#11 - The Enemy Within

By Barry Reese

"Wake up, dear Sersi." The purring voice of Exodus sliced through the fog that covered the Eternal's mind. Her head ached badly and a sharp ringing in one of her ears made her squint in pain. Sersi's delicate, beautiful features turned downward into a snarl of fury as she opened her eyes.

The Eternal was hunging via energy bands in the center of a large communications room. Gleaming white walls reflected the light painfully and Sersi turned her gaze towards the one other person in the room. Exodus. "You'll die for this, mutant. Dane might have spared your worthless life, but I certainly won't..."

Exodus laughed softly. He wore his costume proudly, a badge of office in his mind. He was the heir to Magneto's legacy -- even though the Master of Magnetism had lost sight of his own dreams from time to time, Exodus never had. Mutants were homo superior...and humanity was composed of fearful sheep eager to destory their betters. "Please, Sersi -- don't even try to threaten me. You'll find that I've placed some rather powerful psychic inhibitors on you...With effort, you could overload them, I'm sure. But you'd also destroy what little brain you possess..."

Sersi bit her tongue. She could feel the inhibitors in place and she cursed herself for allowing this to happen in the first place. She'd fought Exodus before -- and done very well, in fact. How had he managed to deal with her so easily? A single psi-blast... "Where are we, Bennet? Is this another of your mutant supremacy schemes? Doomed to failure, no doubt. When will you ever learn? Or are you even capable of doing such a thing?"

Exodus shrugged. "Say whatever you wish, Sersi, for it matters not. I am here in England because it is to the be site of a massive mutant uprising in the next few years -- mark my words." The handsome mutant moved towards a chair and sat down in it, crossing his legs and steepling his fingers together in front of him. "I was at Dane's recent party, by the way*..."

(*See Black Knight # 7.)

"What? Impossible! I would have sensed you..."

"Hmm. In the old days, perhaps. But my powers have been increasing as of late -- I am truly becoming that which I always wished to be. But once again you steer me away from my intended target, Sersi -- you see, I didn't bring you here to hurt you at all. I brought you here to save your life."

Sersi rolled her eyes. "Please, Bennet. The only thing worse than hearing you wax poetic about your mutant supremacy is hearing you spit out lies about caring for my safety."

"It's true. You see...while I was there, I took the liberty of scanning Dane's mind. He's always been difficult to read for some reason -- all that time travel, I suppose -- but I noticed something quite interesting about him."

Despite herself, Sersi was intrigued. There had been...moments...of late, when she'd wondered about her relationship with Dane. A distance was still between them, even after all they'd shared in the Ultraverse*. Could Exodus have seen something about that? >h5>(*See Black Knight # 4-6.)

Exodus smiled, recognizing Sersi's sudden interest. "I think you've blinded yourself to something rather serious, Sersi. That man living in Garrett Castle...isn't Dane Whitman at all."

Dane Whitman came back to reality with a start. He was standing in his makeshift lab inside Garrett Castle, unpacking some of the equipment that he'd borrowed from the Millenium Tower. Dane rubbed his eyes with a hand, wondering vaguely what had happened. A quick glance at the clock indicated that it was past three in the afternoon...it had been noon when he'd begun the unpacking. Perhaps he was more stressed than he'd first believed...

It was because of Sersi, he knew. Where was she? He'd returned from New York only to find her missing and Karla raving that Immortus had dropped in to check out the basement*. He wasn't really sure which of the two things bothered him the most -- the fact that his current lover had disappeared or that the Lord of Time was wandering about in his home.

(*Both of these events occurred last ish.)

He'd tried calling Sersi in every way he knew how but she was nowhere to be found. The Avengers hadn't heard from her and neither had her fellow Eternals. "Damnit, Sersi...I was hoping we could work out our problems...Don't tell me you've run out on me."

Dane didn't truly believe that she had -- but somehow that thought was easier for him to accept than the one that kept coming to him in the dark...that she might be somewhere in need of his help.

"Mr. Whitman? Your guests from America have arrived." Dane glanced over at his butler, who stood primly in the doorway. Dane motioned for him to show them in, trying to put his doubts away for the moment.

A handsome man and a rather stunning brunette woman entered the room. The man was trim and well-fit, his hair cut short and his eyes showing the hard glint of a warrior. His companion was tall and statuesque, like some Amazon come to life.

Dane stepped towards them, hand extended. "Welcome to England, Philip." The two men shook hands and Dane smiled at Magdalene. "I hope your flight went all right..."

Magdalene nodded. "It was very pleasant -- Philip and I owe you our thanks for inviting us."

"Don't worry about it. When I heard you'd split from the AWC*, I got kind of worried about you. I know first-hand how hard it is to get settled in on a world that's not your own."

(*Way back in Avengers West Coast # 107.)

Philip Jarvert grinned, "From what I've heard, you certainly do. I'm looking forward to sparring with you, Dane."

Dane nodded absently...He had been worried that Philip wouldn't accept his invitation -- after all, the Dane Whitman that Philip knew had gone mad and become the villain Proctor. But it looked like Philip and Magdalene were both adjusting to having been brought to an alternate world. "I'm looking forward to it, too. I'll have you shown to your rooms and you can meet Karla -- she's another boarder right now. I'm starting a collection, I think."

Magdalene smiled, enjoying his good humor...but something nagged at her. Something in the way Dane's smile turned at the corners -- it was eerily familiar, but she knew her concern was misplaced. This Dane Whitman had proven himself a hero time and again. There was no reason to worry...

Exodus paced through the room silently, features drawn tight. Beside him, Sersi stood equally quiet, her mind turning over and over the things that Exodus had told her. Finally, she turned towards him in confusion. "Why? Why are you doing this?"

Exodus glanced at her with a strange look in his face. "Because I hated Eobar Garrett for years and years. I blamed him for his betrayal of me*. But then I learn that it wasn't my friend Eobar at all...but rather Dane Whitman, inhabiting his body. It was then that I swore revenge upon him...to find out that he's not in full control of his own body is disturbing to me...and it's something that I want to see rectified. When I have my ultimate revenge, it shall be over Dane Whitman, and Dane Whitman only."

(*See Black Knight : Exodus, a special published by Marvel several years ago.)

Sersi could tell that the madman was being truthful enough...but what he'd told her was so horrible...she almost wished that it couldn't be true. But it certainly did make sense -- horrible sense, in fact. "I'll contact him -- but once he's here, we'll do only what's necessary to help him. I don't plan to be an accessory to one of your revenge schemes."

Exodus nodded. "Of course. It's too early in the game for me to strike at him...My Acolytes are not all in place as of yet. I desire only to free my enemy from the one who is holding him in thrall."

Sersi took a deep breath, letting it release slowly. The thought that she had lain in bed with... She forced the very idea away. Perhaps that would explain why he'd seemed so uncertain in his desires for her? Or were his doubts in place even before? Regardless of the answer, she had to help him. She loved him more than she loved her own life...more than she loved the life that was growing inside of her even now. She placed a hand self-consciously on her belly, feeling the soft kick within. An Eternal pregnancy was a rare and wonderful thing...and she'd be damned if she'd allow her child's father to suffer like this.

The Black Knight stared at the steel and glass structure before him with undisguised curiosity. He was on his winged horse, the mighty steed raking at the ground with a hoof. The Sword of Light and the Shield of Night -- symbols of his loyalty to Avalon and the Lady of the Lake -- were at his side. He glanced over at the large sign which read "The Exodus Foundation"...very cute.

The call had come less than an hour before. Sersi, out of breath, asking that Dane meet her here -- he figured it was most likely a trap and from the name of the building it wasn't hard to figure out who had laid it. He wondered idly if Sersi had betrayed him, sold him out to Bennet. It wouldn't be the first time the witch had --

Dane narrowed his eyes and frowned. Where had that that come from? Sersi had done some questionable things in the past, to be sure, but she'd betrayed him... Taking a deep breath, he slid off his horse's back and patted its flank. "Wait here, my friend. If I give a whistle, come to me."

The Black Knight placed the Shield of Night on his arm, holding it in place should Exodus launch an attack. Dane couldn't help but be amazed that Exodus would be so brazen -- to build a place like this out in the open and then to kidnap Sersi...

Dane stepped up to the glass door and kicked it in with one mighty blow. Glass crunched beneath his boots as he entered. A receptionist's empty desk greeted him in the lobby and the Black Knight passed by it, noting the pamphlets on the desk. He picked one up and frowned. The Exodus Foundation seeks to promote positive values in today's 'special' youth. There is no crime in being different from others -- diversity, in all its combinations, should be revered.

The Black Knight tossed it aside and moved towards the stairs. As he moved, a holographic image of Exodus appeared suddenly before him. Bennet Du Paris' voice rang out, "Hello Dane. So very nice to see you again. If you want to find your lover, we're on the 8th floor waiting for you. Au revoir."

The Black Knight shook his head. When he found Exodus he was going to run him through with the Sword of Light, leave his blood to stain the floor. And he'd do the same to Sersi, if she'd betrayed him...again.

The door opened with a hiss, revealing the all-white communications room. Exodus stood in the center, Sersi at his side. She looked upset, like she'd been crying, but the fact that she wasn't in bondage spoke volumes to Dane. She was in on it with Exodus.

The Black Knight stepped in and drew the Sword of Light. It sparkled in the air. "Sersi...how could you? How could I have been so stupid as to trust you again..."

Sersi shook her head. "You're not in your right mind, Dane. I would have seen it sooner if I hadn't been so concerned about not invading the privacy of your mind...Have you been losing track of time, been confused about your feelings or emotions?"

Dane sneered. "I've never been surer of what I feel, Sersi. What I feel is anger...and liberation."

"What you feel, Dane, is the influence of Proctor." Exodus looked disgusted as he said the words, as if he was disappointed to see his foe in this condition.

The Black Knight took a step back, his sword wavering. "What are you talking about?"

Sersi clenched her fists. "When you fought Proctor in the middle of the Nega-Time wave...he disappeared*, remember? At the moment that you destroyed the Nega-Time generator. He wasn't destroyed, Dane. He was merged with you..."

(*See our classic Black Knight # 6.)

Dane shook his head. "No. Stephen would have sensed it -- I'd think that Dr. Strange would be able to tell something like that."

"He had no reason to scan you, Dane -- and even if he had, it would have taken a very powerful psionic to even sense it. Proctor was buried very deeply...he hasn't been able to influence you to any large degree yet...but he's slowly taking over. I can sense him now..." Sersi gritted her teeth. "And like it or not, we're going to drive him from you."

The Black Knight seemed to sag for a moment, before straightening. Something in his gait seemed different somehow as he moved forward. "Lying Sersi...Always the same, no matter where I go. I did the multiverse a favor killing all those copies of you."

Exodus glanced at Sersi. "Now."

With no further words, the assault began. The twin psychic attacks pierced Dane's defenses, striking at the evil that had taken root inside him. Dane snarled, slashing out with the Sword of Light. It tasted Sersi's flesh, cutting deep along her left arm. Blood flew through the air.

Sersi ignored the pain, pushing deeper. She could sense Exodus driving harder, as well -- almost too much so. She thought about pushing him away before he did permanent harm, but she also realized that without him she might falter.

Dane shrieked, but the sight of Sersi's wound had seemed to fill him with new strength. On a higher plane, he was struggling with Proctor -- the two of them locked in mortal combat.

"Surrender, Dane...This body belongs to me now." Proctor's voice echoed in Dane's skull. "There's still so much that I need to accomplish. We can start together, Dane. We can kill the witch once and for all!"

Dane spoke out loud, through gritted teeth. "No! I won't let you hurt her...Never again!"

The Black Knight stood in the center of the room, bombarded by the twin attacks of Sersi and Exodus, fighting for control of his own mind. He summoned all that he felt dear to -- all the memories and loves that gave him strength and he shoved against Proctor. "We're not the same...I have people...I trust...and love. And they give me...the ability...to turn you away!"

The spectral voice of Proctor faded away with a shriek and the Black Knight sagged forward, falling to his knees.

The psychic attack was broken off and Sersi knelt beside him. "He's breathing...I think it worked."

Exodus nodded. "Yes, Proctor's spirit is gone. Now take him from here -- take him and help him recover. He'll need to be strong if he's going to face what I have planned for him."

Sersi glanced at Exodus with a miture of hatred and gratitude. She knew she should strike at him, try to bring him down -- but she was tired and too concerned for Dane. "You know he'll come back here looking for you..."

"Yes. And he'll find a legitimate organization dedicated to finding young mutants. I won't be here -- I have other places in London from which to plan my coming war. Tell him that he'll know when the time is right to face me."

Sersi merely nodded, lifting Dane to his feet with a grunt. He was heavy against her and her arm still hurt terribly. But it was all made better when she heard Dane's whispered words.

"I'm sorry, Sersi...I never would have hurt you..."

"I know, Dane. I love you."

Dane Whitman didn't answer, instead leaning in closer to her. He was tired, so tired, and his head was pounding. Thee would be time enough later to sort all of this out, but for now he was very, very grateful that Sersi was at his side.

Next: A look at all of the book's relationships as we take a breather before our big Immortus storyline. Be here for "Decisions"

Written In Black

Alex Maggi wrote :

Hi Barry

This is, as promised, my review. Don't worry, though, it's a nice one (only two minor complaints down below, both continuity-wise)

I liked the whole pace of the story, and you're right to think it one of your stronger ones. Good characterization and a lot of continuity fixing (it looks almost like one of MY story for that *lol*).

I am very intrigued by the two sub-plots concerning Exodus and Immortus and the role of Karla Whitman. But the adventure in the Blade was the real heart of the story. I especially liked the scene with Vicky Bentley ... and the summoning of the Light of Avalon. I hope the whole situation with the Lady of the Lake will be made more clear soon.

So a great story, indeed

Now the two minor complaints ... eheheh

1 - about Doc - you handled him perfectly, save for the mentioning of the Elder Gods (you say he calls on them). Highly unlikely, considering how Chthon is one of them and what he did to Stephen (not to mention what Stephen did to him in DS # 91). I know this is nitpicking, but as I said this is a minor complaint and one that probably only I could spot.

2 - about Sersi/Exodus - you say they met in the BK one-shot - that's true but that's not their most recent meeting (at least on Exodus' part). They clashed in the X-Men/Avengers "Bloodties" crossover. And Sersi held her own against him, actually putting him on the ropes (and considering it happened in UXM with John Romita jr penciling, it was a damn good fight). So I felt like you forgot about this and you had her defeated way too easily. Sersi is a powerful psionic, not only a matter manipulator. She has telepathy, and strong psi-shields. Basically, I think she wouldn't have gone down so easily, even taken by surprise. This is a bit more annoying than the Doc slip above. And I felt this was the only point in the story I said "mmm ... I don't like this".

OK, now I'm waiting to see what you plan for Immortus, that's really the main plot I'm looking forward to (I honestly don't care much for Exodus)

Thanks for the detailed review, Alex. I was certainly aware of the Sersi/Exodus meeting the Avengers/X-Men crossover but as you've seen from this issue, Exodus is a bit more powerful now than before.

TJ Burns wrote in with :

Hey Barry! Well, I was really glad to see the end of the Ebony Blade's curse come to light. It's really an end of an era for the Knight with that one gone, but I'm glad to see it happen. Seeing all the subplots begin to mount up is very cool. Immortus being caught by surprise is truly astounding. Not much can ever do that! Exodus' intimations about Dane are fascinating. I really can't wait to see where this is all going. Just keep up the great work!

Francisco Araujo da Costa wrote :

Barry, I just finished the issues of your Black Knight run and there's something there that put me in self-loathing: I should've started before, dammit! Now I'm curious and wanting more, especially the conclusion of Swords and Sorcery.

It's good, real good. I loved to see the Ultraverse guys (and your Ultra mini, btw) and the villains you have used thus far... Not familiar with the post HReborn issues of H4H, I'm sort of lost in the relationship with the Lady of the Lake. You explained it well, but somehow I feel I lost something there. I love your BK 2099... are we to see a 2099 mini or a travel to that universe I liked so much?