A new dynamic... in more ways than one
LJ has herself a new co-writer.
"I got to see my cousin the other day," she told me excitedly. "Remember how we never had very much in common? Well, he's just started playing Super Hero Squad Online, and now he loves all the Marvel characters! So I was telling him about my toys, and about our games, and he thought my ideas were absolutely so very cool. He even suggested a few things for our next game... if that's okay with you, of course."
It was very okay. LJ's cousin, who we'll call "JC", is four weeks younger than her. They spent a lot of time together as babies but less as they've grown up (he wasn't, from what I gathered, one to play with girls). Hearing they've reforged their connection does my heart good, as does learning LJ's geeky ways are being positively reinforced by a male other than me (it's about time). So I couldn't be happier than to follow a master plan dreamed up by two seven-year-old fans.
And what a master plan it was! LJ had it all written down (never has there been a better use of Care Bears stationery), which meant there'd be no mistakes. Which is just as well, really, given this little adventure was a game changer. Those of you who have been eagerly awaiting the promised "girls kicking butt" adventure, wait no more!
----------
LJ presents:
LIFE OR DEATH
PART ONE: WHAT DISTURBS YOU, STEPHEN?
Written by LJ and JC
Directed by LJ
Novelisation by SF
Super Hero City had been blessed with a wonderfully warm day, and several of its most beautiful citizens were determined to make the most of it. Janet Van Dyne, Pepper Potts, Carol Danvers and Natasha Romanov- aka Wasp, Rescue, Ms Marvel and Black Widow - were relaxing by the pool. At least, they were trying to. The odd behaviour of Hero Headquarters’ newest resident - Wanda Maximoff, the Scarlet Witch - had them all on edge.
They watched as Wanda paced back and forth along the edge of the pool, muttering to herself and rubbing her temples. Occasionally she’d swing around as if to confront a person standing right behind her. There was, of course, no one there.
“There’s something definitely not right about that girl,” Pepper said.
“She shouldn’t even be here,” Carol snapped. “Since when does SHIELD give clearance to former mutant terrorists, anyway?”
Natasha glared darkly. “Since I vouch for them.” There was a dangerous edge to her voice. “Have you a problem with that, soldier-girl?”
Carol’s body glowed with cosmic energy. “You don’t call an Air Force captain ‘soldier’, bug-lady,” she warned. “Not if you want to stay healthy, anyway.”
“Ladies, please,” sighed a tiny voice. Janet flew into the middle of the debate and grew to normal size, separating the factions. “We’ve got a day off from fighting and a day off from rebuilding, so you use it to build arguments and fight? What a waste! Why don’t we instead embrace the spirit of teamwork and go ask our new friend what the problem is, eh?” When no one moved, she sighed again. “Fine… I guess I’ll do it, then.”
Janet shrunk, flew over to Wanda and landed on her shoulder. The neophyte hero was happy to talk. “Ever since we defeated my father, I’ve been… well, I’ve been hearing this voice in my head,” she said. “A man’s voice, deep and commanding, telling me I’ve ‘done well’. But it also keeps giving all sorts of warnings about my powers.” Despite the heat, she shivered. “I’m worried, Janet. What if something’s wrong with me? What if I’m a disaster waiting to happen?”
“CANNONBALL!” boomed a voice from above.
Though each boasted reflexes finely-honed by combat, none of the women were quick enough to avoid the enormous splash created by Thor’s leap into the pool. The God of Thunder emerged from the froth with an enormous smile on his face, laughing heartily at the soaking-wet heroes. “Hail and well met, fair maiden warriors,” he chortled. “How doth thou be on this fine day?”
“I’m gonna kill him,” Carol snarled as she wrung out her long, blonde hair.
Janet told Thor he’d interrupted an important conversation. Upon learning of its content, the Asgardian turned serious. He called forth his enchanted hammer, Mjolnir, and pointed it toward Wanda. Both she and it glowed with blue light. “The source of the voice is indeed mystical,” he explained. “Thankfully, ‘tis a mystic whose interests are beneficial, not threatening. Thou hath been contacted by Doctor Stephen Strange, the Sorcerer Supreme of this dimension. His is a great power and a terrible duty, for he is the bulwark that stands between Earth and the monsters beyond. Even the full armies of Asgard tremble in the face of creatures Dr Strange faces alone!” He placed a hand on Wanda’s shoulder. “You should heed his call, maiden, and go to his Sanctum Sanctorum with all haste. Dr Strange is not one to make contact without good reason.”
“We’ll all go,” Janet announced, spreading her arms to indicate the gathered heroines.
“Oh, joy,” Carol grunted.
“UNDERWATER ARMOUR!” someone yelled from on-high. The group looked up to see Tony Stark, clad in a blue variant of his Iron Man suit, preparing to leap off the diving board.
“I think we’ll go right now,” Pepper said, hurrying toward the change rooms.
----------
Wasp led the way to Dr Strange’s haunted mansion, flanked by Black Widow and Scarlet Witch. Rescue and Ms Marvel, however, hung back. Neither of them were happy to be on the mission, nor were they especially interested in helping out Scarlet Witch. Rescue did not completely trust the former villain, while Ms Marvel had no faith in her whatsoever. “Just because Captain America thinks it’s fine, doesn’t mean it is fine,” she said over and over again.
After a short time, the Sanctum Sanctorum loomed up before them. Surrounded by a twisted iron fence and a graveyard, Dr Strange’s imposing home made them all, despite their bravery, weak at the knees. Howling animal noises, odd shadows and things lurking in the corners of their eyes didn’t help. Thankfully, the sorcerer greeted them quickly, appearing in a puff of acrid smoke before teleporting them into his opulent library. They gratefully settled into comfy chairs as he spoke.
“I grew up unaware of my powers, my talent, my destiny,” he said, “and so I became arrogant and conceited. My spiritual awakening came too late and I failed to save my master, the Ancient One, from the evil Dormammu. When I took the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme, I vowed no one else would fail as I have.” He turned to Scarlet Witch and smiled. “I’ve watched you for some time, now, and been impressed at how you turned away from the corrupt path of your father… but it’s not enough. Unchecked, your power to alter reality could wreak great havoc.”
“What do you mean?” Wanda asked, frightened.
Dr Strange made a complicated gesture with his hands and the air above them transformed into a mystic viewer. “I have studied alternate timelines and realities,” he explained as images shimmered into view, “where you become a true villain… where you are the consort of Dr Doom… where you, in your grief and confusion, bring about the very downfall of the mighty Avengers. I wish to spare you those possible fates, not to mention sparing all of us the associated agony.” He gestured again, and the viewer dissipated. “If you train with me, Wanda, I can lead you down the correct path. I can help you learn to properly control your powers and to ensure they’re always used for good, and for the benefit of all innocent people. Believe me when I say I am the only one who can help you, for there are none in all the realms whose abilities are equal to mine.”
As he spoke, three monstrous shadows fell over the heroes and a mocking female voice said: “True… but there is one, foolish mortal, who dwarfs you.”
Sizzling bolts of mental energy, freezing shards of ice and anvil-like fists assailed the heroes as MODOK, Konkar and Abomination went on the attack. Before Dr Strange could move to help them, the Enchantress spun him around and planted a long, wet kiss upon his unsuspecting lips. In seconds, the potent love spell that had once bewitched Thor overtook the sorcerer’s senses and made him Enchantress’ slave. At her command he uttered the words “ungeon pungeon dungeon” and teleported Scarlet Witch and her allies into the mansion’s heavily-fortified basement.
“We did it,” MODOK cheered. “Doom is going to be so happy with us!”
“Yeah,” Abomination nodded. He sorely hoped that, by going on this mission, Doom would forgive his dalliance with the Leader. “We should call him straight away and tell him we’ve got the Doc under your spell, Enchantress!”
The Asgardian goddess didn’t answer. Instead she settled herself into Dr Strange’s chair and snapped her fingers. The sorcerer complied immediately, transforming it into an ornate, gilded throne. “There’ll be time enough to speak with Doom,” Enchantress said, beckoning Konkar to her side. “Why rush?”
Abomination growled, low and in his throat. “I don’t like this.”
----------
All Scarlet Witch wanted to do was curl up and cry. But she didn’t because she was a hero now, and heroes didn’t give in to those who attacked them. Even if those launching the assault were their supposed allies.
“You planned this, didn’t you?” Ms Marvel yelled, right into Scarlet Witch’s face. “From the moment Dr Strange started talking in your head, you were thinking of ways to serve him up to Doom and get back in his good graces. Heck, you tricked us all into coming along as well, I’ll bet, just to sweeten the deal!”
“I didn’t…” Scarlet Witch began.
“Cram it, sister,” Ms Marvel snarled, raising a glowing fist. “I’ve had enough of you and your…”
Like a wraith, Black Widow slipped in between them, snagged Ms Marvel’s arm and threw her across the dungeon. The cosmic-powered hero crashed into a wall and bounced, ending up sprawled on the floor. Furious, she powered up and flew straight at Black Widow, tackling her around the waist and driving her into the other wall.
“Look what you’ve done now,” Rescue said, throwing her hands up in frustration. “We wanted to trust you, Wanda - I tried, I really did!”
“I’ve had enough of this nonsense,” Wasp huffed, lashing out with her stinger blasts. When she was the size of an insect, the bio-electric shocks caused immense pain. At full human size, they were powerful enough to knock everyone - even Ms Marvel - off their feet. Wasp looked down at her stunned comrades. “What you all need to realise is that you’re being totally dumb,” she scowled. “You think the Avengers always get along? Thor didn’t like Hulk, who didn’t trust Cap, who was wary of Black Panther, and everyone was angry with Iron Man! But they got past it and worked together for the good of the world - and we need to do the same thing!”
She took a deep breath. “We’ve each got something to offer here. Ms Marvel’s got raw power, Black Widow is sneaky, Rescue’s got the science, Scarlet Witch is magical and I’m no pushover, either. If we work together, we’ll be unstoppable - but only if we put aside our completely imaginary differences and fight as one. What do you say?”
Scarlet Witch, Rescue and Black Widow agreed. Ms Marvel pouted for a moment, then nodded. “Nice pep talk. Now, ladies, if you’ll follow my lead, we’ll…”
“No way,” Rescue shook her head. “If anyone around here is calling the shots, it’s Wasp.” She smiled at Janet. “Tag. You’re it.”
“Really?” Wasp asked, wide-eyed. “Wow. Well, alright then! First thing we need to do is find a way out and…”
With a crash and a clang, the dungeon door fell onto the floor in front of them. Black Widow leaned against the wall, checking her nails nonchalantly. “Magic doors are no match for Russian ingenuity,” she shrugged.
The heroes ran out of their cell… then pulled up short. Defying all reason and logic, their prison was somehow suspended over a lake of fire and brimstone! They struggled for purchase on the narrow ledge as, from out the sulphur and smoke, two horrible dragons soared toward them. Still thinking with her fists, Ms Marvel rushed out to confront them. One of the dragons looped its long, cylindrical body around her and held her tight. The other targeted Rescue, attracted by the glowing Arc reactor on her chest plate.
Thinking quickly, Wasp directed the counter-attack. Black Widow shimmied up the first dragon and blasted it behind the ears, causing it to violently flip out and release Ms Marvel. The spy began to fall toward the fire, but was caught by a suddenly more-agreeable former Air Force captain. Scarlet Witch and Wasp, meanwhile, used their hex-bolts stingers to create a crossfire. Rescue was fast enough to dodge between their shots but the dragon wasn’t, and it yelped as it scampered away.
Wasp and her friends staggered back inside the dungeon and propped the door back against its hinges. She looked at them - soot-smeared, dirty but unified - and grinned. “Told ya so.”
Ms Marvel coughed up a lungful of ash. “Yeah, yeah,” she said, but the expression on her face showed her change of heart. “Just hurry up and tell us what’s next, boss.”
“I’ll bet breaking down the door will bring the villains running,” Wasp smiled unpleasantly. “And when they do, we’ll have a surprise for them.”
----------
Abomination was still grumbling about the need to report to Doom, but MODOK tuned it out. So the Enchantress wanted to have a little fun with her new toy first, so what? He’d have done the same in her position. He’d also probably have Dr Strange turn a few things around the mansion into ice cream, because he was hungry and in the mood for something sweet. He most certainly was not in the mood to check on the prisoners in the dungeon… but he wasn’t about to argue with a suddenly-all-powerful Asgardian goddess, either.
He, Abomination and Konkar arrived to find Wasp unconscious on the floor. The door was off its hinges, and there was no sign of the other heroes. Once roused, Wasp explained they had all started fighting and she’d been knocked out in the chaos; she had no idea where her friends were. MODOK scooped her up in his stubby arms and took her away, believing the Enchantress’ newly-enhanced magic could better interrogate her. Konkar and Abomination began searching the cell - and that’s when they fell victim to a trap!
The heroes had never left the dungeon. Instead, they’d shrunk down to a tiny, almost invisible size thanks to Pym Particles provided by Wasp. When the villains least expected it, they grew back to normal size and pounded the big dummies with all of their might. The noise distracted MODOK and he made the fatal mistake of turning back - giving Wasp all the time in the world to sting him into a stupor. The girls dove through the mystic portal to the upper levels and emerged, fighting mad, in what had once been Dr Strange’s living room. Now it had been transformed into Enchantress’ throne room… and the Sorcerer Supreme was their opponent!
Dr Strange wove a mystic barrier around himself and his “beloved”, vowing to fight the heroes with all his strength. Enchantress wasn’t having any of it. “Do what you will ‘darling’,” she said, creeping toward the throne room’s doorway. “This plan has gone sour, and I’ll not stay to witness it fall apart any further!” The villainess dashed away into what she thought would be a hallway… and instead found herself on the edge of the dragon-infested, sulphur-spewing lake of fire! She shrieked as one of the beasts gobbled her up hungrily, then swallowed - sending her on a slippery-dip ride down to the dungeon.
Upstairs, the heroes were faced with a dilemma. They couldn’t break through Dr Strange’s barrier - and, even if they could, they wouldn’t want to hurt their brainwashed ally. The magician, meanwhile, was uninhibited by his protection spell and, sadly, had no compunctions about hurting them. “Scarlet Witch, you need to do a spell,” Wasp yelled. “Figure out something that’ll turn Dr Strange good again. You’re the only one who can do it!”
Though utterly terrified she’d make a mistake, Scarlet Witch nonetheless nodded, crossed her legs and levitated as she began to chant incantations. Her colleagues, finally united in purpose, surrounded and protected her from all danger. If Ms Marvel or Rescue found that odd, given the events of the day, neither said a word about it. The women had truly become a team and, through their efforts, Dr Strange was distracted long enough for Scarlet Witch to hit upon the correct spell.
Her bolt of magical pink energy pieced the sorcerer’s protective green barrier, striking the former surgeon right between the eyes. With a smile, Dr Strange waved the force field away. “Well done, Wanda,” he said, applauding politely. “Well done to all of you, in fact, for your victory this day. It’s been impressive to watch.”
Black Widow did a double-take. “This was a test?” she asked, incredulous.
“Of course,” Dr Strange winked. “Enchantress may think herself a potent mage, but I wasn’t joking when I said I have no equal. Those villains could not have entered the Sanctum Sanctorum unless I allowed it. And though Enchantress’ love spell worked on me, I nonetheless retained my ability to think and could have freed myself at any time.”
“You knew this was going to happen - foresaw it, somehow,” Black Widow said, nodding as she understood. “And you used it to test Scarlet Witch.”
“A final exam, I’m pleased to say, that she passed with flying colours,” Dr Strange announced, giving Wanda a warm hug. “I have no equal, my dear, but only at present - for you have, within you, the power to be an even greater sorcerer than I. Now, I can be confident you’ll only ever use your tremendous abilities in the service of good, and to protect the life force of every being around you. Especially,” he added, looking around the group, “with such good friends by your side.”
Scarlet Witch looked dubiously at Ms Marvel. “Uh, we’re not exactly…”
“Of course we are,” Ms Marvel grinned, punching her playfully on the arm. Poor Wanda almost fell over. “The past is the past, all that nonsense is sorted. A good fight always lets you figure out who’s on which side, and it’s pretty clear we’re all on the same team now.”
The door to the room opened. Iron Man, Thor and Ant-Man burst in, weapons at the ready. “Fear not, Doctor,” Thor cried, “the Avengers hath come to… oh. The villains hath already been dispatched. ‘Tis a shame. I looked forward to a good fight.”
“Team!” Wasp said, clicking her fingers. Everyone in the room - girls and boys alike - stared at her. “That’s it,” she continued happily. “We can form a team of our own - a group of kick-butt girl heroes dedicated to… how did Dr Strange put it? Yeah, to protecting the life force around us. And that’ll be our name - Life Force!”
And so, as the male heroes looked on proudly, the fighting females of the Marvel Universe joined hands and forged a powerful new team dedicated to justice.
-----THE END-----
Greet the Fire as Your Friend,
SF
"I got to see my cousin the other day," she told me excitedly. "Remember how we never had very much in common? Well, he's just started playing Super Hero Squad Online, and now he loves all the Marvel characters! So I was telling him about my toys, and about our games, and he thought my ideas were absolutely so very cool. He even suggested a few things for our next game... if that's okay with you, of course."
It was very okay. LJ's cousin, who we'll call "JC", is four weeks younger than her. They spent a lot of time together as babies but less as they've grown up (he wasn't, from what I gathered, one to play with girls). Hearing they've reforged their connection does my heart good, as does learning LJ's geeky ways are being positively reinforced by a male other than me (it's about time). So I couldn't be happier than to follow a master plan dreamed up by two seven-year-old fans.
And what a master plan it was! LJ had it all written down (never has there been a better use of Care Bears stationery), which meant there'd be no mistakes. Which is just as well, really, given this little adventure was a game changer. Those of you who have been eagerly awaiting the promised "girls kicking butt" adventure, wait no more!
----------
LJ presents:
LIFE OR DEATH
PART ONE: WHAT DISTURBS YOU, STEPHEN?
Written by LJ and JC
Directed by LJ
Novelisation by SF
Super Hero City had been blessed with a wonderfully warm day, and several of its most beautiful citizens were determined to make the most of it. Janet Van Dyne, Pepper Potts, Carol Danvers and Natasha Romanov- aka Wasp, Rescue, Ms Marvel and Black Widow - were relaxing by the pool. At least, they were trying to. The odd behaviour of Hero Headquarters’ newest resident - Wanda Maximoff, the Scarlet Witch - had them all on edge.
They watched as Wanda paced back and forth along the edge of the pool, muttering to herself and rubbing her temples. Occasionally she’d swing around as if to confront a person standing right behind her. There was, of course, no one there.
“There’s something definitely not right about that girl,” Pepper said.
“She shouldn’t even be here,” Carol snapped. “Since when does SHIELD give clearance to former mutant terrorists, anyway?”
Natasha glared darkly. “Since I vouch for them.” There was a dangerous edge to her voice. “Have you a problem with that, soldier-girl?”
Carol’s body glowed with cosmic energy. “You don’t call an Air Force captain ‘soldier’, bug-lady,” she warned. “Not if you want to stay healthy, anyway.”
“Ladies, please,” sighed a tiny voice. Janet flew into the middle of the debate and grew to normal size, separating the factions. “We’ve got a day off from fighting and a day off from rebuilding, so you use it to build arguments and fight? What a waste! Why don’t we instead embrace the spirit of teamwork and go ask our new friend what the problem is, eh?” When no one moved, she sighed again. “Fine… I guess I’ll do it, then.”
Janet shrunk, flew over to Wanda and landed on her shoulder. The neophyte hero was happy to talk. “Ever since we defeated my father, I’ve been… well, I’ve been hearing this voice in my head,” she said. “A man’s voice, deep and commanding, telling me I’ve ‘done well’. But it also keeps giving all sorts of warnings about my powers.” Despite the heat, she shivered. “I’m worried, Janet. What if something’s wrong with me? What if I’m a disaster waiting to happen?”
“CANNONBALL!” boomed a voice from above.
Though each boasted reflexes finely-honed by combat, none of the women were quick enough to avoid the enormous splash created by Thor’s leap into the pool. The God of Thunder emerged from the froth with an enormous smile on his face, laughing heartily at the soaking-wet heroes. “Hail and well met, fair maiden warriors,” he chortled. “How doth thou be on this fine day?”
“I’m gonna kill him,” Carol snarled as she wrung out her long, blonde hair.
Janet told Thor he’d interrupted an important conversation. Upon learning of its content, the Asgardian turned serious. He called forth his enchanted hammer, Mjolnir, and pointed it toward Wanda. Both she and it glowed with blue light. “The source of the voice is indeed mystical,” he explained. “Thankfully, ‘tis a mystic whose interests are beneficial, not threatening. Thou hath been contacted by Doctor Stephen Strange, the Sorcerer Supreme of this dimension. His is a great power and a terrible duty, for he is the bulwark that stands between Earth and the monsters beyond. Even the full armies of Asgard tremble in the face of creatures Dr Strange faces alone!” He placed a hand on Wanda’s shoulder. “You should heed his call, maiden, and go to his Sanctum Sanctorum with all haste. Dr Strange is not one to make contact without good reason.”
“We’ll all go,” Janet announced, spreading her arms to indicate the gathered heroines.
“Oh, joy,” Carol grunted.
“UNDERWATER ARMOUR!” someone yelled from on-high. The group looked up to see Tony Stark, clad in a blue variant of his Iron Man suit, preparing to leap off the diving board.
“I think we’ll go right now,” Pepper said, hurrying toward the change rooms.
----------
Wasp led the way to Dr Strange’s haunted mansion, flanked by Black Widow and Scarlet Witch. Rescue and Ms Marvel, however, hung back. Neither of them were happy to be on the mission, nor were they especially interested in helping out Scarlet Witch. Rescue did not completely trust the former villain, while Ms Marvel had no faith in her whatsoever. “Just because Captain America thinks it’s fine, doesn’t mean it is fine,” she said over and over again.
After a short time, the Sanctum Sanctorum loomed up before them. Surrounded by a twisted iron fence and a graveyard, Dr Strange’s imposing home made them all, despite their bravery, weak at the knees. Howling animal noises, odd shadows and things lurking in the corners of their eyes didn’t help. Thankfully, the sorcerer greeted them quickly, appearing in a puff of acrid smoke before teleporting them into his opulent library. They gratefully settled into comfy chairs as he spoke.
“I grew up unaware of my powers, my talent, my destiny,” he said, “and so I became arrogant and conceited. My spiritual awakening came too late and I failed to save my master, the Ancient One, from the evil Dormammu. When I took the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme, I vowed no one else would fail as I have.” He turned to Scarlet Witch and smiled. “I’ve watched you for some time, now, and been impressed at how you turned away from the corrupt path of your father… but it’s not enough. Unchecked, your power to alter reality could wreak great havoc.”
“What do you mean?” Wanda asked, frightened.
Dr Strange made a complicated gesture with his hands and the air above them transformed into a mystic viewer. “I have studied alternate timelines and realities,” he explained as images shimmered into view, “where you become a true villain… where you are the consort of Dr Doom… where you, in your grief and confusion, bring about the very downfall of the mighty Avengers. I wish to spare you those possible fates, not to mention sparing all of us the associated agony.” He gestured again, and the viewer dissipated. “If you train with me, Wanda, I can lead you down the correct path. I can help you learn to properly control your powers and to ensure they’re always used for good, and for the benefit of all innocent people. Believe me when I say I am the only one who can help you, for there are none in all the realms whose abilities are equal to mine.”
As he spoke, three monstrous shadows fell over the heroes and a mocking female voice said: “True… but there is one, foolish mortal, who dwarfs you.”
Sizzling bolts of mental energy, freezing shards of ice and anvil-like fists assailed the heroes as MODOK, Konkar and Abomination went on the attack. Before Dr Strange could move to help them, the Enchantress spun him around and planted a long, wet kiss upon his unsuspecting lips. In seconds, the potent love spell that had once bewitched Thor overtook the sorcerer’s senses and made him Enchantress’ slave. At her command he uttered the words “ungeon pungeon dungeon” and teleported Scarlet Witch and her allies into the mansion’s heavily-fortified basement.
“We did it,” MODOK cheered. “Doom is going to be so happy with us!”
“Yeah,” Abomination nodded. He sorely hoped that, by going on this mission, Doom would forgive his dalliance with the Leader. “We should call him straight away and tell him we’ve got the Doc under your spell, Enchantress!”
The Asgardian goddess didn’t answer. Instead she settled herself into Dr Strange’s chair and snapped her fingers. The sorcerer complied immediately, transforming it into an ornate, gilded throne. “There’ll be time enough to speak with Doom,” Enchantress said, beckoning Konkar to her side. “Why rush?”
Abomination growled, low and in his throat. “I don’t like this.”
----------
All Scarlet Witch wanted to do was curl up and cry. But she didn’t because she was a hero now, and heroes didn’t give in to those who attacked them. Even if those launching the assault were their supposed allies.
“You planned this, didn’t you?” Ms Marvel yelled, right into Scarlet Witch’s face. “From the moment Dr Strange started talking in your head, you were thinking of ways to serve him up to Doom and get back in his good graces. Heck, you tricked us all into coming along as well, I’ll bet, just to sweeten the deal!”
“I didn’t…” Scarlet Witch began.
“Cram it, sister,” Ms Marvel snarled, raising a glowing fist. “I’ve had enough of you and your…”
Like a wraith, Black Widow slipped in between them, snagged Ms Marvel’s arm and threw her across the dungeon. The cosmic-powered hero crashed into a wall and bounced, ending up sprawled on the floor. Furious, she powered up and flew straight at Black Widow, tackling her around the waist and driving her into the other wall.
“Look what you’ve done now,” Rescue said, throwing her hands up in frustration. “We wanted to trust you, Wanda - I tried, I really did!”
“I’ve had enough of this nonsense,” Wasp huffed, lashing out with her stinger blasts. When she was the size of an insect, the bio-electric shocks caused immense pain. At full human size, they were powerful enough to knock everyone - even Ms Marvel - off their feet. Wasp looked down at her stunned comrades. “What you all need to realise is that you’re being totally dumb,” she scowled. “You think the Avengers always get along? Thor didn’t like Hulk, who didn’t trust Cap, who was wary of Black Panther, and everyone was angry with Iron Man! But they got past it and worked together for the good of the world - and we need to do the same thing!”
She took a deep breath. “We’ve each got something to offer here. Ms Marvel’s got raw power, Black Widow is sneaky, Rescue’s got the science, Scarlet Witch is magical and I’m no pushover, either. If we work together, we’ll be unstoppable - but only if we put aside our completely imaginary differences and fight as one. What do you say?”
Scarlet Witch, Rescue and Black Widow agreed. Ms Marvel pouted for a moment, then nodded. “Nice pep talk. Now, ladies, if you’ll follow my lead, we’ll…”
“No way,” Rescue shook her head. “If anyone around here is calling the shots, it’s Wasp.” She smiled at Janet. “Tag. You’re it.”
“Really?” Wasp asked, wide-eyed. “Wow. Well, alright then! First thing we need to do is find a way out and…”
With a crash and a clang, the dungeon door fell onto the floor in front of them. Black Widow leaned against the wall, checking her nails nonchalantly. “Magic doors are no match for Russian ingenuity,” she shrugged.
The heroes ran out of their cell… then pulled up short. Defying all reason and logic, their prison was somehow suspended over a lake of fire and brimstone! They struggled for purchase on the narrow ledge as, from out the sulphur and smoke, two horrible dragons soared toward them. Still thinking with her fists, Ms Marvel rushed out to confront them. One of the dragons looped its long, cylindrical body around her and held her tight. The other targeted Rescue, attracted by the glowing Arc reactor on her chest plate.
Thinking quickly, Wasp directed the counter-attack. Black Widow shimmied up the first dragon and blasted it behind the ears, causing it to violently flip out and release Ms Marvel. The spy began to fall toward the fire, but was caught by a suddenly more-agreeable former Air Force captain. Scarlet Witch and Wasp, meanwhile, used their hex-bolts stingers to create a crossfire. Rescue was fast enough to dodge between their shots but the dragon wasn’t, and it yelped as it scampered away.
Wasp and her friends staggered back inside the dungeon and propped the door back against its hinges. She looked at them - soot-smeared, dirty but unified - and grinned. “Told ya so.”
Ms Marvel coughed up a lungful of ash. “Yeah, yeah,” she said, but the expression on her face showed her change of heart. “Just hurry up and tell us what’s next, boss.”
“I’ll bet breaking down the door will bring the villains running,” Wasp smiled unpleasantly. “And when they do, we’ll have a surprise for them.”
----------
Abomination was still grumbling about the need to report to Doom, but MODOK tuned it out. So the Enchantress wanted to have a little fun with her new toy first, so what? He’d have done the same in her position. He’d also probably have Dr Strange turn a few things around the mansion into ice cream, because he was hungry and in the mood for something sweet. He most certainly was not in the mood to check on the prisoners in the dungeon… but he wasn’t about to argue with a suddenly-all-powerful Asgardian goddess, either.
He, Abomination and Konkar arrived to find Wasp unconscious on the floor. The door was off its hinges, and there was no sign of the other heroes. Once roused, Wasp explained they had all started fighting and she’d been knocked out in the chaos; she had no idea where her friends were. MODOK scooped her up in his stubby arms and took her away, believing the Enchantress’ newly-enhanced magic could better interrogate her. Konkar and Abomination began searching the cell - and that’s when they fell victim to a trap!
The heroes had never left the dungeon. Instead, they’d shrunk down to a tiny, almost invisible size thanks to Pym Particles provided by Wasp. When the villains least expected it, they grew back to normal size and pounded the big dummies with all of their might. The noise distracted MODOK and he made the fatal mistake of turning back - giving Wasp all the time in the world to sting him into a stupor. The girls dove through the mystic portal to the upper levels and emerged, fighting mad, in what had once been Dr Strange’s living room. Now it had been transformed into Enchantress’ throne room… and the Sorcerer Supreme was their opponent!
Dr Strange wove a mystic barrier around himself and his “beloved”, vowing to fight the heroes with all his strength. Enchantress wasn’t having any of it. “Do what you will ‘darling’,” she said, creeping toward the throne room’s doorway. “This plan has gone sour, and I’ll not stay to witness it fall apart any further!” The villainess dashed away into what she thought would be a hallway… and instead found herself on the edge of the dragon-infested, sulphur-spewing lake of fire! She shrieked as one of the beasts gobbled her up hungrily, then swallowed - sending her on a slippery-dip ride down to the dungeon.
Upstairs, the heroes were faced with a dilemma. They couldn’t break through Dr Strange’s barrier - and, even if they could, they wouldn’t want to hurt their brainwashed ally. The magician, meanwhile, was uninhibited by his protection spell and, sadly, had no compunctions about hurting them. “Scarlet Witch, you need to do a spell,” Wasp yelled. “Figure out something that’ll turn Dr Strange good again. You’re the only one who can do it!”
Though utterly terrified she’d make a mistake, Scarlet Witch nonetheless nodded, crossed her legs and levitated as she began to chant incantations. Her colleagues, finally united in purpose, surrounded and protected her from all danger. If Ms Marvel or Rescue found that odd, given the events of the day, neither said a word about it. The women had truly become a team and, through their efforts, Dr Strange was distracted long enough for Scarlet Witch to hit upon the correct spell.
Her bolt of magical pink energy pieced the sorcerer’s protective green barrier, striking the former surgeon right between the eyes. With a smile, Dr Strange waved the force field away. “Well done, Wanda,” he said, applauding politely. “Well done to all of you, in fact, for your victory this day. It’s been impressive to watch.”
Black Widow did a double-take. “This was a test?” she asked, incredulous.
“Of course,” Dr Strange winked. “Enchantress may think herself a potent mage, but I wasn’t joking when I said I have no equal. Those villains could not have entered the Sanctum Sanctorum unless I allowed it. And though Enchantress’ love spell worked on me, I nonetheless retained my ability to think and could have freed myself at any time.”
“You knew this was going to happen - foresaw it, somehow,” Black Widow said, nodding as she understood. “And you used it to test Scarlet Witch.”
“A final exam, I’m pleased to say, that she passed with flying colours,” Dr Strange announced, giving Wanda a warm hug. “I have no equal, my dear, but only at present - for you have, within you, the power to be an even greater sorcerer than I. Now, I can be confident you’ll only ever use your tremendous abilities in the service of good, and to protect the life force of every being around you. Especially,” he added, looking around the group, “with such good friends by your side.”
Scarlet Witch looked dubiously at Ms Marvel. “Uh, we’re not exactly…”
“Of course we are,” Ms Marvel grinned, punching her playfully on the arm. Poor Wanda almost fell over. “The past is the past, all that nonsense is sorted. A good fight always lets you figure out who’s on which side, and it’s pretty clear we’re all on the same team now.”
The door to the room opened. Iron Man, Thor and Ant-Man burst in, weapons at the ready. “Fear not, Doctor,” Thor cried, “the Avengers hath come to… oh. The villains hath already been dispatched. ‘Tis a shame. I looked forward to a good fight.”
“Team!” Wasp said, clicking her fingers. Everyone in the room - girls and boys alike - stared at her. “That’s it,” she continued happily. “We can form a team of our own - a group of kick-butt girl heroes dedicated to… how did Dr Strange put it? Yeah, to protecting the life force around us. And that’ll be our name - Life Force!”
And so, as the male heroes looked on proudly, the fighting females of the Marvel Universe joined hands and forged a powerful new team dedicated to justice.
-----THE END-----
Greet the Fire as Your Friend,
SF