentin Collins went limp and unconcious. Barnabas removed himself from atop his cousin and checked for vital signs. Quentin was still breathing, but had just passed out. The Black Widow and Spitfire came up to stand beside Barnabas.

"Is that the leader?", Spitfire asked.

"Yes", Barnabas replied grimly. "My cousin, Quentin Collins."

"Your cousin?", the Widow said. "He was the one behind all of this?"

"So it seems", Barnabas said. "But it just doesn't make sense."

The three were joined by Dr. Druid as they stood there, looking at the unconcious Quentin Collins.

"The others have pretty much wrapped wiped out the majority of the vampires", Druid said. "And Allistaire Stuart and his W.H.O. agents are coming in to tie up the loose ends and track down the few that managed to escape. With the Amobo Amulet no longer in their possession, they won't be able to escape so easily and shouldn't take long to deal with. Is this the leader?"

"Yes", the Widow said. "This is their leader, Quentin Collins."

"Collins?" Druid raised an eyebrow as he glanced at the fallen man. "As in..."

"Yes", Barnabas replied. "He's my cousin. But he's never been an evil sort. Somewhat mischevious, perhaps, but to be involved in a scheme such as this."

"It may not be his doing", Druid said.

"What do you mean, Druid?", the Widow asked.

"I'm attempting a mind-scan and I'm coming across several blocks that shouldn't be there. I suggest that we retire to the Castle and investigate this more. I've got a feeling that Mr. Collins here might not be as guilty as it seems."

"Fine", the Widow said. "Spitfire, you, Druid and Barnabas secure Quentin Collins and take him back to the Castle. I'll go help the others finish up and score things with the authorities. And then we'll meet you at the HQ and see if Druid can get past those blocks."

"I hate to bring this up", Barnabas said, "but it's nearly sunrise. And I'll need to be leaving soon."

"That's not a problem", the Widow said. "We've got quarters available at the Castle where you can stay safely and then, hopefully by the time you rise tonight, we'll have some answers waiting."

"Sounds ideal", Barnabas said. "Let's head to the castle then."

As Druid, Barnabas and Spitfire secured their prisoner and headed off towards a waiting Avengers Quinjet, the Widow watched grimly. "We destroyed a lot of vampires tonight and did a lot of good, but I have a strange feeling that the worse is yet to come."