Chapter 34: Mistaken Identities

[yendorj]

"Here to see the team. Got people imitating the elf."

[dakota]

(Highway outside London)

Thankfully traffic was light as Betsy hurdled towards her family's home at a pace that seemed to quell any conversations.


(Braddock Mansion)

The bigger man shook offered hands. "The pleasure is mine, Captain. Please, call me Brian. Welcome to our home, please come inside.". He motion to the door. "Logan, always the conversationalist. At least the young lady pulls no punches but does it tactfully." Braddock laughed. "I'm going out on a limb, but I'm guessing by elf you mean Kurt and not my wife?"

He led them into a den and motioned for them to sit, "Betsy and Kurt are on their way back from the city and should be here within the hour, so you are welcome to relax from your trip here. Kitty? What did you do to your hair?"

"He's talking to you." Clint smirked, nudging Tabitha.

"Huh? Oh, sorry Mr. Braddock, my name's Tabitha, not Kitty. It's a long story." She forced a smile.

(GM Note: going to speed thru traffic to synch up the group)

There was a chime of an alarm and Brian looked at his watch, "That's Betsy at the gate now."

(Land Rover)

Pulling throuh the automated gate, Betsy pulled up to park at the house. "Made it."

Kurt chuckled, "And still in one piece. Should I kiss the ground?"

"Simon tell him it wasn't that ...., we have company. " Betsy changed the subject as the Quinjet came into view

[Mierin]

Gabby follows the group, not really knowing what was going on but figures she doesn't want to miss any excitement that might happen on the trip. I have a serious case of FOMO Gabby admits to Friday.

[doc]

Captain America smiled and followed Captain Britain. "We had an incident at the mansion with beings that bore a resemblance to Nightcrawler, but smaller. The Avengers have had tactical deficiencies when it comes to magic, and we're wondering if perhaps your organization might have insight."

That was putting it mildly. The Avengers have never had a true magic expert on the team; Wanda was considered a novice and more reliant on her mutant probability powers; Doctor Druid was a fraud and a traitor. Others, like the Black Knight were familiar with the supernatural but did not have extensive expertise. I know Tony has a distaste for magic, but I wonder if it is past time for us to recruit members with the necessary understanding as a measure of protection?

[kurff]

pulls no punches but does it tactfully? I'll take a compliment where I can get one. she thinks as she looks but is careful not to touch.

"The imitators did the same 'bamfing' Nightcrawler does. Their behavior was like teenagers. From the banter they were not unintelligent but concerned about the visuals of certain Avengers." she says and pauses.

I should have put an arrow through them. she thinks but continues.

"We had a few ideas, but only one link that may have anything concrete. so here we are. Also, do you have any good decaf coffee?" she finishes.

[dakota]

“Sounds like you had a Bamf invasion?” Captain Britain replied as he rubbed his chin. Logan, I’m surprised you haven’t dealt with them before. They’re like Nightcrawler’s adult cartoon cousins, but it’s been a long time since I’ve heard of them coming to Earth. Last time I think they found their way here, I believe it was Alpha Flight had to contend with them. Only thing I’ve ever heard of them coming here for has something to do with Kurt.” He looked at Blink , slightly perplexed, “ My dear, this is England, decaf coffee is called hot water.”


Betsy led Kurt and Simon inside , where they could hear the others talking. “I would have picked up a cake if I had known we had company coming. I thought I was the only one bringing home old friends.” She said, motioning to Simon.

“Logan!” Kurt smiled and approached to hug his longtime teammate.

[doc]

Captain America listened intently. "I see. We should talk to -" He stopped as the other members of Excalibur entered.

It's always so amazing how the X-Men, no matter the distance or time spent apart, show such solidarity and the bond of family. Given all the divisions within the Avengers over the years, I wonder if we'd have their mettle. He gives a slight nod to Elizabeth Braddock. "Good to see you all again." The last time I saw her, it had something to do with an extra dimensional journey - was it her that kissed me or some other counterpart*? It doesn't matter now that I'm seeing Felicia, but I hope it doesn't cause any problems. Captain Britain might feel defensive of his sibling, not that he needs it. From what I recall in Madripoor, Psylocke can more than hold her own. In fact, she can probably hear everything I'm thinking.


*- WAAAAAY back in Issue#8!

[kurff]

“I am learning the art of the bow from Hawkeye. So Decaff maybe a good thing, especially with trick arrows.” she grins then continues listening as they spoke.

'So if Kurt is a common thread its tied to an X-man or one that has worked with them?' she thinks to herself.

[yendorj]

"Decaff?" Snorts Wolverine.

[Mierin]

Gabby follows the others and watches the hugs and greetings. She looks amused at Wolverine's comment about decaf and adds with a grin. "The only thing that scares him is a fridge with no beer." Gabby nudges Wolverine with her elbow. "Am I right, Wolvie, or am I right?"

[dakota]

Unhindered, Nightcrawler embraced Logan tightly, "It is good to see you and...," he trailed off as he looked at the new Avengers," so many new faces, and so young."

"I guess hanging out here was a good decision after all." Simon said, rubbing his hands together, "So what are we looking for. Hydra? The Legion? Maybe Red..."

Brian Braddock cut him off, "Bamfs."

"Bamfs?" Simon repeated flatly, "Who are Bamfs?"

"Serious trouble most likely." Kurt said." Please fill me in what has happened."

"Wait, are these the same dirty little perverts that abducted Lockheed once?" Betsy asked

Kurt hung his head slightly, "The same."

[kurff]

"I can teleport to Germany and other places with the good beer." she adds hearing the Beer commentary with a grin.

"The little perverts did 'teleport by' in the mansion. I almost put in an arrow in one. Luckily, I only had targeting arrows." ,but the short version is we are curious what they were after and what sort of a threat they posed. The cap, Wolverine and Hawkeye can give you more info" Blink adds.

[yendorj]

Smirks when nudged by Gabby but says nothing. He does tense up a little when hugged by Kurt, but doesn't stop him from doing it. "Yeah, sounds like them. So, Kurt, got any leads?"

[Mierin]

Gabby waves at Nightcrawler. "Nice to meet you! Big fan, especially of your portrayal in X2!" Gabby does a chef's kiss. "Beautiful!"

"Bamfs?" Simon repeated flatly, "Who are Bamfs?"

"Obviously they're bad assed MOFO's!" Gabby replies with a grin.

[doc]

Cap sighed a bit at Gabby's response, before looking to Nightcrawler. "We're hoping you can shed some light as to the purpose behind their actions."