- "I don't need a motivation to kill your mother. I need opportunity. And right now, she's fortified herself inside the castle."
- ―Bushmaster to Tilda Johnson[src]
The Infiltration into Harlem's Paradise was a raid of Harlem's Paradise orchestrated by Bushmaster in order to break into the club and assassinate Mariah Stokes.
Background[]
- "Bushmaster's coming for you. These little punks can't protect you."
"I have always lived my life in opposition. Tell me something new, hero."
"I saved you twice. I won't do it a third time." - ―Luke Cage and Mariah Stokes[src]
Luke Cage went to the Harlem's Paradise to speak with Mariah Stokes, knowing she was involved with the Yangsi Gonshi he had just confronted. He warned her that it did not matter how many allies she had because Bushmaster was coming for her and Cage wouñd not save her again. Contrariwise, Stokes stated that Cage would save her, anyway. Cage did not agree with her and left the club. When he left, Stokes decided to organize a big free concert at Paradise. So if Bushmaster attacked the club, Cage would be forced to show up and protect the guests and Stokes by default.
Meanwhile, Shades decided to make a statement against Stokes. At 29th Precinct Police Station, he informed Misty Knight and Colin Dunbar about all her crimes, including assassination of Candace Miller. However, Knight said that they needed evidence, namely, a gun that killed Miller. New York City Police Department put a wire on him and sent him to the club.
Tilda Johnson decided to assist Bushmaster in his quest to kill her mother. She revealed that the club has a secret passageway underneath and it can be used as a way to her. McIver asked about what he could do about her numerous guards and Johnson gave him a super shot of Nightshade which would double his strength. She explained that it might destroy his body and mind for good. Despite Sheldon's protest, Bushmaster agreed to Johnson's offer as he was determined to avenge the death of his family.[1]
Infiltration[]
- "Get your goddamn hands off me! No!"
"Watch my eyes as I squeeze that bloodclaat life out of you." - ―Mariah Stokes and Bushmaster[src]
At night, at Harlem's Paradise took place one of the biggest concerts in Harlem with KRS-One's performance. Misty Knight went to the club to watch on Shades who came to try to take Stokes' Revolver from Mariah Stokes. Using the wire, she listened to all their talk. While they talking, Luke Cage joined Knight. Then they went to the lair to discuss their situation. Stokes guessed that Shades is a snitch and held him at gunpoint.
Bushmaster fighting against Luke Cage
Meanwhile, Bushmaster met Johnson at the back entrance of Paradise and she showed him an entrance to the club. Once he was right beneath the club, McIver injected himself with Nightshade. With his powers enhanced, he charged into the club and began attacking Stokes' bodyguards. With his powers strengthened, McIver easily defeated all guards. As expected, he encountered Cage who had tried to stop him. With his strength increased, he easily defeated and knocked out Cage before he continued his pursuit of Stokes. Knight woke him before they came to him.
Luke Cage trying to choke Bushmaster
McIver headed to Stokes' shelter and found a metal door barring his way. He began repeatedly punching the door and was able to break it and enter the shelter. He dodged a bullet from Shades as he went for Stokes. Cage and Knight managed to recover in time to fight him again. Facing all three of his opponents, McIver overpowered them for most of the fight. Eventually, he was able to get his hands on Stokes. Consumed by vengeance and the Nightshade clouding his rationality, he decided to strangle her to death. This gave Cage and Knight an opportunity to take him down. Cage attacked McIver and brutally punched him. Stokes urged him to kill McIver but Cage can't do that. McIver used the opportunity to break Cage's grasp and make his escape.[1]
Aftermath[]
Mariah Stokes is taken into police custody
- "Did you get him?"
"Who?"
"Bushmaster."
"No. He's gone." - ―Luke Cage and Priscilla Ridley[src]
Luke Cage met Priscilla Ridley and several police officers and asked her did they get Bushmaster but got a negative response. However, Misty Knight arrested Mariah Stokes for her crimes using her Stokes' Revolver and Shades' testament as evidence.[1]
Bushmaster and his allies hid at Mother's Touch and received medical aid from Tilda Johnson. During his stay, he told Johnson that Stokes needed to die before she harmed anyone else. Bushmaster and Ingrid Mackintosh then decided to returned to Jamaica for Bushmaster to recover and give Anansi a proper burial in his native home.[2]