“The Champions—a name which is no stranger to the city of Los Angeles. But after the original group broke up several years ago, a new team formed. And now that group evolved into the current incarnation. After first thwarting an attempted break-out of the superhuman penitentiary known as the Deep, the Champions then defeated the power-mad criminal known as Nefarius who appeared at the UCLA Smart Grid Energy Research Center.

“This team only recently came together during the Deep incident. The new team includes Hercules, a former Avenger and one of the original Champions. Justice and Silhouette are the group’s leaders and hold-overs from the previous incarnation. And new additions to the team include Jubilee, formerly of the X-Men, as well as two mystery characters—the Goblin and Dan Ketch.

“Warren Worthington’s X-Corporation, which funds the organization, has confirmed that the Goblin has no connection to any of the various felons who have used a similar motif. As for the mysterious Ketch, his abilities and appearance suggest a link with another of the original Champions, the Ghost Rider. But nothing has been confirmed.

“Regardless of the mystery surrounding two of the members, this latest incarnation of the Champions has been welcomed with open arms, by both the mayor of Los Angeles and the governor of California.”

“Look at that,” said Kateri Deseronto. “No mention of the massive amounts of property damage they caused when the Griffin rampaged through the city. No mention of how they were at the Deep when the breakout began and failed to prevent it from going as far as it did. No mention of how their trail of destruction at SMERC probably set back alternative energy research by a number of years. And certainly no mention of how this new push by the X-Corporation is just an attempt to make people forget that they funded a private mutant army to violate international laws.”

She raised one of her swords, which glowed a bright blue and had cold air forming around it. And she jammed it into the television in anger, not only shattering the screen, but also encasing it in a block of ice.

“Hey, I was watchin’ that!” Kateri’s companion was Leon Shappe, a young, well-built man seated not far from the set. He had a beer in his hand and a slightly-glazed over look in his eyes.

“These ‘heroes’ think just because they have powers, that gives them the right to break the law whenever they see fit. Impose their own perverted sense of justice on the world. And if anything—or anyone—gets in their way, then that’s just too bad!”

Leon scratched his head. “Wait…aren’t you doin’ the same thing?”

Kateri faced him for the first time. She wore a light yet durable suit of blue and gold armor, with sword sheaths hanging from each hip. “I was a government agent. I fought for my country. And now, I’m going to show the world that these heroes are not to be admired—they’re dangerous glory-hounds who are just as bad as the criminals they go after.” She pointed her sword at him. “And you’re going to help me do it.”

Leon shrugged. “Look Coldheart, I don’t care about your cause. You just get me my snap, an’ I’ll kill whoever you want.”

“You’ll get your precious drugs,” she said. “But until then, it’s time to suit up. We’ve got work to do, Speedfreek.”

COLD-HEARTED FREEKS

Part I

By Dino Pollard

Silhouette dashed across the rooftops of Los Angeles. When she reached the ledge, she gracefully sprung off, flipping in the air and landing perfectly on the adjacent building. Then she broke off into another run. She hopped on a rooftop entrance and pushed off, twisting as she gripped onto a flagpole and spun around it a few times before releasing. She went into free fall, dropping towards the traffic below. She directed her descent towards a shadowed area, vanishing into it. She reappeared on another roof, rising up through the shadow.

The young Cambodian/African-American mutant had forgotten just how good it felt to move like that again. For longer than she’d care to remember, her legs were crippled after she was shot by police gunfire in a sting gone wrong. Her lover, Dwayne Taylor and former leader of both the New Warriors and the Champions, provided her with combat-capable crutches and leg braces. She’d grown to be a very effective fighter with them, but nothing could beat the feeling of moving on your own accord.

And she had a vampire to thank for it.

During an attack in Los Angeles, Silhouette had suffered a vampiric bite. She did not complete the transformation, however. Instead, the bite had mutated her already-unique DNA and repaired her legs.

“You are a tough one to keep up with.”

Silhouette mentally chastised herself for allowing her teammate to sneak up on her like that. Hovering just above her was the Goblin, one of the latest additions to the Champions group. The glider he rode was far more quiet than it was in the past, which meant Phil Urich must have been tinkering with it.

“Why are you trying? Something up?” she asked.

The Goblin shook his head. “Nah, just thought I’d get outta the Tower for a bit. Starting to get cabin fever, y’know.”

Silhouette stretched her arms above her head. “With all the toys Worthington’s company has given us, would think you’d be busy playing around with them.”

“Oh, I was. But needed to get out and just cruise for a bit. Besides, I’ve spent the past few years tinkering. Now that I got this Goblin gear working again, I’m ready to jump back into action.”

“Just don’t be too eager,” said Silhouette. “Never know when something might happen.”

The Goblin grinned. “So is that why you’re really running around out here?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Silhouette broke into a run and sailed over the gap between her current rooftop and the next. The Goblin easily kept pace with her on his glider.

“The mayor’s honoring us with a key to the city tomorrow. And as co-leader, that means you’re gonna be front and center,” he said. “You’re not really used to being in the spotlight, are you?”

“And I suppose you are?” asked Silhouette. “Most people equate you with the Osborn clan, not as a hero.”

The Goblin lowered his glider to the roof and stepped off. “When you’re right, you’re right. But I’m looking forward to getting away from that stigma.”

“I’m more comfortable out of the spotlight myself,” said Silhouette. “Managed to stay pretty clear of it for the most part. But now I’m worried about what sort of attention this will bring us.”

The Goblin shrugged. “I dunno. Seems to work nicely for the Avengers and the Fantastic Four. Why not get some of that action? Especially since the West Coast Avengers haven’t really been in the spotlight lately.”

“I just don’t like it, that’s all. I’d rather we were focusing on helping people instead of painting a giant target on our backs.”

“Yeah, but if people respond well to us, that could lead to them coming to us for help. Ever consider that?”

“You may be right. I just don’t like being in the light.”

Dan Ketch slid the empty tumbler towards the bartender. “Another Wild Turkey.”

“That’s your third one in twenty minutes. Sure you don’t wanna slow down?” asked the bartender.

Ketch gave the bartender a smoldering stare as he lit a fresh cigarette. As impossible as it seemed, the bartender could see flames burning in Ketch’s eyes. Within seconds, Ketch’s glass was refilled and the rest of the bottle was left on the counter for him. “Who needs tits when you’ve got hellfire eyes?” he muttered to himself, sipping his whiskey.

The bar was mostly silent. A few people played pool or darts, but most of the crowd were content to either speak in hushed tones or drown their sorrows alone. That suited Ketch just fine. All he wanted to do was drink until he could forget about the curse he was saddled with. A curse that he thought he was finally rid of, until recently.

The tranquility of the bar was disturbed by the sound of the doors slamming open. A bombastic voice echoed through the tavern. “Mortals! Prepare thy finest brew!”

Ketch groaned upon hearing that voice. He rested his elbow on the counter, trying to cover his face with his hand. But it proved useless as within moments, he felt a powerful slap on his back, one that nearly knocked him into the bar.

“Do mine eyes deceive me? Friend Ketch!”

Ketch finally looked up at his teammate, the Greek demigod Hercules. The son of Zeus walked about in his Olympian clothing, not caring one slight bit about the surprised stares he attracted from those around him. Quite the opposite, Hercules seemed instead to bask in the attention.

“What ale be this?” asked Hercules, taking Ketch’s glass and dumping it down his throat in one, swift movement.

“Whiskey.” Ketch snatched the tumbler back and refilled it. His demeanor wasn’t enough to deter the immortal, who sat on the empty seat next to him.

“I believe I’ll join you in a glass.” Hercules waved to the bartender. “Good sir! A whiskey over here!”

The bartender kept his eyes away from Ketch as he filled a tumbler with whiskey and set it in front of the Olympian. Hercules held up the glass and examined it with a perplexed gaze on his face. “Doth the Lion of Olympus appear to be a frail female?”

“Huh?” asked the bartender.

“My friend, Hercules is a man, and he shall drink as a man! A mug of whiskey, if you please!”

“A…mug?”

Hercules nodded with a grin.

“B-but—”

“Just give it to him or else he’ll never shut up,” said Ketch, making eye contact with the bartender. Once more, a look of total fear overcame the bartender and he did as he was ordered, filling a beer mug to the brim with whiskey and setting it in front of Hercules.

Hercules smiled and took a hearty drink from his mug. Once he lowered it, half the whiskey was gone and Hercules released a satisfied sigh. “Quite refreshing. So friend Ketch, what brings you to this fine establishment?”

“I’m trying to get drunk. Talking interferes with that.”

“Have I offended thee?”

Ketch groaned. “Listen. I’m not interested in a drinking buddy. If that’s what you want, talk to one of the other guys. I’m not really what you’d call sociable.”

“Then why have you joined our band?” asked Hercules.

Ketch shrugged. “I’ve been asking myself the same thing.”

Champion Tower
The Thirteenth Floor

The automaton was at least seven feet tall and its left arm consisted of a Gatling gun. The right arm was humanoid, other than the large shield affixed to it. The robot raised the gun-arm and opened fire, the barrels spinning and spitting out rounds with remarkable speed.

Jubilee tried to keep moving. It’d been some time since she’d had any sort of training. Sure, since she left Westchester many months back, she’d kept in shape with a regular regiment consisting of gymnastics, martial arts, and some weight-training. But none of that compared to actual field combat.

Her eyes were protected by an orange visor. She wore a skintight outfit consisting of black leggings and a maroon top underneath a short, gold-colored leather jacket. It harkened back to her early days with the X-Men and reminded her of happier times.

As she flipped across the training room floor, dodging the robot’s bullets, she formulated a strategy in her head. The robot momentarily stopped firing and lumbered towards her. Jubilee went on the offense, charging forward. Once she was within close enough range, she extended her arms and multicolored, explosive lights shot from her gloveless fingertips.

The sparks went off right in the automaton’s face, disrupting its visual sensors. She jumped circled behind as it staggered, but the robot swung its shield and struck her by surprise. The force was enough to send her sprawling. The robot turned to face her, its eyes glowing brightly. The temporary damage she inflicted had evidently worn off and now the automaton raised the gun-arm right up to her face.

Suddenly, the robot seized up. The arm pulled back with some strain and the robot tried to fight it. The gun-arm slowly bent, turning towards the robot’s head, and then fired several rounds, blowing off the head. Jubilee stood and saw the source.

Hovering not far, in blue and white with his cape billowing around and a golden star on his chest was the Champions’ leader, Justice. He lowered his feet to the ground with his telekinesis and offered a half-smile.

“Didn’t need any help,” she said.

“Sorry,” said Vance. “I actually came down here to blow off some steam, didn’t expect to find anyone else using the facility.”

“Aren’t you supposed to be working on tomorrow’s big speech?” asked Jubilee.

“Like I said, I needed to blow off some steam.”

Jubilee raised the visor, perching it on her forehead. “Nervous, huh?”

“More than a little.”

“Since when is an Avenger afraid of the spotlight?”

Vance chuckled. “I haven’t been an Avenger for some time. And when I was with them, I wasn’t really comfortable around the cameras. Being an Avenger was always my dream, but once I got there, I got kinda starstruck.”

“Guess I can see how that might happen.”

She walked over to a corner of the room and a compartment opened, revealing her towel and a bottle of water. While wiping the sweat from her face she tossed the bottle to Vance. His powers drew it to his hand and he took a sip, before floating it back to her.

“Was a little surprised to see a former X-Man struggle against one robot. Thought you guys used to blow up bigger ones than that every other month or so.”

Jubilee shrugged. “Guess I’m out of practice.” She drank from the bottle.

Vance struggled slightly with his next words, glancing down at his feet. “I heard about your fiancé. I just wanted—”

She raised her palm in objection. “Look, two things. First off, Bobby and I were never engaged. It was a damn imposter who proposed to me. Second, this isn’t something I wanna talk about.”

Vance pulled back in a gesture of surrender. “No harm meant, I just wanted to express my condolences. I know it can’t be easy, being on the team that he originally helped start.”

Jubilee sighed. “I joined this outfit as a favor to Warren. Felt like I needed to do something productive. And I couldn’t go back to Westchester, not with all those reminders and all those people constantly asking me how I was doin’. I got enough of that after we found out the truth.”

Vance nodded. “I’m sorry I brought it up.”

“It’s forgotten.” She lowered the visor. “You still need to blow off some steam, right? What say we give a go at this whole teamwork thing?”

Vance grinned. “You’re on.”

Pershing Square

“I’m in position,” said Leon. He wore a trench coat and fedora to conceal his armor.

“Not yet. Wait for the signal,” came Coldheart’s response through his helmet’s built-in communicator.

“Right, right.”

Leon turned his attention to the podium where the mayor had just gotten through detailing the recent accomplishments of the Champions. He made the introduction and stepped aside to give Justice a chance at the microphone.

“Thank you, Mr. Mayor. And thank you to the city of Los Angeles for welcoming us with open arms,” said Justice. “As a mutant, I can’t tell you how refreshing it is to be in a place that’s so open to us.

“The Champions first began years ago to offer some much-needed aid to the west coast, and my team and I hope to offer the same protection and service that our predecessors did. We do so under the guidance and support of the team’s original founder, Warren Worthington III. Unfortunately Warren couldn’t be here today, so you’ll just have to make do with me for now.”

Chuckles came from the crowd and Justice tried to hide his relief.

“Of course, it won’t be easy. We’ve got a lot of work to do, and we’ll need your help. And so I’d like to let you all know that Champion Tower is open to you. If you have a problem, you can come to us and we will do our best to assist you.”

“How can we expect you to look after us when you can’t even look after your own kind?”

Gasps came from the crowd. The other Champions started at attention and Justice scanned the people to find where the statement was shouted from. A young Asian woman with blue eyes pushed her way to the front of the crowd.

“Oh no…I recognize her…” muttered Jubilee.

“Who is she?” asked the Goblin in a hushed whisper.

Before Jubilee could respond, the woman provided her own introduction. “My name is Opal Tanaka and I was engaged to Iceman, one of the founding Champions!”

“The hell you were!” Jubilee shouted. The Goblin and Silhouette each placed their hands on Jubilee, gently but firmly, to communicate that they would restrain her if need be.

Opal ignored Jubilee’s retort and continued. “He was killed and his killer is still at large! What are the Champions doing about that? What’s Warren, Bobby’s supposedfriend, doing about that?”

“I’m sorry for your loss, Ms. Tanaka, but we don’t have enough to go on with that,” said Justice. “I believe the X-Men are handling that invest—”

“Lady, you’ve got no idea what you’re talking about!” Jubilee pushed away from her teammates. She clenched her fists, brightly-colored neon sparks forming around them. “You left Bobby years ago! Now all of a sudden you care about him?”

“Now!”

Leon threw off his coat and hat, zipping through the crowd at superhuman speed. He snatched up Opal with one arm and with his other, a two-foot long blade extended from his gauntlet.

“Hi, Champions. Name’s Speedfreek. Love to stay an’ chat, but I just don’t got the time!”

With that, Speedfreek was gone in a blur, Opal as his captive. The Champions were left standing in his dust, while reporters in the crowd began barking questions at them.

Within the crowd, Kateri smiled, slowly walking away. Phase one was complete. Now for phase two…

To be continued…