#6 - Riot In The Dungeon!
"The Siberian Connection, Part Three"

By Jeff Melton

What Has Come Before: The Invaders and the Soviet Super Soldiers, aided by the enigmatic Vision, joined forces against a race of demons who annihiliated a small Russian town—a village that has secrets that neither the Russian government nor the Soviet Super Soldiers are willing to let out. After a prolonged battle with the demons, the two heroic teams found themselves face-to-face with the masters of the demons…powerful, and very evil, Russia

In a small Siberian town, the Invaders, along with the Vision, and the Soviet Super-Soldiers, have just defeated the Kajis, evil demons who have utterly devestated the Siberian village. They now find themselves face-to-face with those who controlled the demons—Stribog, Chernobog, Koshchei the Deathless, Leshy, Vahgn, and Rusalki!

"Have you not done enough damage?" Red Guardian exclaims, pulling out his revolver and firing several shots at Chernobog.

The black god smiles, small indentations barely visible in his coal-colored skin. He holds his hand up, palm-first, as the bullets are all re-directed into his hand, where they disappear into the blackness.

"Do you honestly believe that mere bullets can stop an immortal?" Chernobog remarks. His voice is dark and forboding, having an unerringly evil taint. "Perhaps it is true what we have said," he then says, turning to Vahgn, who nods in agreement, holding his large battle-axe in his hand. "We have been away from this plane for far too long. The humans—who once knew their place was on their knees before us—now believe that they can achieve the greatness that is retained by the gods."

"Agreed, friend Chernobog," Vahgn says, a sinister smile crossing his face, as he flips his battle axe around in his hand without effort. As god of war, his skills in battle are well-known, but it has been far too long since his arms have tasted a challenge worthy of his skills, and they now ache in anticipation for what is to come. "I am eager to correct their line of thought accordingly."

"This is getting out of hand," Cap thinks, holding his shield, as he looks around. He can feel the temperature slowly rising, as Svazorzic flies in behind him, his body radiating in heat and small sparks of flame. "But I can't help but think that Red Guardian is welcoming this to prevent us from finding out what is going on here!"

Stribog levitates further into the air, his head leaning back as he looks into the heavens above. A mere look towards the clouds causes them to darken, turning first grey, but growing darker and darker, as the dark clouds increase in number, completely surrouding them all and casting dark shadows upon the area of combat below.

"Ah, darkness," Chernobog says with sinister glee, his arms reaching upwards. "My thanks, Stribog. I certainly prefer to work in this environment."

"Enough of this posturing!" Namor exclaims, flying over to the villains, and tackling Vaghn around the shoulders, bringing him to the ground, as the very ground shakes at the impact caused by their combined power. "We are not here to hear of your arrogance…but to put down this threat!"

"Put it down?" Vaghn asks, instantly rising to his feet, slamming his foot into Namor's stomach, doubling him over. "Indeed! If you believe you have that power, I welcome your attempt to show it!" Vaghn then puts his battle axe into his belt, as he looks down at Namor, who is even now getting to his feet. "But, I will not fight an unarmed foe with a weapon. Hand to hand then?"

"Let this be your answer!" Namor replies, as he launches himself upward, slamming his fist into Vaghn's face, jerking his head violently to the right, and causing Vaghn to stagger back slightly, but still saying on his feet.

"Yours is a warrior's race, Atlantean," Vaghn replies, shaking off Namor's blow, and blocking Namor's next blow with his forearm. "I have always admired that aspect of Atlantis. The martial characteristics of your race has always been the subject of much discourse between Ares and myself," Vaghn then slams his fist into Namor's face, sending him reeling back. "However, I trust that you are not their finest warrior. Such would not speak well for Ares' boasts." Vaghn continues with an uppercut that sends Namor crushing to the ground.

"Namor's too important to the team to be taken out this quickly—though I'd never tell him that!" Human Torch thinks, as he flies overhead, sending blasts of flames at Vaghn, catching him off-guard and driving him back. "Get away from Namor!" Human Torch says jokingly. "He may not be much, but he's ours!"

"Your flames," Vaghn observes, as he conjures his battle axe to deflect the flaming energy being sent his way, "it is not standard earthly fire." He spins his battle axe in a circular motion, causing Human Torch's flames to radiate around its center. "I do not think you are even aware of their latent power.

"What do you mean by…?" Human Torch starts to ask, distracted by Vaghn's words, so that he does not notice his actions.

"No matter." Vaghn then sends the energy back at Human Torch, stunning him with the impact of the blast as he is sent back through the air.

"If it is battle you crave, I shall gladly give you more than you can handle!" Namor exclaims, rushing back into the battle, tackling Vaghn once again, and sending them both smashing into the remains of a small house that has been badly charred by fire. The two disappear within it's walls.

Crimson Dynamo and Blue Blaze approach on opposite sides of Stribog, who is levitating in the air, as the clouds grow darker and the air is filled with a chill that is too common to the citizens of this area. The temperature quickly deteriorates, dropping twenty degrees in an instant, as winds start to swirl around, making the wind chills dip deep into the negative numbers.

"If this is Stribog, my friend," Crimson Dynamo says to Blue Blaze, "it is imperative that we dispatch him…and quickly. He is very powerful and known for his viciousness in battle."

Blue Blaze nods in agreement. "His power radiates through the Earth like a beacon," Blue Blaze thinks to himself. "I do not know how we will overcome someone of his power, but Crimson Dynamo is correct—he must be stopped!"

Crimson Dynamo sends out his electrical energy at Stribog at the same time that Blue Blaze hits him with his blue energy. Stribog's reaction is not what the heroes expected.

"Electricity?" Stribog asks mockingly, as he turns his attention for a moment to Crimson Dynamo. "You would strike the lord of the storms with electricity? Do you seek to fell me with uncontrollable laughter?" He then sends out electricity far more potent at Crimson Dynamo, instantly shortcircuiting his armor. Vanko's eyes grow large for a moment from the shock, and then they close as he loses consciousness.

Crimson Dynamo, powerless and unconscious, starts to fall to the ground, even as it starts to snow and sleet. Blue Blaze turns his back on his opponent for the moment, flying down to catch Crimson Dynamo. He is stopped by Svarozic, who catches Dynamo and glares at Blue Blaze, who has to halt his rapid descent. "We take care of our own!" Svarozic says in a warning tone.

Ivan and Alexi both pull out their handguns and fire at Stribog, who merely continues to levitate above them, letting the bullets bounce harmlessly off his invulnerable skin. "A pity that humans still rely on weapons," Stribog remarks, "even though they are no match for their superiors."

Devana rushes towards Rusalki. "You are out of your element, Rusalki!" Devana remarks, as she swings at Rusalki, who ducks under the attack.

Rusalki then grabs her foe's arm and flips her onto her back. "Not at all," she says, as Devana starts to rise, obviously shocked by the suddenness of Rusalki's attack. "The woods are close by, and the rivers encircle this small town. This is very much my element!"

Spitfire and Union Jack stand together, shivering from the cold, as sleet and snow continues to fall around them, and on them. "As if it wasn't cold enough!" Spitfire says, as she starts to move her body at slight super-speed, building up friction to keep herself warm.

"I know," Union Jack agrees. "But there's something about this Stribog that's…familiar."

"I had the same feeling, Brian," Spitfire chimes in, as she continues to vibrate at super-speed, appearing to be a double vision.

"Here, guys," Toro says, flying overhead, as he ignites broken buildings around them, creating fires to keep them as warm as possible, to help fight off the effects of hypothermia. "We're going to have enough problems without you and the others catching your death from cold."

Captain America stands with the Vision. Cap is trying to keep his mind off how cold it is getting, and the Vision is oblivious to the weather. "We need to reorganize our attack," Cap says to the Vision. "There aren't many of these villains, but they're powerful."

"Yes," the Vision replies. "And they are familiar with your weaknesses as a team. They have been very effective at exploiting those weaknesses, as well as exploiting the fact that you and your Russian counterparts are not working together to achieve the same goals."

"You're right, Vision," Cap replies. "And I plan to do something about that right now."

INTERLUDE

In the deepest region of mainland China, nestled among the tallest peaks of that timeless nation, sits a castle owned by the most notorious figure in China. His name is spoken only in hushed whispers, and neither the Chinese government nor their Communist insurrectionists dare to speak his name, or to even formally recognize his existence.

He has not yet forced them to do so. For his own reasons, he has chosen to remain hidden from the rest of the world, even as that world threatens to rend itself asunder with a war that can truly be called a world war.

His name has been lost to time, if perhaps it was ever known. Those who speak of him, however (and few among them live to do so), call him THE YELLOW CLAW! The master villain stands in his chambers, in his blue cloak, as a hood covers the back and top of his head, and the shadows mask his presence from those below, overlooking a meeting room below. His servant, Fong, walks behind him, nodding with reverent respect.

"Master, your dinner has arrived," Fong says, bowing before Yellow Claw, who returns his look, nodding.

"If I may be so bold, master," Fong offers, as Yellow Claw turns once again to face him. "I am surprised that you have elected to help the Japanese girl. While it is true that she is quite lovely…"

"Fong, you have served me for 20 years," Yellow Claw returns, standing before Wong, with his hands clasped behind his back, "and your family has served me for four generations. It amazes me how little you understand me."

"Master, I did not mean…" Fong replies, stepping back, keeping his head bowed, fearing the Yellow Claw's wrath. He has seen many suffer from that fate and does not want to join them.

"If I was interested in the girl, she would be mine," Yellow Claw replies. "As hundreds of others have been. But no, she intrigues me in another way. I have long considered launching an offensive against the Americans, but I am not yet prepared to do so. If she chooses to launch such an attack…and merely needs for me to facilitate the discussions and the initial preparations, that will fit into my plans rather nicely."

"Ah, but I see you do not understand," Yellow Claw remarks. "Of course, as a lowly servant, you could not begin to comprehend the workings of my plans. Suffice it to say that, regardless of what comes of her plans, I cannot fail. If she fails in her attempt to conquer America, it will be her failure. If, however, her plans are successful, perhaps I will reconsider my decision to wait to make America mine."

Fong does not make a reply, but watches Yellow Claw for a sign that he has been spared despite his impudence. For a moment that seems an eternity, Fong deeply regrets his decision to go against the silent tradition of his family and merely serve his master. When Yellow Claw motions for him to leave, he cannot help but breath a sigh of relief. He knows that he will not make that mistake in the future.

End of Interlude

The Vision materializes in front of Chernobog, surprising the dark god, although the effect does not last long.

"What brings you to this plane after so many centuries away from the affairs of mortal men?" the Vision asks. "And to return for the sole purpose of wreaking such carnage upon a helpless village."

"Although it would please me greatly to take the credit for such carnage," Chernobog remarks, looking around, even as the snow and sleet helps put out some of the still-smoldering embers. "The fate of this village was assured prior to the arrival of my…pets."

"You have made such comments before, upon our arrival," the Vision returns, as the two face off, oblivious to the rapidly-deteriorating weather around them. "But nothing has passed beyond the initial riddle that accompanied your earlier comments."

"Hahahahaha!" Chernobog's laughter is a shrill sound that chills the bone more than the bitterly cold weather. "Do you mean to tell me that you do not really know the purpose of this town…and the real destiny that caused this town to be the smoldering ruin it now is?"

Koshchei the Deathless rides on his mount past the combatants, rushing towards Captain America and Bucky, who stand together. In his right hand appears a flaming sword, which he slashes down preparing to strike the two heroes. "I have been away from this world so long that I had forgotten how frail are you mortals, how easily crushed!" he admonishes. "Even now you shiver from a change in the weather—something insignificant to immortals."

Captain America makes no reply, even at Koshchei bears down upon them with his flaming sword. However, he takes out his shield and throws it just as the villain hovers mere feet from them—throwing it between Koshchei's eyes! He strikes with such suddenness and ferocity that it flings Koshchei from his horse and slamming onto the sleet and ice-covered ground with tremendous force!

Bucky leaps into the fray without a thought for his own safety, and fearless of the immortal villain before him. He attacks quickly, kicking Koshchei in the face, and he is gone just as quickly as he appeared.

Their attack is coordinated perfectly, as Cap catches his returned shield, and bears down on Koshchei with a look of grim determination etched upon his features. Cap rushes up to Koshchei, preparing to leap on the crouched figure, but is stunned by what happens next. Just as he is upon him, Koshchei turns into a human-sized lizard, evoking surprise in Cap, who had thought he'd seen all this war had to offer.

Koshchei grabs Cap by the front of the shirt and throws him into a solid oak tree. Cap is able to twist his body so that his back will not be broken from the impact, but it is still sufficient to render him unconscious. Bucky reacts to the scene with concern for his partner, quickly rushing over to make sure that he is all right. He kneels over Cap, feeling a pulse, and nods his head slightly when he discovers that Cap is just unconscious.

Suddenly, streaks of lightning burst out from the sleet-covered ground, scattering the heroes in all directions. Whizzer races around, skirting in between the lightning streaks with his super-speed. It strikes Alexi and Ivan, polarizing on their guns and sending them to the ground, unconscious.

Whizzer races up to Koschei, who is occupied at the moment by sending it mystic blasts at Union Jack and Spitfire. Whizzer intensifies his speed until he is nothing but a yellow streak of color. Then, he turns abruptly at the last minute, racing in the opposite direction. The result of his slingshot movement creates a sonic boom that catches Koschei completely off-guard, sending him sprawling forward and crashing into—and through—a deserted building that is covered in ice!

Union Jack steps forward, sending his electrical energy at Chernobog, who has his back to him, still battling the Vision. "With Cap down, we're not acting like a team, and they're taking us apart." Union Jack silently considers.

Chernobog puts out his hand, while still facing the Vision. He sends out a blast of black energy, which sears through the air, crackling, even as it seems to rend reality itself as it crosses the plain separating the two. The energy blast strikes Union Jack in the chest, knocking him to the ground, unconscious.

"Away, gnat!" Chernobog remarks absently. Then, he returns his full attention to the Vision. "Why do you associate with such as these? I know that you are not from this world."

"No, I am not from this world," the Vision agrees, as he puts up a mystic shield to block Chernobog's black energy. "However, I stand with the humans against all evil…including yours. You are currently working with humans as well, but only with the most evil of all humans, including the likes of Hitler."

"I would hardly say I am 'working with' that short fool," Chernobog replies sharply, sending out his black energy from all of his fingers, as it grows into five powerfrul blasts, striking the mystic shield, and taking on a life of its own, encircling the Vision, and grabbing him around the waist. "He will serve his purpose in reclaiming this planet for us. He is rather expendible. I have been very effective in using his own native superstitions against him. He was particularly enamored with Stribog."

"You have still not answered my question," the Vision remarks, while turning to mist, slipping through the tentacles, as he re-forms in front of Chernobog. This move surprises Chernobog, who is unprepared when the Vision then strikes him with a powerful blow that sends him crashing to the ground. "What has happened in this town? What are you not telling us?"

Chernobog slowly gets to his feet, smiling a sinister smile on his face, as small trickles of black blood drip out of his curled lips. "Why not?"

The Red Guardian, standing over an unconscious Crimson Dynamo, looks on, as the fight continues to go against them. Reaching into his belt, he removes a small communication device, which quickly hums to life.

"Yes, comrade general," Red Guardian quickly responds to the voice on the other end. "Yes. I am sorry to report that the villains are overpowering us—and the Americans", with the mention of the word, Red Guardian's face turns into a scowl, "as well." He nods his head, as the voice on the other end continues. "Yes, our reports were correct about that. They are aware of our…secret." The voice speaks again, and Red Guardian nods again. "Yes, that is true. They are in league with the Germans."

Red Guardian's face turns white, and his eyes grow larger.

"But, comrade general…" Red Guardian protests.

"No," he admits. "They are too powerful. We will continue to fight, but…" Red Guardian feels his heart skip a beat, and his face grows flush, as his heart continues to beat at a much faster pace. "Yes, comrade general. I am familiar with the protocol."

"Should we inform the Americans?" Red Guardian asks. The voice on the other end screams indignantly, and Red Guardian nods in understanding. "Yes, I am aware that this is a state matter."

Red Guardian stands for a moment, looking at the battle, even as the voice on the other end of the communicator continues to speak. The voice gets louder, breaking his concentration and returning him to reality with the equivalent of a slap on the face.

"Yes, comrade general," he says softly. "I know my duty. It will be done."

Meanwhile, Stribog floats through the air, surveying the damage his ice storm is causing, watching in mute appreciation, as an artist looks at a painting he finds particularly inspired. Spitfire and the Whizzer race towards him, and he watches them approach with interest.

"Remember the maneuver I taught you," Whizzer admonishes. "We have to act in unison if we have any chance of success."

"I understand," Spitfire replies, not wanting to say any more to keep her concentration. She knows that she is not as fast or as experienced as the Whizzer and wants to make sure to hold up her end.

Whizzer and Spitfire start to run in a circular motion, creating two small tornadoes that pull on both sides of Stribog, starting to pull at him with tremendous force. "This guy's dangerous," Whizzer silently considers. "If we don't put him down, we stand no chance!"

"A tornado?" Stribog asks, putting out his hand to hold off the power of the suction that was pulling at him. "A tornado against one who is master of the winds? Your desperation is truly starting to show itself."

Stribog holds his arms off, as the tornadoes start to touch his outstretched hands. A sinister smile crosses his face, as the winds start to slow down, as he gradually wills them to change directions. Then, the winds grow faster and faster, reaching speeds in excess of 300 mph, as the speedsters on the ground are caught in counter winds much stronger than they have the capacity to control. As Stribog takes control over the tornadoes, they grow in intensity, as the heroes around them struggle against the super-fast winds. Whizzer and Spitfire are sent flying across the landscape, smashing into collapsing buildings, where they are rendered unconscious.

Supreme Soviet looks up at Stribog, anger burning in his eyes. "I will stop him," he says softly. "He will pay dearly for what his comrades have done here today."

"No!" Red Guardian commands, putting his hand on Supreme Soviet's shoulder. "We do not have time. We are preparing to leave this place."

"Leave this place?!" Supreme Soviet asks indignantly, brushing Red Guardian's hand away from his shoulder as he turns around to face the leader of the Soviet Super Soldiers. "Have you lost your mind? Do you think I will stand here and let these monsters get away with the destruction they have caused? They must be punished!"

"They will be punished," Red Guardian assures him. "But not that way."

"We have everyone ready," Svarozic says, as Red Guardian turns to face him. "We are prepared."

"Very good," Red Guardian replies, as Supreme Soviet looks at Red Guardian, and then back up at Stribog, his face flush with anger. "I do not want to give them any notice. Prepare to get us out of here."

Supreme Soviet leaps upwards towards Stribog, tackling him around the waist and bringing him to the ground hard, as the impact strikes the ground, shattering the icy covering on the ground and sending ice shards in all directions.

"That fool!" Red Guardian exclaims angrily. "We do not have time for his grandstanding."

"No, we do not," Svarozic agrees. "We have only moments before..."

"I am aware of that!" Red Guardian exclaims. He then notices the glare that Svarozic is giving him, and remembers that Svarozic has never been particularly fond of taking orders either. "The state spent a lot of money on him, but we cannot risk the success of our mission. He will have to stay…and suffer the consequences."

Blue Blaze flies overhead, noticing the movement behind the Soviet lines. "I wonder what they are up to?" he asks silently. "I can sense the build-up of intense radiation, and they appear to be re-grouping, even getting together their unconscious members. Is this some kind of double-cross?"

Below, Supreme Soviet strikes Stribog with a powerful blow, jerking his head to one side violently. "You will pay dearly for what you have done to this city…to these people!" Supreme Soviet announces.

"Are you really that deluded by what your superiors have told you?" Stribog asks, blocking the next blow and delivering with a blow of his own, to Supreme Soviet's mid-section. "How few of your number actually understand why you are actually here?"

Namor seizes the opportunity, slamming into Stribog, ramming him with his shoulder and bringing them both to the ground. The ice storm continues to increase in intensity, as the three strongmen battle, causing the ground to tremble under their power.

As Stribog gets to his feet, Supreme Soviet leans forward, hitting him in the face with a powerful blow that jerks his head back. "So, now I will fight you both, eh?" Stribog asks. "Very well. I welcome the challenge."

Blue Blaze flies over to the Vision, and the two talk. Then, Blue Blaze looks over towards the spot where the Russian heroes were a moment before. "The Soviets!" he exclaims. "They are gone!"

"They have left this plane," the Vision replies, as his eyes grow wider with that revelation. "I must act quickly," he adds, silently, as he quickly scans around to determine where his allies are.

Just then, the ground starts to rumble, as quakes are felt, shaking the heroes, causing them to lose their footing. Stribog and Supreme Soviet, however, seem not to notice it, and continue to trade blows.

A series of explosions start to erupt througout the village. They are small at first, but quickly grow geometrically in intensity, blowing up small buildings, then larger buildings, as they move closer and closer to the point where Stribog and Supreme Soviet are trading blows. As these explosions continue to erupt, they shoot fireballs in all directions.

A final, devestating explosion erupts, causing the ground to shake violently. And then, everything goes black…

The conclusion of the Russian storyline, with revelations aplenty about this little village that they're fighting in! Plus: Learn more about the plans of Yellow Claw and Lady Lotus, starring some surprise villains!

Author Notes

Welcome to the 6^th issue of The Invaders. This series continues to be a lot of fun to write. I hope everyone is enjoying the Russian characters I've added to continuity, and the use of the Russian mythological characters. I've got a lot of ideas for storylines to appear in these pages, including Yellow Claw and some other things that I hope will interest everyone.

There are, needless to say, plenty of Golden Age characters—both heroes and villains—many of which haven't hardly been seen in eons. If there's anyone you'd like to see, just drop me a line and let me know, and I'll see what I can do. And, as always, your comments are welcome at jx2melton@hotmail.com. I look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions.

Feedback