THE BADLANDS
REALM OF THE DEMON BEAR – NOW
Amara moved towards the peak’s ledge, stumbling slightly as a wave of energy surged through her and igniting her previously icy blue eyes. The blonde beauty paused for a moment as the Brazilian Roberto quickly rushed to her side and offered her support that she wasn’t sure she’d even needed. The wooziness that rushed from the pit of her stomach was like nothing she’d ever known, it didn’t make her feel ill. It was quite the contrary. Amara felt stronger than she ever had before, the heat of the Badlands was offering her empowerment rather than challenging her abilities and it was exhilarating. It reminded her of all those years before when she had been stood on the precipice of certain death, staring into a pit of a volcano, and she had felt powerful rather than afraid.
“Are you okay?” he asked, tightening his arms around her.
She shrugged him off. “Yeah. I’m fine. In fact, I feel kind of . . . awesome.”
They stood for a moment, staring deeply at one another, before Amara stalked back towards the mountain’s ledge.
“Was this your idea of a joke?” Danielle snapped at Illyana as she spun on her heels, bouncing from where she’d landed with a thud, and postured up against the Russian teleporter. “I agreed to bring home those kids. I said nothing about taking down a species of Demon Bears. I work for a government-funded team. Do you know what could happen if it got out that I was fraternising with known terrorists? This was meant to be one and done.”
“Ouch,” grumbled Julio, shooting a disheartened glance in the direction of Roberto, who seemed equally as irritated as the Mexican mutant.
“No offense,” she muttered hurriedly. “Obviously that’s not how I see it but there’s more to consider here that our own personal relationships. Force Works can’t be dragged into any of the messes that involved the Fallen Angels and especially not San Marcos.”
Illyana remained nonchalant. “I very much doubt the paparazzi will be travelling to the Badlands to snap this Hallmark moment, Dani. It’s not as if your Alison Blaire, and even she isn’t that relevant anymore.” Folding her arms, she sighed. “I needed to get it out of Wisconsin and sending it home was the best idea. I didn’t expect the teleportational backlash that dragged us all here. It couldn’t have been avoided.”
Roberto furrowed his brows. “I think it’d be a good time to note that yeah, the Fallen Angels had some questionable methods but neither Julio or myself are rotting in a prison cell, Dani. That’s because when push came to shove, we were exonerated.”
“And how many palms did you grease to get out of that one, Bobby? It looks like there’s more of Emmanuel in you than we ever even knew,” retorted the Native American, her mouth was already running before she was able comprehend the reality or the harshness of her words. She gave an almost apologetic glance but she held her position firmly.
Amara bristled. “I hardly think that’s fair, Dani. No-one turned their backs on you when you joined Hela.”
Roberto grimaced, the irritation was clear in his tone. “I may not have always gone the right way about it, Moonstar, but I have beliefs and I stood for them. I didn’t sell-out for the first government hand-me-down that told me I could finally be recognised as a superhero.”
Tension hung heavily in the air.
“Is this helping anything?” replied Illyana, droll. “We’ve all done shit in the past that could put us on the FBI’s Most Wanted list and somehow, we always manage to end up right back here, with each other, so maybe we should try and do something we set out to do. Xi’an is relying on us to get her siblings back, the Gladiators have already escaped. The sooner we deal with this and get out of here, the better for everyone involved.” She stared pointedly at Danielle. “Then we can cut ties with each other as we see fit.”
Illyana moved towards Amara on the ledge.
“I think what we need to remember is that we’ve been given an opportunity here, a chance to close this loose thread,” she concluded.
Julio nodded. “And isn’t that why we came together in the first place? I think Illyana’s right. Let’s finish this and then we can head back to find Leong and Nga.”
“We could do what we set out to do,” snapped Danielle. “We could teleport back to Earth, find the twins and get on with our lives.”
“Coward,” snarled Roberto, still bitter.
Amara stepped forward, placing a hand delicately on his shoulder. Her eyes both reproachful and soothing, even as they burned with an unfamiliar intensity.
“We’re in another reality,” she began. “Time travels differently from back on Earth. This could be our opportunity to kill two birds with one stone.” As she moved towards the Native American, Danielle stepped back, and Amara paused but continued speaking. “I know this doesn’t feel comfortable yet. It’s been years since we’ve been together but it’ll fall into place.”
She addressed the group, her eyes imploring each of them to listen.
“We have to get over this pettiness.”
Silence fell over them.
Danielle finally broke it as she began to stalk off. “Let’s just get this over with.”
The New Mutants followed, some more reluctantly than others.
REALM OF THE DEMON BEAR – NOW
Amara moved towards the peak’s ledge, stumbling slightly as a wave of energy surged through her and igniting her previously icy blue eyes. The blonde beauty paused for a moment as the Brazilian Roberto quickly rushed to her side and offered her support that she wasn’t sure she’d even needed. The wooziness that rushed from the pit of her stomach was like nothing she’d ever known, it didn’t make her feel ill. It was quite the contrary. Amara felt stronger than she ever had before, the heat of the Badlands was offering her empowerment rather than challenging her abilities and it was exhilarating. It reminded her of all those years before when she had been stood on the precipice of certain death, staring into a pit of a volcano, and she had felt powerful rather than afraid.
“Are you okay?” he asked, tightening his arms around her.
She shrugged him off. “Yeah. I’m fine. In fact, I feel kind of . . . awesome.”
They stood for a moment, staring deeply at one another, before Amara stalked back towards the mountain’s ledge.
“Was this your idea of a joke?” Danielle snapped at Illyana as she spun on her heels, bouncing from where she’d landed with a thud, and postured up against the Russian teleporter. “I agreed to bring home those kids. I said nothing about taking down a species of Demon Bears. I work for a government-funded team. Do you know what could happen if it got out that I was fraternising with known terrorists? This was meant to be one and done.”
“Ouch,” grumbled Julio, shooting a disheartened glance in the direction of Roberto, who seemed equally as irritated as the Mexican mutant.
“No offense,” she muttered hurriedly. “Obviously that’s not how I see it but there’s more to consider here that our own personal relationships. Force Works can’t be dragged into any of the messes that involved the Fallen Angels and especially not San Marcos.”
Illyana remained nonchalant. “I very much doubt the paparazzi will be travelling to the Badlands to snap this Hallmark moment, Dani. It’s not as if your Alison Blaire, and even she isn’t that relevant anymore.” Folding her arms, she sighed. “I needed to get it out of Wisconsin and sending it home was the best idea. I didn’t expect the teleportational backlash that dragged us all here. It couldn’t have been avoided.”
Roberto furrowed his brows. “I think it’d be a good time to note that yeah, the Fallen Angels had some questionable methods but neither Julio or myself are rotting in a prison cell, Dani. That’s because when push came to shove, we were exonerated.”
“And how many palms did you grease to get out of that one, Bobby? It looks like there’s more of Emmanuel in you than we ever even knew,” retorted the Native American, her mouth was already running before she was able comprehend the reality or the harshness of her words. She gave an almost apologetic glance but she held her position firmly.
Amara bristled. “I hardly think that’s fair, Dani. No-one turned their backs on you when you joined Hela.”
Roberto grimaced, the irritation was clear in his tone. “I may not have always gone the right way about it, Moonstar, but I have beliefs and I stood for them. I didn’t sell-out for the first government hand-me-down that told me I could finally be recognised as a superhero.”
Tension hung heavily in the air.
“Is this helping anything?” replied Illyana, droll. “We’ve all done shit in the past that could put us on the FBI’s Most Wanted list and somehow, we always manage to end up right back here, with each other, so maybe we should try and do something we set out to do. Xi’an is relying on us to get her siblings back, the Gladiators have already escaped. The sooner we deal with this and get out of here, the better for everyone involved.” She stared pointedly at Danielle. “Then we can cut ties with each other as we see fit.”
Illyana moved towards Amara on the ledge.
“I think what we need to remember is that we’ve been given an opportunity here, a chance to close this loose thread,” she concluded.
Julio nodded. “And isn’t that why we came together in the first place? I think Illyana’s right. Let’s finish this and then we can head back to find Leong and Nga.”
“We could do what we set out to do,” snapped Danielle. “We could teleport back to Earth, find the twins and get on with our lives.”
“Coward,” snarled Roberto, still bitter.
Amara stepped forward, placing a hand delicately on his shoulder. Her eyes both reproachful and soothing, even as they burned with an unfamiliar intensity.
“We’re in another reality,” she began. “Time travels differently from back on Earth. This could be our opportunity to kill two birds with one stone.” As she moved towards the Native American, Danielle stepped back, and Amara paused but continued speaking. “I know this doesn’t feel comfortable yet. It’s been years since we’ve been together but it’ll fall into place.”
She addressed the group, her eyes imploring each of them to listen.
“We have to get over this pettiness.”
Silence fell over them.
Danielle finally broke it as she began to stalk off. “Let’s just get this over with.”
The New Mutants followed, some more reluctantly than others.
Issue #2 (August 2018)
"INTO THE BADLANDS - Part Two"
Written by Gavin McMahon
"INTO THE BADLANDS - Part Two"
Written by Gavin McMahon
Featuring:
Karma
Magik
Magma
Mirage
Rictor
Sunspot
Demon Bear
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EAGLE POINT, OREGON
THIRTEEN HOURS AGO “If I can have a moment with Miss Coy Manh alone,” said the doctor, waiting until the others had filed into the hallway. “Now that you’ve woken, there’s something we need to discuss . . .” The doctor shifted nervously on his feet, fidgeting the clipboard between his fingers. Xi’an could see his experience in the weariness of his features but, as if the arrival of her several friends hadn’t been enough of an indicator, the Vietnamese woman’s reputation as a mutant had preceded her. Although the animosity her species, or sub-species as it were, endured had somewhat decreased across the United States of America, if not the planet, there were many who remained uneasy in the company of such individuals. She attempted to sympathetic to his sensibilities but, given the predicament, she failed to see far beyond her own self-interest. Xi’an growing impatient, spoke. “I don’t want sweet talk, doctor. I don’t expect special treatment or hesitance based on whatever it is your feeling right. I just want answers. Whatever it is you need to say, just say it.” Her bluntness seemed to rouse the doctor into his senses. “Miss Coy Manh, you were admitted with substantial damage not only physically but also to many of your internal organs. The attack, as you’ve claimed, left you in a severe state that quickly escalated to organ failure. Although we managed to repair most of that damage, and further surgeries will be required, there were complications during the surgery.” He took a breath. “Unfortunately, the sciatic nerve became trapped. This caused significant dysfunctionality in the limb. From our insight, the only viable option to prevent further danger would be amputating the limb. I know this measure seems drastic, Miss Coy Manh–” “Xi’an,” she snapped. “You’re considering cutting off my limb, doctor. The least you can do is use my name.” “My apologies. Xi’an,” the clinician cleared his throat. “Functionality has yet to return after a week of observation and the time we have to prevent this further damage is running short. A decision needs to be made sooner rather than later–” She interjected. “Do it.” “Miss . . . Xi’an. The time may be short but we have a brief window that will allow you to speak with a psychiatrist and to–” “My brother and sister are still missing and I don’t have time to waste on trivial matters. I understand the danger of my lifestyle, I knew the risks, but right now all I can think about is that I have a job to do and I don’t have time to cry about this. I need to make the next move.” The doctor looked as if he was about to speak but he was silenced before he could even begin. “I have to move on and get the job done,” she concluded forcefully. “Cut it off.” “I honestly think it would be best for you to speak with the psychiatrist and understand the ramifications of such a drastic treatment,” he said. Xi’an nodded. “Duly noted. Now how do we get this started.” She could tell he was concerned by her emotional disconnect from the information but she didn’t care, as long as Leong and Nga were missing, she wouldn’t rest. Hesitantly, he handed the clipboard to her. “I just need you to sign the paperwork and we’ll set about on readying the operating room. It’s just some simple details and payment providers.” “The Xavier Institute will pay for this,” Xi’an said as she signed. “Family looks after their own, doctor.” She handed the clipboard back to him. “Send my friends on your way out.” He paused. “Are you sure? This is a major decision.” Xi’an glared. “You really don’t want to ask me that question again. Just do it.” He exited but the door quickly reopened. THE BADLANDS REALM OF THE DEMON BEAR – NOW “I feel like we’ve been walking for centuries,” Roberto scowled as he placed the palms of his hands on his knees and panted heavily. They’d left the shade and relative comfort of the mountain peaks only an hour or so before and yet, due to the ceaseless distortion of time within the Badlands, none of the New Mutants could be sure just how long they’d been travelling or how much time had passed since they’d left Earth. Magik’s powers had transported them there but, since their arrival, the teleporter has been reluctant to leave the threat of the Demon Bear without a conclusion. Still, Roberto was sure he’d seen better days in terms of physical fitness. Since assuming the role of President of San Marcos, a cause of continuing animosity still between him and Danielle, the Brazilian mutant had been active and his increasingly sedimentary lifestyle seemed to be finally catching up with him. He brushed the sweat from his brow and looked around them. Amara had been doing better than anyone else since they’d landed in the Badlands. Even now, she danced ahead with a careless abandon. Julio, on the opposite end of the spectrum, was almost stripped of his usual power by the same forces that empowered the Nova Roman. Illyana charged ahead, focused and unsentimental. It was then, as he turned towards her, that Roberto noticed the disdain etched across the Native American’s features. She scoffed. “Hardly a shining example of heroism if you can’t handle even a small hike, Bobby.” She used his nickname but there was no familiarity or friendliness in her voice. “Cable would be so proud right about now.” Roberto was prepared to reply but Julio, rasping and just as out of breath under the intense sun, spun and interjected. “Stop,” said the Mexican firmly. “This is hardly the time for in-fighting and acting like a child. Grow up, the pair of you, and get the job done.” “A job we don’t know if we can or should complete,” replied Danielle, folding her arms. “For all we know things could work differently here. We’ve already seen fluctuations of Amara and Julio’s powers but what if these . . . things are somehow crucial to the ecosystem of this dimension? Don’t we have a duty to understand what we’re doing before we do it.” Illyana shrugged. “Not as far as I care. This is a disastrous realm. Better to let it burn if we can.” “You really are pig-headed and reckless,” snapped Danielle. Illyana stared her down. “And you’re hiding your fears behind the pretence of rationality. What’s your point? We have no option but to march forward and deal with the Demon Bear or else we’ll find ourselves right back here, on the precipice, again and again. What part of that don’t you understand? “The point where we stopped discussing bringing down a villain and moved onto genocide,” retorted the Native American. Illyana sighed. “Genocide of a demon race that has threatened humanity time and time again. This is hardly Germany in the war. We’re not talking about defenceless men, women and children. These are large bears with a bad attitude.” A thought seemed to strike her as she mumbled. “It’s like something a bored Russian might’ve thought up actually.” Danielle looked as if she was prepared to continue the argument but a cacophonous roar sounded, silencing each of them as shivers ran down if the fiercest of the group’s spine. All eyes moved forward to find Amara standing at the top of a hill., there was something unfamiliar about her features as she focused ahead. Her eyes seemed vacant, entranced. With a smirk, Magma spun on her heels. Fire danced at her steps as she felt the Badlands overcome her mind, weakened from years of control and manipulation. Without warning, she launched a blast of fire towards her friends and forced them to scatter. Magik furrowed her brows. “Oh look, Amara’s being controlled. How refreshing.” EAGLE POINT, OREGON THIRTEEN HOURS AGO The was a soft hesitant rap of knuckles against the door of the private clinical room. “Come in,” Xi’an said, emphasising the urgency of her words. Danielle, Julio, Roberto, Amara and Illyana filed into the room. Each bore an expression that was all too familiar to the Vietnamese mutant, a mix of sympathy and fear that had been the marking of their youth. In her heart of hearts, Xi’an was comforted by their presence. So much so that she almost failed to notice the faces that weren’t gathering around her bedside or those that had been stripped from her. Yet, as much as she worried about the consequences of her own actions, she had more pressing matters to attend to. “First things first, have you come to a decision?” she asked them, noticing their visible surprise. Amara spoke tentatively. “Xi’an, is that really where you want to pick up?” “She means are you sure you wouldn’t rather focus on the elephant in the room,” Illyana stated bluntly, playing with the flowers Danielle had brought. “The doctor looked a little bit flustered.” Danielle scowled. “You have no tact.” “She’s right,” said Xi’an. “It’s coming off. The doctor has recommended amputation and I’ve agreed. Now, can we focus on what I asked of you all?” The look in their sad eyes was enough to cause her stomach to somersault. “Please don’t look at me like that.” Roberto cleared his throat. “We just want what’s best for you, to be here for you.” Xi’an sighed. “What’s best for me is doing what’s right, Bobby. I don’t want you to do it out of sympathy or some misguided sense of reparation. I want us all to see what we’ve done, the mistakes we made, and start to fix what we’ve broken.” Danielle bit her lip. “Well, we talked it through and–” Illyana interrupted her. “We’re in. We’re all in.” “Good,” replied Xi’an. “Then let’s get started.” THE BADLANDS REALM OF THE DEMON BEAR – NOW “Amara, babe. Fight against this.” Magik grimaced. “C’mon, Bobby. We all know how this game plays out. We seem to tackle this situation annually.” Sunspot’s body rippled with stored solar energy as he hovered into the air. Magik had immediately stepped forward, a flick of her wrist drawing the soulsword from the dimensions under her control. His eyes met hers fiercely. Illyana had always been something of an enigma to the Brazilian man and to her, he had been little more than belligerent and outlandish. Her stoic personality had always been at odds with his sense of humour. Yet, when they stood side by side on the battlefield, they were a formidable duo. Even if she could sense his restraint, Magma had always been his weakness. “Maybe you shouldn’t talk about her as if she’s nothing more than a ragdoll,” snarled Rictor, his Hispanic complexion stained an unusual shade of yellow. The environment was continuing to weaken him. “This isn’t her fault.” She sighed. “Maybe you should sit down. You’ve looked more useful.” Danielle was about to speak when the Russian sorceress halted her, rolling her eyes as she mimicked the Native American. “’Yana, don’t be so cruel,” she suddenly returned to her own voice. “Let’s just do this.” Thrusting her hands upright, Magma forced the molten core of the Badlands through the rocky terrain. Despite the violence of her actions, the Nova Roman princess remained facially vacant and despondent to the pleas of her teammates. Magik attempted to stampede towards her, vaulting into the air and drawing her sword high, but a volcanic flume struck her and launched her into the hillside. Sunspot threw his energy bolts at her feet, casting her backwards with a thud. Rictor immediately attempted to send a shockwave through the earth but it merely exploded, and smashed into his face in a flurry of rubble. Mirage slipped from the explosion, charging a quantum arrow and firing it into the chest of her friend. Magma’s body shook for a moment but she quickly overcame it. It was miraculous how much the Badlands had altered the abilities and strengths of Magma and Rictor. Unfortunately, it had claimed her through such an empowerment whilst he seemed almost deathly. He groaned as Mirage stepped over him, her mind reached out toward Magma’s but the Nova Roman deflected her. The Native American fell to her knees with a scream, the sensation of fire running through her brain. Magma spun but was quickly tackled by Magik. Wrapping her fiery fingers through the blonde Russian’s hair, the scent of burning filling the air, she threw her hand to the right and smashed the sorceress’ head against the rocks. Magik groaned as Magma turned her attention towards the hovering Sunspot, so reluctant to act against her. He was cautious, weaving through her blasts but returning few of his own. “Amara! Please,” he begged. “We don’t have to–” She almost struck him but he ducked just in time. He gritted his teeth. “Then, I’m sorry.” Propelling himself forward, Sunspot collided with Magma and, much as she had done with Magik, he slammed her head against the rocks. Magma gasped momentarily before the embers died and she passed out in Sunspot’s arms. He continued to cradle her as Mirage moved to her feet. She took several steps before overlooking the cliff and witnessing the full dangers that lay ahead of them. Eight fully grown Demon Bears. Danielle crumpled to her knees as the fear overran her mind. |