ASTONISHING AVENGERS #1
REFORMATION PART 1:RECRUITMENT
By:DBZ
Stark Tower, two weeks after the events of Fear Itself
The earth's mightiest heroes were still picking up the pieces from the events that transpired two weeks. The Serpent and his forces had crippled not just the heroes, but also the entire planet was left in shambles. Due to the devastating events, many members of earth's greatest super hero team the Avengers had deiced to go their own path's in order to defend their own homes in case of another assault of this magnitude would ever happen again. Currently two more Avengers were departing from the group.
Captain America: You're both leaving the team?
Spider-Man: It's nothing personal Cap, it's just that neither
Logan or I can keep up with being Avengers and still deal with other things that come our way, I can't really speak for
Wolverine, but I've come to the realization that I can't keep up with being an Avenger and with Reed and his family needing me more than ever since Johnny's gone and not to mention the problems in my own life-
Wolverine: *interrupts Spider-man* as for me, I got a whole school to run now Steve and besides, I never really felt right among you guys since I joined; no offense
Captain America: None taken Logan, if that's how you both feel, then I can't stop you
There was a silence among the three heroes for few seconds, until Spider-man spoke up.
Spider-Man: Uh...so can we go?
The super solider only nodded in response. Both the web-slinging warrior and the metal clawed mutant shook the leader of team's hand before walking out of the Avengers meeting room, as they left; they passed by two heroes who wished to remain the team: Tony Stark a.k.a Iron Man and Clint Barton a.k.a Hawkeye.
Hawkeye: So Pete and Logan called it quits to? Man we've got teammates leavening left and right, Jessica just told me and Tony that she quit so she could hunt down the remaining Skrulls on earth like she was doing before she re-joined the team
Captain America: So how many have wanted to stay?
Ironman: Just you, me, Clint and Hulk. Speaking of which; where is our big red wrecking machine?"
Hawkeye: He left about an hour ago, he seemed a bit...agitated to say the least, he said he wanted to go blow off some steam
Ironman: So what do we do now?
Steve stood up from the chair he was sitting in and picked up his shield before speaking to his friends.
Captain America: We make a new Avengers team, one that can be ready for action at a moment's notice and I know just the people for the job
...
Alberta, Canada
Rulk: *fighting a pack of Wendiego's* is that it? Is that all you got? I'm hardly impressed! *rips one in half*
Ross wasn't fighting these monsters because of a solo mission that Steve sent him on or a personal vendetta against these creatures, No the Rulk was here to do one thing: smash them for the hell of it. He trying to his head clear of the events in Manhattan where he failed horrible to defeat the worthy possessed Thing in battle, this lead to Thor stepping in and battling (as well as defeating) two of the Serpents warriors at the cost of his own life. Ross was angered about two thing one being that he didn't feel strong enough to stop at least one of those monsters, the other being that he had shown the entire world that he wasn't the strongest there is. While he was deep in thought, he did not see the Wendiego that had snuck up behind him and leap onto the red hulk's back. Ross roared in pain as the monsters fangs dug deep into his shoulder
Rulk: *thinking to himself* I'll never be as strong as Banner, Damn it all! *pulls it off of him and then grabs the Wendigo and crushes its head*
Drunk with fury and self-pity Ross blindly slaughtered the entire pack of cannibalistic abominations without pity or remorse for the creatures.
Ross: I'm still not satisfied I want another challenge, I want show that I'm stronger then Banner!
Just then the shadow formed at the red goliath's feet moments after his demand. Before Ross could do anything or even move a muscle, the shadow reached out in the form of a black slime and entered his body. Rulk tired to withstand the possession, but it was no use the entity had a stronger will then Ross had and within seconds the unknown being had full control of his body.
Nuul: Not much of a body, but my new masters have ordered me to control his form and if they command then Nuul the breaker of worlds shall obey!
Stark Tower, Seven hours later
It took the entire day for Steve to bring the heroes that he wanted onto the new team of Avengers, but it worked. He had successfully summon the recruits that he handpicked, the roster included veterans such as Black Panther(T'challa),The Falcon (Sam Wilson) and Firestar (Angelica Jones) and two newcomers Ant-Man (Eric O'Grady) and Songbird (Melissa Gold). They had gathered around inside of Tony Stark's office to hear Cap's welcoming speech as Ant-Man called it.
Captain America: I'm glad you all could make it
Ant-Man: *mumbles* it's not like we couldn't say no to you...
Firestar: Where are Clint and Tony?
Captain America: There investigating a disturbance in downtown Manhattan, we'll be joining them shortly
Songbird: Can I ask question
Captaian America: Go ahead Melissa
Songbird: I think I speak for everyone when I say: why did you pick us?
Falcon: You mean why did he pick you and tiny over there?
Ant-Man: Hey!
Melissa shot a glare at the sentinel of liberty's former partner, while it was true that while Melissa wasn't proud of her past as Screaming Mimi Falcon had no right to bring it up. Sam glared daggers right back at the former Thunderbolt member; he didn't like the idea of both her and the new Ant-man (who once worked for Norman Osborn) were allowed to be on this incarnation of the Avengers.
Captain America: *In a calm tone* Alright you two. Take it easy, were on the same side here
Black Panther: If I may repeat Mrs. Gold's question: why us?
Firestar: yeah, it's not like a lot of us we're on the A-list of superheroes or anything
Captain America: The world's a different place now. Ever since the Serpents attack I've come to realize that we need an Avengers team that can be at the ready the moment a disaster hits the world and can prevent the losses like we did during that event and those before it. So I ask you not as people or friends, but as heroes: will you be those Avengers that the world needs?
There was a silence among the group as they looked at one another as if reviewing the situation in their heads. It was then that Firestar spoke up.
Firestar: I'll join you Cap, you and the others have always been there for me so it's the least I could do for you.
Falcon: You know I'd follow you to hell and back Steve, count me in
Black Panther: You have my full support as well
Songbird: I'm in, unless you have a problem with that Falcon
Falcon: Not unless you make one
Ant-Man: Do we get good dental on this team?
Songbird: *glares* O'grady...I swear to god...
Ant-Man: Ok easy, I was just kidding! I'm in as well
Captain America *communicator goes off* Go ahead Tony
Ironman: *over the communicator* Steve we need back up! its
Hulk he's-Arrragh! *communicator goes dead*
Captain America: Tony, are you there? Dammit! Alright Avengers, Assemble!
Next Time: The newly formed Avengers face off with the red hulk who has been taken over by Nuul, meanwhile Firestar and Ant-Man are sent to the Savage Land to recruit another newcomer to the team: Skaar, the son of Hulk! But the question is: will he want to join them?
Astonishing Avengers, Issue 2 Coming Soon!