Disclaimer: All characters belong to their respective owners, I own nothing from Marvel.

Chapter 1

Times Change

(Read below so you're not confused!)

A little back ground here, if you haven't read my previous story you might want to check it out. This story takes place a year after the events of my Ultimate Avengers story. Some key events have happened that will be explained in flashbacks. Thor has distanced himself from the Ultimates while the Black Panther has been inducted into the team, although publicly remains out of sight.

Giant-Man/Ant-Man (Hank Pym) still remains comatose after the events of Ultimate Avengers (see my first Ultimates story) and Wasp has taken a more active role in the team despite her grief (also taken on her Ultimates 2 outfit as well as making one for Hank, the Ant-man one from the comics that can grow in size).

Tony Stark has revealed to the world that he is Ironman, a statement met with mixed results (also wearing Ultimates 2 armor).

Thor has split from the Ultimates after disagreements with Fury.

Hawkeye is in his Ultimates 2 appearance and is more involved in Avenger's work than previously.

Banner has been moved to a more comfortable cell beneath the Triskelion for better access to work and living quarters.

Northern Syria, One Year Later

The jet flew through the air, breaking the tranquil night over the war-torn nation. The jet's thrusters slowly weakened in intensity allowing the wing-rotors to take control, steadying the craft as it continued its approach. The loading door slowly lowered to reveal a lone figure walking along the ramp.

A soldier quickly rushed towards him with a back-pack. "Sir! You forgot your parachute!" "No I didn't soldier." The man replied as he walked towards the ramps edge, the wind whipping across his face.

Captain America looked down at the icy waters below before diving off the ramp arms forward. The soldier watch as the living legend plummeted six-hundred feet and hit the water with the force of a bullet.

Cap felt the water rushed past his body as he sank deeper into the abyss. He quickly began to perform breathe-stroke after placing a rebreather in his mouth, giving him ten minutes of oxygen. He continued to swim before seeing a storm-drain leading into the ground. 'Bingo.' The man thought as he swam towards the metal barrier.

He gripped the rusty handles before ripping the girder off the wall, allowing him to swim through the pipes.

Triskelion, Manhattan

Nick Fury stood in front of the group of assembled agents as he displayed the mission plan. "We're gonna need at least a six-hundred foot drop if we're gonna get those hostages out alive." A hand was raised by a blonde haired man with glasses. "What's up Clint?" Clint Barton sat rather calmly in his chair despite the situation.

"Where are we in all this?" Hawkeye asked as he gestured to himself and Widow, who was sitting calmly in her seat. "You'll be a mile off the coast in case of emergencies. We need all nine of those hostages alive. That's why Cap's gotta wade through three miles of sewage to keep a low profile. Anything overt and we risk killing every hostage in that house. You saw what those guys did in Basara, last thing we need is nine body bags lined up in Dulles airport." "I here what you're saying Fury, but are you prepared for the blow back?" Widow asked.

"We promised both the president and the public that Super-soldiers would only be used domestically. When this goes public, shit will hit the fan." "I'm aware Nat. But it's either this, or these guys get to add nine more to the body count."

Syria

Captain America hurled his shield at the approaching terrorist, knocking him out cold before it rebounded into a second one. The shield bounced back to its owner who easily caught it in one hand before he delivered a powerful punch to a machine-gun toting terrorist. The man was sent flying, crashing into a pile of boxes that cracked under his weight.

The terrorist unleashed a hail of fire that bounced off captain's shield, ricocheting into the shooters. The men fell to their own guns while several got wise to their ineffective attack and ceased firing.

The group of men retreated back while some blindly fired, hoping for a lucky shot. Captain America charged forward leaping over burning cars and downed bodies. The men rushed through the doors of the building, slamming them shut. The men slammed a wooden plank in front of the door, preventing it from opening.

Captain America was mere feet away from the door as he saw it close. "Bad move buster!" The super-soldier slammed into the door, breaking it down like cardboard, scattering the men inside like ragdolls. The men scrambled to recover their guns as the American hero casually strode into the room, shield on his arm.

In the center of the room were nine American citizens, bound and gagged with rope and cloth. Captain America walked towards the group ignoring the profanity and petty threats being thrown at him from the local insurgents around him.

"Don't worry folks I'm gonna get you out of here. And you." Cap said glaring at the gun wielding terrorists. "If you touch those triggers, I swear after I'm done with you, your own mothers won't recognizes those faces." The insurgents looked at each other in fear.

The guns clattered to the floor as the men raised their hands in surrender. Captain America adjusted his shield as he walked towards the hostages. "Smart move."

JFK Airport, Two Days Later

The airplane touched down on the tarmac, speeding down the runway until it began to slow to stop. Reporters and news crews flooded the runway, pushing past the runway crew. Police and technicians had to restrain the reporters behind a line of officers so the passengers could safely depart.

The door to the plane lowered as nine individuals stepped out onto the tarmac. Wrapped in bandages and blankets. Photographer's flashed their cameras while reporters blared out questions concerning the events that transpired. Several police blocked off the advance of the scoop-hungry newsmen and women. The former hostages were escorted down the tarmac while several stopped to answer reporters.

CNC News Broadcast

"For those of you now joining us, I'm Larry DeVoure covering the breaking news story of how Captain America rescued nine hostages from Syrian insurgents. Joining us tonight is Mr. Tony Stark, also now publically known as Ironman." The camera panned to Tony Stark who wore a simple business suit and sat comfortably in his chair.

"Thank you Larry for having me here tonight." "Not a problem Mr. Stark." "Please, call me Tony." "Alright, Tony, what is your stance on this issue of super-soldiers?" "I think you're going to have to be more specific." "The president himself, stated to the public, that super-soldiers would only be used domestically. So why did a Person-of –Mass-Destruction invade a foreign nation?" Tony leaned back in his seat before casually answering the question.

"First off Larry, I don't really think Captain Rogers qualifies as a Person-of Mass-Destruction. Secondly, this was not an invasion, nor a covert operation to sneak in super-soldier through the back door and into a war-torn nation for military purposes. No, this was a humanitarian rescue operation to save the lives of nine aid workers who went to Syria to provide relief care. This had the backing of both the President, Congress, and the UN security council." "So you believe this act didn't violate the terms set forth for the Super-soldier act?" "Listen Larry, this act was for better or for worse a standard hostage rescue mission of American citizens. This was no different then one where we would send in the normal troops." "But The Ultimates are not normal troops. Are they, Mr. Stark?" Larry said, deliberately trying to provoke a response.

Tony sighed before leaning forward. "No. They are not. But in this case I think many of the people and their families who were involved in this crisis are mighty grateful that it was Captain America who saved them. We are not getting involved in foreign wars or attacking foreign nations like a group of glorified soldiers."

Larry clicked a button on a remote, changing one of the screens behind him. "That's now what this guy says." The newsman said while pointing at a picture of Thor on the news. Again Tony sighed, but cracked a smile soon after. "Larry, Thor is a friend of mine, and although we've had disagreements in the past, we're talking about a man who believes he is a Norse god. I think we can assume some things he says can be a bit out there, Y'know?"

Triskelion

Nick Fury watched the news report as Tony and the newsman continued their debate. "Boy looks good on the tube." Fury said as Agent Hill approached him. "All nine hostages accounted for and safe on US soil sir." "Excellent." The director of SHIELD replied.

"We also have confirmation that Captain Rogers has made it back safe and sound." "Was there ever any doubt?' Fury asked rhetorically, a smug smile still dominant on his face. Hill sighed while smiling. "Coulson has a report from Alaska." "How does he like the weather?" "He hates it. Why'd did you send him up there again?" "We needed a senior agent in charge and he said he liked the cold." Hill looked down at the computerized clipboard she carried and hit some commands before speaking again. "And why'd we have Panther go with him?" "Kid needed to get outta of the house for a while." "Is that all?" "Having an Ultimate around does do wonders for security." Fury plainly said as he stared at the main monitor.

Hill looked at her clipboard and frowned. "Sir?" "What is it Hill?" "Why do we have a SHIELD officer in custody? Carol Danvers?" "That's a sensitive topic." Fury said walking over to his female agent. He looked at the live feed of a beautiful blonde woman in her containment cell. "She's in there for her own safety. Believe me, she was worse when we found her."

Manhattan, Lower Side

Steve Rogers walked past the crowded streets of Manhattan as he stepped onto the steps of the cemetery. He walked past the hundreds of tombstones that dotted the landscape. He walked up to one grave in particular and kneeled down at the grave marker. He read the engraving, even though he had memorized it.

"How many times do you come here?" A Russian voice asked from behind. "At least once a month. I-I…" Steve placed a hand over his eyes as he realized he was tearing up. A soft but firm hand placed itself on his shoulder. "I know Steve." Natasha said as she kneeled down next to him. "I know how you feel Steve, I went through the same thing." Steve turned to look at the beautiful redhead. "How do you deal with it?'" "I always tried to avoid it…but lately you just have to find someone with shared experience." Steve rose to his feet, followed shortly by Natasha.

"How did your brother die?" "Lung cancer. I told him not to smoke…stupid kid never listened." Steve said with a bitter smile. Natasha patted Steve's arm as the two walked out of the cemetery.

"What about your family?" Steve asked. "I was an orphan. I became a spy when I was chosen for the Red-Room school." "I'm sorry." "For what? You did nothing wrong." "Was there anyone you were close to then?" "A few. I had a friend named Yuri, but he went missing." "I think I should stop asking questions now." Natasha laughed at this. "Oh stop being some melodramatic, I've had a lot of time to reflect and get over this." The Russian spy said as she locked her arm around Steve's.

The two walked down another street as they continued chatting. "I don't like what they're saying about you." Natasha said. "What do you mean?" "You risked your life to save those people and the second you get back they tear you apart for being involved in a foreign affair." "It's what I signed up for. If they hate me its their choice. But I don't like all this team bashing those reporters are doing. Especially on you." Widow smiled.

"That's sweet Steve." She said while leaning up and kissing him on the lips. Steve returned the gesture as he wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her closer. The two's kiss lasted for a few more seconds before they broke off. "Feel better?" Natasha asked while smiling. Steve returned the smile and responded. "Much." The two continued to walk down the street while idly chatting.

"It just irks me, y'know. I mean you were an espionage agent, what did they expect your past to be sunshine and rainbows?" Cap asked rhetorically. "They're reporters and we're basically celebrities right now. They'll do anything to stir the pot and makes some buzz." "That wasn't how the news use to be." "Different time Steve. How you adjusting since last year?" "I've been thinking. No polio is good. Microwaves too, we use to boil everything. Oh and Internet. So helpful in catching up." "Natasha laughed at this before shaking her head. "Welcome to the 21st century Captain."

"What about this Thor business? Did Tony mention why he left?" "Same reason Tony is uptown debating with those news broadcasters. They think the US is going to be using Super-soldiers abroad in military activities." "And Thor quit because of that?" "He's a hippie. He was against joining us in the first place. Now he's out and about protesting against any military power involved in foreign affairs."

"Fury's not taking this well is he?" Widow shook her head. "Surprisingly we haven't heard a lot of news about him yet. Nick's keeping his eye on him though. But enough about mister thunder god, you hear about Tony's announcement?" "Of course. I was there, remember?" The two rounded a corner and entered a more rundown part of New York.

"He's gotten some mixed views on that little review. Some people love him. Others have just found better ways to target his company by claiming he's in possession of a dangerous weapon. He and his company are facing a lot of heat." "And how's Janet doing?" "She's hanging in there. Hank's condition seems to be improving and Betty has been helping her out. But she's done pretty well so far. She's helping Tony to diffuse a lot of the negative publicity right now." "She is rather media savvy. Better than me anyway." "You juts don't know how to deal with the press. Hell in '44 you only gave like a two second interview with journalists." "I didn't want to be a celebrity. I just wanted to do what was right." Natasha smiled. "Well you're doing a hell of a job, soldier.

Cap smiled down at the woman before they heard the click of a gun. The two turned around to see several filthy looking punks in hoodies and town jeans. One held a gun (clearly an unprofessional) pointed t the two Ultimates.

"Alright! Han over ya money and wallets, Man!" The gun-wielding thug exclaimed with a filthy smile filled with rotten teeth. Steve looked down at Natasha with a questioning look. "Are we being mugged?" He asked in slight disbelief. "Yea man! You stupid or somtin?!" He slurred out. "I think we are Steve." Natasha said with a confident smirk. Steve returned the gesture with a knowing smile.

The group of thugs looked a little confused at the couple's seemingly calm demeanor. "What you idiots smiling bout?!" the gun wielder said before the couple turned towards him.

The last thing the thug saw was the larger blonde rushing him.

Stark Industries Penthouse

Tony Stark sat up in his bed, stretching his shoulders in an attempt to loosen himself up after his previous endeavor. He yawned out loud as he moved slightly, feeling his shoulders pop.

His mind drifted back to the events leading up to his current state and the state of the person lying next to him.

White House, One week after Chitauri's defeat

The entire ballroom was filled with different guest ranging from politicians, generals, and celebrities. The Ultimates were currently the guests of honor alongside Nick Fury and T'Challa who had been reluctant to come and only relented after some prodding by Tony.

The group was centered around their own little area making small talk with several guests. Quicksilver and His sister were currently standing, a glass of wine in their hands as they looked around at the festivities.

"Hard to believe the world was bout to end a week ago." Wanda said as she looked at the partygoers. "Yeah. Just look at them running around like nothing happened." Pietro added. "That's how people in power cope." The two siblings turned around to look at Tony who had a glass of champagne in his hand.

"Pretend it didn't happen or that it wasn't as big a deal as it was." "That's how you cope?" Wanda asked. "No. This is my coping mechanism." He said holding up the glass of alcohol with a small smile. "By the way…Did you know Hawkeye had kids?" Pietro raised an eyebrow and turned to look at the blonde haired archer who was currently laughing alongside three small children with similar hair color. "He has kids?" Pietro stated in disbelief.

"Guess it's not common knowledge." Natasha said as she walked towards the group, sitting down across from Tony. "Miss Rominoff." Tony said, tipping his glass towards her. "He started a family several years ago with his girlfriend Laura. They actually have a house together." "Really?" Tony said. "I didn't see him as the family man." "You're not the only one Stark." Pietro said.

Wanda looked around the room searching for someone. "Is something wrong?" Natasha asked. "Where's Wasp?" "She didn't come. She's still at the Triskelion with Hank." Tony said with a hint of bitter edge in his tone. Pietro narrowed his eyes briefly, but said nothing.

"Where's Thor?" Natasha asked, attempting to change the subject and knowing Tony would be one of the few people the Thunder god actually viewed as a friend amongst the team.

"Oh he said he refused to come until the president was thrown out of office…or something like that." "The man doesn't like the way our government is." A new voice interrupted. The group turned to Steve who sat down at the table. "For someone who just cleared himself of some old ghosts and saved the world you don't seem very happy." Tony said with a smile. "The world almost ended and here we are acting like it never happened." "Oh don't make me explain that again." Tony said exasperatedly. "It's a coping mechanism." "It's avoiding the truth." Tony shrugged at the statement.

Widow decided to end an argument before it began and stepped up from the table. "Come on Mr. Rogers. You owe me a dance." She grabbed Steve by the arm and led him, to the dance floor.

"Well that's interesting." Tony said with a grin. He turned his head to the side and the grin faded. He bolted up out of his seat and turned around to face the mutant siblings. "Uh…something wrong?" Pietro asked, a little startled at the man's sudden actions. "Quick! Act like your talking to me!" Tony said.

"But we are." Wanda replied confused by the man's actions. Pietro leaned to the side to look past the billionaire playboy, hoping to see what had caused his jumpy behavior. He saw a beautiful Asian woman in a form-fitting white dress approaching the group, seemingly bound for Tony.

"What? Billionaire playboy scared of a beautiful girl?" Quicksilver taunted. "Try ex-fiancee." Tony muttered, knowing what was coming.

Wanda and Pietro both took on looks of shock at the news. "What?" the silver haired mutant managed to mutter. "Long story. Explain later. Talk. Now!" Tony nearly begged. "Uh…" Pietro said as he struggled to actually get a topic. Wanda seemed to be having the same problem.

"Hello Tony." The woman said as she stood exactly three feet away from the business tycoon. Tony cringed as he still faced his teammates who were looking between him and the new woman. Tony finally turned around with a forced smile and looked at the face of the woman he had attempted to avoid.

"Rumiko! How are you?" The woman smiled in a knowing way, fully aware of what her presence was doing to the billionaire. "I see that you're doing well." He said trying to make the meeting less awkward. "Yes, Fujikawa Industries is doing well. As is Stark Enterprise. Even though you stopped manufacturing weapons." "Yes I realize it was a risky business move but I thought it would be best to swap to something more creative." "And that had nothing to do with your little escapade in Asia?" The woman asked causing Tony to glare.

"How…?" "Fujikawa Industries works primarily in the East. Information gathering is second nature to my company." "I heard that your father had passed away. My condolences." "Thank you." Rumiko said. "What brings you here to this party?" Tony asked trying to keep his composure.

"The secretary of defense has hired me as an advisor and manufacturer of arms." "You're their new weapons designer?" Tony said with a hint of anger. "Oh? Professional jealousy?" Rumiko teased. Her demeanor quickly changed from playful to serious within a second. "Someone had to do it after your company abandoned the practice." "I had my reasons." Tony said bitterly.

"Honoring doctor Yinsen?" Tony's eyes widened while Pietro and Wanda raised an eyebrow. "Shut up." Tony growled. "Ever since you came back you've changed. To the public you're still the same frivolous billionaire but deep down that man is dead." Rumiko said. "It took some time for me to figure out why you called off our engagement, but I guess leading the double life of an armored superhero would do that." the twin sibling stared at the woman curiously as Tony glared at her. "Enjoy the party Tony, I have a business deal to attend to."

The Japanese woman walked away as Tony looked after her, gripping his glass tighter than ever. "Uh…care to explain now?" Wanda asked. "Rumiko Fujikawa. My ex-fiancee." "We got that part so far, but…" Pietro started. "I broke off my engagement to her after I became Ironman." "And how did you guys get engaged exactly?" Wanda asked, knowing her brother had the same question.

Tony sighed as he sat down, still looking in the direction in which his EX had walked away to. "We hooked up mainly to piss off our parents. It was all over the tabloids for a while. Fujikawa and Stark and all that nonsense." "I'm sensing a 'but' coming." Wanda said. "But…we actually enjoyed our time together She was the first and last serious girlfriend I ever had." "How long did you date for? A few months?" Pietro asked. "Two years." Pietro gagged on the wine he was drinking and coughed to clear his throat.

"Two years?!" The silver haired mutant exclaimed in shock. "Yeah." Tony said. "Wow." Wanda said, with a look of surprise on her face. "And you broke up with her?" "After I decided to become Ironman I called off my engagement to her and we drifted." Tony said as he looked down at his drink.

"You still love her. Don't you?" Wanda said as she unintentionally sensed his emotions. Tony didn't respond to her question as he sat up from his seat after downing the wine in his glass. "I need another drink." He muttered, walking past the twin siblings on his way to the bar.

Stark Penthouse, Present Time

Tony turned to look at the Asian beauty sleeping soundly on the opposite side of the bed. Rumiko was currently curled up against a pillow as Tony smiled down at her.

The door to the room opened at Jarvis walked into the room carrying a tray with a small breakfast and two glasses of Martini's. "Good morning sir. Or should I say good evening?" "What time is it?" Tony asked as he stretched his arms.

"Sir I'm pretty sure you're smart enough to depict that from the angle of the sunlight filtering through the room in conjunction to its inner design." "Jarvis just give me the time." "It's 2:30 in the afternoon."

Tony grunted as he got off the bed, stretching his sore muscles as he did so. "Rough night, sir?" Jarvis said sarcastically. "I love her, but she's killing my back." "You didn't seem to mind last night…" a tired feminine voice said.

Tony turned around to see Rumiko slowly rising off the bed, using the sheets to cover herself. Tony smiled a little as he thought back to the previous night. "True."

"I do hate to interrupt this moment, but I hope that you will at least get dressed to eat your breakfast. This is a pent house, not a brothel." Jarvis said in his usual sarcastic tone. He set the tray of food on a table in the corner of the room before exiting.

"He hasn't changed at all." Rumiko said with a smile as she casually began dress herself. Tony followed her example and began to put on his business suit. He pressed a switch on a nearby remote to turn on the news. The news broadcasted a poll detailing the support Ironman was getting over the reveal of his identity. "Are they still on about this Tony?" Rumiko asked.

"Oh let them have their fun. We had even more publicity than this when we went public. Didn't your old man try to kick you out?" "I thought that was yours." "Maybe…ah who cares anymore?" Tony sighed as he finished buttoning up his suit.

"I don't like the fact that they're harping on you so much. You're a hero. Why are they split against you now?" "As far as the public cares I'm just trying to make up for past mistakes. And they're right. Every thing I built for Stark Enterprise was a weapon. Even the Ironman suit." "But you built that to help them." "I could use the same excuse for all the other hardware I made."

Rumiko got up from the bed, fully dressed in her business suit and skirt. "Tony, you promised someone that you would use that armor for a real purpose. Now tell me, are you really going to disgrace Yinsen like this?" "Tony looked at the small mirror that was placed directly in front of him. He looked down at the reflection of his chest as he placed a hand over the device implanted in his heart. "No." He said before straightening his tie. "I wont." Rumiko smiled. "Good. I'll see you after your meeting, 'dear'." Rumiko said as she planted a kiss on Tony's lips. "You too, 'honey'." Tony said as he watched his old flame leave the room.

Triskeion, Med Bay

Wasp walked through the hallways of the medical wing, searching for one particular room. She approached a single room near the end of the hall and punched in the command code for the door. It opened to allow the mutant to enter the room where she saw her still comatose husband lying on the hospital bed.

She smiled a bitter smile as she looked at his vitals. All read normal except for brain activity that still remained comatose. She set a new bouquet of flowers in the vase on the table near the far side of the room. She changed the water in the vase before replacing the flowers. "There. Nice and pretty." "Just like your hair…" A voice barely whispered out.

Janet froze where she was as the vase dropped from her hands, smashing against the floor. Water and flower petals scattered over the ground, but were ignored. Wasp turned around to see the barely conscious form of Hank Pym.

"H-Hank…?" She whispered in disbelief. "H-hey…Jan…" Hank whispered as he struggled to move.

In a blur of motion, Wasp grabbed her husband in a fierce hug, tears falling down her face like a fountain. "Thank God! Oh sweet Jesus…thank God!" She exclaimed in joy.

Seconds later doctors and nurses rushed into the room performing every known procedure and check up they were qualified to do.

Morningside Heights, Sky Terrace Restaurant

The stormy weather roared over the restaurant as arcs of lightning flashed through the dark clouds. Bolts of electricity flew through the air, lighting the sky with a blue hue.

Several bolts slammed into the top of the restaurant's outside patio, searing the ground it touched. A lone figure emerged from the blue light, a silver hammer-axe swinging by his side.

Thor opened the doors to the restaurant walking into the room like he was any normal person. Dozens of patrons looked at the man in complete shock as they saw the famous hero and self-proclaimed god enter the room. Dozens of whispers were heard and even more phones wee flashing from taking pictures or videos.

The blonde-haired god walked towards a table in the center of the room occupied by a large patron. The man had long red hair and an equally long red beard. He was a portly man with a large belly, but if one looked close enough, they could see the contours of muscles over the man. In all honesty he looked like a classic version of a lumberjack but dressed in a pink Hawaiian shirt and tan kakis.

"Good to see you Volstagg." Thor said as he approached the man who was in the middle of finishing a full rack of lamb by himself. "What took you so long? I was hoping your time on this planet would've helped to teach you about puntuality." Thor smiled as he pulled back the chair to the table before he sat down, placing his hammer down beside him.

"I apologize for being late. I was creating a rainstorm in Ethiopia to stop a drought and alas, no local had a watch. Allow me to make up for my tardiness with a round of ale!" Volstagg smiled as he raised a half-finished glass for himself. Thor imitated the gesture as the banged their glasses together in cheers. "Hahaha…I've missed you old friend." Volstagg said as he took another bite of meat, this time from a turkey leg. "Forgive me for starting dinner without you. It's been so long since I've come to this realm that I've forgotten what chicken tasted like!" "How long has it been?" Thor asked as he drank from his glass.

"More than a few centuries by my count. Not that it matters. It seems time has only changed mankind for the worse." Thor frowned as he placed his glass down on the table. "What do you mean?" "Look around you! The humans slaughter each other in droves while they idly fret! Even your former allies in that military group are no better!" "There are more than a few noble souls amidst them." "They work for the very same corrupt power your father sent you here to stop."

Thor narrowed his eyes before speaking. "I've spent more time amongst them than any of you in the past few years. Father object to this new world order but many of its agents are fine men and women." Volstagg looked serious for a moment before he burst out laughing as if he had just heard the funniest thing in the world.

Thor frowned at the puzzling scene and waited for his old friend to cease his laughter. After about a minute, Volstagg finally stopped his convulsions. "Hahahah…ha…Oh, forgive me my friend. I just can't believe how humble you've become in such a short time! I remembered when you boasted that no mortal would ever earn your respect and hear you are praising their valor when I denounce it!"

Thor stared at Volstagg intently before he too began to break out into a loud chuckle. "Indeed…humility amongst the humans has taught me much." "It reminds me of the times in Asgard when all of us would battle demons from Alfheim." Volstagg said as he reminisced old times. "Yes…" Thor said softly as he remembered the heroes Three, Baldur, Sif, and of course, his brother.

"Volstagg…has there been any word of Loki since Asgard returned?" The red-haired warrior frowned at the mention of the trickster. "Even if there was…it would only fill the halls of Valhalla with rage and disgust."

Thor clenched his hands at these words, his left drifting towards his hammer. "Have care how you speak, Volstagg. Loki may be beyond all reason…but he is of Asgard. And my brother." "But he is also of Yondenheim." "Does that matter? I have fought against frost giants! Some have been as noble as any of our warriors!" "But none were the son of Lafi!" Volstagg exclaimed, slamming his fist on the table. This startled many of the occupants of the room who looked at the door in fear, waiting for an opportunity to flee.

Thor saw their fear and motioned for his friend to calm his anger. "Enough Volstagg. Loki was one of us. He aided us in battle. He may have been Lafi's blood but he was Odin's son." "And he betrayed us all. He took our trust and shattered it as he did Asgard during Ragnarok. The nine realms are well rid of him." Thor once again felt his anger rise before he calmed himself, mentally reminding himself that there were innocents around him.

"Anyways," Voslatgg said drawing Thor's attention. "Speaking of old enemies…" Thor leaned back in his seat as he rand his hand over his Mjolnir's grip. "This is no casual meeting, is it?" Thor said. Volstagg shook his head before leaning forward, lowering the sandwich he was eating.

"Amora has escaped the Room Without Doors. She is currently here on Midgard." "How?'" Thor said in a near whisper. "Even Loki at his peek would find it impossible to break free of that prison!" "Not if he had help." Thor gritted his teeth in anger. "Who helped her escape?" "Her own flesh and blood. Her sister." "Lorelei." Thor muttered in disgust.

"Indeed. Fortunately, they don't seem to be collaborating any further than that." "It matters not. I bested the Enchantress many a times. I can do so again. After all I bested Loki, her teacher."

"This time is different, Thor." Volstagg said, leaning closer. "She intends to use your allies against you! She will seduce them! Poison their minds and turn them against you! If Odin is right…she will be assembling her own group of warriors to challenge you." Thor took another drink from his glass. "I will best them in combat. It will be no different the our previous bouts, old friend."

"Don't be foolish! Can't you feel her magic at work! Reality as we speak is being shifted! Rewritten in her own version of deceitful lies and slander! Be prepared Odinson! What will come next is beyond anything you have ever seen!"

Thor raised his hand to stop his friend's rant as he lifted his drink to his mouth and took a sip. He set the glass down as he spoke again. "I'll be ready Volstagg."

After a moment a waiter finally worked up the nerve to approach the god's table. "Excuse me sir? Are you dining alone or waiting for someone?" Thor looked at the man as if he were crazy. "What re you talking about? Can't you see my friend sitting right here? Volstagg the Voluminous of Asgard and member of the Warriors Three."

Again the man gave a worried look around the room, seemingly matching the mood of the other patrons. "Sir…you been speaking to yourself for the past few minutes. Alone." Thor's eyes widened in surprise as he looked across the table to see nothing but an empty chair. Even the table was clear of the feast Volstagg had ordered. Thor looked at his right hand where his drink had been and saw he was gipping nothing but empty air.

"Seriously?" he muttered in disbelief. "Sir…you're scaring the other customers…" The waiter said nervously as Thor looked around to see the other civilians staring at him with concerned and frightened gazes.

US Presidential Conference Suite

Captain America walked through the halls of the press conference party in full military uniform, followed closely by Widow in a black business suit. Both walked down the halls with several cabinet members and politicians.

Photographers snapped photos of the entire group as they continued down the hall. "I don't remember this many press shoots back in my day." Steve muttered. Natasha smiled while they walked. "Steve, this isn't '45 remember? Things are different, just smile and wave."

Several reporters rushed the steps of the building, only being held back by several police and secret servicemen. They bombarded the group with questions, mostly aimed towards the two Ultimates in their midst. While most of the questions where standard fare, several caught the couples attention.

"Captain Rogers! Why did you and the Ultimates repeatedly lie to the public concerning the identity of the Hulk?" "Why did you deny knowledge of his relationship to Betty Ross?" Natasha stepped forward as several reporters swarmed closer. "What are you talking about?"

Triskelion Med Bay

Wasp sat beside her husband's bed as he watched the hollow monitor display several images of past events. "All that while I was out? Man does that suck…" Hank grumbled. "Oh don't be so sour! You're here now!" Wasp said energetically, causing her husband to smile.

Wasp leaned closer. "God…I've missed that smile…" she muttered. "Missed yours too…" Hank said as they leaned closer to each other.

The doors to the room flew open as a gust of wind roared through the room. Quicksilver grabbed the remote and quickly flipped trhough the channels on the TV. "Pietro?!" Wasp exclaimed in anger. "What are y-?!" Hank began before Pietro cut him off. "You need to see this!" The channel changed to the news.

"We are now getting reports from an anonymous source with classified SHIELD documents." The news anchor said.

Barton Household

Inside the master bedroom slept Hawkeye as his girlfriend sat on the bed flipping to the news, she was about to change the channel when the anchorman mentioned SHIELD. "Clint?" the woman said, concern lacing her voice. Hawkeye grumbled in annoyance as he turned over. "What is it Laura?"

CNN News Station

The entire newsroom was abuzz with the story of the century. Reporters were blaring out questions as they viewed the data flooding their airwaves. "Where is this stuff coming from?!" "It looks like every major news station is getting SHIELD files ten levels over the president's clearance level!"

Triskelion, Underground Prison

Bruce Banner sat on the couch of his new cell beneath the Triskelion. He was currently eating a sandwich while reading a report on a new superhuman candidate. He flipped on the news to see what the news was reporting.

"New reports are flooding the airwaves revealing the real identity of the Hulk. According to the reports the monstrous menace is a government employee of SHIELD currently living comfortably in a cell beneath the Triskelion."

Bruce froze when he heard those words, the sandwich dropping from his hand.

"According to the reports, the real identity of the Hulk is Doctor Robert Bruce Banner."

Bruce looked at the screen in chock. "Oh shit."

Hope you like this chapter. This is the beginning of my new Ultimate Avengers story and will only get bigger from here! You'll be seeing new characters too alongside Carol Danvers (lets face it, her ultimate incarnation sucked, it would've been better if she had her old marvel personality, then she would've been badass).